The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is requesting capability statements from organizations focused on technology development and test and evaluation (T&E) in support of threat detection equipment.
The Request for Information (RFI) is focused on T&E for aviation security technologies, including checked baggage and checkpoint screening systems.
The required T&E services are essential to identify and establish system capabilities, and drive the adoption of new technology in the aviation security space. This includes advising DHS S&T on technology development and concept of operations (CONOPS), the development of test beds, developing test plans, testing equipment, and developing associated simulants, test articles, and training aids.
In addition, acquisition managers from S&T stakeholders, such as U. S. Secret Service (USSS) or Transportation Security Administration (TSA), make key system performance decisions based on testing results.
The selected vendor team will perform T&E on equipment relevant to aviation security, and required supporting tasks. Passenger screening areas of interest may include:
- Whole-Body Imaging (Millimeter Wave or Submillimeter Wave)
- Ion Mobility Spectrometry or Mass Spectrometry for Trace Detection
- Optical Standoff Detection (e.g. Laser-Based Spectroscopic Detection)
- Bottle Liquid Scanners
- Handheld Resolution Tools
Regardless of the particular threat configuration and delivery mechanism, screening and detection technologies must be continually updated and improved. The mission of this program is to increase feedback to technology development vendors ahead of the certification testing and final product delivery. The vendor will perform T&E of prototype equipment provided by equipment developers, and will act as a neutral party.
The tests will focus on how the instrumentation aligns with current CONOPS, and how a finished version of the instrument is expected to meet customer requirements.
Further details are available under Solicitation Number: HSHQDC-15-00024. The response deadline is Jan. 12, 2015.