RADIAC Development
Mission: The Radiation Detection, Indication and Computation (RADIAC) Program is responsible for providing radiation monitoring instruments that detect and measure radiation in accordance with the provisions of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR 20). These instruments are used on all vessels afloat and at every shore installation in order to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment. RADIACs are also required after an act of terrorism or war that involves nuclear material in order to enable continuation of warfighting ability. Justification: Many RADIAC instruments and dosimetry systems are decades old and approaching the end of their useful lives. In some cases the equipment and replacement parts are no longer manufactured, making the equipment logistically unsupportable. In other cases increasing failure rates due to age make replacements an economic efficiency improvement. In all cases a technology refresh will make both economic sense in terms of lowering the total ownership costs, and will also provide increased operational capabilities. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP): Instruments are developed to support the safe operation and maintenance of nuclear powered vessels and at nuclear maintenance facilities. Non-NNPP: Instruments are developed to support other than NNPP end users, such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Nuclear Weapons, Medical, Industrial Radiography, Radiological Defense and Training. Visit, Board, Search & Seizure (VBSS): The Navy has been tasked to intercept and board vessels at sea to search for nuclear or radiological materials that could be used for terrorist attacks. These instruments would have different characteristics than those used for NNPP and non-NNPP purposes and prototypes must be developed and/or tested and evaluated.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to the project completing transition to OPN.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). Project to be moved to the OPN phase as a contract was awarded for the procurement of the new primary dosimetry system in FY25. NSWCCD will perform the on phantom and off phantom tests of the newly acquired NODS dosimeter. This test will determine the albedo effect of the new dosimetry system a report will be submitted to NAVSEA 09RD with the findings.
FY2027 planned work (FY27). Following the results of the background analysis, a new low-background facility or box irradiator may be procured and installed in Building 157. This new capability will provide a controlled low-background environment for testing RADIACs, ensuring precise and reliable assessments.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase is driven by the procurement of a Low Background Room/Box Irradiator needed to complete the project.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). Due to the additional source material added to the Radiation Range (with the addition of the Model G10 and Model N40 irradiators) a low background analysis will be contracted out to determine the effect of the background due to the new irradiators.
FY2027 planned work (FY27). NSWCDD will complete the RDS neutron probe testing and provide a recommendation to NAVSEA 09RD for future OPN procurement. The item specification for the OPN phase will be drafted by NSWCCD and the engineers at the ISEA. The neutron probe simulator will then transition over to OPN. NSWCCD will develop a basic technical specification and procure prototype units of the RDS beta probe simulator. Delivery will occur in FY28.
FY2026 to FY2027 change No changes.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). NSWCCD will complete the RDS alpha probe simulator testing and provide a recommendation to NAVSEA 09RD for future OPN procurement. The item specification for the OPN phase will be drafted by NSWCCD and the engineers at the ISEA. The alpha probe simulator will then transition over to OPN. NSWCCD will develop a basic technical specification and procure prototype units of the RDS neutron probe simulator. Delivery will occur in FY27.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to completion of project in FY26.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). NSWCCD will finalize the test report to include the different mylar thickness and test height/speed on the Ludlum SCM. The desire for follow-on procurement will be assessed.
FY2027 planned work (FY27). NSWCCD intends to award multiple contracts to vendors who are able to design, manufacture, and test the flow meter and paper feed assembly replacements. NSWCCD will monitor the progress of the contract to build and test each component.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase driven by procurement of parts needed to perform this project in addition to the award of multiple contracts for the design, manufacturing, and testing for the flow meter and paper feed assembly replacements.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). NSWCCD, with input from ISEA, will develop the Statement of Work and CDRLs to purchase flowmeter and paper feed assembly replacements. The replacements will be designed to meet the form, fit, and function of the current IM-272A/WDQ. The project will consist of redesigning the parts, manufacturing prototypes, and testing. A quantity of two prototypes of each part will be manufactured. Performance testing, including acoustic testing, will be performed to assure performance specifications are met.
FY2027 planned work (FY27). Battery Test results and certification to be provided to NAVSEA 09RD and draft specifications to be drafted.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease driven by the purchase of a Battery Testing and Certification in FY26 which is not planned for FY27.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). NSWCCD to provide one (1) of the three (3) BPAPS to Battery Group for testing and certification of the system.
FY2027 planned work (FY27). Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) to be established, enabling the delivery of loaner APS for air sampling and environmental performance testing.
FY2026 to FY2027 change No changes.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). NSWCCD will initiate the market research to try and identify potential industry partners for a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) focused on air particle samplers. As many as three manufacturers could be identified as potential candidates.
FY2027 planned work (FY27). CRADA testing remains ongoing and will be scheduled for completion this fiscal year. Feedback will be provided to the manufacturers, and NSWCCD will commence drafting the Final Report and Specifications upon test completion.
FY2026 to FY2027 change No changes.
FY2026 plans — current year (FY26). Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) to be established, enabling the delivery of loaner ion chambers for radiological and environmental performance testing.