DoD 2015.3 SBIR Solicitation

Agency:

Department of Defense

Branch:

N/A

Program / Phase / Year:

SBIR / Phase I / 2015

Solicitation Number:

DoD 2015.3

NOTE: The Solicitations and topics listed on this site are copies from the various SBIR agency solicitations and are not necessarily the latest and most up-to-date. For this reason, you should use the agency link listed below which will take you directly to the appropriate agency server where you can read the official version of this solicitation and download the appropriate forms and rules.

The official link for this solicitation is: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/

Release Date:

August 27, 2015

Open Date:

September 28, 2015

Application Due Date:

October 28, 2015

Close Date:

October 28, 2015

Available Funding Topics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): 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 section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop fast charging rate and high energy power systems for gunfired projectiles to survive high shock survivability of launch acceleration to 70,000 g's, to have a military shelf-life of 20 years, and survive flight vibrations to 10,000 cycles, and storage temperatures from -55 degrees C to 125 degrees C.

DESCRIPTION: This effort seeks proposals that apply multidisciplinary approaches including integration of innovative manufacturing methods, architectures and materials that demonstrates one or more Lithium-ion cells of size greater or equal to 0.5 Ah, scalable to support a 24 volt or larger applications, that is abuse tolerant to mechanical shock and vibration, operates in a wide range of thermal conditions with excellent cyclic performance, provides high rate performance compatibility, and low inherent materials and systems safety risks. Proposed power supply solutions for munition applications that require High Power and Long Duration performance. One example, at a voltage of 5 volts and a current of 0.13 amps, a power supply must last at least 10 hours in a cylindrical volume of 1.3 inch by 1.3 inch. A second application requires a power supply to provide current at a rate of 2 amps for 10 hours while maintaining a voltage of no less than 4 volts as a worst case, the physical size of the phase II prototype must be confined to the space occupied by 3 COTTS AA batteries.

In all application cases conformability of the power source is an added benefit to the applications, low cost and manufacturability are also of great importance. Meeting military shelf-life with minimum degradation as a function of the 20 year shelf-life is of great importance. Lithium ion batteries are known to supply high power and high energy capability and excellent storage capability on a weight to volume basis versus many available alternatives, offering promise for addressing power and energy shortfalls and requirements of US Army ARDEC. Nonetheless, criteria for ARDEC go beyond energy density where solutions are sought for not only for weight and volume reduction, but also extended operation time, high rate performance, and compatibility while operating in a wide range of ambient temperatures. Solutions also should be compatible with rugged operating environments, support criteria for low cost, high safety and reliability/maintainability, and provide other environmental compatibility. Moving lithium ion technology from the lab into the field has proven that such batteries may lack the extended cyclic performance, cycle life, and high rate compatibility when applied in demanding environments for armament and munitions systems. Additionally, Lithium-ion solutions may involve undesirable failure modes and risks that are not tolerant to military shock or operating conditions. Even in non-military environments, for example, there have been publicized risks of fires and explosions, recalling of laptop computers and issues for deployed aviation systems. ARDEC requirements for batteries can involve more demanding operating environments, need for greater cyclic performance, higher rate performance compatibility, and safety control in high mechanical shock environments including for dismounted and other munitions systems. ARDEC systems also must satisfy discharge and recharge in cold temperature environments and potentially high rate performance such as for rapid recharging or discharging beyond civilian requirements. No single solution has come forward to date for meeting these rigorous requirements, and it is anticipated that a combination of multi-disciplinary approaches including new materials, new architectures and new manufacturing methods would be needed are needed to fulfill military requirements.

PHASE I: Conduct a systematic study and subsequent design of a fast charging rate and high energy power system that meet the desired high shock survivability, military shelf life, and operational flight requirements and storage temperatures. A multi-disciplinary approach including novel design, engineering, materials selection and architecture qualification and the production of qualification data and test plans to support Phase II. These Phase I efforts will include all key required materials and design developments needed to produce one or more full Lithiumion cells of size greater than 0.5 Ah in Phase II. Accordingly, Phase I will include a development/selection of anode, cathode, electrolyte and physical testing and qualification and selection for subsequent application in Phase II that will be compatible with future scaling to a 24 volt or larger application, capable of supporting a threshold of 5,000 cycles and objective of 10,000 cycles based upon subsequent accelerated time testing in Phase II, support and lead toward demonstration of discharge cycling in Phase II of no less than 80% of initial capacity after 500 cycles, and compatible with demonstration of high rate operation and recharging performance of at least 3C in Phase II.

