The U.S. Special Operation Command (USSOCCOM) is is looking to develop a point-of-need water testing system that can withstand travel and ground movement while simultaneously providing rapid results on microbiological health threats and metal exposures.
The effort is supported by a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, aimed at strengthening the role of innovative Small Business Concerns in federally-funded research.
The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study (“Technology Readiness Level 3”) to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology.
Proposals submitted for SOCOM244-003: Water Tester at Point of Need will support applied research toward an innovative capability to improve water surveillance at point-of-need. The goal is to develop a field instrument that is rugged, compact, and able to provide microbiological and metal detection capabilities as far forward as possible to reduce both short- and long-term health risks to personnel.
As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with specifications on the following key equipment attributes:
- Able to complete analysis for total coliforms and Escherichia coli.
- The capability to receive a result in less than 4 hours for total coliforms and Escherichia coli.
- Able to complete analysis for arsenic, lead, copper, and cyanide.
- The capability to detect arsenic, lead, copper, and cyanide is not limited to presence and absence, but will provide a definitive numerical result (milligrams per Liter).
- Results must be accessible to allow for future processing within the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness – Industrial Hygiene (DOEHRS-IH) system of record.
- Equipment (water tester) must be compact and able to fit in a carry-on piece of luggage for transport.
- Equipment (water tester) must not exceed 25 pounds.
- Equipment (water tester) must be durable to withstand transport on aircraft, rucks, tactical boxes, ground movement.
- Equipment item must be dual voltage with battery pack capability.
- Equipment item water resistant and able to withstand temperature fluctuations for heat (minimum 100F and cold (minimum 32F).
- Optional: Able to test for Cryptosporidium species.
The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.
PHASE II will address development and demonstration of a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study.
Deadline for receipt of proposals for SOCOM244-003: Water Tester at Point of Need is no later than 12:00 p.m. ET on February 6, 2024. SBIR.gov