Advanced Stand-Off Detection of Concealed Materials (ASDCM)

USSOCOM is seeking proposals for topic SOC26BZ04-DV004, "Advanced Stand-Off Detection of Concealed Materials (ASDCM)." This initiative aims to develop and validate a passive, non-emitting, and non-contact sensor capability to detect, identify, and triangulate concealed, high-risk materials—such as radiological, chemical, biological, energetic, or threat-associated components—without requiring line-of-sight or direct contact. The technology must operate in denied, cluttered, GPS-denied, and low-light environments. Key operational applications for Special Operations Forces (SOF) include over-the-beach reconnaissance, maritime cargo searches, route clearance, sniper overwatch, and expeditionary medical diagnostics. Proposed solutions should focus on novel sensor modalities, such as material resonance or atomic signature recognition, that identify threats based on material composition rather than emissions. This Direct to Phase II (DPII) solicitation requires a Phase I feasibility study (Technology Readiness Level 3) evaluating viable system designs. Phase II will focus on developing, ruggedizing, and demonstrating a prototype for SOF-relevant scenarios. Phase III transitions the technology for dual-use civilian applications, including cargo screening for Customs and Border Protection, hazardous materials monitoring for first responders, and infrastructure security. This topic requires a CMMC Level 2 (Self) certification and is restricted under ITAR/EAR export control laws.