13.2_DHS_ST_SBIR_Solicitation_Topic_4_Addendum.pdf

Department of Homeland Security

Science and Technology Directorate

Washington, DC

Structural Collapse Prediction

Operational Requirements Document

April 9, 2013 Science and Technology Directorate Department of Homeland Security

DISTRIBUTION NOTICE: Approved for Public Release ii

Table of Contents

1.0 General Description of Operational Capability

1.1 Capability Gap

1.2 Overall Mission Area Description

1.3 Description of the Proposed System

1.4 Supporting Analysis

1.5 Mission the Proposed System Will Accomplish

1.6 Operational and Support Concept

1.6.1 Concept of Operations

1.6.2 Support Concept

2.0 Threat

3.0 Existing Technology Shortfalls

4.0 Capabilities Required

4.1 Operational Performance Parameters (T: Threshold / O: Objective)

4.1.1 Simple Operation

4.1.2 Distance Measurement (Ranging)

4.1.3 Compatibility with Existing Personal Protective Equipment

4.1.4 Signal Strength and Durability

4.1.5 Size and Weight

4.1.6 Alert Functionality

4.2 System Performance

4.2.1 Mission Scenarios

4.2.2 Compatibility and Interoperability

4.2.3 Human Interface Requirements

4.2.4 Logistics and Readiness

5.0 System Support

5.1 Maintenance

5.2 Supply

5.3 Support Equipment

5.4 Training

5.5 Storage

6.0 Schedule

7.0 System Affordability

1.0 General Description of Operational Capability

Numerous first responders have been killed in the line of duty as a result of structural collapse, including the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center collapse. In addition to enhancing the safety of firefighters and other first responders, structural collapse prediction technology has the potential to enhance the safety of civilians by identifying the possibility of collapse allowing them to exit safely. This in turn, can further enhance the safety of responders by identifying structures that have been rendered unstable by fires, earthquakes, or other causes.

There is a need for accurate and easily deployable technology to predict structural collapse to reduce these incidents. The development of a small vibration sensing technology to include the development of hardware with wireless solid state electronic sensors and base display unit, as well as the interpretation algorithm necessary to translate the vibration data from the sensor into a

“green/yellow/red” tactical decision aid to alert incident commanders to a pending collapse is needed.

The DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) United States Fire Administration

(USFA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have been investigating the use of new measurement technologies in the fire environment for the prediction of structural collapse. This includes the use of thermal imaging technology to measure temperature, lasers to measure building displacement, and vibration sensors to measure changes in the frequency of the building structure during the fire. Full-scale fire experiments have been conducted on a number of structures, including “traditional wood frame” engineered wood truss and lightweight steel truss construction. The results of these experiments indicated that the vibration sensing technique has the best potential for reliable prediction of structural collapse. As a result, the project is focused on this technology. While vibration sensing technology has the best potential for reliable prediction of structural collapse, the large device used in initial collapse prediction experiments is cumbersome and rudimentary. There is a need for continuing research to support the development of a smaller advanced prototype.

1.1 Capability Gap

Current Structural Collapse Prediction technology is large and cumbersome. There is a need to develop a smaller, more advanced prototype technology that will be more deployable throughout the first responder community to protect the lives of fire fighters, rescue workers, and other emergency responders.

1.2 Overall Mission Area Description

There is a need to accurately predict structural collapse so that interior operations are abandoned and evacuation occurs.

1.3 Description of the Proposed System

The development of a small vibration sensing technology, to include the development of hardware with wireless solid state electronic sensors and base display unit, as well as the interpretation algorithm necessary to translate the vibration data from the sensor into a "green/yellow/red" tactical decision aid to alert incident commanders to a pending collapse is needed. This research would support the need to develop real-time structural stability assessment tools for emergency responders, including FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, to use at a distance.

While vibration sensing technology has the best potential for reliable prediction of structural collapse, the large device used in initial collapse prediction experiments is cumbersome and rudimentary. There is a need for continuing research to support the development of a smaller advanced prototype. Research findings from this project would be provided to the National Fire

Protection Association’s (NFPA) Electronic Safety Equipment Committee.

