Chemical Biological Mask Equipment Tester (CBMET) Modernization Effort

The Department of the Army Materiel Command Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground is soliciting preproposals for the Chemical Biological Mask Equipment Tester (CBMET) Modernization Effort, which seeks to develop innovative mask testing equipment to replace legacy testers that are becoming obsolete. The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) will award one or more Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) authorized under 10 USC 4022 to qualified offerors, including educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private industry partners. Key contract requirements include delivering eight prototype mask testers in Phase I capable of testing 12 masks per hour at a unit price not exceeding $55,000, with the ability to assess mask fit, serviceability, and performance across various environmental conditions compatible with current and future CBRN protective masks. Evaluation criteria prioritize proposals offering the best overall value to the government, with eligibility requirements mandating either non-traditional defense contractor participation, all small business participants, one-third non-federal funding, or exceptional circumstances justifying innovative business arrangements. The preproposal submission deadline is January 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST, with submissions sent electronically to Agreements Officer Jemel Hogan (jemel.m.hogan.civ@army.mil) and Agreement Specialist Emily McGill (emily.c.mcgill.civ@army.mil), with a two-step evaluation process providing 60-90 days for review before selected offerors are invited to submit full proposals.

This procurement carries no set-aside designation and includes no identified incumbent contractors or current contractors mentioned in the solicitation materials. The anticipated overall performance period spans five years, with Phase I prototype development and Tier I testing on face and neck seal respirators expected to commence in FY26, followed by Phase II in FY28 requiring delivery of 25 additional prototype testers for Tier II environmental and reliability assessments. While specific total award values are not disclosed in the solicitation, the unit price cap of $55,000 per mask tester provides a financial baseline for budgeting purposes. The place of performance is Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010, USA, where first-tier testing will be conducted on the delivered prototypes. The government will not reimburse any costs incurred by contractors or responders for proposal development or subsequent information exchanges, and additional questions should be directed to usarmy.apg.acc.mbx.jpeo-cbrnd-botaa@army.mil.