DoD SBIR 2020.3

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials, Chem Bio Defense, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE:

Current, state-of-the-art Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, and Nuclear (CBRN) protective gloves are highly protective (butyl rubber) and durable [1], but are bulky and induce an elevated thermal burden when worn for extended periods.The fit, sizing, and physical bulk of gloves is critical to avoid restricting user dexterity, which is needed to perform tasks in high risk environments [2, 3].The increased thermal burden associated with wear decreases user comfort and acceptance [4].Additionally, current systems cannot be used while operating capacitive-based touch screen systems that are increasingly necessary in military operations.This topic addresses the technical challenges and innovative solutions needed to create protective, durable, and conformal gloves that can be integrated into novel CBRN protective ensembles while allowing higher tactility and touch-screen capabilities

DESCRIPTION:

Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, and Nuclear (CBRN) protective ensembles provide the first line of defense for personnel exposed to victims and/or materials during assessment, extrication, rescue, triage, decontamination, treatment, site security, crowd management, and force protection operations at incidents involving CBRN agents. Gloves are an integral part of the ensemble that allow users to perform critical tasks. There is a need for gloves that allow for high levels of function, without trade-off between protection and dexterity, tactility, or thermal burden. Commercially available CBRN protective gloves are bulky and not sufficiently conformal or tactile to the wearer. Additionally, these gloves cannot be used with electronic touch-screen systems. This topic solicits the following innovative technology requirements for a CBRN glove.

Table 1. Phase I threshold and objectives.

ACRONYMS:

PHASE I:

Conduct research on novel concepts for Chem-Bio protective glove materials to achieve both conformal, tactical properties and barrier functions. Upon completion of Phase I, samples of the glove material or materials in swatch/sheet form will be made available for independent evaluation of barrier properties, physical properties, and conductivity. The material(s) should meet the threshold goals outlined above (Table 1) and the detailed conditions for testing must be provided to and be approved by the Government Technical Points of Contact (POCs). The threshold level of chemical permeation resistance should be cumulative permeation mass of less than 6 micrograms/cm2 for industrial chemicals, 1.25 micrograms/cm2 for Soman (GD) and 4.0 micrograms/cm2 for distilled mustard (HD) when challenged with 20 grams per meter squared (g/m2) of liquid chemical agent or 1% agent in gas phase [5,6]. An assessment of capability to form or mold materials into gloves will be provided to the Government Technical POCs. In addition, it is highly encouraged that additional physical property testing be performed on the glove material, such as weight (ASTM D3776, option C), stiffness (ASTM D 747) and thickness (ASTM D 1777), and the results sent to the Government Technical POCs. There is no threshold for these values because while they are indicative of glove tactility, which will be measured in Phase II, they are not determinant.

Table 2. Phase II thresholds and objectives.

PHASE II:

Conduct development and assessment of forming or molding the materials into gloves and system level assessment for liquid tight integrity.Further improvements in the material properties should be made to reach as high of a value as possible, near the objectives for permeation (NFPA 1994 Class 1), stretch (20%), and durability resistance to break (90% of butyl rubber), outlined above (Table 2). The threshold level of chemical permeation resistance should be cumulative permeation mass of less than 6 micrograms/cm2 for industrial chemicals, 1.25 micrograms/cm2 for Soman, and 4.0 micrograms/cm2 for distilled mustard when challenged with 20 grams per meter squared (g/m2) of liquid chemical agent or 1% chemical agent in the gas phase.Additional testing such as viral penetration (ASTM F1671) tests are encouraged, with the results sent to the Government Technical POCs. There is no threshold for performance against viral penetration for Phase II performance or NFPA 1994 Class 1 gloves, and results will not be determinant. However, viral testing is required for both NFPA 1994 Class 2 and 3 gloves, and the result may be considered for Phase III Dual Use Applications. The detailed conditions for testing must be provided to and approved by the Government Technical POCs. With approval by the Government Technical POCs, gloves will be integrated into CBRN protective ensembles and system level testing will be completed in the second half of Phase II. User acceptability, form, fit, function, capability on resistive and capacitive touchscreen, thermal burden, thermal and evaporative resistance will be assessed and considered. Upon completion of Phase II, molded samples of the glove, material swatches of the improved upon material(s), and a complete cost analysis for glove production will have been provided to the Government Technical POCs.

PHASE III:

PHASE III: The gloves demonstrated in Phase II will be commercialized for production and integration into CBRN protective ensembles.The Government Technical POCs will be available to advise on possible partners and paths forward in both government and industry, with an end goal to deliver glove prototypes able to integrate into an appropriate Chem-Bio ensemble for the intended end-user.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: First responder and anti-terrorism personnel would also benefit from the use of improved protective gloves that are more conformal, allowing for improved dexterity, tactility and comfort, with touch screen capability. The barrier material can be used not only in protective gloves, but also in other formed/molded applications such as protective socks.

KEYWORDS: Barrier Materials; Chem-Bio Protection; Gloves, Durability; Permeation Resistance; Elastic Stretching; Elastic Relaxation; dexterity

References:

1. Military Specification, MIL-DTL-43976D. Gloves and Glove Set, Chemical Protective. Department of Defense. 5 September 2003.

2. Schumacher, J., Arlidge, J., Garnham, F. and Ahmad, I. 2017. A randomised crossover simulation study comparing the impact of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear substance personal protection equipment on the performance of advanced life support interventions. Anaesthesia. 72: 592-597. doi:10.1111/anae.13842

3. Tiexeira, R. and Bensel, C. K. 1990. The effects of chemical protective gloves and glove liners on manual dexterity. Defense Technical Information Center. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a231250.pdf

4. Endrusick, T. L., Gonzalez, J. A., Gonzalez, R. R. 2005. Improved comfort of US military chemical and biological protective clothing. Environmental Ergonomics. 369-373. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=qvh2sdJoQR8C&oi=fnd&pg=PA369&dq=butyl+rubber+gloves+thermal+comfort&ots=Y_cpT81zjd&sig=zqjGslOefJbwgK7wH9EmtOhzsC8#v=onepage&q=butyl%20rubber%20gloves%20thermal%20comfort&f=false

5. NFPA 1994 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Chemical/Biological Terrorism Incidents 2018 Edition, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Quincy, MA 02269,USA. https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=1994

6. NFPA 1994 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Chemical/Biological Terrorism Incidents 2001 Edition, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Quincy, MA 02269,USA. http://www.disaster-info.net/lideres/english/jamaica/bibliography/ChemicalAccidents/NFPA_1994_StandardonProtectiveEnsemblesforChemicalBiologicalTerrorismIncidents.pdf

NOTE: Ref 5 (above) provides free access and allows the entire document to be viewed on the NFPA website, but cannot be downloaded.

Ref 6 is an older version but links directly to a downloadable PDF document.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials, Chem Bio Defense

OBJECTIVE:

Develop a mobile system capable of providing on-demand generation of aqueous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for Service Equipment Decontamination System (SEDS).

DESCRIPTION:

The ability to decontaminate mission critical equipment is necessary to minimize exposure risks and maintain operations after a chemical agent attack or release. Vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP) has been explored as a methodology for decontamination of sensitive, mission critical equipment.1Although VHP technologies are promising, generation of VHP requires a supply of liquid solutions of hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations (35 percent). Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is hazardous, unstable, has a short shelf-life, and is restricted to ground transport. A mobile system capable of providing hydrogen peroxide on demand would significantly increase the feasibility of VHP-based decontamination systems. For this objective, and for this topic, the hydrogen peroxide will be generated "On Demand" from air and potable water, with power. Consumables are to be kept to an absolute bare minimum.2-5 The desired system will have the lowest obtainable Size, Weight and Power demand (SWaP).The final system will be capable of generating at least 0.2 liters of 35 percent aqueous hydrogen peroxide per hour for a minimum of 14 hours. The final system will be powered from an external source such as 12-24 volt vehicle power, or conventional military generator.The final system will weigh no more than 40 pounds.

PHASE I:

Design and develop an "On Demand" process to generate 10%-15% concentrations of aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Demonstrate "proof of concept" of hydrogen peroxide generation adhering to constraints in the topic description (above). Construct a "breadboard prototype" and demonstrate the system can generate aqueous solutions of hydrogen peroxide that meet the above description. Identify scale-up limitations and determine which factors can be optimized to increase peroxide output concentration and throughput. Estimate the logistic requirements of the proposed process.

PHASE II:

Refine the design to a higher fidelity prototype that provides the form, fit and function of the targeted end-product as described.The system will be capable of delivering food grade 35 percent aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. Verify performance by comparing "on demand" H2O2 against reagent grade H2O2.Demonstrate that the system will be stable for a minimum of 14 hours of continuous operation per day. Consumption rate of items such as power and consumables will be determined. The system will be modular and/or tunable to meet different peroxide generation requirements for both small and large-scale decontamination systems.

PHASE III:

PHASE III:Refine the design to meet size, weight, and power requirements. Demonstrate system integration with existing VHP decontamination platforms. Test throughput and peroxide concentration. Provide military users prototype systems for field-testing. Obtain user feedback based on test & evaluation to further refine the design.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:This technology will be useful to civilian and military first responders, and may also be applied to sterilize medical equipment, and facilitate water treatment in remote locations.

KEYWORDS: decontamination; hydrogen peroxide; chemical warfare agent; hazardous materials; in-situ; oxidation

References:

1. Wagner, George W., David C. Sorrick, Lawrence R. Procell, Mark D. Brickhouse, Iain F. Mcvey, and Lewis I. Schwartz. "Decontamination of VX, GD, and HD on a Surface Using Modified Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide." Langmuir 23, no. 3 (January 2007): 1178-86. https://doi.org/10.1021/la062708i.

2. Campos-Martin, Jose M., Gema Blanco-Brieva, and Jose L. G. Fierro. "Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis: An Outlook beyond the Anthraquinone Process." Angewandte Chemie International Edition 45, no. 42 (October 27, 2006): 6962-84. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200503779.

3. Xia, Chuan, Yang Xia, Peng Zhu, Lei Fan, and Haotian Wang. "Direct Electrosynthesis of Pure Aqueous H2O2 Solutions up to 20% by Weight Using a Solid Electrolyte." Science 366, no. 6462 (October 11, 2019): 226-31. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay1844.

4. Chen, Zhihua, Shucheng Chen, Samira Siahrostami, Pongkarn Chakthranont, Christopher Hahn, Dennis Nordlund, Sokaras Dimosthenis, Jens K. Norskov, Zhenan Bao, and Thomas F. Jaramillo. "Development of a Reactor with Carbon Catalysts for Modular-Scale, Low-Cost Electrochemical Generation of H2020." Reaction Chemistry & Engineering 2, no. 2 (2017): 239-45. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RE00195E.

5. Ponce de Leon, Carlos. "In Situ Anodic Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide." Nature Catalysis 3, no. 2 (February 2020): 96-97. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41929-020-0432-2.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials, Chem Bio Defense

OBJECTIVE:

Develop a hand-held plasma decontamination system for biological warfare agents.

DESCRIPTION:

The ability to decontaminate mission critical equipment is necessary to minimize exposure risks and maintain operations after a biological agent attack. Plasma is currently used in industrial cleaning applications1 and technology has been shown to rapidly decontaminate a wide range of biological contaminants, with little damage to the asset.2,3 Plasma sources have also been used to effectively decontaminate and sterilize medical equipment and have been shown to be a promising method for disinfection of surfaces in hospital settings.4 To limit the spread of contamination and restore combat operations, there is an essential need for a man-portable system which rapidly decontaminates items, such as sensitive equipment, etc., so that a warfighter's mission can continue. The hand-held system will decontaminate a broad spectrum of biological agents (spores, bacteria, and virus) from a variety of equipment within minutes while not compromising the integrity or function of the equipment, allowing it return to normal operations without limitations. Performance threshold for the plasma decontamination system is 99.9 percent reduction of biological agents with an objective of 99.9999 percent inactivation of detectable pathogens. Examples of gear to decontaminate include, but are not limited to, helmets, tactical vests, and sensitive equipment such as radios and night-vision goggles. For the purposes of this topic, sensitive equipment will be modeled on a military-style, multi-channeled, hand-held radio that the vendor will use (and acquire) to verify and validate performance of the decontamination system.The plasma sources should be able to operate in the open atmosphere, and be able to decontaminate the model system within 10 minutes. The final system must be man-portable (< 40 lbs), include an internal rechargeable battery to provide a minimum of 1-hour of operation, and be compatible for operating on an external power source. Consideration will be given for affordable approaches that minimize Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP).Consideration also will be given to system designs that minimize or eliminate consumables.

PHASE I:

Demonstrate proof-of-principle by constructing a "breadboard" prototype and demonstrate that the device achieves the necessary conditions to decontaminate the modeled system within 10 minutes. Demonstrate the effectiveness of the system on two representative test coupons: a coated metal surface and a polymer surface such as polycarbonate.Show effectiveness using surrogates for a range of biological agents: vegetative bacteria (e.g. Francisella philomiragia), enveloped virus (e.g. vaccinia) and endospore (e.g. Bacillus thuringiensi). From proof-of-principle experiments, demonstrate through design analysis that the required performance parameters can be achieved during Phase II.

PHASE II:

Refine the design and construct a "brass-board" prototype that provides the form, fit and function of the targeted end-product. Demonstrate the decontamination effectiveness against a qualified Bacillus anthracis spore surrogate on the model sensitive item (i.e. military-style, multi-channeled, hand-held radio) within above description. Validate that total remaining biological agent (surrogate) is at or below performance objectives.Demonstrate and validate that the conditions of the process to decontaminate do not have a deleterious impact on the immediate or long-term function of the modeled sensitive equipment item. The prototype will include management of effluents to ensure agents or harmful chemicals are contained during the decontamination process.Estimate and outline the logistic requirements of the proposed process.Prior to the demonstration on the model sensitive equipment item, confirm performance on an expanded set of coupon testing, large panel, and/or complex surfaces for testing. Calculate extraction efficiency thru demonstrating proper titers and controls. Ensure surrogate agent titers adequately simulate environmental organic load as part of the test. Demonstrate reproducibility of tittered samples.

Provide military users prototype systems for field-testing. Obtain user feedback based on test -amp; evaluation to further refine the design.

PHASE III:

PHASE III:Refine the design to meet Size, Weight, and Power requirements. Demonstrate system integration with existing decontamination platforms.Provide military users with prototype systems for field-testing.Obtain user feedback based on test & evaluation to further refine the design.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:This technology will be valuable to both military personnel and first responders for on-site decontamination.

KEYWORDS: decontamination; plasma; biological warfare agent; hazardous materials

References:

1. What is Plasma Cleaning Used For? https://tantec.com/what-is-plasma-cleaning-used-for.html

2. Bizzigotti, et. al. Handbook of Chemical and Biological Warfare Agent Decontamination St Albans, ILM Publications, 2012.

3. Herrmann, et. al. Decontamination of Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents Using an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet, Physics of Plasmas, 1999, Volume 6, Number 5, 2284-2289.

4. Thiyagarajan, et al. Atmospheric Pressure Resistive Barrier Cold Plasma for Biological Decontamination, IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, April 2005.

5. McCullers, J. A, et al. Use of atmospheric non-thermal plasma as a disinfectant for objects contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, AJIC, 2009, vol 37, 9, 729-733.

6. Sakudo, et. al. Disinfection and Sterilization using Plasma Technology: Fundamentals and Future Perspectives for Biological Applications Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20, 5216.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials, Ground Sea, Nuclear, Weapons, Air Platform

OBJECTIVE:

Build Small Business Manufacturer (SBM) base to address obsolecence and develop a qualified source of supply and ready to improve DLA product availability, provide competition for reduced lead time and cost, and address lifecycle performance issues. Through participation in DLA SBIR, SBMs will have an opportunity to collaborate with DLA Weapons System Program Managers (WSPMs) and our customer Engineering Support Activities (ESAs) to develop innovative solutions to DLA's most critical supply chain requirements. The intent of the topic is to develop SBMs who will economically produce NSNs with historically low demand utilizing innovative technologies resulting in reduced lead time and cost with enhanced life cycle performance. In the end, the SBM benefits from the experience by qualifying as a source of supply as well as from the business relationships and experience to further expand their product lines and readiness to fulfill DLA procurement requirements.

