Homeland Security Research, Development, Testing, Evaluation and Demonstration of Technologies Related to Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction

 

Support the PPD-8 objective of prevention related to terrorist acts involving nuclear or radiological materials, or weapons using these materials. Support basic research to enhance national security's capability to detect and prevent the illicit entry, transport, assembly, or potential use within the United States of unauthorized chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials, devices or agents and otherwise help protect against an attack using such materials, devices, or agents. The Academic Research Initiative (ARI) Program has two primary objectives: 1) Engage the academic community to advance fundamental knowledge for CBRN sciences applicable to countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) with emphasis on fundamental research to solve long-term, high-risk challenges and 2) develop human capital for the CBRN science and engineering professions. Further, the program works to sustain a long-term commitment to basic research in this field and coordinates research efforts across the federal government to develop new capabilities for WMD threat detection.

Active 97.077 Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, Department of Homeland Security B - Project Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Notice of Funding Opportunity will be issued for New ARI Activities: Complete second year evaluation of the approximately 10 new activities awarded two years ago and complete first year evaluation of the approximately 8 new activities awarded the previous year. Initiate approximately 5 new activities that address gaps in the GNDA and TNF. Notice of Funding Opportunity was released for new ARI activities. Completed second year evaluation of 10 activities awarded two years ago and completed first year evaluation of 8 new activities awarded the previous year. Awarded eight new activities that address gaps in the GNDA and TNF.
Fiscal Year 2017 Completed evaluations of the 37 on-going activities. A Notice of Funding Opportunity will not be issued for new ARI activities this year.
Fiscal Year 2018 Notice of Funding Opportunity issued for new TSI activities. Initiated 4 new activities that address mission needs. Completed evaluations of the 26 on-going activities.
Fiscal Year 2019 Completed evaluations of the 18 on-going activities.
Fiscal Year 2020 Issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for new ARI activities leading to award of 7 Cooperative Agreements. Completed evaluations of the 11 on-going activities. Supported 48 students and produced 36 technical publications. DHS CWMD Academic Research Initiative (ARI) FY20 Accomplishments • Carnegie Mellon University: Threat Detection at Checkpoints Modeling o The team implemented a prototype system for characterizing passing conveyances using computer vision algorithms for detection and tracking of vehicles in video. An initial set of detection and classification results from traffic data collection was obtained. The team will continue efforts to develop new approaches to improve the effectiveness of radiation portal monitors for threat detection at checkpoints. • University of Michigan: Fast Neutron Detectors for Active Interrogation o The program is transitioning firmware to a board-ready version for hardware implementation. Neural network-based pile-up recovery was demonstrated successfully in an interrogation environment, and results were verified by simulation, activation analysis, and conventional detection methods. This work will lead to laboratory demonstrations of shielded SNM detection with neutron signals in a high-intensity photon interrogation environment. • University of Tennessee: IDEAS for SNM o The radiation hardness of LKH5 scintillating glass was characterized, and samples were coupled to commercially available silicon thin film transistor arrays. These arrays were shown to have better radiography performance than CdWO4. • Yale University: Active Interrogation with Superheated Emulsions: o The team has developed large, uniform-droplet superheated emulsion detectors with an optical readout to detect neutrons in an active interrogation environment. The next phase of development will involve laboratory testing of the detectors in a field-representative active interrogation scenario. • University of California-Berkeley: Enhanced Search by Fusing Radiological and Non-Radiological Sources o The team continued integration of mobile radiation search system and object tracking approach into data fusion capability is underway. The team will complete algorithm integration into the data fusion system to support anomaly detection by end of FY21, providing improved capability for wide area nuclear search and monitoring. Preliminary analysis indicates contextual information can improve detection capabilities and provides critical attribution capabilities. Object tracking and data fusion are ongoing efforts. Lidar enhancements have improved contextual sensor data when synchronized. • University of Tennessee: Methylammonium Lead Halide Scintillators o Efforts focused on optimization of the growth parameters to enhance the electronic properties of perovskites relevant to radiation sensing. Growth techniques included modifications of precursor ratios and concentrations, heating/cooling rates, and incorporation of substitutional elements such as lithium, cesium, and chlorine. The team made significant progress in optimizing growth