Most portable batteries are rated at 1C, meaning that a 1,000mAh battery that is discharged at 1C rate should under ideal conditions provide a current of 1,000mA for one hour. The same battery discharging at 0.5C would provide 500mA for two hours, and at 2C, the 1,000mAh battery would deliver 2,000mA for 30 minutes. 1C is also known as a one-hour discharge; a 0.5C is a two-hour, and a 2C is a half-hour discharge.

The qualification, selection and design also should be compatible with enabling cold temperature cycling at -30F with favorable retention of capacity in Phase II. This Phase I effort also will address compatibility for abuse tolerance and deliver a final report that includes a test plan for use in Phase II including performance testing, high rate testing, and safety testing.

PHASE II: Will provide four milestone deliverables (1) The delivery of one of more full Li-ion cells of size greater than .5 Ah that are comprised of at least anode, cathode, electrolyte and physical design, materials and architecture selected in Phase I. (2) A concept design also will be provided to assess the scaling to a 24 volt or larger application and the elements of design for manufacturability. (3) A demonstration of high rate operation with a recharging rate of at least 3C, consistent with test plans developed in phase I. (4) The guidance and further documentation and test plan developed in Phase I to assist the Army in testing with a minimum of accelerated time testing that is indicative of supporting a threshold goal of 5,000 cycles and objective of 10,000 cycles. Initial qualification testing also may be undertaken to assess for retaining 80% of initial capacity after 500 cycles. A test framework also will be included for testing for cold temperature cycling at or approaching -30F with favorable retention of capacity. In addition, abuse tolerance testing may be undertaken for shock, nail testing and other methods to test for fire and explosion risks.

PHASE III: This technology would apply to weapon based platform applications. The commercial use could apply to the electric vehicle industry and also for energy recapture in industrial settings where renewable energy sources from machinery could provide huge cost savings.

KEYWORDS: multidisciplinary approachces, thermal conditions, high rate performance, low inherent materials, mechanical shock and vibration

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a callable library of CFD numerical operations that exploit the performance of CFD solvers on new “many integrated core” processors such as the Intel® Xeon PhiTM.

DESCRIPTION: Computer chip makers like Intel have recently introduced the advanced Many-Integrated-Core (MIC) architecture [1] with the goal of enhancing performance for numerically intensive calculations like satellite imaging and computer gaming. These new processors offer an enormous increase in speed for these types of calculations over the more traditional chips that support standard PC applications. Recently, the DoD has began to upgrade their parallel High Performance Computer (HPC) systems to use these MIC processors because they greatly enhance the degree of parallelism available for numerical operations. Computational Fluid Dynaimic (CFD) codes used in Army rotorcraft analysis [2] could greatly benefit from these performance enhancements. Typical CFD runs today that require a week of compute time could be reduced to a day, making routine design iterations possible. Exploiting this enhanced degree of parallelism requires new programming strategies to exploit the vector processing units (VPUs) of the MIC architecture. Traditional MPI-based programming strategies used in the CFD codes today will not be effective [3]. CFD Codes are being developed in house and will be provided.

This proposal solicits a library of numerical operations performed by our CFD codes that achieve optimal performance on the MIC architectures. The Army's CFD codes are memory-bound, and the many-way parallelism offered by the MIC architecture will not increase the degree of memory available on today’s processors. Hence, the proposed library should additionally include an analysis of the amount of memory used by the application. Specific requirements for the library include:

• Numerical operations that achieve optimal performance on MIC architectures

• Runtime memory analysis to determine when the problem size is too large

• Ability to be compiled with Army CFD codes under different compilers

• Cross platform compatibility (i.e. not specific to any particular operating system).

