Call_0005-_SOO_D-_Multi-Mission_Disrupter.pdf

Multi-Mission Disrupter Statement of Objectives BAA 13-012/Call 0005/ SOO D

April 24, 2017 Science and Technology Directorate Department of Homeland Security

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Multi-Mission Disrupter Statement of Objectives April 13, 2017

Table of Contents

1.0 Problem Statement

2.0 Purpose and Scope

3.0 Background Environment

3.1 Mission Scenarios

3.2 Current Technology Shortfalls and Threats

4.0 Potential Solution Attributes

4.1 Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

5.0 Solution Capabilities and Requirements

5.1 Must Have Requirements (Key Performance Parameters, KPP’s)

5.2 Desirable Capabilities or Characteristics

6.0 System Support

6.1 Period and Place of Performance

6.2 Contract Deliverables

6.3 Transition Requirements

6.4 Regulatory/Legal Requirements

6.5 System Affordability

6.6 Training

6.7 Other Considerations

6.8 Storage and Maintenance

1.0 Problem Statement

Public sector bomb squads require an all in one multi-mission disrupter system that includes a stand, aiming system, and new ammunition to support the disrupter. The disrupter device must be agile with minimal time needed to prepare for use in a shooting configuration to support improvised explosive device disposal (IEDD) operations, and must be configurable for deployment on both small and large robotic platforms (examples include: large – Andros Mark 5A-1; medium – Andros FX; and small – ICOR Mini Caliber). At the 2016 First Responder Resource Group (FRRG) Meeting held in July in Washington, DC, responders identified the multi-mission disrupter as a critical technology capability gap in the detection, identification, evaluation, and safe disposal of unexploded explosive ordnances.

2.0 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this rapid technology development project is to provide public sector bomb technicians with more versatile tools that are capable of disrupting a broad variety of targets, thus reducing the need for multiple disrupters. This single device will maximize space efficiency in bomb vehicles and will reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple disrupters for handling different incident scenarios.

The multi-mission disrupter system will be agile with minimal time needed to prepare for use in a shooting configuration. It will also be able to support standard bomb squad operations in a land or water environment. The requirements for the stand, ammunition, and aiming system must be configurable to be deployable on a small or large explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robot.

3.0 Background Environment

Historically, bomb squads have had limited choices for disrupters. The current array of disruptors varies in capability and construction may require non-standard and expensive ammunition. This means personnel are left trying to make one disruptor fit all calls or having no access to a disruptor.

Neither of these choices is ideal, particularly efficient, or necessarily safe. After the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the threat spectrums that bomb technicians have had to prepare, train and respond to have grown significantly. Therefore, the tools used must either adapt or be created to fit the new missions, as well as those more traditional responses.

3.1 Mission Scenarios

The solution will have a multi-mission purpose; the device will be able to be used on land and in water-based scenarios to support standard bomb squad operations. The results realized from developing this enhanced technology would be cost, time, and size/weight savings. The proposed unit would be closer to a one-size-fits-all standard eliminating the need for multiple disrupters; it would be easy to assemble and load; and, it would be smaller and weigh less than current models.

This technology solution is important to the public safety bomb squad community in the conduct of their mission support to render safe operations. Anticipated benefits include saving lives, preserving life and property, allowing for faster operations, and less collateral damage.

3.2 Current Technology Shortfalls and Threats

Current issues include the load (size and weight) a bomb technician is forced to carry, the increased time needed for training to use the multiple tools now required, and the amount of time it takes to acquire the target in sight. Having to use multiple and different disrupter devices also requires increased training time, knowledge of multiple configurations, and may have safety impacts because of less accurate aiming systems. In addition, increased accuracy is needed with the aiming system to ensure positive results.

4.0 Potential Solution Attributes

A single flexible device capable of being deployed for multiple mission profiles should meet the initial need of having a comprehensive solution to eliminate improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The ideal outcome is to incorporate “Best of Breed” features from all IED disrupters.

4.1 Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

Target users are public safety bomb squads and military EOD specialists supporting IED missions.

As envisioned, the disrupter device will be tactical-lightweight (i.e., backpackable), rapidly deployable, and provide the bomb technician with enhanced aiming accuracy. The improved aiming will allow for more than one shot to be fired with accuracy and with limited to no adjustments needed between shots. The loading and unloading of the disrupter will be able to be performed by one individual without tools. Trained personnel will be able to load the rounds or projectiles within one minute.

5.0 Solution Capabilities and Requirements

5.1 Must Have Requirements (Key Performance Parameters, KPP’s) The proposed multi-mission disrupter solution shall include the following physical characteristics and capabilities:

• Modular design must include separate disrupter, stand, and aiming systems;

• Total configuration weight for the multi-mission disrupter solution must be as follows:

o Ideal maximum weight for small configuration – less than 4lbs when empty; and o Ideal maximum weight for large configuration – 20lbs when empty.