processes for different HOIP variants. Incorporation of different anions and cations to improve performance, to include the addition of lithium for thermal neutron sensing was made. Funding also supported a new graduate level course, NE 597/697 “Topics of Semiconductor Detectors,” which was taught by the PI during this period. • University of Utah: Machine Learning of Nuclear Forensic Data o Demonstrated that new image classification technique resulted in higher predictive average value. This supports ongoing work in evaluating the feasibility of using machine learning for image analysis of forensics samples, to reduce the data processing time through automated assessment of sample images and identifying crucial trends in large data sets. A PhD student on this project received an Innovations in Nuclear Technology R&D Award from the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Technology R&D. • Southern Methodist University: Radiation Background Characterization for Anomaly Detection o Measurements on the Aviation Pathway continued with an additional 38 flight segments on passenger and 65 on cargo aircraft completed. Passenger flights utilized passengers carrying Kromek DS3 detectors in “airplane” mode while cargo flights utilized FEDEX shipments. Results showed that altitude is the dominant effect on background at airline and cargo altitudes, with geomagnetic latitude as the second most important effect (greater effect at lower latitudes). The team also demonstrated the ability to predict count rate given altitude and geomagnetic latitude. • George Mason University: Surveying Ingress Pathways for Energetic Radiation Background o The team continued work to combine advanced radiation detector systems and platforms with robust mobile ad-hoc network connectivity and advanced machine learning algorithms to quantify background signatures and enhance real-time anomaly detection. During FY20, the testbed was expanded to include at least one mobile platform to determine impact on anomaly detection. The team determined the threshold for anomaly detection for machine learning algorithm for a fixed network and fixed source. Finally, the team developed a background radiation simulation module for planning tool; and down selected to best II-VI and oxide-based p-and n-thin film semiconductor to be used in p-i-n photodiode structure, and evaluated a silicon diode / scintillator element using 60Co source and standard nuclear counting electronics. • Carnegie Mellon University: Robust Interpretable Anomaly Detection for CWMD o This project examines multiple approaches for anomaly detection in radiation measurements, scoring that describes which anomalies are of most importance, combining disparate data sources such as manifest with radiation portal monitor, and explainability of the output of machine learning. Each of these subjects was advanced in FY20. o The Spectral Anomaly Detection algorithm was improved by requiring structured deviations across multiple observations. This improved anomaly detection while retaining low false positive rates. o Automatic scoring of anomalies was developed with consideration of the Enhanced Radiological Nuclear Inspection and Evaluation (ERNIE) application used on radiation portal monitors. Scoring was developed that focuses on threat anomalies rather than the many other anomalies that may be generated from benign variations. • University of Tennessee: Multimodal Data Fusion for Anomaly Detection o Anomaly detection code was run on a virtual single board computer to assess the ultimate resource requirements for field deployment. o Entered final version of Autoencoder Radiation Anomaly Detector (ARAD) into secure the code repository at UTK. o The PhD student involved in ARAD development graduated in FY20 and moved to a team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In the intervening months, he has become an essential part of a technology evaluation team at ORNL working on a CWMD Advanced Technology Demonstration for wearable radiation detectors. Exploratory Research (ER) Program The ER Program specifically focused on innovative, high risk, early-stage applied research expected to have transformational impact, and when conducted with a clear and well supported technical approach, would provide new capabilities to help counter the threat of nuclear terrorism. Research under this Program culminated in a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) demonstration, to support transitioning to an advanced technology demonstration program or supporting direct commercialization of the technology. Final Exploratory Research project (Carnegie Mellon Univeristy), completed 8/31/2020 o The team completed feasibility evaluation into development of an algorithmic framework for aggregating data from multiple sensing modalities on vehicle platforms to reliably monitor, detect, localize, track, and characterize radiological/nuclear threats in real time in cluttered scenes such as urban traffic scenarios.
Fiscal Year 2021 Issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for new ARI activities leading to award of Cooperative Agreements. Completed evaluations on the on-going activities.
Fiscal Year 2022 Issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for new ARI activities leading to award of 3 Cooperative Agreements. Issued awards for 16 continuing Cooperative Agreements. Completed evaluations on all on-going activities.
Fiscal Year 2023 Estimated: Issue awards for 15 continuing Cooperative Agreements. Complete evaluations on all on-going activities.
