A -- R&D Strategy for Environmental Surveillance and Detection of Novel, Emerging and Engineered Threat Agents

The U.S. Department of Homeland Scurity (DHS) is committed to using cutting-edge technologies and scientific talent in its quest to make America safer. The DHS Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) is tasked with researching and organizing the scientific, engineering, and technological resources of the United States and leveraging these existing resources into technological tools to help protect the homeland. The DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate intends to negotiate a contract with The National Academies under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source, to develop a report detailing an R&D strategy for environmental surveillance and detection of novel, emerging, and engineered threat agents. Though this effort, a written report will be developed outlining an R&D strategy for development of a surveillance and detection system for novel, emerging, and engineered biological threat agents. The report will inform the Chemical and Biological Research and Development?s (CBR&D) program plan for the development of such surveillance and detection systems to allow first responders and state, local, and federal officials to accurately identify and effectively manage bioterrorism attacks against citizens of the United States. It is imperative that CBR&D utilize cutting edge technologies and scientific talent to satisfy its mission to make America safer. It is equally critical that the direction, focus, and priority of R&D efforts be objectively and independently reviewed by the best collection of scientific and technical expertise available to achieve the highest quality surveillance and detection systems in an expedient manner. This contract is a 12-month effort. This synopsis is not a request for competitive quotations and no solicitation will be issued as a result of this announcement. Parties who believe they possess the capabilities to perform this requirement may identify their interest and submit a capability statement to Christian.hellie@dhs.gov within 14 days of this announcement.