• Robot mount must include all aiming systems and allow transfer from robot to manual stand and vice versa;

• The solution must have a detachable design with quick release exterior rail system for housing accessories or tools;

• The solution must be compatible with currently-available 12-guage shotgun rounds;

• The solution must have shock-tube and electric firing options;

• The solution must have multiple barrel length options;

• The solution must be compatible with both large and small robotic platforms: examples include: large – Andros Mark 5A-1; medium – Andros FX; small – ICOR Mini Caliber, and the recoil must be minimized so as not to damage the smaller robot platforms;

• The solution must be able to support standard bomb squad operations in land or water environments;

• The solution, at full length, must be able to discharge energy onto a target to meet capabilities of the full length PAN disrupter, to include precision disruption, general disruption, and general disruption without initiating explosives. It should be capable of using a scalable amount of energy for adjusted rounds, with limited to no collateral damage;

and

• The solution must be able to rapidly deploy – in one minute or less.

Durability factors –

• The solution must be constructed of tactical-lightweight (backpackable), and be comprised of non-rusting materials;

• The solution must have the capability to protect the breech during operation; and

• The solution must have a shock tube attachment point or electric firing system components that are protected from inadvertent drop damage or recoil due to firing.

Ruggedness factors – The solution should adhere to standards in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) MIL STD-810, which addresses environmental conditions that include:

• Low pressure for altitude testing;

• Exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shock (both operating and in storage);

• Rain (including windblown and freezing rain);

• Humidity;

• Fungus;

• Salt fog for rust testing;

• Sand and dust exposure;

• Explosive atmosphere;

• Leakage/Immersion;

• Acceleration;

• Shock and transport shock;

• Gunfire vibration; and

• Random vibration.

Power Supply factor – Because electric-initiated breeches need more power than the typical robot or electrically fired systems, the disrupter device must be compatible with most robot systems’ (to include the Andros Mark 5A-1 (large), Andros FX (medium), and ICOR Mini Caliber Small)) universal firing systems and power capabilities (e.g., needing the correct amount of joules). Power supply specifications include:

• 50 Cap Blasting Machine; and

• 24 volt robot initiator with an output of up to 300 volts.

Compatibility & Interoperability factor – The solution must ideally operate with a wide variety of robotic platforms most commonly used by state and local bomb squads (examples include: large – Andros Mark 5A-1; medium – Andros FX; and small – ICOR Mini Caliber).

Operation & Maintenance factors –

• The solution must be designed to include as few moving parts as possible to reduce potential points of failure, and:

o Replacements parts (e.g., firing pins, ferrules, springs, etc.); and o Serviceable parts (e.g.., those requiring lubrication, cleaning, etc.).

• The solution must require minimal or no cleaning between multiple shots and must be able to fire five or more rounds without cleaning and with no misfires.

• The solution must allow for field maintenance and/or repairs.

Reliability factors –

• The solution must have the ability to fire every time on target with limited to no recalibration between shots;

• The solution must not fire if dropped - must pass a 6 ft. drop test, firing pin should not move when dropped;

• Any critical components must be shielded to prevent impact breakage in the event the disrupter device makes contact with the ground due to recoil;

• Shock tube, electric, or other type of priming equipment (based on vendor proposal) must be able to be configured quickly, set up in two minutes safely, securely, and without the need for specialized tools (e.g., ferrule wrenches) to reduce the chance of misfire or premature discharge;

• The shock tube must be able to be connected quickly and easily to the disrupter device; and

• The disrupter must be able to shoot hard steel chisel.

Disrupter-specific factors –

• Set-up time required to get the disrupter from a packed and stored configuration to ready to shoot mode must be minimal, within one minute or less;

• Loading a round must require minimal effort and require only limited accessories (e.g., muzzle cap, bore plug, breech plug, recoil mitigation supplies, etc.);

• A spent round must eject easily and without the need for special tools or rods;

• Must be deployable from both large and small robots without damaging the robot;

• Must provide extension barrels for multiple length options as well as barrel chokes for water shots;

• Must be compatible with water, solid, and frangible rounds;

• Must use 12-gauge ammunition or have equivalent capabilities;

• Must be able to use readily available standard caliber ammunition to promote training;

• Must be able to be used with flash or muzzle suppressors;

• Must be one-man portable – bomb tech should be able to carry and deploy;

• Barrel with breech must be compatible with current robotic platforms, and must conform to the following specifications; it would be ideal if it were able to be modularized as needed:

o Smallest configuration – must be no more than 4lbs (lightest weight preferred); no more than 14 inches long with the breech; and o Largest configuration – must be no more than 10lbs with breach (lightest weight preferred); no more than 30 inches long with the breech.

Stand-specific factors –

• Stand must be flexible and lightweight allowing detailed positive aiming control;

• Must provide for positive control of fine adjustments to aim and shoot while the operator is wearing a bomb suit;

• Must offer wide range of positions, including ground level aiming;

• The stand must be able to support the disrupter independently without the need for sandbags, stakes, or accessories;

• All tools needed must be easily accessible (e.g., cleaning tools are in the tube of the stand);

• Stand weight, whether for multiple stands or an adjustable small compact stand, must conform to the following specifications:

o Maximum weight for a small stand configuration – less than 1lb; and o Maximum weight for a large stand configuration – 10lb.