Fiscal Year 2024 Estimated: Issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity for new ARI activities leading to award of a TBD number of Cooperative Agreements. Issue awards for 14 continuing Cooperative Agreements. Complete evaluations on all on-going activities. Section 1923(a)(6) and 1926 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-296 (codified as amended at 6 U.S.C. SubSection 592(a)(6), 596)., Public Law -, U.S.C. State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals), Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals, Public nonprofit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Other public institution/organization Eligible Applicants: The ARI is limited to State, public or private accredited institutions of higher education. Research and development activities funded by CWMD outside of ARI support State, Public nonprofit institution/organizations; Private nonprofit institution/organizations; Small businesses; Profit organizations and Other private institution/organizations. ARI: State, public or private accredited institutions of higher education; Scientists/Researcher; Graduate Student; Education (13+). Research and development activities funded by CWMD outside of ARI: Public Nonprofit Institution/Organization; Small Business; Profit Organization; Private Organization; Other Private Institution/organization; Scientists/Researcher; State, public or private accredited institutions of higher education. SETCP: 10-Federal; 14-State; 15-Local; 20-public non-profit; 21-other; 22-Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments; 31- Individual/Family; 35-profit organization; 36-private non-profit organizations. SETCP: 10: Federal; 14 - State; 15 - Local; 20 - public non-profit; 21 - other; 22 - Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments; 31 - Individual/Family; 35 - profit organization; 36 - private non-profit organizations. May be required by U.S. Statute, regulation, or as described in the program announcement. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. Preapplication coordination is not applicable. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Application deadline and other information are contained in the application/program guidance. Proposals are submitted in response to announcements. Details of proposal review and selection criteria are contained within these announcements. All proposals are reviewed and recommended for award by DHS program and administrative staff. Upon source selection, awards are issued by the DHS SETCP - Applications are reviewed by DHS program and administrative staff. Any issues or concerns noted in the application will be negotiated with the successful applicant prior to the award being issued. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines 180 to 270 days. Not applicable. Contingent upon future Congressional funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of the Department of Homeland Security. Refer to announcement and program guidance. In general, ARI proposals are reviewed for scientific merit, transformational impact, and broader impact. Proposals for research and development activities funded by CWMD outside of ARI are reviewed for strategic impact, technical approach, capability and experience, and management approach. Financial assistance under the ARI may be used for the execution of research at accredited universities and colleges. Financial assistance under the research and development activities funded by CWMD outside of ARI may be used to sponsor research within industry and academia. Supported costs include: salaries, materials and supplies, equipment, travel, publication costs, subcontractor, supporting costs and overhead required for technical and other activities necessary to achieve research objectives. Restrictions on use of funds will be identified in the announcement, program guidance and award provisions. Performance Reports: Yes. Performance may be evaluated through on-site reviews of the research activity. These audits are due to the cognizant Federal agency, submitted through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, not later than 9 months after the end of the grantees fiscal year. Grant records shall be retained for a period of 3 years from the day the recipient submits its final expenditure report. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later. Grant records include financial and program/progress reports, support documents, statistical records, and other documents that support the activity and/or expenditure of the recipient or sub-recipient under the award. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. Refer to announcement and program guidance. For ARI, awards are made for annual budget periods, with a non-competing continuation application required for each budget period that comprises the awarded project duration. Funds awarded must be expended within each budget period. Funds for research and development activities funded by CWMD outside of ARI are awarded by research phase, with generally 3-5 phases and phase durations appropriate to the effort. Awards are subject to the Cash Management Improvement Act for payment and/or reimbursement of expenditures. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Awards are paid in advance using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Payment Management System (SMARTLINK), provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness and ability to maintain procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of the funds from the DHS and expenditure disbursement by the Recipient. When these requirements are not met, the Recipient will be required to be on a reimbursement for costs incurred method. Awards are paid in advance using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Payment Management System (SMARTLINK), provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness and ability to maintain procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of the funds from the DHS and expenditure disbursement by the Recipient. When these requirements are not met, the Recipient will be required to be on a reimbursement for costs incurred method. None/Not specified. Anthony Esposito , Program Manager, Research & Development
245 Murray Lane, SW, CWMD Stop 0315
Washington, DC 205280550 USA
anthony.esposito@hq.dhs.gov
Phone: 202-934-1763 http://www.dhs.gov/countering-weapons-mass-destruction-office 70-0860-0-1-999 (Cooperative Agreements) FY 22$7,917,880.00; FY 23 est $7,291,161.00; FY 24 est $124,000,000.00; FY 21$6,520,177.00; FY 20$5,602,674.00; FY 19$5,602,674.00; FY 18$5,211,247.00; - See announcement and program guidance. OMB Circulars Nos., A-21 Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, A-87 Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, A-102 Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments, A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Nonprofit Organizations, and A-133 Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, in addition to program regulations, guidelines, DHS policy and procedures. Additional regulations are indicated in program announcement and award terms and conditions.