Ultrasound Diagnostic System, Hand Carried (USHC) - Prototype
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.AMC.ACC.ACC-CTRS.ACC-APG.W6QK ACC-APG · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) is soliciting prototypes for an Ultrasound Diagnostic System, Hand Carried (USHC). This falls under Federal Supply Classification 6515—Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies.
Hand-carried ultrasound systems are compact, portable diagnostic devices used for point-of-care medical imaging in field and clinical environments. Widely known uses include trauma assessment, cardiac evaluation, abdominal screening, and guiding procedures where full-size cart-based systems are impractical. In military settings, these systems support expeditionary and operational medicine.
Per the solicitation number format (W91CRB-RPP-USHC), this appears to be a Rapid Prototyping Project (RPP) acquisition, a type of effort under the Army's authority to quickly develop and field prototypes. See the solicitation for specific technical requirements, performance specifications, and prototype delivery expectations.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command—Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | W91CRB-RPP-USHC |
| NAICS | 334510 — Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 6, 2026, 4:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside, meaning businesses of any size may compete. The NAICS code 334510 covers establishments primarily manufacturing electromedical equipment, including ultrasound imaging apparatus.
Eligible bidders likely include:
- Large and small manufacturers of medical imaging equipment
- Defense contractors with medical technology divisions
- Technology firms with portable diagnostic capabilities
- Joint ventures or teams combining hardware and software expertise
Small businesses may participate but should assess whether they can meet prototype development timelines, technical complexity, and any past performance or security requirements. See the solicitation for specific eligibility criteria, including any required certifications, facility clearances, or experience thresholds.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the prototype nature: Rapid prototyping contracts emphasize speed, iterative development, and demonstration of capability. Your proposal should emphasize agile development processes, clear里程碑 (milestones), and risk mitigation for technical challenges specific to miniaturized ultrasound systems—such as image quality tradeoffs, battery life, ruggedization, and thermal management.
Address operational environment: Military hand-carried ultrasound systems must typically function in austere conditions. Widely known considerations include shock/vibration resistance, temperature extremes, dust and moisture sealing, and compatibility with expeditionary power sources. See the solicitation for specific environmental and operational requirements.
Highlight portability and clinical workflow: Differentiate on weight, battery duration, boot time, probe versatility (e.g., phased array, linear, curvilinear), and connectivity for telemedicine or data export. If relevant, address cybersecurity for connected devices, as DoD medical systems increasingly require compliance with cyber frameworks.
Pricing strategy: Prototype efforts often use cost-reimbursement or hybrid contract types. See the solicitation for the specific contract vehicle and pricing structure. Ensure your cost proposal traces directly to technical tasks with sufficient detail for government evaluation.
Past performance: Cite relevant experience with portable diagnostic devices, DoD medical programs, or rapid prototyping efforts. Subcontracting relationships with established ultrasound component suppliers or military medical equipment providers may strengthen your technical approach.
Next steps
- Access the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number W91CRB-RPP-USHC.
- Review all attachments for detailed specifications, evaluation criteria, and proposal instructions—key details on prototype requirements, deliverables, and contract type are not included in the metadata.
- Note the deadline: Responses are due November 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time—plan for system registration, any required representations, and proposal submission well in advance.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →