How to respond to the Army’s 2GF Thermal Receiver and Imager Repair RFI

What the Army is researching

The Department of the Army is conducting market research for up to 29 Export Variant Second Generation Forward Looking Infrared Thermal Receiver Units and repair or refurbishment of up to 100 2GF Imager Assemblies per year over three years. The work is associated with Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

This is an RFI, not a contract offer or request for proposals. The Army is gathering information about potential sources and their capabilities; it will not pay for responses. The notice says new TRU deliveries would be required no later than 24 months after award, and no government funding is available for TRU or component development and testing.

Deadline and what it means

Responses are due by November 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The notice says the closing date was extended by two weeks.

This deadline is for submitting market research information, not a bid for an awarded contract. A response cannot be accepted as a binding offer, and the notice does not commit the government to acquire the products or services.

Who this opportunity may suit

This RFI is relevant to firms with thermal imaging or infrared technology experience and the ability to manufacture TRUs and repair or refurbish imager assemblies. Respondents should assess their ability to meet the listed performance specifications and interface control documents, including compatibility with previously delivered Block 1 and Block 1R TRUs, components, and B-Kit components.

Responders must be able to properly store and work on SECRET-level information. Foreign participation is excluded. The notice requests business-size and socioeconomic information under NAICS 334511, as well as details about prime, teaming, or subcontracting plans and the ability to perform at least 50% of the work in-house.

How to access and respond

Use “View original source” on the opportunity page to open it on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to reach the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents.

Prepare a response covering the requested company details, thermal imaging and infrared qualifications, TRU technical data and production capacity, and up to five relevant projects from the past five years. The notice also asks firms without current TRU manufacturing capability to estimate the time needed to develop, test, qualify, manufacture, and deliver an interchangeable TRU, along with expected monthly production.

The notice identifies Brian Petchel, Contract Specialist, for questions about technical data the government has or related information. Keep any proprietary information to a minimum and clearly mark it.

Prepare a clear, evidence-based response

Use the notice’s numbered requests as your response outline so the Army can find each answer. Give specific, supportable information about relevant projects, your direct role, production capacity, and experience with the stated performance specifications and interface documents.

Be precise about what your company can do now versus what would require development or qualification. If proposing a team, explain each member’s role and workshare, and address the requested in-house work estimate.

Allow time to check the response for completeness and submit it before the deadline. Clearly separate proprietary material and mark it as instructed; submissions become government property and will not be returned.