• Integrated recoil reduction needs to be included in the stand, with the following stipulations:

o Small configuration – not to exceed 25 ft. fly back (i.e., extreme recoil); and o Large configuration – not to exceed 3 ft. fly back.

Aiming System-specific factors –

• Range-independent aiming system must be visible in bright light, and via robotic operator control unit (OCU);

• Must be able to fire a variety of loads and projectiles for a variety of targets, including penetration of ⅛ steel and ¼ aluminum;

• Must not require recalibration after device being mounted to robot and driven down the range;

• Must not cover the disrupter’s muzzle;

• Minimal maintenance – minimal adjustment shall be needed (e.g., Bore sighting); and

• Rangefinder distance measures must be to within 1/6 of an inch, and must be integrated with the inclinometer measures; and

• Ability to lock and load with minimal effort.

Ammunition Effects factors –

• Characterization of how shots affect low explosives, high explosives, flammables, blasting caps, etc., must be thoroughly described – must be tested against live explosives;

• Maximum down-range distance, ricochet, and fragmentation hazards for each projectile must be established;

• General disruption capabilities must ensure containers will be opened and contents exposed;

• Spent or live rounds should come out easily including any other insertions (i.e., unload the device without needing tools);

• Ammunition velocities, penetration capabilities on various materials, and post-penetration accuracy must be documented and easily understandable;

• Must have ability to slow down velocity when shooting water at nitroglycerin-based dynamite; ability to have different volumes of water with different speeds; and

• Must have a push, turn and lock mechanism or series of threads that can be turned a few times to lock with the ability to withstand back pressure for higher velocity rounds.

5.2 Desirable Capabilities or Characteristics

In addition to the must have requirements reported in Subsection 5.1, there are performance and/or system standards that exceed the proposed solution requirements.

Desired requirements include –

• Ammunition development will be considered to:

o Reduced cost;

o Increased accuracy; and o Increased reliability and shelf-life.

• Ability to use advanced projectiles;

• Easily attachable breech (non-thread preferred) that attaches in less than 10 seconds;

• Increase reliability and reduce maintenance; and

• Preference for a quickly attachable breech that does not require headspace adjustments by the operator.

6.0 System Support

6.1 Period and Place of Performance

The expected timeframe for this project is one (1) year without development of new rounds of ammunition. All developmental activities will be performed at the contractor-designated site(s).

DHS may require the contractor to perform critical design reviews and/or product presentations at DHS-specified locations.

6.2 Contract Deliverables

DHS is committed to ensuring the success of their technology by requiring the project performer to provide DHS with six (6) prototype deliverables to include both a long and short configuration of the disrupter, which will be used for post-contract testing and evaluation.

Measures of project success include the following:

• Does the device penetrate representative barriers and IED components with minimal collateral damage?; and

• Is the device rapidly deployable?

6.3 Transition Requirements

DHS is also committed to ensuring the use of their technology by the first responder community by documenting metrics regarding product sales and estimated production costs for the first three years after commercialization. Additionally, to promote first responder technology awareness DHS may participate in operational exercises, demonstrations, and conferences for the first three years after commercialization.

6.4 Regulatory/Legal Requirements

DHS is committed to providing information regarding the availability of their technology to the first responder community by requiring the project performer to submit applications to be added to the DHS Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Authorized Equipment List (AEL) and the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (IAB) Standardized Equipment List (SEL) as a final deliverable.

6.5 System Affordability

The disrupter device kit should ideally range in cost from $5,000–$6,000.

6.6 Training

Training requirements should be minimal (i.e., one session). Training information as required shall be provided on any specialized equipment, and shall include how to properly store, clean, deploy, and maintain the basic ensemble/unit. Any specialty requirements of personnel conducting maintenance, storage, extraction, or delivery will be identified including certification requirements.

Training material shall be available initially in hard-copy, and subsequently in soft-copy format.

6.7 Other Considerations

Current aiming systems are not able to provide consistency when executing more than one shot. It is highly desired to close the gap for aiming systems by developing a device that can provide a reliable second shot aiming system.

A possible future project technology enhancement may be developing the ability to shoot unconventional rounds and other projectiles (i.e. SPLITR, etc.), an ability to use Next Generation ammunition.

Human Interface requirements: Target users are public safety bomb squads, and military EOD specialists with an IEDD focus.

Manufacturer Warranty requirements: The disrupter technology solution must include manufacturer warranty, and the vendor must specify turnaround time for new orders, service and repairs.

6.8 Storage and Maintenance

The contractor shall identify all necessary storage and maintenance requirements for the proposed solution including: the required maintenance schedule, identification of the specific components of the ensemble that require maintenance, the type of maintenance required, and whether the maintenance can be performed in the field by operational personnel or if it will be required to be returned to the manufacturer for the required maintenance.