Explosive Trace Detector

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Handheld Explosives Trace Detectors (ETD) Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL)

The 87th Contracting Squadron is seeking information from industry for the purpose of conducting market research for Handheld Explosives Trace Detectors (ETD) in support of the 87th Security Forces Squadron (87 SFS) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or any other type of contractual document.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ). NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

Statement of Characteristics

The 87th Security Forces Squadron requires advanced, mobile explosives detection capabilities to secure entry control points, conduct randomized vehicle inspections, and support anti-terrorism operations at JB MDL. To maintain high throughput without compromising security, Defenders require lightweight, highly sensitive, and rapidly deployable trace detectors capable of identifying military, conventional, homemade, and liquid explosive threats in various environmental conditions. The requirement is intended to sustain and modernize mobile detection capability, support mission readiness, and maintain operational efficiency.

Specifications

The Government is seeking sources capable of providing the Premium Handheld Explosives Trace Detector, or an equal/equivalent system, meeting the following minimum characteristics:

• Core Technology: Five-channel fluorescence technology; must contain no radioactive source.
• Threat Detection: Capable of detecting military, conventional, homemade, and liquid explosives at nanogram to sub-nanogram levels (including Nitroaromatics, Nitramines, Nitrate-esters, Nitrosamines, Plastic Explosives, Smokeless Powders, and Peroxides).
• Sampling Methods: Particulate sampling via swipes for surfaces/checkpoints, and direct vapor sampling for bottled liquids/containers.
• Processing Speed: Time to alarm of 10-25 seconds; clear-down time under 30 seconds.
• Cold Start/Wake: Operational within 3 minutes from a cold start and under 10 seconds from sleep mode.
• Weight & Size: Maximum weight of 3.2 lbs with battery installed.
• Ruggedization: MIL-STD-810G compliant (shock, vibration, temperature, humidity) and capable of withstanding a one-meter drop test.
• Ingress Protection: IP54-rated with anti-corrosive coating.
• Power & Battery: Support for up to 16-hour mission time using two included 8-hour, hot-swappable rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
• User Interface: Sunlight-readable color display with onboard video tutorials and step-by-step prompts.
• Alerts: Visible, audible, and haptic (vibration) alarm notifications.
• Data & Connectivity: Minimum 3,500 hours of continuous data logging; USB-C, toggleable Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

This requirement includes delivery of detectors, hot-swappable batteries, power adapters, and initial sampling swipe kits. All items must comply with applicable ITAR and U.S. export regulations prior to delivery, as applicable.

Anticipated Delivery

Delivery shall be made to the 87th Security Forces Squadron, Bldg 3137 Ramp St, JB MDL, NJ 08640, within 30 days after receipt of order (ARO) or contract award.

For full requirement details, please refer to Attachment 1 - Handheld Explosives Trace Detector (ETD) Statement of Work.

Information Requested

a) Capability of providing a handheld ETD system meeting or exceeding the specifications above, along with associated batteries, power adapters, and sampling swipe kits.

b) Confirmation that the contractor can deliver the required units to JB MDL, NJ within 30 days after receipt of order.

c) Small business size status of the company, including any small business socioeconomic contracting programs (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB) that your firm is registered under.

Response Guidelines

Responses must specifically describe the contractor's capability to fulfill the requirement as stated above and in the attached Statement of Work. Companies who wish to respond to this notice should send responses via email no later than 24 August 2026 at 1500 Eastern Time to A1C Theodore Hyatt at theodore.hyatt@us.af.mil.

Questions

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to A1C Theodore Hyatt at theodore.hyatt@us.af.mil. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submission of their responses.

Disclaimer

The issuance of this sources sought notice is being done strictly for the purpose of market research. This notice will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available and is being issued solely for information and planning purposes. All information contained in this notice is preliminary and subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. Issuance of this notice will not result in contract award and is not to be construed as any form of commitment on behalf of the Government. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submission of their responses.