Request for Information (RFI) for Radiological Detection System (RDS)

Request for Information For:

Radiological Detection System (RDS)

Disclaimer

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only issued by the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Capability Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CPE-CBRND), Joint Project Manager Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Integrated Early Warning (JPM CBRN IEW). This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), or a promise to issue a future solicitation. This RFI does not contractually commit the U.S. Government to procure any supply or service, nor does it commit the Government to enter into any contractual agreement. The U.S. Government will not pay for any costs or expenses associated with developing, preparing, or submitting a response to this RFI.  While responses are highly encouraged, not responding to this RFI does not preclude an organization's participation in any future competitive solicitations if issued. All submissions become the property of the Government and will not be returned. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the submissions or provide feedback. If proprietary information is submitted, it must be marked accordingly to ensure appropriate handling and disposition by the Government. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. The information in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding. Any future postings or announcements that contradict this document will supersede the language herein.

No classified information shall be submitted in response to this RFI.

1.0 Purpose:

The objective of this Request for Information is to identify interested sources and assess industrial capabilities for the manufacturing, testing, and delivery of a Radiological Detection System (RDS) that adheres to the attached Performance Specification (P-Spec).  Potential vendors are welcome to submit proposals for the complete system, the base unit only, or specific probes.

For respondents whose current systems or industrial capabilities do not currently meet the required performance specifications, the response should outline the anticipated engineering roadmap and timeline required to achieve full compliance. This includes identifying any necessary system modifications, design refinements, or non-recurring engineering that would be executed prior to entering production.

Encouragement of Alternative Technologies: The Government explicitly encourages responses from vendors whose systems may not currently meet every specific metric of the RDS P-Spec or the legacy form factor. The Government is highly interested in evaluating alternative technologies, Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions, and innovative designs. If your system provides ruggedized, modular radiation detection capabilities but deviates from the P-Spec, you are strongly encouraged to submit a response detailing your system's capabilities, the areas of deviation, and the potential operational benefits of your alternative approach.

The PSC Code for this RFI is 6665 “Hazard-Detecting Instruments and Apparatus”. 

The NAICS code for this RFI is 334519 “Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing”.

2.0 Background:

The objective of the RDS program is to provide a rugged Radiation Detection, Indication and Computation (RADIAC) meter that replaces various legacy radiological survey meters currently employed by the United States Armed Services:

• The ADM-300 used by the United States Air Force (USAF),
• The Multi-Function RADIAC (MFR) Suite used by the United States Navy and (USN) United States Coast Guard (USCG),
• The AN/PDR-77 & AN/VDR-2 used by the United States Army (USA), and United States Marine Corps (USMC).

RDS provides a Joint solution that:

• eliminates (or mitigates the risk of) parts obsolescence;
• increases capability;
• reduces life-cycle costs;
• addresses the lessons learned from Operation Tomodachi for common, interoperable equipment with adequate sensitivity and common units of measure.  

RDS will be fielded to all four Services (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force) in addition to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).  In addition, Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) actively participate in the RDS Program.

On 12 September 2016, JPdL RND awarded contract W911SR-16-D-0027 to Ludlum doing business as (dba) Visionary Products Inc. (VPI) for the development and production of the RDS. RDS was approved for Full Rate Production (FRP) in 2024.

3.0 High-Level General System Characteristics (Unclassified):

The United States Armed Services are exploring the possibility of awarding one or more contracts to deliver the total quantities described in Section 4 below. The Government is seeking solutions that will meet the requirements of the updated Radiological Detection System (RDS) P-SPEC.

3.1 RDS P-Spec:

To support the development of responses to this RFI, the Government is providing the current RDS Performance Specification (P Spec) Amendment 5 as the baseline document. However, the Government is currently updating this specification to incorporate specific threshold and objective requirements to ensure absolute compatibility with the current system. These planned updates are reflected in the draft Performance Specification Amendment 6. Please note that while the draft Amendment 6 is not finalized and is subject to change, it is referenced here to help industry partners prepare.

