Request for Information (RFI) - Project Manager, Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense Increment 4

Quick Summary

The US Army is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) Increment 4. The purpose is to identify potential sources and solutions capable of providing air defense for dismounted maneuver forces in the near, mid, and far terms. This capability will defeat unmanned aircraft systems (groups 1-3), rotary-wing, and fixed-wing close support aircraft. The Army is seeking vehicle-agnostic, SLED or pallet-based systems. Responses are due April 6, 2026.

Scope of Interest

This RFI focuses on solutions that deliver air defense capability to support dismounted maneuver, Joint Forcible Entry (JFE) (C-130 transportable, air droppable, sling load capable), and light mounted maneuver operations. The desired solution is a Self-Loading Equipment Dock (SLED) or pallet-based system that is vehicle-agnostic, compatible with light tactical vehicles like the Infantry Squad Vehicle or Robotic Combat Vehicle variants. Key characteristics include:

• Modularity & Open Systems: Modular design, leveraging Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) in hardware and software.
• Intellectual Property (IP) & Data Rights: USG seeks IP and data rights to enable affordable reconfiguration, evolution, and a "Right to Repair."
• Interoperability: Compatible with Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System for Maneuver (IBCS-Maneuver) C2 or other compatible C2.
• Effectors/Sensors: Multiple modular effectors (e.g., Stinger/NGSRI, Coyote, APKWS, 30mm cannon, 50 cal., 7.62mm) and electronic warfare capability, with active/passive sensing.
• Operational Capabilities: Capable of vehicle-mounted and dismounted operations, network-enabled, human-machine integration, AI/ML, and Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE).
• Schedule: Candidate solutions should deliver capabilities in the near- to mid-term (FY27-29). Projects starting at TRL 2 are considered.

Submission Requirements

Respondents must submit a white paper (max 15 pages) detailing their candidate M-SHORAD Increment 4 solution(s). The submission should include:

• Company/Institute information (CAGE Code, UEI, small business status, ownership).
• Description of the solution, key performance capabilities, and top three risks (technical/programmatic).
• Approach to modularity, open system architecture, and IP/data rights.
• Unclassified capability against specified threats.
• Projected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) with justification. Proprietary information must be marked and include the statement "Releasable to USG Agencies and their supporting Contractors for Review Only."

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought (for market research only).
• Set-Aside: None specified.
• Response Due: April 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
• Published: March 25, 2026.

Additional Notes

This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue one. No contract will be awarded from this announcement, and the Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs. Questions regarding this RFI were accepted for 14 days after publication. Responses should be emailed to Christopher.m.caputo.civ@army.mil and stephanie.l.lambert14.civ@army.mil. Non-Government support contractors will assist in assessing responses.