DESCRIPTION:

Competitive applicants will have reviewed the parts list provided on DLA Small Business Innovation Program (SBIP) site, (Reference 4) as well as the technical data in the cFolders of DLA DiBBs, (Reference 3). Proposals can evolve in one of four ways depending on the availability of technical data and NSNs for reverse engineering as follows. Information on competitive status, RPPOB, and tech data availability will be provided on the website, Reference

a. Fully Competitive (AMC/AMSC-1G) NSNs where a full technical data package is available in cFolders. The SBM proposal should reflect timeline, statement of work and costs associated with the manufacturing and qualification of a representative article.

b. Other than (AMC/AMSC-1G) NSNs where a full Technical Data Package (TDP) is available in cFolders. These items may also require a qualification of a Representative Article. The SBM proposal should reflect timeline, statement of work, and costs associated with producing a Source Approval Request (SAR) and (if applicable) qualification of a Represetative Article. Contact the TPOC if necessary. The scope and procedures associated with development of a SAR package are provided in Reference 1.

c. Repair Parts Purchase or Borrow (RPPOB) may be an option for other than 1G NSNs where partial or no technical data is available in cFolders. NSNs, if available, may be procured or borrowed through this program for the purposes of reverse engineering. The instructions for RPPOB can be found on the websites, Reference 5. The SBM proposal should reflect timeline, statement of work and costs associated with the procuring the part and reverse engineering of the NSN. Depending on complexity, producing both the TDP and SAR package may be included in Phase I.

d. Reverse Engineering (RE) without RPPOB is when the NSN will be provided as Government Furnished Material (GFM) if available from the ESA or one of our Service customers. In this case, contact the TPOC to discuss the availability of the NSN prior to starting the proposal. The SBM proposal should reflect timeline, statement of work and costs associated with the reverse engineering of the NSN and depending on complexity producing a TDP and SAR package in Phase I.

Specific parts may require minor deviations in the process dependent on the Engineering Support Activity (ESA) preferences and requirements. Those deviations will be addressed post award.

Participating small businesses must have an organic manufacturing capability and a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and be Joint Certification Program (JCP) certified in order to access technical data if available.

Refer to "link 2" below for further information on JCP certification. Additionally, small businesses will need to create a DLA's Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) account to view all data and requirements in C Folders.

Refer to "links 3 and 4" below for further information on DIBBS and C Folders. All available documents and drawings are located in the C Folder location "SBIR203C". If the data is incomplete, or not available, the effort will require reverse engineering.

PROJECT DURATION and COST:

• Phase I: NTE 18 Months $250K- Base NTE $100K base 6 Months, - Option 1 NTE $100K 6 Months, - Option 2 NTE $50K base 6 Months
• PHASE II: Phase II - NTE 24 Months $1.6M - Base 18 months, $1M Option 6 Months NTE $.6M

PHASE I:

The goal of phase I is for the SBM to qualify as a source of supply for DLA NSNs to improve DLA product availability, provide competition for reduced lead time and cost, and address lifecycle performance issues. In this phase, manufacturers will request TDP/SAR approval from the applicable Engineering Support Activity (ESA), if required, for the NSNs. At the Post Award Conference, the awardee will have the opportunity to collaborate with program, weapon system, and/or engineering experts on the technical execution and statement of work provided in their proposal. There are exceptions for more complex parts and the proposal should provide the rationale. All Phase I Proposals should demonstrate an understanding of the NSN(s) and the general challenges involved in their manufacture. Proposals that fail to demonstrate knowledge of the part will be rejected.

PHASE II:

The Phase II proposal is optional for the Phase I awardee. Phase II selections are based on Phase I performance, SBM innovation and engineering capability and the availability of appropriate requirements. Typically the goal of Phase II is to expand the number of NSNs and/or to build capability to expand capacity to better fulfill DLA requirements.

PHASE III:

No specific funding is associated with Phase III. Progress made in PHASE I and PHASE II should result in the manufacturer's qualification as an approved source of supply enabling participation in future DLA procurement actions. Phase III for this project is defined by relevant procurement awards.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The SBM will pursue commercialization of the various technologies and processes developed in prior phases through participation in future DLA procurement actions on items identified but not limited to this BAA.

KEYWORDS: Nuclear Enterprise Support (NESO), Source Approval, Reverse Engineering

References:

1. DLA Aviation SAR Package instructions. DLA Small Business Resources: http://www.dla.mil/Aviation/Business/IndustryResources/SBO.aspx

2. JCP Certification: https://public.logisticsinformationservice.dla.mil/PublicHome/jcp

3. Access the web address for DIBBS at https://www.dibbs.bsm.dla.mil , then select the "Tech Data" Tab and Log into c-Folders. This requires an additional password. Filter for solicitation "SBIR203C"

4. DLA Small Business Innovation Programs web site: http://www.dla.mil/SmallBusiness/SmallBusinessInnovationPrograms

5. DLA Aviation Repair Parts Purchase or Borrow (RPPOB) Program: https://www.dla.mil/Aviation/Offers/Services/AviationEngineering/Engineering/ValueEng.aspx

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Information Systems, Sensors

OBJECTIVE:

Develop an innovative and ruggedized Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) with a state-of-the-art indoor-outdoor navigation capability. The AGV may use a variety of sensors such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and Wireless Fiber (Wi-Fi) where applicable, and should minimize the need for infrastructure modifications such as Augmented Reality (AR) tags to enable autonomous navigation in changing environments.

Objective 0: Indoor-Outdoor AGV. Develop an AGV that combines the features of both the outdoor and indoor AGVs described below. The goal of this objective is for the vendor to develop a capability for an AGV that addresses the requirements for a rugged Outdoor AGV, as described in Objective 1 below, with a state-of-the-art outdoor navigation solution and integrate this capability with an Indoor AGV design, as described in Objective 2 below, that provides for indoor GPS-denied navigation, and the capability to ascend and descend warehouse tunnel inclines while towing loaded warehouse carts, and can smoothly transition between warehouse floors, tunnels, and racks. If that proves too difficult, proposals for separate indoor and outdoor AGV will be considered.

Objective 1: Outdoor AGV. Develop an innovative and rugged Outdoor AGV with a state-of-the-art outdoor navigation solution integrated into warehouse communications systems (i.e., Warehouse Execution System (WES)). This integration allows Outdoor AGVs to receive tasking in an automated fashion to operate frequently and report success or failure at tasking. This research seeks to identify and test navigational technology that can be used uninterruptedly and continuously onboard AGVs in support of routine external warehouse operations throughout the DLA enterprise. This research effort addresses DLA identified cybersecurity requirements through the test and evaluation of government security controls. It leverages current technologies in the AGV industry combined with a suitable and robust external navigation solution to test the operation of AGVs when operating externally between distribution warehouses. This research project will operate in external environments at designated DLA Distribution Centers in the United States.

Objective 2: Indoor AGV. Develop a robust AGV that operates inside warehouses and within warehouse tunnels and navigates the tunnel inclines found at the DLA Distribution Center, Hill Air Force Base, and UT (DDHU). The Indoor AGV design allows for the ascent and descent of tunnel inclines with up to 12 in a 100 grade (+/- 12%), the smooth transition between warehouse floors and tunnels, the navigation of sharp turns (180 degrees or more) requiring a minimum turning radius of 1.9 meters, and possess a threshold capability to tow two standard warehouse carts with a total combined weight of 12,000 pounds and a maximum tow capability of up to three standard warehouse carts with a total combined weight of up to 18,000 pounds (i.e., the weight of three loaded carts) given all conditions and requirements described above. The Indoor AGV's state-of-the-art indoor navigation system will continuously operate within DLA Distribution Warehouses, will be integrated into warehouse automation systems, and communicates with WES

Research and Development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established. Further, proposed efforts must be judged to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or less, but greater than TRL 3 to receive funding consideration.

TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept)

TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment)

DESCRIPTION:

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Distribution Modernization Program (DMP) topics of interest are research focused on a Continental United States-based AGV navigation solution in support of the routine navigation of vehicles operating both outdoors between DLA distribution warehouses, indoors within the DLA warehouses, and when traversing warehouse tunnels. This research project shall involve the use of Commercial/Industry AGVs that can withstand the demands of both outdoor and indoor operations, ascend/descend warehouse tunnels, and be integrated with outdoor and indoor-based navigation systems utilizing various sensors such as GPS, LS, Wi-Fi, and LiDAR that:

1. Support a joint effort between DLA Research and Development (R&D) and DLA J4 Distribution Headquarters to conduct research and testing of navigation systems integrated into a variety of AGVs during outdoor operations between warehouses and when towing loaded carts operating indoors within tunnels with 12 in a 100 grade (+/- 12%) grades.
2. Significantly addresses the navigational capabilities of AGVs in the outdoor environment, while enhancing resiliency to the varying conditions of an outdoor environment (e.g., less than desirable road conditions, road debris, and inclement weather conditions present when operating outdoors - snow, rain, fog, or sunshine).
3. The AGV can be used in the outdoor environment to transport goods between multiple warehouses at a DLA distribution site safely and operate at a higher materiel handling throughput, even under challenging road and weather conditions.
4. Feature navigation systems able to implement high precision measurement data for regular use in outdoor/indoor navigation.
5. Can operate indoors using a state-of-the-art indoor navigation system (e.g., LiDAR) that allows AGVs to continuously work within DLA's Distribution Warehouses and seamlessly transition between the outdoor and indoor warehouse environments.
6. Can integrate into warehouse communications systems such as a Warehouse Execution System (WES) to receive tasking and report status.
7. Allows AGVs to operate on inclines and ascend and descend warehouse tunnels with up to 12 in a 100 grade (+/- 12%) when safely transporting goods inside warehouses and between multiple warehouses at DLA distribution sites, and implement high precision measurement data for regular use, even under challenging road and weather conditions.
8. Able to transition smoothly between level and elevated warehouse surfaces, can navigate sharp turns within the warehouse environment, and can tow up to three loaded standard warehouse carts weighing up to 18,000 pounds.
9. Demonstrates an enhanced operational capability over existing commercial AGVs when both outdoors and indoors through the application of external navigation and internal navigation systems for AGVs, and facilitates a safe and robust navigational network technology used in a working environment shared with warehouse workers.
10. Navigation and mapping:
    • Equipped with a dependable and robust navigation technology solution that allows AGVs to perform tasks outdoors and indoors without having to significantly lower operating speeds per existing trends in the industry.
    • Demonstrates compatibility with a Government data cloud environment for storage, retrieval, and use of high-resolution geospatial data without relying on a separate commercial data cloud environment to navigate successfully.
11. Conclusively demonstrates the use of new navigation technology and the use of more capable AGV designs for ascending and descending inclines when applied to AGVs in the distribution and delivery of material and goods during representative distribution warehouse operations in an innovative way.
12. Integrates a Universal Ball Hitch connection for trailers with automatic coupling by the autonomous vehicle.
13. Operates with a typical design load and all-terrain capabilities in outdoor temperatures of 10F through 100F, and adequately quantifies lost battery performance in temperatures below 40F, and implements measures to insulate batteries to address lost performance.
14. Executes a minimum 7.5-hr duty cycle at the full performance before re-charge. 30-minute quick charge from 0% to 50% charge.

PROJECT DURATION and COST:

• Phase I: NTE 12 Months $150K- Base NTE $100K base 6 Months, - Option 1 NTE $50K base 6 Months
• PHASE II: Phase II - NTE 24 Months $1.6M - Base 12-18 months, $1M Option 6 Months NTE $.6M

PHASE I:

The research and development goals of Phase I provide Small Business eligible Research and Development firms the opportunity to successfully demonstrate how their proposed Outdoor and Indoor AGV navigation concept of operations (CONOPS) improves the distribution and goods and materials within the DLA distribution enterprise and effectively lessen the time to provide needed supplies to the Warfighter. The selected vendor will conduct a feasibility study to:

1. Address the requirements described above in the Description Section above for Outdoor AGVs operating between warehouses and Indoor AGVs traversing warehouse tunnel elevations.
2. Identify capability gap(s) and the requirement for DLA to use AGVs in the DLA Distribution Operations environment.
3. Develop the vendor's Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the utilization of the AGVs and describe clearly how the requirements develop from it.

Note: During Phase I of the SBIR, testing is not required.

The vendor is required to create a CONOPS for Outdoor/Indoor AGVs in support of both routine and wartime distribution warehouse operations. The concept of operations will cover the utilization of rugged Outdoor AGVs to navigate between distribution warehouses during all weather and road conditions, and then seamlessly (with little or no operator effort) be able to operate as an Indoor AGV in the indoor warehouse environment, describing precisely all operational requirements as part of this process. This AGV navigation requirement intends to successfully operate and navigate between distribution warehouses dependent on weather conditions.

The deliverables for this project include a final report, including a cost breakdown of courses of action.

PHASE II:

Based on the research and the concept of operations developed during Phase I, the research and development goals of Phase II emphasizes the execution of the seamless Indoor-Outdoor AGV navigation system following the typical DLA Distribution Warehouse concept of operations for materiel handling. During Phase II, the vendor will:

1. Address the specific user requirements, functional requirements, and system requirements as defined and provided by DLA.
2. Develop a prototype AGV for Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT-amp;E) and Operational Test and Evaluation (OT-amp;E).
3. Implement government cybersecurity controls in the prototype design and secure all necessary cybersecurity certifications for the operation of the equipment in the DLA warehouse environment with DOD cloud connections.
4. Design the prototype that is equal to the technology maturity of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 after Phase II.
5. Deliver a final AGV prototype to DLA that is capable of demonstrating successful execution of the CONOPS established in Phase I.

The AGVs will operate across the United States at various DLA Distribution Center sites mutually agreed upon between DLA R-amp;D and DLA Distribution HQ. The deliverables for this project include a final report, including a cost breakdown of courses of action (COAs).

PHASE III:

At this point, there is no specific funding associated with Phase III. During Phase I and Phase II, the progress made should result in a vendor's qualification as an approved source for an Indoor-Outdoor AGV or as a source for both an Indoor AGV and Outdoor AGV support enabling participation in future procurements.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The manufacturer will pursue the commercialization of the various ruggedized Outdoor AGV navigation technologies, the Indoor AGV operating technology, and designs developed for ascending/descending tunnel inclines, and the processes developed in prior phases as well as potential commercial sales of manufactured mechanical parts or other items. The first path for commercial use will be at DLA's twenty-six Distribution Centers and twenty Disposition Centers. When fielded, DLA estimates the deployment of 20 - 26 units, but the number of units could be more.

KEYWORDS: Autonomous Guided Vehicle, AGV, GPS, Laser Scanning, Wireless Fiber, Wi-Fi, Warehouse, Distribution.

References:

1. Department of Defense, Defense Science Board, Task Force Report: The Role of Autonomy in DOD Systems in DOD Systems, July 2012. https://fas.org/irp/agency/dod/dsb/autonomy.pdf

2. R. Bostelman and E. Messina, "Towards Development of an Automated Guided Vehicle Intelligence Level Performance Standard," in Autonomous Industrial Vehicles: From the Laboratory to the Factory Floor, ed. R. Bostelman and E. Messina (West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International, 2016), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1520/STP159420150054

3. A. Dong, W. Hong, "VPH: a new laser radar-based obstacle avoidance method for intelligent mobile robots," WCICA 2004. Fifth World Congress on Intelligent Control and Automation, vol. 5, pp. 4681-4685, 2004.

4. A. K. Kar, N. K. Dhar, S. S. F. Nawaz, R. Chandola and N. K. Verma, "Automated guided vehicle navigation with obstacle avoidance in normal and guided environments," 2016 11th International Conference on Industrial and Information Systems (ICIIS), Roorkee, 2016, pp. 77-82

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE:

DLA seeks to provide responsive, best value supplies; in a manner, that consistently meets the customer's needs. DLA continually investigates diverse technologies for manufacturing improvements leading to the highest level of performance, and cost efficiency in battery products supporting fielded weapon systems with a future impact on both commercial technology and government applications. DLA seeks manufacturing improvements of advanced electrode material deposition processes to demonstrate the combination of improved battery manufacturing and operation, as well as improved business methods for affordability. Modeling and simulation are encouraged, but not required, to guide the development of improvements in the battery electrode manufacturing processes.

Proposed efforts funded under this topic must encompass specific advanced battery electrode manufacturing technology resulting in a unit cost reduction and improvement of battery product availability. It is preferred that technologies do not alter the form fit and function of the battery. Research and development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has yet to demonstrate a fully established maturity.

Further, proposed efforts must align between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 and 6 to receive funding consideration. The definition of TRL 3 is -- analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept, and TRL 6 is -- system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment.

DESCRIPTION:

DLA seeks to develop advanced battery electrode deposition and manufacturing solutions that improve the industrial capability to deliver high power batteries to the Warfighter in a ready to use state with better shelf life, increased safety, lower cost, and decreased production lead-time. These solutions must apply innovations to improve the production of batteries and reduce costs associated with the battery manufacturing process.These solutions must result in an improvement in the affordability of specific battery products to DLA and its customers. The proposals must include an economic analysis of the expected market impact of the technology proposed. This topic seeks a substantial reduction of unit cost metrics and battery product availability. Incremental advancements will receive very little consideration. DLA seeks only projects the private sector considers too risky for ordinary capital investment.

PROJECT DURATION and COST:

• Phase I: NTE 12 Months $150K- Base NTE $100K base 6 Months, - Option 1 NTE $50K base 6 Months
• PHASE II: Phase II - NTE 24 Months $1.6M - Base 12-18 months, $1M Option 6 Months NTE $.6M

PHASE I:

Combine innovative approaches for modification and or functionalization of current and future battery electrode deposition and manufacturing. Incorporate material within the project to evaluate concept for proof-of-principle, and demonstration of the proof of principle in a controlled manufacturing environment. Demonstration will successfully detect and presumptively identify a manufacturing cost savings, a reduced production lead-time, and an increase of the item's availability.

