RFI - AMSS 5/10 Man Tent
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 is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for the Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS). This RFI seeks to identify mature technologies (TRL 7+) to replace outdated legacy equipment, aiming to improve mobility, sustainability, and survivability in extreme cold weather environments. Responses will inform a potential future production effort that could exceed 3,000 systems. Responses are due April 16, 2026, by 5:00 PM EDT.
Purpose & Background
This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to contract. The Army's legacy winter survival mobility system (Ahkio) is obsolete, leading units to procure non-standardized commercial equipment. The AMSS Program of Record, initiated December 2024, aims to standardize and modernize these systems. Information gathered will help Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems (PdM FSS) evaluate new shelter solutions and inform the acquisition strategy.
Key Requirements & Capabilities
The Army is interested in COTS or emerging technologies (TRL 7+) for both 5-man Team and 10-man Squad AS that provide:
- Protection: Sufficient protection for Soldiers from hazardous cold weather, breathable, wind/water/flame resistant, MIL-STD 810-H compliant.
- Performance: Fully operational at -40°F (ideally -65°F), capable of 72-hour continuous missions.
- Deployment: Rapid assembly/disassembly (ideally <5 minutes, max 20 minutes) by Soldiers in arctic gear.
- Features: Stove stack, signature management (low profile, blackout, ideally mitigating NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR detection).
- Compliance: Berry Amendment and Buy American Act compliant.
- Lifespan: 5 years useful life, 10 years storage life.
- Weight Limits: 5-man AS: <= 60 lbs; 10-man AS: <= 100 lbs.
Submission Requirements
Respondents must submit a white paper, not exceeding 10 pages, in .PDF or .DOCX format (size 12 font, 1-inch margins). The white paper should include:
- Cover page with product information, manufacturer, and contact details.
- Executive summary.
- Detailed technical description, including components, deployment, specifications, TRL, supply chain risks, utilization history, tools, transportation, manpower/time for operations, consumables, and estimated unit cost.
- Manufacturing capability, capacity, and scaling potential.
- Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code (or NCAGE for international companies). Do not include marketing brochures or test reports in the initial submission.
Timeline & Next Steps
- Response Due: April 16, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
- Industry Day: Candidate technologies may be invited to an Industry Day in June 2026 for demonstrations.
- Notification: Companies will be notified of invitation decisions by the end of May 2026.
Submission Instructions
Email responses to Raul Lopez (raul.a.lopez.civ@army.mil) and Clinton McAdams (clinton.b.mcadams.civ@army.mil). The email subject line must be: "Arctic Mobility Sustainment System (AMSS) 5-man Team and 10-man Squad Arctic Shelter (AS)".
Important Notices
This RFI does not commit the government to a contract. No reimbursement will be provided for response costs. Proprietary information will be handled accordingly. Responses may not include classified material.