SOURCES SOUGHT Handheld Backscatter X-Ray Imaging Systems
SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE
Seeking Sources for Test and Evaluation of Handheld Backscatter X-ray Imaging Systems
This is a Sources Sought Notice (SSN):
This announcement serves to survey product availability. This synopsis neither constitutes a Request for Proposal (RFP), nor does it restrict the Government from an ultimate acquisition approach. This synopsis should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose. Requests for solicitation will not receive a response. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any input as a result of this market survey. The U.S. Government is not obligated to notify respondents of the results of this survey. This is not a formal solicitation. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this SSN.
Description:
The detection of explosives and other threats is a critical security technology need for applications such as aviation security, warfighter protection in theater, and broader counter-terrorism activities. In regards to security screening and public safety, sensitive, accurate and reliable methods for detecting and identifying threats in the field continue to be a necessity for DoD entities and other federal government agencies. Entry Control Points (ECPs) are often the first step in the physical security of US interests around the world. One technology that is being used in security screening to detect concealed threats and contraband is backscatter X-ray imaging. Backscatter X-ray imaging systems are able to see through materials like steel, rubber, aluminum, and drywall, while detecting low density organics; however, these systems are often large, expensive, and require significant site preparation, presenting security screening and rapid system deployment challenges and limitations. In response to these limitations, companies have developed miniature, handheld backscatter X-ray imaging devices. Miniaturizing backscatter X-ray devices provides more portability for searches and enhances the capability of accelerated system deployment, facilitating the likelihood to conduct faster and more cost-effective security screening activities.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NSWC IHEODTD) is seeking Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and near COTS handheld backscatter X-ray imaging systems that are capable of detecting concealed threats (e.g. IEDs and bulk explosives) and contraband (e.g. weapons and other illegal imports). DoD entities, other federal government and law enforcement agencies are particularly interested in backscatter X-ray capability for field expedient triage.
This SSN solicits vendors' information that fully explains their existing handheld backscatter X-ray imaging system's features, capabilities and performance. Based on the information gathered, NSWC IHEODTD plans to select handheld backscatter X-ray imaging systems to be included in a test and evaluation effort. The evaluation will assess the capabilities of each imaging system. Following completion of the test and evaluation effort, a final report will be written and available for use by government agencies, Department of Defense services, and law enforcement organizations.
Vendors should provide the following requested information:
•1. System Title
•a. Name and model.
•2. System Picture
•a. Photograph of system, preferably something that gives a fair representation of the system size.
•3. System Specifications. This may be presented as a manufacturer's specification's sheet, but should include at a minimum the following details:
•a. Size
• i. Exterior dimensions in inches when stored and when in operational configuration. Please include any additional operational foot print information when in operation (e.g. if additional space around is required for air flow to ensure system stays cool).
•b. Weight
• i. Include the overall weight of the system in pounds or grams.
•c. Power requirements
• i. Include data on internal/external power system's needs (e.g. battery). If applicable, highlight if the system requires other than standard U. S. electrical power supply of 110-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz for operation and/or charging.
•d. Typical environmental conditions
• i. Indicate the system's operating and storage parameters according to the following:
•1. Temperature range in degrees Fahrenheit
•2. Humidity range
•3. Barometric pressure range
•4. Resistance to water, dust ingress
•e. Information for the items listed in the table below (where applicable):
X-ray Source (KeV, amps, W)
Beam Intensity (microRem/hr @ distance)
Beam Spread (degrees)
Scatter Readings
Recommended Scan Speed
Operational Distance
Spatial Resolution
Penetration Ability (e.g. steel)
Automated Target Recognition (ATR) Capabilities
Battery Voltage (volts)
Battery Type
•4. Consumables and Accessories
•a. Detail any items that are consumed by the system for operation or may require replacing over time to maintain performance.
•b. Detail any accessory items that are available for use with the system.
•5. Cost
•a. Cost, measured in $US, for the following:
• i. System
• ii. Consumable items for system operations
• iii. Accessory items
• iv. Vendor operation and maintenance training (include duration)
•6. System Distribution
•a. Indicate if the system is currently in use by any US government or law enforcement agency. Identify user groups.
•b. If known, indicate if the system is International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) controlled. If EAR controlled, provide the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) for the system.
•7. Technology
•a. Provide the title and a brief description (five or fewer descriptive sentences) of the technology used by this product.
•b. Include an assessment of the DoD Technology Readiness Level of the system.
•8. Limitations/Hazards/Special Requirements
•a. State any special system limitations, hazards and/or special requirements to include hazards, such as radiation sources (e.g. electromagnetic and/or ionizing sources) or hazardous chemicals and their respective levels.
•b. Provide responses for the items listed in the table below (if known):
Expected X-ray dose to the operator per scan (microRem/hr @ distance from the front face of system)
What is the expected annual dose to the operator?
How is annual dose calculated and what allowable annual dose is being used? [CFR (5 Rem), Navy RAD-010 (0.5 Rem), public (100 mRem)?]
•c. Please note any additional safety considerations or procedures associated with system operation, including any human exposure restrictions and limits.
•9. Special Features/Capabilities
•a. Summarize any special system features or capabilities not contained herein that improve the overall ability and effectiveness of the system to detect concealed threats (e.g. IEDs and bulk explosives) and contraband (e.g. weapons and other illegal imports). State whether the system has ability to detect other distinguishing characteristics unique to IEDs or other threats.
•b. Narrative of System Employment Concepts: Include the conceptual mechanism by which the system accomplishes its functions and detailed employment of techniques/methods.
Submissions:
Interested entities are encouraged to respond by providing succinct responses to the items listed above. Submissions should be limited to five pages or less. A spreadsheet can be used to organize the responses if desired.
In addition, the submission shall include the organization's name, postal address, point of contact, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, related webpage(s) URL, business size, taxpayer identification number, DUNS number, and CAGE Code.
This SSN is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or solicitation. This is not to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government.
If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published. No award will be made as a result of this market survey.
Additional information may be obtained from Alfred Wooten at alfred.j.wooten@navy.mil. ; Each submission shall be transmitted electronically to jodi.fields@navy.mil and a copy to alfred.j.wooten@navy.mil, no later than 30 December 2019.
Contracting Office Address
N00174
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division
Attn: Jodi Fields, Contract Specialist
4081 North Jackson Road, Bldg. 841
Indian Head, MD 20640-5035
jodi.fields@navy.mil
Jodi L Fields, Purchasing Agent, Phone 3017446544, Email jodi.fields@navy.mil
