Request for Information (RFI) Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD) Identification Subsystem (IDS)

Army Contracting Command Aberdeen Proving Ground is conducting market research through a Request for Information for the Enhanced Maritime Biological Detection (EMBD) Identification Subsystem (IDS), a Biological Warfare Agent identification capability for the U.S. Navy, with responses due December 7, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST. The requirement originates with the Joint Product Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Sensing (JPdM CS), under the Joint Project Manager for CBRN Integrated Early Warning and the Portfolio Management Executive CBRN Defense within the Department of War. No set-aside is used. This RFI does not constitute a commitment to contract or a promise of future solicitation.

The IDS is a backward-compatible replacement for the Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS) Identifier. It automatically provides confirmatory identification of Biological Warfare Agents in liquid samples that the EMBD Collector routes through the EMBD Fluid Transfer System (FTS). Respondents must address fluidic interfaces, military-standard circular connectors, communication protocol compliance, and software customization. Operating requirements include multi-agent identification, PCR-comparable sensitivity and specificity, rapid response time, and false-positive rate robustness. Physical and environmental requirements cover naval surface ship operations, including temperature and humidity extremes, shock and vibration, electromagnetic compatibility, and decontamination survivability.

Access to the restricted CUI Technical Specification Summary requires verified evidence of DD Form 2345 (JCP Certification), a current NIST SP 800-171 assessment in SPRS, a CMMC Level 2 self-assessment, and DFARS 252.204-7012 safeguarding compliance confirmation.

Pricing is requested across five volume tiers from 1-10 units through 151+ units, plus per-test consumables costs. Responses also require a gap analysis with development timelines and ROM costs, and Technology Readiness Level status. Questions are due November 23, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Responses are limited to ten pages in PDF, submitted to Contract Specialist Kevin Rohe (kevin.t.rohe.civ@army.mil) and Contracting Officer Gentian Mulla (gentian.mulla.civ@army.mil). The notice carries NAICS 334516 and PSC 6665.