The U.S. Department of Defense has recently awarded a notable contract related to the field of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) equipment or life science research of interest for potential applications in biodefense:
Spectrum Photonics Inc. has been awarded a $16,896,196 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for advanced development of a portable system for real-time standoff detection and identification of trace chemical residues on surfaces using active infrared spectroscopy at a 30-meter range.
Work will be performed at Honolulu, Hawaii, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 9, 2020.
This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with 17 offers received. Fiscal 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $3,344,277 are being obligated at the time of award.
The Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-16-C-9110).
Spectrum Photonics, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, provides research and development expertise for the development of complex, advanced detection technologies. The company is currently focused on two fields of research for sensor development: Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems for broad application chemical, biological, explosives, and narcotics detection; and Trace-level chemical sensor systems for underwater explosive compound detection.
See also: DoD CBRN M3TD Program Awards for Chemical Detectors