PHASE I: Demonstrate a callable library of a small subset of numerical operations in Army CFD codes that run on MIC processors.

PHASE II: Expand the library to include the wider set of numerical operations encompassing the entire CFD code. Demonstrate performance gains over traditional programming paradigms. Demonstrate memory reporting and clean shutdown when memory limits are exceeded. Demonstrate application of the library and performance gains for to real-world rotorcraft CFD calculations.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Operations in the library may be extended to include computational structural dynamics (CSD), comprehensive analysis, and other scientific computing applications of interest to the Army.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The proposed library can be readily used by commercial CFD codes developed outside the Army.

KEYWORDS: High Performance Computing, Intel MIC, parallel computing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

OBJECTIVE: Develop coupling methodology for computational structural dynamics (CSD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of flexible rotorcraft fuselage and empennage structures to predict interactional buffet airloads, structural loads, and vibration.

DESCRIPTION: One of the most important, challenging, and chronic problems occurring during development of new or upgraded rotorcraft arises from the interactional aerodynamics of the complex, unsteady flowfield of the rotor, hub, and fuselage that generate significant adverse structural response of the flexible fuselage, horizontal and vertical tails, and the tail rotor of conventional helicopters. Similar problems arise for tilrotor and compound rotorcraft. Historically this problem has been nearly intractable with conventional aerodynamics and dynamics methodology, commonly leading to unexpected problems only revealed during prototype flight testing. As a consequence, expensive design changes, cut and try modifications, and program delays often occur. Current highfidelity CFD/CSD rotorcraft modeling that aeroelastically couple rotor system CFD aerodynamics to flexible blade CSD structural models is presently limited to 1-D elastic beam rotor blade and rigid fuselage models. Furthermore, existing rotorcraft CSD/CFD coupling interfaces do not encompass distributed CFD airloads coupling with flexible fuselage and empennage surfaces or structural dynamics models of fuselage and empennage structures. Therefore, a new general approach for a CFD/CSD aeroelastic analysis to couple an elastic fuselage/empennage with current CFD aerodynamics and flowfields is needed to improve overall fuselage/empennage loads and vibration predictions. Coupling should be applicable to full FEM fuselage models as well as reduced-order modeling. In most cases CFD and CSD geometries and meshes are incompatible, and this must be considered. Needed approaches must provide solutions that satisfy the following requirements: 1) Must be rigorous, consistent and energy conserving, 2) General and easily applied for arbitrary rotorcraft configurations, 3) Message passing between CFD and CSD parallel processing programs (file based I/O may be used in Phase I), 4) Must be demonstrated on a practical real-world problem.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed fuselage CFD/CSD coupling approach by prototyping an elastic fuselage and developing initial coupling utilities. Prototype should demonstrate efficient and correct transfer of appropriate data between CFD and CSD programs.

PHASE II: Coupling utilities should be generalized for arbitrary fuselage configurations and user input should be automated to ensure ease of use. Interfaces will be developed for one or more CFD programs and the method shall be demonstrated on a real-world rotorcraft application.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Coupling utilities should be generalized for arbitrary fuselage configurations and user input should be automated to ensure ease of use. Interfaces will be developed for one or more CFD programs and the method shall be demonstrated on a real-world rotorcraft application.

KEYWORDS: CFD, CSD, elastic fuselage, rotorcraft, coupling

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an additive manufacturing process for advanced aerospace gears meeting or exceeding the mechanical properties of SAE AMS 6308.

