DoD 2022.D STTR Annual BAA

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: Biotechnology, Microelectronics TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Materials/Processes OBJECTIVE: Develop a biology-based approach to assemble precisely structured arrays of pixels comprised of quantum dots for colorful, efficient, and flexible electroluminescent light-emitting displays DESCRIPTION: Inorganic quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles exhibit uniquely tunable optoelectronic properties [1]. Their use in electroluminescent films will enhance capabilities of light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs), which perform crucial functions in defense and personal electronic devices. QD-LED displays, such as those in computer monitors, will deliver more colorful, high-resolution images, operate at higher efficiencies, and enable flexible or bendable device configurations [2]. QD-LEDs are comprised of two-dimensional periodic pixel arrays with rapid response rates. Each full-color pixel consists of distinct QDs that assemble into red, green, and blue (RGB) constituent sub-pixels. Although QD-LEDs show promise, they require novel fabrication approaches to precisely pattern QD pixels and optimize performance. Spin-casting cannot pattern microscale multicolor pixels without cross-contaminating distinct light-emitting QDs. Top-down photolithography may leave behind photoresist processing residue that impedes charge transfer. Emerging methods, such as inkjet printing, are expensive and have not yet surpassed performance levels offered by LCD and OLED competing technologies [3]. Synthetic biology enables novel control over engineering of peptides and microbes. Their finely tuned interactions with QDs may enable the bottom-up assembly of high-resolution patterns with tunable electronic and photonic properties [4]. Previously, DNA or protein biopolymers have been used to assemble inorganic nanomaterials into functional electronic components [5]. DNA scaffolds have facilitated self-assembly and patterning of plasmonic materials and carbon nanotubes [6, 7]. Conductive biomolecules, such as mesoscale silk fibroin networks, may 1) organize inorganic nanoparticles into periodic two-dimensional arrays, and 2) facilitate electronic conductivity through optoelectronic material networks [8]. This topic seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of using customizable biopolymers to fabricate novel, flexible QD-LEDs that exhibit full RGB colors (emission wavelengths: red: 630 nm; green: 530 nm; blue: 450 nm). This effort aims to develop the necessary biological tools to pattern externally synthesized inorganic QDs into pixel arrays that function as electroluminescent light-emitting displays. Performers will utilize peptides, DNA scaffolds, and/or other biological tools to arrange QDs into arrays of microscale pixels (containing RGB sub-pixels). Performers will use QDs of their choosing (to include commercially available materials). This program encourages use of synthetic biology tools to optimize particle arrangement approaches. Importantly, this effort will directly contrast the bio-based strategy against state-of-the-art nanofabrication approaches that assemble functional QD-LEDs. This program will culminate in a demonstration of a functional QD-LED display at least 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) wide. A bio-driven approach will assemble QDs into its electroluminescent layer. Performers will demonstrate a conventional stacked film configuration of QD-LEDs: electrodes, electron and hole charge carrier transport layers, the luminescent QD layer, and an external protective coating. Performers will choose the materials and assembly methods that deliver the required final prototype functionality. The resulting device will demonstrate a high pixel resolution [> 3000 pixel per inch (ppi)] that will exhibit the full RGB color spectrum. Biologically- assembled electroluminescent QD-LEDs will operate with > 25% external quantum efficiencies (EQEs). The device will reliably operate in ambient environments for extended time periods while maintaining high luminosity. The final QD-LED will demonstrate repeated flexibility and bendability for foldable or curved light-emitting displays. PHASE I: Develop a biologically-driven approach that assembles QDs into a pixelated two-dimensional film, which, with an externally applied electrical current, functions as a proof-of-concept electroluminescent QD-LED. Phase I prototype deliverable will emit monochromatic visible light (wavelength within the 450 – 700 nm range). The film should be at least 1 cm wide and can assume a rectangular or circular shape. The biopatterning technique will yield rectangular-shaped pixels with a 100 pixel-per-inch (ppi) resolution or greater, making