To ensure consistent operational capabilities, training continuity, and joint supportability, the updated P Spec will include several threshold (mandatory) requirements tied to the legacy system:

• User Interface Compatibility (P-Spec [27-2]): Proposed Base Units and probes must have the same system functionality characteristics, graphical user interfaces, and button layouts and functions as found in Technical Manual (TM) 3-6665-383-14&P, Operator, Field and Sustainment Maintenance Manual Including Repair Parts and Special Tools List for Radiological Detection System (RDS) AN/PDR-83, dated 15 November 2024.
• Interoperability (P-Spec [150]): RDS probes and RDS base units shall be interoperable with each other and all other RDS components, unless otherwise noted, both within the current production lot and with previously built systems, without requiring user recalibration. This requirement applies to all systems regardless of manufacturer.
• Calibration Standards (P-Spec [Calibration]): The system must support calibration using the standard, established calibration sources defined in the specification.

The updated P Spec will also contain several objective (desired, but non-mandatory) requirements, which include:

• Physical Dimensions (P Spec {Physical Dimensions}): The proposed system should ideally maintain the same physical dimensions as the current design to ensure seamless compatibility with existing vehicle mounts, storage cases, and shielding brackets.

Partwise Compatibility (P Spec {Partwise Compatibility}): The system should strive to achieve partwise compatibility with existing legacy system components to simplify logistics and long-term sustainment.

3.2 Baseline Characteristics of the Desired System:

To facilitate responses from vendors who may not be authorized to access to the CUI P-SPEC (see Section 6.0 below for access requirements) or who offer alternative commercial capabilities, the following represents the high level, unclassified baseline characteristics of the desired system:

3.2.1 System Architecture and Modular Design

The RDS is a modular, handheld radiological detection system consisting of a central Base Unit and a family of detachable, interchangeable probes. The system architecture must allow for:

• An open, modular design compatible across the Joint Services.
• Seamless interoperability between any RDS Base Unit and any RDS probe, both within the current production lot and with previously built systems, without requiring user recalibration.
• Complete backwards compatibility with previously fielded RDS equipment.

3.2.2 Radiation Detection and Measurement Capabilities

The system must be capable of detecting and measuring all primary types of ionizing radiation relevant to military health physics, disaster response, and contamination monitoring:

• Alpha Radiation: For surface contamination monitoring, achieving high sensitivity under rugged field conditions.
• Beta Radiation: For both localized contamination sweeps and high energy beta field detection.
• Neutron Radiation: For occupational neutron monitoring across a wide operational range.
• Photon (Gamma and X ray) Radiation: Measuring dose rates across a broad spectrum ranging from natural background levels to high tactical dose rates.

3.2.3 Base Unit Performance and User Interface

The Base Unit serves as the primary data processor and display. It must be exceptionally rugged, meeting or exceeding MIL-STD-810 standards for both handheld field use and shipboard mounting.

• Display and Connectivity: Must feature a clear, sunlight readable display, robust data logging capabilities, and intuitive menus.
• User Interface Compatibility: To minimize the retraining burden on Joint Service operators, proposed Base Units and probes must have the same system functionality characteristics, graphical user interfaces, and physical button layouts and functions as found in the standard Technical Manual (TM) 3-6665-383-14&P.

3.2.4 Probe Specifications and Operational Durability

All system components, including base units, probes, cables, and connectors, must be exceptionally ruggedized for military use:

• Linearity and Accuracy: Probes must maintain high linearity and measurement accuracy across their full operational ranges to ensure reliable readings.
• Overload Protection: Probes must possess built-in protection to withstand exposure to high radiation fields exceeding their maximum display limits without damage or failing to read off scale.
• Calibration Compatibility: The probes must support standard calibration protocols using common, low hazard field and laboratory calibration sources.

3.2.5 Telecommunications and Connectivity

The system must feature robust, flexible methods of connecting the Base Unit to currently employed tactical military radios to ensure secure, reliable data transmission of radiation reports from the operator to higher headquarters.

Note: Vendors offering systems that meet the broad intent of these unclassified characteristics are encouraged to respond to Section 5.0 (Submission Criteria) based on their commercial specifications, even if they have not yet requested or reviewed the full CUI P-SPEC.

4.0 Potential Future Need:

The Government projects a need for RDS production through 2043.  Approximate projected total quantities over the next five (5) years are:

• 16,000 base units
• 2,700 beta photon probes
• 1,200 alpha beta probes
• 200 small area beta gamma probes
• 200 sensitive gamma probes
• 250 FIDLER probes
• 600 neutron probes

The Government is contemplating one or more Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract(s) for the FRP of the RDS.  While the anticipated contract type is FIRM FIXED PRICE (FFP), the Government reserves the right to adjust its acquisition strategy based on market research.  For the purposes of this RFI, the pricing information requested in Section 5 shall be completed assuming a FFP IDIQ structure.