PHASE II:

Develop applicable and feasible demonstrations of the electrode manufacturing improvements for the approach described, and demonstrate a degree of commercial viability. Validate the feasibility of the innovative battery electrode manufacturing process by demonstrating implementation in the production, testing, and integration of items for DLA. Validation would include, but not be limited to, prototype fabrication or low-rate initial production and demonstration of item operation in a representative system. A partnership with a current or potential supplier to DLA is highly desirable. Identify any commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovation. The development of innovative processes should proceed with the intent to readily transition to production in support of DLA and its supply chains.

PHASE III:

Technology transition via successful demonstration of a new process technology. This demonstration must show near-term application to one or more Department of Defense systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration must also verify the potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance and/or reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed subject. Proposed efforts, if directly related to manufacturing process innovation, must be judged to be at a Manufacturing

Private Sector Commercial Potential: Battery electrode deposition and manufacturing technologies have a direct applicability to all defense system technologies. Battery electrode manufacturing processes and related technology and support systems have wide applicability to the defense industry including air, ground, sea, and weapons technologies. There is relevance to the private sector industries as well as civilian sector. Many of the technologies under this topic would be directly applicable to other DoD agencies, NASA, and any commercial manufacturing venue. Advanced manufacturing technologies for battery electrodes would directly improve production in the commercial sector resulting in reduced cost and improved productivity.

KEYWORDS: Electrode deposition, electrode manufacturing, battery manufacturing, battery, technology insertion, automation, lithium, manufacturing cost, manufacturing efficiency, manufacturing quality, sustainable manufacturing, battery performance

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE:

DLA seeks to provide responsive, best value supplies; in a manner, that consistently meets the customer's needs. DLA continually investigates diverse technologies for manufacturing improvements leading to the highest level of performance, and cost efficiency in battery products supporting fielded weapon systems with a future impact on both commercial technology and government applications. DLA seeks rapid, direct, production synthesis methods of battery-grade electrode materials to demonstrate the combination of improved battery manufacturing and operation, as well as improved business methods for affordability.

Proposed efforts funded under this topic must encompass specific synthesis methods for direct production of battery cathode/anode/electrolyte materials resulting in a cost reduction and improvement of battery product availability. It is preferred that technologies do not alter the form fit and function of the battery. Research and development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has yet to demonstrate a fully established maturity.

Further, proposed efforts must align between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 and 6 to receive funding consideration. The definition of TRL 3 is -- analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept, and TRL 6 is -- system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment.

DESCRIPTION:

DLA seeks to develop rapid material synthesis processes that are significantly lower cost and displace standard sintering and synthesis processes for battery electrode materials. The process must improve the industrial capability to deliver high power batteries to the Warfighter in a ready to use state with better shelf life, increased safety, lower cost, and decreased production lead-time. These solutions must apply innovations to improve the production and availability of batteries and reduce costs associated with the battery manufacturing process. Solutions that involve materials that benefit military requirements of high energy, high safety, and broad temperature range are preferred. Potential materials to be considered for rapid, scaled synthesis are:

• Cathode
  • LCO
  • NMC
  • NCA
  • LMO
  • Lithium Cobalt or Iron Phosphates
• Anode
  • LTO
• Solid-State Electrolyte
  • LLZO (Li7La3Zr2O12) ceramic

These solutions must result in an improvement in the affordability and availability of specific battery products to DLA and its customers. The proposals must include an economic analysis of the expected market impact of the technology proposed. This topic seeks a substantial reduction of cost metrics and battery material availability. Incremental advancements will receive very little consideration. DLA seeks only projects the private sector considers too risky for ordinary capital investment.

PROJECT DURATION and COST:

• Phase I: NTE 12 Months $150K- Base NTE $100K base 6 Months, - Option 1 NTE $50K base 6 Months
• PHASE II: Phase II - NTE 24 Months $1.6M - Base 12-18 months, $1M Option 6 Months NTE $.6M

PHASE I:

Combine innovative approaches for modification and or functionalization of current and future battery electrode material synthesis. Incorporate material within the project to evaluate concept for proof-of-principle, and demonstration of the proof of principle in a controlled manufacturing environment. Demonstration will successfully detect and presumptively identify cost savings, reduced production lead-time, and an increase of availability.

PHASE II:

Develop applicable and feasible demonstrations of the electrode synthesis for the approach described, and demonstrate a degree of commercial viability. Validate the feasibility of the innovative material production process by demonstrating implementation in the production, testing, and integration of items for DLA. Validation would include, but not be limited to, prototype fabrication or low-rate initial production and demonstration of operation in a representative system. A partnership with a current or potential supplier to DLA is highly desirable. Identify any commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovation. The development of innovative processes should proceed with the intent to readily transition to production in support of DLA and its supply chains

PHASE III:

Technology transition via successful demonstration of a new process technology. This demonstration must show near-term application to one or more Department of Defense systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration must also verify the potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance and/or reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed subject.

Private Sector Commercial Potential: Battery electrode material production methods have a direct applicability to all defense system technologies. Electrode material synthesis and related manufacturing technology and support systems have wide applicability to the defense industry including air, ground, sea, and weapons technologies. There is relevance to the private sector industries as well as civilian sector. Many of the technologies under this topic would be directly applicable to other DoD agencies, NASA, and any commercial manufacturing venue. Rapid, advanced, direct production synthesis methods for battery electrode materials would directly improve production in the commercial sector resulting in reduced cost and improved productivity.

KEYWORDS: Battery electrode material synthesis, cathode/anode/electrolyte material, direct production, rapid production, rapid synthesis, battery, technology insertion, automation, lithium, agile manufacturing, manufacturing cost, manufacturing efficiency, manufacturing quality, sustainable manufacturing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE:

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), seeks to develop the capability to recover boron carbon (B4C) from the hard armor ballistic plates used throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). The DoD develops and fields innovative Soldier protection equipment, functional uniforms and individual equipment that enhance mission effectiveness. As part of this, advanced technology demonstrations for enhancing affordability and development of advanced industrial practices the combination of improved discrete-parts recycling, manufacturing and improved business methods are of interest. All these areas of recycling and manufacturing technologies provide potential avenues toward achieving breakthrough advances. Proposed efforts funded under this topic may encompass any specific discrete-parts or materials recycling, manufacturing, or processing technology at any level resulting in a unit cost reduction.

Research and Development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established. Further, proposed efforts must be judged to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or less, but greater than TRL 3 to receive funding consideration.

TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept)

TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment)

DESCRIPTION:

DLA R&D is looking for a domestic capability that demonstrates the capability to recover boron carbon (B4C) from the hard armor ballistic plates used throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). Currently the DoD sends defective and unserviceable hard armor ballistic plates to the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services for demilitarization (DEMIL), and thus renders those plates to an unusable state. Recovery of raw materials from these DEMIL plates could reduce the amount of boron carbon mined and refined; there is limited domestic production of these materials and therefore a risk of foreign reliance. The goal is to recover B4C, at a suitable purity level, suitable to be placed into strategic stockpiles to be held, and in a form that it could reintroduced into manufacturing at a later point in time. Developing an economically viable, environmentally friendly process for recycling of hard armor ballistic plates from the existing scrap armor feedstock could facilitate the establishment of a viable, competitive domestic supply chain. If this produces a viable reclamation methodology and sustainable process it may lead to follow-on efforts at the discretion of the US Government.

R&D tasks include identifying potential additional feedstock sources in the existing supply chain and developing processes for hard armor plates recycling. The process should be amenable to the scale of operation required in hard armor manufacturing, and will improve the economics of hard armor plates from recovered material for reuse, rather than depend on foreign reliance.

Determine, insofar as possible, the scientific, technical, and commercial feasibility of the concept. Include a plan to demonstrate the innovative recycling process and address implementation approaches for near term insertion into the manufacture of Department of Defense (DoD) systems, subsystems, components, or parts.

PROJECT DURATION and COST:

• Phase I: NTE 12 Months $150K- Base NTE $100K base 6 Months, - Option 1 NTE $50K base 6 Months
• PHASE II: Phase II - NTE 24 Months $1.6M - Base 12-18 months, $1M Option 6 Months NTE $.6M

PHASE I:

Develop applicable and feasible process demonstration for the approach described, and demonstrate a degree of commercial viability.

PHASE II:

Validate the feasibility of the innovative process by demonstrating its use in the production, testing, and integration of items for PM SSV. Validation would include, but not be limited to, prototype quantities, data analysis, laboratory tests, system simulations, operation in test-beds, or operation in a demonstration system. A partnership with a current or potential supplier to PM SSV, DLA, OEM, or other suitable partner is highly desirable. Identify commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovation. Innovative processes should be developed with the intent to readily transition to production in support of PM SSV and its supply chains.

PHASE III:

: Technology transition via successful demonstration of a new process technology. This demonstration should show near-term application to one or more Department of Defense systems, subsystems, or components. This demonstration should also verify the potential for enhancement of quality, reliability, performance and/or reduction of unit cost or total ownership cost of the proposed subject. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Material manufacturing improvements, including development of domestic manufacturing capabilities, have a direct applicability to all defense system technologies. Material manufacturing technologies, processes, and systems have wide applicability to the defense industry including air, ground, sea, and weapons technologies. Competitive material manufacturing improvements should have leverage into private sector industries as well as civilian sector relevance. Many of the technologies under this topic would be directly applicable to other DoD agencies, NASA, and any commercial manufacturing venue. Advanced technologies for material manufacturing would directly improve production in the commercial sector resulting in reduced cost and improved productivity.

KEYWORDS: Hard Armor Ballistic Plate Boron Carbon (B4C) Recovery and Reclamation

References:

(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1738573315301078

(2) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955221919301876

(3) http://www.sapub.org/global/showpaperpdf.aspx?doi=10.5923/j.nn.20120203.01

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials

OBJECTIVE:

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks to provide responsive, best value supplies consistently to our customers. DLA continually investigates diverse technologies for manufacturing which would lead to the highest level of innovation in the discrete-parts support of fielded weapon systems (many of which were designed in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's) with a future impact on both commercial technology and government applications. As such, advanced technology demonstrations for affordability and advanced industrial practices to demonstrate the combination of improved discrete-parts manufacturing and improved business methods are of interest. All these areas of manufacturing technologies provide potential avenues toward achieving breakthrough advances. Proposed efforts funded under this topic may encompass any specific discrete-parts or materials manufacturing or processing technology at any level resulting in a unit cost reduction.

Research and Development efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established. Further, proposed efforts must be judged to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or less, but greater than TRL 3 to receive funding consideration.

TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept)

TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment)

DESCRIPTION:

DLA R&D is looking for a domestic capability to address the lacking viable domestic source of isomolded graphite production. The military uses isomolded graphite in numerous applications, including tactical munitions, strategic rockets and missiles, and large, advance-launch systems. The United States has been dependent on foreign sources for isomolded graphite. Verifying a domestic manufacturing production process for isomolded graphite meets military reuqirements would elimate the costly foreign alliance for this material.

R&D tasks include qualifying domestic pre-cursor materials for the a domestic isomolded manufactuing process, verify the domestically manufactured isomolded graphite material meets militrary requirements, and qualify the material on military applictions.

PROJECT DURATION and COST:

• Phase I: N/A
• PHASE II: Phase II - NTE 24 Months $1.6M - Base 12-18 months, $1M Option 6 Months NTE $.6M

PHASE I:

Not Required for Direct to Phase II. Demonstrate your proof of concept in the first 20 pages of Volume 2.

PHASE II:

Validate that domestically sourced pre-cursor materials for the isomolded graphite material can be utilized for the established domestic production process. Validation would include, but not be limited to, prototype quantities, data analysis, and labortaory tests. Validate the prouction proess can manufature isomolded graphite which can meet property specifications of previously used isomolded graphite for military applications. Validation would include, but not be limited to, prototype quantities, data analysis, and labortaory tests. Qualify the validated isomolded material on military applications that are utilizing obsolete or foreign sourced isomolded graphite.

PHASE III:

Provide a Domestic Source for the isomolded graphite material can be utilized for the established domestic production process.

KEYWORDS: Isostatically Molded (Isomolded) Synthetic Graphite

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems, Information Systems

OBJECTIVE:

Develop text analysis software that leverages current Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms and techniques, (e.g., Bayesian algorithms, word embeddings, recurrent neural networks) for accurately conducting content and sentiment analysis, as well as dictionary development.

DESCRIPTION:

The United Stated Department of Defense (DoD) collects large amounts of text data from their personnel using a variety of different formats including opinion/climate surveys, memoranda, incident reports, standard forms, and transcripts of focus group/sensing sessions. Much of these data are used operationally; however, recent interest in the leveraging of text data to glean insight into personnel trends/behaviors/intentions has prompted a greater degree of research in NLP. Additionally, Topic Modeling and Sentiment Analysis have been explored by various research arms of the DoD; however, two foundational hurdles exist that need to be addressed before they can realistically be applied to the DoD:

First, the varied use of jargon, nomenclature, and acronyms across the DoD and Service Branches must be more comprehensively understood. Additionally, development of a "DoD Dictionary" should enable the fluid use of extant and newly-created jargon, phrases, and sayings used over time.

Second, the emergent nature and rapid innovation of NLP techniques has made bridging the technical gap between DoD analysts and tools difficult. Additionally, the understanding and interpreting of NLP techniques by non-technical leadership is particularly difficult. There currently exists no standard format or package that can be used to analyze and develop visualizations for text data in such a way that accommodates the needs of operational leadership to make decisions regarding personnel policies or actions.

PHASE I:

Expectations for this Phase I feasibility study include, but are not limited to, a white paper detailing software designed to assist the user in:

• Summarizing key content across a range of sources or in a single document
• Capturing document-germane sentiment, assessing the tone, intent, and social content
• Determining the reasons for themed statements
• Identifying relationships among themes
• Effectively parsing and combining findings, such as aggregate results by service, occupation, or other demographics. where possible
• Accommodating the plethora of DoD, Service, and DoD civilian nomenclature, jargon, and acronyms

Design of the user interface may be primarily icon-driven, and should be intuitive and easy to maneuver for those with limited technological experience. At the same time, the program should include accessible syntax using, or derived from, one or more open source programming languages for transparency and customization for more technically-adept users. Efforts should also address how the software could provide hints to users regarding candidate issues/topics to include, along with candidate contexts to consider including in the detailed analysis, based on a preliminary analysis of the text.

PHASE II:

The Phase II effort shall take the white paper solution to development and software pilot and address the following key requirements in implementation:

1. Accommodating domain-specific terms (words, phrases, sayings) into a comprehensive and flexible dictionary that can be regularly/continuously updated with information regarding the sentiment associated with DoD-specific terms, as well as any incipient or ubiquitous meanings/sentiment associated with otherwise universal words or terms
2. Maintainable and updatable software solution for conducting NLP text analysis and briefing the results using domain-specific sentiment/understanding, i.e. a GUI or other easily workable "dashboard" for non-technical users to leverage in such a way that they can identify, track, and communicate potential trends and (where possible) forecast areas of concern (i.e., user-identified "hot button" topics) with regard to personnel opinions, attitudes, or contemplated or disclosed behaviors that may require attention by non-technical leadership.

PHASE III:

Examples of Phase III military applications include: A persistently running text-analysis platform capable of automatically identifying emerging patterns or areas of concern in any of the DoD's free-text data collection efforts. These may include, but are not limited to, personnel satisfaction surveys, standard forms, incident reports, and the like. Examples of commercial applications include: A flexible software platform enabling corporate-level analysis of text-data to potentially include opinion/climate surveys, HR forms, or complaint reports to identify emerging trends in personnel attitudes/behaviors.

KEYWORDS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOFTWARE, NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING SOFTWARE, AUTOMATED TEXT SUMMARIZATION, TEXT ANALYTICS, PREDICTIVE MODELING, CORPUS,WORD RECOGNITION, TOPIC MODELING, CONCEPT DRIFT

References:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US7197449B2/en; https://www.aclweb.org/anthology/W14-6002.pdf

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE:

Develop a concept for capturing iris scans. Conceptualize and design an innovative biometric repository for capturing facial scans.

DESCRIPTION:

DMDC can collect 10-fingerprint collections, iris scans, and facial scans from various sources. The primary population for biometric collection by DMDC consists of "Blue Force" personnel, such as Service Members, DoD Contractors, and DoD Civilians and Family Members. Upon capture of these biometrics, DMDC must ensure there are robust storage capabilities that are adequately protected and capable of processing stored biometrics for identity resolution and authentication efficiently.

Biometric data gathering and storage technology exists today. However, the integration of stored biometric data for the use of identity verification and authentication is limited and not widely used. The purpose of this research is to provide analytical and laboratory studies applying research to perform advanced technology development to integrate stored biometric data technology with verification and authentication technologies.

