Army issues sole-source notice of intent for 'enhanced' IFPC-HPM prototype

By Dan Schere / October 4, 2024 at 4:23 PM

The Army this week issued a notice of intent to sole source for the next prototype of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability's (IFPC) High Power Microwave system to Epirus, Inc.

The Oct. 3 notice states the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office has a requirement to develop an “enhanced” IFPC-HPM prototype known as GEN II.

According to the Army, IFPC-HPM is intended to provide “short-range protection for fixed and semi-fixed sites” for swarm attacks from small unmanned aerial systems, which are those weighing 55 pounds or less.

The service awarded Epirus a $66.1 million contract to Epirus in January 2023 for four IFPC-HPM prototypes that were to undergo testing in fiscal year 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service. The last two of the four systems were delivered to the Army this past May.

This week’s notice states the GEN II prototype of the system will incorporate soldier feedback from engineering developmental tests of the existing IFPC-HPM system design from Epirus. Initial delivery is planned for the first quarter of FY-26, according to the Army.

The notice states the Army believes Epirus “is the only responsible source capable of developing and delivering the prototypes within the required schedule,” and that competition “is not practicable and will not meet mission fielding requirements.”

IFPC is a key part of the Army’s broader air and missile defense modernization effort. Additionally, it is among the technologies that has been mentioned publicly when it comes to joint efforts by the Army and Air Force to provide protection for air bases.

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