--For more information please contact Mr. Joe Traino, [phone hidden]/4416. Please DO NOT contact Marjorie Roberts.

NA The U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) is sponsoring a Technology Readiness Evaluation (TRE 04-1) for biological point identification technologies. TRE 04-1 is being scheduled in the May/June 2004 timeframe at the Solomon La boratory, Dugway Proving Ground (DPG), Utah and the test duration is not expected to exceed 2 weeks. Plans are underway to conduct the biological point identification evaluation in two phases depending on the number of respondents and potential participan ts. Phase I will be conducted as a preliminary screening of prototype or fully developed systems in early Feb/March 2004. to aid in determining eligibility of biological identification systems to participate in Phase II. Phase I involves killed pathogens in a Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) solution delivered as Government Furnished Material to each vendor for identifier evaluation. The bio safety level required is no greater than BL2. Specifically, DPG will prepare liquid challenge samples from gamma irradia ted Bacillus anthracis (BA), Yersinia pestis (YP), and Vaccinia. DPG will ship the challenge samples (including blanks) to a valid vendor (participant) address by certified mail (UPS or Fed Ex) and immediate receipt verification will be required. The cha llenge samples (6 total) in numbered vials for each participant will be shipped for analysis and identification. A report of challenge sample identification by vial # must be furnished to the TRE Team within 72 hours after receipt of vials, by following i nstructions provided with the challenge samples. Antibodies only for pathogens listed above will be furnished upon request made by the participant. A written request that includes the name and address of the POC to receive the antibodies must be received at the following address by January 14, 2004 at the latest: Dr. Peter Emanuel, JPEO for CB Defense, Critical Reagent Program, SFAE-CBD-CBMS-MITS, E3150, Room# 356, 5183 Blackhawk Road, APG, MD 21010. Based on an assessment of Phase I information, a down selection of bioidentifier systems will be made for Phase II (Laboratory Trials), and participants will be notified. Phase II is a laboratory evaluation to be conducted at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah using daily liquid samples. It is estimated that not more than 30 liquid sample challenges per day will be distributed on site to each participant. The challenges will be comprised of the same agents in a PBS buffer solution used in Phase I at various concentration levels. Some challenges will contain multiple pathogens and blanks to be identified by the participants on a daily basis. Participating vendors and their equipment will be evaluated for potential applicability in future biological defense systems, such as a Joint Biological Tactical Detection System (JBTDS), and upgrades to the Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS). The intent of TRE 04-1 is to identify technology for our development/acquisition programs and system-upgrades. The U.S. Army is under no obligation to select any participating technologies. TRE 04-1 will offer participants an opportunity to obtain unique performance data that can be used in their development work. The US Army is not responsible for any costs incurred by the participants as a result of attending this TRE. To be responsive to this announcement developers/sponsors must supply the followin g in writing to U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), 5183 Blackhawk Road ATTN: AMSRD-ECB-RT-DE, Building E3326, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, no later than close of business 7 January 2004: A description of the equipment proposed that includes performance capabilities, technology employed, and physical characteristics; a historical synopsis of the development; all pertinent test reports; a photograph of the system, safety precautions and the number of different identifier systems to be evaluated. Include in the package improvements to identi fier equipment that was used in prior Government testing (Joint Field Trials and TREs) and provide supporting data from each test. In addition, indicate the POC/telephone number/email and complete address for delivery of the samples. Submit information r equested electronically via email or delivered by mail service on a CD. Email your questions, if preferred, directly to the US Army Technology Readiness Evaluation Team, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The address is contact@example.gov.