A -- Development, Fabrication, Testing and Validation of Forensic Analysis Techniques

In the absence of other qualified sources, it is the intent of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to negotiate with the University of Colorado at Denver (UCD), Campus Box 129, and P.O. Box 173364, Denver, CO for the development, fabrication, testing and validation of forensic analysis techniques. BACKGROUND: The mission of NIST's Electromagnetics Division includes providing methods of measuring and mapping magnetic fields for various analysis requirements. To this end, the Magnetic Recording Metrology Project of the division is devoted to investigating methods of high-resolution imaging of fields above magnetic recording media. This imaging has applications in both data storage technology as well as forensic analysis of the samples. In addition to this work, the Magnetic Recording Metrology Project receives other-agency support to investigate related problems in magnetic data storage evaluation. This other agency work supports NIST's efforts on magnetic field metrology. SCOPE: The specific work described here is to carry out a key component of NIST's contract with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to build prototype magnetic imaging systems for forensic analysis. This project supports the broader NIST internally supported Competence Program in Magnetic Sensors. The scope of the work will be to construct, as an integrated project, real time systems for forensic analysis of cassette, Digital Audio Tape (DAT), and Digital Data Storage (DDS) tape for the FBI and conduct validation studies using samples provided by the FBI. Arrays of magnetoresistive (MR) elements will be used to detect stray fields from the tapes. UCD will fabricate large linear arrays (256 element) of Nickel-Iron alloy magneto-resistive arrays in the cleanroom at NIST in Boulder, CO. UCD will be responsible for integrating the arrays with custom multiplexing electronics and mechanical tape transport systems, for each different format, to allow investigators to visualize the magnetic patterns on the tapes as it slides past the sensors. These designs will include, but not be limited to, development of a 4 mm wide, offset array that is compatible with the digital audio tape format and a 13 mm wide version that is compatible with video tape format. The sensors should obtain the strength of the magnetic field perpendicular to the tape at a nominal distance of 5 micrometers, with a signal to noise ratio of 40 dB. In addition, UCD will conduct validation studies for the FBI. These studies will be done on-site in the NIST laboratory located in Boulder, Colorado and in collaboration with the FBI to ensure independent verification of blind studies and tests. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The contract to be negotiated is for a 36 month study. SOLE SOURCE: NIST has determined that UCD is the only contractor that can provide the technical expertise necessary to carry out this work. The Magnetics Team at the Physics Department at UCD is uniquely qualified to carry out the completion of a realtime magnetic imaging system that is compatible with both analog cassette and digital audio tapes. NIST requires a Team with these minimum skills: (1) proficient at using the NIST Object Oriented Magnetic Modeling Framework to analyze the magnetic response of micro- and nano-scale magnetic elements; (2) able to quickly develop the computer software to directly create computer files from the Object Oriented Magnetic Modeling Framework for input into the NIST-Boulder mask design software (XIC) needed to create the reticle masks for device fabrication , (3) able to develop, troubleshoot, and conduct a fabrication process from conception to completion, from scratch, in the NIST cleanroom. Fabrication is to be on 3 silicon wafers, and includes 500 nm liftoff process, ion mill, reactive ion etching, photolithography, and chemical vapor deposition of silicon dioxide, (4) a proven track record of designing and fabricating magnetic arrays of at least 64 elements on a 64 micron pitch, (5) the Team must be proficient in the area of: (a) anisotropic magnetic sensors, (b) magnetic force microscopy, (c) Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometry, (d) Vibrating Sample magnetometry, (e) and making ultra-soft amorphous magnetic alloys. The Magnetics Team at UCD is uniquely qualified to carry out this specific component of the FBI supported work. The UCD Team has the required experience described above and has worked on this and related projects for the past 5 years, with over 20 combined years experience in the NIST cleanroom. This is not a formal solicitation. This notice may represent the only notice. See note 22.