Novel Approaches for Detection of and Protection from Emerging Viral Pandemics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio MedicalOBJECTIVE: Develop and promote novel approaches for the detection, identification, and differentiation of viral pathogens, contamination prevention, and protection from viral infections, such as COVID-19.DESCRIPTION: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Research and Development topics of interest are research focused on complex catastrophic pandemic events, such as COVID-19. This requirement consists of providing materials that block transmission of viral pathogens on various surfaces such as clothing, Meals-Ready-To-Eat (MREs), bottled water, parts, and other mediums of transmission of viral pathogens. Solutions need to be easy to use, rapidly deployable, with low logistics burden for military logisticians, clinics, medical treatment facilities, and forward deployed military and civilian personnel.PHASE I: Phase I – 6 Months $100KThe research and development goals of Phase I are to provide Small Business eligible Research and Development firms the opportunity to demonstrate a scalable, adaptable, rapid response platform capable of producing methods for the detection, identification, differentiation of viral pathogens, and protection from infections from viral pandemics. Phase I requires a written diagnostic/therapeutic model with preliminary results on the viability of the proposed solution.PHASE II: Phase II – 24 Months $1.6MBased on the preliminary findings from Phase I, and in coordination with DLA and industry manufacturers, the Phase II expectation is to develop a prototype solution.This solution must be easy to use with minimal burden on logistics and must demonstrate the effective prevention of transmission of viral pathogens through contact, particularly from contaminated surfaces.The envisioned platform would cut response time significantly in order to stay within the window of relevance for containing contamination, preventing infection, and mitigating an outbreak.PHASE III: PHASE III: Dual Use Applications: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III.Progress made in Phase I and Phase II should result in the use of domestic and international health care markets for in vitro diagnostics and prophylactic uses.COMMERCIALIZATION:The manufacturer will pursue commercialization of various identification of, protection, and mitigation from viral pathogens, such as COVID-19 and develop potential commercial sales of manufactured chemical materials.
KEYWORDS: Covid-19, infections disease, in vitro diagnostic, point of care, biological warfare agent, biomarkers, anti-viral, MERS, SARS, coronavirus