Feds want to assess robots and X-ray systems for use against IEDs The Departments of Defense and Homeland Security are gathering information from companies that could provide robots and X-ray systems that would be useful in responding to threats from improvised explosive devices, and could participate in formal assessments of these systems undertaken by the government’s Remote Sensing Laboratory. The assessments of the candidate robots and X-ray equipment will take place in either Michigan or the Washington, DC, area in October or November, according to two sources sought notices published on August 14 by a contractor for the Department of Energy, National Security Technologies, LLC which will be running the assessments. The Remote Sensing Laboratory, a unit of the DOE, wants to assess the capabilities of robots that can respond to vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other emergency applications. “The robots will be assessed based on their ability to perform a variety of specific tasks related to VBIED response involving a variety of vehicle targets (two-door sedans to box trucks), delivering a variety of tools including disruptions systems, and performing a variety of functions such as opening doors and windows,” says the notice. “The ability to perform all the listed tasks is highly desirable but not required for participation. The robot must operate on frequency bands authorized for use by public safety bomb technicians in the United States.” Here is a partial list of the capabilities that will be assessed: • Total time to off-load from a bomb squad response vehicle, load with any one of the above weapon systems, and move to a target 300 feet downrange; • Demonstrate wireless and fiber optic capability at ranges consistent with VBIED response; • Survey a vehicle interior through a front and/or side window; • Open a car door (locked and/or unlocked); • Deliver an x-ray system for inspection of suspect items in and around vehicles See the notice at: https://fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=70431122a65d87d57bc8e79ec42087a7&tab=core&_cview=0
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 18:57:25 +0000
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