1.4 Supporting Analysis

The USFA supported report from NIST, Trends in Firefighter Fatalities Due to Structural

Collapse, 1979-2002 states that there were more than 180 on-duty firefighter fatalities due to structural collapse, not including those firefighters lost in 2001 in the collapse of the World Trade

Center Towers. Structural collapse is an insidious problem within the firefighting community. It often occurs without warning and can easily cause multiple fatalities. USFA’s Provisional Report on Firefighter On-Duty Firefighter Fatalities for 2012 indicates that 4.8 percent were due to collapse.

1.5 Mission the Proposed System Will Accomplish

The mission of the proposed system is to provide for a new technology for the prediction of structural collapse for emergency responders.

1.6 Operational and Support Concept

1.6.1 Concept of Operations

Firefighters and other first responders often operate in extreme incident environments which can include all types of National Incident Management System (NIMS) situations. These incident environments may expose the first responders and their equipment to extreme high and low temperatures and humidity, thermal radiation, direct flame contact or exposure, very noisy and smoky conditions in outdoor, indoor and or subterranean areas. In addition, during the response or rescue mission the responder may become entrapped due to structural collapse even in relatively small incidents, including single family dwellings.

1.6.2 Support Concept

This system shall be usable in all emergency incidents where structural collapse may be a hazard, including arduous field conditions. It shall be easily deployable and operated.

2.0 Threat

The threat of structural collapse is a real threat for firefighters and other emergency responders.

Numerous firefighters have been killed on-duty as a result of structural collapse, including the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center collapse.

Brassell, Lori D., Evans, David D., “Trends in Firefighter Fatalities Due to Structural Collapse, 1979-2002,” Fire

Research Division, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, November, 2003.

http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/fire03/PDF/f03024.pdf http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/fire03/PDF/f03024.pdf

Firefighters, other first responders, and civilians are killed and injured consistently from collapse, including incidents involving single family dwellings.

3.0 Existing Technology Shortfalls

There is a need for research in this area to continue the past research of the Department of

Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), as well as that of the NIST, DHS FEMA United States Fire Administration (USFA) and others. USFA and NIST have been investigating the use of new measurement technologies in the fire environment for the prediction of structural collapse. This includes the use of thermal imaging technology to measure temperature, lasers to measure building displacement, and vibration sensors to measure changes in the frequency of the building structure during the fire. Full-scale fire experiments have been conducted on a number of structures, including "traditional wood frame" engineered wood truss and lightweight steel truss construction. The results of these experiments indicated that the vibration sensing technique has the best potential for reliable prediction of structural collapse. As a result, the project has become more focused on this technology.

4.0 Capabilities Required

4.1 Operational Performance Parameters (T: Threshold / O: Objective) System shall to translate the vibration data from the sensor into a "green/yellow/red" tactical decision aid to alert incident commanders and firefighters, and other emergency responders to a pending collapse with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness (T).

4.1.1 Simple Operation

Total System

The system shall:

Consist of an effective system sensing technology to include the development of hardware with wireless solid state electronic sensors and base display unit, as well as the interpretation algorithm necessary to translate the vibration data from the sensor into a "green/yellow/red" tactical decision aid to alert incident commanders to a pending collapse. This research would support the need to develop real-time structural stability assessment tools for emergency responders, including FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, to use at a distance(T);

Operate both inside and outside building structures of varying sizes and composition (O);

Provide data points and visualization for first responder (O);

Provide connectivity between active first responders and incident management team at all times (O);

Have the ability to connect to all nodes (O);

Not impede activities, sight or hearing of first responders (T);

Be compatible with existing first responder equipment and procedures (T);

Require little to no set-up time and set-up time shall be within and commensurate with typical operational procedures (O);

Operate autonomously with internal controls for fault management and redundancy (O);

Be intrinsically safe (T);

Support rescue teams to locate first responders in need (T);

Minimize training requirements, optimize human performance (O);

Have a minimum incident life of 4 hours (T) with a minimum of 12 hours preferred (O) for all components. The system shall include commercially available AC/DC power source(s)

(T); and

Impose no additional manpower requirements on first responders, and be operable by the expected population in terms of cognitive skills as well as anthropometrics (O).

