Decontamination Technology Evaluation
Noblis supports the development of Joint Service Decontamination Systems, both fixed site and sensitive equipment, led by the Soldier, Biological, and Chemical Command (SBCCOM). The decontamination systems being developed will be used to decontaminate equipment, facilities, vehicles, and aircraft and other sensitive electronic equipment from the effects of chemical and biological warfare agents. Our experience areas in the decontamination programs include:
- Requirements definition
- Baseline program strategy and acquisition documentation
- Technology assessments to facilitate the selection of suitable decontamination systems
Noblis currently supports the DoD Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) for Chemical and Biological Defense in reviewing the basic science supporting future development work in point-of-use adjustable formulations for chemical and biological decontamination. In a separate effort, Noblis is also conducting a review of enzyme-based or biologically-inspired catalytic decontamination technologies to determine the basic science required for stabilization and formulation of future decontamination systems.
Noblis previously provided support to the DoD Joint Services Sensitive Equipment Decontamination (JSSED) Program. The JSSED Program has the objective of providing the ability to decontaminate chemical and biological agents from sensitive equipment (avionics, electronics, electrical, and environmental systems and equipment), aircraft/vehicle interiors (during flight/ground/shipboard operations), and associated cargo without affecting operations or service life. Decontamination involves neutralizing the effects of all chemical/biological warfare agents to a safe level to enable a return to unrestricted operational use and without producing hazardous residues or vapors. Noblis assisted JSSED in defining the system requirements, in preparing acquisition documentation (baseline Single Acquisition Management Plan), in planning and conducting a comprehensive technology assessment program, and in analyzing alternatives.
Noblis also supported the DoD Joint Service Fixed Site Decontamination (JSFXD) Program. The JSFXD effort is to incorporate a family of decontaminates and a family of decontamination application systems to enhance force protection through personnel, equipment and area decontamination. The family of decontaminates will reduce or neutralize the effects of all chemical and/or biological warfare agents and other toxic hazardous materials to a safe level for return to unrestricted operational use within 15 minutes of application. For JSFXD, we developed the technology assessment methodology, analyzed new decontamination approaches, and provided technology assessment support.