FY2021 Topic Call Questions and Answers.pdf

DTRA BAA HDTRA1-18-S-0002

FY 2021 Topic Call Q&A

Question 1: Is there a DTRA roadmap or summary related to nuclear threat detection? I just reviewed the most recent BAA release, and would like to determine whether [my company’s capabilities] fit into any critical areas.

Answer 1: No other supporting information will be provided with this solicitation. Attachment 9 within the solicitation is intended to provide guidance specific to the program needs.

Question 2: TOPIC: NT-21-DET-01: When DTRA asks for a casualty dosimeter, does this mean a member of the military who was exposed to an ionizing radiation field while not wearing an issued dosimeter and so not anticipating being exposed or is there some other definition we should be aware of?

Answer 2: The casualty dosimeter would be intended to be permanently attached to uniforms and worn constantly. These dosimeters are to be analyzed when there is a very high dose due to suspected large exposure (nearby nuclear detonation).

Question 3: TOPIC: NT-21-DET-01: When DTRA asks for high doses, does this mean from

0.01 Gy up to 5 Gy or some other range? Is there an associated precision target with this?

Answer 3: A high dose is one that would be expected to result in adverse health effects within less than a day.

Question 4: Under the Enabling Algorithms category under NT-21-DET-01, can DTRA share any non-proprietary algorithms and analysis methods with potential bidders at least 2 weeks prior to Phase 1 proposal submission?

Answer 4: No additional information will be provided with this solicitation.

Question 5: Under the Enabling Algorithms category under NT-21-DET-01, what are the current shortcomings or particular challenges with current algorithms?

Answer 5: Shortcomings and challenges include but are not limited to computational requirements, False Positive classification, and False Negative classification.

Question 6: Under the Enabling Algorithms category under NT-21-DET-01, what is considered to be Nuclear Contamination – an industrial contamination site, a dirty bomb location, or other?

Answer 6: Please see Appendix C of “JP 3-11, Operations in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Environments, 29 October 2018.”

Question 7: TOPIC: NT-21-DET-01: Are there any performance specifications (frequency range, sensitivity in the detection band, dynamic range) for the EMP detector?

Answer 7: DTRA is seeking emerging technologies for nuclear EMP event classification with improved capabilities to indicate high true positive indication (nuclear detonations) and low false positive indication with common environmental stimulus (lightning, etc.). Use scenarios may range from dismounted operations, to mounted operations, to fixed command and control sites.

Question 8: TOPIC: NT-21-DET-01: Regarding EMP detectors, are there any size/weight/power requirements? Does the detector need to operate continuously or only need to operate for a period of time when the operator turns it on? Does it need to save the EMP data or just detect it?

Answer 8: See answer to question #7.

Question 9: TOPIC: NT-21-DET-01: Regarding EMP detectors, are there any requirements for the detection warning/display and/or data presentation?

Answer 9: No, other than that a detection warning/display which does not survive the detected EMP is fundamentally not useful following an event and potentially counterproductive to the user.

Question 10: I would like to ask a specific question about topic NT-21-DET-03

It is stated in the topic that "Solutions are sought for a wide range of scenarios to include enabling ground forces to recognize and maneuver around hazards (including, but not limited to radiation) resulting from the nuclear explosion."

And it is also stated that "Solutions addressing direct detection of ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, or neutron) will not be considered"

Would a method of sensor modification that allows common non-radiation sensors to indirectly detect radiation from nuclear fallout be considered responsive to this topic? Or is this too similar to the direct detection of radiation?

Answer 10: Methods for indirect detection of radiation using common non-radiation sensors that enables ground forces to recognize and maneuver around hazards are responsive to the topic.

Question 11: Are proposers allowed to submit one white paper per topic or are proposers only allowed to submit one white paper for the entire Broad Agency Announcement?

Answer 11: There is no limitation to the number of Phase I proposals an offeror may submit, both for the entire Broad Agency Announcement or per topic. Each concept that could result in a Phase II proposal must be presented in a separate Phase I proposal.