DESCRIPTION: The lead time for manufacturing gears for testing in Science and Technology (S&T) prototype demonstrators can be several months and requires costly special tooling. Additive manufacturing is a manufacturing technique that can be used to reduce the lead time and cost for prototype hardware. Additive Manufacturing (AM) refers to a process by which digital 3D design data is used to build up a component in layers by depositing material. The goal for this topic is to develop a new or improved AM process for aerospace quality gears in order for them to be used in prototype demonstrator applications. Potential AM processes that could be improved upon includes (but is not limited to) Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). The AM process must be developed to overcome existing challenges that limit the use of AM for gear manufacturing. Some of the common challenges/limitations are:

Residual stresses can be high in AM parts, which limit the loading of parts. Stress mitigation and optimization strategies must be developed as part of the effort.
Density of the material throughout AM parts can be inconsistent. Density can be influenced by un-melted entrapped powders. Overcoming this challenge needs to be addressed as part of the effort.
The rapid cooling rates associated with AM processes can affect the microstructure of the base material resulting in variations in desired strength, ductility, toughness, and modulus. The new AM processes must mitigate the effects to material properties.

Final components manufactured using the developed process must meet or exceed the mechanical properties of SAE AMS 6308 (Pyrowear 53). Pyrowear 53 may be considered as an Aerospace Grade 3 material, as defined in AGMA 926-C99. Any additional processing steps (such as hardening or surface finishing) must be defined, and should be minimized if possible. A method to vary the properties between the case and core regions of a gear must also be addressed. Specific metrics for the final manufactured gears are:

Minimum surface contact stress allowable = 250ksi
Minimum bending stress allowable = 40ksi
Minimum core hardness = 34 HRC
Minimum case hardness = 60 HRC
Minimum core yield strength = 140ksi
Minimum core ultimate tensile strength = 170ksi
Maximum surface finish = 16Ra

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of the new or improved AM process for use in additive manufacturing. Efforts should show that the formed parts can meet the properties equivalent to SAE AMS 6308 steel by utilizing simple geometric shape test specimens that have been produced using additive manufacturing.

PHASE II: Contractors are encouraged to collaborate with an Army rotorcraft OEM during Phase II. The contractor shall further optimize the AM process based on the Phase I results. This optimization shall include developing methods to reduce additional gear manufacturing processes (such as carburization, peening, surface finishing) by altering the AM process. Coupon level testing shall be performed to demonstrate mechanical properties such as yield and ultimate tensile strength. Several sets of 4 inch diameter spur gears (representative of aerospace quality gears) shall be manufactured using the developed process. Testing and analysis of these final gears shall be performed to demonstrate that each of the topic metrics has been met. Additionally, the microstructure of the final gears shall be analyzed and compared to Pyrowear 53.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition the new process via aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and/or qualified suppliers for Army rotorcraft. Demonstrate the AM process for actual aircraft components.

KEYWORDS: Gears, additive manufacturing, rotorcraft, drive system, transmission, Pyrowear

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop a general-purpose matrix approach using domestic, commercially available components, to provide matrix solutions for rocket motor structures fabricated using filament winding, resin infusion/transfer, and pultrusion-winding operations.

DESCRIPTION: Next-generation tactical propulsion systems require significantly more performance at the material level to support extended duration and multi-mission flexibility. In addition, the performance enhancements to current systems are accompanied by the need for lower cost material and processing technologies. Fiber reinforced polymer composites are extremely advantageous for many weight-critical structural applications, such as solid rocket motor cases and missile airframes, due to their high specific tensile strength and stiffness. In addition to weight savings over metals, composite rocket motor cases also offer higher operating pressures and improved Insensitive Munitions (IM) performance.

The many material-related benefits and advancements in composite fabrication technologies have facilitated the integration of composites into Army structures; however, many traditional matrix systems that are currently in use were originally derived for strategic and space-launch applications. These matrix systems, while well-suited for larger structures produced at lower volumes, have seen widespread use in the tactical propulsion community despite the fact that production quantities and rates are higher and operational and environmental requirements are more extreme. Furthermore, the focus on low-cost solutions for higher volume tactical propulsion applications has resulted in the move toward bonded end-fittings and other innovative joining techniques which impart interlaminar stresses within the composite. When confronted with multiple stressors and the increasingly severe demands of nextgeneration systems, traditional matrix systems have struggled to meet the challenge in a cost-effective manner.

Modern technology offers the opportunity to develop matrix formulations that achieve a better balance between processing, mechanical properties, and elevated temperature performance. Matrix solutions to mitigate stress-related delamination failure in tactical composite rocket motor cases and missile airframes are critical for the development of low-cost, high performance structures that meet the demands of next-generation systems.

