Common Infrared Countermeasure

The Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program managed by the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors. Operating under Acquisition Category IC and following the Major Capability Acquisition pathway, CIRCM develops and delivers advanced infrared countermeasure systems designed to protect military aircraft from heat-seeking missile threats. The program represents a critical component of the Army's aircraft survivability strategy through the implementation of sophisticated defensive systems.

Contract awards under the CIRCM program primarily consist of delivery orders ranging from approximately $200,000 to $150 million, with performance periods typically spanning 12 to 36 months. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation serves as the dominant prime contractor, delivering production hardware, engineering services, and contractor logistics support from their Rolling Meadows, Illinois facility. Key subcontractors include Leonardo UK LTD, Teledyne Brown Engineering, and BAE Systems, providing specialized components and technical services. The majority of contracts are awarded without set-aside designations and utilize either firm-fixed-price or cost-plus-incentive fee structures. The U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center serves as the primary contracting authority, with recent contract awards focusing on B-kit hardware production, engineering services, field service representative support, and interim contractor logistics services.