PHASE I:

• Design a concept for capturing, storing, and using biometrics for person verification and authentication
• Design/develop an innovative concept along with the limited testing of materials for the above
• Provide a plan for practical deployment of the proposed

PHASE II:

Phase II will involve the following:

COA 1) Leverage the findings from Phase 1, develop and demonstrate a prototype;

COA 2) Develop concept for capturing iris scans;

COA 3) Coceptualize and design an innovative biometric repository for capturing facial scans.

The TRLs for this phase are:

• Non-Hardware and Software - TRL #7
• Hardware and Software - TRL #6

Phase II will involve the following:

COA 1) Leverage the findings from Phase 1, develop and demonstrate a prototype;

COA 2) Develop concept for capturing iris scans;

COA 3) Conceptualize and design an innovative biometric repository for capturing facial scans.

The TRLs for this phase are:

• Non-Hardware and Software - TRL #7
• Hardware and Software - TRL #6

PHASE III:

This research has the potential to strengthen proofing and authentication controls to DoD networks and physical buildings. The results will be applicable to other federal agencies and the commercial world to enhance security for online banking, ecommerce, and protecting data. It would provide methods for government agencies and corporate entities to capture and validate biometrics as a form of identity proofing, verification, and authentication instead of in person proofing or less secure forms of authentication. Many agencies and corporations need this capability to securely provide self-service online services.

KEYWORDS: Identity Management, Biometrics, Facial Recognition, Authentication, and Identity Verification.

References:

1. Technology Insight for Biometric Authentication, Gartner, 2018

2. Department of Defense Instruction 1000.13 Identification (ID) Cards for Members of the Uniformed Services, Their Dependents, and Other Eligible Individuals, Department of Defense, 2017

3. Federal Information Processing Standards 201-2 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2013

4. Department of Defense Directive 8521.01E DoD Biometrics, Department of Defense, 2016

5. Special Publication 800-79-2 Guidelines for the Authorization of PIV Card Issuers and Derived PIV Credential Issuers, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2015

6. Special Publication 800-63A Digital Identity Guidelines: Enrollment and Identity Proofing, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2017

7. Regulation 680-3 Personnel Information Systems Entrance Processing and Reporting System Management, United States Military Entrance Processing Command, 2018

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials, Weapons

OBJECTIVE:

Develop and demonstrate a high temperature, corrosion, and wear resistant coating / plating for use on small caliber weapon system barrels and signature suppressors.

DESCRIPTION:

Small caliber weapon system barrels and signature suppressors operate in a high temperature, chemically corrosive, and high mechanical wear environment. This environment leads to rapid deterioration of substrate materials and ultimately, failure of the barrel or signature suppressor to meet performance requirements. In extreme cases, the combination of extreme environments can cause catastrophic failure of the weapon system component, resulting in injury to the operator. Future weapon systems are anticipated to further push the extremes with a combination of hotter flame temperature and more chemically corrosive propellants, higher pressures, and harder projectiles. Traditionally, the bore of small caliber barrels are plated with hard chrome, however the chrome application process results in environmentally hazardous byproducts. Additionally, hard chrome does not sufficiently perform under the required conditions, and is not applicable to all materials.

There is a need for the development of coatings / plating for barrel bores and signature suppressor internal surfaces which can perform / remain adhered under extreme temperatures, and which prevent chemical and mechanical corrosion associated with small arms firing. Proposed coatings / plating shall be compatible chemically, thermally, and mechanically with a variety of materials, both traditional and novel, that may be used for barrels and signature suppressors. Proposed coating / plating materials and application processes shall be compatible with small caliber barrel bores as small as 5.56mm in diameter, and signature suppressors with numerous deep hidden features. Additionally, proposed coatings / plating shall prevent buildup / fouling of carbon as well as gilding metals that are commonly found in gas systems, and suppressors after extended firing. Further, application processes shall take into account the requirements of the coated / plated components in the small arms system - the application processes shall not adversely affect the substrate material in ways that may affect performance, including dimensional changes or effects on material properties, such as strength or fatigue life. Non-line of sight application is required in order to apply the coating or plating to the internal surfaces of the bore and signature suppressor.

PHASE I:

Given the direct to Phase II nature of this effort, a determination of Phase I equivalency will be made which will require proof that the proposed coating / plating is sufficiently mature to be funded at a Phase II level. Documentation showing prior work coating / plating of small arms systems and/or components or a related field is required. A report detailing the Phase I equivalent efforts should be included. Phase I equivalent effort documentation shall include some or all of the following:

• Baseline or existing coating / plating properties to be used as starting point for this application, including:
  • Coating thickness
  • Coating hardness
  • Coefficient(s) of friction
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Color ranges
  • Operating temperatures and thermal stability
  • Adhesion to substrate
  • Chemical compatibility
  • Application limitations, including internal diameter limitations, Line of sight or Non-Line of sight, substrate compatibility, etc.
• Baseline or existing coating / plating application parameters, including:
  • Application temperature
  • Application time
  • Other relevant application parameters
• Baseline or existing coating / plating performance, including
  • Description of the system and operating environment that the existing coating is applied to
  • Performance metrics and data in that application
• Cost of the baseline or existing coating / plating
• Estimated or predicted properties of the proposed coating / plating, including:
  • Coating thickness
  • Coating hardness
  • Coefficient(s) of friction
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Color ranges
  • Operating temperatures and thermal stability
  • Adhesion to substrate
  • Chemical compatibility
  • Application limitations, including internal diameter limitations, Line of sight or Non-Line of sight, substrate compatibility, etc.
• Predicted application parameters of the proposed coating / plating, including:
  • Application temperature
  • Application time
  • Other relevant application parameters
• Results of all analyses performed to show that the proposed development process will result in coating / plating that will meet the Government's needs, including
  • Results of modeling and simulation
  • Results of all analyses, including chemical, thermal, and structural analyses
  • Ability of the coating / plating to be applied to the internal bore of the barrel and internal features of a signature suppressor
  • Overall predicted performance in use as a small caliber bore coating or an internal signature suppressor coating
• Estimated cost of proposed coating / plating

The Offeror is encouraged to provide any other relevant information to substantiate that the proposed coating / plating is at an acceptable stage to be funded at the DP2 level.

PHASE II:

The primary deliverables for Phase II shall be:

• Development of one or more coating(s) / plating(s) formulations and associated application processes that meet the Government's requirements. This deliverable includes all necessary documentation to define the formulation as well as the application process.
• A comprehensive report that documents the entirety of the effort. The report shall highlight the development process, results of all analyses performed throughout the development process, results of destructive testing (i.e. coating thickness in sectioned barrels and suppressors), and contractor's test results in lab (coupon testing) as well as simulated operational environment (live fire testing of coated barrels and/or signature suppressors. The report shall highlight and address any shortcomings in performance, propose potential fixes to these shortcomings, and shall address any anticipated challenges with scaling to full rate production. The report shall also provide estimates of the cost to implement the proposed coating / plating in a production setting.
• Quantity of ten (10) coated / plated coupons sized to be used in the Government-owned small caliber Vented Erosion Simulator (VES).
• One or both of the following:
  • Quantity of five (5) small caliber barrels with coated / plated bores (weapon system / caliber to be determined - barrels may be provided as GFM).
  • Quantity of five (5) signature suppressors with internal features coated / plated (specific suppressor to be determined - suppressor may be provided as GFM).

Upon successful completion of the primary deliverables, an Option Period may be exercised. The primary deliverables for the Option Period will be one or more of the following:

• Additional Science and Technology development of coatings to improve performance in extreme operating regimes
• Application of coating / plating to additional quantities of barrels and/or suppressors that represent either challenging performance requirements or challenging application requirements.

PHASE III:

Virtually all small caliber weapon systems, commercial and military, would benefit from improved barrel systems. There is a large commercial market for small arms, and much money is spent by individuals upgrading barrels and adding suppressors to their personal firearms. An Offeror would likely need to partner with an OEM barrel or suppressor manufacturer and have this technology offered as part of the item itself, since it is unlikely that existing barrels or suppressors would be able to be coated or plated at a reasonable cost to the consumer.

From the DoD/military side, again the technology would apply to virtually all small arms systems, but primarily to advanced next generation systems or legacy belt fed systems that generate large amounts of heat, chemical erosion, and mechanical wear from the projectile. For newly acquired systems, Program Management offices could include this technology as part of the TDP. For legacy systems, the technology could be added to TDPs as Engineering Change Proposals (ECP), and could be included in weapon system overhauls and rebuilds.

KEYWORDS: Barrel, suppressor, advanced coating, high temperature, bore erosion, small caliber, small arms

References:

Xiaolong Li, Yong Zang, Lei Mu, Yong Lian, Qin Qin, 2020, Erosion analysis of machine gun barrel and lifespan prediction under typical shooting conditions, Wear, Volumes 444-445, 203177, ISSN 0043-1648, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2019.203177;

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors, Weapons

OBJECTIVE:

This topic seeks technologies supporting development of novel weapons capabilities for the United States Air Force.Following the completion of a Phase 1 effort, vendors may be invited to participate in a Phase 2 Pitch Day, hosted by AFLCMC/EB, tentatively scheduled for March 2021 in the Fort Walton Beach, FL area.

DESCRIPTION:

The Armament Directorate is in search of technologies that support the Air Force's priorities of Reach, Affordable Mass, Autonomous Collaboration, Sensing and Communications, Non-Kinetic Effects, and Digital Engineering.The Armament Directorate is seeking solutions that do not exceed the procurement cost of current weapons to allow inventories to be created and maintained within current projected anticipated budgets.As such, cost reducing/minimizing technologies across the board are of interest.Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) and associated additional enabling technologies are also a critical aspect.It is anticipated that TTPs in conjunction with innovative technologies will be needed to meet the Air Force's goals. Reach - The Armament Directorate is in search of concepts that are focused on allowing Blue aircraft to effectively prosecute targets (either both air and ground) with increased standoff range.Targets of interest include fighters, soft stationary ground targets, hardened targets, moving ground targets, and maritime targets.

Affordable Mass - The Armament Directorate is in search of concepts that are focused concepts under exploration on allowing blue forces to utilize large numbers of relatively low cost weapons systems.Technologies of interest include low cost materials and manufacturing processes, low cost propulsion systems and technologies, modular open-system payload architectures and technologies, disposable or re-usable dispenser vehicles, miniaturized, reliable electronics, and electronic warfare concepts and capabilities.

Autonomous Collaboration - The Armament Directorate is in search of concepts that are focused on allowing blue forces to utilize numbers of collaborative weapons systems to employ coordinated tactics to ensure mission success, employ automated, adaptive and collaborative tactics in a fluid battlespace, support blue forces multi-domain command and control strategies. Specific technologies under analysis include: Artificial intelligence algorithms with "dialable" human influence; Target identification schema; Target prioritization algorithms; Collaborative weapons playbook scripts; Datalink technologies/concepts; Miniaturized, reliable electronics to include flight controls, mission computers, seekers, etc).

Sensing and Communications - The Armament Directorate is in search of concepts focused on enabling blue forces to utilize weapons as major contributors to multi-domain command and control (MDC2) space.Specific technologies of interest include: Low-cost, multi spectral seekers; Datalinks technologies/concepts; Data transmission and evaluation software/algorithms; Air deliverable ground communications/sensing packages.

Non-Kinetic Effects - The Armament Directorate is in search of concepts focused on either/both increasing Blue forces' magazine depth and/or presenting new armament delivered capabilities to the battlefield.Many non-kinetic weapons are electric power derived and therefore afford the potential of multiple "shots" per weapon engagement v. a traditional kinetic weapon with one "bang."Other non-kinetic effects provide different effects than kinetic weapons that may be as effective on the battle space as a kinetic weapon with lower cost and/or in a smaller package.

Digital Engineering - The Armament Directorate is in search of concepts focused on digital/digital engineering to employ new technologies faster.The Armament Directorate looking for digital solutions to utilize Weapons Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) to the maximum extent possible.Specific areas of interest include: Model Base Systems Engineering; Weapon Open Systems Architectures; Databases; Data mining/optimization tools; Armament unique modeling and simulation; Multi-security level solutions.

PHASE I:

Phase I efforts will focus on technical feasibility.This may include but is not limited to: analysis of existing technologies, conceptualization of new technologies, prototyping activities, user needs identification, and systems integration requirements.

PHASE II:

Phase II efforts will focus on prototyping, demonstration, integration, and analysis of innovative technologies.

PHASE III:

Phase III efforts will focus on transitioning the developed technology to a working commercial or warfighter solution.

KEYWORDS: armament, munitions, weapons

References:

Lorell, M. (2000). Cheaper, faster, better? Commercial approaches to weapons acquisition (No. RAND/MR-1147-AF). RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Ground Sea, Information Systems, Sensors, Battlespace

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this topic is to develop an innovative algorithm (injectable software) that is optically agnostic allowing any VAS systems to calculate a more accurate position with reference to height above ellipsoid (HAE). This will assist current global positioning systems (GPS) eliminate the associated error and/or assist with assured navigation while being jammed or spoofed.

DESCRIPTION:

Participants are expected to account for astronomical formations that can be identified from earth's surface. Once the celestial mapping is complete, participants will determine a "system" that allows for specific optical parameters, allowing for any capable VAS system to be used. As a part of this feasibility study, offerors shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications, determining what requirements will be necessary to determine "capable VAS systems". Please take note: determining the factors that will be needed to ensure software can be ingested into VAS systems will be step one. Evaluators must be able to discern what system requirements (processing power, optical pathways, etc.) will be needed before moving forward. Currently, several industry partners are moving toward a celestial solution for their specific VAS systems.

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".

PHASE II:

Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on the Celestial Assured Navigation.

PHASE III:

This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where navigation and targeting devices are used both for increased accuracy and for operation in jammed and spoofed environments.

KEYWORDS: Celestial Navigation, Precision Navigation Timing (PNT), Targeting.

References:

[3] Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) Target Location Designation System (TLDS): https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/soldier-jets/#:~:text=The%20Joint%20Effects%20Targeting%20System%20%28JETS%29%20Target%20Location,improve%20the%20effectiveness%20of%20engagement%20with%20unguided%20munitions.

[2] Celestial Navigation - Sextant Sight Reduction, by Dr. Harald Merkel: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/celestial-navigation/id1458513224

[1] Celestial Navigation:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celestial_navigation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this topic is to develop innovative approaches to celestial navigation in order to provide non-GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation capabilities to Soldiers on the ground.

DESCRIPTION:

Modern navigation systems are heavily reliant on communication with orbital satellites to maintain positional awareness and orientation (GPS, GNSS, GLONASS, etc.). Communication with these satellite constellations may be interrupted in a variety of situations such as intentional or unintentional radio frequency interference, signal attenuation due to local terrain, or malfunctions on the satellite. This topic seeks innovative research and development to provide feasible celestial-based navigation options, in a light weight, handheld form factor, to serve as an alternate when primary GPS systems are denied. Design considerations include:

1. Minimize form factor (size, weight, and power) to maximize portability.
2. Maximize compatibility with commonly used navigation visualization tools (cell phone, laptop, etc.)
3. Minimize external power requirements; maximize use of common battery types.
4. Maximize all-weather operations and ensure day/night usability.
5. Maximize accuracy of internal clock, absolute location, velocity, elevation and heading determination.
6. Maximize ability to navigate on the move, with low latency.
7. Develop position solution requiring no GPS inputs.
8. Require no specialized celestial navigation training (i.e. simple for common operator to use).
9. Capable of developing solution without connection to network or cloud infrastructure.
10. Minimize time from system startup to position acquisition (i.e. maximize system processing ability).
11. Maximize ability to operate system from diverse land-based environments.

PHASE I:

Conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that addresses the design considerations included in the above paragraph entitled "Description". As a part of this feasibility study, the Offerors shall evaluate system concepts that provide a compact form factor "celestial navigator" to provide Special Operations Forces with a supplemental navigation mechanism capable of autonomously (or with minimal user input) determining absolute location by referencing celestial body positions.

Analysis shall also address performance attributes including:

1. Notional Celestial Navigator directivity
2. Notional Celestial Navigator accuracy
3. Notional Celestial Navigator processing speed
4. Notional Celestial Navigator compatibility with existing navigation architectures (Military Grid Reference System, Android Tactical Assault Kit plugin, etc.)
5. Notional Celestial Navigator operational environments
6. Notional Celestial Navigator update rate

The objective of this SOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study ("Technology Readiness Level 3") 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 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 SOCOM 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.

PHASE III:

This system could be used in a broad range of military applications. Additional applications include U.S. law enforcement, U.S. border patrol, and search and rescue of persons by U.S. first responders in local / state / or federal capacity.

KEYWORDS: Celestial, Navigation, GPS-Denied, Position, Timing, Automated, Handheld, Day/Night.

References:

[2] Army Field Manual 3-25.26, Map Reading and Land Navigation, July 20, 2001: https://www.radford.edu/content/dam/colleges/chbs/rotc/Forms/fm/FM%203-25.26%20Map%20Reading%20and%20Land%20Navigation.pdf

[1] Full listing of Army Field Manuals: http://www.enlistment.us/field-manuals.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this topic is to develop a next generation multi-platform & multi-sensor capable Artificial Intelligence-Enabled (AIE), high performance computational imaging camera with an optimal Size, Weight and Power - Cost (SWaP-C) envelope. This computational imaging Camera can be utilized in weapon sights, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, precision strike target acquisition, and other platforms. This development should provide bi-directional communication between tactical devices with onboard real-time scene/data analysis that produces critical information to the SOF Operator. As a part of this feasibility study, the Offerors shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications on the key system attributes.

