United Kingdom Defense Seeks Lightweight Trace Explosives Detector
The MOD is seeking proposals for the development of novel, lightweight systems for the detection of trace explosives. Proposals should encompass novel transduction platforms, consumables and swab-based sample inputs for the trace detection of three specified explosives targets. Systems should have the potential to be developed in the future to detect, ideally, up to 10 substances.
Current trace detection equipment has a significant size, weight and power (SWaP) footprint. Biological assays lend themselves to a low SWaP and can be used in some applications for sensing molecular explosives, however, to date they have not been optimized for trace detection of explosives. Therefore, the MOD is looking for suppliers to develop innovative platforms for the trace detection of explosives using biological assays.
Systems proposed by suppliers should be a small, lightweight platform that can be used for the detection of trace explosives or as a confirmation assay that could be used with other trace explosives detection methods. The SWaP and logistic burden of the desired system should be similar to that of a pocket-sized presumptive test kit.
Examples sought from proposals to improve the current systems used in the detection of trace explosives include:
• Usability: Development of an easy to use, trace detection system that is of a similar burden to a colorimetric test kit. Systems will require minimal intervention from the end user.
• Performance: Maximize the efficiency of the system produced, from surface sampling and sample extraction efficiency to the signal transduction leading to the assay result.
• Sensitivity: Dynamic range to detect / identify from visible (~milligrams (mg)) to non-visible (sub-ng) quantities of material sampled from a range of surfaces.
• Format: A pocket size up to small handheld platform maintaining the SWaP / usability benefits of antibody assays, but optimized for highly sensitive detection of trace level contaminants from surfaces.
• Sampling: Ability to sample trace particle contamination from a wide range of surfaces and efficiently analyze this using the small, lightweight detection system.
This call for proposals presents potential opportunities for U.S. companies with expertise in the detection of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives (CBRNE) and related equipment and technologies. U.S. companies have a worldwide reputation for innovative products, after sales service, and training which makes them competitive in the UK market. The U.S. and UK also share similar business cultures and business practices, which makes the UK an attractive market for U.S. suppliers.
If you have novel technology for the detection of trace explosives and you would like to learn how to submit a proposal to the MOD, or to learn more about defense opportunities in the UK, please contact PJ Menner at the U.S. Embassy London via PJ.Menner@trade.gov.