Matrix solutions with glass transition temperatures above 400°F (and cure temperatures at or below 370°F) are desired. Due to cost constraints for tactical rocket motor case applications, solutions for this effort are limited to epoxy-based (single and multi-functionality) systems derived from domestic, commercially available components. Resin unit costs for the solution should not exceed that of commercially available 350°F glass transition temperature filament winding epoxy resin systems, and a cost analysis of a material and process developments should be included.

PHASE I: Offerors shall identify and investigate material and processing solutions that provide good processing, delivered fiber-direction tensile strength, and glass transition performance along with enhanced shear and flat-wise tensile laminate properties over state-of-the-art matrix systems. The material solution should also exhibit enhancements to Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness behavior. Material solutions should be processable using traditional wet filament winding processes at resin bath temperatures of <110°F. Material solutions should be capable of producing composite parts with fiber volume fractions of 60-65% and void contents less than 1.5%. Capability for high throughput in typical production environments must be considered (e.g., extended cure holds in excess of 6 hours should be eliminated). Offerors shall conduct formulation activities with strong consideration of potential material obsolescence issues. Resin rheological analysis and laminate mechanical property investigations shall be performed in order to substantiate the validity of the proposed formulations for the application. Offerors should develop methods to gain insight into fiber-matrix interaction with commercial high-strength, intermediatemodulus carbon fibers produced domestically within the United States. Offerors should include a cost analysis of the material and process development.

PHASE II: Offerors shall fabricate representative tactical rocket motorcase structures utilizing down-selected formulation(s) from Phase 1 and develop material allowables and supporting analysis for the intended application. Offerors shall explore tailoring of the proposed baseline matrix system for fabrication processes and applications and develop property-performance relationships. Modifiers/fillers to improve mechanical properties such as compressive strength, adhesion, modulus and glass transition will be investigated.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate the matrix system’s performance in a relevant environment. As this technology is pervasive, a Phase III application for integration into Army missile systems would include replacement of legacy matrix systems which are currently being used in composite missile structures across the Capability Areas. Programs that would benefit from this innovation are not limited to Army systems, but extend throughout the Department of Defense and to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In addition to composite missile structure applications, this technology could be utilized in commercial applications in the private sector of the aerospace industry.

KEYWORDS: Fiber reinforced polymer composites, solid rocket motor cases, missile airframes, stress-related delamination failure, epoxy-based systems

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop a methodology for producing low-cost, high-performance thermoplastic composite structures that contain highly detailed features for missile and aviation applications.

DESCRIPTION: Fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites (TPMCs) provide improved damage tolerance, faster processing and assembly, reduced joint weight, virtually unlimited shelf life with minimal storage requirements, and recycling options which thermoset composites typically cannot offer. Through automated processing, TPMCs allows the potential for mass production of high stiffness/strength thermoplastic composites at lower costs. Despite the above advantages, the true benefits of TPMC missile structures have been limited by the constraints of available fabrication methods. For example, autoclave and compression molding techniques can process continuous fiber preforms that offer high strength and stiffness but are generally more suited to producing fairly simple geometric structures (e.g., plates, cones, box-structures). Injection molding methods, on the other hand, offer the ability to produce highly complex geometries, but even the most advanced molding compounds do not offer the structural performance of continuous preforms.

An ideal TPMC structure would combine compression molded and injection molded components into a single structure to retain cost and performance benefits. This ideal TPMC fabrication process should have a minimum cost reduction of 20% from traditional autoclave and compression molding manufacturing techniques. Joining techniques for TPMC components is an area of active research but this is a secondary process that decreases through-put and often requires access to the bond line for processing. For structures that could benefit from attaching multiple injection molded components to compression molded components, a direct method of attachment is desired.

