IARPA Launches Nail to Nail Fingerprint Challenge
The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) has launched the Nail to Nail (N2N) Fingerprint Challenge, which aims to improve live and forensic biometric fingerprint recognition by improving biometric fingerprint collection and recognition systems, eliminating plain fingerprint captures. N2N fingerprints capture the entire fingerprint from the edge of one fingernail bed to the other. Currently the N2N standard involves a trained operator to physically roll the subjects fingerprints over the surface to capture the complete print. Slap or plain prints involve a single press method that does not require human operation. However, slap prints only capture parts of the finger touching the sensor, providing significantly less surface area and decreased matching performance. With the challenge, IARPA seeks to produce an automated N2N capture technology that can eliminate the need for human operators while collecting data that performs as good as or better than the traditional rolled biometric gold standards for matching other live collection or forensic fingerprints. The first phase of the challenge runs through fall 2017 and concludes with a final live test where finalists will be invited to test their devise in the Washington, D.C. area. Their captures will then be compared to ground truth data and finalists will be eligible to win prizes from a purse of $325,000. Contact: [email protected].
DoD Rapid Reaction Tech Office Plans Thunderstorm Technology Demonstration
The Defense Department’s Rapid Reaction Technology Office has issued a Request for Information for the Thunderstorm Technology Demonstration Program soliciting technology demonstration candidates for inclusion in future capability demonstration events focused on emerging challenges presented by dense urban and subterranean environments. The intent of the demonstration is to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter by demonstrating the capability and technology in an operationally relevant environment. The demonstrations are planned for this May and June in the New York City areas, or other metropolitan areas within the eastern U.S. The RFI says that as the world’s population grows, the probability of the U.S. needing to conduct combat and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations within a megacity—defined as a city with more than 10 million residents—also grows. As populations increase and developing countries struggle to keep up with infrastructure and resource requirements, poverty, discontent, and instability within the cities are bound to ensue, it says, thus necessitating military operations to stabilize and restore peace. Sol. No. RRTO-17-2-RFI-01. Respond by Feb. 24. Contact: RRTO Thunderstorm, [email protected].
DHS S&T Issues Call to Silicon Valley for sUAS
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate has issued a call against its Silicon Valley Innovation Program Other Transaction Solicitation for novel small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) capabilities to augment Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol mission capabilities. DHS is seeking technologies and solutions that support Border Patrol agent activities, including enhanced overall situational awareness or support during distinct events such as detection, tracking, interdiction and apprehension plus search and rescue operations. The department seeks sUAS solutions that can augment Border Patrol agents in the conditions for operations in three areas: user interfaces, sensor systems, and platform security. Sol. No. HSHQDC-16-R-00114. Respond by July 14. Contact: [email protected].
DNDO Issues RFI for Small Vessel Standoff Detection
The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for spectroscopic radiological/nuclear detection and identification systems in support of a government-conducted test of commercial-off-the-shelf systems to be mounted on small maritime vessels. The Small Vessel Standoff Detection Program addresses the need to increase the probability of encountering and detecting radiological/nuclear threats during operations while minimizing inspection time and maximizing distance at which a suspect or targeted vessel can be scanned. DNDO is assessing the possibility of putting COTS detection/identification systems on Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection law enforcement vessels that are 25-feet and larger. Sol. No. SVSD_COTS_2017. Respond by Feb. 9. Contact: Siddhartha Routh, contract specialist, [email protected], 202-254-2294.
TSA Plans Industry Day for Third Party Canine Cargo Screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry inputs on a proposed program to use explosive detection canine teams, trained and operated by third party vendors, to screen aviation cargo to agency standards. The RFI is aimed at U.S. passenger carriers, cargo carriers, and Certified Cargo Screening Facilities. The agency will host an unclassified Industry Day on Feb. 22 to present the draft framework of the 3rd Party Canine Cargo Certification Program and the anticipated path forward. The event will be held in Reston, Va. Sol. No. HSTS02-17-I-3PK9CS. Respond by Feb. 10. Contact: Kurt Allen, [email protected].
Navy Interested in Technology for Capturing Images of Human Vein Patterns
The Naval Sea Systems Command has issued a Request for Information seeking industry input on the availability of commercial and/or developmental items available in the general marketplace capable of acquiring images of human vein patters within the palm, wrist or forearm. The end state is a wearable biometric sensor or device that can capture vein images and transmit the image to a computer for multifactor authentication for high security applications. The service wants a prototype ready for use by the fourth quarter of FY’ 18. Respond by Feb. 24. Contact: Jacob Mahan, contract specialist, [email protected], 805-228-5528.
CBP Releases Acquisition Strategy for Network Operations Center
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a presolicitation notice for support for its Network Operations Centers, which will be sourced through the NIH Strategic Vehicle CIO-SP3. CBPs primary NOC is in the Washington, D.C. area and a secondary NOC is located in Orlando, Fla. The planned task order includes a six-month base, four one-year options, two one-year award terms, and six-month extension of services. Sol. No. CBP200900006. Contact: Eva Shaw-Taylor, contract specialist, [email protected], 202-344-2874.
DHS S&T Issues Draft Solicitation for SETA III Award
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) branch has issued a draft solicitation for the Systems Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) III contract to provide the directorate with advisory and assistance services to support efforts in research, development, test and evaluation. The potential value of the ward is $306 million over five years. Currently Booz Allen Hamilton [BAH], ManTech International [MANT] and Noblis, Inc. provide SETA services to S&T. Sol. No. Draft_solicitation_HSHQDC-17-R-00020. Respond by Feb. 13. Contact: Charnelle Brown, contract specialist, [email protected], 202-254-8309.
DHS S&T to Host Transition to Practice Tech Demo Day for Energy Sector
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate Cyber Security Division will host a Transition to Practice Technology Demonstration Day for the Energy Sector on March 21 in Houston. The Demonstration Day will provide cyber security professionals and technology investors from private industry as well as federal, state and local government with an opportunity to view live demonstrations of innovative federally funded cyber security research, which they would not be exposed to otherwise. The purpose of the demonstration it to encourage the adoption and deployment of leading edge cyber security technology throughout the Homeland Security Enterprise. Sol. No. HSHQDC-17-Q-00067. Respond by Jan. 31. Contact: Donna Wright, [email protected], 202-254-5880.
DHS CSO Seeks Information on Iris Capture Devices
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Chief Security Officer has issued a Request for Information on iris capture devices and associated software interfaces to enable the agency to populate PIV card with iris as an alternative authentication modality. To better understand the landscape for capturing and utilizing iris images for identify verification, DHS is gathering information on new capabilities, technology and methods that exist in commercial and government product lines. These products would need to be compatible with PIV platforms that appear on the General Services Administration’s Approved Product List, the current Enterprise Issuance Workstations, the Identity Management System, and the IDENT biometric matching system. Sol. No. HSPD-17-0001. Respond by March 3. Contact: Bryan Harden, contracting officer, [email protected], 202-447-5646.
DHS S&T Cyber Security Division Announces BAA
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, Cyber Security Division has opened a five-year Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking research and development services in a number of technical topic areas. The anticipated technical areas, which are representative only, include software assurance, cyber security for law enforcement, cyber physical systems, cyber for critical infrastructure, mobile security, network systems security, homeland security open source technologies, and aviation cyber security. S&T expects to have $95 million available over five years for the BAA. Sol. No. HSHQDC-17-R-B0002. Contact: [email protected].