SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Biological Combat Assessment System Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration
- Notice Date
- 5/1/2003
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- Other Defense Agencies, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, DTRA Annex 8725 John J. Kingman Road, MSC 6201, Fort Belvoir, VA, 22060-6201
- ZIP Code
- 22060-6201
- Solicitation Number
- DTRA01-03-SS-BCASACTD
- Archive Date
- 8/15/2003
- Point of Contact
- Cynthia Sanders, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 325-9210, Fax (703) 325-9294,
- E-Mail Address
-
cynthia.sanders@dtra.mil
- Description
- The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is soliciting information from air particle collector, biological sensor, and taggant technology firms and other interested parties on technology available for providing an affordable approach to use these technologies in the detection and tracking of biological aerosol agents. Air particle collectors, biosensors, and taggants will become integral parts of a Biological Combat Assessment System (BCAS) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) planned to begin in FY04. The ACTD schedule and milestones will be to integrate, test, and demonstrate a remote, point-sample collection system in the second quarter of FY05, and a remote, point-sample collection and identification system in second quarter of FY07. This ACTD will culminate in FY07 in a technology demonstration of a near real-time collection, detection, identification, tracking and characterization system for biological aerosol agents released during counterforce strikes against Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) targets. Sustainment of the residual assets produced during the ACTD and requisite training for operational personnel will follow in FY08 and FY09. Government sponsorship of the BCAS ACTD includes the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and the U. S. Pacific Command (PACOM). The objective of this Sources Sought is to identify air particle collector, biological sensor, and taggant technological concepts and performance potentials for the BCAS ACTD, which may also be used as the basis for developing the BCAS ACTD performance specification. This specification may subsequently be provided to industry as part of the anticipated BCAS ACTD solicitation. The BCAS ACTD will demonstrate the capability for combat assessment of counterforce strikes against biological weapon production and storage facilities. The desired combat assessment system will utilize air particle collectors to concentrate samples, and biological sensors for detection and identification of biological agents that are released in a counterforce strike. The anticipated maximum payload weight threshold for the combination of an air particle collector and biological sensor is less than 20 pounds. Taggants will be used to facilitate standoff post-strike plume tracking and plume characterization. The taggants will be incorporated in the strike weapon, to be released upon detonation. Once released, the taggant must co-migrate with the post-strike plume to facilitate standoff post-strike tracking and characterization. Key performance parameters for the BCAS ACTD air particle collectors include but are not limited to: (a) the capability to selectively collect and concentrate particles 1-10 microns in size; (b) compatibility with prolonged exposure to operational temperatures from 10?F to 100?F and humidity from 0-100%; (c) compatibility with harsh operating conditions including dust, dirt and cloud debris; and (d) full automation and compatibility with continuous, remote operations. Key performance parameters for the BCAS ACTD point sensors include but are not limited to: (a) the capability to detect and identify bacteria, viruses and toxins including B. anthracis, variola, plague, botulinum toxin, and ricin; (b) the sensitivity to detect and reliably quantify Biological Warfare (BW) agents in the 1000 CFU or particle per milliliter, or the 10,000 PFU per milliliter range; (c) the capability to detect BW agents within 45 minutes; (d) a false positive rate of less than 0.1% for the initial detection in the presence of non-BW microbes, dust, smoke, pollen and dirt; (e) full automation and compatibility with continuous, remote operations; (f) compatibility with prolonged exposure to operational temperatures from 10?F to 100?F and humidity from 0-100%; and (g) be adaptable to meet the changing BW threats. Key performance parameters for the BCAS ACTD taggant technology include, but are not limited to: (a) the ability to withstand the detonation pressures (225-300 kilobars) and temperatures (2000-2400 degrees Celsius) of typical military high explosives; (b) be compatible with, and have no adverse effect on the performance or certification/qualification of MK-84, BLU-109, and BLU-116 warheads deployed within the Air Force and Navy; and (c) be detected from standoff infrared or other sensors at a minimum height of 15,000 ft MSL (mean sea level) and a minimum slant range of 16,400 ft out to approximately 49,000 ft. Additionally, respondents shall identify and discuss any toxicity and/or carcinogenic effects associated with their taggant concept, pre- and post warhead detonations. This Sources Sought solicits the identification of appropriate technologies and technical capabilities for the development of the ACTD program plan. Respondents to this Sources Sought may choose to address the air particle collector technology, the biological point sensor technology, the taggant technology, or any combination thereof. Maturity and risk level of the supporting technologies should be addressed; however, concepts that require significant basic research (TRL 1-4) are not desired. Additionally, respondents should provide Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimates, based on the assumption that the ACTD go-ahead will be in July 2003 for an October 2003 start. Responses shall be limited to no more than 10 pages plus no more than a four (4) page addendum, not including cover letter, cover page, and table of contents. If the material provided contains proprietary information, please mark and identify disposition instructions (submitted data will not be returned). The response should include, but is not limited to, the following: (a) system concept(s) and associated performance, cost, and risk parameters; (b) ROM estimate with respondent's stated assumptions; (c) technology maturity and Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs); (d) any other technical information respondents deem necessary to aid the government in making an informed assessment. Cost information provided should include basis of estimate substantiation. It is the Government's intention to review the data and possibly schedule a briefing with the respondents to gain further insight. Responses shall be submitted no later than 4pm EDT on 15 June 2003 to Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Biological Combat Assessment System ACTD RFI, Attn: Cynthia Sanders, ALT (703) 325-9210, 8725 John J Kingman Rd, MSC 6201, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-6201. Electronic responses are recommended and encouraged and should be submitted to Ms. Sanders at cynthia.sanders@dtra.mil. If providing information electronically, please ensure that the information is compatible with and accessible using Microsoft Office 97 software. Additional Information: Unless otherwise stated herein, no additional information is available. Requests for the same will be disregarded. 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 Sources Sought. Information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit or award a contract. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities website located at www.fedbizops.gov. It is the potential offerors? responsibility to monitor this site for the release of any follow-on information.
- Record
- SN00316378-W 20030503/030502074133 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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