First HSARPA Solicitation Seeking Biological and Chemical Countermeasures Solutions

Release Date: 09/26/03 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Science and Technology Directorate
September 25, 2003

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology division announced today the release of the first Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) Research Announcement solicitation. The notice, which is available at http://www.fedbizopps.gov and the DHS web site: www.dhs.gov, outlines the Department's technological requirements in the area of detection systems for biological and chemical countermeasures.

"Our goal for this first solicitation is to develop and transition to the field the next generation of biological and chemical detectors," said Dr. Charles McQueary, Under Secretary, Science and Technology. "These detectors will significantly advance the capabilities of our first responders and Federal programs to counter terrorism."

The announcement addresses two key areas in biological countermeasures and three key areas in chemical countermeasures:

The biological countermeasure area will seek technological ideas for Bioagent Automous Network Detectors that will be developed to continuously monitor outdoor urban and marine/shipboard areas for presence of bacteria, viruses or toxins. In addition, responses will be requested for Rapid Automated Biological Identification Systems which will monitor indoor buildings, such as shopping malls, stadiums and large ships, but with a quicker response time, providing occupants protection from the effects of an attack.
The chemical countermeasures area will seek technological concepts for an Automous Rapid Facility Chemical Agent Monitor that can continuously monitor facilities for the presence of both toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents. In addition, the solicitation requests ideas for the development of a Lightweight Autonomous Chemical Identification System, a hand-held device for first responders. This device will have two functions: 1) to assist first-responders in determining an area of contamination, and 2) indicating whether or not protective gear needs to be worn while working in the contaminated area. The third project is developing the Portable High through-put Integrated Laboratory Identification System (PHILIS) which will be capable of analyzing thousands of samples each day to help identify areas that may be contaminated by dangerous chemical compounds. PHILIS will be designed to be fully self-contained and easy to transport to suspected contamination sites.

"Bringing these new biological and chemical countermeasures sensors and systems to reality requires innovative thinking and partnerships among a wide variety of commercial businesses, laboratories, and academic institutions," said Dr. David Bolka, Director, HSARPA. "Our phased evaluation approach will be key in developing the most promising technological ideas and system concepts in a rapid and cost effective manner."

HSARPA is the external research funding arm for the Department of Homeland Security. This Agency within Science and Technology is expected to develop revolutionary changes in technologies that support homeland security, to advance those technologies which are "critical," and to "accelerate the prototyping and deployment of technologies" that reduce homeland vulnerabilities.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology division serves as the primary research and development arm of the Department, utilizing our nation's scientific and technological resources to provide federal, state and local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect the homeland.

HSARPA Fact Sheet

This page was last reviewed/modified on 09/26/03 00:00:00.