RFI - AMSS 5/10 Man Tent

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on market capabilities for the Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS). This is NOT a solicitation for bids or proposals, and no contract will be awarded based on this RFI. The government is assessing current industry capabilities and potential technologies.

The current legacy winter survival mobility system is outdated and no longer produced, leading to a lack of standardization. The AMSS program aims to standardize and improve legacy equipment with modern, lighter-weight solutions to enhance mobility, sustainability, and survivability in extreme cold weather environments (Climate Zone 7).

Mature technologies (TRL 7+) are sought for both 5-man and 10-man shelters, including:

• Protection from hazardous cold weather (operational at -40°F, ideally -65°F).
• Breathable, wind/water resistant, and flame resistant.
• Compliance with MIL-STD 810-H.
• Rapid assembly/disassembly (ideally <5 minutes, max 20 minutes) while wearing arctic OCIE.
• Stove jack.
• Signature management (low profile, blackout capability, ideally NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR mitigation).
• Berry Amendment and Buy American Act compliant.
• Capable of 72-hour continuous mission.
• 5-year useful life, 10-year storage life.
• Specific weight limits: 5-man AS <= 60 lbs; 10-man AS <= 100 lbs.

Respondents must submit a white paper (not exceeding 10 pages) addressing:

• Product name, manufacturer, technical POC, contact information, and a photograph.

• Executive summary.

• Product technical description (components, packaging, deployment, dimensions, weight).

• Graphical depiction of the system.

• Product specifications (quantitative metrics, fabric capabilities).

• System Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

• Supply chain concerns or risks.

• Utilization history and applicable test results (reports not to be submitted initially).

• Tools/equipment for erection/strike.

• Transportation requirements.

• Manpower/time for erection/strike/packing.

• System consumables and maintenance.

• Catalog price or estimated unit cost.

• CAGE Code.

• Manufacturing capability, production capacity, scalability, and timeline.

• No costs incurred in responding will be reimbursed.

• This RFI does not commit the government to any procurement action.

• Responses marked proprietary will be handled accordingly.

• Do not include marketing brochures or extraneous materials.

• RFI Response Due Date: XX April 2026, 5pm EDT.

• Industry Day Invitation Notification: Before end of May 2026.

• Industry Day Event: June 2026.

Email responses to Raul Lopez (raul.a.lopez.civ@army.mil) and Clinton McAdams (clinton.b.mcadams.civ@army.mil) with the subject line: "Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS)".

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks to determine market capability and assess industry's current capabilities for the Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS). It is for information gathering only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. The government is evaluating solutions to address gaps in legacy systems, including rapid deployment, system weight, modernization, and durability.

Mature technologies (TRL 7+) are sought for both 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelters (AS) and associated components. Key capabilities include:

• Arctic Shelter (AS) Requirements:

  • Protection from hazardous cold weather.
  • Breathable, wind/water resistant, flame resistant.
  • Meets MIL-STD 810-H.
  • Quick assembly/disassembly (ideally < 5 minutes, max 20 minutes) while wearing OCIE.
  • Stove jack, signature management (low profile, blackout, ideally NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR mitigation).
  • Towable by soldiers (skis, snowshoes, foot) and compatible with existing equipment.
  • Fits in a UH-60 with closed doors.
  • Appropriately sized for shelter and equipment.
  • Multiple lift points.
  • Towable by snowmobiles and other Climatic Zone 7 ATVs.
  • Fully operational at –40°F, ideally -65°F.
  • 5x 9ft Trace Lines.
  • Weight Limits: 5-man AS: <= 60 lbs; 10-man AS: <= 100 lbs.

• Arctic Heater Requirements:

  • Easily assembled/maintained.
  • Operable and able to vent exhaust outside.
  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Compatible with Class III Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants, Diesel, kerosene, motor gas, wood, coal, Naphthal/White gas.
  • Fire mat.
  • Heats shelter from –40°F to +40°F in one hour.
  • Max repair time: 15 mins for 90% of field maintenance.

• Component Requirements:

  • Locking Carabiners: Support tactical tasks, ascent/descent, steep inclines, casualty evacuation. Min strength: 24 kN (major axis closed), 8 kN (major axis open, minor axis).
  • Oval-type Carabiner: Support towing sleds up to 800 lbs, towing by Climatic Zone 7 vehicles. Min strength: 24 kN (major axis closed), 8 kN (major axis open, minor axis).
  • Bow Saw: Locking when in operation, stowable. Integrated components.
  • Collapsible Avalanche Shovel: Shovel/hoe modes, "D-handle" for mittens.
  • Lopper: One per squad or team.
  • Multipurpose Tool: Clean heater, pliers, picks, screwdrivers, sled/shelter repair.
  • Emergency Blanket: Supports 98th percentile soldier, provides ≥ 24 hours heating at –40°F to -65°F, access points for medical treatment, multiple carrying handles, litter compatible, small and lightweight.
  • Emergency Stove: Collapsible, lightweight, compatible with wood and solid fuel.

• General System Requirements:

  • Berry Amendment and Buy American Act compliant.
  • Ergonomically suitable for soldiers in cold-weather clothing.
  • Meet MIL-STD-810H.
  • 72-hour continuous operation capability.
  • 5 years useful life, 10 years storage life.
  • Subdued color for arctic blending.

