W15QKN26R1B7C_RED_SANDS_HARD_KILL_CHALLENGE_2026
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 Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of US Army Central Command (USARCENT) and DEVCOM AC, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Red Sands Hard Kill Challenge 2026. This market research effort seeks to identify innovative technologies for countering Group 1-3 small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in complex and contested environments. Responses are due February 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
The challenge involves field experiments and assessments designed to advance counter-sUAS capabilities. Key objectives include:
- Assessing solutions for defeating Group 1-3 sUAS threats which represent a growing threat to operational forces.
- Providing a venue for technology developers to engage directly with military personnel in realistic operational settings.
- Gaining critical insights into high-priority mission needs and military capability gaps.
- Performance locations include Red Sands, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and a TBA CONUS location (previous sites have included Fort Drum, NY and Fort A.P. Hill, VA).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (Market Research stage)
- NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
- Response Due: February 20, 2026
- Published: February 10, 2026
Evaluation
This RFI is for planning purposes only. The government will use submitted capability statements to assist in determining the future acquisition strategy. No formal solicitation exists at this time, and the government is under no obligation to procure these items.
Additional Notes
Interested vendors must submit capability statements via email to stevenson.j.vilus.civ@army.mil and nicole.l.thalmann.civ@army.mil. Submissions must include company name, address, POC, CAGE code, SAM UEI, and socio-economic status.