Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency Issues BAA for Research

The Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for basic, applied and advanced scientific research. The DFBA serves as the executive agent of the Defense Department for forensics and biometrics casework, research and new capabilities development. The agency is comprised of the Defense Forensics Science Center, formerly the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, and the Biometrics Identity Management Activity. Forensic research proposals should focus on the creation of new and improved field or laboratory functional capabilities that result in faster, more robust, more informative, less costly, or less labor-intensive recognition, identification, collection, preservation and analysis of forensic evidence. Biometric research proposals should contribute to biometric applications or operations such as combat identification, offensive operations, force protection, detention operations, civil-military operations, personnel recover and identification, and recognition and recovery of human remains. Sol. No. W911NF-13-R-0006. Respond by June 30, 2015. Contact: Ernest Dixon, [email protected], 919-549-4270.

DHS S&T Seeks Info on Big Data Storage and Analytics Technology

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, in cooperation with the Office of the Chief Information Officer and the Common Vetting Task Force, has issued a Request for Information related to “Big Data” technologies that enable homeland security missions and operations. DHS is seeking additional information from industry to assist with the identification of transformational opportunities to improve mission and achieve operational efficiencies and lower costs through advance analytic automation for DHS and the Homeland Security Enterprise. Sol. No. HSHQDC-13-BIG_DATA_RFI. Respond by Aug. 23. Contact: Cathy Collins, contracting officer, [email protected], 202-254-6814.

DHS Interested in IMS-based Chemical Agent Detectors for Emergency Responders

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory has issued a Request for Information for Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS)-based Chemical Agent Detectors to be published in a market survey of commercially available products by the System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program. The program conducts assessments and validations on commercial equipment and systems, and provides those results along with other relevant information to the emergency response community in an operationally useful form. DHS is interested in chemical agent detectors that incorporate IMS, differential IMS, field asymmetric IMS, aspiration IMS, or related technologies for detection of chemical warfare agents or toxic industrial chemicals. Sol. No. RFI-13-0010. Respond by Aug. 9. Contact: John Kada, [email protected].

DHS Seeks Small Businesses for Linear Radiation Monitors

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office has issued a solicitation for linear radiation monitors that can be provided by a small business under a potential five-year, $5 million contract. Specifications include being able to operate in rain and temperatures between five and 122 degrees Fahrenheit, weigh less than 12 pounds including batteries, and have a response time of less than one second. Sol. No. HSHQDC-13-R-RDPA00063. Respond by Aug. 9. Contact: Matthew Robertson, contract specialist, matthew.robertson, 202-254-7163.

HSARPA Plans Webinar on Border Patrol R&D Strategy

The Department of Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) will host a webinar on Tuesday, Aug. 13, to discuss the research and development (R&D) strategy for the Border Patrol. The webinar, one in a series being hosted by HSARPA on the R&D strategies it is pursuing in conjunction with its various customers within DHS, will begin at 2 p.m. and can be accessed here: https://bahstream.mediasite.com/Mediasite/Login/Register?ReturnUrl=%2Fmediasite%2FPlay%2Fbe932d9b72a54409b12af4cf323710cf1d. Contact: [email protected].

DHS Plans Small Vendor Outreach Session

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization will host a Vendor Outreach Session in Washington, DC, on Aug. 15. The sessions are pre-arranged 15-minute appointments with small business specialists from various components of the DHS procurement offices. The sessions provide the small business community an opportunity to discuss their capabilities and learn of potential procurement opportunities. Sol. No. DHS_Vendor_Outreach_Session_August_2013. Contact: Della Ilene Waggoner, Small Business Advocate, [email protected], 202-447-5282.