Aerosol Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD)

  

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

RFI Announcement # W911SR-26-R-AVCAD

Title: Joint Project Manager Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Integrated Early Warning (JPM CBRN IEW) Independently Qualified and Production Ready

Aerosol Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD) Survey

I.  DISCLAIMER:

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) for the purpose of determining market capability of sources or obtaining information. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), a Request for Quote (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services discussed in this notice. Any formal solicitation that may subsequently be issued will be announced separately through System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Information on the specific topics of interest is provided in the following sections of this announcement. Neither JPM CBRN IEW nor any other part of the federal government will be responsible for any cost incurred by responders in furnishing this information.

II.  BACKGROUND:

The JPM CBRN IEW has requirements that may result in full-rate production and deployment of AVCADs in tactical environments worldwide. The Government requires a portable system capable of detecting and identifying vapor and aerosol chemical hazards to meet AVCAD requirements. The AVCAD will operate in both dismounted and mounted configurations.  The ability to remotely operate and alarm is also required. The U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard and Coast Guard will use AVCADs to conduct and/or support their missions. These missions include monitoring, base defense, decontamination, unmasking, dismounted reconnaissance, mounted reconnaissance (such as the CBRN Reconnaissance Modular Mission Payload (CRMMP)) and shipboard. This office is updating market research from both Government and industry to ensure technical readiness and manufacturing readiness information of available capabilities is current and accurate.    

Below are additional requirements:

1. Be one-person portable, i.e., having a volume of 0.85 cubic foot or less, having a weight of 18 pounds or less, including internal batteries. 
2. Detect and identify vapor and aerosol traditional Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) at very low levels.   
3. Detect and identify aerosol Non-Traditional Agents (NTAs).
4. Detect and identify aerosol Pharmaceutical Based Agents (PBAs).
5. Have a Mean Time Between Operational Mission Failure (MTBOMF) of not less than 370 hours.
6. Have a Mean Time Between False (positive) Alarm (MTBFA) of not less than 50 hours.
7. The ability to remotely operate and alarm. Include TCP/IP communications through 802.11, ethernet (RJ-45), and USB.
8. Be capable of continuous operation when using fixed-site power sources.
9. Be capable of operation for 12 continuous hours when using DoD inventory batteries.
10. Have well-defined manuals for operation and maintenance.
11. Have well-defined training materials.

III. SPECIFIC INFORMATION OF INTEREST:

a.  It is anticipated that the papers received will reflect the best available technology assessments from those companies and Government agencies that are particularly knowledgeable in the field of chemical detection. The JPM CBRN IEW will analyze the information papers received and, at its discretion, may release follow-on notifications if desired.

b. The JPM CBRN IEW will not host an Industry Day in conjunction with this RFI.

IV.  SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS and FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

a. Responses are requested by 08 MAY 2026. Any response received may not be included in reporting or assessments.

b. All responses should be submitted electronically in PDF format and emailed to the technical points of contact: Mike Hughes (james.m.hughes88.civ@army.mil and Frank Sanchez (frank.r.sanchez1.civ@army.mil). The subject line of the email should read as follows “RFI: JPM CBRN IEW AVCAD Survey.”

c. All responses should be unclassified. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice will not be returned.

d. The JPM CBRN IEW is seeking from responders a brief capabilities statement package (no more than ten 8.5 X 11-inch pages, font no smaller than 10 point, including images, data displays, charts, graphs, and tables) demonstrating ability to provide the products/systems listed in this Technical Description. Interested businesses are encouraged to ensure their submittals are complete and address all items outlined within this notice.

e. All data marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government. The Government may elect to share responses with Government support contractors. Interested companies should not anticipate feedback regarding their submission; other than acknowledgement of receipt which the Government will attempt to provide for all responses.

f. Content should address the following:

1.  General description of the prototype/system your company currently has designed to address the requirements and quantity produced to date.  Include any independent performance and qualification data you may have, including chemical warfare agents tested and detection levels achieved.

2.  Description of how and why the prototype/system design meets or exceeds a Technology Readiness Level of 7, which is defined as, “System prototype demonstration in an operational environment; prototype near, or at, planned operational system.” 

3.  Quality, manufacturing readiness, reliability, maintainability, and supportability data.

4.  Supportability and obsolescence issues.

5.  Operator and unit maintenance, preventive maintenance, checks, services (including calibration), and recommended frequency intervals.

6.  Support equipment needed for operation, maintenance, and sustainment.

7.  Indicate the technical data rights, if any, likely to be asserted should the system be purchased by the Government.  The Government will use this to assess the likelihood of conducting organic maintenance and sustainment of the system.

8. Your company’s facility clearance status.  If your company does not possess a facility clearance, please state any plans to obtain a facility clearance and the number of personnel within your company holding a U.S. Government security clearance.  

9. Cost or pricing information at the following quantity increments per year:

1. 500
2. 750
3. 1000
4. 3000
5. 5000

QUESTIONS AND POINT OF CONTACT

Questions of a technical nature regarding this RFI may be sent to the following Technical Points of Contact. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged. 

Name: Mike Hughes

Title: Assistant Program Manager

Organization: JPM CBRN IEW

Email Address: james.m.hughes88.civ@army.mil

Name: Frank Sanchez

Title: Lead Systems Engineer

Organization: JPM CBRN IEW

Email Address:  frank.r.sanchez1.civ@army.mil