Market Research for Product Manager Ground Sensors (PM GS) Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical / Netted-fires Sensor (FALCONS)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army, through Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), is conducting Market Research via a Request for Information (RFI) for the Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical / Netted-fires Sensor (FALCONS) program. This RFI seeks industry input to refine the acquisition strategy and performance capabilities for a new Program of Record (POR) that will replace the current Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System (LRAS3) and Fire Support Sensor System (FS3). Responses are due by 1400 EST on June 18, 2026.
Program Objective & Scope
The U.S. Army requires an advanced long-range sensor capability to meet Army of 2030 objectives and support Army of 2040, ensuring lethality and survivability for Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) in Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). The RFI focuses on industry's ability to:
- Perform hardware and software modifications to Government Technical Data Packages (TDP).
- Produce five FALCONS sensors, a modified version of the Common Advanced Multi-band Thermal Aided Configurable Sensor (CAMTACS) prototype.
- Assist in testing and characterizing prototype sensors.
- Provide field service for systems during Government evaluation.
Government Design & Requirements
The Government design for FALCONS includes integration of the 3GEN FLIR B-Kit, Precision Far Target Location (FTL), networked capabilities, Aided Target Detection and Recognition (AiTDR) algorithms, automated optical alignment, External Laser Designator Modular (LDM), High-Definition Color Day Camera, Laser Range Finder (LRF) with CPPLR, Assured Positioning Navigation and Timing (APNT), Common Graphical User Interface (GUI), and C2 system interface. The Army is seeking partners to enhance CAMTACS for ruggedness, producibility, and reliability to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: June 18, 2026, 1400 EST
- Published: May 20, 2026
- Anticipated Timeline: FY27 for TDP modification and prototype production; FY28 for testing and characterization.
Submission Requirements
Respondents should submit an electronic response (max 15 pages) addressing:
- Point of Contact information (including CAGE, UEI, NAICS 334511 business size).
- Company history and foreign ownership status.
- Experience with designing, building, testing, and modifying similar systems.
- Identification of major risks and integration challenges for delivering prototypes within 30 months.
- Proposed innovative design and acquisition strategies.
- Available alternate solutions.
- Detailed overview of technical expertise in EO/IR sensing and FTL systems, including past performance, production infrastructure, and sustainment plans.
- Examples of physical and technical resources.
- Ability to maintain production and supply chain for long-term sustainment.
- Specific methodology for managing functional areas, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs.
- Experience with Government Furnished Property (GFP) management.
- Methodology for planning, designing, and testing improvements, specifically pertaining to Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA), and Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) margins.
Additional Notes
This is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee a future contract award. The Government will not pay for RFI responses. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. Detailed system characteristics are available upon request, requiring an NDA and Secret clearance with NATO Restricted/COMSEC handling ability. Questions are due by 1400 EST on June 11, 2026, to James Bond (james.w.bond2.civ@army.mil) and Renee Papadopoulos (renee.a.papadopoulos.civ@army.mil).