TAMPA, FL – January 27, 2026 – The U.S. Army has awarded Florida-based Ombra a Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract to develop VIGIL, a rugged sensor that detects airborne fentanyl, with carfentanil and other synthetic opioids planned for future detection capability.
Working with Purdue University, Ombra will deliver an AI-enhanced electrochemical platform capable of near real-time analysis in contested environments. The six-month effort facilitated by the U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory’s Army Research Office (ARO) under FY25.1 Topic A25.D (Synthetic Opioid Aerosol Sensing), runs through March 2026; strong results position the team for a Phase II to field prototypes for troops, law enforcement, and homeland security.
The Voltammetric Ionic-Gel Interface for Lethal-agent detection (VIGIL) platform aims to provide near-real-time analysis of collected samples in contested environments, building on CBC’s (Chemical Biological Center – U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center) ongoing carfentanil metabolism studies and the Joint Program Executive Office for CBRN Defense’s (JPEO-CBRND) opioid protection priorities.
“This technology would introduce a new rapid warning system for troops and first responders,” said Michael Fieldson, Ombra president and former U.S. Special Operations Command program manager. “VIGIL aims to advance how quickly they can detect and respond to airborne synthetic opioids.”
About Ombra
Ombra is a HUBZone-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in advanced manufacturing, engineering solutions, biometrics, space technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies. For more information, visit ombra.us.
Company Press Contact:
Michael Fieldson
Company President
Email: [email protected]/
Office: (844) 662-7241
This work is funded by the Chemical and Biological Defense Program and supported by the U.S. Army Research Office. The content of this information does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government, and no official endorsement should be inferred.
