Submission of proposals
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| In the Joint Service Agent Water Monitor Program, five general classes of detection technologies were identified: Classic analytical techniques, Optical Techniques, Polymers/Materials, Assays and Sentinel Species. Also identified are the new areas of MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) and MOEMS (Micro Optical Electro Mechanical Systems) which rely on a concept proven in one of the other classes, but micro- and nano-structures are built based on the larger system. “Nano-materials” was incorporated into this area. Some example technologies are included below, but the call is not limited to those arenas. It is highly likely that a final capability will rely on a combination of sensor technologies integrated into the system.
Emerging integrated microfluidic devices are currently being used in biological system monitoring could also be applied to detect the presence of CBR agents in a waterborne environment. These on-die devices are typically constructed to survive and detect small chemical concentrations in liquid environments. The use of micro-needles could extend the useful sensor life by selectively limiting the molecular weight of molecules that reach the sensor. Integrated circuit based detectors would create a low cost sensor, allowing wide distribution and high reliability with sensor redundancy. Sensors incorporating thin film organic light-emitting devices, or surface plasmon resonance also present a promising emerging technology for the detection of waterborne CBR agents. Another very promising emerging area is the use of chemically sensitive microspheres for chemical and biological detection. Monolayer and nano detector technology have been investigated with success in atmospheric environments, and could transfer to detectors in an immersed environment. New strides in spectroscopy have been made in Raman, SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy), and IR (Infrared) spectroscopy in identifying CB analytes and the engineering of small field portable sensors. Also of interest are other sections of the spectrum such as RF (Radio Frequency) and mmwave (millimeter wave.) The call should also take into consideration new and novel capture probes. Capture probes such as antibodies, genomic, protoemic, aptmers and engineered ligands (“smart ligands”) are known, but new methods for improving sensitivity, selectivity are desired. Some of the emerging microfluidic devices depend on having working assays to incorporate. Performance of such systems will depend on having optimized reagents. PHASE II: The Phase II effort will involve the design, construction and testing of the prototype advanced sensor for chemical and biological agent detection developed in Phase I. Phase II award will be based on the successful Phase I detection of simulant agents in a water environment at the detection levels required. The testing of the prototype sensor will be conducted on a scale closed loop model of a typical DoD or Army water based utility system containing controlled amounts of actual chemical or biological agents at an Army laboratory that is designed to handle chemical and biological agents. Prior to system testing, guidelines would be developed for applicable sites, operating procedures, monitoring, installation methodology, reliability monitoring and removal efficiency. After the pilot testing, guidelines would be developed and incorporated into a user guide. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The Phase III effort will involve further sensor demonstration and validation for transition to the marketplace. CBR Sensor and response technologies developed in this topic area have the potential application to municipal water distribution systems, water reservoirs, industrial/institutional complexes, universities, and military bases. Such technology is closely related to the emerging market of smart water systems which are capable of autonomously maintaining water chemistry. Increased water security would be a great value added component to augment any SCADA system. OPERATING AND SUPPORT COST (OSCR) REDUCTION: Water storage and distribution networks present a tremendous vulnerability that is difficult to protect. This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) has the potential to save civilian and military lives as part of an early warning system protecting drinking water storage and delivery networks. The importance of effective and low cost CBR detection for domestic systems has increased dramatically since the events of 9-11. Sensors are needed to meet this need. REFERENCES: 1) Zahn, Jeffrey D, Deschmukh, Ajay A, Papavasiliou, Alexandros P, Pisano, Albert P, Liepmann, Dorian. “An Integrated Microfluidic Device for the Continuous Sampling and Analysis of Biological Fluids” from the Proceedings of 2001 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition November 11-16, 2001. 2) “Development of a New Microelectrode Array Biosensing System for Environmental Monitoring” National Center For Environmental Research http://es.epa.gov/ncer/progress/grants/96/analy/sadik99.html 3) Sensible Sensors: The Beauty of a New Chemical Sensor Lies in Its Simplicity, “ Joseph Shinar, Senior Physicist. http://www.eurekalert.org/features/doe/2002-03/dl-ss060502.php 4) “Battling Bioterrorism,” by Bernard Schneider http://oemagazine.com/fromTheMagazine/apr02/bio.html 5) “Adding function to characterization: Combining mass spectrometry with surface plasmon resonance” by Andrei Zhukov, Jos Buijs, Detlev Suckau http://www.biochemist.org/bio/02403/0021/024030021.pdf 6) “Taste Chip Technology Description” The University of Texas at Austin, http://www.cm.utexas.edu/mcdevitt/ET_Broch.pdf
