Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase I: H-SB014.1-004

Description

To address the DHS need for a single wireless device that will monitor physiological and environmental conditions of and surrounding a first responder, and relay the information to the incident command, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Wireless Physiological and Environmental Monitoring (WiPEM) system incorporating four major components: (1) an array of physiological sensors, (2) an array of miniaturized environmental sensors, (3) processing and communication electronics, and (4) mechanical packaging. Leveraging POC's previous technologies, the proposed WiPEM system provides critical information not only on the physiological status of multiple first responders to be monitored and transmitted to the incident command, but also on critical surrounding information to enhance the situation awareness. The novel design of the open-architecture system is developed based on POC's prior developments in compatible PPE for DHS and working with the industrial leaders of PPE including Scott Safety to be able to achieve certification for various applicable NFPA standards in the future. In Phase I, POC plans to provide a comprehensive documentation, assessments, and feasibility demonstration of an optimal solution to address DHS's requirements and first responders' needs. The WiPEM system will also comply with the existing PPE/SCBA systems and FEMA requirements. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a fully functional prototype system according to the outline developed in the Phase I detailed technical analysis for further testing.