Single Shot Computed Phase-Contrast Tomography
This is a synopsis of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) requirement to be solicited on a sole source basis to:
The Leland Stanford Junior University
450 Serra Mall
Stanford, CA, 94305
The requirement to be solicited is entitled "Single Shot Computed Phase-Contrast Tomography (CPCT)." The NAICS is 541712 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (Except Biotechnology). The Product Service Code is AT42 R&D- Other Transportation: Passenger Safety and Security (Applied Research/Exploratory Development). The solicitation will not be a small business set-aside. It will not be available for full and open competition, per FAR 6.302-1 "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements". The Government anticipates awarding a stand-alone contract as a result of the solicitation. The Government is not utilizing a General Services Administration Schedule or any sort of Government-wide or multiple-award contract to issue an order.
No response to this synopsis is requested. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, proposal, or quotation, which shall be considered by the agency.
The following is a summary of the requirement:
DHS is committed to using cutting-edge technologies and scientific talent in its quest to make America safer. The DHS S&T is tasked with researching and organizing the scientific, engineering, and technological resources of the United States and leveraging these existing resources into technological tools to help protect the homeland.
The S&T Explosives Division (EXD) is accomplishing this by developing technologies to improve the Homemade Explosive (HME) detection capability for screening of passenger baggage in aviation security. Capability and performance is measured by a number of criteria that include probability of detection and false alarm, screening throughput, and the ability to discriminate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) threat list of HMEs that have similar characteristics to the many non-threat objects prevalent in the passengers' carry-on and checked baggage. Computed Tomography utilizing X-ray scanning technology is the preferred method for screening passenger baggage. EXD continues to develop and mature technical capabilities to enhance the ability of X-ray Computed Tomography to improve HME threat detection.
To further develop and mature the application of phase-contrast imaging methodology with X-ray Transmission Computed Tomography (XTCT) technology, the contractor will integrate the Stanford University Single Shot single grating differential phase contract (DPC) technology developed under HSHQDC-12-C-00002 into a traditional transmission X- ray Computed Tomography baggage screening architecture to simultaneously collect transmission, phase contrast and dark field images of passenger baggage. The incorporation of Stanford's Single Shot single grating DPC technology with XTCT will provide additional unique signature features in addition to effective atomic number and attenuation typical of conventional XTCT equipment that can be used to discriminate between high interest explosive materials and benign materials that may have very similar properties as measured by XTCT systems. The contractor will consider, and use as a basis of design goals, the checked baggage screening environment and complexity of "threats and clutter objects not of interest" along with the screening throughput speed on the order of five seconds per bag or better for all tasks.
The primary places of performance will be Stanford University and certain Government facilities designated by DHS S&T. The period of performance will span 12 months
In order to perform this work, the contractor will need to have the following minimum capabilities:
• Deep understanding of the principles of X-Ray Differential Phase Contrast Imaging for aviation security baggage screening applications
• Deep understanding of DPC measurement methods and single grating techniques as applied to rotating gantry Computed Tomography systems
• Deep understanding of DPC Single Shot single grating design and fabrication principles as applied to rotating gantry Computed Tomography systems
• Demonstrated capability to make tri-field (attenuation, phase contrast and dark field) measurement in a representative baggage screening environment.
• Demonstrated ability to perform tri-field 3D reconstructions of baggage, phase unwrapping and recovery index of refraction
• Demonstrated ability to design, fabricate and integrate curved X-ray DPC grid structures into XTCT architectures
The contractor will also need to have personnel to conduct research, do technical writing and editing, create digital media, and perform administrative support.
Jennifer K. Koons, Contract Specialist, Phone 2022548913, Email Jennifer.Koons@hq.dhs.gov - Carolyn Lethert, Contracting Officer, Phone 2022546931, Email carolyn.lethert@hq.dhs.gov
