Non-Proximate Chemical Analysis by Field Portable Mass Spectrometry and Robotics
STTR Opportunity Analysis
The Navy, through a DOD STTR topic, is seeking a portable mass spectrometer with a flexible inlet for non-proximate chemical analysis at the source. The work calls for designing, building, and operating a rugged system that can be manipulated by a land-based robotic arm and collect real-time chemical data from hard-to-reach targets. Key requirements include a detailed parts inventory, SWaP-conscious design, remote red-light/green-light reporting, a battery life of at least 3 hours, operation across -25°F to 120°F, and detection from m/z 50 to m/z 500 with thresholds below 100 ppb. Phase II requires construction, robotic-arm integration, remote operation while in motion, and demonstration against three target chemical threat simulants, with one operational unit delivered to the Navy. The opportunity, DON26TZ01-NV004, opens May 6, 2026 and closes June 3, 2026 at 16:00 UTC.