With this tech any search roll (see appendix 2) that is attempted, but failed, will also produce a note that says:
"Area not well search, too many anomalous issues." (you rolled poorly)
"Search was done as well as could be expected." (you rolled average)
"Expertly searched, doubt that more could have been done." (you rolled very well)
It costs 20EP per squadron per turn analyzed. The fee must be paid before the searching is executed (this ensures the extra staff and diagnostic hardware is assigned to the squadron) and there is no refund if the search is successful.
This tech is only available after a successful R&D program (D1.0), but even after the success, it may not be utilized before Y180. Additional R&D successes can reduce the inception date.
Example:
The Federation is trying to hunt down a Romulan force that is rampaging through their space while under cloak. They would pay the 20EP fee in the same turn they perform the search. The fee would cover the searching, possibly in multiple hexes.
Strategic hint: This tech works best with the fastest squadrons you can field so you can spread the cost over multiple hexes searched (i.e., a HPM squadron is more bang for the buck than a "normal" one or a "Y" era one.