PHASE I: Develop a design and fabrication strategy that combines multiple TPMC processing techniques for producing a low-cost, high performance TPMC structure. Structural properties should be a minimum of 50 Ksi tensile strength, 50 Ksi compression strength and 7 Msi tensile and compression modulus. The strategy should be able to accommodate producing structures as large as 1m x 1m, but contains detailed features, such as internal ribbing and other traditional stiffening elements. Demonstrate the feasibility at the coupon level to join TPMC components that have been produced by multiple fabrication methods.

PHASE II: Refine the design and fabrication strategy for producing more representative structures. Perform comprehensive studies and analyses of the structure to determine optimal fabrication method for the individual subcomponents to balance cost and performance. Perform mechanical tests to demonstrate performance.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Upon successful completion of the research and development in Phase I and Phase II, produce prototype structures that can be demonstrated in field tests. Scale-up the design and fabrication strategy to be compatible for low rate and full production rate quantities. Demonstrate the TPMC structure can provide cost, weight, and performance benefits to applications outside the military.

KEYWORDS: thermoplastic matrix composites, thermoplastic matrix composites missile structures, injection molding, back molding, joining technique of thermoplastic, cost effective fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

OBJECTIVE: Identify and produce a low-cost material that matches or exceeds the performance of depleted uranium (DU) in kinetic energy (KE) penetrator applications.

DESCRIPTION: Beginning in the 1970s, depleted uranium was selected as a replacement for tungsten alloys used in a variety of armor-piercing projectiles. DU matches the density of tungsten with the added benefit of “selfsharpening” through adiabatic shear banding. DU penetrators also exhibit pyrophoric effects as they impact a target and partially aerosolize, enhancing lethality and improving anti-materiel efficacy. In addition to enhanced performance, the manufacturability, low material cost, and abundant supply of DU have made it a practical choice for KE penetrators.

Limited opposition to the use of DU exists in some circles based on the idea that, as a heavy metal, depleted uranium deposited on the battlefield might represent a serious persistent health or environmental hazard. Because of this opposition, the Army has been exploring alternative materials for KE penetrator applications.

This SBIR topic requests a fully dense KE penetrator material that matches or exceeds the ballistic performance of depleted uranium.

The cost of the proposed material should not exceed 200 percent of the cost of military grade tungsten heavy alloy purchased in production quantities. The Army may consider materials and processes that exceed this cost ceiling if they provide exceptional KE penetrator performance or if they offset the material cost through reductions in other life-cycle costs.

The material proposed should be less toxic than conventional tungsten nickel cobalt heavy alloys.

PHASE I: The offeror should use a multiscale materials modeling approach, such as Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), to develop material options to replace depleted uranium in the kinetic energy penetrator application.

The materials developed shall meet or exceed the terminal ballistic performance of current depleted uranium alloys. The result of the modeling effort shall be the complete description of the materials, including, but not limited to, composition, crystal structure, phase identification, preferred microstructural features, and expected mechanical and physical properties.

The offeror shall demonstrate the synthesis and fabrication of the most promising candidate material composition. The offeror will deliver 12 identical samples of the material in kinetic energy penetrator form (5.6 mm diameter and 16.7 mm in length).

Create a scale-up strategy for material production, and perform a cost analysis describing the anticipated cost of fullscale production.

PHASE II: The offeror shall build on the insight provided by the Phase I materials modeling effort and the results of the Phase I ballistic characterization to optimize the candidate composition. The offeror shall scale up the synthesis and processing of the down-selected material sufficiently to produce a single batch of material to fabricate 25 identical penetrator rods (65g mass, 15:1 length to diameter ratio, right circular cylinder, dimensional tolerances shall be provided).

The offeror shall perform ballistic characterization with these penetrators against standard 3" rolled homogenous armor (RHA) at zero degrees obliquity or similar tests, comparing these results against conventional tungsten penetrators.

The offeror shall also fabricate from a single batch of material an additional 25 identical copies of these penetrators for delivery to the Army for independent characterization. Tests should be structured to enable comparison with past DU test data.

Further optimize the composition and material properties based on Phase II ballistic test results to meet launch survivability and terminal ballistics requirements.

Deliver 25 prototypes (half-inch diameter, eight-inch length) to the Army for testing.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Scale up material for tests in 120mm tank rounds. Private sector applications include the use of projectiles to replace high explosive charges for cutting hard surfaces in mining, drilling, excavation, demolitions, and salvage operations.