DESCRIPTION:

A system-of-systems approach "smart-Visual Augmentation Systems" and the integration of an next generation smart sensor enables information sharing between small arms, SOF VAS and other target engagement systems. Sensors and targeting that promote the ability to hit and kill the target as well as ensuring Rules of Engagement are met and civilian casualties/collateral damage is eliminated. The positive identification of the target and the precise firing solution will optimize the performance of the operator, the weapon, and the ammunition to increase precision at longer ranges in multiple environments.

This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where Special Operations Forces require: Faster Target Acquisition; Precise Targeting; Automatic Target Classification; Classification-based Multi Target Tracking; Ability to Engage Moving Targets, Decision Support System; Targeting with Scalable Effects; Battlefield Awareness; Integrated Battlefield (Common Operating Picture with IOBT, ATAK, COT across Squad, Platoon).

PHASE I:

Conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraphs entitled "Objective" and "Description".

PHASE II:

Develop and demonstrate a prototype system on a weapon sight or handheld binocular.

PHASE III:

This technology could also be adopted by automobile industry for autonomous navigation.

KEYWORDS: Visual Augmentation, Computational Imaging Camera, Hyper Enabled, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Multi-Platform, Multi-Sensor.

References:

[2] AI Benchmark: All About Deep Learning on Smartphones in 2019, 2019 IEEE/CVF International Conference on Computer Vision Workshop (ICCVW), https://arxiv.org/pdf/1910.06663.pdf

[1] The Hyper Enabled Operator, Small Wars Journal, https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/hyperenabled-operator#_edn2

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems, Information Systems, Sensors, Battlespace

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this topic is to develop standardized integrations between cyber assessment, monitoring, and exploitation tools with existing and emerging situational awareness / common operational picture (COP) / Mission Command platforms at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. The need for these standardized integrations arises from the convergence of computer, telecommunications, and other networks along with global acceleration of information systems capabilities and proliferation of agents who exploit these systems that has resulted in the modern and future operational environment, including abstract digital domains, co-existing with the physical environment.

DESCRIPTION:

SOCOM is exploring options that provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) with a fused COP for exercising mission command. Integrating digital network topography, assets, and known vulnerabilities into a GEOINT context will expand real-time situational awareness to include visualization of computer systems, networks, network-enabled systems, electromagnetic spectrum, and related capabilities that are becoming critical to battlefield operations. This will inform decision-making required for execution of operations and will enable rapid deployment of offensive and defensive cyber capabilities by SOF operating at the tactical level. By making the invisible visible, this capability adds to the Hyper-Enabled Operator's immediate situational awareness and rapid decision-making ability. Standardized formats and protocols are key to rapid information sharing between operational echelons and among partner forces. The ability to include data from the cyberspace domains as a new type of standardized sensor or information feed into the COP will enable these assets and capabilities to be seamlessly included in mission rehearsal and mission preparation as well as decision support before and during an operation.

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". To stimulate advances in technology and innovation, solutions including reusable code should be considered as well as re-use of open source code and integrations with fielded SOF systems utilizing existing open standards.

PHASE II:

Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study.

PHASE III:

Once mature, this system could be used in a broad range of military, government, and commercial applications where geospatially-oriented cyber systems and capabilities data can enhance decision support for military operations or civilian cyber security awareness and response.

KEYWORDS: Cyberspace, Cyber-security, Virtualized Data, Human Machine Interface, Non-traditional ISR, Georeferenced Network Data.

References:

[7] The Hyper Enabled Operator, Small Wars Journal, https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/hyper-enabled-operator#_edn2, accessed 4 June 2020

[6] Geospatial Intelligence and Cyberspace, Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences courseware, https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog479/node/4, accessed 4 June 2020

[5] The United States Army's Cyberspace Operations Concept Capability Plan 2016-2028, TRADOC Pamphlet 525-7-8, https://fas.org/irp/doddir/army/pam525-7-8.pdf, accessed 4 June 2020

[3] The U.S. Army Concept Capability Plan for Cyberspace Operations 2016-2028, U.S. Army Stand-TO!, https://www.army.mil/article/37870/the_u_s_army_concept_capability_plan_for_cyberspace_operations_2016_2028, accessed 4 June 2020

[3] Cyberspace Operations, Joint Publication 3-12, https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/pubs/jp3_12.pdf, accessed 4 June 2020

[2] CYBERCOM Official Calls Data Fusion "Critical" Among Intel Agencies, MeriTalk, https://www.meritalk.com/articles/cybercom-official-calls-data-fusion-critical-among-intel-agencies/, accessed 4 June 2020

[1] Can Cyberspace be Mapped?, C4ISRNET, https://www.c4isrnet.com/intel-geoint/2016/05/18/can-cyberspace-be-mapped-nga-s-working-on-it/, accessed 4 June 2020

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this effort is to develop antenna technology supporting performant, wideband antennas that can be integrated into compact (1-3 U) nanosatellite (<10 kg) payloads.

DESCRIPTION:

SOCOM is interested in improving its capabilities in radio frequency (RF) intelligence collection, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) from nanosatellite platforms. Although a number of national assets and commercial services can provide RF ISR support, there is a desire to achieve these ends in a modular concept supporting new levels of flexibility in design and integration of satellite payloads. A constellation of multiple satellites is envisioned, potentially hosting a wide array of ISR payloads. This breadth of collection and communications payloads will be supported by operationally flexible, wideband, performant antennas amenable to the nanosatellite concept.

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".

PHASE II:

Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on the Novel Antennas for Nanosatellite ISR and Communications effort. The objective of this phase is to advance the technology readiness of the antenna as much as possible, by refining the design, building a prototype antenna, and testing the prototype in a relevant environment. The proposer should suggest a suitable nanosatellite host bus, and one outcome of this phase would be the integration of the prototype antenna with hardware and software equipment representative of the selected host bus. Subject to SOCOM funding and user interest, a flight demonstration mission will also be considered under the scope of this phase.

PHASE III:

This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where there are requirements for timely collection of ISR data from spaceborne assets. A potential transition path could involve fielding of this antenna on tens or hundreds of satellites in a coordinated multi-plane constellation, achieving frequent contact times and unprecedented reductions in data delivery latencies. Depending on the nature and specifics of the antenna, the capabilities developed could also be used in other missions by commercial companies or other government organizations.

KEYWORDS: SOCOM, space, satellite, nanosatellite, cubesat, antenna, remote sensing, ISR, RF location.

References:

[2] NASA General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS), GFSC-STD-7000, Rev A, Goddard Space Flight Center, https://standards.nasa.gov/standard/gsfc/gsfc-std-7000

[1] CubeSat Design Specification, California Polytechnic State University, http://cubesat.org/

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this topic is to develop antenna technology supporting compact, ground based systems to communicate with SOF space assets.

DESCRIPTION:

SOCOM is interested in improving its capabilities to communicate with their space based intelligence collection, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) cubesat platforms using a compact, ground based antenna system. Although existing national assets and commercial services can provide ISR data to SOCOM users, SOCOM requires more abundant SOF peculiar capabilities for rapid collection and dissemination of actionable data at the tactical edge. Special Operations Forces (SOF) place a premium on technologies that are small, lightweight, rugged, modular, multiuse, easy to use, have low power consumption, require minimum maintenance, and that are designed for operation in extreme environments (examples include: temperature, line of sight blockages such as trees, mountains, buildings, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), wind, rain and snow).

PHASE I:

Offerors shall conduct a feasibility study to assess the art of the possible to satisfy the requirements specified in the above "Description" section. As an outcome of this feasibility study, Offerors should include a concept of operations and analyze/quantify potential data that can be provided. Offerors should also include a preliminary antenna design and address all viable system design options with respective specifications. Offerors should justify the scientific and technical merit of the technology, especially for components that are innovative or otherwise higher-risk.

PHASE II:

For the Phase II effort, Offerors shall develop and demonstrate the prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study. The objective of this phase is to advance the technology readiness of the ground based antenna system as much as possible, by refining the design, building a prototype, and testing the prototype in a relevant environment. SOCOM will coordinate with the Offeror to identify suitable ground station hardware and software for integration of the prototype antenna with representative.

PHASE III:

This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where there are requirements for timely receipt of data through communications with spaceborne assets from remote, austere or unimproved locations. A potential transition path could involve fielding of this antenna to communicate with on tens or hundreds of satellites in a coordinated multi-plane constellation, achieving frequent contact times and unprecedented reductions in data delivery latencies. Depending on the nature and specifics of the antenna, the capabilities developed could also be used in other missions by commercial companies or other government organizations.

KEYWORDS: SOCOM, ground, antenna, communication, satellite, nanosatellite, cubesat.

References:

[2] NASA General Environmental Verification Standard (GEVS), GFSC-STD-7000, Rev A, Goddard Space Flight Center, https://standards.nasa.gov/standard/gsfc/gsfc-std-7000

[1] CubeSat Design Specification, California Polytechnic State University, http://cubesat.org/

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Human Systems, Sensors, Weapons, Air Platform, Battlespace

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this topic is to develop a maneuver level laser target designator (M-LTD) for use with the emerging class of small, precision guided munitions, organic to maneuver level SOF units (squad, team, platoon, etc.) that is out of the threat Semi Active Laser (SAL) countermeasure wave length.

DESCRIPTION:

With the emergence of man portable SAL and image guided precision weapons and with the Size Weight and Power (SwaP) challenges associated with Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 3733 compliant Laser Designators, a new class of laser target designators (LTDs) is required to enable small, handheld and/or rifle mounted designators to engage maneuver level targets (personnel, light vehicles, small structures, etc). The government requires that the designator be separated from STANAG 3733 designators by a different wavelength to prevent conflict or confusion on the battlefield and, more importantly, so that the LTDs cannot be countered by threat SAL countermeasures. The desired designator will be restricted for use with the new family of maneuver level small precision munitions and will have a laser coding system other than Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) encoding. The intent of the requirement is for the government to use forms of laser coding other than PRF and employing a new laser wavelength, so that the threat from SAL countermeasure will be ineffective on the battlefield.

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 SOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study ("Technology Readiness Level 3") 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 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 SOCOM 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, and demonstrate a prototype laser target designator system that was determined to be among the most feasible solutions during the Phase I feasibility study. The testing and demonstration will contain scenarios, environments, and test objectives to demonstrate program and operational objectives.

PHASE III:

This Laser Target Designation system could be used in a broad range of military applications, to include small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) platforms, small unmanned ground vehicle (UGVs) as well as human platforms, in both an overt and covert applications. The fundamental capability to use a laser to cue an image tracker on another platform to lock on an track a target would have broad application to tagging surveillance and tracking by law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security.

KEYWORDS:

References:

[6] DoD Instruction 6055.15 (DoD Laser Protection Program). https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/605515p.pdf

[5] MIL-STD 1425A (Safety Design Requirements for Military Lasers): http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-1400-1499/MIL_STD_1425A_1274/

[4] Military Handbook 828C (Range Laser Safety): https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Portals/103/Documents/NSWC_Dahlgren/Laser/mil-hdbk_828B.pdf

[3] ANSI z136.1, z 136.4, z136.6 (Safe Use of Lasers, NOTAL): https://www.lia.org/resources/laser-safety-information/laser-safety-standards/ansi-z136-standards

[2] 21 CFR 1040 (Performance Standards for Light Emitting Products): https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=1040&showFR=1

[1] MIL-STD-810G Method 519.6 Gunfire Shock: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d165/524fa56662a50b6448ad57d1b343ff0d25ab.pdf

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this topic is to develop a Deployable At-Sea Mid-Wave Infrared Emitter (DASMWIRE) unit that will allow combat swimmers/divers to provide visual position location via a strobe, primarily employed in a maritime environment (i.e., in the ocean) for the purpose of rendezvous / extraction. This strobe capability will be limited in the direction and range that it emits a signal, such as to not be detectable by enemy forces in the air.

DESCRIPTION:

The needed capability shall consist of the following characteristics:

• Emits 360 degrees horizontally, in the Mid-Wave Infrared spectrum (3 - 5 µm), in order to be visible by the intended sensor/s at a minimum distance of 3 nautical miles.
• Be Class 1 (Eye Safe).
• Shall be a single, fully contained form factor, that weighs equal to or less than 1.5 pounds, including batteries and equal to or less than 10 inches in length and equal to or less than 2 inches in diameter.
• Capable of being hand held and/or attached to an extension pole, while in the water.
• Water proof to 200 feet depth.

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 SOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study ("Technology Readiness Level 3") 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 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 SOCOM 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.

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 SOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study ("Technology Readiness Level 3") 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 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 SOCOM 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 and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution.

PHASE III:

Maritime applications in Department of Homeland Security; City, County, and State Law Enforcement

KEYWORDS: Emitter, Beacon, Strobe, Mid-Wave Infrared, MWIR

References:

[2] Patel, Chandra & Lyakh, Arkadiy & Maulini, Richard & Tsekoun, Alexei & Tadjikov, Boris. (2012). QCL as a game changer in MWIR and LWIR military and homeland security applications. Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering. 8373. 67-. 10.1117/12.920476. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258716122_QCL_as_a_game_changer_in_MWIR_and_LWIR_military_and_homeland_security_applications

[1] Koerperick, Edwin John. "High power mid-wave and long-wave infrared light emitting diodes: device growth and applications." PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) thesis, University of Iowa, 2009. https://doi.org/10.17077/etd.rq2pzdif

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems, Information Systems, Sensors, Battlespace

OBJECTIVE:

This topic seeks to demonstrate automated interoperability of simulation and gaming by taking tactical sensor data collected as gaming mesh that can be correctly georeferenced to the earth's surface and transforming it into Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) CDB data segmented into appropriate data layers.

DESCRIPTION:

SOCOM provides Special Operation Forces (SOF) with operational intelligence that enables joint SOF mission planning and rehearsal for real-world combat environments. Current processes, mostly manual, leverage source data including imagery of varying types and resolutions, vector data, and elevation data to produce three-dimensional (3D) scene visualization databases and enhanced Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) data such as maps, imagery, and terrain models. 3D databases support battlespace visualization and simulation so that SOF units know the areas where they will operate in before they get there. This SBIR topic will investigate automated processes to accelerate production of OGC CDB data stores using sensor data source collected from small tactical UAS in meshed terrain format not traditionally associated with geographic information systems or Defense modeling and simulation.

The solution needs to recognize sensor data as points, imagery raster and/or meshed data and produce the appropriate OGC CDB layers. Most of the tactically collected data has some geo-referencing data to get it close to where the data exists in the real world and the data has good relative accuracy. If the data can be edge matched via pattern recognition to existing imagery to transform it into the correct place on the earth surface, it will improve the geospatial accuracy of the source data. Once the data is in the right location then the data needs to be segmented to provide a good Digital Terrain Model or Digital Elevation Model, and the rest of the 3D features extracted into OGC CDB models. Potential solutions may use OGC CDB raster material data and/or multi- or hyper-spectral imagery signatures to improve segmentation and then apply those material codes to the polygonal surfaces to improve the data for simulation ready applications like Unity and Semi-Automated Forces support. Artificial intelligence and/or machine learning algorithms be used to train and then invoke these procedures, reducing the need for manual intervention to pick tie points between the imagery and the vector data after enough tie points are established to transform the vector data to the imagery to correlate the data. Solutions should learn and, given a set of data, be able to recognize patterns in the data to automatically tie the vectors to the imagery.

High-level goals include:

1. Reduce (T)/eliminate (O) manual intervention necessary to build CDB data layers.
2. Minimal training (T) / no expert knowledge (O) required for basic use.
3. Customization through a drag-and-drop workflow creation/editing tool (O).
4. Implementation of AI/ML techniques to provide for a guided training mode that can be used to improve or customize autonomous processing outcomes (O) (ex: correlation of vector data with underlying imagery).
5. Ability for user to manually identify sets of source data for processing (T/O), including standardized OGC web services (O).
6. Ability to monitor a Watch Folder for input data (T/O).
7. Ability to accept and recursively follow links in the Watch Folder and defined data stores (T/O).
8. Execute autonomous actions and CDB creation workflows when presented with appropriate geospatial input data (T/O).
9. Process appropriate input data formats including, but not limited to, strategic imagery, elevation-data, vector-data, passive/active point cloud, triangular/polygonal mesh, etc. (T/O).

PHASE I:

The objective of this SOCOM 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 determined trade space that will satisfy the requirements specified by this topic. As a part of this feasibility study, respondents shall investigate all viable system design options and meet or exceed the performance parameter specifications provided herein. It shall also consider programmatic, schedule, and technical risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated culminating in a recommended development strategy that best achieves the objectives of this technology pursuit.