A03-131 TITLE: Immunological Detection of Pathogens by Biofunctional Membrane TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense, Sensors OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to design and build a small portable biofunctional device that can be taken into the field by soldiers to monitor streams and effluents for the detection of biological agents, and will be integrated with global positioning to provide critical time and location information. Remote placement of sensors and detection of contaminants is desired. DESCRIPTION: There is a need for near-real time detection and location of waterborne biological agents in small quantities by the warfighter. Remote placement of sensors and detection of contaminents is desired. Since surface water is the primary water source for field soldiers, there is a critical need to determine the extent of potability, especially in undeveloped countries. One approach for developing this detection system could include use of a membrane within a chamber wherein probes or protein-antibodies are adhered to the membrane for use in pathogen detection. The probe, for example, could be a fluorescent probe, but is not limited to fluorescent illuminated detection. The active site on the membrane containing the adhered probes would be in contact with the flow of water or surface solution moving through the chamber where, upon contact with biological pathogens or pathogen indicators, the adhered probes would trigger a response for remote interrogation. The research in this effort will consist of membrane and probe development and their integration within a chamber for field deployment. The membrane may also be quickly assayed or interrogated using traditional methods of spectrofluormetry, mass spectrometry, chromatography, etc? In Phase II, integration of global positioning with the membrane chamber will permit the location of a detected agent to be mapped and monitored. PHASE I: Complete a conceptual design and demonstrate feasibility of a biofunctional membrane pathogen detection system. The concept design should include the target proteins, antibodies, and probes; the membrane upon which they are attached; and the chamber in which they are incorporated. Chamber design will also include power supply, component integration, and means of dispersal and signal recognition. As part of feasibility demonstration, it would be desirable to include tests of signal/probe preparations required for the detection of select pathogens and/or pathogen indicators. PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate prototype system. Test under a range of controlled effluent releases of surrogate agents. Apply different analytical procedures for elucidating ?harvested? tagged antibody-probes. Integrate global positioning with the unit for locating, time-stamping, and mapping detected agents. Time stamping should provide the needed information for monitoring pathogen flows and dispersal rates. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Such a device has broad dual use applications from monitoring environmental water quality for drinkable water to expanded military uses including non-man portable shore monitors. Additionally, drones may be adapted to distribute and monitor the chambers remotely. REFERENCES: 1) Anderson, J., Webb, S., Fischer, R., Smith, C., Dennis, J., and Di Benedetto, J. 2002. In Situ Detection of the pathogen indicator E. coli using active laser-induced fluorescence imaging and defined substrate conversion. Journal of Fluorescence. 12, (1). 51-55. 2) American Public Health Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA), and Water Environment Federation (WEF) 2000. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 20th ed. Butterfield, D. A., Colvin, J., Liu, J., Wang, J., Bachas, L., and Bhattacharrya, D. 2002. Electron paramagnetic resonance spin label titration: a novel method to investigate random and site-specific immobilization of enzymes onto polymeric membranes with different properties. Analytica Chimica Acta. 470, 29-36. 3) Butterfield, D.A., Colvin, J., Liu, J., Wang, J., Bachas, L., and Bhattacharrya, D. 2002. Electron paramagnetic resonance spin label titration: a novel method to investigate random and site-specific immobilization of enzymes onto polymeric membranes with different properties. Analytica Chimica Acta. 470, 29-36. 4) Clark, D. L., Milliner, B. B., Stewart, M. H., Wolf, R. L., and Olson, B. H. 1991. Comparative study of commercial 4-methylumbelliferyl-â-D-glucuronide preparations with the Standard Methods membrane filtration fecal coliform test for the detection of Escherichia coli in water samples. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 57, 1528-1534.
