Request for Information (RFI) for Electronic Environmental and Device Characterization The Combating Terrorism Division (RD-CXC) of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is soliciting government, industry, and academia for high quality, innovative, and relevant advanced technologies capable of providing electronic environment and device characterization to support and supplement the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community’s Render Safe Procedure (RSP) protocols. Objectives of Electronic Environmental and Device Characterization There are situations where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) may be in a place in which its detonation is unacceptable. There are a range of novel technologies that may be useful in preventing the remote detonation of the device. The objectives of this task are to understand the electrical nature of the device and its environment to allow EOD operators to make a rational decision on the next appropriate RSP action. The most preferred approach is to passively detect, identify, and map the environment, electronic components and circuitry within and near the device without changing its state. The objectives below relate to the effectiveness, selectivity, and understanding of passively and actively detecting and mapping the electronic environment and the circuitry within target devices: 1. Develop technologies that passively characterize the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum from 6 MHz to 6 GHz. 2. Develop technologies that passively detect and map an explosive device (with or without power applied to the device’s circuitry) without changing its state. 3. Develop technologies that actively detect and map an explosive device (with or without power applied to the device’s circuitry) without changing its state. 4. Develop technologies to do the above described characterization that are vehicle-portable or, preferably, man-portable. Environmental and Device Characterization: Directly related to objectives 1 and 4, above. EOD operators must accurately ascertain all relevant radiofrequency (RF) energy in the operational environment as well as all RF energy entering and being emitted from the device. A successful proof of concept consists of a detailed RF spectrum analysis of: 1) the operational environment, and 2) the explosive device. Environmental characterization requires technologies that deliver “near perfect” RF information about the environment and the device to include its internal components, their layout, and their status, i.e. charged, armed, etc. Passive Electronic Circuit and Component Detection: Directly related to objectives 2 and 4, above. RD-CXC seeks technologies capable of passively detecting, identifying, and mapping electronic components and circuitry within a target device without changing the state of the device. The detection and mapping system should be transportable in a standard convoy escort vehicle or, preferably, man-portable. Active Electronic Circuit and Component Detection: Directly related to objectives 3 and 4, above. RD-CXC seeks technologies capable of actively detecting, identifying, and mapping electronic components and circuitry within a target device without changing the state of the device. The detection and mapping system should be transportable in a standard convoy escort vehicle or, preferably, man-portable. CXC is most interested in government, industry, or academic entities that will have and maintain responsibility for the design, development, and assembly and/or fabrication of relevant technologies. Responders to the RFI may choose to address any or all of the listed objectives. Additionally, the risk that related supporting technologies are immature or incapable of allowing successful demonstration and deployment should be addressed. Approaches that require significant basic or applied research (i.e. RDT&E categories 6.1 and 6.2) are not desired. Responses shall be limited to no more than 10 pages, not including cover letter, cover page, and table of contents. Responses should include, but are not limited to, the following: (a) technology concept(s) and associated performances, cost, and risk parameters; (b) respondent’s stated assumptions; (c) technology maturity and Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs); (d) cost drivers (not Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), but activities identified to consume the majority of cost and labor resources), and (e) any other programmatic and technical information respondents deem necessary to aid the government in its program planning, decision making, and execution. Also include information such as: Company name, address, e-mail, telephone number, points of contact, CAGE code, size of business pursuant to North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). Upon review of all submissions in response to this RFI, DTRA may schedule individual meetings with any or all respondents to gain further understanding into their specific responses. Responses shall be submitted no later than 5:00 PM EST on Friday, 2 October 2009 to DTRA, EOD Device Defeat at
[email protected] . All responses shall be transmitted electronically. Submissions shall be compatible with and accessible using Microsoft office software applications. Additional Information: There is no commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, to make an award or awards, or to be responsible for any monies expended by any interested parties in support of any effort in response to this RFI. Any information submitted in response to this RFI is voluntary. This RFI is for information planning purposes and the Government will not pay or otherwise reimburse respondents for information submitted. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor this site for the release of any follow-on information. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. Unless otherwise stated herein, no additional information is available and requests for the same will be disregarded.