KEYWORDS: Amorphous metals, Kinetic Energy Penetrators, depleted uranium, nanostructured materials, alloy nanopowders, advanced materials, tungsten.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop novel and innovative sensor technologies for stand-off detection and discrimination of surface and buried explosive hazards.

DESCRIPTION: Sensor investments in counter explosive threat technologies during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have resulted in the solution of many niche problems but provided few long-term solutions for sustaining operational tempo, assured mobility and survivability. In order to address emerging and evolving threats, novel and innovative technologies are required. Capabilities from these technologies could lead to improved buried in-road and surface side attack threat clearance as well as standoff threat identification. This SBIR will seek development of novel and innovative sensor technologies to detect and discriminate surface and/or buried explosive hazard targets. A successful proposal will explain the phenomenology the sensor seeks to exploit and how that phenomenology relates to either buried or surface explosive hazard targets, such as discrimination between natural and man-made objects. Proposals that provide sensor solutions relevant to either buried or surface targets will be accepted, but sensors that are applicable to both problem sets are preferred. Technology solutions, other than ground penetrating radar, are preferred. The proposed development activity only needs to focus on a single phenomenology to be exploited, however technologies that can show applicability to multiple Army problem sets or multiple phenomenologies are preferred, such as disturbed earth, threat and common clutter detection.

PHASE I: The Phase I goal is to demonstrate the proposed sensor technology, the phenomenology being exploited and the utility of that phenomenology in detecting and discriminating the targets of interest. The Phase I work can be accomplished using modeling and simulation, but a data-driven experiment using actual hardware (bench-top or early prototype) is preferred. A Phase I report is required.

PHASE II: The Phase II goal is to develop a prototype demonstration sensor. The prototype sensor should be capable of collecting data in a controlled setting. During Phase II, the prototype sensor will be used to demonstrate the utility of the sensor and phenomenology being exploited. The Phase II final report must include a description of the developed sensor, a study validating the sensor and the phenomenology being exploited, problems discovered with the sensor/phenomenology, and recommendations for future sensor improvements.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Mature the sensor such that it can be fielded by the military or sold commercially for homeland security applications. This includes improvements described in the Phase II report. Develop Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) algorithms to detect and discriminate targets of interest. The resulting sensor could then be fielded for use in detecting buried or roadside hazards during military operations or for detecting buried or roadside hazards or other concealed structures of interest by city planners and utility/highway inspectors.

KEYWORDS: counter explosive hazards, buried target detection, roadside target detection, sensor development

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a multi-static Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system that is capable of detecting buried explosive hazards from a standoff distance.

DESCRIPTION: Current standoff GPR systems operate in a mode that is essentially equivalent to monostatic. The transmit and receive antennas are located close to each other so the phenomenology of target and clutter responses are as if the same antenna was used for transmit and receive. This modality has shown to have some capability to detect buried explosive hazards at standoff, but the detection performance has not reached that of close-in systems. There is a desire to detect targets from a distance, and investigations are underway using additional modalities to improve performance. One possible way to do this is to try and increase the signal level received from targets. In most standoff GPR systems, the antennas are positioned with a relatively low grazing angle relative to the target, limiting the energy that can penetrate into the ground. Having antennas at different positions and/or orientations may help improve the signal level received from the target versus what is received from clutter. Another advantage that close-in, downward looking GPR systems have relative to standoff systems is that they have good 3-Dimensional resolution that allows them to separate the response from the surface from objects buried beneath it. Standoff systems typically only have resolution in 2 dimensions which causes the responses of targets and the ground to be combined. Novel multi-static orientations may allow for better resolution in 3 dimensions. The objective of this effort is to investigate and design a fully bi-static or multi-static GPR system to better learn about the phenomenology of the responses from targets and clutter and to find ways to better discriminate between the two. The desired system could consist of a ground vehicle, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or a combination of the two. A ground vehicle would need to operate at ranges of at least 15 meters from targets. Ground penetration of at least 15 cm and sufficient resolution are required. The system should be capable of detecting 80% of buried targets with a False Alarm Rate of 10 per linear km of road. The system may utilize any active transmitters inherent to itself, transmitters present in the ambient environment, or some combination of the two. Other sensing modalities could be used to extract higher resolution range information to enhance further processing

