US Department of Defense (DOD) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs invites small business firms and research institutions to jointly submit proposals to develop a radio-activated, remotely triggered device that would release a tag package (archival and/or satellite-linked tags) attached to a marine mammal without the need to disturb the tagged animal. Background: To improve the amount and quality of data recovered from marine mammal electronic tags, the U.S. Navy is interested in developing a remotely triggered self-detaching recoverable unit. Corrosive links attached to tags that are glued to animals have been used previously, but not knowing the exact time of the release is inconvenient and decreases the probability of tag recovery. A radio triggered device could be released by investigators when animals are sighted. The tag package (archival or satellite-linked tag attached to the animal by a RRD) could be released without necessitating the animal's recapture. Requirements: Each recoverable tag and RRD attached to the animal should have a unique and specific radio frequency and should be activated by a small handheld transmitter with a FCC approved coded radio signal and a transmission range of 2 - 3.5 km line of sight to the tagged animal. The RRD requires a receiver with a rechargeable or replaceable battery and antennae. To survive extreme pressures and hydrodynamic drag experienced by diving animals, the RRD receiver should be a small and lightweight electronic package capable of accepting tag packages up to 370g, good to a depth of 1500-2000m, battery life good up to 1 year, and adaptable to secure to various mechanisms of attachment to the animal (glue to pelage, suction cups, implantable attachments). Deadlines: 27 January 2009 - Pre-release of solicitation 24 February 2009 - DOD begins accepting proposals 25 March 2009 - Deadline for receipt of proposals at 0600 EST. For more information on STTR program and eligibility/limitations go to http://www.dodsbir.net/solicitation/sttr09A/preface09A.htm. Go to www.dodsbir.net/topics and select topic # N09-T029 for more information on topic. For questions regarding topic please contact me before 24 February 2009. After 23 February 2009 all questions must be submitted via SITIS. Dr. Michael J. Weise Marine Mammals & Biological Oceanography Program Office of Naval Research - Code 32 One Liberty Center - Rm 1068 875 N. Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22203-1995 703.696.4533 office 703.696.2007 fax michael.j.weise@navy.mil