Proximate Chemical Agent Detector Non-Trace (PCAD-NT) 2026

The Joint Project Manager for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Integrated Early Warning is seeking industry input through a Request for Information to identify potential sources capable of developing a standoff non-contact handheld instrument known as the Proximate Chemical Agent Detector Non-Trace (PCAD-NT). The system must enable dismounted warfighters to perform real-time presumptive identification of visible solid and liquid chemical threats—including Chemical Warfare Agents, Non-Traditional Agents, Pharmaceutical Based Agents, Fourth Generation Agents, Toxic Industrial Chemicals, Toxic Industrial Materials, and Homemade Explosives—without physical contact or sampling. The instrument must operate at safe standoff distances, be ultra-lightweight and optimized for single-handed use, integrate laser-based detection with low ocular risk to the operator, and meet stringent safety standards including MIL-STD-1425A and ANSI Z136.1. It must be capable of surviving exposure to chemical hazards, be decontaminable with standard military non-corrosive decontaminants, and support field-level updates to its chemical library. The Government prefers Commercial Off-The-Shelf solutions at Technology Readiness Level 8 or 9, with detailed performance criteria contained in a Controlled Unclassified Information attachment, the PCAD-NT Performance Specification, which includes exact standoff distances, weight limits, throughput times, cyber survivability attributes, and laser classification thresholds. To access the restricted Performance Specification, respondents must demonstrate compliance with robust cybersecurity requirements, including current Joint Certification Program certification via DD Form 2345, an active NIST SP 800-171 assessment registered in the Supplier Performance Risk System within the last three years, a completed CMMC Level 2 Self-Assessment aligned with NIST SP 800-171, and a formal statement affirming adherence to DFARS Clause 252.204-7012 for safeguarding sensitive information. Organizations must also provide their Unique Entity ID, legal name, address, website, and ownership structure. Responses are limited to ten pages and must be submitted electronically as a PDF via email to designated government points of contact by 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on June 22, 2026. The solicitation number is W911SR-26-RFI-PCAD, and while no formal award is anticipated from this RFI, responses will inform future procurement planning with a projected requirement of approximately 2,500 units over a four to five year period.