USSOCOM leverages the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for a variety of innovative capabilities. SBIRs strengthen the role of innovative Small Business Concerns (SBCs) in federally-funded research or research and development (R/R&D).
Currently, SOCOM is seeking an innovative capability to improve water surveillance at point-of-need. The goal is to develop a field instrument that is rugged, compact, and able to provide microbiological and metal detection capabilities as far forward as possible to reduce both short- and long-term health risks to personnel.
This capability will incorporate a durable and small-scale piece of equipment that is able to withstand travel and ground movement while simultaneously providing rapid results on microbiological health threats and metal exposures. As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with specifications on the following key equipment attributes:
Able to complete analysis for total coliforms and Escherichia coli.
The capability to receive a result in less than 4 hours for total coliforms and Escherichia coli.
Able to complete analysis for arsenic, lead, copper, and cyanide.
The capability to detect arsenic, lead, copper, and cyanide is not limited to presence and absence, but will provide a definitive numerical result (milligrams per Liter).
Results must be accessible to allow for future processing within the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness – Industrial Hygiene (DOEHRS-IH) system of record.
Equipment (water tester) must be compact and able to fit in a carry-on piece of luggage for transport.
Equipment (water tester) must not exceed 25 pounds.
Equipment (water tester) must be durable to withstand transport on aircraft, rucks, tactical boxes, ground movement.
Equipment item must be dual voltage with battery pack capability.
Equipment item water resistant and able to withstand temperature fluctuations for heat (minimum 100o Fahrenheit (F) and cold (minimum 32o F).
Optional: Able to test for Cryptosporidium species.
Interested parties must submit by 06 February 2024. For full details visit events.sofwerx.org/sbir24-4r2.