Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Bio Medical, Sensors, Human Systems
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop innovative technologies that enhance physiological, physical, psychological, and intellectual performance, and improve resistance to disease, stress, or injury caused by the demands of sustained operations in extreme environments.
DESCRIPTION: The optimization of Special Operations Forces (SOF) operator’s ability to perform at very high levels for long durations, process information and make the right decisions in a timely manner, while operating in extreme environments, including temperature ranges, high altitude, maritime/subsurface environments under high levels of stress will significantly improve their operational effectiveness. As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable system design options with respective specifications, capabilities, or technologies on the key system attributes: • Increase peak performance sustainability, including increased endurance, strength, energy, agility, and enhanced senses • Reduce recovery time • Enhance tolerance to environmental extremes or the ability to rapidly acclimatize to environmental extremes • Enhancing metabolic efficiency • Improve oxygen delivery to muscles • Provide restorative effects of sleep • Reduce the potential for musculoskeletal injury USSOCOM would like organizations to consider pursuing novel ideas that provide leap ahead capabilities for human performance optimization that are safe for human use and effective. By leap ahead we are referring to capabilities that provide a sudden significant advantage or breakthrough in increasing human performance. Some examples of novel research areas are: • Genomics • Epigenetics • Proteomics • Synthetic biology • Neurological analysis and stimulation • Nutraceuticals • Pharmaceuticals
PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraph entitled “Description.” The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all known options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II. PHASE II: Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on a human performance optimization.
PHASE II: Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on a human performance optimization.
PHASE III: This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where peak performance in environmental extremes is required. Other applications include professional firefighters, law enforcement, and sports.
REFERENCES:
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KEYWORDS: Human Performance Optimization And Sustainment, Peak Performance, And Environmental Extremes
