Advancing capabilities to protect the nation often requires developing a conceptual model, building proof-of-concept prototypes, and fielding new capabilities in a user environment. To enhance this process, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has issued a formal Request For Information (RFI) on rapid prototyping capabilities in support of the DHS mission.
Rapid prototyping is defined as a technology process used in the production of models to evaluate fit and form or tooling for low volume manufacturing. S&T is interested in exploring the possibility of integrating a rapid prototype capability into S&T’s innovation cycle in order to shorten project development time and rapidly develop and field technical prototypes.
In the area of Chemical and Biological Defense, S&T’s investments in research and development include efforts to improve the understanding, technologies, and systems necessary to detect, assess and provide resiliency to protect against biological and chemical attacks. Technology areas include assessment, discovery, and interdiction capabilities; recovery processes; and the medical countermeasures against foreign animal diseases.
DHS iterates that this RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or a promise to issue an RFP, but the DHS Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) may issue a solicitation for this requirement in the coming months.
Further details are available under Solicitation Number: RFI-ST-RAPIDPROTOTYPE-13. The response deadline is February 22, 2013.
