Proximate Chemical Agent Detector Non-Trace (PCAD-NT)

The Department of the Army Materiel Command Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground is conducting a market survey through the Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Sensors (JPM CBRN Sensors) to identify potential industry sources capable of manufacturing a Proximate Chemical Agent Detector Non-Trace (PCAD-NT) handheld system. This non-contact handheld instrument must operate at a standoff distance of 1-2 meters to perform real-time presumptive identification of visible solid and liquid chemical materials, including Chemical Warfare Agents, Non-Traditional Agents, Pharmaceutical Based Agents, Fourth Generation Agents, Toxic Industrial Chemicals, Toxic Industrial Materials, and Homemade Explosives. Industry sources must demonstrate expertise in handheld system production and capability to support first article testing, integrated logistics support, software support, and various government test activities. The government prefers Commercial Off-The-Shelf solutions at Technology Readiness Level 8 or 9, and evaluation will focus on organizational details, military hardware experience, technology capabilities, compliance with technical requirements, relevant test data, and manufacturing capacity. Responses to the Request for Information are due by 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on July 7, 2025, with submissions limited to 10 pages.

The pre-solicitation notice indicates no set-aside is currently designated, though the government notes that the requirement has potential to be set aside for small businesses or procured through full and open competition, with all small business set-aside categories being evaluated. No incumbent contractors or current service providers are identified in the documentation. The notice does not specify award values, budget ranges, or quantity requirements for the handheld detection systems. Multiple awards may be considered based on the market survey results, suggesting the government anticipates identifying several qualified sources. The timeline for actual contract award and system delivery is not specified in this initial market research phase, as this Request for Information serves as preliminary industry engagement to assess market capabilities before formal solicitation development.