The U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS S&T Explosive Division (EXD) is seeking proposals to support development of technologies for the Standoff Explosives Trace Detection Program.
The program will develop explosive threat detection technologies for implementation in a variety of operational environments. Currently, the program is focused on vehicle-borne threats. As core technologies are developed, the Standoff Explosives Trace Detection Program will evolve and implement these capabilities to address person-borne threats.
Currently, vehicle screening methods consist of visual inspections and occasional random trace or canine inspections. Although these measures offer substantial deterrence value, they provide very limited discrimination capabilities against harmless items. Furthermore, such screening methods are manpower intensive and time consuming. Throughput and safety concerns limit or even prohibit the use of currently available commercial screening technologies.
The Standoff Explosives Trace Detection Program will develop non-contact, near real-time detection technologies for federal facility protection. Technologies will be designed to screen potential vehicle and person-borne threats in both fixed and portable checkpoint configurations.
Solutions for standoff explosives detection and identification will be realized through emerging optical techniques, such as Raman and Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy. The feasibility of using such techniques has previously been demonstrated for a variety of relevant trace explosive materials.
The amenability of standoff detection technologies to portable configurations greatly expands the possibility of deploying explosives detection measures to non-traditional venues such as political campaign events and mass transit platforms.
Further details are available via Solicitation Number: BAA-HSHQDC-15-R-B0003. The response deadline is July 30, 2015.