WIRE NAVIGATION SYSTEM
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, specifically W40M USA HCA, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for a WIRE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. This is a market research effort to identify potential sources for a hybrid-reality simulator designed for orthopedic surgical training, focusing on guidewire navigation under simulated fluoroscopy. The associated NAICS code is 334510 (1250 Employees). Responses are due by May 12, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. The anticipated performance start date is on or about July 1, 2026.
Scope of Work
The required system is a hybrid-reality simulator providing a radiation-free environment that combines physical models with real-time, computer-generated imaging to teach and assess surgical skills. Key characteristics include:
- Radiation-Free Fluoroscopy: Simulates C-arm fluoroscopic imaging (AP and Lateral views) without ionizing radiation.
- Real-Time Instrument Tracking: Utilizes a camera-based optical tracking system for continuous determination of surgical instrument position and orientation.
- Proprietary Bar-Coded Guidewire: Employs a laser-etched, bar-coded guidewire recognized by the camera system to calculate its precise trajectory and depth, projecting its virtual representation onto simulated fluoroscopic images.
- Computer-Generated Imaging: Generates realistic, real-time simulated X-ray images reflecting guidewire interaction with anatomical models.
- Physical and Haptic Feedback: Incorporates physical, replaceable anatomical models (e.g., surrogate bones) with varying densities for realistic haptic sensation during drilling, distinguishing between cortical and cancellous bone.
- Soft-Tissue Simulation: Includes a synthetic soft-tissue envelope covering the bone model to simulate tactile experience.
- System Components: Main simulator unit housing tracking cameras and anatomical models, a foot pedal for image acquisition/switching, and a pre-configured laptop with all necessary software.
- Training, Assessment, and Validation: Software must capture objective performance metrics (e.g., total procedure time, simulated fluoroscopy time, wire redirections, final wire placement accuracy) and be supported by peer-reviewed research demonstrating training efficacy and skill transfer.
- Modularity and Extensibility: Designed for modularity, allowing different training modules (e.g., Hip Navigation, Pediatric Elbow Pinning, Sacroiliac (SI) Screw placement) on the same base hardware.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- NAICS: 334510 (1250 Employees)
- Solicitation Number: W81K0426QA055
- Performance Start: On or about July 1, 2026
- Response Due: May 12, 2026, 10:00 AM EST
- Questions Due: May 8, 2026, 9:00 AM EST
- Published: April 29, 2026
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research, respondents asked to identify socio-economic group)
Submission Requirements
Interested parties should submit the following information via email to Cynthia A. Richardson-Rhone and Jason Holck at cynthia.a.richardson-rhone.civ@health.mil:
- Company Name, Point of Contact, Phone Number, Email Address
- Small Business Socio-Economic Group
- DUNS number and CAGE Code
Additional Notes
This notice is for information and planning purposes only; the government will not pay for information submitted. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future solicitation. A formal solicitation is anticipated to be posted on SAM.gov within 2-3 weeks. No telephonic inquiries will be accepted.