The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is seeking proposals to support advanced development and testing of hardened diagnostic devices to support the biosurveillance needs of the U.S. military in field forward locations.
Syndromic approaches on devices capable of detecting diseases that cause febrile illness are specifically sought. The systems must additionally be amenable to military hardening and integration with existing communication capabilities.
The Navy is interested in proposals offering innovative approaches for in vitro diagnostics devices at a Technology Readiness Level of 4 or greater.
Both genomic analysis platforms and high-performance immuno-analysis platforms are sought. The systems must be capable of multiplex identification of immunological targets or molecular sequences that provide identification of the causative agent of febrile illness. Analysis should include sub-classification for diseases as appropriate, and be compatible with whole blood starting material.
In addition, the system must be a low-complexity diagnostic device usable by personnel following minimal training, in potentially austere environments. A total sample to answer timeframe of one hour or less is preferred.
Analytes of interest include both pathogen and pathogen class-differential diagnostic markers. The ability to differentiate between pathogens such as Malaria (specifically P. falciparum), Arboviral diseases (e.g. dengue, chikungunya, etc.), Typhoid, Arenaviral diseases, Rickettsial diseases, Viral hemorrhagic fevers (specifically Lassa fever), Plague, Tularemia (Francisella tularensis), and melioidosis (Burkholderia pseudomallei) is specifically sought.
NRL will work cooperatively to test and verify performance of the devices and to assist in the integration of the diagnostic devices with communication and device hardening for field application.
It is anticipated that the Development of Field Forward Diagnostics and Tiered Evaluation program will provide up to two years of funding for research and development through competitive prototyping.
Further details are available via Solicitation Number: N00173-15-R-BA01. The response deadline is Jun 17, 2015
