The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking proposals for a new capability for high-confidence, high-precision detection, identification and localization of stationary or moving radiological or nuclear threats in an urban environment.
Overseen by the DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), the effort is being executed via a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) entitled “Wearable Intelligent Nuclear Detection (WIND).”
See also: New Nuclear Forensics Capability at INL
The WIND program will explore the design and development of a modular and cross-functional wearable, or pedestrian-based, radiation detection, localization, and identification Performance Test Unit (PTU).
Specifically, DNDO is seeking innovative research and development that will result in an advanced wearable detection technology with optimized gamma/neutron detection response, spatial tracking and localization, PTU networking and reachback capability, smart device integration, and optimized size, weight, and power (SWaP).
See also: Radiation Awareness and Interdiction Network
Successful PTUs will fill the same role as existing backpack-based technology in wide-area search, but will seek to be flexible enough to apply to other radiation detection mission spaces, including:
- Pedestrian chokepoint monitoring
- Low-profile or covert detection
- Stand-off or mobile detection through direct coupling of individual units
- Unattended stand-alone detection over long time frames (up to 24 hours)
- Detection in unconventional or confined spaces (e.g. small vessels, rail search)
- Contamination monitoring and/or characterization of ground deposition
Multiple awards are anticipated to be issued through this BAA, and are expected to be announced in March 2016. Total funding for this BAA in FY16 is anticipated to be $3.0M with additional funding potentially available in later years.
Further details are available via Solicitation Number: HSHQDC-16-R-B0001. The response deadline is January 26, 2016.