A -- Ordnance Detector/Mine Probe Instrument

Sources Sought Synopsis announcements are issued to assist the Agency in performing market research to determine industry interest and capability. This Source Sought Synopsis is not a request for proposals and at this time, no solicitation exists. Therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. Introduction: The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) invites white papers for research and development to support technology applications under this Sources Sought Announcement(SSA)CSC080001115. The administering DTRA program is the Combat Support Contingencies Directorate (CSC). The total number of pages shall not exceed 5 pages to include rough order of magnitude on cost and effort. Background: DTRA's mission is to safeguard America and its allies from weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high explosives (CBRNE) by reducing the present threat and preparing for the future threat. The objective of this SSA is to acquire scientific, technical, and operational information on the topic area of ordnance detection technology supporting DTRA/CSC. DTRA is soliciting white papers to integrate selectable passive and non-passive ordnance detection technology into an Ordnance Detector/Mine Probe instrument that is currently made or one that can be easily constructed. The instrument should be light weight, man portable, able to detect and locate ferrous and non ferrous materials as well as solid state electronic components. The proposal should include discussions using only proven active and passive detector technologies such as Electro-Magnetic Induction (EMI); Magnetometers; Gradiometers; Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR); and Non-linear Junction Detector (NLJD); etc. Unproven, experimental, or theoretical search technologies will not be considered. The discussion should include only the technologies that would be required to search and locate ferrous and non-ferrous materials and solid state electronic components. The instrument should be capable of selecting and using one or more or a combination of the incorporated search technologies. The instrument should be cylindrical in design with one end that is pointed and rugged enough to use as a probe. The probe shaft and handle should carry all of the instrumentation and components. The overall length of the instrument should be no more than 18 inches and no more than 1 inch in diameter. The handle should conform to the instrument, should not extend or protrude off of the instrument, and should surround the electronics. The pointed tip of the probe should carry the active sensor technology; the shaft of the probe should carry the passive sensor technology. The controls should be simple on/off selectable, thumb wheel type, easily used with one hand. The instrument should have a selectable on/off intensity switch for controlling a visual and audible indicator. The visual indicator should consist of intensity indicator lights only. The instrument should be capable of one handed operation. Overall weight should be 5 - 8 lbs; counterbalanced; or with wrist or forearm support to facilitate use. The design should utilize a commercial off the shelf power supply such as a 3 volt Li-ion battery, Mil BA 5590 battery or cells, or standard "D" cells. The power supply should be integrated into the instrument if possible, if not, a plug in power pack is acceptable. The instrument should be capable of continuous operation for 2-4 hours. The instrument should be ruggedized, capable of operating in all weather and all terrains. Overall use is for the instrument to function much like a mine probe with a selectable passive and active detection capability. The total time of the effort must be completed in 18 months or less. Responses: Specific performance data and materials compatibility information should be provided. Any information submitted in response to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this announcement. Offers having the technical skills and capabilities to perform the stated requirement are invited to provide information to contribute to this market survey/sources sought. Responses shall include the following information: company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, email address, business size and small business status such as disadvantaged, 8(a), HUB Zone, Woman Owned, Minority Owned, and/or Veteran Owned, teaming partners and/or major subcontractors or prime. Responses should address how the Offeror can meet any part or all of the above requirements and should not exceed five (5) pages in total. Please submit responses to Wanda Maddox, Contract Specialist via email at wanda.maddox@dtra.mil no later than 12:00 P.M. (Eastern Standard Time) on December 3, 2007.