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Rugged Automated Training System

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W911NF-11-C-0225
Agency Tracking Number: A11A-019-0188
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: A11a-T019
Solicitation Number: 2011.A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-09-28
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
5832 Mossrock Drive
Rockville, MD 20852-3237
United States
DUNS: 160222949
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Terence Kades
 Director
 (240) 481-3193
 tkades@powerstrat.com
Business Contact
 Francine Orlin
Title: Director of Operations
Phone: (602) 359-2238
Email: fran@powerstrat.com
Research Institution
 Oklahoma State University
 Michael Davis
 
Center for Veterinary Health Science, 264 McElroy Hall,
Stillwater, OK 74078-
United States

 (405) 921-3831
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

It is accepted that certain animals have the olfactory and learning ability to be trained in the detection of explosives and other compounds. The possibility of using rats and other small mammals to detect landmines, and potentially IED's is very real. In order to perform the detection task efficiently and effectively, these animals need to be trained, and certified as reliable and accurate. Currently, the training of animals is generally expensive and slow, and requires significant human effort and skill. The objective of this Proposal is to effectively train and evaluate small animals with an automated training system that is cost effective, rugged, reliable, easy to use, maintain and repair. With such a system, large numbers of animals including rodents, could be trained for the task of detecting, and marking landmine contamination, for later removal. Our proposal outlines three possible small innovative animal training system designs, all based on the Operant Conditioning regime. We also propose two innovative solutions for the having the animal communicate a positive detection to its handler. In some instances the bush and grass is too tick for the handler to see the animal. Phase 1 will test validate the most suitable practical and effective designs.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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