High Speed Diffraction X-ray

Border Force is looking to procure and pilot a High-Speed Diffraction X-Ray solution for use in Border Force's postal and Fast Parcel detection environment. (This equipment should be a minimum of TRL 6 - by this Border Force is looking for a supplier with a technology model or prototype that is capable of being demonstrated in a relevant environment.) This must provide an automatic detection capability that is 'threat-agnostic', with the potential to detection drugs, chemicals, explosives, as well as other dangerous goods and currency.

The device must offer the potential for high-throughput scanning which can operate at 'belt speed' of approximately 30m/minute, and manage consignments of a maximum length of 1.2m and maximum weight of 50kgs (representative figures only). The technology must be compatible to be installed in-line with current detection architecture used by Border Force, without disrupting the flow of trade.

It is essential that the technology is updatable and offers the potential to be networked in the future. It is expected that the bidder will create a test-bed at their premises using representative test-sets of parcel types.

If successful, Border Force would then look to replicate this off-line in an actual environment with a view of using actual parcels from the supply chain. Border Force has an in depth knowledge regarding the threats in the supply chain including, the types of commodities, quantities, wrapping types and parcel sizes and so on.

This knowledge that resides with Border Force will be shared with the successful supplier in developing the equipment's capability. Border Force is also assist able to assist in obtaining illicit materials to enable data capture and validation of the technology, during the development phase.

The purpose of this document is to assess the capability of the market to meet the requirement. Following this Supplier Engagement events may be held, in which Border Force and Home Office Commercial will provide more information on the project and the procurement process.