Industry_Day-Advanced_Trace_Detection.pdf

Event: Advanced Explosive Trace Detection Industry Day

Sponsorship: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology (DHS S&T), Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) / Explosives Division (EXD)

Date: October 24 & 25, 2017

Time: October 24, 2017 8:00am-4:00 pm Optional networking after presentations on October 24th, 5:00pm-6:00pm October 25, 2017 8:00am-4:00 pm

Where: Homeland Security Acquisition Institute, 90 K Street NE, 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20002

Background: DHS S&T is sponsoring a two-day technical industry meeting in the area of trace explosive detection capabilities for use in the Homeland Security Enterprise. Explosives trace detection is frequently used as a screening method for the detection of explosives on people, baggage, and cargo.

DHS S&T HSARPA/EXD previously released a Broad Agency Announcement HSHQDC-13-R-B-0005 (BAA 13-03) titled “Advanced Trace Detection Instrumentation and Methodologies” to improve the capabilities of explosive trace detectors (ETDs) in four key areas: expand current libraries, develop upgradeable modular desktop systems, reduce footprint of systems, and optimize physical and mathematical data acquisition. Performers are delivering functional desktop ETDs, improved ionization techniques for detection, and novel sampling and testing methods including both contact and non-contact sampling methods. There has also been effort in fundamental science to support knowledge of trace explosives particles, enhanced contact sampling, developmental test and evaluation, and tools such as standardized vapor generation for possible future research and development in both particle and vapor explosives trace detection.

Purpose: This Industry Day is a follow up to HSHQDC-13-R-B-0005 (BAA 13-03) Advanced Trace Detection Instrumentation and Methodologies. The intention is to help define the current state of the art for ETDs, share current research results, and encourage discussion of the trace community for future technology areas to explore to improve the detection of trace explosives. Presentations will include DHS S&T’s development strategy for enhancing Explosives Trace Detector (ETD) equipment, DHS Component needs, and sponsored researchers’ recent results. Technical areas of discussion will include research and development of a retrofit of ETDs, advanced next generation benchtop ETDs with mass spectrometry, handheld ETDs, and new tools and methodologies for enhancing ETDs. DHS S&T is interested in collaborative discussions among DHS components, current performers, and potential performers as a follow-up on to the work performed by the BAA sponsored performers. Also included in the discussions is how fundamental research in optical trace explosives detection can be integrated with conventional explosives trace detection and advance new and novel sampling techniques.

Description: The two-day event is anticipated to consist of presentations from DHS S&T, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), BAA 13-03 performers, and sponsored researchers who are exploring fundamental science related to contact and non-contact sampling and characterizing trace explosive threats. Ample time will be available for interaction with attendees and presenters during presentations, breaks, and the networking event. Anticipated Government attendees will include staff from DHS S&T/HSARPA Explosives Division (EXD), the Transportation Security Laboratory, the Transportation Security Administration, other DHS Components, and other government agencies.

DHS S&T is currently seeking information on the most recent advancements in explosive trace detection.

Topics of interest include:

(1) Advanced sampling tools and methodologies, both direct and non-contact, to increase the collection efficiency and/or provide for additional security flexibility. Applicable areas include but are not limited to:

• improved and /or new swab materials,

• novel approaches for sampling from human skin or clothing,

• reliable air pulsed sampling and collection techniques,

• capability to rapidly sample entire exterior surface of carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or break bulk cargo,

• rapid pre-concentration approaches,

• combination of direct and non-contact sampling to broaden sampling capability across different explosives families,

• an upgradable non-contact trace hand-held sampling tool with increased capability to respond to emerging threats, and

• cost-effective, rugged, ergonomic, “universal” trace collection tools supporting common

ETD systems that provides users with feedback with regards to the reproducible and adequate swabbing pressure needed to ensure optimum operation.

(2) Methods for the preparation of reproducible and representative trace explosives samples for testing, in vapor and particulate form, to aid in the development of next generation ETD systems. Trace samples should include military, commercial, and homemade explosives.