Government funds obligated on 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 shall not be developed with SOCOM funds during Phase I feasibility studies. If an operational prototype is developed during Phase I with funding from sources other than the SBIR award, that prototype will influence the Government's whether and with whom to pursue a Phase II effort.

PHASE II:

Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined, during the Phase I feasibility study, to be the most feasible and efficacious solution to this technology pursuit. Phase II will likely include additional performance and technical requirements developed during, or revealed by, Phase I investigations. In addition, as a system intended for operational evaluation, the Phase II prototype may be required to satisfy security requirements that will allow its implementation and use on the SOF information enterprise.

PHASE III:

Once adequately matured, this system would be used in a broad range of military, Government, and commercial applications where it is desirable to construct detailed, OGC CDB compliant databases for use in terrestrial modeling, visualization, and simulation. This capability addresses the intersection of simulation and gaming and has the potential to rapidly move the commercial gaming industry out of artistically rendered fantasy and into the real world.

KEYWORDS: Open Geospatial Consortium, OGC, Common Data Base, CDB, Imagery Analysis, Imagery, Geospatial Intelligence, GEOINT, point cloud, mesh, terrain, decimation

References:

[9] How Mobility Solutions are Transforming Military Tactical Operations and Driving Better Mission Outcomes, https://insights.samsung.com/2018/12/13/how-mobility-solutions-are-transforming-military-tactical-operations-driving-better-mission-outcomes/, accessed 30 May 2019

[8] Mobile Awareness GEOINT Environment, http://ngageoint.github.io/MAGE/, accessed 30 May 2019

[7] Why is the OGC Involved in Sensor Webs?, http://www.opengeospatial.org/domain/swe, accessed 30 May 2019

[6] Integrated Sensor Architecture, https://www.cerdec.army.mil/news_and_media/Integrate_Sensor_Architecture/, accessed 30 May 2019

[5] NoCloud: Exploring Network Disconnection through On-Device Data Analysis, https://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~dfk/papers/reza-nocloud.pdf, accessed 30 May 2019

[4] Open Sensor Hub, Fun Times, and the Future of the Internet of Things, https://opensensorhub.org/2016/02/05/opensensorhub-funtimes-and-the-future-of-the-internet-of-things/, accessed 30 May 2019

[3] The Hyper Enabled Operator, Small Wars Journal, https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/hyper-enabled-operator#_edn2, accessed 30 May 2019

[2] Overview of the OGC CDB Standard for 3D Synthetic Environment Modeling and Simulation, Saeedi, S., Liang, S., Graham, D., Lokuta, M.F., Mostafavi, M.A. International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, International Journal of Geo-Information. 2017, 6, 306. https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/6/10/306

[1] Open Geospatial Consortium, CDB Standard, http://www.opengeospatial.org/standards/cdb

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea

OBJECTIVE:

Develop a submersible autonomous amphibious breaching vehicle capable of proofing assault lanes from the surf zone (<10 feet depth) through the beach zone, reducing explosive and non-explosive obstacles, and clearing craft landing zones.

DESCRIPTION:

The CRAB (Crawling Amphibious Breacher) would be a small, inexpensive, (>$100K per system) submersible autonomous vehicle that will operate in concert with other CRABs. They would be capable of being deployed off-shore, from a depth of approximately 40 feet. CRABs would drop from surface craft to the seafloor and maneuver toward the beach, clearing a lane in a formation. As they move toward the shore, they will neutralize buried and proud (i.e., bottom) sea mines along the way. Mines would be neutralized by targeting the fuze types: pressure fuzed mines by rolling over them; magnetic mines by the heavy metal construction of the CRAB, and tilt-rod fuzed mines by driving into the tilt-rod itself. Once the CRABs exit the surf zone, they will continue up the assault lane, neutralizing land mines by targeting the fuze types, as listed above. CRABs would be small enough that their wreckage can be driven over by an Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) or other large assault vehicles. Once the CRABs reach their limit of advance, they would move out of the assault lane and remain there until the breach is complete. As the CRABs move through the lane, they would drop markers (GPS or other) that landing forces can see on a screen to indicate the cleared lane. These markers would be picked up by receivers in the amphibious force vehicle's common operating picture systems and generate a visible path on the driver display. The CRAB will not be designed to neutralize moored or floating sea mines and will operate without prior Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) targeting information. The Marine Corps would like the CRAB to be capable of reducing submerged man-made obstacles using a clamshell type of arm, like that of an excavator, but realizes this may make each CRAB too expensive. This SBIR topic is looking for an innovative way to also reduce man-made obstacles using the most inexpensive means.

Key Performance Parameters (required) of the CRAB:

• Error rate of <3 ft.
• Autonomous underwater operation
• Operating in depths of <40 ft of saltwater
• Capable of deployment from surface or subsurface watercraft near shoreline <400m from shore
• Must be able to self-right or operate in any orientation (if flipped over, can still maneuver or turnover)
• Must be capable of operating in sand, mud, and shell soil sea floor
• Must detonate pressure fuzed buried and bottom sea mines (~500lbs PSI)
• Must detonate pressure fuze buried and surface laid land mines (~500lbs PSI)
• Overall size must not exceed (LxW) 12'7" x 5'0"
• Overall weight must not exceed 14,000 lbs

Key System Attributes (desired) of the CRAB:

• Capable of remote or waypoint operation
• Capable of using targeting data (potentially IS2OPS) to target identified buried mines
• Capable of swarming or moving in formation
• Capable of communication within swarm while underwater
• Capable of communication to surface craft
• Mark cleared lane with dropped sensor in water and land (example; dropped RFI pucks along outer edge of breached lane)
• Battery operated with enough operation time to conduct an eight hour mission
• Capable of reducing submerged man-made obstacles (pushing hedgehogs, tetrahedrons, cutting concertina wire)
• Capable of detonating tilt-rod fuzed mines
• Capable of detonating magnetic influence mines

PHASE I:

Develop concepts for a CRAB vehicle that meets the requirements described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Establish feasibility by material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that addresses technical risk reduction.

PHASE II:

Develop a scaled prototype for evaluation. Determine the prototype's capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Marine Corps requirements for the single amphibious integrated precision augmented-reality navigation system. Demonstrate system performance through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters, including numerous deployment cycles. Use evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that meets Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III:

Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology through test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. Develop a CRAB vehicle for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use.

KEYWORDS: Autonomous; Unmanned Underwater Vehicle; UUV; Mine Countermeasures; Swarming; Breaching; Amphibious

References:

1. Daily, William, et al. "Initial Development of An Amphibious ROV for Use in Big Surf." Maritime Technology Society Journal; Volume 28, Number 1, Spring 1994. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293000294_Initial_development_of_an_amphibious_ROV_for_use_in_big_surf/link/5b37fc56aca2720785fd8c1b/download

2. South, Todd "Marines want to use artificial intelligence to help find and neutralize sea mines." Marine Corps Times, 14 September 2018, https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2018/09/14/marines-want-to-use-artificial-intelligence-to-help-find-and-neutralize-sea-mines/

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE:

Develop Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) that have high dynamic range (> 90 dB) and large instantaneous operational bandwidth (> 10 GHz), with digital signal processing at native Radio Frequency (RF) or Intermediate Frequency (IF). PICs are expected to operate from L to Ka bands (specifically, 950 MHz to 40 GHz); wider upper frequency range is also desired.

DESCRIPTION:

The Wideband Anti-jam Modem System (WAMS) modem is the Navy's next generation software-defined wideband modem for both transponded and processed satellites and will be integrated with the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) on ships and submarines, Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP) on ships, and the Modernization of Enterprise Terminal (MET) on shore for communications. WAMS will enhance shipboard and submarine wideband functionality to provide resilient communications. The WAMS modem will provide protected communications through two waveforms: Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). These waveforms require both wide bandwidth and high dynamic range, which requires relatively large Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) with current conventional electronic circuits.

PICs offer numerous advantages such as greater operational bandwidth and reduced SWaP requirements. PICs may offer the ability to directly sample wide swaths of RF bandwidth and process them directly at the antenna. Optical transport of signals over relatively low cost and highly durable optical cables offer the potential to significantly reduce operational and maintenance costs. Further, optical transport is more immune to Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and, complementarily, less likely to produce EMI.

Unlike electronic integrated circuits where silicon (Si) is the dominant material, PICs have been fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., gallium arsenide, lithium niobate). Each material provides different advantages. This SBIR topic will explore the variety of fabrication materials for PICs and develop an advanced signal processing system to yield high dynamic range and wide bandwidth capabilities for the WAMS modem.

This SBIR topic falls under the NDS Alignment of "Modernize Key Capabilities" and the DDR&E (RT&L) Tech Priority "Microelectronics."

PHASE I:

Explore a variety of fabrication materials for PICs and investigate their performance in regard to bandwidth and dynamic range. As some materials used in PICs are considered rare earth materials, investigate the ease of acquiring and manufacturing for the materials explored.

Develop a concept for the architecture of an optical signal processing system that can directly capture and process wide band RF or IF at the antenna or up/down conversion subsystem, respectively. The optical signal processing system should perform all the necessary frequency translations in the optical domain and render the bands of interest in digital electronic form. Consider in the research that the ideal formatting for the electrical signals will be in VITA 49.2 or ANSI 5041 standard; however, contractor format is acceptable for Phase I. Ensure that the minimum analog - digital bit depth shall be 16 bits each for I and Q signals.

Describe the most promising technical solutions based on the investigations and technical trade-offs performed earlier in this phase.

For the identified technical solutions, develop the SBIR Phase II Project Plan to include a detailed schedule (in Gantt format), spend plan, performance objectives, and transition plan for the identified Program of Record (PoR).

PHASE II:

Develop a set of performance specifications for the Advanced RF PIC and conduct a System Requirements Review (SRR).

Establish a working relationship with a candidate WAMS modem contractor to perform initial integration activities and identification/development of any necessary Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) requirements on the candidate WAMS modem. Engage with the Program Office to assist in the identification, introduction, and collaboration with the candidate WAMS modem contractor.

Develop the prototype Advanced RF PIC for demonstration and validation in the candidate WAMS modem or equivalent development environment. Conduct Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the Advanced RF PIC prototype and commence development of an Engineering Development Model (EDM) system. Conduct Critical Design Review (CDR) prior to building the EDM.

Develop the lifecycle support strategies and concepts for the Advanced RF PIC.

Develop SBIR Phase III Project Plan to include a detailed schedule (in Gantt format) and spend plan, performance requirements, and revised transition plan for the identified PoR.

PHASE III:

Refine and fully develop the Phase II EMD to produce a Production Representative Article (PRA) of the Advanced RF PIC and integrate into the final target WAMS modem.

Perform Formal Qualification Tests (FQT) (e.g., field testing, operational assessments) of the PRA Advanced RF PIC with the WAMS modem and associated terminal.

Provide life-cycle support strategies and concepts for Advanced RF PIC with the WAMS modem contractor by developing a Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP).

Investigate the dual use of the developed technologies for commercial applications such as in telecommunications. With 5G, new waveforms must be capable of supporting a greater density of users (e.g., up to a million devices per square kilometer) and higher data throughput (speeds in the Gbps), and provide more efficient utilization of available spectrum. Advanced RF PICs can potentially provide the high dynamic range and spectral processing power to meet these needs. Another potential commercial application is optical or photonic computing where high performance computer systems are required to process and transport petabyte scale data within and among distributed computing environments.

KEYWORDS: Navy Multiband Terminal; NMT; Commercial Broadband Satellite Program; CBSP; Wideband Anti-jam Modem System; WAMS; WAM; Satellite Communications, SATCOM; Military Satellite Communications; MILSATCOM; Photonic Integrated Circuit; PIC; RF; Radio Frequency; Operating Systems Design and Implementation; OSDI; VITA 49.2; Communications Satellite

References:

1. "Photonic Integrated Circuit." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, March 3, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photonic_integrated_circuit

2. "Photonic Integrated Circuit." Circuits Today, 2020. http://www.circuitstoday.com/photonic-integrated-circuit

3. "Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, May 1, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-sequence_spread_spectrum

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials, Electronics, Battlespace

OBJECTIVE:

Develop and utilize modern receiver digital compensations algorithms to increase tactical network capacity for tactical data links.

DESCRIPTION:

Over the past two decades, algorithms have been developed that allow for multi-user detection, cancellation, and signal separation enabling overlapping channel condition such that network capacity could be effectively doubled. Overlapping channel techniques can provide significant improvements in spectrum utilization and application performance; however, such techniques or algorithms have not been used for tactical data link applications [Refs 1-4].

The goal of this SBIR topic is to increase tactical data links network capacity and throughput (i.e., node to node) by employing partially overlapping channels using leveraging techniques or algorithms that can significantly suppresses adjacent channel interference. A key aspect of this effort to achieve a higher network capacity in tactical data links is analyzing, simulating, and documenting the feasibility of implementing efficiencies on a given channel. In performing design trades, the overlapping channel solution should be implementable within the current Software Interface Specification (SiS) and not degrade current network capacity or performance (e.g., anti-jam, sensitivity, throughput). The Navy seeks innovative overlapping channel algorithms solutions for tactical data links application that can be implemented in a Field Programmable Gated Array (FPGA). Desired solutions should be software and/or firmware solutions. Trades affecting hardware receiver resources utilization (e.g., FPGA resources) and any other system software impacts are required.

Implementing this type of capability would provide greater spectral efficiency and bandwidth for tactical data links. The attributes cited above would provide substantial network improvements in reducing overall spectral access requirements while simultaneously increasing warfighter communication and data network capacity.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVWAR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I:

Demonstrate the feasibility of new or existing partial overlapping channel techniques and/or algorithms for tactical data links application within the intended radio subsystem. Evaluate the feasibility of potential solutions through the analysis inclusive of simulations of Physical Layer (PHY)-level changes. Evaluate key metrics including channel capacity (i.e., this number depends on modulation and throughput but typically it will be about 20-30% improvement), channel overlap (20-30%), node-to-node throughput (20% improvement) and network capacity (1.2x # of nodes). Include simulations to establish feasibility basis for the proposed techniques. Assume parameters outlined in the Description. Detail the feasibility, development and integration challenges of the proposed technology solutions as well as any other technical risks. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans for a Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) TRL 6 - integration and demonstration of solution on a relevant operational laboratory environment - to be developed under Phase II. Note: Partnership with MIDS prime vendors is encouraged during Phase I efforts.

PHASE II:

Prototype and demonstrate a MIDS JTRS TRL6 partial overlapping channel solution(s), encompassing both the design of the algorithms and anticipated effects. Conduct evaluations by testing the algorithms against baseline network performance, receiver sensitivity and A/J metrics on a MIDS JTRS TRL 6 relevant operational laboratory environment to test and validate performance and/or any adverse impact. Prepare and document a report that discusses the results, analysis of the performance, challenges and/or shortfalls, and risks and recommendations for transition. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy and potential commercial use.

Note: The expected TRL for this project is TRL 6 (i.e., prototype demonstrated in a relevant laboratory environment). Partnership with MIDS prime vendors is encouraged to support tasks for this Phase II effort and enable potential transition. MIDS JTRS is a National Security Agency-certified type 1 encryption system; hence, information assurance (IA) compliance will apply during Phase II and subsequent transition efforts. Work produced in Phase II and subsequent efforts will be classified (see Description section for details).

PHASE III:

Support the Navy in transitioning the algorithms and solutions to Navy use. Refine the algorithms, software code, validation, documentation, and IA compliance. Perform test and validation to certify and qualify software and firmware components for Navy use. Implement the capability in the form of fast, efficient algorithms that, once proven, can be coded in software-defined radios.

Partial overlapping channel algorithms have tremendous application in the area of dense enterprise wireless local area networks and commercial cellular communication. Partial overlapping channel technology has wide commercial applications to address LTE, 5G, and WIFI technology deployment due proximity with other interferences, spectrum challenges, etc.

KEYWORDS: Partial Overlapping Channels; Spectrum Utilization; Tactical Data Links; MIDS; Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems; Network Capacity

References:

1. Mishra, A., Shrivastava, V., Banerjee, S., and Arbaugh, W. "Partially Overlapped Channels Not Considered Harmful." University of Wisconsin and University of Maryland, 2006. http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~suman/pubs/poverlap.pdf

2. So, J. and Vaidya, N. "Routing and channel assignment in multi-channel multi-hop wireless networks with single network interface." Technical Report, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 2005. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b19d/4ed1f91e4ccadc2cf96b9bd540f64665a915.pdf

3. Meyer, Raimund; Gerstacker, Wolfgang H.; Schober, Robert and Huber, Johannes B. "A Single Antenna Interference Cancellation Algorithm for GSM." University of British Columbia, 2005. https://www.aminer.cn/pub/53e9ad72b7602d97037639c7/a-single-antenna-interference-cancellation-algorithm-for-gsm

4. Gardner, William A. "Suppression of Cochannel Interference in GSM by Pre-demodulation Signal Processing." Statistical Signal Processing, Inc., 2013. https://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/gardner/wp-content/uploads/sites/146/2013/02/Suppression_of_cochannel_in_GSM.pdf

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE:

Develop and demonstrate a software capability that utilizes machine-learning techniques to scan source code for its dependencies; trains cataloging algorithms on code dependencies and detection of known vulnerabilities, and scales to support polyglot architectures.

