Keeping its options open as it moves forward with testing of a prototype next-generation biological-detection system, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for Phase II of the BioWatch Gen-3 program.
The DHS Office of Health Affairs (OHA) is currently field testing a prototype Gen-3 system supplied by Northrop Grumman [NOC] earlier this year after another team led by a division of United Technologies Corp. [UTX] failed to move on in the program. But to keep its options open, OHA decided it would allow other firms back into the program if they have technology suitable and fairly well along in development.
Hence, the plans for Phase II of BioWatch Gen-3.
The first two generations of BioWatch are currently operating in more than 30 major metropolitan areas of the United States. The program consists of air samplers, mainly in outdoor locations, that are collected and analyzed daily at laboratories. However, the manual retrieval process is expensive and not as timely as public health officials would like.
Gen-3 is supposed to result in a network of autonomous bio-detectors deployed to about 50 urban areas, both indoor and outdoor locations, with air samples being automatically collected and analyzed for bio-threats. While air sampling technologies have been around for awhile, the technology to automatically, and accurately analyze the sample against various pathogens is brand new and has been difficult to develop, which has led to numerous program delays.
Other delays have stemmed from the fact that with the automatic detection and communication technology, new operating procedures have to be developed between the federal government and state and local authorities.
Once the Gen-3 collection devices test their samples, the results are automatically communicated to the various authorities. The automatic detection and communication capabilities are expected to significantly reduce the manpower involved in collecting samples and testing them, and provide authorities a quicker response time in the event of an actual bio-attack.
DHS will host an Industry Day in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 12 to discuss Phase II of the program. The final solicitation is expected to be released around Oct. 22.
According to the RFP, the five-year Phase II contract will consist of an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity ordering period. The acquisition is expected to include low-rate and full-rate production, the related command, control and communications network, support for operational test and evaluation, deployment, installation, training and support.
The system will be for indoor and outdoor use with indoor coverage of 160 high-risk facilities and outdoor coverage in 50 jurisdictions covering about 90 percent of the U.S. population.
Solutions sought for Phase II must be at a Technology Readiness Level of 7 or higher and any contractor must demonstrate their readiness to conduct operational test and evaluation within a BioWatch jurisdiction within four months of receiving the first task order.
Ultimately, the total system solution calls for the production, maintenance and sustainment of 2,600 autonomous bio-detectors all-day, every day. The large bulk of the detectors, 2,490, would be purchased in four full-rate production lots. [Sol. No. HSHQDC-12-R-00001. Respond by Sept. 19. Contact: [email protected].]