Next Generation Counter-Small UAS Missile (NGCM)

INTRODUCTION: This Sources Sought Notice (SSN)/Request for Information (RFI) for vendors interested in providing Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM) solution to the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires, Capability Portfolio Executive (CPE) Defensive Fires, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Product Office for the development, integration, demonstration and production of extended-range, quick-response, missile to defeat group 2 and group 3 small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) threats. The principal objectives for this effort are to develop, produce, and sustain a missile capability at extended ranges with rapid launch and reduced time-to-target over existing effectors.  This SSN/RFI is a means of conducting market research so the Government may identify and assess industry’s ability and the resources to provide C-UAS solutions.

NOTICE DISCLAIMER: This SSN is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources.  It does not constitute an invitation for bid, a Request for Proposal (RFP), a solicitation, a request for a quote or a promise to issue such documentation in the future.

This SSN does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice; all costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the interested vendors to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this potential requirement.

The information provided in this SSN is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this SSN should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur costs for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Submissions sent to the Government in response to this SSN become Government property and will not be returned. Additionally, responses including data that the offeror does not want disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the Government except for informational purposes must be marked appropriately.

The Government reserves the right to utilize all, some, or none of the Capabilities Brief or presentations in response to this SSN.

Key Modernization Requirements: The missile must provide the following capabilities (Not Exhaustive/Prioritized):

• Enhanced Range and Altitude: The missile shall be capable of defeating group 2 and group 3 sUAS threats at >16km at 6km altitude (T), >25km at 8km altitude(O).
• Improved Launch Times: Missile shall be capable of leaving the rail within a launch response of <5 seconds from operator initiation.
• Affordability: The missile production cost should be less than $150K per missile in a quantity buy of at least 5,000 missiles.
• Integration: The missile must be compatible with the Coyote Launcher with minimal to no modifications. The missile must be compatible with C-UAS architecture: IBCS-M via the WES ICD, KuRFS (T), radar agnostic: Sentinel A3/A4, LTAMDS, PATRIOT, TPQ-53 (O). The missile should use an all-weather RF seeker.

In support of missile development, the Government will require development of relevant simulations and performance analysis tools. The Government will require design documentation for missile components, the integrated missile system, and the All-Up-Round (AUR) configured to integrate with the launch platform.

The system will be expected to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 following the end of the initial developmental test series that ends in 4QFY27 which supports immediate deployment. The Government requires the missile be ready for ATEC evaluation by 4QFY27. The Government requires 50x missiles to be ready for Operational Assessment (OA) by 1QFY28.

MISSION BACKGROUND: The Counter – Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) is a capability fielded in response to the rapid proliferation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) threat, commonly referred to as drones. Objective capability detects, tracks, identifies, and defeats emitting and non-emitting UAS with radars, kinetic effectors, electronic warfare, and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) components to prevent surveillance or attacks against US and coalition forces.
 
There are two primary configurations: Fixed-Site Low, slow, small UAS Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) and Mobile Low, slow, small UAS Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) as well as multiple special systems devices.

The FS-LIDS configuration provides a C-UAS capability with modular, scalable architecture for employment at fixed sites.  FS-LIDS incorporates the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD), Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), EO/IR Cameras, and kinetic options.  

The M-LIDS configuration is mounted on tactical vehicles for employment at the halt and on-the-move, providing a scalable capability at the tactical edge. M-LIDS delivers kinetic and non-kinetic effects incorporating many common components with FS-LIDS using the same baselines as the fixed site variant to detect, identify, and defeat small UAS.

The Army is looking for NGCM to be produced and integrated into the existing Coyote Launch System to provide extended range, rapid launch time, and reduced time-to-target over current effectors.

Support:
• Engineering Services: Provide engineering support for design, integration, remediation, and improvements of the NGCM.
• Field Service Representative (FSR) Services: On-site FSR support to maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure the NGCM system meets mission demands.
• Training Services: Comprehensive training programs for the Government, foreign military personnel, Government trainers, FSRs, and operators to ensure successful NGCM system operation and maintenance.
• Logistics Support: Proactive logistics planning and execution to ensure the availability and positioning of NGCM equipment for mission success.
• Data Analytics: Continuous NGCM system performance monitoring and vulnerability analysis to ensure nominal operation and identify potential issues.
• Cybersecurity Services: Comprehensive cybersecurity support to ensure the entire NGCM system remains compliant with current standards and addresses the latest vulnerabilities. Along with a modular security architecture that allows for the easy integration of new security capabilities.