each pixel 250 µm wide. Performers will need to fabricate necessary electrode and carrier injection layers that will complement the patterned QD pixels and enable electroluminescent operation of this proof-of-concept prototype. Physical elements used for biopatterning must be either compatible with (functionally integrated into) these layers, or fully removed from the film following completion of their intended QD assembly function, to prevent any detrimental interference with QDLED operation. Schedule/Milestones/Deliverables Phase I fixed milestones for this program should include: • Month 2: Deliver a report that identifies the selected biological system(s), as well as the inorganic QDs, that will be integrated to form ordered pixels and arrays. Demonstrate biocompatibility of proposed biological systems with targeted QDs. • Month 4: Demonstrate proof-of-concept ability to utilize the selected biological system(s) to organize QDs into films. Deliver a summary of complementary electrode and charge carrier materials, synthesis methods that will assemble them in conjunction with the QD films to exhibit electroluminescence, and experimentally-corroborated proof of compatibility of these device components with bio-patterned QD films. • Month 6: Demonstrate the results and a detailed description of the employed methodology to use selected biological system(s) in order to arrange QDs in an array (of regularly spaced rectangles [pixels]) with an overall array length of ≥1 mm and a width of ≤250 µm of each pixel. • Month 8: Document the ability to use biology to pattern a 2-dimensional array with equal pixel size and close-packed spacing between QDs in both x and y directions. • Month 10: Develop and test a proof-of-concept multilayer assembly (electrodes, carrier charge layers, and luminescent QD film) that is electronically conductive, optically transparent, and utilizes the selected biological system(s) to organize/pattern a functional electroluminescent QD layer (activated with an applied electrical current). • Month 12: Final Phase I Report that summarizes the overall approach and provides a description of the composition and operation of a proof-of-concept device architecture that uses a biological system to assemble QDs into a monochromatic, electroluminescent QD-LED. Its geometric configuration and mode of operation is expected to parallel that of conventional LED (such as an LED or OLED). Upon application of an external electrical current, the prototype will emit visible light perceptible to the naked eye. The LED will have a diagonal width of 1 cm or greater, with a luminescent layer comprised of rectangularly-shaped pixels, each with a side length ≤250 µm. The screen resolution for the Phase I prototype will be at least 100 pixels per inch (ppi). Test data should include device operational lifetime analysis (hours vs. luminosity and/or hours vs. quantum efficiency). PHASE II: Phase II Base: Develop, test, and demonstrate a biology-driven approach to assemble QDs into a high-resolution, full-color, flexible electroluminescent light-emitting display. Performers are expected to expand beyond the capabilities of the proof-of-concept prototype demonstrated at the end of Phase I and develop a device that meets or exceeds performance found with commercially available LEDs, such as those in screens of personal electronics (target device performance is described below). Performers must benchmark their approach against comparable QD-LED fabrication methods used in conventional manufacturing and demonstrate technical and commercial advantages of their bio-based approach. The QD-LED demonstrated at the end of Phase II must employ the bio-based approach to organize tri-color quantum dot pixels exhibiting RGB colors into a two-dimensional electroluminescent display film. The QD-LED display prototype must be at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide and exhibit a resolution of 3000 pixel per inch (ppi) or higher (7200 x 7200 pixels comprising the 1-inch-wide display). The display must have a luminosity of 2000 cd/m2 or higher. The electroluminescent quantum dots patterned into the QD-LED must operate with an EQE of at least 20%. Resulting QD-LED prototype must emit light for at least 500 hours without decaying in luminosity by more than 5%. Packaging of the prototype must allow it to operate in real-life environments that are common for conventional electronics (i.e. outside of an inert gas-filled glovebox). The final fully-functional QD-LED prototype should be capable of repeated bending that expands the viewing angle to above 90 degrees. Schedule/Milestones/Deliverables Phase II Base fixed milestones for this program should include: • Month 2: New Capabilities Report, which identifies additions and modifications that will be researched, developed, and