INFORMATION REQUESTED ON STANDOFF EXPLOSIVE DETECTION The U.S. Air Force's Force Protection Battlelab (USAF FPB) is a unique new organization established to identify innovative concepts for protecting Air Force personnel, facilities, and weapons systems and to rapidly measure their ppotential worth. The FPB will use various methods to test these concepts: field ingenuity, modeling and simulation, and actual employment of exploratory capabilities in exercises and operational environments. One of the first initiatives the Battlelab is undertaking is a wholesale revision of our explosive detection strategy. The Air Force has a variety of requirements to detect explosives concealed in items ranging from handcarried personal belongings to large cargo vehicles. The fundamental problem with current explosive detection methods is that detection operations are typically executed at established entry control points, relatively close to personnel and key mission assets. Battlelab staffers are currently developing an operational concept based upon remotely monitored,long range analysis of organic compounds and inorganic materials (Standoff Explosive Detection). The overall objectives of this initiative are threefold: (1) to detect all explosives threats before they advance to a position from which they could damage or destroy USAF personnel or resources; (2) to repel explosives based attacks once identified; (3) to minimize the potential damage resulting from an aggresive explosives based attack that penetrates these detection and repellant screens. Potential technologies associated with this initiative include -- but are not limited to -- hand held explosive compound scanners for detecting personnel borne devices; drive through/over vehicle assessment devices; perimeter sensors for detecting explosives encroachment into a defined buffer zone; portable blast deflection/mitigation (i.e. -containment) equipment; portable vehicle obstacles and containment systems; and computerized blast damage simulation systems. If your company has a product or capability that may help meet our objectives, please send your information to the FPB no later than 4 September 1997. The point of contact for questions and responses is Captain Dave Marttala, (210)-671-0058/0061 (voice); (210)-671-0998 (FAX). NOTE: This is not a request for quotes (RFQ). Mail all submissions of information to the following address: USAF Force Protection Battlelab/Concepts Division, Attn: Capt Dave Marttalla, 1631 Stewart Street, Suite 102, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5255.

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