International Monitoring System Radionuclide Operations and Maintenance

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is conducting market research for the operation and sustainment of U.S. International Monitoring System (IMS) radionuclide monitoring stations, with services to begin in August 2027. The IMS is a global network designed to detect nuclear weapons tests, utilizing radionuclide, seismic, infrasound, and hydroacoustic technologies. Under the Nuclear Arms Control Technology (NACT) program, DTRA manages and oversees the operation, maintenance, and improvement of these U.S. IMS stations in compliance with international standards and certification requirements.

Relevant tasks include maximizing remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and repair of automated monitoring stations, supporting data quality requirements, and ensuring station certification and configuration adherence. Station caretakers handle routine maintenance under the supervision of station operators, while operators manage data transmission to the International Data Centre (IDC) and maintain technical documentation. Maintenance, upgrades, and communication system support are also required, including coordination with the Global Communications Infrastructure contractor and maintaining supplemental communications for operational support.

Operators must ensure 95% authenticated data availability in accordance with CTBT data quality parameters. Responsibilities also include facilitating two-way communications with the IDC, adhering to certification and operational guidance, and managing both preventative and unscheduled maintenance as necessary.