A03-132 TITLE: Modeling and Simulation of Chemical and Biological Agents in Potable Water Systems TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense OBJECTIVE: To develop modeling and simulation algorithms and software capable of predicting the transport and fate of chemical, biological, radiological (CBR) contaminants in a potable water system as well as provide an analysis of agent interaction with conventional water treatment, such as chlorine. This tool would be used to compliment existing Army modeling and simulation tools for hydraulic flow within a water distribution system. Laboratory evaluation and pilot testing at select Army facilities would be conducted to introduce simulants to this innovative modeling and simulation tool. This software must be object oriented and windows based. DESCRIPTION: Existing Department of Defense (DoD) installation utility systems typically lack consideration for counter-terrorism. In the event that a waterborne contaminant is detected in the system, it is critical to know how these agents would transport through the water supply, as well as how they would react to conventional treatment. Many installations lack the technology needed to model and simulate contaminant flow, and therefore do not have an effective CBR response plan in place. What is needed is advanced modeling and simulation algorithms and software that can predict the behavior of chemical and biological agents within a water system. This would allow for appropriate response and countermeasure procedures to be determined. PHASE I: Develop the most appropriate dynamic modeling and simulation tools capable of meeting the following requirements. This tool must contain the algorithms necessary to perform a vulnerability analysis (including identification of critical access points), to predict the transport and fate of CBR contaminants in a potable water system, incorporate agent interaction with conventional treatment techniques, determine the location and type of CBR sensors required to ensure water safety, and develop models of the CBR agent/pipe wall/water interface. The interface modeling should include the interaction of the agent with corrosion or scale deposits (i.e., roughness) on the inside surface of the pipe. Phase I will result in the version one software, which would be pilot tested in Phase II. PHASE II: The pilot testing of version one software which includes the dynamic model and simulation and algorithms to predict fate and transport of agents would be conducted within a closed loop test facility. After successfully validating the version one software on a closed loop, a full-scale pilot test at an Army facility would be conducted to evaluate the accuracy and response time of the dynamic model. PHASE III: Demonstration and validation of the modeling and simulation tools would then be conducted. Guidelines will be developed for applicable sites. This will include operating procedures, monitoring, installation methodology, reliability monitoring, and design efficiency. Such highly innovative algorithms and software have potential application to any number of local municipal systems, universities, industrial complexes, and military installations. The evaluation of the commercial product would be performed in this phase. OPERATING AND SUPPORT COST (OSCR) REDUCTION: Proposed research allows for efficient determination of CBR emergency response plans, as well as vulnerability and risk assessment analysis. As this is a tool used primarily in determining a course of action to prevent loss of human life, the cost savings is invaluable. REFERENCES: 1) Workshop on Advanced Technologies in Real-Time Monitoring and Modeling for Drinking Water Safety and Security, Rutgers University and U.S. EPA, June 27 and 28, 2002. 2) EPA's Water Protection Task Force: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security/ 3)Water Security Strategy for Systems Serving Populations Less than 100,000/15 MGD or Less, U.S. EPA, July 9, 2002. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security/med-small-strategy.pdf 4) American Water Work Association: http://www.awwa.org/Communications/offer/secureresources.cfm 5) Vulnerability Self Assessment Software Tool (VSAT™), Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies: http://www.vsatusers.net/index.html KEYWORDS: chemical weapons, biological threat, potable water utilities systems, force protection, modeling and simulation A03-133 TITLE: Geospatial Exploitation of Motion Imagery (GEMI) TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems OBJECTIVE: The Army needs the capability to incorporate motion imagery (including near-real-time video) into battlespace intelligence tools for the Future Combat System (FCS). The Geospatial Exploitation of Motion Imagery (GEMI) objective is to develop tools for extracting time-based feature attributes from motion imagery of all kinds, and to provide the necessary links and standards for their incorporation into existing geospatial intelligence tools. Existing systems have difficulty extracting time-sensitive information and accurately depicting it within baseline battlespace intelligence information formats. The objective of this research is to close that gap. Accurate and timely depiction of time based geospatial information is essential to the intelligence component of the FCS. DESCRIPTION: GEMI focuses on exploiting the temporal dimension of tactical motion imagery and related sources to enhance geospatial products with respect to time and location. The research must address the problem of extracting essential time-related geospatial information for small areas of interest from large data sets by leveraging metadata imbedded in the motion imagery stream. Although the primary interest is in motion imagery collected from airborne collection platforms, motion imagery collected via both surface (terrestrial and water) and subsurface (underground, underwater, and indoors) also merit consideration. Most motion imagery of interest is from vehicle-mounted platforms, but some handheld and fixed position sites offer potential temporal geospatial value. However, imagery and supporting metadata that fails to conform to the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) Motion Imagery Standards Profile (MISP) and the MPEG-2 Standard (Motion Picture Expert Group) is of limited interest. The research will identify specific geospatial and terrain features that exhibit an inherent temporal dimension amenable to motion imagery exploitation. Possible examples of military significance might include: highway traffic patterns at different times; river and stream flow behavior at different water levels; operating characteristics of key line-of-communications (LOC) features (drawbridge, canal lock, dam, etc.); and characterizing human, animal, and vehicle movement with respect to terrain, obstacles, and choke points. The expectation is for the research to develop means of understanding time dependent activity by exploiting time dependent geospatial information. Research may draw from both military and relevant civil traditions (journalism, wildlife