Defense Special Weapons Agency, 6801 Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310-3398

A -- PROGRAM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT (PRDA) SOL DSWA-PRDA-96-01 POC Daniel Bertuna, Negotiator, (703) 325-1197, Scott G. Morton, Contracting Officer, (703) 325-1200. SUBJECT: Synopsis of Defense Special Weapons Agency (DSWA) Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA) No. DSWA-PRDA-96-01. A- This is a Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA). Awards under this PRDA are subject to the availability of funds. The Defense Special Weapons Agency (DSWA) invites proposals for basic and applied research and development in the areas of seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, radionuclide, satellite and multi-technique data exploitation, with the goal of enhancing U.S. capability to monitor nuclear testing, and to support implementation of and compliance with nuclear testing treaties under the Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA) DSWA-PRDA-96-01. The objective of the program in the near term is to fill critical science and technology gaps in operational monitoring capability, not covered by other research programs, that could otherwise prevent the U.S. from achieving its monitoring goals. The objectives in the long term are to enhance operational monitoring capability at a decreasing cost, through improved understanding of basic phenomenology and development of improved, automated and interactive, processing and analysis systems. This research goal is supported by, and in conjunction with the Nuclear Test Programs Office of the Office of the Assistant of the Secretary of Defense (NCB), the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Department of Energy Technical Applications Center. All proposals must clearly describe how the product of each effort would improve operational monitoring capability. Proposals should explain the concept for integrating the proposed product into operational monitoring systems. Of particular interest is research which addresses the fusion and exploitation of data from multiple monitoring technologies to solve operational monitoring problems. Efforts which exploit data collected by the proposed Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty International Monitoring System, other US operational monitoring assets, on-going and planned field experiments, and unique historical data sets are strongly encouraged. Applied research proposals should seek to improve or develop new methods to integrate and exploit large databases from one or more of the specified monitoring technologies (seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, radionuclide and optical satellite) to enhance the current capability for automated and interactive signal processing, event location, and event discrimination. Basic research proposals should seek to improve understanding of the mechanics and representation of nuclear and noise sources and how these affect signal propagation in the earth, atmosphere and oceans. Proposals of this type should be highly focused, and written within the framework of a testable hypothesis. Research and Development Description (1) SEISMOACOUSTIC DATA EXPLOITATION Basic and applied research is solicited in the field of seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound monitoring, with particular emphasis on improving regional monitoring of small events in geographic areas not adequately calibrated under past or on-going efforts, and on improving teleseismic monitoring worldwide, including open ocean areas. In signal detection: For seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound signals, new methods for enhancing the detection and identification of phases using information about both noise and signal, precise descriptions of signal distortion caused by heterogeneous structure. For hydroacoustic signals, comparison of long-range signals recorded on island or coastal seismic stations to the corresponding signals recorded on hydrophones. For infrasound signals, descriptions of where and under what circumstances various infrasonic phases are observed, assessments of the effects of regional ''zones of silence'' on probability of detection, simulations of infrasonic detection and false alarms at various frequencies and magnitudes. In event location and size estimation: For seismic, oceanic and atmospheric events, improved location estimates using data collected from small numbers of stations and multiple technologies, active and passive calibration of stations and event-station paths for travel time, azimuth, amplitude and other key parameters, compilation of global calibration and reference event databases constructed from high-quality, independent assessments and methods for utilizing such databases for improved event location, application of modeling and interpolation techniques to improve locations estimates between calibration events, improved representation of the accuracy and precision of event location, depth and size estimates. For seismic events, improved focal depth estimates are critical, including those derived from coupled source mechanism and location estimates, robust regional magnitude scales and the relationship between regional and teleseismic magnitudes for small events, knowledge of the observability of high frequency signals to apply optimum event screening methods. For oceanic environments, improved location of events, especially those with blocked paths, using phase information from multipathing and leaky modes, signals scattering from seamounts or other bathymetric features, and models incorporating seasonal and spatial variations. For atmospheric events, improved location using travel times and azimuths derived from temporally and spatially heterogeneous atmospheric temperature and wind observations and models, and the integration of multiple-phase data. In discrimination: For seismic, oceanic