The Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) in collaboration with the Technical Support Working Group issues this Request for Information (RFI) regarding a standoff laser or non-laser optical technique for the detection of trace quantities of explosives on vehicles. The request is for any technology that meets the standoff requirement and detects explosives amounts in the range of micro-grams (or less) to tens of micro-grams per square centimeter. The focus of this inquiry is to identify candidate systems that would be invited to a government assessment of the state of the art. Background: In the manufacture and transport of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED), there is the possibility of trace amounts of the explosive being deposited on the outer surfaces of the vehicle. This could be due to human handling of the IED with subsequent transfer to the surface, a contaminated area used for IED manufacture, or the IED shedding trace amounts as it is being loaded into the vehicle. This scenario is the topic of explosive trace detection research in a number of government and industrial laboratories. There are contact trace techniques for sampling and detecting this material, but the operator is put in a potentially very hazardous situation. The use of standoff non-contact techniques would greatly reduce the risk associated with trace sampling, hopefully reduce inspection time, and improve detection. This RFI is to assess the state of the art for the standoff trace detection of VBIED using optical techniques. Objective: There are a number of systems under development for the detection of trace amounts of explosives on vehicles using laser and non-laser techniques. The government is interested in the state of the art for standoff detection of amounts ranging from micro-grams (or less) to tens of micro-grams per square centimeter. At this time, the request is for a range of system readiness from fully deployable systems, to systems that can be considered at a Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 and above. A TRL 5 system is defined: “The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include “high fidelity” laboratory integration of components and software”. Systems at a greater TRL are especially desirable. The assessment will be in a simulated environment, with double blind test articles, and operation by the provider with government oversight. The evaluation will be limited to depositions of trace quantities of explosives on metal and plastic surfaces that is representative of the materials and paint/coatings found on vehicles. The assessment will be performed in an outdoor environment. The government-conducted assessment will be by invitation only. The details of the required documents to submit for consideration are contained below. RFI Submission Requirements: To respond to this RFI please provide no more than a ten-page white paper describing the system offered for assessment. Please provide one original hard copy and a CD containing an electronic copy. White papers must be in Microsoft Word Format. Responses of more than 10 pages will not be reviewed. Please include the following (as appropriate) in the response: • Discussion of technology and measurement technique, • Laser wavelength and power, • Laser safety requirements, • Operational range of system, • Response information provided by system, • Minimum and maximum trace levels detectable for each explosive, • Scan area, • Scan time, • Response time, • Diagram and picture of system, • Power requirements, • Site requirements, if any, • Date of availability, • Maturity of system, and • Independent Reports (not included in 10 page limit) • Responses should include name, telephone number, and an E-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to discuss responses with the government representatives. The initial response will have a technical assessment that may be followed by clarifications for further information or an invitation to participate in the government conducted technology assessment. Providers invited for participation will be asked to provide a data package based on government provided test specimens. The response should be postmarked no later than June 20, 2008. The response should be sent with RFI-08-00014 promptly displayed on the envelope to: Barry T. Smith, Ph.D. Head, Personnel Inspection Branch DHS/S&T Transportation Security Laboratory TSL-220, Building 315 Atlantic City Int'l Airport, NJ 08405 Email:
[email protected] THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION OR ULTIMATELY MAKE AN AWARD. NO AWARD WILL BE MADE AS A RESULT OF THIS SYNOPSIS, NOR WILL THE GOVERNMENT PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS RFI. DHS is not interested in specific organization capability information and will not entertain such submissions. All information contained in the RFI is preliminary, as well as subject to modification, and is in no way binding on the Government. Proprietary data submitted in response to the RFI will be protected when so designated. DHS will acknowledge receipt of information submitted in response to this RFI but will not provide feedback to the originating party.