The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is soliciting proposals to conduct research in nuclear weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threat detection. DTRA is seeking optimum approaches to meet technology objectives in Passive Radiation Detection and Alternative Signature Detection.
The focus area of Passive Radiation Detection seeks improved capabilities to discriminate special nuclear materials and naturally occurring radioactive materials and characterization of materials, shielded or unshielded.
The intent of the Alternative Signature Detection capability area is to develop novel modes for increased detection range relative to conventional detectors, including:
- Detection utilizing non-atmospheric effects
- Novel signatures associated with the transport of concealed materials shielding effects
- Novel techniques utilizing background suppression and signal enhancement methods
- Detection via induced ionized or excited states or new species resulting from a material’s ionizing radiation
DTRA plans to fund proof-of-concept efforts in the first phase of all accepted projects, with options to pursue full concept or prototype development if the proof-of-concept phase is successful.
Further details are available under Solicitation Number: HDTRA-14-NTD-BAA.
