Request for Information Topic: MeS Sensor Testing and Demonstration Background The Warfighter requires an ability to evaluate the CBRN performance of protective garments when evaluated against a Methyl Salicylate (MeS) challenge. The MeS package was then processed to measure the amount of MeS that was captured over the course of the test. The result was then analysed to determine the overall performance of the garment. When using a new real-time sensor, the performance can be measured by obtaining samples once per second. In order to qualify the sensor for usage, it is necessary to develop and implement an approach that will: verify the sensor operation at various MeS concentrations, perform sensor evaluation to the existing dosage indicator and show good correlation between the two collection methods, and finally perform a system level test to demonstrate acceptable usage with humans or manikins, and document the new method by redlining the current method. Capability Sought Information is being sought to identify entities capable of obtaining a third-party MeS sensor, performing verification to a standard, correlation between a concentration based sensor and a dosage based sensor, demonstrating the overall utility through a system test, and documenting the demonstration procedure. The sensor must be obtained from a third-party to avoid the appearance of impaired objectivity. Specifically, respondents shall outline their capability and a process for evaluating human worn MeS sensors to demonstrate accurate performance of the sensors, correlate the concentration based data in mg/m3 with dosage based data providing results in mass/cm2, demonstrate the ability to use sensors with manikins or humans and document similar performance between sensors and dosage indicators, and propose changes to a current test method to document usage of the human worn MeS sensors. MeS Sensor: The identified sensor must have the following attributes, or be able to meet the attributes with minor modifications. Should minor modifications be required, the respondent shall list those modifications in their response. • Sensor is sufficiently sensitive to detect MeS at .04 mg/m3 or approximately 7ppb. • Samples are obtained once every second and the raw data is stored onboard. • A computer program is available to convert the raw data to concentration following the test. • An oven performs hot air decontamination, recharges the sensor batteries, and performs/establishes calibration for the sensors. • The sensor must support system test duration of 120 minutes. • Self test (to screen out malfunctioning sensors and verify calibration) /and a calibration method must be available to support the sensor. Testing and Demonstration: The testing and demonstration shall meet the following requirements. • 20 sensors will be required for one test. • For the system level test, the chamber concentration is 100 mg/m3. Response Instructions Respondents shall address the information described above (and any additional information the respondent deems appropriate) via a Capability Statement (five-page limit) in Microsoft Word format. Please specifically address how the pad to sensor correlation would be performed, a potential MIST chamber that could be used to demonstrate a system based test, and what data and analysis would be performed on the chamber test data collected. Also, identify any potential partners and their contribution to this effort. A rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate and schedule for the provided solution may be provided, but not required. A sensor and third-party sensor source must be identified. In addition, respondents shall include their name, address, CAGE code, and DUNS, and submit company size standard under the 541712 NAICS code. The information shall be submitted via e-mail to
[email protected] with a cc: to
[email protected]. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted. Submissions shall be submitted by no later than 2:00 pm local Ft. Belvoir time on March 10, 2016. Disclaimer This Sources Sought notice is solely for the purpose of gathering information and does not constitute a solicitation or the issuance thereof. All information received in response to this notice that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Any information submitted will not be returned, and no payment will be made by the Government for such information. No formal RFPs or other solicitations regarding this announcement are available at this time. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for proposals or award contracts. It is the respondent's responsibility to monitor FedBizOpps at http://www.fbo.gov for the release of any subsequent information. DTRA is accepting questions regarding this notice but will not be providing responses. Primary Point of Contact: Mr. Salvatore G. Clementi
[email protected]