Agnostic Detection of Synthetic Opioids and Other Illicit Drugs
ID: DHS241-001Type: Phase I
Overview

Topic

Agnostic Detection of Synthetic Opioids and Other Illicit Drugs

Agency

Department of Homeland SecurityScience and Technology Directorate

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: Phase IYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2476999

Additional Information

https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program for FY24 is seeking proposals for the topic of "Agnostic Detection of Synthetic Opioids and Other Illicit Drugs". The research topic focuses on developing innovative methods to alert field personnel or personnel in a controlled environment to untargeted fentanyl-related substances in the presence of other compounds. The goal is to improve the detection capabilities of field detection devices, which currently rely on predetermined libraries of specific spectral signatures. The proposed solution should include requirements for both a handheld, battery-operated detector (Tier 1) and a portable detector that can be moved by a single person without wheeled assistance (Tier 2). The performance goals include the classification and identification of pure compounds and unknown narcotics, with minimal sample preparation and processing times of no more than 5 minutes for Tier 1 and 1 minute for Tier 2. The detection limits for unknowns should be at least 1% of the sample composition. Software solutions, such as AI/ML algorithms, are also encouraged. The project duration is not specified, and funding specifics can be found on the solicitation agency's website.

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