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