The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to improve our understanding of particle deposition that occurs from the low-order detonation of high explosive munitions. Information regarding particle size, areal distribution, and type and quantity of explosive residue from a variety of classes of munitions is needed to improve estimation and modeling of potential sources of chemicals of concern as well as potential pathways to receptors on Department of Defense (DoD) testing and training ranges.

Models exist to describe munition constituent sources and their resultant fate and transport on testing and training ranges; however, the empirical data to validate these models is lacking. Proposals focused solely on developing new models were not encouraged. Proposers had to clearly show how their proposed effort built on previous research.

Research and development activities at laboratory-, bench-, and field-scale were be considered as well as computer modeling to support such efforts; however, it is critical that modeling or laboratory efforts be integrated with field-observable data. Information on a variety of classes of munitions was of interest. The contaminants of primary concern were RDX and perchlorate due to low federal health advisory levels and the ability to migrate quickly through the soil matrix, but HMX, TNT, DNT and their breakdown products also are of interest. Proposers should have clearly described how they will simulate a low-order detonation, and should have also described their ability to work in compliance with ordnance and munition constituents safety and legal restrictions

Results from this research will aid in developing robust technologies for long-term energetic source zone management strategies to minimize or eliminate the potential for energetic contaminants migrating to groundwater.

DoD policy requires that all DoD ranges and operating areas be managed in a manner that supports their long-term viability and utility to meet the national defense mission while protecting human health and the environment. Environmental considerations that may influence current or future range and operating area activities must be identified as part of the range- sustainment management program (DoD Directive 3200.15¹ ). In support of this policy, all DoD Components are required to establish and implement procedures to assess the environmental impacts of munitions use on operational ranges. All DoD Components have developed and are currently implementing operational range assessment programs (ORAPs).

Key elements of the ORAPs include: (1) addressing all operational ranges/range complexes within the U.S.; (2) using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) conceptual site model (CSM) and data quality objectives processes; (3) leveraging existing information to the greatest extent possible; (4) reporting and addressing under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program in accordance with the National Contingency Plan if off-range munitions constituent migration poses an unacceptable risk requiring mitigation; and (5) the Components periodically reevaluating their operational ranges, at least every five years.

Sustaining the future use of operational ranges requires an ongoing awareness of the areal extent, mass, and potential transport of munitions constituents. To support CSM development, an understanding of the source zone location and strength is essential. Because the largest source of explosives residues are areas where low-order detonations have occurred, it is these occurrences that must be understood. In some cases, these areas can be visually located, but in areas with dense vegetation or areas that are inaccessible due to unexploded ordnance (UXO), this will not be possible.

SERDP has invested substantially in understanding the distribution and fate of munition constituents on DoD testing and training ranges. Proposers should familiarize themselves with these past efforts to ensure proposed efforts are not duplicative. Specific projects that have directly addressed energetics deposition include ER-1155 and ER-1481. Modeling is being addressed under ER-201435.

¹ http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/320015p.pdf.

The cost and time to meet the requirements of this SON were at the discretion of the proposer. Two options were available:

Standard Proposals: These proposals describe a complete research effort. The proposer should incorporate the appropriate time, schedule, and cost requirements to accomplish the scope of work proposed. SERDP projects normally run from two to five years in length and vary considerably in cost consistent with the scope of the effort. It is expected that most proposals will fall into this category.

Limited Scope Proposals: Proposers with innovative approaches to the SON that entail high technical risk or have minimal supporting data may submit a Limited Scope Proposal for funding of up to $150,000 over approximately one year. Such proposals may be eligible for follow-on funding if they result in a successful initial project. The objective of these proposals should be to acquire the data necessary to demonstrate proof-of-concept or reduction of risk that will lead to development of a future Standard Proposal. Proposers should submit Limited Scope Proposals in accordance with the SERDP Core Solicitation instructions and deadlines