RFI: Standoff Chemical Detector of Vehicles
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 DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center (CBC) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for a Standoff Chemical Detector of Vehicles. This RFI aims to identify potential sources capable of providing optical standoff imaging technologies for integration onto unmanned ground platforms to detect, map, and characterize chemical contamination on materiel surfaces. This is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded. Responses are due by April 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern.
Scope of Work
DEVCOM CBC seeks information on standoff imaging technologies to quickly scan vehicle surfaces for chemical contamination, informing decontamination and post-decontamination verification. Key requirements for proposed optical sensors include:
- Standoff Distance: 2-5 meters.
- Platform Integration: Unmanned ground platforms (robotic arm integration acceptable if under 45 lbs).
- Scan Rate: Minimum 5 m²/minute (objective 10 m²/minute for lower TRL).
- Environmental Resilience: Operable under wide ranges of temperature, humidity, dust, wind, and low-light conditions.
- Processing: On-board processing for real-time detection and ability to export imaging data for contamination mapping.
- Detection: Detect gross to trace quantities of chemicals, various presentations (droplets, films, particles), on surfaces like CARC, glass, and rubber, and in the presence of aqueous decontamination solutions.
- Chemicals: Detect various chemical agents, pharmaceutical-based agents (synthetic opioids), and degradation products in liquid/solid forms.
Solutions at TRL 7 or higher that address rapid scanning for gross contamination are allowed, requiring only platform integration and testing by DEVCOM CBC. Lower TRL technologies should address objective requirements and demonstrate innovation compared to the current state of the art.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 22, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern
- Published: April 9, 2026
- Agency: DEPT OF THE ARMY / W6QK ACC-APG
- Product Service Code: 6665 - Hazard Detecting Instruments And Apparatus
Requested Information
Respondents must submit a maximum five-page response (excluding business information) in Microsoft Word or PDF format, addressing:
- Business Information: Company name, address, POC, business size (NAICS 541512 suggested), and small business representation.
- Technical Capability: Ability to meet Section 2.0 requirements, identify gaps, and provide unit/Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs.
- Relevant Past Performance: Up to three examples (contract number, role, value, period, relevance).
- Accounting System: DCAA-approved or willingness to obtain; need for cost-reimbursable contract.
- Purchasing System: DFARS 252.244-7001(c) compliant or teaming partner's compliance.
- Facility Clearance: Current clearance level.
- Additional Information: Any other relevant details.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research only and does not commit the Government to any future procurement. No one-on-one meetings will be conducted during the RFI period. Questions will be addressed collectively during an Industry Day. Submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.
Contact: Benjamin Gilson (benjamin.gilson.civ@army.mil) or Elizabeth Nordell (elizabeth.m.nordell.civ@army.mil).