A -- Request for Information

This is a Request for Information (RFI) by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on ideas for developing a real time (sub-seconds), stand-off (over 400 meters) detection system for countering road-side IEDs based on chemical vapor signatures. IEDs represent the greatest threat to the security of our military forces and civilians. Approaches towards solving this problem may include pre-treatment of the target area with materials for molecular recognition of target explosive vapors or direct interrogation of target area using laser-based approaches. From an operational standpoint, it is desired that the technology solution be such that it may be implemented either from an unmanned aerial or ground vehicle. Ideas for technologies to counter IEDs should be consistent with this operational strategy. The RFI does not include X-ray, neutron or gamma-ray based methods or any other approach that could pose a potential hazard to military and civilians in the vicinity of the threat. DARPA solicits potential performers to submit ideas related to this topic for use by the government in formulating a potential program. DARPA requests that submittals briefly and clearly describe the potential approach or concept, outline critical technical issues, and comment on the expected robustness, affordability, weight, size and power requirements of the proposed approach. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. Responses should be limited to two pages for any given concept. Any proprietary concepts or information should be clearly identified as such. Input on technical aspects of the responses may be solicited by DARPA from non-Government consultants/experts who are bound by appropriate non-disclosure requirements. For all RFI responses, an additional, non-proprietary cover page is also requested identifying your company name, technical point of contact and contact information. RFI responses should be received no later than COB Oct. 10, 2005. RFI Responses should be submitted in a commonly used electronic format and may be e-mailed or mailed on a CD-ROM to: Dr. Devanand K. Shenoy, Program Manager DARPA/MTO 3701 N Fairfax Dr. Arlington, VA 22203 Devanand.Shenoy@darpa.mil Original Point of Contact Dr. Devanand K. Shenoy, Program Manager, Phone (571) 218-4932, Fax (703) 696-2206, Email Devanand.Shenoy@darpa.mil