Packaging

The system shall function in extreme temperatures (hot and cold), extreme humidity, high altitude, and extremely wet conditions typical of operational environments encountered by first responders

(T).

Sensor Hardware

The system shall:

Have a design that allows for flexible integration of sensor into one platform with non-proprietary “plug and play” interfaces (O);

Operate in any operational environment, such as subterranean and above ground structures of varying sizes and composition; and provide equal performance and reliability of current

COTS GPS systems in outdoor environments (O);

Provide accurate and reliable location measurements to be processed on host and/or at the base station (T); and

Allow for other to-be-determined (TBD) components and sensors that improve the host’s safety or effectiveness (O).

Processor

The system shall:

Be able to run all necessary software, including navigation algorithm, management modules

(alarm, fault, and data), communications protocols, security and other supporting software in real time and compatible with operational requirements (T); and

Provide an open platform to run other supporting applications (T).

Fault management

The system shall:

Undergo a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) throughout the development cycle to systematically identify potential failures in the system or any subsystem (T); and

Manage systems faults internally and provide self-healing options for continual operation of the system (T).

Data management (includes personalization options)

Each host shall be able to collect and store data for a minimum of 45 minutes with network connectivity and a minimum of 240 minutes (4 hours) without network connectivity (T). The system shall be capable of collecting data during an incident for instant replay on scene and for training (O).

Security

The system shall accommodate industry security standards for wireless networks (T).

Data transfer

The system shall include the necessary functionality and interface to allow data transfer at the incident from external sources (T).

Real-time visualization - Floor maps

The system shall:

Show accurate 2D and 3D coordinates of structure, including those structures or portions of structures that have the potential for collapse (T);

Be able to generate 2D and 3D representations of the affected building and the incident scene using a map utilizing the 2D and 3D coordinate system as the first responder location coordinate system (T);

Be able to show and add architectural elements, such as doors, windows, elevators, and stairs, as needed and available (O);

Display all geospatial data at a user-selectable scale (O);

Include the ability to update conditions as required, as well as illustrations of safe routes

(O); and

Provide several aspects of the same scene (for example, show multiple exits and hazards)

(O).

Standards

During the development process, the following standards must be taken into consideration that include, but not limited to:

Shall be ruggedized to survive in normal operational environments to comply with relevant

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society for Testing and Materials

(ASTM), and other standards (T);

Shall be compatible with common operating environment, including mapping (i.e., U.S.

National Grid) (T);

Shall be tested for intrinsic safety as specified in American National Standards

Institute/Underwriters Laboratories (ANSI/UL) 913, Standard for Intrinsically Safe

Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1 Hazardous

(Classified) Locations, and shall meet the requirements for Class I, Groups C and D, and

Class II, Groups E, F, and G, Division 1 hazardous locations (O);

System shall utilize the Open Systems Interface (OSI) model for data communications as described in International Organization for Standardization (IOS) 7498-1 (T);

System shall utilize Project 25 open communication standards (O);

System shall comply with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1451

“Non-Incendiary Criteria” (T);

System shall comply with NFPA 1800: Standard on Electronic Safety Equipment for

Emergency Services. The NFPA 1800 Standard specifies the design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for electronic safety equipment used by emergency services personnel during emergency incident operations. It specifies requirements for the systems, protection layers, and devices using electronics embedded in or associated with new emergency services electronic safety equipment (T);

System shall comply with NFPA 1982: Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS).