Respondents must submit a white paper (not to exceed 10 pages) addressing:

• Cover page with product name, manufacturer, POC, contact info, and photograph.
• Executive summary.
• Product technical description (concept, weight, dimensions, components).
• Narrative and graphical depiction of the system.
• Product specifications (quantitative metrics).
• System Technology Readiness Level (TRL).
• Supply chain concerns or risks.
• Relevant product history and test results (if any).
• Required tools and equipment.
• Transportation requirements.
• Manpower and time for erection/striking/packing.
• Consumables.
• Catalog price or estimated unit cost.
• CAGE Code (US-based) or NCAGE Code (International).
• Manufacturing capability, production capacity, scalability, timeline, and locations.

Note: Do not attach marketing brochures or extraneous materials.

• RFI Response Due Date: 16 April 2026, 5:00 PM.

• Industry Day Invitation Decisions: Before end of May 2026.

• Industry Day Event: June 2026.

• Submission Email: Via email to Raul Lopez (raul.a.lopez.civ@army.mil) and Clinton McAdams (clinton.b.mcadams.civ@army.mil).

• Email Subject Line: Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS).

• This RFI is for market research and does not commit the government to a contract.

• No reimbursement for costs incurred in responding.

• Proprietary information will be handled accordingly.

• Responses may not include classified material.

• Interested candidates may be invited to an Industry Day event.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on market capabilities for the Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS). This is not a solicitation for bids or proposals, and no contract will be awarded based on this RFI. The government aims to understand current industry capabilities and identify potential technologies for future procurement.

The current legacy Arctic shelter system (Ahkio) is outdated, no longer produced, and lacks standardization. The AMSS program aims to replace this with modern, lighter-weight, integrated solutions to improve mobility, sustainability, and survivability in extreme cold weather environments (Climate Zone 7).

Mature technologies (TRL 7+) are sought for both 5-man and 10-man shelters, with specific requirements including:

• Protection from hazardous cold weather (operational at -40°F, ideally -65°F).
• Breathable, wind/water resistant, flame resistant.
• Compliance with MIL-STD 810-H.
• Rapid assembly/disassembly (ideally < 5 minutes, max 20 minutes) by Soldiers wearing arctic gear.
• Stove stack.
• Signature management (visual concealment, ideally NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR mitigation).
• Berry Amendment and Buy American Act compliant.
• 72-hour continuous mission capability.
• 5-year useful life, 10-year storage life.
• Weight Limits: 5-man AS: <= 60 lbs; 10-man AS: <= 100 lbs.

Respondents must submit a white paper (max 10 pages) addressing:

• Product name, manufacturer, contact information, and photograph.
• Executive summary.
• Detailed technical description (components, deployment, specifications, TRL).
• Identified supply chain risks.
• Utilization history and applicable test results.
• Tools/equipment for erection/strike.
• Transportation requirements.
• Manpower/time for erection/strike/packing.
• Consumables and maintenance.
• Catalog price or estimated unit cost.
• CAGE Code (or NCAGE for international companies).
• Manufacturing capability, capacity, and scaling potential.
• Locations of manufacturing.

Note: Do not include marketing brochures or extraneous materials. Only white papers will be reviewed.

• RFI Response Due Date: April 16, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
• Industry Day Invitation: Companies with candidate technologies will be invited to an Industry Day in June 2026.
• Notification of Invitation Decisions: Before the end of May 2026.

Email responses to Raul Lopez (raul.a.lopez.civ@army.mil) and Clinton McAdams (clinton.b.mcadams.civ@army.mil) with the subject line: "Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS)".

• This RFI does not commit the government to a contract.
• No costs incurred in responding will be reimbursed.
• All information received will be handled as proprietary if marked.
• Responses may not include classified material.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on market capabilities for the Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS). The government is assessing current industry capabilities to potentially inform future acquisition strategies for a program that could exceed 3,000 systems. This is NOT a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded based on this RFI. Costs incurred in responding are the responsibility of the respondent.

• Protection: Provide protection from hazardous cold weather, be breathable, wind/water resistant, and flame resistant.

• Compliance: Meet MIL-STD 810-H, Berry Amendment, and Buy American Act requirements.

• Deployment: Quick assembly/disassembly (ideally <5 minutes, max 20 minutes) by Soldiers wearing arctic OCIE.

• Features: Must have a stove stack and signature management (low profile, blackout capability, ideally mitigating NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR detection).

• Performance: Fully operational at -40°F, ideally -65°F. Capable of 72-hour continuous mission operation.

• Lifespan: 5 years useful life, 10 years storage life.

• Weight (5-man AS): Not exceeding 140 lbs.

• Weight (10-man AS): Not exceeding 120 lbs.

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Mature technologies (TRL 7+) are of interest.

• Format: White paper, not exceeding 10 pages, in .PDF or .DOCX format (size 12 font, 1-inch margins).

• Content: Include a cover page, executive summary, product technical description, graphical depiction, product specifications, TRL, supply chain risks, utilization history, tools/equipment, transportation requirements, manpower/time for erection/strike, consumables, estimated unit cost, manufacturing capability, production capacity, and scaling capability.

• Exclusions: Do not attach marketing brochures or test reports.

• Due Date: 16 April 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.

• Submission Method: Email to Raul Lopez (raul.a.lopez.civ@army.mil) and Clinton McAdams (clinton.b.mcadams.civ@army.mil) with the subject line "Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS)".

• Candidate technologies may be invited to an Industry Day event in June 2026 for demonstration.

• Companies will be notified of positive invitation decisions by the end of May 2026.

• This RFI aims to identify COTS or emerging technologies.

• The government will not be responsible for any costs incurred in responding.

• All information received marked proprietary will be handled accordingly.