Description
***Please see the attached Request for Information (RFI) for requested information and response instructions.*** The Defense Threat Reduction Agency Research and Development, Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate (DTRA RD-CB) in support of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) is seeking information from respondents who can research and develop low to no-power, bioaerosol detection technologies capable of screening multiple biological threats and/or small molecules from the environment. This includes but not limited to: Biological Warfare Agents (BWAs), Emerging Bio-Threats, Toxins, Pharmaceutical Based Agents (PBAs) and other Small Molecules, as well as relevant Bio-Threats. The goal is to collect and detect aerosolized threats with the ability to provide early warning detection capability via an indicating response to alert the end user of a threat present in the battlespace. Technologies with more than one type of indicating response are welcomed. Low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) technologies with the capability to collect, detect, and classify (or identify) aerosolized threats and provide an indicating response to the end user will be considered as well, but is not necessary. Classification of threats is intended to understand the type of threat, and identification of threats is ability to recognize specific threats. The detection technology should be an innovative approach to address or partially address at least one of the following areas: (1) easy to train end users and operate technology; (2) simple to analyze and interpret results; and/or (3) little-to-no sample preparation that is simple to use. The technology must be able to collect and detect aerosols, liquids/aerosols, and/or solids/aerosols of multiple biological warfare agents (BWAs), emerging biological threats, toxins, pharmaceutical-based agents (PBAs) and other small molecules, and/or relevant bio-threats. This multifunctional sensor equipped with at least one type of indicating response (e.g. colorimetric, electrical, magnetic, optical, etc. responses) will support military operations for the Department of Defense and interagency of interests with a sensor capable of detecting multiple aerosolized threats to provide early warning detection capability to indication the presence of a threat from the battlespace. The detection technologies are expected to need additional S&T development before advanced development. Each multifunctional sensor must: Adhere to various surfaces. Sustain stability for storage at room temperature. Perform in a wide variety of environmental conditions, ranging from -20 ℃ to 55 ℃ and 10-95% relative humidity. Reject interferents and detect in complex environmental backgrounds. Low false alarm rate. Collect and detect aerosolized threats. Employ at least one type of indicating response (e.g. colorimetric, electrical, magnetic, optical, etc. responses). Train end users on the technology within an hour. Require low to no battery power. (If a battery is needed to operate the sensor, light-weight solid state batteries are encouraged.) Detect within 15 min or less. Be small in size, preferably less than 5 cm x 5 cm x 1 cm. Weigh less than 5 lbs (or 2.3 kg). Be low in costs. When purchased in quantity, costs must be approximately $100 or less for reusable sensors or approximately $25 or less for single-use sensors. Be equip with network communications that can be turned on or off. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide low size, weight, power, and cost for biological detection. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Respondents shall provide a brief description on how they plan to develop or advance existing technologies/sensing materials for the identified applications as well as any anticipated technical parameters of their product (or conceptual product). Validation can include historical, literature data or relationship with current DoD researchers. Validation can also include investment from interagency past programs. Summary of Capability Information Sought: Description of the detection technology and methodology. Expected shelf life (packaged and following continued development). Provide projected information on form factor, detection time, and analytes detected. Detection limits currently achieved and anticipated lowest detection for hazardous bio-threats of concern. Estimated unit cost (assume quantity buys from 100,000 – 500,000 units to support estimate). Plans for production scale-up to manufacture the technology. BACKGROUND: The Department of Defense (DoD) seeks to explore Systems Integrating Innovative Solutions To Enable Rapid (SInISTER) Detection technologies that will provide an indicating response (e.g. colorimetric, optical, electrical, magnetic, etc. responses) to alert the end user of the presence of an aerosolized threat, meeting the needs to provide enhanced capability, reduce false alarm rates, and increase ease of use. The currently deployed eye-readable, colorimetric-based M8 and M9 were developed decades ago, and is available for usage to all military personnel. However, the M8 and M9 are limited, as it is used for the detection of liquid, hazardous chemicals on surfaces. The goal of this effort is to research and develop innovative technologies that can exploit properties of multi-functional materials or composites that can be employed for colorimetric, optical, electrical, and/or magnetic, etc. indicating responses to alert the end users of aerosolized bio-threats (aerosols/liquids, aerosols/solids, or aerosols) present in the environment, supporting the joint services for years to come. Partial technology solutions as well as new concepts are welcomed. Partial technology solutions will be accepted but responses should clearly state the re-developed area(s) that are being targeted. This RFI focuses on capabilities for modernizing detection of biologics and toxins.