Request for Information (RFI) - Project Manager, Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense Increment 4
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) Increment 4. This RFI seeks solutions to provide air defense capability for dismounted maneuver forces, defeating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) groups 1-3, rotary-wing, and fixed-wing close support aircraft. The Army is interested in vehicle-agnostic, SLED or pallet-based systems. Responses are due April 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Army seeks solutions for M-SHORAD Increment 4 to protect dismounted maneuver forces, including Joint Forcible Entry (JFE) and light mounted maneuver operations. Key requirements include:
- System Type: Self-Loading Equipment Dock (SLED) or pallet-based, vehicle-agnostic (e.g., Infantry Squad Vehicle, Robotic Combat Vehicle).
- Architecture: Modular design, leveraging Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) for hardware and software.
- IP/Data Rights: USG desires rights to technical data packages and intellectual property for reconfigurability and "Right to Repair."
- Interoperability: Compatible with Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System for Maneuver (IBCS-Maneuver) C2.
- Functionality: Independent software operation, reconfigurable SLED for various missions/effectors, self-powered.
- Mobility: C-130 transportable, air droppable, sling-load capable (JFE), and capable of vehicle-mounted/dismounted operations.
- Effectors/Sensors: Multiple modular kinetic effectors (Stinger, NGSRI, Coyote, APKWS, 30mm cannon, .50 cal, 7.62mm), electronic warfare, active/passive sensing.
- Advanced Capabilities: Network enabled, human-machine integration (remote operation, robotics, GUIs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), automated decision aids, Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: April 6, 2026, 21:00 UTC
- Published: March 4, 2026
Evaluation
Responses will be used for market research to assess:
- Technical maturity and feasibility of meeting M-SHORAD Increment 4 goals.
- Industry's capability to implement concepts within desired acquisition timeframe (FY27-29).
- Technical and programmatic risks of candidate concepts. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal or a promise to issue one.
Additional Notes
Respondents must submit a white paper (max 15 pages) describing their solution, risks, modularity approach, IP/data rights strategy, unclassified capability against threats, and TRL/MRL. All responses must be unclassified and sent via email to Christopher.m.caputo.civ@army.mil and stephanie.l.lambert14.civ@army.mil. Proprietary information must be clearly marked with "Releasable to USG Agencies and their supporting Contractors for Review Only." Non-Government support contractors will assist in assessing responses.