Point of Origin Identification

Collaboration Event (CE)

26 July 2023

Request to Attend NLT 23 June 2023 11:59PM ET

U.S. Persons Only

Purpose 
SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office – Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR), will host a Collaboration Event (CE) regarding point of origin identification of organic and inorganic compounds in order to validate those compounds as authentic or counterfeit.

Background/Synopsis
The accurate identification and detection of counterfeit products and their supply chain infiltration through the presence of organic and inorganic compounds present a pressing challenge that necessitates the implementation of advanced technologies. Despite the existence of visual inspection methods and basic authentication features, sophisticated counterfeiting techniques continue to undermine the integrity of various industries. Consequently, there is an urgent need for an innovative solution that harnesses the capabilities of a gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to enhance counterfeit identification, ensuring the safety and trust of consumers and suppliers as well as to identify and disrupt those supply chain networks.

GC-MS technology offers unparalleled potential in distinguishing genuine products from counterfeit ones by analyzing the chemical composition of samples. By separating complex mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds and subsequently detecting and quantifying them, the GC-MS can provide invaluable insights into the authenticity of a product and its point of origin. However, the current utilization of GC-MS for counterfeit identification remains limited, necessitating further research and development to optimize its effectiveness and integration into existing authentication frameworks.

Objective
USSOCOM will use this series of events between Government, Industry, Academia, and National Labs to address the aforementioned limitations and develop a robust solution that leverages the power of GC-MS to accurately and efficiently detect counterfeit products and supply chain networks. By utilizing GC-MS technology in a comprehensive and systematic manner, USSOCOM seeks to enhance the reliability, speed, and cost-effectiveness of counterfeit identification, thereby safeguarding the interests of consumers, protecting brand reputation, and combating the detrimental impacts of counterfeit trade on the global economy. Specifically, the ability to detect unwanted fillers, additives, and foreign substances that are not normally present when compared against an analysis of similar authentic compounds is of high importance.

Why You Should Participate
USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by PEO-SR Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). As such, the follow-on Assessment Event (AE) is considered competitive and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit. This serves dually as notification of the intent to research the feasibility of an agreement under 10 U.S. Code, Section 4022 and/or Section 4022(f), and as notice of pre-solicitation activities IAW FAR 5.204.

Event Timeline
Phase 1 – 26 July 2023 Collaboration Event (CE): SOFWERX will host the Collaboration Event (CE) with Industry, Academic, and Laboratory partners focused on forensic chemistry needs. During this event, Warfighters will interact with potential solution offerors and further communicate operational needs and desirements. Participation in this event is not mandatory, however, it is designed to provide insights to ensure potential offerors understand the problem set(s) fully and to increase the likelihood of matching their technologies with Warfighter needs. This CE is also an opportunity for attendees to meet and form partnerships that may provide a more comprehensive solution. If you do not wish to participate in the CE, you are free to submit your technology on/around 16 August for the AE. Request to attend the CE below, NLT 23 June.

Tentative Agenda
All times listed are in ET
8:00 – 8:20: Participants arrive at SOFWERX
8:20 – 8:25: SOFWERX Welcome
8:25 – 8:45: Stakeholder Overview & Problem Set
8:45 – 9:45: Current Limitations Breakout
9:45 – 10:00: Break
10:00 – 11:00: Ways to Overcome Limitations Breakout
11:00 – 12:00: Lunch (on your own)
12:00 – 2:30: Problem Statement Development
2:30 – 2:45: Break
245 – 3:45: Problem Statement Briefs
3:45 – 4:30: Voting
4:30 – 5:00: Path Forward

Note: Agenda is subject to change

Phase 2 – 09 August 2023 to 30 August 2023 Submissions to the Assessment Event (AE) Open: Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of USSOCOM are encouraged to submit their capability for USSOCOM review. To submit your technology for potential Phase 4 attendance, please review the assessment criteria and follow the submission instructions that will be near the bottom of this webpage on/around 09 August.

Phase 2a – 17 August 2023 Q&A Telecon: Interested offerors may participate in a virtual Q&A session to better understand the PM’s specific technology objectives. The telecon will take place on/around 17 August from 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET. RSVP form will be available on/around 09 August. 

Phase 3 – 31 August 2023 to 08 September 2023 Downselect: USSOCOM will downselect those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to attend the AE on/around 11 September.

Phase 4 – 26 September 2023 to 28 September 2023 Assessment Event (AE): During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the USSOCOM evaluation panel to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss their solutions. The forum will include a Q&A portion and discussions may continue outside of the event. Solution brief presentation guidelines will be outlined in the event invitation and solutions will be assessed according to the criteria in the link provided below. If the USSOCOM evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution brief, negotiations for Phase 5 may immediately begin.

This event will be held in person at SOFWERX. 

Phase 5 – Path Forward: Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories:

  • Business to business research and development agreement as a sub-award through the SOFWERX Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) (15 U.S. Code Section 3715)
  • OTA for research or prototype projects (10 U.S. Code Sections 4021, 4022)
    • An award under 10 U. S. Code, Section 4022 may result in the further award of a follow-on production agreement without additional competition based on successful prototype completion. The Government may make this follow-on production award even if all successful prototype criteria are not fully met during the prototype project.
  • Procurement for experimental purposes (10 U.S. Code Section 4023)
  • Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (15 U.S. Code Section 3710a)
  • Prizes for advanced technology achievements (10 U. S. Code Section 4025) and/or prize competitions (15 U.S. Code 3719)
  • FAR-based procurement contract 

NOTE: Awardees may need to be compliant with NIST SP 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Non-Federal Systems and Organizations

How You Can Participate
Government, Industry, Academia, National Labs, and Non-Traditional Attendees

  1. Request to attend the 26 July Collaboration Event: Click Here to Request to Attend (NLT 23 June)
  2. Review Assessment Criteria: Will be Posted on/around 09 August
  3. Download the White Paper Template: Will be Posted on/around 09 August
  4. Complete the Submission Form: Will be Posted on/around 09 August

Questions?  
For event-related questions, please contact Bridget Stauffer, bridget.stauffer@sofwerx.org

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