WMD Basic Research
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THE DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY IS SUPPORTING RESEARCH INTO NOVEL APPROACHES TO DEFEND AGAINST WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION BY FUNDING BASIC RESEARCH PROJECTS.
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are a focal point for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Covering a broad spectrum of issues and research, DTRA has always pursued a wide-approach calling for private initiatives and government-sponsored research to push the envelope of possibilities. In December 2005 the Office of the Secretary of Defense Comptroller approved the establishment of a basic research program at DTRA for countering and combating WMD. This BAA is focused on the basic science needs for heightened attention to countering and combating WMD.
As such DTRA has issue a broad agency announcement (BAA) to solicit proposals from universities, colleges and other degree-granting academic institutions for the WMD basic research program. This program is in addition to their similar chemical biological defense program BAA. The objective of the program is to successfully support the advancement of fundamental knowledge and understanding of the sciences with an emphasis on exploring new and innovative research for combating or countering WMD. The BAA is specifically focused on research areas that offer significant and comprehensive benefits to the DTRA mission.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF INTEREST
The BAA covers a number of specific research field
Radiological and Nuclear Detection Material Science
The objective of this effort is to develop a fundamental understanding of nuclear and radiological detection material growth processes and operational mechanisms as a basis for advanced materials exploration and exploitation for maximum performance. Novel High Energy Materials and Processes for Counter WMD Applications
The objective of this research is to advance the fundamental understanding of existing and newly discovered novel high-energy materials and processes so that further development can be achieved through highly disciplined scientific methods. In particular, this research is to discover and develop new types of high-energy-materials that are significantly more energetic than conventional materials and to discover and develop new types of high-energy, high-power materials and processes having enhancements in the degree of control over sensitivity and reaction that can be exercised during manufacturing and use.
Particulate And Agent Dynamics In Multiphase Turbulent Reacting Flows
The objective of this effort is to develop a fundamental understanding of turbulent mixing mechanisms of thermobarics/explosives/ incendiaries reaction product gases with fuel particles, biological agents and air; how solid fuel particles undergo phase, shape, size and chemistry changes in high pressure high temperature environments; and how aerosolized biological agents interact with explosives/thermobarics/ incendiaries reaction products and air in high temperature corrosive environments. This understanding is considered critical in developing agent defeat and enhanced blast weapons.
UNDERSTANDING NETWORK RESPONSE TO ATTACK
A prime objective of this effort is to develop methods that apply to sparse data situations where detailed information about specific network equipment response to stress is not obtainable or obtainable in extremely limited quantities. Research paths include the development of fundamental mathematical methods that can be applied to the problems of determining how to make militarilysignificant networks robust to WMD stressors, and determining what kind and how much data is needed to adequately understand a network response to a WMD stressor. High value is placed on advances in network science (vice application) that can elucidate the problems stated above. Physical experiments and/or computer modeling to demonstrate the utility of the methods is desirable.
Adversarial Social Network Theory
The objective of this effort is to develop fundamental theoretical approaches which can allow for a fuller understanding of social networks, encompassing network formation, architectures, processes and activities related to WMD/WME activities or scenarios.
Biodosimetry Biomarkers for Mixed Radiation Exposure
The objective of this effort is to advance the fundamental insight, understanding and knowledge base for new and existing biomarkers for assessing type and amount of radiation exposure. In particular, this research is to discover, characterize and assess basic molecular mechanisms of action for anisotropic, partial body and/or mixed radiation exposures for the future hope of biomarker development.
THERMAL BIONANOSENSOR MATERIAL SCIENCE
The objective of this effort is to conduct fundamental research in both material sciences and micro-particle engineering. The goal is to identify and characterize the material(s) necessary, singularly or in combination, that will be able to document the complete thermal history experience by a single bacterium particle during a protracted explosive event from its initial state in a container within a structure to its final capture outside the facility by a Biological Sample Collection system during sub- and full-scale live simulation weapon performance testing.
Novel Methods for WMD Explosives Detection
The objective of this research is to advance the fundamental understanding of novel and existing organic materials including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) or other receptor cell technology that would receive the definitive molecules that compose specific explosive compounds and bio or chemical agents associated with weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, this research would determine if synthetic materials were developed that would show characteristic traits of receptor cells.
TIMING AND FUNDING
DTRA will consider single- or multiple-year individual research and development projects that meet one or more of its specific objectives. Their goal is to fund research projects that provide combating WMD science for nuclear materials detection; social and meta-system network theory, material properties; mechanisms of mixed radiation injury; structural response modeling.
The agency expects to make 15 to 30 individual awards in response to the requirements in the topic areas for one- to threeyear performance periods. Single-year and multi-year proposals will be considered, but funding will not be guaranteed for subsequent years.
DTRA anticipates that up to $5 million per year may be awarded under the individual research project area with awards averaging about $150,000 (per year) in value. The agency has made it clear that they may make use of a full range of flexible acquisition and acquisition-related statutory authority arrangements including but not limited to “procurement contracts, grants and other transactions.”
Phase I consists of a white paper submission and has a deadline of July 12, 2006. Phase II follows and is a more formal and in-depth proposal with a deadline of August 31, 2006. ♦