customized for enhancement and optimization of the Phase I system to enable Phase II goals to be met. • Month 4: Report on fabrication and testing of a proof-of-concept prototype electroluminescent QD-LED. The display should be comprised of bio-patterned QDs that operate with an EQE of 10% or higher, and a luminosity of 100 cd/m2 or higher. • Month 6: Report that describes the state-of-the art manufacturing method that performers will use for comparison against their bio-based QD-LED assembly approach. The comparison must include experimental data that describes this approach’s implementation and methodologies, as well as analysis of the method’s costs and resulting QD-LED performance. • Month 9: Experimentally demonstrate mechanical flexibility of the bio-based patterned QD layer and its ability to repeatably bend without breaking or affecting its electroluminescent performance. Demonstrate ability to modify bio-based QD patterning to control inter-pixel spacing to minimize image distortion during bending of QD-LED film. • Month 12: Report on the feasibility of the bio-based patterning of an electroluminescent film comprised of pixels of two distinct colors (e.g. red and blue, green and red, or green and blue). Each pixel must be of identical size, and each color sub-pixel must be of identical size and luminosity. The pattern must retain regular periodicity throughout the display, which must be 1 cm or greater in width. The film that incorporates these pixels must exhibit these colors, and their combinations must be clearly visible to the naked eye of a human observer. • Month 15: Report on the feasibility of the bio-based patterning of an electroluminescent film comprised of RBG pixels, with the same metrics for periodicity, pixel size, and observation capabilities as stated in month 12. • Month 18: Demonstration of QD-LEDs that enable electroluminescent operation of RGB QD pixels with EQEs of at least 15%. Improve scalability of approach and deliver a light-emitting display with a width of at least 2 cm. Develop and demonstrate packaging of the display that enables its operation in ambient environments, to include oxygenated atmosphere, varying humidity levels, and room temperature. Assess operating lifetime of the display, including luminosity vs. timeline during constant operation, and achieve a minimum of 250 hours without decaying by more than 10%. • Month 21: Report that comprehensively benchmarks the manufacturing method and performance of the bio-patterned QD-LED demonstrated in Month 18 against the SOA non-bio-based QD-LED synthesis approach. The report needs to directly compare the technical performance of the two methods, including luminescence, pixel resolution, external quantum efficiency, and operating lifetime. Experimental comparison of the two prototypes must analyze identically sized bio-based QD-LED and non-bio-biased (SOA) QD-LED test coupons. • Month 24: Final Phase II report that documents the fabrication and performance of the display, including structure of fully assembled functional QD-LEDs, biological assembly platforms, methods used to manufacture the display, the physical characteristics of the resulting device, and its performance testing results (including performance documented with photography/videography, as well as a description of methods and formulas used to calculate the key metrics that assess its performance). Report must include data that demonstrates the following: 1) bio-assembled electroluminescent display that clearly demonstrates fully visible RGB colors; 2) QDs in the display exhibit an EQE of at least 20%; 3) display width of 1 inch or greater; 4) luminosity of at least 2000 cd/m2; 5) lifetime assessment that demonstrates a luminosity decay of less than 5% after 500 hours of operation; 6) resolution of 3000 ppi or higher; 7) mechanical flexibility that enables a viewing angle of at least 90 degrees. Phase II Option: The Phase II Option 12-month period aims to further scale up the size of the bio-patterned QD-LED prototype, improve its technological capabilities and versatility performance metrics, and advance its integration into DoD or commercial prototypes. Performers must develop capabilities to demonstrate high-resolution images and video on screens of QD-LEDs and scale-up dimensions of the technology to levels of targeted end products (such as those comparable to state-of-the-art mobile telephones or computer tablet screen) without a decrease in performance. Three prototypes will be delivered to the government for testing and analysis. Schedule/Milestones/Deliverables Phase II Option fixed milestones for this program should include: • Month 2: Demonstrate the ability to exhibit a series of 5 still RGB images (with > 3000 ppi resolution) from data files on the screen of the display. • Month 4: Demonstrated