“The Department of Homeland Security has been tasked to ensure that the United States remains safe from the illicit importation, development, or procurement of a nuclear or radiological device. In recognition of the catastrophic risk posed by the use of a nuclear weapon within the United States, DHS has integrated all nuclear detection research, development, testing, evaluation, acquisition, and operational support into a single office: the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office,” according to a DHS news release.
DHS had put out the solicitation last year, for "advanced technology demonstrations" for a "mature prototype capable of providing reliable performance measurements in a challenging and realistic, albeit simulated, operational environment,” NextGov reported.
More specifically, DHS seeks modular wearable systems weighing less than 22 pounds that could detect nuclear particles such as gamma rays and neutrons. The device design is required to have options for novice users, with a simplified screen, as well as options catered to experts.
