The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Technical Support Group have designed a sampling device to facilitate biological sampling using one hand.
They are now seeking to further develop this tool with the help and have included the requirement as part of this year’s Department of Defense Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) approved topics. The RIF funding mechanism is designed to quickly transition innovative technologies that resolve operational challenges into acquisition programs.
The device has been specifically designed to act as both the sampler as well as the transport packaging, speeding up sampling times and reducing waste. The one-handed operation of the device will simplify sampling while wearing mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear in a hazardous environment.
Initial testing indicate that the device is capable of collecting a Bacillus anthracis simulant with greater efficiency than the currently employed BiSKit wide area sampling system.
Mature technology solutions are desired that can satisfy this requirement for $1 million or less.
Further details are available via Solicitation Number: HQ0034-16-BAA-RIF-0001B, Requirement Number: ARMY52-RDECOM09. The response deadline is May 03, 2016.