The U.S. Government Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) has issued a new Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) soliciting concepts for innovative research and development projects in the areas of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) countermeasures, Investigative Support and Forensics (ISF), and other anti-terrorism technical applications.
Highlighted efforts include developing intuitive situational awareness tools for first responders in an evolving CBRN crisis or other emergency. In order to make better risk-based decisions, enhanced tools to manage the overwhelming amount of data from different sources are sought to develop real-time awareness.
Such a tool is envisioned to provide:
Asset management detailing responder and resource type, status, location and availability
Decision support tools to monitor resource status and proximity to hazard
Sensor integration for data from standard CBRN detection equipment and satellites
Visualization tools to put data in a geographical context, e.g. plume-tracking and weather impact
Advanced analytics to identify trends, patterns and important context from large volumes of data
The BAA also seeks proposals on development of a rapid field-deployable DNA profiler. The solicitation calls for a one-year delivery on a prototype system for the automated processing of human DNA profiles using rapid amplification and analysis of STR (Short Tandem Repeat) loci. The system must employ lyophilized reagents pre-packaged into the instrument consumables, with an unrefrigerated shelf life of at least three months.
At a minimum, the reagent biochemistry in the prototype shall interrogate and provide a DNA profile in the field based on five (5) STR loci. Ideally, any proposed technology would provide for spiral development of a capability to perform separation and detection for greater than 20 loci.
Any samples used on the prototype must be preserved for confirmation testing in a forensic laboratory. To meet this requirement, the offeror shall develop a method and means to preserve samples after initial analysis for up to seven (7) days without refrigeration to allow for subsequent analysis through traditional genotyping methods.
Other topic areas include: advanced and additive manufacturing effects on U.S. national security; capability enhancement in cyberspace domain in support of Special Operation Forces; mobile app development for combating terrorism content; and training for enhanced human tactical threat recognition.
Awards for this BAA are planned for FY2013. Full details are available under BAA-12-Q-4811. The response deadline is August 30, 2012.
