Optical_Trace_RFI_Rev1.docx

Evaluation of Standoff Optical Techniques for the Detection of Trace Amounts of Explosives on Vehicles and Visible Powders Agency: CTTSO/TSWG:

Location: TSWG

Notice Type: Special Notice Added: June 23, 2015

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that The Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) will take procurement action in this matter. Further, neither CTTSO nor the Government will be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information.”

The Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office Technical Support Working Group (CTTSO TSWG) issues this RFI regarding evaluation of standoff optical techniques for the detection of trace and macroscopic quantities of explosives on vehicles, personnel, and surfaces. This request is in collaboration with Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T). 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 to visible quantities (e.g., visible powders from heavy fingerprints, or macroscopic powder remnants). Proponents of technologies of varying Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from concept formulation (defined as TRL 3) to deployable systems (defined as TRL 9) are invited to submit descriptions of their systems and concept applications. This is a volunteer based evaluation program, and no funds will be provided to any performer for additional development prior to the test or reimbursement for participation in the evaluation.

Background:

In the manufacture and transport of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) and PBIED, there are trace amounts of the explosive deposited on the outer surfaces, e.g, the subject’s 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. The placement of IED in a roadway or path may also provide a more highly contaminated area with visible noticeable quantities of an unknown explosive residue. 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. These requirements present a daunting technical challenge that spans scientific disciplines and requires creative approaches using novel techniques.

Objective:

Submissions to this RFI will be used to assess the state of the art for the standoff trace detection of VBIEDs and PBIED’s 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. Submitters describing systems at TRL 5 or greater may be requested to participate in an assessment. The assessment will challenge the systems in a simulated environment, with double blind test articles, which mimic automobile, fabric or other surfaces, and will require operation by the provider with government oversight. The goal of the assessment will be to confirm standoff detection capabilities of realistic levels of trace explosives in a simulated environment.

Submissions that describe systems below a TRL of 5 may not participate in the assessment. However, a visit to the submitter’s site to observe the technical capabilities described in the RFI may be requested. Technologies that fall under this category may include ones that are currently being developed for other CONOPS or may be entirely novel approaches.

It is anticipated that submitters to this RFI will benefit by learning more about the requirements of standoff detection and this may help guide their development goals.

RFI Submission Requirements:

To respond to this RFI please provide no more than a ten-page data package describing the system offered for assessment. Please provide one original electronic copy. Data packages must be in Microsoft Word Format of 10 pages or less. Please explicitly include the following (as appropriate) in the response:

• Discussion of technology and measurement technique,

• Laser wavelength and power (if applicable),

• Laser safety requirements (if applicable),

• Operational range of system,

• Response information provided by system,

• Minimum and maximum trace levels detectable for each explosive the system can detect,

• 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)

• 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.

The initial response will undergo a technical assessment that may be followed by requests for clarifications or an invitation to participate in the government conducted technology assessment. This is, in no manner, an opportunity to submit a proposal for development funding. No awards will be made from this RFI.

This request is open for responses until December 31, 2016. Data packages may be submitted throughout the open period and will be evaluated as received with priority given to those received first. It is highly recommended to submit as early as possible. The response should be sent with RFI-15-13739 promptly displayed on the subject line to:

opticaltrace@cttso.gov

Raman-Off RFI MARCH 2015