SSN RESPONSE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:  Interested vendors are requested to submit a Capabilities Brief outlining their proposed NGCM solution for C-UAS operations. Please address the following key areas, including details on partnerships, teaming agreements, and/or subcontractors, as applicable:

1. Solution Description:
• Provide a concise, no more than 10 pages, description of your NGCM solution and its key features and benefits for C-UAS operations highlighting its advantages over existing solutions.
• Detail how your NGCM solution integrates with current counter-UAS systems, including Fixed Site-LIDS and Mobile-LIDS, as well as future platforms and modular components. This should include a discussion of the solution's adaptability and how it can be integrated with various systems.

2. Technical Specifications:
• Provide detailed specifications, including but not limited to:
    o Range and altitude
    o Launch time
    o Cost
    o Integration plan
    o Interfaces and protocols supported
    o Size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements
    o Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
    o Scalability and potential for future expansion
    o Deployment considerations (e.g., ease of installation, portability)

3. Security and Compliance:
• Demonstrate your ability to maintain National Information Security Program (NISP) standards as established by Executive Order 12829.
    o Clearly state your ability to meet the following security requirements:
    o Facility clearance to the Secret level with authorization to store COMSEC items
    o Personnel with Secret clearance eligibility and COMSEC access
• Security features and compliance with relevant standards (e.g., encryption capabilities, zero-trust principles) for United States Government and Foreign Military Sales solutions.

Capabilities Briefs shall be unclassified, in PDF format, and limited to no more than ten (10) pages and 11 font Arial size. Graphics are to be placed in the appendix and do not count towards page count. Tables, drawings and header/footer information shall be 10-point Arial font or larger. Must include a single one slide capabilities summary quad chart with the submission that does not count towards the 10 page maximum.  If any of the material provided contains proprietary information, then mark and identify disposition instructions (submitted data will not be returned). All responses must reference this announcement. No telephonic inquiries will be accepted. Submit all inquiries and Capabilities Brief responses via email for this SSN to Contracting Specialist, Thomas Mangum, thomas.b.mangum@army.mil and cc’d to the Contracting Officer, Michael Wastella, michael.j.wastella.civ@army.mil with reference to this announcement. Responses must be received no later than 20 August 2026. 

The Government does not guarantee that questions received after 20 August 2026 will be answered.
  
The Government reserves the right to cancel this requirement at any time. No technical data is planned to be released for the purpose of this RFI.

Non-Government Advisors: Non-Government advisors may be used in the review of submissions and will have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with the Government. The Government understands that information provided in response to this SSN is presented in confidence and may contain trade secret, commercial, or financial information, and it agrees to protect such information from unauthorized disclosure to the maximum extent permitted or required by Law, to include: a.) 18 USC 1905 (Trade Secrets Act), b.) 18 USC 1831 et seq. (Economic Espionage Act), c.) 5 USC 552(b)(4) (Freedom of Information Act), d.) Executive Order 12600 (Pre-disclosure Notification Procedures for Confidential Commercial Information); and e.) Any other statute, regulation, or requirement applicable to Government employees. 

Points of Contact (POC): Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Contract Specialist, Thomas Mangum, thomas.b.mangum@army.mil and cc’d to the Contracting Officer, Michael Wastella, michael.j.wastella.civ@army.mil. 

Verbal questions will not be accepted. Questions shall not contain proprietary, controlled unclassified information (CUI), or classified information. 

Government responses will be posted on SAM.gov at “Additional Documents” to the original SSN posting.

Contact Information: 
Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal
Building 5303 Martin Road,
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-0000 

Primary Point of Contact 
Thomas Mangum, Contract Specialist
thomas.b.mangum@army.mil

Secondary Point of Contact
Michael Wastella, Contracting Officer
michael.j.wastella.civ@army.mil