Field Collection and Analysis of Forensics and Biometric Evidence Associated with IEDs

The goal of this work is the development of technology for detecting trace levels of explosives as an aid to force protection and for acquisition of forensic evidence. In Phase I of this effort we demonstrated that personnel involved in the manufacture, storage, deployment, and triggering of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are likely to be contaminated with trace amounts of explosive residue and showed the effectiveness of using the Nomadics Fido sensor and related sample collection techniques as a useful tool to screen for these individuals. Under the proposed Phase II effort, Nomadics will continue to improve and refine the Fido sample collection methodology and perform additional tests to enhance confidence in the technology. Following a series of field trials, we propose to deploy the system with end users in-theatre for operational assessment. The following activities are proposed: 1) Work with end-users to determine system requirements, 2) Improve the preconcentrator and sample desorber, 3) Explore improved sample collection media, 4) Refine the sampling protocols, 5) Conduct further investigations of advanced forensics applications, 6) Investigate the feasibility of developing a portable personnel screening portal, 7) Develop system documentation, user’s manual, and conops.