**PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE** Forward Based Mode Radar Next Prototype
The Missile Defense Agency plans to fund prototype development and demonstration of a mobile forward-based radar sensor system for missile defense integration, with classified work requiring a facility security clearance.
⚑ Presolicitation notice only; not a solicitation and not accepting proposals or inquiries yet. · OTA prototype project under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. · Requires Facility Security Clearance before Cycle 1 and classified work authorization (DD Form 254). · Encourages teaming with primes, non-traditional defense contractors, and small businesses; may be open to university participation only as part of an eligible team/partner arrangement.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 45 partial | technical depth: central; funds other (capped) |
| IPPRA | 35 weak | portfolio topic: national_security_defense (primary); social/behavioral work is none; funds other — not a research fit; university can only partner, not lead |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
Approved for Public Release 26-MDA-12385 (10 Aug 26) **Pre-Solicitation Notice** The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Mobile Land-Based Sensors Project Office, is seeking innovative prototype concepts for the Forward-Based Mode (FBM) Radar Next and will solicit this procurement utilizing the existing Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). This pre-solicitation is issued under the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for Prototype Projects, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022, to rapidly develop, demonstrate, and evaluate advanced radar prototypes. These systems must be capable of providing enhanced early warning, tracking, and discrimination of emerging missile threats. The primary objective of this effort is to design and prototype a highly mobile, rapidly deployable sensor system. The resulting technology must seamlessly integrate into the existing missile defense architecture to enhance tracking and discrimination capabilities against complex, high-speed, and maneuverable threats, including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. To maximize mission success and accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities, the Government strongly encourages collaborative teaming arrangements that fairly leverage the unique strengths of primes, non-traditional defense contractors (NDCs), and small businesses alike. We believe that diverse, agile partnerships are critical to unlocking novel solutions and driving technological advancement. Accordingly, we seek offerors across all tiers who are prepared to demonstrate a tangible, shared commitment to this effort. We expect proposing entities to bring meaningful resource alignment, co-investment, or shared performance risk to the table, ensuring that the Government and offerors are mutually invested in, and accountable for, the successful execution and long-term outcomes of this program. Offerors will be required to possess or obtain a Facility Security Clearance (FCL) through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) prior to starting Cycle 1, Concept Development. DD Forms 254 authorizing classified work will be issued to each Offeror no later than the beginning of Cycle 1. **This is not a request for proposal. This notice of Pre-Solicitation does not constitute a solicitation, nor does it constitute a request for proposal, or OT Prototype Proposal. The government is not currently requesting or accepting inquiries or feedback in response to this notice.**
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: . Notice type: Presolicitation. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) / MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA).
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