and atmospheric events, improved discrimination and screening techniques using data collected from small numbers of stations and multiple technologies, regionalized discrimination methods, and statistical combinations of discriminants, decision-support architectures to apply complex sets of discriminants, characterization of false alarms, such as mining explosions and rockbursts for seismic events, submarine volcanic eruptions and chemical explosions for oceanic events, and volcanic eruptions, bolides and sonic booms for atmospheric events, determination of false alarm rates. In source research: For events in the earth, oceans and atmosphere, focused research on the physical mechanisms responsible for signals generated by small events, influence of the near-source media and source mechanics on radiated signals, relative contributions of source type, source coupling, near-source media and path to source discriminants and size estimates. For events near the boundaries of the earth, oceanic and atmospheric environments, describe how source energy couples into acoustic, hydroacoustic and seismic signals. For seismic events, source mechanics of mining-related events, role of source type and surrounding medium in generation of horizontal Lg from explosions and from collapse events at explosion sites. In propagation research: For seismic propagation, focused research to derive validated velocity, density and attenuation models for cases in carefully defined geographic areas to improve estimates of location, depth and source size for small events, efficient and accurate synthetic waveform generation to model high-frequency (5-20 Hz) signals out to regional distances (1000 km and further) and incorporating realistic topography and realistic attenuation for source characterization. For infrasonic propagation, theory (supported by observation if possible) for acoustic waves in the 1-30 second passband at distances up to 10,000 km, propagation analyses which include the effects on signal and noise of topography, vegetation and other factors. In field experimentation: Collection and analysis of seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound data from controlled sources (e.g., explosions, simulated releases) to demonstrate network calibration techniques and to improve the capability to detect, locate and discriminate explosions in the earth, oceans, atmosphere and near environmental boundaries. Installation of temporary stations at the sites of stations proposed to be installed for nuclear test monitoring is encouraged where possible. (2) RADIONUCLIDE DATA EXPLOITATION Applied research is solicited in the field of radionuclide monitoring. In detection, location and identification: New methods for enhancing the detection and identification of peaks in gamma ray spectra from particulate and gas samples, modular enhancement of currently available gamma spectrum analysis software, creation of statistical and graphical interfaces to analyze sample and spectral data, estimates of source origin time from gamma ray spectral data, exploration of advanced atmospheric transport models to provide estimates of source location based on spectral information from one or more radionuclide stations, active and passive validation and calibration of transport models, development of meteorological, statistical and graphical tools to locate, discriminate and screen events, improved representation of the accuracy and precision of event location estimates, evaluation of the detection, location and discrimination capability of global radionuclide monitoring networks. Work related to xenon samples and spectra in all areas mentioned above is of particular interest. In source research: Source functions for particulate and gas release from nuclear explosions detonated under various conditions, including earth surface and subsurface (both land and water), and atmospheric detonations. (3) SATELLITE DATA EXPLOITATION Basic and applied research is solicited in the field of satellite monitoring to support new systems that will detect transient optical and other electromagnetic signals from events smaller than have historically been detected. In detection, location and discrimination: Development of computerized, rapidly running techniques/algorithms to detect, locate and identify optical signals in operational systems, simulations of detections and false alarms, calibration of sensors, improved representation of the accuracy and precision of event location and identification estimates, novel methods for nuclear test detection, location and discrimination using existing and planned satellite systems. In source research: Source parameter characterization for low-level explosion and natural phenomena including, but not limited to, natural, transient, high-altitude atmospheric discharges such as sprites, blue jets and elves, consideration of the impact of the ambient environment in which the source resides on the transmission of light from the source to satellite positions (i.e., the impact of weather conditions such as surrounding clouds). (4) SYNERGISTIC DATA EXPLOITATION Proposals are invited which make use of the synergy across multiple technologies (seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound radionuclide, satellite and others) to improve the capability to detect, locate, discriminate and predict the characteristics of small events located near the boundaries of the earth, oceanic and atmospheric environments. Offerors are encouraged to form collaborations between experts in the various disciplines to help achieve a cross-fertilization of ideas and techniques. (5) OTHER TREATY SYSTEMS AND ASSESSMENTS Applied research and exploratory development are needed to support treaty implementation, compliance and verification. Of particular interest are innovative concepts for geographic information systems and databases that would help to detect, locate and characterize