SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Detection of Trace Amounts of Explosives
- Notice Date
- 4/30/2009
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 325920
— Explosives Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, Washington, District of Columbia, 20528, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20528
- Solicitation Number
- DHSRFI-09-0530
- Archive Date
- 6/27/2009
- Point of Contact
- Barry T. Smith, Phone: 609-813-2844, Renee Bayton,, Phone: (202) 254-5387
- E-Mail Address
-
barry.t.smith@dhs.gov, renee.bayton@dhs.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- 1.1 Introduction The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) in collaboration with the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office Technical Support Working Group (CTTSO TSWG) issues this Request for Information (RFI) regarding standoff optical techniques for the detection of trace quantities of explosives on vehicles. The request is a focused market survey of any technology that meets the standoff requirement and detects total explosive amounts in the sub-microgram range. Proponents of technologies of varying Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from concept formulation (defined as TRL 2) to deployable systems (defined as TRL 9) are invited to submit descriptions of their systems and concept applications. 1.2 Background: In the manufacture and transport of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED), there are trace amounts of the explosive deposited on the outer surfaces of the vehicle. This could be due to human handling of the IED with subsequent transfer to the surface, a contaminated area used for IED manufacture, or the IED shedding trace amounts as it is being loaded into the vehicle. Developing standoff techniques would mitigate the ominous hazard imposed on personnel involved in contact trace sampling. This Concept of Operation (CONOP) is the topic of explosive trace detection research in a number of government and private sector laboratories. A successfully deployed non-contact system will detect sub-microgram amounts of explosives spread across defined surface areas (several hundred square centimeters) at substantial standoff (>20 meters) within seconds, while incurring a very low false alarm rate, and will be robust enough to perform in a variety of weather conditions. Successful technologies will be eye-safe. Identifying the type of explosive threat is also desirable for many CONOPS but not mandatory. These requirements present a daunting technical challenge that spans scientific disciplines and requires creative approaches using novel techniques. 1.3 Objective: Submissions to this RFI will be used to assess the state of the art for the standoff trace detection of VBIEDs using optical techniques. Additionally, the RFI will identify technologies that may be applied to standoff detection with further development. It is anticipated that some responses will describe systems that are at a TRL greater than 5. A TRL 5 system is defined: The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include high fidelity laboratory integration of components and software. Systems that are eye-safe and do not damage surfaces as they are interrogated are preferred. Systems that can scan hundreds of square centimeters for explosive particles are also desirable. Submissions may also describe systems below a TRL of 5. Technologies that fall under this category may include ones that are currently being developed for other CONOPS or may be entirely novel approaches. 1.4 RFI Submission Requirements: To respond to this RFI please provide no more than a ten-page white paper describing the system. Please provide one original hard copy and a CD containing an electronic copy. White papers must be in Microsoft Word Format. Responses of more than 10 pages will not be reviewed. Please explicitly include the following (as appropriate) in the response: Discussion of technology and measurement technique, Laser wavelength and power, Laser safety requirements, Operational range of system, Response information provided by system, Minimum and maximum trace levels detectable for each explosive, Scan area, Scan time, Response time, Diagram and picture of system, Power requirements, Site requirements, if any, Date of availability, Maturity of system (Technical Readiness Level) Independent Reports (include as an addendum, not included in 10 page limit), Listing of past, current, and projected government funding for your organization as it pertains to the work being described, Responses should include name, telephone number, and an E-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to discuss responses with the government representatives. 1.5 General Guidelines White papers should be no more than ten (10) pages in length including any and all appendices and attachments. Submissions must be received no later than 5:00 PM, U.S. Eastern Standard Time, June 12, 2009. Any company proprietary information, performance capabilities and/or future modification plans should be clearly identified and marked. Companies are solely responsible for any and all expenses incurred pursuant to responding to this RFI. This RFI is issued solely for purposes of conducting market research and does not constitute any current or future commitment by the Government. Unsolicited proposals in response to this RFI will not be considered. A one page cover letter that provides a brief summary of the response and indicating if supporting documentation is included. The white paper must address all areas of information requested by this RFI. 1.6 Company Contact Information Respondents shall designate a single point of contact for receipt of all information pursuant to this RFI. 1.7 Requests for Additional Information All Questions in reference to the white paper will be accepted from May 1, 2009 to May 28, 2008. After May 28, 2008 no questions will be accepted. All Questions and requests for additional information should be sent to the Primary Point of Contact at barry.t.smith@dhs.gov. 1.8 Content of Submissions The initial response will undergo a technical assessment that may be followed by clarifications for further information. No awards will be made from this RFI. The response should be received no later than June 12, 2009. The response should be sent via mail with the RFI number (DHSRFI-09-0530) promptly displayed on the cover letter and in the subject box of the email. One electronic submission in of white paper in readable format must be in MS Word format should be sent electronically to the follow: Primary Point of Contact: Barry T. Smith Transportation Security Laboratory W.J. Hughes Technical Center, Bldg 315 Atlantic City, NJ 08405 Phone: 609-813-2844 Email: barry.t.smith@dhs.gov Secondary Point of Contact: Renee J. Bayton Science & Technology (S&T) Division DHS Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) 245 Murray Lane, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20528 Phone: (202) 254-5387 Fax: (202) 254-5393 Email: renee.bayton@hq.dhs.gov
- Web Link
-
FedBizOpps Complete View
(https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=a43abdd5ff69b55ea47b74b9c155109d&tab=core&_cview=1)
- Place of Performance
- Address: United States
- Record
- SN01805762-W 20090502/090430220904-a43abdd5ff69b55ea47b74b9c155109d (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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