Personal Radiation Detector (PRD)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Office of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Support, is issuing a Request for Information to identify commercially available gamma-detecting Personal Radiation Detectors with wireless-communication and data-transmission capabilities, with responses due November 18, 2026. This RFI is for market research only; responses are not binding offers and will not form a contract.

FEMA anticipates a follow-on single-award IDIQ procurement with potential need for 13,000 units deployed over five years supporting CBRN defense missions for the Securing the Cities and Mobile Detection Deployment Program operational users. Anticipated contract value is $35 million with performance beginning in Q4 FY28, consisting of a one-year base period plus four one-year option periods. Set-aside status has not yet been determined; FEMA is considering unrestricted, small-business set-aside, or hybrid approaches.

PRDs are pager-size devices that automatically monitor ambient radiation and alert users when levels exceed natural background. Devices must distinguish from electronic dosimeters through high sensitivity and rapid response to variations in ambient radiation. Technical requirements specify gamma-only or gamma/neutron detection capability with 90 percent probability of detection at threshold and 95 percent at objective. Devices must provide visual, audible, and vibration alarms with vibrate-only mode capability; detect false alarms at 0.25 per hour maximum; time-to-alarm within 2 seconds at threshold and 1 second at objective; and achieve over-range thresholds of 100 mR/h minimum. Environmental specifications include operation across minus-20 degrees Celsius to plus-50 degrees Celsius, IP53 ingress protection at threshold and IP67 at objective, and electromagnetic resilience testing. Battery operation must sustain 24 hours in non-alarm state at threshold and 168 hours at objective. Physical dimensions threshold is 12 cm by 8 cm by 4 cm with maximum 400 grams; objective is 10 cm by 6.5 cm by 3.5 cm with maximum 240 grams. Data transmission must include manufacturer name, instrument model, serial number, software version, detector type, measurement date/time, radiation levels, alarm indication, and operating hours with mobile application support for Android and iOS. Cybersecurity mandates Bluetooth 4.2 or higher with FIPS-approved algorithms at threshold and Bluetooth 5.0 at objective.

Respondents must submit detailed capability documentation including device photographs, technical specifications, calibration procedures, and complete the Personal Radiation Detector Requirements Matrix (Attachment 1). Pricing must cover procurement scenarios from fewer than 500 units through 1,001–5,000 units. Vendors must indicate willingness to provide ten test units under bailment agreement and identify available Federal Supply Schedule contracts or other government-wide ordering vehicles. NAICS 334519; PSC 6695. Submit electronically to Isaac Chapple, Contracting Officer, at Isaac.Chapple@fema.dhs.gov with RFI Number 70FA4027I00000002 in subject line.