Q AND A 191NLE26Q0079.docx

191NLE26Q0079 – Q & A

1. Why does the specification request a lower X-ray source energy than current market-leading handheld imagers? Recent procurements have specified 160keV sources providing greater steel penetration and are now considered the operational standard. Can the specification be updated to reflect current best practice?

1. The previous purchase of these scanners used 140 kV and still is acceptable, However, there is no problem with updating it upon availability of 160 kV.

1. Why does the specification not address hot-swappable battery architecture? Hot-swappable batteries eliminate downtime during extended field operations and have been included in recent procurements for this mission type. Can the Government clarify whether this configuration is acceptable or preferred?

1. This configuration is acceptable.

1. Will the Government accept offers including a direct-connection transmission arm in addition to or in place of a panel configuration? A transmission arm provides greater steel penetration than a panel alone, and many operators prefer access to both configurations to optimize performance across varying mission sets.

1. Either the arm or panel configuration is acceptable as long as it meets the mission requirements.

1. The specification does not define a minimum field of view (FOV) for the backscatter imaging system. A FOV of at or greater than 80 degrees is operationally significant as it reduces blind spots at the edges of the scan area where threats may be concealed. Can the Government specify a minimum FOV requirement consistent with current best-in-class handheld imagers?

1. The minimum FOV is 80 degrees or greater.

1. The specification does not define a minimum linear scan coverage at operational depth. A coverage of no less than 300mm at 125mm from the scan face ensures operators can inspect a meaningful area in a single pass, reducing missed detections at the scan periphery. Can the Government clarify whether a minimum scan coverage requirement will be included?

1. The scan coverage requirements are: A coverage of at least 300 mm at 125 mm.

1. The specification does not address backscatter steel penetration performance. Current market-leading handheld imagers are capable of visualizing organic threats through 10–12mm of steel using backscatter imaging, verified against a standardized HDPE block test. Can the Government specify a minimum backscatter penetration requirement to ensure operators can detect organically concealed threats behind dense shielding?

1. The minimum backscatter penetration requirement is 12 mm.

1. The specification does not address backscatter image resolution across the full field of view. Can the Government specify resolution requirements both at the center of the beam and at defined offsets of at least 50mm to ensure full-width image quality?

1. The resolution requirements both at the center of the beam and at defined distances of at least 50 mm must be specified to ensure image quality throughout the field of view.

1. The specification does not address automatic material detection capabilities. Current market-leading systems include real-time automatic detection of lead shielding — a known concealment method for contraband and weapons — using an onboard CdTe detector, without relying on operator visual interpretation alone. Can the Government clarify whether automatic material identification capabilities such as lead detection are within scope?

1. It must be capable of identifying lead (Pb) in real time. The unit must issue a visual alert to the operator upon the presence of lead.

1. The specification does not address AI-assisted threat detection capabilities such as automatic gun detection, region-of-interest segmentation, or automatic material colorization. These capabilities are available in current generation handheld imagers and directly reduce operator cognitive load during high-tempo inspections. Can the Government clarify whether AI-assisted detection and image analysis tools are within scope and should be included in technical proposals?

1. AI-assisted image detection and analysis tools are not within the scope of the project, but they should be included in the technical specifications, even if they are not mandatory.

1. Can the Government specify a minimum image resolution standard for backscatter imaging consistent with current best-in-class handheld imagers, given that image clarity is directly tied to operator ability to identify threats?

1. The minimum should be 800 pixels per frame.

1. Can the Government confirm whether AI-assisted image analysis and threat detection capabilities are within scope, and whether offerors should include software capability descriptions in their technical proposals?

1. AI-assisted image analysis and threat detection capabilities are not included in the scope of the project; since they are not included, offerors are not required to include descriptions of the software’s capabilities in their technical proposals.

1. The specification does not address radioactive material detection capability. Current generation handheld imagers are available with integrated energy-resolving solid-state detectors capable of identifying radioactive isotopes in real time during routine scans, without requiring separate equipment. Can the Government clarify whether radiological detection capability is within scope for this procurement?

1. This capability is not specified in the scope of the project.

1. This solicitation appears to specify a capability level below that procured in prior awards for this mission type. Can the Government confirm whether the intent is to maintain continuity with prior procurement standards, and if a lower capability threshold has been deliberately chosen, provide the operational rationale?

1. The equipment previously donated to the units was used as a reference; however, over time, this equipment has fallen behind due to innovation and the application of artificial intelligence. Therefore, this equipment must be upgraded to meet the standards of the new technology available on the market.