How to bid on Non-Pyrotechnic Acoustic Weapon Simulators for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense is conducting market research for standalone, non-pyrotechnic acoustic weapon simulators. These systems are for military training and must safely replicate the appearance, sound, and firing rate of firearms without using blank ammunition, projectiles, or external virtual reality or simulation infrastructure.

This is an opportunity for vendors to showcase their technology for realistic battlefield acoustics and appearance characteristics. The goal is to reduce the logistical and safety burdens associated with traditional blank ammunition or pyrotechnics in training.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 30, 2026. The deadline for submissions is August 07, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. This is a market research request, not a solicitation for a contract award. The government will not award a contract based on this RFI, nor will it pay for information submitted. Failure to respond does not prevent participation in future solicitations.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for companies that develop and manufacture non-pyrotechnic weapon simulation technology. Vendors should have products that can replicate crew-served M240-equivalent systems and portable rifle or carbine-equivalent systems (like an AK-47) with high-fidelity acoustic signatures and realistic appearance. The systems must be standalone and operate independently in field environments.

How to respond

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

Interested vendors should submit white papers or product data sheets, no more than 6 pages, detailing their proposed systems. Submissions must cover the underlying technology, maximum decibel output, cyclic rate capabilities, power source, logistical requirements, estimated operational duration, and appearance. Do not just provide a website reference. All proprietary data should be clearly identified. Do not submit classified material.

In addition to product information, include your company’s full name, address, point of contact, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), CAGE Code, and business size (e.g., small, large, 8(a), women-owned). You must be registered in SAM.gov to respond.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Focus on clearly demonstrating how your product meets or exceeds each specified technical requirement, especially operational independence, being ammunition and pyrotechnic-free, acoustic and visual fidelity, and form factor. Provide specific data for maximum decibel output and cyclic rate.

Ensure your submission directly addresses both the crew-served automatic weapon (M240-equivalent) and individual man-portable weapon (rifle/carbine-equivalent) categories. Clearly outline the technology used for acoustic generation and the practical aspects of power, logistics, and operational duration. A well-organized, concise, and factual response within the page limit will be most effective.