Description
The US Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood Division is seeking vendors to produce a system capable of identifying innumerable Biological Warfare Agents (BWAs) through automated sample preparation and sequencing. The system should be operable in far-forward field environments by non-laboratory trained users and meet specific requirements for sequencing and sampling capabilities. The program schedule requires a short prototype development period to meet a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of seven (7) or better within 24 months or less.
• The system must identify Gram-positive bacterial spores, Gram-positive vegetative bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and DNA viruses of military interest within 60 minutes or less.
• The system must identify RNA viruses of military interest within 120 minutes or less.
• The system must be powered from an internal battery for at least 180 minutes of continuous operation.
• The sequencing and analysis device must fit in a standard sized rucksack compartment or be able to be strapped on the operator’s rucksack or plate carrier.