The NFPA 1982 Standard specifies minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification for all Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) for emergency services personnel. It specifies the requirements for all new PASS, including but not limited to stand-alone PASS and integrated PASS (T);

System shall comply with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health National

Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NIOSH NPPTL) Functional Safety for

Programmable Electronics Used in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Best Practice

Recommendations (T);

System shall comply with the current NFPA fire service health and safety, as well as fire service operational standards such as NFPA 1500 Fire Department Occupational Safety and

Health Program, 1521 Fire Department Safety Officer, 1561 Emergency Services Incident

Management System, 1670 Operations and Training for Technical Rescue, etc. (T);

System shall support the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident

Command System (ICS) (O);

System shall be compatible with PPE used by firefighters and emergency responders, including Structural Firefighting Protective Clothing (per NFPA 1971), Hazardous Materials

/Weapons of Mass Destruction (HAZMAT/WMD) Protective Suits (per NFPA 1991, NFPA

1992, and NFPA 1994), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (per NPFA 1981), Rescue

Personal Protective Clothing (per NFPA 1951), EMS Response Clothing (per NFPA 1999), and Duty Work Uniform (per NFPA 1975). This would include not causing heat transfer potential leading to burns, causing interference with air seals, allowing contaminants through PPE, not causing electric shock or conduction, causing entanglements or having device interfering with ability to safely operate, etc.;

System shall be tested by manufacturers according to ISO 17025, general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (T); and

Shall be listed to ANSI/ISA-12.12.01, Nonincendive Electrical Equipment for Use in Class I and II, Division 2 and Class III, Divisions 1 and 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations, and shall meet the requirements for at least Class I, Division 2, Groups C and D hazardous locations; and with a Temperature Class of T3 through T6 (T).

4.1.2 Distance Measurement (Ranging)

Signal Propagation

The system shall:

Have a minimum range of 15 meters (49.21ft) with 30 meters (98.43ft) preferred, for non-line-of-sight communications (through walls of standard high rise buildings such as concrete and steel, rubble, etc.) (T); and

Have a minimum range of 30 meters with a minimum of 100 meters (328ft) preferred, for line-of-sight communication (T).

4.1.3 Compatibility with Existing Personal Protective Equipment Packaging

The system shall:

Be portable and transportable by a single first responder, based on ergonometric standards and operational procedures (T); and

Be operable by users wearing gloves and protective clothing in environments including high temperatures, reduced visibility, high levels of noise, and confined spaces (T).

4.1.4 Signal Strength and Durability

Signal Propagation

The system shall:

Experience constant propagation above ground, below ground and outside of buildings;

inside or outside of structures; and through rubble (O); and

Be able to transmit/receive user-defined data, to incident command posts, first responders, an off-site emergency operations center, and/or other authorized parties (O).

4.1.5 Size and Weight

Packaging

The system shall:

Be the minimum weight possible, commensurate with the ergonometric standards and operational procedures (O); and

Be of the minimum size and weight which would include packaging, power source and all components, which would not interfere or be burdensome with operational procedures performed by the fire service and other responders (O).

4.1.6 Alert Functionality

Alarm notification

The system shall:

Have the ability to issue an alarm (O);

Provide alarm notification of user-defined parameters (O);

Have an alarm frequency identical for each unit produced (O);

Have an alarm tone audible in identical but variable or non-continuous tone (O);

The reason for the alarm shall be immediately identifiable by the user (O);

Be capable of being manually dismissed by at least two separate and distinct manual actions to silence the alarm signal once the alarm situation has been responded to (O);

Provide an evacuation alert from the incident management team to a customizable group of first responders (O);

Work with legacy Personnel Alerting Safety Systems (PASS) (T);

Have a false alarm error rate of at-risk responders of no more than 10% (O); and

Be designed to comply with human systems integration standards/principles (O).

4.2 System Performance

4.2.1 Mission Scenarios

This structural collapse technology would be used in numerous firefighting and other emergency response operations in extreme incident environments, which can include all types of National

Incident Management System (NIMS) situations. These incident environments may expose the first responders and their equipment to extreme high and low temperatures and humidity, thermal radiation, direct flame contact or exposure, very noisy and smoky conditions in outdoor, indoor and or subterranean areas. In addition, during the response or rescue mission the responder may become entrapped due to structural collapse even in relatively small incidents, including single family dwellings.