rapid color switching of QD color (turn pixel on/off) and color recycling with a fast refresh rate (of at least 2000 Hz) in the full-color QD-LED prototype. • Month 6: Deliver three prototypes to U.S. government laboratories for testing and analysis. • Month 9: Exhibit ability to scale up bio-based QD-LED to a width of 6.35 cm or more. Demonstrate ability of the prototype to repeatedly bend back and forth by 45 degrees or more for at least 100 cycles while operating without breaking. • Month 12: Improve EQEs of QDs to 25%. Improve luminosity to over 10,000 cd/m2. Demonstrate continuous operation lifetimes of at least 2,000 hours with a luminosity decay of less than 5%. Demonstrate an ability to exhibit a 30-second full-color video file on the display (with > 3000 ppi resolution). PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Electroluminescent QD-LED are highly desired for colorful, efficient, and flexible consumer electronics. Use of biologically-driven synthesis approaches that offer greater precision can enhance the performance capabilities of resulting devices over existing quantum dot technologies synthesized using conventional means. Precise patterning of inorganic nanoparticles using developed biological tools, such as microbes and biopolymers, may enable a wide variety of high-performance electronics that can be produced domestically using more environmentally friendly and less expensive methods. Non-defense applications of technologies developed under this program may include flexible displays for mobile phones and televisions, wearable personal electronics, smart textiles, antennas that receive microwaves or radio waves, circuitry components such as resistors and capacitors, and biomedical sensors and implants. REFERENCES: 1. [1] García de Arquer, F.P., et al., Semiconductor quantum dots: Technological progress and future challenges. Science, 2021. 373 (6555): p. eaaz8541. 2. [2] Dahad, N., Quantum Dots to Shrink MicroLED Display Pixels, in EE Times. 2019. 3. [3] Song, J.-K., et al., Materials and devices for flexible and stretchable photodetectors and light-emitting diodes. Nano Research, 2021. 14 (9): p. 2919-2937. 4. [4] Shin, J., et al., Programming Escherichia coli to function as a digital display. Molecular Systems Biology, 2020. 16 (3): p. e9401. 5. [5] Sun, Q., et al., Highly Efficient Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diodes with DNA−CTMA as a Combined Hole-Transporting and Electron-Blocking Layer. ACS Nano, 2009. 3 (3): p. 737-743. 6. [6] Mann, V.R., et al., Controlled and Stable Patterning of Diverse Inorganic Nanocrystals on Crystalline Two-Dimensional Protein Arrays. Biochemistry, 2021. 60 (13): p. 1063-1074. 7. [7] DeLuca, M., et al., Dynamic DNA nanotechnology: toward functional nanoscale devices. Nanoscale Horizons, 2020. 5 (2): p. 182-201. 8. [8] Fernández-Luna, V., et al., Biogenic fluorescent protein–silk fibroin phosphors for high performing light-emitting diodes. Materials Horizons, 2020. 7 (7): p. 1790-1800. KEYWORDS: Light-emitting display, quantum dot, biological fabrication, synthetic biology, flexible electronics

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Develop a methodology for producing synthetic multi-spectral satellite sensor data for the purpose of training low-shot machine learning models. DESCRIPTION: DTRA has the requirement to be able to quickly and efficiently identify objects of interest related to defeating improvised threat networks as well as understanding the characteristics and conditions of specific operational environments. In certain cases, objects of interest may be rare, necessitating a novel method of performing accurate object detection. For certain objects, panchromatic or 3-band imagery may be insufficient to achieve accurate object identification, thus additional bandwidths within the near and mid infrared spectrum may be needed which takes advantage of additional spectral characteristics for achieving object detection. Currently, many of the generative modeling techniques are applied solely to the visible wavelengths. A need exists to fully explore the application of generative modeling techniques to multispectral imagery datasets. Various studies have been conducted to show how Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) can be successful in augmenting datasets for standard RGB datasets. However, less research has focused on how GANs could reproduce multispectral imagery (MSI) within the near and mid-IR range. Given that GAN models are typically difficult to train, the additional complexities of multispectral imagery to include higher radiometric and spectral resolution, presents a challenging task. The thrust of this effort would be to create a GAN for multispectral data that could augment current training sets and still achieve the same