ATTACHMENT_7_-_Topics_v3.docx

ATTACHMENT 7: LIST OF TOPICS

TOPIC: NT-19-DET-01

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES FOR NUCLEAR DETECTION

DTRA seeks solutions for the passive detection, location, and characterization of gamma and neutron radiation. Such approaches are expected to detect and identify the source decay in a variety of operational settings, as well as discriminate between SNM, industrial, medical and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Specifically, proposals should focus on emerging, enabling technologies that have demonstrated advanced capabilities, but not yet integrated into higher TRL detection systems. Proposals must demonstrate the new capability could be integrated into a system that would provide value to the DTRA mission during the performance of the effort. Proposals must include physical measurements and analysis to support potential improvements.

General areas of major improvement may include, but are not limited to: Sensor electronic packaging to meet harsh environmental use conditions, application of advanced integrated circuit design and manufacturing to processing radiation sensor output (size, power efficiency, cost, or functionality), prompt (nuclear chain reaction) dosimetry sensors, isotope identification algorithms, large area dose rate mapping, or high spatial resolution distributed source imaging. DTRA expects selected project(s) to be at TRL 5-6 by the end of the project.

DTRA will not consider proposals involving design or development of unmanned vehicles. Any proposals aimed at development of sensors for unmanned vehicles must be based on integration with commercial off-the-shelf or government off-the-shelf unmanned vehicle technologies. Solutions must clearly demonstrate potential for military utility.

DTRA will not consider proposals for static portal monitors, technologies based on active interrogation, capabilities based on 3He technology, and detectors requiring cryogenic operation at this time.

TOPIC: NT-19-DET-02

ENABLING ALGORITHIMS FOR NUCLEAR THREATS ANALYSIS AND MAPPING

US Forces conducting radiological/nuclear force protection and incident response missions require a wide range of tools for successful mission execution. They must be able to quickly identify and characterize potential threats and share information horizontally and vertically within their organizations. To develop the detailed understanding of the situation necessary for response, they must rely on many different types and sources of data and information. Recent advances in multisource sensors (CBRN detectors, threat imaging platforms, LIDAR, etc.) and networked data collection platforms provide more and varied data sources available for analysis; however, current multisource analysis remains ad-hoc. DTRA seeks novel algorithms to analyze multisource tactical edge data for both CBRN force protection and post radiological/nuclear incident response missions. Algorithms should enhance response forces' ability to develop a clear and concise understanding of their environment and provide direction for response. Solutions that are compatible with existing situational awareness tools used by the Department of Defense CBRN forces, such as Mobile Field Kit CBRN (MFK-CBRN) or Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), will be given preference. Solutions that may be updated as additional sensor data becomes available will be given preference. Solutions will be evaluated against the computational resources required (ex: a mobile solution with less operational relevance that may be selected over one that requires high performance computing).

Solutions may include, but are not limited to: Algorithms for search, localization, and identification from a network of many heterogeneous sensors; 2D dose rate, exposure rate, or similar topographical maps; 3D surface reconstructions of dose rate, exposure rate, count rate, or similar from imaging sensor(s), SLAM capabilities, LIDAR, or range finders; source location and strength from triangulation of multiple imaging sensor readings; and shielding and occluding material reconstruction from multiple heterogeneous sensors, to include imagers.

All assumptions about available networked sensors, their sensitivity, and any other relevant characteristics shall be clearly defined. Computing resources required, particularly high performance computing requirements, shall be clearly defined.

TOPIC: NT-19-DET-03

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES FOR NUCLEAR THREAT DETECTION

DTRA seeks innovative research and development on nuclear threat detection technologies. Nuclear threat detection is the finding, identifying, and tracking of nuclear weapons, special nuclear materials (SNM), and their networks via means that excludes ionizing radiation detection. Solutions may include, but are not limited to: the capability to find weapons and delivery systems; the capability to detect and track hostile non-state actors defending or guarding a nuclear weapon or SNM; and enhanced capabilities to identify individuals or transports without tagging. Weapons and SNM may be in or out of state controlled custody.

TOPIC: NT-19-FOR-01

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES FOR POST-DETONATION TECHNICAL NUCLEAR FORENSICS

DTRA seeks innovative research and development on technical nuclear forensics technologies, techniques and protocols. Technical nuclear forensic is the collection and exploitation of post-detonation materials, effects, and outputs that allow experts to assess weapon outputs and characterize its design. Solutions may include, but are not limited to: the capability to conduct prompt diagnostic analysis of an event (within 24-48 hours) that provides key information on weapon’s design and origin; enhanced capabilities to perform in-field analysis of gas and material samples; and improvement in lowering uncertainty of field measurements.

General areas of major improvement may include, but are not limited to traditional collection and analysis of gas, particulate, geophysical signals (seismic, acoustic, and overpressure), and speed of light signals (optical, radio-frequency, and gamma)). DTRA expects selected project(s) to be at TRL 5-6 by the end of the project.

TOPIC: NT-19-FOR-02

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES FOR MONITORING AND VERIFICATION OF NUCLEAR DETONATION EVENTS

DTRA seeks solutions for the detection, location, and characterization of a nuclear explosive event. Such approaches are expected to detect and identify the local aspects effecting output of the detonation, and the source of detonation as well as discriminate between nuclear and non-nuclear events. Specifically, proposals should focus on emerging, enabling technologies that have demonstrated advanced capabilities, but not yet integrated into higher TRL detection systems. Proposals must demonstrate that the new capability could be integrated into a system that would provide value to the DTRA mission during the performance of the effort.

General areas of major improvement may include, but are not limited to: Seismic (local, regional, and teleseismic), Infrasound (local, regional, and telesonic), and hydro acoustic modeling, detection and characterization; and radionuclide modeling, detection, collection, and analysis. DTRA expects selected project(s) to be at TRL 5-6 by the end of the project.