SOO - J - REDOPS - 06022021.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Threat Characterization and Research and Development Solutions

Statement of Objectives

June 2021 Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

DISTRIBUTION NOTICE: Further dissemination only as directed by DHS Office of Policy DESTRUCTION NOTICE: Destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.

Threat Characterization and Research and Development Solutions Statement of Objectives i

Table of Contents 1 Problem Statement

2 Purpose and Scope

3 Background Environment

3.1 Mission Scenarios

3.2 Current Shortfalls and Threats

4 Potential Solution Attributes

4.1 Concept of Operations (ConOps)

5 Contractual Requirements

5.1 Period and Place of Performance

5.2 Training

5.3 Other Considerations

5.3.1 Human Interface Requirements:

5.3.2 Logistics and Readiness:

5.3.3 Security Requirements: .……………………………………...………..2

1 Problem Statement First Responder Bomb Technicians require assessment and characterization of tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to ensure public safety bomb squad capablities meet the evolving threats and improve existing capablities. To compound the threat of IEDs, adversaries attempt to thwart Counter-IED (C-IED) technologies and/or procedures through clever bomb design, manufacture, placement, and/or masking.

2 Purpose and Scope

While significant investments are made on explosive detection –there is limited investments being made to ensure bomb technicians have the capalbities to preserve life and/or property once an IED has been discovered. There is a need to address critical capablity gaps through the development and/or modification of tools and more specifically the purpose of this requirement is to employ fundamental science and engineering to obtain, access, and analyze detailed and authoritative performance data on current and future capablities against IED threat devices in a testing environment.

3 Background Environment

3.1 Mission Scenarios

The use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) remains a high threat due to the proliferation of technical knowledge, compounded by collapsing technology costs and use of the Internet to motivate and instruct sympathizers to employ IEDs. Public Safety Bomb Technicians respond to a variety of incidents. Incidents or situations that may require research may include, but may not be limited to:

• Counter-Vehicle Borne IEDs,

• Counter Maritime IEDs,

• Counter Person Borne IEDs,

• Counter Untethered IEDs (including the deployment of IEDs through unmanned systems), and

• Respond to attacks on soft targets.

3.2 Current Shortfalls and Threats

The threat of IEDs continue to evolve and current tools and or TTPs are not characterized and/or modified to meet the challenge of today’s IEDs. Current technology may not be compatible with a multitude of systems and does not allow for public safety bomb technicians to perform their duties expeditiously and/or safely.

4 Potential Solution Attributes The solutions should be innovative providing enhanced capability exceeding those of current disablement technology. This includes scientifically-backed performance and characterization data.

The solutions must cover the broad range of render safe procedure aspects to include diagnostics technology, access, disruption, robotic, and mechanical tools and methods.

4.1 Concept of Operations (ConOps)

Perform studies and analysis to understand operational capabilities of tools and procedures used public safety bomb squads. Emphasis should be on ensuring compatibility of technology and concepts of operation with existing and future equipment. Identify capability gaps and develop prototype tools in support of public safety bomb technicians. Operational efficacy, safety and cost are major metrics of success. Products will be assessed for effectiveness and safety prior to being shared with the end users via multiple communication channels.

5 Contractual Requirements

5.1 Period and Place of Performance

The length of time of the contract shall be between 12-24 months and shall not exceed the latter. All developmental activities shall be performed at the contractor-designated site(s). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may require the contractor to perform critical design reviews and/or product presentations at DHS-specified locations.

5.2 Training

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.

5.3 Other Considerations

5.3.1 Human Interface Requirements:

Define who will be the target user and others who will benefit from this proposed solution.

Also note any specific interaction requirements (e.g., if it is a wearable solution, are there any protection or location needs that must be followed by the user?)

5.3.2 Logistics and Readiness:

Describe how the items developed under this award are to be used and by whom (e.g., will these items be used as an integral part of their normal daily activities?)

5.3.3 Security Requirements:

All work performed under this SOW is LES. If provided DHS “sensitive” information (e.g., items marked with FOUO, LES or other appropriate marking), the performer agrees it shall safeguard such information in accordance with the parameters outing in the resulting award.