B -- Request for Participation in Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Equipment for the Stand-off Detection of Body-Borne Suicide Bombs

Sandia National Laboratories, representing the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Science and Technology Counter Measures Test Bed program, is seeking information from manufacturers regarding commercial or near-commercial devices capable of the stand-off detection of body-borne suicide bombs. The detection technologies may utilize millimeter wave, infrared, or terahertz imaging, employing either passive or active techniques, with a critical performance requirement to detect threats within five seconds or less. The solicitation explicitly excludes portal-type systems, emphasizing rapid and covert screening capabilities. Participating equipment must be available for an 8-week testing period beginning May 1, 2006, during which manufacturers are expected to loan their systems to DHS at no cost and provide technical support to facilitate both laboratory and field evaluations. Interested manufacturers are required to submit a one-page white paper that includes contact information, a physical and operational description of the system (including imaging method, detection procedure, and screening time), and the maturity level of the technology (prototype versus commercially available product). This effort is part of a broader initiative under solicitation number 06-289, targeting equipment under the NAICS code 334511. The goal is to identify advanced imaging solutions capable of quickly and accurately detecting concealed explosive devices on individuals from a distance, supporting enhanced security measures without disrupting pedestrian flow or relying on fixed portals.