Design West Technologies Selected as Sole Source Contractor for FAMS-S Small and Large Variants

Tustin, CA — Design West Technologies (DWT) has been selected as the sole source contractor for the Forward Area Mobility Spray-System – Small (FAMS-S Small) and Large (FAMS-S Large) Variants, reinforcing the company’s role as a key provider of expeditionary chemical and biological decontamination solutions for the U.S. Special Operations Forces community. In addition to system production and sustainment, DWT will provide comprehensive New Equipment Training (NET) to ensure operational units achieve rapid proficiency and safe, effective employment of the systems.

The Forward Area Mobility Spray-System (FAMS-S) family consists of three variants—Man Portable, Small Variant, and Large Variant—designed to meet the diverse operational requirements of special operations units operating in forward, hostile, and denied environments.

The FAMS-S Small Variant is designed for flexible mounted or dismounted use from the Lightweight Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV). It provides the capability to decontaminate chemical and biological warfare agents from the exterior surfaces of military aircraft, vehicles, and support equipment to a level that enables safe reuse without the need for personal protective equipment. The system features a robust frame with an integrated 50-gallon tank and a detachable spray manifold, enabling modular operation with virtually any water source. Power is supplied by two electric motors that can operate on either 110-volt shore power or 24-volt vehicle power when integrated with the LTATV. To support rapid deployment, the Small Variant is engineered for air-drop operations using parachute delivery and can be sling-loaded for low-level transport. 

The FAMS-S Large Variant extends these capabilities to larger platforms, supporting mounted or dismounted operations from the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) M1279A1 Utility Variant. Like the Small Variant, it enables effective removal of chemical and biological agents from aircraft, vehicles, and support equipment in austere environments, restoring assets to operational use without requiring personnel to wear protective gear. The Large Variant is also designed for air-droppable operations with parachute delivery and sling transport at low altitudes, ensuring rapid fielding to remote or contested locations.

As part of the award, DWT will deliver New Equipment Training tailored to operators and maintainers. The training program will include system setup and teardown, mounted and dismounted employment techniques, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures. Instruction will be provided through a blended approach combining classroom-based technical instruction with hands-on field training, ensuring personnel can confidently operate and sustain the systems in operational environments. Training materials and technical documentation will support long-term sustainment and knowledge transfer within units.

DWT’s selection as the sole source contractor for both the Small and Large Variants underscores the company’s technical expertise in designing rugged, modular systems tailored for special operations missions. The award ensures continuity in system development, production, training, and lifecycle support, while enhancing the ability of U.S. forces to rapidly respond to chemical and biological threats in the most challenging operational theaters.

With this award, Design West Technologies continues to strengthen its partnership with the Department of War and the Special Operations community, delivering mission-critical solutions that improve force protection, operational readiness, and survivability in forward areas.