Robotic and Autonomous Construction Equipment (RA-CE)

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Army is seeking to assess the current state of commercially available remote and autonomous technologies that can be integrated with existing construction equipment platforms for combat engineering missions. The goal is to inform Army leadership about the commercial landscape for robotics and autonomy in heavy construction equipment, identify opportunities for industry collaboration, and shape an acquisition strategy that delivers proven capabilities to the Joint Force. Work Details The Army is interested in solutions that can retrofit or integrate with the following construction equipment: medium dozers, High Mobility Engineer Excavators (HMEE), and skid steer loaders. Additionally, they are looking for site reconnaissance and surveying capabilities provided by unmanned aerial systems (UASs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), as well as mobile or compact command and control solutions. The focus is on integrating commercial autonomy stacks, perception systems, AI/Machine Learning decision aids, and robotic kits with existing equipment to enhance lethality, survivability, and operational tempo. Period of Performance The geographic location(s) the product will be delivered to or performed at. Bidder Requirements Responses are sought from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and technology providers. There are no specific bidder requirements mentioned regarding set-aside status or certifications; however, it is implied that respondents should have capabilities related to remote and autonomous technologies applicable to heavy construction equipment. Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail) This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent and/or closely related prior contract with JCB, which has multiple Army awards for High Mobility Engineer Excavators (HMEE) production and follow-on support, including W56HZV20D0084 valued at $178,157,548 (06/26/20–06/26/28). The prior work centers on producing HMEE variants and related attachments/hardware and providing product support/logistics, which aligns with the current RFI’s focus on integrating remote/autonomous technology into existing construction equipment platforms such as HMEE.