SOC26BZ04-DV004: Advanced Stand-Off Detection of Concealed Materials (ASDCM)
CMMC Level: Level 2 (Self)
Modernization Priorities: Advanced Materials | Human-Machine Interfaces | Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems
Keywords: passive detection; stand-off sensing; molecular resonance; radiological materials; sniper detection; container scanning; SOF sensors; CBRN; expeditionary medicine
Objective
Develop applied research toward an innovative capability to detect and identify high-risk materials (radiological, chemical, biological, energetic, or threat-associated components) without requiring physical access, line-of-sight, or direct contact with the target. The solution must enable special operations forces to characterize concealed threats in denied, cluttered, or operationally constrained environments using a stand-off, passive detection modality.
Solutions already validated in commercial settings that can be transitioned to SOF use with minimal development are especially encouraged.
Description
USSOCOM seeks a field-deployable capability to enable detection, discrimination, and triangulation of dangerous or restricted materials without direct sampling, physical breach, or active signal emission.
Mission Sets:
- Over-the-beach reconnaissance and interdiction
- Maritime boarding operations and cargo search
- Route clearance and sniper overwatch detection
- Counter-air asset protection through early threat detection
- Expeditionary medical diagnostics (e.g., cancer, infection, contamination)
- Environmental and infrastructure monitoring for hazardous agents
Key Capability Attributes:
- Passive and non-emitting (non-radiative) operation, LPI/LPD or off common frequency acceptable
- Detection of materials through shielding, barriers, or enclosures
- Miniaturization for man-portable or unmanned system deployment
- Ability to support triangulation or multi-sensor cueing
- Operability in low-light, GPS-denied, and high-interference environments
- Compatibility with austere, tactical, or maritime conditions
This topic specifically invites novel sensor modalities that extend beyond traditional radiation or vapor detection (e.g., material resonance, atomic signature recognition, or other non-contact methodologies). Solutions that identify the presence of a threat based on what it is made of rather than what it emits are of particular interest.
Phase I (Direct to Phase II)
Feasibility study at TRL 3 — investigate all options that meet or exceed minimum performance parameters. Address risks and potential payoffs. Recommend the option that best achieves the objective.
Phase II
Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system suitable for at least one SOF-relevant scenario. Provide verifiable detection of concealed or containerized target materials at tactically relevant distances. Evolve commercially-validated baseline into ruggedized, SOF-ready capability.
Phase III Dual Use Applications
Military: Counter-threat identification, special reconnaissance, sensitive site exploitation
Civilian:
- DHS/CBP: cargo/container screening, border security, port interdiction
- DOE/NNSA: radiological material monitoring, nuclear safety enforcement
- First responders: hazmat detection, bomb squad support, CBRN response
- Law enforcement: counter-narcotics, weapons detection in vehicles/facilities
- Public venues: stadium security, transportation hubs, high-traffic events
- Industrial/environmental: non-invasive contamination detection at critical infrastructure
References
- “DARPA SIGMA+ Program Overview,” DARPA, 2021. https://www.darpa.mil/program/sigma-plus
ITAR Restriction
This technology is restricted under ITAR (22 CFR Parts 120-130) and/or EAR (15 CFR Parts 730-774).
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