robustness, stability, accuracy, and correlation to original bandwidths. The multispectral GAN model would need to be tested in various terrain and seasonal environments, and ensure that spectral and radiometric characteristics were retained and good visual quality was achieved. The final model would need to be adaptable to accept various formats of imagery, with varying resolutions and bands. Various quantitative metrics should be identified and explained. PHASE I: The performer shall conduct a proof of concept study to identify the processes and algorithms most successful for performing generative modeling to recreate useful realistic synthetic multi-band imagery in the near and mid IR wavelengths. The end report and demonstration shall provide quantitative metrics which help to determine the feasibility to continue to a Phase II effort PHASE II: The performer shall mature the algorithms to improve accuracy, robustness, and stability of the generation of the synthetic multispectral imagery. The algorithms shall be applied in multiple terrain environments with various objects of interest and differing imagery sources. The performer shall design, develop, and deliver a prototype, to include software code. The phase II deliverable is a (1) report detailing the finalized approaches and analysis of performance, (2) proof of concept demonstration, (3) and software code. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize and commercialize software for use by customers (e.g. government, satellite companies, etc.). Although additional funding may be provided through DoD sources, the awardee should look to other public or private sector funding sources for assistance with transition and commercialization. REFERENCES: 1. Abady, L., M. Barni, A. Garzelli and B. Tondi. “GAN generation of synthetic multispectral satellite images.” Remote Sensing (2020); 2. Jiayi Ma, Wei Yu, Pengwei Liang, Chang Li, Junjun Jiang, “FusionGAN: A generative adversarial network for infrared and visible image fusion,” Information Fusion, Volume 48, 2019, Pages 11-26, ISSN 1566-2535; 3. Kerdegari, Hamideh & Razaak, Manzoor & Argyriou, Vasileios & Remagnino, Paolo. “Semi-supervised GAN for Classification of Multispectral Imagery ;Acquired by UAVs.” (2019); 4. M. Gong, X. Niu, P. Zhang and Z. Li, ""Generative Adversarial Networks for Change Detection in Multispectral Imagery,"" in IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, vol. 14, no. 12, pp. 2310-2314, Dec. 2017, doi: 10.1109/LGRS.2017.2762694; 5. Mohandoss, Tharun, Aditya Kulkarni, Daniel Northrup, Ernest Mwebaze, Alemohammad, Hamed. “Generating Synthetic Multispectral Satellite Imagery from Sentinel-2” arXiv, arXiv:2012.03108; 6. Perez, Anthony, et al. ""Semi-supervised multitask learning on multispectral satellite images using wasserstein generative adversarial networks (gans) for predicting poverty."" arXiv preprint arXiv:1902.11110 (2019); KEYWORDS: GAN; multispectral; synthetic data

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: General Warfighting Requirements (GWR); Nuclear Modernization TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Nuclear; Sensors OBJECTIVE: DTRA seeks technologies to replace large form-factor Sodium Iodide (NaI) logs to support next-generation Department of Defense (DoD) mobile radiation detection systems. Ideal systems will provide leap-ahead capability advancements over existing systems at up to 4” x 4” x 16” form factors with gamma energy resolution and cost less than or equal to NaI. Specifically, these leap-ahead capability advancements in these large form factors may include, but are not limited to (1) single material fast neutron and gamma detection using pulse shape discrimination (PSD), (2) improved tolerance to shock, vibration, and/or environmental conditions, such as humidity, that would be expected during DoD operations, (3) decay times less than 10 nanoseconds to enable operations in higher dose environments, (4) integrated light-guide technologies to enable source localization via occlusion and operations in higher dose environments, (5) significant reductions in cost or gamma energy resolution compared to NaI. The ability to provide incident neutron energy spectra in a single scintillator element (i.e. without time-of-flight) by unfolding the neutron light-output spectra is also a desired feature. DESCRIPTION: NaI, Cesium Iodide (CsI), Polyvinyl Toulene (PVT), and other plastic scintillators have been the state-of-the-art in large form-factor radiation detection materials; however, each of these materials has significant limitations. NaI, for example, is not well-suited to exposure to DoD shock, vibration, and environmental conditions due to its proneness to fracturing and hygroscopic nature. PVT suffers from poor energy resolution, which limits isotope identification