4.2.2 Compatibility and Interoperability

Any technology developed as a result of the requirements described herein shall be done so in such a way as to ensure it will meet all established standards and pass all established certifications which govern a device of this nature to ensure the safety of first responder use. The system shall be compatible with existing personal protective equipment as discussed below. The software required shall be compatible with existing mobile command terminal/laptop software.

The technology shall be modular to allow integration with current first responder systems and equipment, such as but not limited to:

1. PASS and other legacy emergency responder personnel accountability and tracking technology;

2. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA);

3. PPE;

4. Current radio communications and emergency frequencies;

5. Thermal imaging cameras;

6. HAZMAT equipment;

7. Air quality sensors;

8. Rescue and extrication equipment;

9. Physiological monitors;

10. Rescue and extrication equipment;

11. Related commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies, especially those listed in the Authorized

Equipment List/Standardized Equipment List (AEL/SEL); and

12. Potential emergency responder systems in development such as Geospatial Location

Accountability and Navigation System for Emergency Responders (GLANSER), etc.

4.2.3 Human Interface Requirements

Technology shall be capable of use while operator is wearing protective clothing commonly worn by firefighters and other emergency responders in a manner that reduces the potential for erroneous installation without interruption to operations.

The technology shall:

Be capable of being switched to the alarm mode by a single gloved hand. The fingers of gloves utilized for this function may have a thickness of 2.5 mm to 4 mm (3⁄32 in. to 5⁄32 in);

Have only one action required to switch the mode selection device(s) from any mode to alarm for the first responder to request “HELP" from the incident management team

Be capable of being reset by at least two separate and distinct manual actions to silence the alarm signal; and

Be discriminable and recognizable in environments that are noisy and have reduced visibility.

4.2.4 Logistics and Readiness

The system should be readily deployable and easy to transport.

5.0 System Support

5.1 Maintenance

All maintenance for the solution and related equipment shall be defined including frequency, components, and maintenance schedule.

The system shall:

Be able to self-initialize, self-calibrate, and execute self-diagnostics in less than 1 minute;

Be modular to allow for replacement of power sources and components as necessary for maintenance or repairs;

Have backwards compatibility after upgrade;

Be rated for a reasonable service life;

Be designed to reduce the time to repair; and

Be designed to reduce maintainer skills.

5.2 Supply

Supply shall be determined by individual departments based upon the cost, quantity needed, and effectiveness of the solution.

5.3 Support Equipment

Support equipment required for the transport, storage, extraction, distribution, and maintenance of the solution shall be defined, including any test and parts replacement schedules.

Structural collapse prediction technology should be self-contained in the field with the only support equipment required being standard, commercially available, spare batteries and charging capability.

Such charging capability would be available in storage and in station.

5.4 Training

Training will be required, as necessary, on equipment used to properly store, load, deploy and distribute the solution. Any specialty requirements of personnel conducting maintenance, storage, extraction, or delivery will be identified, including certification requirements. However, structural collapse prediction technology should require a minimal amount on non-complex initial and refresher training.

5.5 Storage

All safety requirements for storage and use of the solution shall be identified.

Structural collapse prediction technology shall be able to be stored on NFPA compliant fire apparatus, fire officer, and other emergency vehicles without interference with emergency operations. The technology shall be able to be effectively stored in fire stations, etc.

6.0 Schedule

The goal of this program is to develop commercially available, effective, and accurate structural collapse prediction technology that will operate in all operational environments confronted by the fire service and other emergency responders in 5-7 years.

7.0 System Affordability

Limited and constrained first responder budgets shall be considered when developing a cost model for unit pricing.

Total System Cost shall facilitate widespread adoption by the responder community and include all expected components and services.

Must be cost effective to:

Manufacture;

Own;

Maintain;

Sustain; and

Retire.