potential and actual sources of ambiguous events and false alarms near US facilities, for tracking facilities and activities in the US that might be called into question under a treaty, for supporting consultations, clarifications and on-site inspections associated with ambiguous events, for supporting treaty-required message exchanges, and for supporting decisions related to treaty compliance. In addition, assessments are solicited to support treaty implementation, compliance and verification, including the design of secure data acquisition and global communications systems, studies related to treaty evasion and violation, on-site inspection procedures and consequences, and other topics that support US interests within the DoD and within other US and international treaty organizations. PROPOSAL FORMAT. Technical proposals should follow these rules: 8 x 11 inch paper with 1 inch margins in type not smaller than 12 point. The technical proposal length will not exceed 30 single-spaced pages. The 30 page limit includes a summary page (with principal investigator and institutional affiliation), proposal text, tables, figures, references, statement of work, vitae, and current and pending government contracts and proposals, but does not include the cover page and cost proposal. The cover page should include the following information: (1) PRDA number, (2) proposal title, and (3) point of contact to include name, mailing address, telephone number, Fax number (if available), and e-mail address (if available). Technical proposals not conforming may be rejected. SUBMISSION PROCESS. Since some responders will have unique qualifications or specialized capabilities which will enable them to perform portions of this R&D effort without necessarily having the qualifications to perform the entire program, it is possible that awards will be made for specific portions only. Therefore, each area of research proposed should be proposed separately. DSWA is interested in receiving proposals on the research effort described herein. No personnel or facility clearances are required since this effort is unclassified. The period of performance for the average award will be anywhere from one (1) to three (3) years, but no longer than three (3) years. It is anticipated that a Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee completion contract will be used. Responses are requested from all responsible organizations including industry, educational institutions, and other non-profit organizations. There will be no formal RFP or other solicitation request in regard to this requirement. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the government to pay for any response preparation costs. DSWA reserves the right to select for award all, part, or none of the responses received. Generally, successful offerors will have submitted detailed technical and cost proposals which will form the basis for award with minimal change. Selection decisions will be made following a scientific review of each proposal (both technical and cost parts) received to determine the merit of the approach taken and to determine if award can be made without discussions. Proposals not considered to have sufficient scientific merit or relevance to DSWA's needs may be declined without further discussion or held for later award. DSWA anticipates making the first award within 120 days after submission of proposals. Bidders may propose any combination of teaming or subcontracting arrangements. Proposals requiring performance by a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) CANNOT be considered under the PRDA. Contractors may include DSWA-furnished CRAY computer usage time in proposals and may utilize Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) and DoD Nuclear Information Analysis Center (DASIAC) resources in proposal preparation. EVALUATION CRITERIA. Selection for negotiation will be based on the demonstration of (1) potential contribution and relevance to the stated technology areas, (2) overall scientific and technical merit and potential impact of the technical approach, (3) corporate capabilities and related experience, and (4) qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the principal investigator, team leader and key personnel. The merit of the technical proposal will also be evaluated in relation to the value and realism of the costs proposed and availability of funds. The offeror's technical proposal must include an outline and full discussion of the proposed effort, should specifically address the evaluation criteria, and should include a detailed plan of approach presenting procedures, concepts, limitations, key milestones, and expected research accomplishments or results. The cost proposal must include detailed supporting cost schedules, man-hour breakdowns per task, and must be provided on a SF 1411. Subcontractor proposals (if applicable), including pricing rate detail, should be provided concurrent with the prime contractor's submission. Responses may be received at any time after 1600 hours on 22 October 1996 but no later than 1600 hours on 22 November 1996. The original and eight (8) copies each of the technical and cost portions of the proposal should be sent to Headquarters, Defense Special Weapons Agency, 6801 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22310-3398, Attn: Daniel Bertuna, phone: (703) 325-1197, fax: (703) 325-9295. The contracting officer is Scott G. Morton, (703) 325-1200. Reference DSWA-PRDA-96-01. Information on DSWA solicitation, already released, can be obtained by calling the DSWA Hotline at (703) 325-1173. As of 31 May 96, Acquisition Management has added ''Procurement Opportunities'' to the DSWA Home Page available on the World Wide Wep. Information will include this synopsis and more. Please check us out at www.dswa.mi. Reference Synopsis No. 96-100 (0264)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0001 19960923\A-0001.SOL)