performance. For compact detection systems, elpasolites such as CLYC and CLLBC have enabled thermal neutron detection and gamma spectroscopy in a single crystal, but the crystals remain relatively small with limited potential to scale to these form factors. The recent development of organic scintillating glass (OSG) materials [1] has shown a promising glimpse into a future where is one example where a single material may be PSD-capable, melt-cast into multiple shapes, inexpensive, and well-performing against the best scintillator materials currently available commercially [2]. Other nascent radiation detection materials, such as Perovskites, continue to show promise as inexpensive materials with extremely good energy resolution. Desired solutions are not limited to just scintillator technologies and may include alternate approaches as long as the form factor and capability enhancement objectives of this topic are met. PHASE I: Demonstrate the ability to create 2” x 4” x 6” scintillator detector material samples exhibiting some of the desired capability enhancements listed in the objective section of this topic. Initial testing of the scintillator material should be conducted, compared against NaI, and results should be documented and provided in the final report. A plan should also be submitted outlining the approach for scaling the system to meeting Phase II requirements. PHASE II: Demonstrate the ability to create samples in multiple form factors up to 4” x 4” x 16” exhibiting two or more of the desired capability enhancements listed in the objective section of this topic. The samples should then be integrated with a commercial photomultiplier tube, solid-state photomultiplier, or other electronics (for non-scintillating solutions), as appropriate, and the resulting performance compared against equivalent NaI systems. The use of actual hardware and empirical data collection is expected for the performance analysis of the system and the results should be provided in the final report. A design plan should also be submitted outlining the plans for scaling the system to meet Phase III requirements. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will demonstrate fully capable sub-systems in multiple form factors up to 4” x 4” x 16” suitable for commercialization and achieving two or more of the desired capability enhancements listed in the objective section of this topic. All data collected during the demonstration and analysis of the final system will be included in the final report along with a user’s manual and a data package on all critical system components. REFERENCES: 1. “Organic Glass for Radiation Detection”, https://ip.sandia.gov/techpdfs/Organic%20Glass%20for%20Radiation%20Detection.pdf, 2018; 2. Clark, L.M. et al, “Investigation of Organic Glass Scintillators for Improved Energy Resolution for Radioxenon Detection”, MTV Workshop, 2021, http://mtv.engin.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/431/2021/03/20210330-0335-Clark.pdf; KEYWORDS: Radiation; sodium iodide; scintillator; nuclear; scintillation; transverse Anderson localization; laser induced optical barriers

OUSD (R&E) MODERNIZATION PRIORITY: Microelectronics; Directed Energy; Cybersecurity; Network Command, Control and Communications; Autonomy; Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning; General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors; Electronics; Information Systems; Battle Space; Space Platform; Weapons The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with the solicitation. Additionally, Offerors will describe compliance mechanisms offerors have in place or will put in place to address any ITAR issues that arise during the course of agreement administration. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this Open Call for S&T Innovation topic is to develop applied research toward an innovative capability within SOCOM S&T Capability Focus Areas (CFA). The following are the CFAs and areas of interest. DESCRIPTION: Next Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Situational Awareness The focus is to increase and enhance Special Operations Forces (SOF) ability to understand and manage threats and the environment, process multiple data and communications inputs for optimized decision making, and support rapid, on-the-move ability to learn and communicate knowledge to enhance tactically relevant situational awareness in peer/near peer environments. Develop cross-cutting ISR capabilities in all domains, to include sea, air, land, cyber, and space. The technology areas of interest are intelligence systems and sensors that provide persistent, autonomous, and near-real time CPED (collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination), leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide predictive analysis, current operational and intelligence pictures utilizing myriad sensors, LPI/LPD communications, and machine processing to augment the analyst and operator in multiple domains. 