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

Nomadics proposes to implement its proven Fido explosives detection system to produce a system specifically designed to identify the trace chemical signature of explosives on personnel who may be involved in the fabrication or transport of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including suicide bombs. The system can further be used for forensic purposes in connecting detected explosives to specific individuals or incident sites. Studies have shown that persons handling explosives become contaminated with molecular residues of the chemical. This contamination is likely to be found on their clothing and on their person. The residues are very difficult to remove, and for highly sensitive sensors such as Nomadics Fido may be present in detectable quantities for hours or even days after the subject handled the explosives. Through simple transfer methods and the analysis of readily available samples, Fido under the proposed concept will serve as a valuable tool in locating and identifying persons involved in fabricating and transporting IEDs and in providing evidentiary forensics support in the apprehension and prosecution of those persons. The advanced status of Fido-though new to this application-will allow Nomadics to move quickly to proof-of-concept and rapid progress toward the acquisition and deployment phase.