A -- Request for Information (RFI) for Deep Bleeder Acoustic Coagulation

This is a Request for Information (RFI) by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), regarding a non-invasive method to stop bleeding in wounds to the femoral artery, abdominal vessels and large vessels of the arms. These potentially exsanguinating wounds (deep bleeders) cause fatalities and amputations in combat situations. The system should utilize non-invasive technologies to both locate and coagulate deep bleeders. It is required that the system be operable by minimally trained military personnel in the combat environment and allow them to rapidly stop the bleeding. The envisioned solution is a conformal array of ultrasound transducers that is capable of localizing the bleeding using Doppler ultrasound and coagulating the blood around the vessel using high intensity focused ultrasound; however other approaches are also encouraged. DARPA solicits potential performers to submit ideas related to this topic for use by the government in formulating the intended formal solicitation. DARPA requests that submittals briefly and clearly describe the potential approach or concept, outline critical technical issues, estimate potential system performance (minimum detectable blood velocity, maximum coagulatable blood velocity and speed to coagulation), and comment on the expected robustness, affordability, weight, size and power requirements of the proposed approach. In addition, DARPA requests that submittals briefly and clearly describe the potential commercial market for such a device or related technologies and the plan to develop the device for this market including the steps needed to obtain the necessary approvals to field such a device. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. The Government intends to issue a formal solicitation during the third quarter of calendar year 2004 for design and development of functional prototype systems that will enable the location and treatment of deep bleeders on the battlefield. Responses should be limited to five 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 July 9, 2004. RFI Responses should be submitted in a commonly used electronic format and may be e-mailed or mailed on a CD-ROM to: Mr. Thomas McCreery, Program Manager DARPA/SPO 3701 N Fairfax Dr. Arlington, VA 22203 tmccreery@darpa.mil