DESCRIPTION:

Nearly every software library in the world is dependent on some other library, and the identification of security vulnerabilities on the entire corpus of these dependencies is an extremely challenging endeavor. As part of a Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) process, this identification is typically accomplished using the following methods: (a) Using static code analyzers. This can be useful but is technically challenging to implement in large and complex legacy environments. They typically require setting up a build environment for each version to build call and control flow graphs, and are language-specific and thus do not work well when there are multiple versions of software using different dependency versions. (b) Using dynamic code review. This is extremely costly to implement, as it requires a complete setup of an isolated environment, including all applications and databases a project interacts with. (c) Using decompilation to perform static code analysis. This is again dependent on software version and is specific to the way machine-code is generated.

The above methods by themselves generate statistically significant numbers of false positives and false negatives: False positives come from the erroneous detection of vulnerabilities and require a human in the loop to discern signal from noise. False negatives come from the prevalence of undetected altered dependent software (e.g., copy/paste/change from external libraries).

Promising developments from commercial vendors provide text mining services for project source trees and compare them against vulnerability databases, such as Synopsis/Blackduck Hub, IBM AppScan, and Facebook's Infer. However, these tools are costly to use and require the packaging of one's code to be uploaded to a third-party service.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVWAR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I:

Develop a concept for a design for a software utility that:

• Performs text mining on source trees so that it (a) accurately identifies all declared and undeclared dependencies, and (b) does not require a setup of the build environment.
• Trains algorithms to catalog multiple vulnerability databases, both public and internal to the Defense and Intelligence communities, to detect known vulnerabilities, and delineate recommended fixes for the software developer.
• Trains algorithms to catalog the libraries that many projects depend upon (e.g., OpenSSL), mapping their correct version, identifying known vulnerabilities in that version, and reconciling against the current project so that scanning the entire corpus of external dependencies is an efficient and scalable process (note: these parameters must also be able to be tuned for each project).
• Detects if code was extracted from external libraries and manipulated to make it look as if it was organically produced (presumably using the above cataloging features).
• Scales to support polyglot architectures.
• Performs the above services for every version in a code repository so that vulnerabilities across multiple versions can be comprehensively tracked.

The feasibility study must show that the software utility can easily integrate into existing Continuous Integration/Continuous Development ( CI/CD) DevSecOps tools. Metrics for accuracy, scalability, and speed must also be provided. Develop integration plans for Phase II.

NOTE: Detailed knowledge of Navy data sources may not be necessary during Phase I if the performer can show the above. It is recommended to use publicly available open-source software repositories. For example, the Linux kernel, or the Chromium project, and leverage, for example, the National Vulnerability Database or Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures databases.

PHASE II:

Develop, demonstrate, validate, and mature the Phase I-developed concepts into prototype software. Work with the Government to establish metrics and acceptance testing for the bullets listed in Phase I.

• Demonstrate that the cataloging of dependent software packages can scale to internal and external dependent software packages.
• Demonstrate that the number of source vulnerability databases can be expanded to include internal and external sources.
• Demonstrate that the service can scan for vulnerabilities in more than two languages, to include Java, C++, and Python.
• Demonstrate that the service can ingest custom vulnerability information using a known specification (e.g., SCAP, CWE).
• Provide interfaces to ingest, process, and validate a user's custom source code and custom security bug information.
• Establish/document a lifecycle maintenance plan for the Navy.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description for details).

PHASE III:

Integrate the service into an existing Navy CI/CD DevSecOps process:

• Provide methods to rapidly ingest security and software package information.
• Implement data procurement and on-boarding processes.
• Develop product/service to a maturity level that allows it to enter the third party market as dependent software package management and security vulnerability identification tools in both the commercial and government sector.




Any commercial organization, private or public (e.g., Transportation, Medical Device Development, and/or the FDA), that does software verification and validation should be able to leverage the service.

KEYWORDS: DevSecOps; Continuous Integration; Continuous Deployment; Software; Vulnerabilities; Legacy Code; Software Scanning; Vulnerability Databases; Development, Security and Operations

References:

1. Kratkiewicz, K. "Evaluating Static Analysis Tools for Detecting Buffer Overflows in C Code." Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 2005. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a511392.pdf

2. Meng, et al. "Assisting in Auditing of Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities via Machine Learning." Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 2017. http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/mpe/2017/5452396.pdf

3. Jaspan, et al. "Advantages and Disadvantages of a Monolithic Repository: A Case Study at Google." Proceedings of the 40th International Conference on Software Engineering: Software Engineering in Practice, 2018, pp. 225-234. https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3183519.3183550

4. Lopes, et al. "DejaVu: A Map of Code Duplicates on GitHub." Proceedings of the ACM on Programming Languages, 1(OOPSLA), 2017, pp. 1-28. http://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3133908

5. Russell, et al. "Automated Vulnerability Detection in Source Code Using Deep Representation Learning." 2018 17th IEEE International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications (ICMLA), pp. 757-762. http://arxiv.org/pdf/1807.04320.pdf

6. Website of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Information Technology Laboratory, Software and Systems Division. "Source Code Security Analyzers." https://samate.nist.gov/index.php/Source_Code_Security_Analyzers.html

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE:

Develop a conformal printed or applique antenna system to be placed directly on the platform to yield Electro Magnetic (EM) transmit, receive, and absorptive capabilities. If possible, ensure that the antenna system maximally utilize the platform as the conductive medium with appropriate current probes and shunting mechanisms. Design an antenna system that covers the military High Frequency (HF) operational frequencies.

DESCRIPTION:

With the recent advances in digital communications, the ability to perform highly complex signal processing has almost become a commodity. However, a ship's limited topside offers little space to host the complementary antennas. In addition to limited topside space, the confluence of apertures severely challenges the ship designer's ability to yield low overall Radar Cross Section (RCS) ship designs.

This SBIR topic focuses on solving both communications and RCS problems by combining novel reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) conformal antenna systems that can perform at or near (within 3 dB) the same level of performance as antennas currently fielded in the High Frequency (HF) (2 MHz to 30 MHz) as a threshold and Very High Frequency (VHF) (30 MHz to 88 MHz) to Ultra High Frequency (UHF) (225 MHz to 3 GHz) as objective bands. Note: It is acceptable to divide the UHF operational frequencies in to two bands: 225 MHz to 512 MHz and 500 MHz to 3 GHz. Further, this antenna system must provide beam forming capabilities in support of new "massive Multiple In and Multiple Out (MIMO)" multi-carrier waveforms in the HF domain. Platform Is The Antenna (PITA) can be the primary (objective) or supplemental (threshold) HF massive MIMO antenna system.

This SBIR topic falls under the NDS Alignment of "Modernize Key Capabilities" and the DDR&E (RT&L) Tech Priority "Networked Command, Control, and Communications (C3)."

PHASE I:

Conduct a study to determine the technical feasibility of a conformal and/or applique antenna system that covers the operational frequencies of 2 MHz to 3 GHz. Determine the Effective Radiated Power (ERP) and antenna gain to noise temperature (G/T) necessary to perform at or near the same level of performance (within 3 dB) as antennas currently in the HF to UHF bands.

Describe the technical solution based on the investigations and technical trade-offs.

For the identified solution, develop the SBIR Phase II Project Plan to include a detailed schedule (in Gantt format), spend plan, performance objectives, and transition plan for the identified Program of Records (PoRs).

PHASE II:

Develop a set of performance specifications for the PITA system and conduct a System Requirements Review (SRR).

Establish a working relationship with Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific engineers to perform initial integration activities and identification/development of any necessary engineering changes to the current HF, VHF, and UHF systems. Engage with the Program Office in its introduction and collaboration with NIWC Pacific engineers.

Develop the prototype antenna for demonstration and validation in a laboratory environment. The antenna will meet the relevant Environmental Qualification Testing (EQT) and Electromagnetic Environment Effects (E3) testing for shipboard installation (e.g., MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-1399, MIL-HDBK-2036, NAVSEA Instruction 9700.2, etc.). Conduct a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the antenna and commence development of an Engineering Development Model (EDM) system. Conduct a Critical Design Review (CDR) prior to building the EDM.

Develop the life-cycle support strategies and concepts for the antenna.

Develop a SBIR Phase III Project Plan to include a detailed schedule (in Gantt format) and spend plan, performance requirements, and revised transition plan for the identified PoRs.

PHASE III:

Refine and fully develop the EDM to build upon and produce a Production Representative Article (PRA) of the antenna and integrate with the targeted systems.

Perform Formal Qualification Tests (FQT) (e.g., field testing, operational assessments, ship-to-ship testing) of the antenna with a ship or an equivalent representation.

Provide life-cycle support strategies and concepts for PITA by developing a Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP).

Investigate the dual use of the developed technologies for commercial applications such as in the automotive industry. A conformal antenna, printed or applied, on a vehicle (e.g., bumper) could be used for vehicular communications, allowing for vehicles to become communicating nodes that can provide information (e.g., safety warnings, traffic information) between vehicles, which can be effective in avoiding accidents and traffic congestion. Other applications of this technology include on trains as an antenna and/or communications relay; cellular base station antennas conformed to various existing surfaces; commercial aircraft antenna system whereby the aircraft is the antenna; and commercial ship antennas where the developed conformal antennas could be directly utilized in the same manner as suggested in this topic.

KEYWORDS: DMR; Digital Modular Radio; Battle Force Tactical Network; BFTN; BFTN Resilient Command and Control System Enhancements; BRSE; Tactical Communications; TACCOM; Antenna; 3D Printing; Additive Manufacturing; Subtractive Manufacturing; Current Probes; current Clamps; HF; High Frequency; VHF; Very High Frequency; UHF; Ultra High Frequency

References:

1. Law, Preston E. Jr. "Shipboard Antennas." Artech House Antenna Library, August 1, 1986, ISBN-13: 978-0890062111 or ISBN-10: 0890062110.

2. "Conformal Antennas." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, May 10, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conformal_antenna

3. MAST Clamp Current Probe (MCCP), https://patents.google.com/patent/US8111205B1/en

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Information Systems, Sensors

OBJECTIVE:

Develop and demonstrate a capability to generate narrative descriptions and structured summaries of events, activities and anomalies associated with locations from mover intelligence (MOVINT), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and contextual foundation data.

DESCRIPTION:

Existing sources of MOVINT are generating massive amounts of persistent data of fixed locations, and more platforms are being planned. Detecting and tracking movers in full motion video (FMV), wide area motion imagery (WAMI), moving target indication (MTI) data, and other MOVINT sources have developed mature capabilities deployed for various platforms. However, converting tracks into meaningful intelligence has received relatively little attention beyond manual analysis and summary visualization techniques such as heatmaps of traffic density. Automated track analytics, such as complex threat and anomaly detection, have been hampered by short track durations, particularly in urban areas; intermittent coverage, leading to significant temporal gaps at arbitrary times; and the difficulty of incorporating higher-level, semantic understanding of the scene and cultural behaviors.

This topic will develop methods to automatically detect significant activities, anomalies and relationships from MOVINT and use them to produce human-level, semantic summaries of the most salient information associated with a location, facility or other fixed entity. GIS information from foundation feature databases should be incorporated to provide prior knowledge of the scene in the form of known buildings, facilities and structures. The interactions and relationships of movers to those features should be explicitly incorporated into algorithms to provide context sensitivity and semantic understanding that would be useful to an analyst responsible for monitoring the scene. For a designated area and temporal interval, the methods should produce an activity summary that includes structured information such as the most significant, unusual or salient events, and a narrative, textual description of that information in natural language text. Ideally, an analyst would be able to delve into any part of the summary to examine the intermediate layers of information, such as individual events, locations, and underlying raw data used to discover them.

The methods should scale to city-size areas with hours of coverage per day, enabling an analyst to rapidly obtain an automated summary of any specified region of the scene such as a single building, a parking area, a compound or a city block. Summaries should highlight activities that are unusual or significant within the local cultural context, such as high amounts of activity at a religious facility when it is not the normal time for ceremonies there, or no activity when there should be a ceremony there. The system should not rely on data-driven methods to learn patterns of life, but instead should infer expected behaviors and other information from prior cultural knowledge encoded in a suitable representation.

PHASE I:

Using WAMI data, show the feasibility to generate summaries of salient events at a designated location, emphasizing the improvement in salient activity detection and summarization from leveraging GIS and cultural information. Phase 1 will provide an initial proof of concept using constrained spatial and temporal information to create structured representation summaries.

PHASE II:

Develop a mature algorithmic capability implemented within a prototype to generate salient summaries, both structured and narrative, of arbitrary regions across multiple scales, multiple MOVINT data types and multiple cultures. GIS and cultural information should be encoded in structured representations and leveraged for inference about important activities vice benign or insignificant ones. The prototype should provide a user interface for analyst evaluation of the system on operationally relevant data.

PHASE III:

Fully develop and transition the technology and methodology based on the research and development results developed during Phase II for DOD applications in the areas of MOVINT analytics, and other anomaly surveillance and reconnaissance applications. For example, civil authorities might use MOVINT for disaster relief, or transportation monitoring

KEYWORDS: full motion video (FMV); wide area motion imagery (WAMI); moving target indication (MTI) data

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

OBJECTIVE:

Develop advanced multi-physics tools to improve estimation of hypersonic flowfields and phenomenologies

DESCRIPTION:

Hypersonic flight has been studied for decades, yet it still presents challenges in hypersonic vehicle design and analysis [1]. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques are routinely employed to yield high accuracy numerical estimates of hypersonic flowfields given specific geometry and boundary conditions. Benchmarking CFD modeling tools with experimental data, such as from wind tunnels, is important to verify and validate accuracy of simulations. Additionally, CFD predictions can assist in improving system design and performance, as well as with interpretation and analysis of measurements from tests [2]. Analysis of complex hypersonic flowfields typically require large computational grids, and long simulation run times even when parallel processing on supercomputers.

Accurate modeling of hypersonic flow under realistic flight conditions is complicated by the nonlinear and thermochemical nonequilibrium conditions experienced in the atmosphere [3]. Variations in atmospheric conditions, chemical reactions, vibrational excitation, ablation products, and gas-surface interactions further complicate accurate modeling of flowfields. The air can also become ionized under high enough Mach numbers which in turn affects the overall flowfield[4].

NGA seeks innovative modeling and simulation concepts for estimating hypersonic flowfields and phenomenologies. Enhanced modeling and simulation tools are needed to accurately and efficiently solve these complex fluid, thermal, kinetic, and structural problems using coupled multi-physics codes to assist with interpretation of observations [5]. Areas of interest include: coupling of CFD to ionized plasma, RF, and optical predictions; flowfield estimation from sparse measurements; CFD solutions for non-axisymmetric bodies; coupled flow-thermal-structural-vibrational analysis; advanced numerical techniques; improvements in chemical kinetics and turbulence models; and/or improvements in high performance CFD efficiency [6-11].

PHASE I:

Phase I proposal should focus on demonstrating feasibility of one or more novel concepts for enhanced modeling and simulation of hypersonic flowfields and phenomenologies. The proposal should identify current methods and develop quantifiable metrics to demonstrate improvement over state-of-the-art. The proposal should demonstrate feasibility of the concept by verifying with publically available data.

PHASE II:

The performer should expand the Phase I research to include feasibility of multiple concepts and perform verification and validation of those concepts. Additional quantifiable metrics should be developed to further demonstrate improvement over state-of-the-art. The Phase II proposal should focus on coupling solutions to a variety of the multi-physics problems described above.

PHASE III:

The performer shall work with industry to make their novel methods and codes available as part of a wider multi-physics effort in hypersonics. Hypersonic flight vehicles, atmospheric flow thermochemistry, multi-physics codes

KEYWORDS: Hypersonic; Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

References:

10. Florent Duchaine et al., "Computational-Fluid-Dynamics-Based Kriging Optimization Tool for Aeronautical Combustion Chambers", Aeronautics and Astronautics, Volume 47, Number 3, March 2009.

11. Periklis Papadopoulos et al., "Current grid-generation strategies and future requirements in hypersonic vehicle design, analysis and testing", Applied Mathematical Modelling, Volume 23, Issue 9, September 1999.

1. Mark J. Lewis, "Hypersonic Flight: A Status Report", Science & Technology Policy Institute, July 2019.

2. Graham V. Candler et al., "Development of the US3D Code for Advanced Compressible and Reacting Flow Simulations", 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA, 2015.

3. Graham V. Candler and Robert MacCormack, "The computation of hypersonic ionized flows in chemical and thermal nonequlibrium", 26th Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA, 1988.

4. Graham V. Candler and Robert MacCormack, "Computation of weakly ionized hypersonic flows in thermochemical nonequilibrium", Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, Volume 5, Number 3, July 1991.

5. Timothy R. Deschenes et al., "Recent Development and Application of Advanced Software Tools for Hypersonic Flowfieds and Signatures", HTSC 2019 Presentation, June 2019.