management, soil science, law enforcement, hydrology, irrigation, traffic management, geography, etc.). The research must address the realities of existing fielded computer environments and their limitations in handling large data volumes with limited bandwidth, storage, and processing capabilities. Research should target commercial progressive scanning cameras (720P or better optimum, 480P sub-optimum minimum) while accommodating imagery of either greater or lesser quality. The research must address the implications of motion imagery time and position error budgets. At least one Army topographic unit experienced considerable initial success in using motion imagery in feature attribute classification. The exercise used motion imagery collected from a rotary-wing aircraft platform for road classification. In addition, the improving commercial market for motion imagery cameras and computer video editing capabilities, not to mention the maturing military UAV motion imagery collection platforms, makes it an opportune time to systematically seek out means to exploit the temporal dimension of motion imagery. The objective of this SBIR topic is to benefit Army topographic units by conducting the research and development necessary to accurately and efficiently exploit the temporal dimension of motion imagery and develop interfaces between its products and existing geospatial information tools. Depending on the topographic features of interest, the amount of motion imagery involved varies considerably. In some cases we are talking about a few isolated clips. In others, it may be necessary to collect minutes, if not hours, of imagery extending over multiple missions over extended time periods. The advantage of using motion imagery (when it can be collected) in defining terrain feature attributes includes the fact that it can be of higher resolution and lower cost than current commercial satellite imagery. In addition, it offers the choice of multiple observation angles and over-feature dwelling time that simply is not available with more traditional overhead mapping imagery. PHASE I: The contractor develops a conceptual approach and demonstrates feasibility. During this time the contractor must show how his research will enhance and expand existing motion imagery capabilities in current use by Army topographic terrain units, military intelligence units, and NIMA. PHASE II: The contractor develops and demonstrates a deployable prototype. PHASE III: This SBIR would result in a significantly enhanced capability for obtaining geospatial information from motion imagery. This product would have broad application in both military and commercial communities. Military applications could include intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB), terrain mapping, and other terrain intelligence uses supporting the FCS. Commercial and civil applications could include homeland defense, journalism, wildlife management, soil science, law enforcement, civil engineering, agriculture, forestry, hydrology, irrigation, traffic management, geography, utilities management, mining, and urban planning. REFERENCES: 1) NIMA, Motion Imagery Standards Profile, National Imagery and Mapping Agency, 2020. 2) Davenport, T., and Prusak, L., Working Knowledge, Harvard Business School Press, 1998. 3) Egenhofer, M and D. Mark, ed, Geographic Information Science, 2nd International Conference Proceedings, Springer, 2002. 4) Leachtenaure J. and Driggers R., Surveillance and Reconnaissance Imaging Systems: Modeling and Performance Prediction, Artech House, 2001. 5) Bovik, A., Handbook of Video and Imagery Processing, Academic Press, 2000. KEYWORDS: Motion Imagery, Geospatial, Terrain, Topography, Geography, Knowledge Management, and Learning Organization. A03-134 TITLE: Dendrimers for Biological Warfare Agent Detection and Neutralization for Immune Buildings TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Chemical/Bio Defense OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to synthesize polymeric materials containing dendrimers, which are capable of neutralizing biological warfare agents in building Heating Ventilation and Air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The effectiveness of the material would be demonstrated by exposing the material to a biosimulant, such as dispersed Bacillus Globulli (BG) Spores and followed by monitoring culture growth. DESCRIPTION: This effort would involve synthesis of dendrimers that can be used to detect and neutralize biological warfare agents. The dendrimers, containing entrapped biological passivating agents and equipped with agent-detecting component(s), would be incorporated into materials that can be used as liners or filters for HVAC systems. The release of passivating agents may be triggered upon binding of the biological warfare agent to the dendrimers followed by activation of the catalytic mechanisms by the specific functionalities available on the surface of dendrimers. The dendrimers would neutralize the biological warfare agent by releasing a passivating compound, which should be stronger than the currently used chlorine dioxide. PHASE I: Identify the ability of novel dendrimers, containing detecting and passivating entities. Determine the feasibility of incorporating dendrimers into materials that can be used for detecting and neutralizing biological warfare agent or their surrogates in immune building HVAC systems. PHASE II: Test and demonstrate materials containing dendrimers that can be used to detect and neutralize biological warfare agents in building HVAC systems to enhance their immunity to internal or external biological warfare agent release. Characterize the effectiveness of the materials after swiping the exposed surfaces followed by negative culture growth in a simulated environment. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Military and civilian buildings, such as command/control centers, will be far less attractive targets for attacks by airborne/aerosolized biological warfare agents, when augmented with the capability for the detection and neutralization of biological warfare agents. The application of detection and neutralizing chemicals to building infrastructure will greatly reduce the effectiveness of any such attack. OPERATING AND SUPPORT COST (OSCR) REDUCTION: There is a potential for cost reduction over currently used methods of detecting and neutralizing biological warfare agents by implementing dendrimer-based technology. Examples of conventional methods are: laboratory based tests that use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for detecting the presence of biological warfare agents, and the release of huge quantities of chlorine dioxide at the contaminated site for neutralization. By contrast, smart materials containing dendrimers could provide an on-site immediate detection and neutralizing capability, thus eliminating laboratory tests necessary for validation of contamination and increasing safety for all personnel involved. These materials could be used as liners or filters in immune building HVAC systems. 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