The Government will require at a minimum Government Purpose Rights (GPR) on all Technical Data associated with the RDS system if procured.

5.0 Submission Criteria:

To support the Government's market research and assist in defining the future acquisition strategy, respondents shall provide a detailed capability package. This submission must outline the respondent's technical approach, proposed system configurations, production history, and capacity. Respondents are requested to provide clear, comprehensive, and well-structured responses addressing the specific questionnaire items detailed in the subsections below.

5.1        Respondent Details

Information about the respondent to include the following:

5.1.1    Company name

5.1.2    Company address

5.1.3    Telephone number(s)

5.1.4    Email address(es)

5.1.5    Website address (if available)

5.1.6    Type of business, large or small (to include type of small business)

5.1.7    Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Code

5.1.8    CAGE Code

5.1.9    Facility clearance (Yes or No)

5.1.10 Current facility clearance level (FCL)(C, S, TS, etc.)

5.1.11 Name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with a Government representative

5.2        Technical Approach

An overview of the respondent's technical approach to manufacturing and delivering systems. This overview shall include, at a minimum:

5.2.1    Proposed technical approach, e.g. whether to modify an existing system or develop an entirely new one.

5.2.2    An analysis identifying any modifications, non-recurring engineering (NRE), or additional development that would be required for the respondent's proposed system to achieve full compliance with the RDS P-SPEC.

5.3        Proposed System

An overview of the respondent's proposed system. This overview shall include, at a minimum:

5.3.1    Types of systems the respondent intends to produce (e.g. base unit only, all probes, or specific probes).

5.3.2    Technology proposed for detection (i.e. GM tube, scintillator, etc.).

5.3.3    Calibration requirements.

5.3.4    Life expectancy of the respondent’s potential RDS system.

5.4        Production history

A brief description of the development history and production of the respondents’ potential version for the RDS requirement, or similar RADIAC, to include the following:

5.4.1    Number of units (either planned proposed system or similar system) sold as of the date of the submission.

5.4.2    Description of existing similar system and how it differs from proposed system

5.4.3    Current yearly production of similar production items.

5.4.4    Radiation check sources that you currently distribute to include exempt, generally licensed, and specific licensed sources.

5.4.5    Experience with Department of Defense contracts, specifically production contracts for similar equipment.

5.4.6    Experience with Department of Defense testing agencies to schedule and conduct nuclear survivability testing.

5.4.7    Experience with Department of Defense provisioning of spare parts, drafting of Technical Manuals, drafting of training materials, conducting developmental testing for the Government, and conducting operational testing for the Government.

5.5        Adherence to Performance Specification

A brief description of any portion of the P-Spec that the potential system does not currently meet or may be problematic to meet.  This overview shall include, at a minimum: 

5.5.1    Requirements in the RDS P-Spec that the respondent's proposed system does not currently meet, including a summary of the technical gap.

5.5.2    Requirements in the RDS P-Spec that the respondent foresees as problematic for the proposed system to meet, including a detailed explanation of the technical or manufacturing challenge, and suggested alternative phrasing that would mitigate the issue while preserving the core operational intent of the requirement.

5.6        Planned production schedule

A brief description of the respondents’ potential schedule and production to include the following:

5.6.1    Time required to build, test, and deliver the first expected Delivery Order (see quantities below) per the RDS P-SPEC including the requirement First Article Testing (FAT) and/or Conformance Testing (CT):

•             1,600 base units

•             300 beta photon probes

•             110 alpha beta probes

•             20 small area beta gamma probes

•             20 sensitive gamma probes

•             20 FIDLER probes

•             70 neutron probes

5.6.2    Time required to set up production lines capable of achieving the following sustained monthly outputs during full-rate production:

•             Base Units: A minimum sustained rate of 400 units per month.

•             Probe Assemblies: The vendor's proposed maximum sustainable monthly production rate for each individual probe type

5.6.3    The projected minimum (to ensure production line stays stable/viable) and maximum number of units/month production capacity during full rate production.