6. Ross S. Chaudhry et al., "Implementation of a Chemical Kinetics Model for Hypersonic Flows in Air for High-Performance CFD", AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, AIAA, January 2020.

7. Sook-Ying Ho and Allan Paull, "Coupled thermal, structural and vibrational analysis of a hypersonic engine for flight test", Aerospace Science and Technology, Volume 10, Issue 5, July 2006.

8. Adam J. Culler et al., "Studies on Fluid-Structural Coupling for Aerothermoelasticity in Hypersonic Flow", Aeronautics and Astronautics, Volume 48, Number 8, August 2010.

9. Anubhav Dwivedi et al., "Transient growth analysis of oblique shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions at Mach 5.92", ArXiv, 2019.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Information Systems, Sensors

OBJECTIVE:

This announcement seeks proposals that offer dramatic improvements in automated object detection and annotation of massive image data sets. Imaging data is being created at an extraordinary rate from many sources, both from government assets as well as private ones. Automated methods for accurate and efficient object identification and annotation are needed to fully exploit this resource. This topic is focused on new artificial intelligence (AI) methods to effectively and efficiently solve this problem.

DESCRIPTION:

Current choke points blocking optimal exploitation of the full stream of available image data include confronting widely different views (perspective, resolution, etc.) of the same or similar objects and the overwhelming amounts of human effort required for effective processing. Current manual processes requires human eyes on every image to perform detection, identification, and annotation. Current state of the art AI requires intensive human support to generate giant training sets. Further, resulting methods frequently generate rule sets that are overly fragile in that training on one object is not transferrable to the detection of another object, even though the object might strike a human as essentially the same, and thus the need for increased human review of the algorithm decisions.

NGA seeks new types of AI tools optimized for the task of object identification and annotation across diverse families of image data that are reliable, robust, not dependent on extensive training demands, are applicable to objects of interest to both government and commercial concerns, and simultaneously be parsimonious with user resources in general. In particular, we seek solutions that make AI outputs both more explainable and more "lightweight" to human users.

The focus of a successful phase 1 effort should be on explaining the mathematical foundation that will enable the significantly improved AI tools described herein. Of specific interest are novel AI constructs that are more principled and universal and less ad hoc than current technology and can be used to construct a tool that performs relevant tasks. For the purposes of this announcement "relevant tasks" are limited to object identification across view types, drawing an object bounding box, and correctly labelling the object in a text annotation. A successful Phase 1 proposal should explain how the mathematical foundation needed to build the required tools will be developed in Phase 1 and implemented in a software toolkit in Phase 2. Examples should be developed during Phase 1 and should illustrate either improved reliability or robustness over the current state of the art, as well as reducing training demands and user resources. Proposals describing AI approaches that are demonstrably at or near the current state of the art in commercial AI performance, such as on ImageNet data sets, are specifically not of interest under this topic. The foundational element of a successful proposal under this topic is exploitation of novel mathematics that will enable new and better AI approaches.

Direct to Phase 2 proposals are being accepted under this topic. A straight to phase 2 proposal should describe pre-existing mathematical foundations and illustrative examples described in the paragraph above. Phase 2 proposals should also propose a set of milestones and demonstrations that will establish the novel AI tools as a viable commercial offering.

PHASE I:

A successful Phase 1 proposal should explain how the mathematical foundation needed to build the required tools described herein will be developed in Phase 1. Examples should be developed during Phase 1 and should illustrate either improved reliability or robustness over the current state of the art, as well as reducing training demands and user resources.

PHASE II:

The performer shall implement a software toolkit based on the foundations developed in Phase I.

PHASE III:

Follow-on activities are expected to be aggressively pursued by the offeror, namely in seeking opportunities to build more capable AI algorithms based upon the new mathematical foundation. This will deliver commercial benefits in the forms of improved algorithm performance.

KEYWORDS: artificial intelligence (AI); automated object detection; annotation of massive image data sets

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Information Systems, Sensors

OBJECTIVE:

This topic seeks research in geolocation of imagery and video media taken at near- ground level [1]. The research will explore hashing/indexing techniques (such as [2]) that match information derived from media to a global reference data. The reference data is composed of digital surface models (DSMs) of known geographical regions and features that can be derived from that surface data, together with limited "foundation data" of the same regions consisting of map data such as might be present in Open Street Maps and landcover data (specifying regions that are fields, vegetation, urban, suburban, etc.). Query data consists of images or short video clips that represent scenes covered by the digital surface model in the reference data, but may or may not have geo-tagged still images in the reference data from the same location.

Selected performers will be provided with sample reference data, consisting of DSM data and a collection of foundation data, and will be provided with sample query data. This sample data is described below. However, proposers might suggest other reference and query data that they will use to either supplement or replace government-furnished sample data. This topic seeks novel ideas for the representation of features in the query data and the reference data that can be used to perform retrieval of geo-located reference data under the assumption that the query data lacks geolocation information. The topic particularly seeks algorithmically efficient approaches such as hashing techniques for retrieval based on the novel features extracted from query imagery and reference data that can be used to perform matching using nearest neighbor approaches in feature space.

DESCRIPTION:

The reference data includes files consisting of a vectorized two-dimensional representation of a Digital Surface Model (DSM) [4], relative depth information, and selected foundation feature data. The foundation features will included feature categories such as the locations of roads, rivers, and man-made objects.

The desired output of a query is a location within meters of the ground truth location of the camera that acquired the imagery. In practice, only some of the queries will permit accurate geolocation based on the reference data, and in some cases, the output will be a candidate list of locations, such that the true location is within the top few candidates. It is reasonable to assume that there exists a reference database calculated from a global DSM with a minimum spatial resolution of 30 meters that may, in some locations, provide sub-meter spatial resolution. The foundation feature is at least as rich as that present in Open Street Maps, and can include extensive landcover data with multiple feature types. For the purpose of this topic, the reference data will not include images. Sample reference and query data representative of these assumptions, but of limited geographical areas, will be provided to successful proposers.

The topic seeks approaches that are more accurate than a class of algorithms that attempt to provide geolocation to a general region, such as a particular biome or continent. These algorithms are often based on a pure neural network approach, such as described in [3], and is unlikely to produce sufficient precise camera location information that is accurate to within meters.

The objective system, in full production, should be sufficiently efficient as to scale to millions of square kilometers of reference data, and should be able to process queries at a rate of thousands of square kilometers per minute. While a phase 2 system might provide a prototype at a fraction of these capabilities, a detailed complexity analysis is expected to support the scalability of the system.

The proposed approach may apply to only a subset of query imagery types. For example, the proposed approach may be accurate only for urban data, or only for rural scenes. The proposer should carefully explain the likely limitations of the proposed approach and suggest methods whereby query imagery could be filtered so that only appropriate imagery is processed by the proposed system.

Proposers who can demonstrate prior completion of all of the described Phase I activities may propose a "straight to Phase II" effort. In this case the novelty of the proposed feature and retrieval approach will be a consideration in determining an award.

PHASE I:

Based on the proposed approach for feature extraction, representation, and retrieval, develop a detailed prototype implementation plan , with pseudocode that establishes feasibility against a limited reference data set.

PHASE II:

Build and test the module designed in Phase 1. Conduct an operational prototype and/or capability demonstration.

PHASE III:

This capability should allow users to restore location metadata to some percentage of media data that has been stripped of its metadata. This capability might assist in identifying archived imagery to perform legacy analysis, or assist in categorizing and organizing albums of media. This capability is of interest to commercial and government concerns alike.

KEYWORDS: digital surface models (DSMs); hashing/indexing; geolocation

References:

1. G. Baatz, O. Saurer, K. Koser and M. Pollefeys, "Large Scale Visual Geo-Location of Images in Mountainous Terrain," Proceedings of the 12th European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV), vol. 7573, pp. 517-530, 2012.

2. A. Andoni and P. Indyk, "Near-Optimal Hashing Algorithms for Approximate Nearest Neighbor in High Dimensions," Comm. ACM, vol. 51, pp. 117-122, 2008.

3. T. Weyand, I. Kostrikov and J. Philbin, "PlaNet - Photo Geolocation with Convolutional Neural Networks," European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV), pp. 6-7, 2016.

4. J. Zhu, N. Vander Valk, M. Bansal and H. Cheng, "Adaptive Rendering for Large-Scale Skyline Characterization and Matching," Computer Vision - ECCV 2012 - Workshops and Demonstrations, pp. 163-174, 2012.

5. F. Cong and C. Deng, "EFANNA: An Extremely Fast Approximate Nearest Neighbor Search Algorithm Based on kNN Graph," ArXiv, p. 1609.07228, 2016.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

OBJECTIVE:

Develop improved ablative technology that minimizes gun bore erosion for high-energy gun propulsion systems and gun propellants.

DESCRIPTION:

The Gun Weapon System (GWS) requirements for increased muzzle velocity, extended range and enhanced lethality have led to the use of high-energy gun propellants that exhibit high flame temperatures. High flame temperatures typically cause excessive gun barrel bore erosion that limits the life cycle of a gun barrel. In addition, the mechanical wear caused by the frictional effects of the projectile rotating band on the bore surface can be significant, especially at very high velocity. Various methods have been employed to reduce the rate of gun barrel wear and erosion, including chromium plating of the bore surface, the use of ablative wear liners within the propelling charge, the development of gun propellants with nitrogen-rich components as well as the development of low mechanical wear rotating bands made of plastic or soft metals. The focus of this SBIR will be on thermochemical erosion of the gun bore caused by propellant combustion products and will not directly address mechanical wear due to projectile/bore surface frictional effects.

Chromium surface plating of the bore surface has been applied extensively to US DoD gun barrels and it has been shown to reduce the rate of bore surface erosion due to its refractory nature. However, after the first few shots are fired in a new gun barrel, cracks, initially present in the chromium coating from the manufacturing process, are exacerbated and create direct pathways for hot propellant combustion products to access and react with the gun steel. New, more rugged refractory bore surface coatings and coating processes are under constantly under development, however, these may not be available in the short or even mid-term.

Ablative wear liners usually consist of a thin sheet of a titanium dioxide (TiO2)/binder (wax or silicone-based materials) mixture placed along the inner wall of a charge or cartridge. During gun fire, the TiO2/binder mixture ablates and forms an insulating layer adjacent to the bore surface to reduce the gun wear rate. Wear liner technology has been extensively used within propelling charges and cartridges, however, with the advent of new more energetic gun propellants more effective ablative wear liners are required for use with in-service as well as new design gun propulsion systems and gun barrels. Improved ablative technology (in the form of liners or other novel means of application) would lengthen the useful life of existing gun barrels so that the barrels can remain in use for a greater number of rounds fired and reduce the expense of frequent barrel replacement. Developing ablatives that take advantage of the 'dynamic nitriding effect' theorized to occur for nitrogen-rich gun propellants could also be a viable area for research. For example, nitrogen-rich inert compounds could be combined with the TiO2/binder mixture to combine the insulating effect with a dynamic nitriding effect to enhance erosion reduction. Alternatively, other metals, metal oxides or combinations thereof might exhibit a greater insulating effect as compared to TiO2. Improvements to the ablative binder might also be possible. Wear liners appear to be the most effective means to deliver the ablative material to the bore surface, however, other more effective methods of ablative delivery may be possible.

Improved ablative technology would be relatively easy to implement and could serve as a stop gap measure until new bore surface coating technology becomes mature. It is cautioned, however, that the introduction of an excessive amount of inorganic material into a propelling charge could result in the undesirable effect of bore fouling in which excessive ash or other deposits form on the bore surface that could eventually constrict the bore to where it affects gun performance. In addition, inert ablative wear liners typically reduce the overall energy available from the charge for projectile propulsion because energy is consumed during gun fire, for example, in raising the temperature of the ablative and transporting ablative materials down-bore. As a result, the design of new ablative wear and erosion reduction technologies must take a careful approach to balance improvements in erosion reduction with limiting impacts to interior ballistic performance.

PHASE I:

The objective of Phase I shall be to develop gun propulsion system prototype ablative wear liners or ablatives in more effective configurations consisting of new and improved materials and other technologies and to evaluate the viability of the proposed technologies in a laboratory environment. Phase I will initiate with an extensive literature search to define the state of the art with respect to ablative wear reduction technology as well as the identification of new materials that could be applied to improve the efficacy of ablative wear reduction technologies. Laboratory test apparatus shall be configured to emulate the gun bore environment and be assessed for erosion and heat transfer effects with and without the proposed technologies. A final report will document testing results and present the top level plan to continue development in Phase II.

PHASE II:

The objective of Phase II shall be to scale-up and demonstrate those technologies developed under Phase I that show the greatest promise to reduce barrel wear and erosion in representative medium and/or large caliber GWS(s). The gun barrels shall be evaluated for barrel wear and erosion on a systematic basis with and without the prototype ablative materials/systems. In addition, barrel heat transfer data will be collected to complement the barrel wear data. Testing may occur at either private and/or government gun test ranges. Several ablative system designs shall be tested to determine which design is most suitable for the selected GWS(s) and gun propulsion system(s). The result of Phase II will be a prototype design, including applicable technical data, which will be integrated into current and future gun propulsion system designs for extended range/enhanced lethality.

PHASE III:

Upon success of Phase II the proposed technologies would be transitioned to in-service gun propulsion systems and/or those currently under development.

KEYWORDS: gun barrel; gun tube; bore; bore surface; wear; erosion; ablative; wear liner; titanium dioxide; polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); dynamic nitriding; high-nitrogen

References:

Stiefel, L., Editor, 'Gun Propulsion Technology', Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics, Volume 109, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., Washington, D.C., 1988. (Chapters 10, 11 and 12).

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

OBJECTIVE:

To develop high precision metal forming/liner manufacturing capabilities for liner manufacturing surge capacity and to enable more cost competitive government loading, fabrication, and testing of developmental shaped charge and explosively formed penetrator warheads using hard to machine, exotic materials.

DESCRIPTION:

Manufacturing of metal liners for explosively formed penetrators and shaped charges can be a complicated and time-consuming process to do with the required precision. There are generally two phases of this process, manufacturing the preforms from raw material, billets, plate, or sheet, and machining the preforms to the desired shape. There are only about 4-5 companies that currently do this in the entire continental Unites States.

To manufacture liner preforms for large diameter liners, heavy forges are necessary to forge billets of raw material into near net shape preformed blanks. For smaller applications, deep drawing operations may be used and although somewhat less complicated than the heavy-duty forges required to manufacture larger liners, still require specialized skill and expertise to produce high tolerance, precision parts necessary to achieve high performance warheads.

Precision liner machining requires not only extremely high precision and tolerance, often around .0005 inch for a liner that may be 6 inches or greater in diameter, but unique expertise in machining all surfaces of somewhat conical shaped liners in addition to warhead loading techniques. Shaped charge liners are generally manufactured using vacuum fixtures that allow precise location and machining of each of the surfaces. Through wall thickness, liner profile, transverse wall thicknesses, and surface finish requirements all require extreme precision. Finally, specialized skill at machining exotic materials is often required. These types of materials may either have high densities, e.g. greater than 10 g/cc and may be as high as approximately 19 g/cc. Some of these exotic materials may also be pyrophoric in nature and may require machining under specialized fluids with particular feed and speed rates for safety purposes.

PHASE I:

The objectives of phase I are for the liner manufacturer to evaluate 1) whether they currently have the capability to manufacture precision liners to government specified tolerances 2) if they do not currently possess this ability, to calculate the feasibility and cost of procuring all necessary hardware, including ancillary fixtures and devices, in order to stand this capability up. The final, and most important objective of this effort would be to provide an estimated unit production cost, based on machining delivered preforms for a typical quantity of liners, materials, and geometries so that the government could measure their cost against larger, more traditional liner manufacturers. Their findings will be documented in a final report and shall include plans, if warranted, for continuing into Phase II.

PHASE II:

In phase II the contractor will either begin manufacturing the necessary ancillary hardware determined previously in phase I or they will procure the hardware if the government determines that it is warranted and cost effective. After this, they will then manufacture a limited number of liners, up to approximately 12 liners of 3 different designs for comparison to known metallurgy, geometric tolerance, and ultimately performance against baseline charges.

PHASE III:

If an additional source of cost competitive, high quality liner manufacturing can be developed, there are a variety of systems to which this technology might be transferred. These include, but are not limited to, TOW2A/B, Hellfire, Javelin, DPICM, and shoulder fired systems among others.

KEYWORDS: shaped charge liner, liner materials, liner manufacturing, explosively formed penetrator liner, high precision machining, dense metal machining

References:

1. Walters, W.P., Zukas, J. A., "Fundamentals of Shaped Charges" Wiley-Interscience, January 1989.

2. Buc, Steven M. "Shaped Charge Liner Materials: Resources, Processes, Properties, Costs, and Applications. February 1991.

3. Walters, William. "A Brief History of Shaped Charges" ARL-RP-232, December 2008.

4. Singh, M., Bola, M.S., Prakash, S., "Determination fo Dynamic Tensile Strength of Metals from Jet Break-Up Studies" 19th International Symposium on Ballistics, 7-11 May 2001, Switzerland.