1) (U) Collaborative Automation and Minimization of PED through machine learning and other offboarding efforts 2) (U) Exploitation of maritime access opportunities (Data Transport, Platform) to fuse with other domains, e.g. ground, air, cyber. 3) (U) Expansion of ISR operations to include exploitation of cyber, social media, and publicly available information 4) (U) Explore miniaturized space efforts and advocate for SOF equities in larger US Space Command and US Space Force programs to integrate SOF tactical capabilities and technologies with national and strategic capabilities 5) (U) Stealth for sensor and data access, emplacement, access, collection, transport, and fusion Next Generation Effects The technology areas of interest are force protection at the edge, non-kinetic scalable effects, Mission Information Support Operations, Electronic Warfare, Cyber Effects, and Tactical directed energy. Specific technologies of interest within Next Generation Effects are: 1) (U) Cyber Platforms that have the capability to provide digital and physical situational awareness in connected environments through utilization of IoT devices, networks, and systems. 2) (U) Cyber Applications capable of tracking and exploiting targeted mobile electronics, SCADA systems, and IoT devices. 3) (U) Cyber payloads with deny, disrupt, degrade, or destroy capabilities that are able to be employed to both networked and air-gapped computer devices and systems. 4) (U) Single sensor with the listening, jamming, communication, and injection capabilities within the same single sensor. Futures The overall objective of Futures is to serve as the Command’s high-risk, asymmetric, and disruptive concept, capability and technology investigator and incubator. The capability and technology areas of interest are: 1) (U) Utilization of neuromorphic computing for SOF-peculiar data processing and machine learning applications. 2) (U) Characterization and the feasibility of low-rate fabrication of high-performance batteries for SOF-peculiar requirements. Specifically, those with gravimetric energy densities > 700W-h/kg and volumetric energy densities > 1000 W-h/l (Li2-S, Li2-O2, or others). 3) (U) Secure, federated deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for optimization of distributed Deep-Q Networks (DQN) in heterogenous networks. Desired investigation includes reduction of client-server communication to facilitate Edge User operation (limitations on communication bandwidth, data privacy, and other SOF-peculiar concerns). 4) (U) Hypercognition through novel data sensory input, including incorporation and characterization of advanced mathematical elements of multimodal visualization, characterization of haptic, auditory and other sensory cues in data processing. 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.” The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I STTR 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 STTR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM STTR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than STTR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II. PHASE II: Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be used in a broad range of military and commercial applications. REFERENCES: 1. Singer, Neal. March 2022. Sandia Labs. Neuromorphic Computing Widely Applicable, Sandia Researchers show https://www.sandia.gov/labnews/2022/03/11/neuromorphic-computing-widely-applicable-sandia-researchers-show/ 2. Liu et all, Apr 2022, Neuromorphic computing for content-based image retrieval https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0264364 3. https://www.humanbrainproject.eu/en/silicon-brains/ 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3MlOAru6Qk 5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TetLY4gPDpo 6. Zue et al. 2017. Gravimetric and Volumetric Energy Densities of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries li.mit.edu/A/Papers/17/Xue17MiaoCOE.pdf 7. Li, L & Wang, J. Jan 2019. Fabrication of low-tortuosity Ultra High Area Capacity Battery Electrodes through magnetic alignment of emulsion-based slurries https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1498274 KEYWORDS: microelectronics; directed energy; cybersecurity; network command, control and communications; autonomy; artificial intelligence; machine learning; general warfighting requirements; sensors; electronics; information systems; battle space; data processing; energy; batteries; situational awareness; computer devices and systems; sensory cues; cyber; stealth; social media; publicly available information; collection; processing; exploitation; dissemination