Registration and Logistics: There is no registration fee and all technically qualified members of the public, including foreign nationals, are eligible to attend this event. Persons seeking to attend could include representatives from private industry, federal laboratories, university researchers, and third parties with interests in the explosives trace detection security business. Due to the limited capacity of the venue, organizations will be permitted a maximum of three representatives, at least one of which has senior technical credentials in the organization’s R&D and/or product planning function. Approvals for attending will be issued in the order they are received up to venue capacity. Online registration will be provided at http://www.cvent.com/d/7tq8vf. If there are problems with registration, contact Dan Summers by email at Daniel.summers@associates.hq.dhs.gov . Attendees must present a valid picture ID at the building security desk and at registration check-in.

Registration for the Industry Day will close at 5:00 PM EST on September 25, 2017 for foreign nationals, and at 5:00 PM EST on October 17, 2017 for U.S. citizens or until capacity is reached. Substitution of approved attendees will not be considered less than 5 days from the scheduled industry and will require Government approval. Foreign nationals may not be substituted into the conference. Foreign Nationals must complete the attached visitor form no later than 30 days prior to the Industry Day and submit the form via email to Daniel.summers@associates.hq.dhs.gov. Attendees should password protect the completed form and send the password to Daniel Summers in a separate email. Do not use submit at the bottom of the form. Attendees must present a valid picture ID at the building security desk and at registration check-in.

http://www.cvent.com/d/7tq8vf mailto:Daniel.summers@associates.hq.dhs.gov file://DHSNET.DS1.DHS/HOME/MGMT.CPO/Jennifer.Koons/Acquisition/Trace%20Industry%20Day/must mailto:Daniel.summers@associates.hq.dhs.gov

Presentation slides will not be released. Attendees are permitted to take notes for personal use but no other form of recording, including photography, of the proceedings and presentations is allowed.

Agenda: The agenda will be available online at http://www.cvent.com/d/7tq8vf closer to the event.

No outside cameras, photography, filming, video or audio recording is permitted during the conference.

Disclaimers for collection of information for registration:

DHS Authority to Collect This Information: The Homeland Security Act of 2002 [Public Law 107-296, §302(4)] authorizes the Science and Technology Directorate to conduct “basic and applied research, development, demonstration, testing, and evaluation activities that are relevant to any or all elements of the Department, through both intramural and extramural programs.” In exercising its responsibility under the Homeland Security Act, S&T is authorized to collect contact information, as appropriate, to support R&D and collaborations related to improving the security of the homeland.

Principal Purposes: DHS will collect and use this information to contact individuals about this event.

Routine Uses and Sharing: In general, DHS will not use this information for any purpose other than the purpose stated above. However, DHS may release the information of an individual on a case-by-case basis as described in the DHS/ALL-002 System of Records Notice (SORN) which can be found at:

www.dhs.gov/privacy . The attendee list and contact information may be released to the public. Any attendee wishing to opt-out of this release will be on a per attendee basis. Requests to opt-out should be sent to Daniel.summers@associates.hq.dhs.gov no later than one calendar week after the event.

Disclosure: You may opt not to provide the requested information or to provide only some of the information DHS requests. If you opt not to provide some or all of the requested information, DHS may not be able to process your registration or request.

Non-US Citizens: All non-US Citizens must fill out the attached Foreign National Visitor Request Form. A foreign national is defined as a person who is not a citizen or national of the United States. This form will need to be filled out for each visitor. The request forms can be sent to Dan Summers at Daniel.summers@associates.hq.dhs.gov.

Financial Obligations: The Government will not compensate industry participants for travel, lodging, or any other expenses associated with this Industry Day, unless authorized under preexisting contracts with the Government.

Government Plans:

This announcement does not constitute an invitation for bids or a Request for Proposals (RFP) and is not a commitment by the Government to enter into any acquisition for any products or services.

This Industry Day is solely to promote collaboration between public or private companies, universities, national laboratories, and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and for DHS planning and information purposes. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a subsequent solicitation (Broad Agency Announcement, Request for Proposal, etc.). While the http://www.cvent.com/d/7tq8vf http://www.dhs.gov/privacy

Government, after a detailed review and thorough analysis of the presentations may issue a solicitation for the development of advanced explosive detection systems at a future date, it has not committed itself to doing so.