The US Army has issued a request for information for an enhanced version of its troubled Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), signaling a potential recompete of the $22-billion program.
Named “IVAS Next,” the new version aims to transform how soldiers see, train, and fight on the battlefield while addressing major issues identified with previous iterations.
“IVAS provides soldiers and squads a single platform for increased lethality, mobility, and situational awareness,” the US Army stated. “It is a ‘fight first’ system with the benefit of rehearsal and training capabilities.”
Interested vendors have until February 26 to respond with their solutions.
The US Army emphasized that the request does not constitute a formal request for proposals, nor does it guarantee a recompete of the IVAS program.
Requirements
Interested companies must submit a one-page summary detailing their technical approach for IVAS Next, including key features, expected performance, and readiness level.
The army is seeking a body-worn system with night vision capabilities, company-level communications, and supporting software.
Human-machine integration, visual comfort, and enhanced situational awareness are also top priorities.
Additionally, vendors may provide a sample of their offering, which could either be a non-functional 3D-printed model or a functional tabletop prototype.
Potential Vendors
The IVAS Next program first came to light in August 2024, with reports indicating the US Army is considering reopening the competition for next-generation IVAS goggles.
Early interest has come from companies such as Anduril, L3Harris, Palantir, and the American arms of Elbit Systems and BAE Systems.
Kopin — the developer of F-35 helmet display technology — was also named a potential contender.
Current IVAS developer Microsoft has not ruled out participating in the recompete despite the negative feedback surrounding earlier versions.
The IVAS program has evolved through three iterations: IVAS 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2, but soldiers have reported issues such as disorientation, dizziness, eyestrain, and headaches after using the equipment.
