Standoff Diagnostic Technologies for (Surface) Unexploded Explosive Ordnance and Improvised Explosive Devicesview on SAM.gov

This Request for Information (RFI) neither constitutes a Request for Proposal (RFP), nor does it restrict the Government from an ultimate acquisition approach. This notice should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose. The U.S. Government is not obligated to provide respondents with any type of response. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the U.S. Government. This is not a solicitation for goods or services. If such a solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this RFI. Background: While Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams currently utilize x-ray and other diagnostic capabilities, deployed either directly by technicians or remotely via unmanned systems (UxS), these methods have limitations. Direct deployment requires technicians to approach the suspected device closely, increasing their exposure to hazards. Remote UxS deployment can be difficult, often requiring system reconfiguration and limited maneuverability near the target. Current systems may confirm the presence of components or hazards, but seldom determine their operational status. The ability to determine the operational status of Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) and other hazards such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is one of the primary objectives of advanced diagnostic capabilities sought here. A second objective of this RFI is to identify diagnostic tools capable of operation at safe, standoff distances. Finally, though no less paramount, is the improved ability to diagnose munitions which may employ a wide range of initiation sensors and components. Such may include disturbance sensors (e.g., magnetic, seismic, infrared, acoustic), electronic timers, long wires, tripwires, and pressure plates among others. The advanced diagnostic capabilities discussed here necessitate the need for: Advanced sensor sets: Technologies for standoff detection, identification, and assessment of explosive hazards and presumptive fuze functioning. Enhanced data analysis capabilities: Software and hardware to process sensor data quickly, accurately, and agnostic to the type of threat and initiation components. Description and Requested Information: The primary mission of Department of War (DoW) EOD forces is to provide combat support to the Joint Force, enable access to areas denied by explosive ordnance (EO), and facilitate operational movement, maneuver, and situational awareness. EOD Technicians require the capability to quickly evaluate and diagnose UXOs and other hazards such as IEDs at safe distances, to include devices that are equipped with sophisticated sensor technologies. The ability to further classify these hazards, determine functionality and operational viability as well as to develop an increasingly accurate threat understanding at a safe distance is critical to enhancing their ability to (1) effectively neutralize modern threats and (2) exec…