Initial Technology Assessment for the Environmental Sentinel Biomonitor (ESB) System

Abstract : The U.S. Army Center for Environmental Health Research (USACEHR), with support from the U.S. Army client organizations and funding from U.S. Army Science and Technology Objective (STO) IV.ME.2004.03, is developing an Environmental Sentinel Biomonitor (ESB) system to provide rapid toxicity identification for a broad spectrum of chemicals in water. A critical initial phase of the STO is to test and evaluate toxicity sensor technologies (also called ESB system technologies). Because there are a number of potentially feasible technologies that could meet the goals of the ESB program, a downselect will be performed to evaluate these technologies and select the most promising technologies for further development as part of an ESB system. The methodology and process to complete the downselect was developed in FYO4 with user representatives and technology experts. Because critical data was not initially available, the fmal ESB system technology downselection was postponed until the data became available. Tests to generate the needed data will be complete in FYO5. The fmal ESB system technology downselection, using the methodology and process developed in FYO4, will occur after the test data becomes available. The methods and processes used in the technology downselection produce repeatable, defensible, and justifiable investment decisions.