99 -- TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY - MILES Hand Grenade Simulator System

Sandia National Laboratories, the lead research and development laboratory for the Department of Energy's physical security needs, is looking for one or more companies in the MILES systems market to engage in commercialization of Sandia's MILES hand grenade simulator system. Sandia prefers that a company that commercializes this system do so in such a fashion that the hand grenade simulator system can be coupled with any commercial MILES system; it is acceptable to Sandia if the company chooses also to integrate it into their existing product suite. Sandia is interested in commercial system integrators with well-documented experience in MILES systems, and with successful product offerings, strong market presence and established market, distribution and service channels. Potential partners must provide Sandia information demonstrating that the partner has the stand-alone (sublicensing will not be acceptable) resources and expertise to design, develop, manufacture, distribute, market, and service fully functional MILES hand grenade simulator systems. Sandia anticipates granting one or more non-exclusive licenses to the hand grenade simulator technology to qualified participants, with up-front licensing fees (a portion of which may cover Sandia's technical assistance to the partner), royalties, annual minimums, and performance milestones. Sandia prefers that a product be commercially available by 1 October 2004. The licensee will acquire the rights to one patent pending for the hand grenade simulator transmitter and receiver hardware, as well as copyright for software that drives the microprocessors in both the grenade and the receiver and drawings of circuits in the grenade and the receiver. The Sandia MILES hand grenade resembles a real hand grenade in weight and shape and is operated by pulling a pin. The MILES hand grenade remains dormant until the palm switch is released, simulating the operation of an activating lever. After a five-second delay an RF signal is emitted that activates the receivers that are in close proximity. These receivers, which are mountable to any MILES harness, then listen for an acoustic cue and use the delay time between the arrival of the electronic signal and the acoustic signal to determine the distance from the - detonation. The acoustic cue also mimics the - detonation of a real hand grenade, which enhances the reality of the training simulation. After - detonation a momentary, intermittent, beep is emitted that allows easy location of the MILES hand grenade. The Sandia MILES hand grenade comes closer than any commercially available system to simulating casualties created by a hand-thrown grenade. The - kill radius matches the 5-meter industry standard and is not affected by paper barriers or other materials that would inappropriately - protect the combatant trainee. The receiver, which is powered by a rechargeable 9-volt battery, will work independently or as an addition to all MILES systems and also has the capability to record which MILES hand grenade activated it. To express your interest in this technology transfer opportunity, please respond by mail or fax to Alane Dulski by 21 November 2003 at: Sandia National Laboratories, MS 0115, P.O. Box 5800, Albuquerque New Mexico 87185-0115. Fax (505) 844-8011- No phone calls, please. Please indicate the date and title of the FBO notice. Include company and contact information, as well as a description of how your company meets Sandia's criteria and could best contribute to the commercialization of this technology.