58 -- Requst for Information on Mobile COTS Gamma and Radiation Detection Equipment

The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) of the Department of Homeland Security currently anticipates performing tests on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) gamma and radiation detection systems. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather technical and engineering information on currently available COTS systems that might be used in this potential test campaign. DNDO currently anticipates testing systems that are mobile devices intended for use in a maritime environment mounted on or in a small boat. The currently anticipated tests will characterize radiation detection performance in field-like conditions using realistic sources and operationally relevant scenarios. All of the systems would be operated by an independent team, and the results of these tests would be made available to interested government (Federal, State, and local) officials subject to the pertinent classification guidelines. DNDO is interested in testing mobile COTS systems that meet ALL of the following six (6) criteria: 1. Have both gamma-ray and neutron detection capability. 2. Perform near real-time radionuclide identification. 3. Detect photon energies from approximately 50 to 3000 keV. 4. Be designed to meet sections 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 of ANSI N42.43 American National Standard Performance Criteria for Mobile and Transportable Radiation Monitors Used for Homeland Security. 5. Be able to transfer data to a computer. 6. Operate on 12 Volts DC or operate on field-replaceable or rechargeable batteries for a minimum of 2 hours of continuous use. In addition to the above-mentioned requirement criteria, it is desirable that the mobile COTS systems also: 1. Be capable of identification both while moving and while stationary. 2. Identify a 16 micro Curie Cs-137 source while moving at 5 mph at a distance of 3 meters (distance of closest approach). 3. Notify user that radiation levels exceed a pre-determined threshold through audible, visual, or vibratory alarm within 5 seconds of detection. 4. Provide real-time position information or comply with section 5.4c of ANSI N42.43. 5. Meet IEC 60529 designation IP54. 6. Comply with sections 5.7c and 5.10.1 of ANSI N42.43 American National Standard Performance Criteria for Mobile and Transportable Radiation Monitors Used for Homeland Security. It is requested that interested parties review the above listed criteria, and provide information in regards to a currently available COTS system or systems which meet the requirement criteria, and may also meet some or all of the desirable criteria. In response to this RFI, interested parties shall provide DNDO with the following six (6) items: 1) complete instruction manual(s) with operating instructions and data formats; 2) a short description of the instrument; 3) general use and performance (in the form of test data, if available); 4) a picture of the instrument; 5) a list of specifications; and, 6) the contact information for a technical representative of the manufacturer. Repsonses shall be submitted by e-mail to Harrison.Smith@dhs.gov, with the following text in the subject line: Response to RFI-RadNucCOTS. Note that this is not a request for proposal. There are currently no funds available for this project and DHS will not make award or develop a source list based on responses to this RFI. DHS will not reimburse any preparation costs associated with responses to RFI. Additionally, it should be noted that DNDO is requesting information on this topic to identify what gamma and radiation detection systems are currently available as COTS - developmental systems or systems currently in development are not included as part of this RFI.