Rifle‑Mounted Thermal Imaging Scope with Integrated Laser Rangefinder – Market Research for Domestic Availability
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 USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Notice for a rifle-mounted thermal imaging scope with an integrated laser rangefinder. This effort aims to identify domestic availability for wildlife management operations, potentially leading to a Nonavailability Determination. Responses are due June 30, 2026.
Scope of Requirement
The Government requires a rugged, rifle-mounted thermal imaging system meeting specific technical characteristics for use in low-light and no-light conditions. Key essential requirements include:
- Sensor & Imaging: 640x480 pixel thermal sensor, 12µm pixel pitch, <18mK NETD, 50Hz frame rate.
- Optics & Detection: 3x base optical magnification (up to 24x total), 2300m detection for deer-sized targets.
- Integrated Laser Rangefinder: Built-in, 1200m max range, ±1m accuracy.
- Display & Recording: 1920x1080 AMOLED display, 1440x1080 video recording with audio, recoil-activated recording.
- Connectivity & Power: Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.2, rechargeable Li-ion battery (6400 mAh+), USB-C wired/wireless charging.
- Durability: Metal alloy housing, IP67 rating, 6,000 joules recoil resistance.
- Mounting: Standard Picatinny quick-detach (QD) clamp mount, engineered not to interfere with Remington 700 bolt-action.
- Accessories: Includes battery, charger, USB-C cable, protective carry case, eyecup, and cleaning cloth.
Preferred characteristics include a 50mm F/1.0 Germanium lens, 64GB internal memory, integrated ballistic calculator, 10-12 hour battery life, and specific form factor.
Information Requested
Respondents, particularly U.S. manufacturers and distributors, should provide:
- Company information (UEI, business size, address, manufacturing location).
- Capability statement addressing each salient characteristic.
- Evidence of domestic manufacturing (Made in America Act compliance).
- Technical literature, datasheets, manuals, or product documentation.
- Lead time, availability, and warranty information.
- Disclosure of any unmet specifications with rationale.
- Small business and socioeconomic status (if applicable).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (FAR Part 10)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: June 30, 2026, 5:00 PM Mountain Time
- Published: June 17, 2026
- NAICS: 334511 – Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- PSC: 1240 – Optical Sighting and Ranging Equipment
Submission Instructions
Responses must be submitted via email to samuel.lopez@usda.gov with the subject line: "Sources Sought Response – Thermal Imaging Scope".
Important Notices
This is solely for market research and planning; it is not a solicitation. No award will be made from this notice, and no reimbursement will be provided for response preparation costs. Information gathered may inform future acquisition strategy, including potential Limited-Source or Nonavailability Justifications.