How to bid on Technology Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) 27-1: Spectrum Proof for the DEPT of Defense

What the Army is buying and why it matters

The U.S. Army is seeking new and emerging electromagnetic warfare technologies for its Spectrum Proof independent testing and validation effort. This initiative supports the US Army Europe’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative.

The Army is looking for capabilities in areas such as electromagnetic sensing, surveillance, signal identification and geolocation, electronic effects, sensor-to-shooter integration, and operations in disrupted or denied networks. The goal is to identify technologies that can integrate as a system operated by non-EW professionals to enable broad-scale EW operations in congested and contested electromagnetic spectrum environments.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) or sources sought, not a guarantee of payment or an award. However, selected technologies may be invited to participate in testing at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and could be eligible for future awards for research, prototyping, procurement, or production.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This RFI was published on July 30, 2026. The deadline for submissions is August 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

At the deadline, all submitted whitepapers and quad charts will be assessed by a panel of Department of War and supporting industry and academic Subject Matter Experts. This panel will determine the technical merit of submissions based on maturity and alignment with the mission threat.

Technologies demonstrating sufficient maturity and mission-thread alignment may be selected for integration and participation in the IV&V 27-1: Spectrum Proof event, scheduled to run from November 2 through November 6, 2026, at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for technology firms, research and development companies, and academic institutions that have developed emerging electromagnetic warfare capabilities. The Army is specifically interested in technologies that can be integrated, stressed, and evaluated across verticals like electromagnetic sensing, flexible integration across echelons, and rapid non-lethal responses in contested electromagnetic environments.

The focus is on capabilities critical to the operational construct of a Mobile Brigade Combat Team (MBCT). Firms with technologies that demonstrate reliability and availability in these areas are encouraged to respond.

How to respond

To access the opportunity on the portal, click “View original source.” If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

Your submission must include two components: a whitepaper and a technology quad chart.

The whitepaper should be a maximum of 10 pages. It needs to provide an overview of the technology’s development path, operational or test history, current technology readiness level (TRL), and identify which Spectrum Proof vertical(s) the capability supports, clearly stating its role within the mission thread. The technology quad chart should be a single page, summarizing the capability, prior integration or deployment, current TRL, and include a technical point of contact with complete contact details.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Clearly articulate your technology's current Technology Readiness Level (TRL). The Army is looking for mature capabilities that can be integrated and evaluated.

Ensure your whitepaper directly addresses how your technology supports one or more of the specified Spectrum Proof verticals and how it fits into the mission thread. Focus on how your capability enables broad-scale EW operations by non-EW professionals.

In both your whitepaper and quad chart, emphasize any prior integration or deployment history. This demonstrates practical application and reliability. Provide a clear and concise technical point of contact with full communication details.

Remember this is a sources sought request. While there is no guarantee of an award or payment for your response, a strong submission could lead to participation in the experimentation event and potential future contracting opportunities. Mark any proprietary or competition-sensitive information in your response.