5.6.4    The time required to obtain critical component(s).

5.6.5    The time required to produce the Technical Manual and Training materials.

5.7        Other information

5.7.1    License/regulations that the respondent plans to use to distribute radiation sources (Cs-137 check sources) needed for the RDS.

5.7.2    Any potential Data rights concerns that the respondent has for providing at minimum Government Purpose Rights (GPR) on all technical data associated with the RDS (as GPR is the minimum required level of data rights the Government will require for the system).

5.8        Cost

Assuming a five-year Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, respondents shall provide the following pricing information:

5.8.1    Approximate Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) price breakdown estimates for the first expected delivery order (referenced in Section 5.6.2) to include all design, manufacturing, First Article Testing (FAT), Conformance Testing (CT), and final delivery.

5.8.2    Tiered Volume and Quantity Pricing: Given the total projected quantities over the five-year contract period, respondents are highly encouraged to provide a tiered pricing structure that demonstrates volume discounts and economies of scale. Please provide ROM unit prices for the Base Unit and Probes across proposed quantity break tiers (e.g., 1 to 50 units, 51 to 250 units, 251 to 1,000 units, and 1,000+ units).

5.8.3    Alternative pricing structures that the respondent may prefer over the tiered volume pricing model.

5.8.4    Requirements (including either specific requirements for system capability or conformance testing protocols) that drive the projected cost of the proposal significantly higher than comparable commercial systems.

6.0 Requesting Access to the CUI Performance Specification:

To receive the current Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) RDS Performance Specification (P-SPEC) AMD 5 document referenced in this RFI, interested parties must submit a formal request via email to the primary Points of Contact (POCs) listed in Section 6.0.

Interested parties MUST provide the following verified evidence of security compliance with their access request:

• Joint Certification Program (JCP) Certification: Provide a copy of an approved, active DD Form 2345 (Joint Certification Program).
• NIST SP 800-171 Assessment: Provide evidence of a current assessment (completed within the last 3 years) uploaded to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) in accordance with DFARS 252.240-7997 (Deviation 2026-O0025).
• CMMC Level 2 (Self-Assessment): Provide evidence of a completed Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 (Self) assessment aligned with NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 and reflected in SPRS for each contractor information system that will process CUI.
• Safeguarding Confirmation: Provide a signed statement on company letterhead confirming full compliance with the safeguarding and cyber incident reporting requirements of DFARS 252.204-7012.

Failure to provide all the above information will prevent the Government from providing access to the CUI P-Spec.

7.0 Response Due Date, File Size Limit, Page Limit, Disclaimer and Important Notes:

Due Date: Submissions shall be sent electronically to the following Points of Contact (POCs) and email addresses; Tyler N. Gates, Contracting Officer - tyler.n.gates2.civ@army.mil; Gentian Mulla, Contracting Officer - gentian.mulla.civ@army.mil. All submissions shall be received no later than 4:30PM Eastern Time (ET), on Thursday 17 September 2026.  NOTE: If possible, enable delivery and or read receipt on all submissions to ensure arrival by the required deadline.  

File Size Limit: The entirety of the respondent’s RFI email response shall not exceed 15MB of total file size.  Failure to adhere to this limitation may result in portions of the response not being received by the Government.  

Page Limit: All responses to this Request for Information must be submitted in a standard, professional format to facilitate a timely and consistent review by the Government.  Responses are suggested not to exceed 10 pages.  This page limit is inclusive of all narrative text, tables, charts, and technical drawings, but excludes the cover page, table of contents, and any standard manufacturer product datasheets.  Responses exceeding the 10 pages may not be reviewed in their entirety.

Questions:

All questions must be submitted via email to the primary Points of Contact listed in Section 7.0 no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Time on Tuesday 1 September 2026.  Telephonic inquiries will not be accepted.  Questions must be strictly limited to clarifying the requirements, submission criteria, or CUI access procedures outlined in this RFI.  Questions regarding future procurement timelines, acquisition strategies, or future RFP will not be answered.  Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information.

Contracting Office Address:

US Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground,

Edgewood Contracting Division (ACC-APG)

8456 Brigade Street, E4215

APG (Edgewood), MD 21010-5401

Primary Points of Contact:

Tyler Gates, Contracting Officer

Email: tyler.n.gates2.civ@army.mil

Telephone: 520-671-1119

Gentian Mulla, Contracting Officer

Email:  gentian.mulla.civ@army.mil

Telephone: 520-671-1249