PHASE I: The goal of Phase I is to create multi-static radar design and supporting quantitative analysis with the objective of detecting buried explosive threats in cluttered environments. The offeror should model spatial antenna configurations for optimized signal to clutter performance. Simple lab experiments may be used to support the model as related to electromagnetic response strength of targets, soil, and clutter. The deliverable of Phase I will be a report that includes the results of the phenomenology study and a preliminary-design for proof-of-concept equipment.

PHASE II: The design created in Phase I will be expanded and used to produce a field setup (TRL 5). The equipment will be used to verify parameters of the model that affect detection performance. The phenomenology of the targets and clutter will be validated to support the proposed detection configuration. The deliverable will include an expanded model comparing detection performance for multiple configurations. Also deliverable are field equipment, data, and data analysis supporting the principle assumptions of the model and illustrating detection improvements over monostatic configurations.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The hardware design will be further refined and a technology demonstrator will be constructed for field use. The system developed under this effort will have high potential for other commercial applications for underground surveying and humanitarian demining, and other homeland security agencies.

KEYWORDS: Ground Penetrating Radar, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Compressed Sensing, Multi-static Radar, Bi-static Radar, Buried Explosive Hazard Detection

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a patch management system capable of providing automated and continuous Information Assurance (IA) patches for fielded, tactical systems, while providing a remote capability for auditing and assessing system vulnerability.

DESCRIPTION: In accordance with the Army Cyber Command Operations Order (OPORD) 2011-051, vulnerabilities are exploitable weakness in software that provide an adversary with an opportunity to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and/or availability of an Information System (IS). These vulnerabilities are being actively exploited in DoD networks and pose a high risk to Army IS. Consequently, units are being required to expedite efforts to mitigate risks posed by vulnerabilities.

The current operational tempo is such that, IAVAs are network accessible via AKO, on a monthly basis for connected systems. IAVAs are replicated and distributed via CD/DVD on a quarterly basis for systems without network connectivity. In an effort to meet army demands for increased timeliness of IAVA releases, the Army will be required to release IAVAs at an accelerated rate for each system’s state of connectivity.

Historically frequent updates typically require additional resources in terms of engineering (test-fix-test) cycle. This would also effectively increase utilization of additional resources such as replication, installation and distribution services and therefore lifecycle cost. Continuous updates will also increase impacted Field Support Engineers (FSEs), requiring them to install software on a frequent basis for the units in the field.

Current sustainment efforts include an initial scan of the system for identification of IA vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are collected over a period of time, mitigated and finally tested. If items do not successfully pass, they must be documented in the Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) and mitigated at a later date. Once the system has successfully passed all testing (or POA&M is updated accordingly) all IAVA fixes are packaged into a software release and fielded. While the system is in the field, there is potential that new threats will be identified that leave the system in a vulnerable state. As a result, a patch must again be applied, tested and delivered, no later than 72 hours after notification.

When a physical release of IAVA updates occur, especially on a monthly basis for instance, software sustainment costs increase drastically. Systems must be validated and verified; POAM are required to be updated; test reports must be prepared, software must be shipped more frequently and Field Service Engineering support increases. When occurring at an accelerated rate and deviating from the standard quarterly IAVA release, the demand on available resources also increases.

The below are metrics which estimates cost of monthly IAVMs for a single baseline over a 12 month period:

Gather IA threats and collect at least monthly; scan, mitigate, test, and deliver an IAVM update monthly; update POAM monthly: $600K
Develop, test and deliver an emergency IAVM update as required with delivery no longer than 72 hours after notification (two per month): $750K
Conduct validation and verification scans of the monthly update; prepare and deliver “Results” report: $300K
Vendor CM, QA, delivery, printing, material, shipping $300K
SEC CM and Release: $30K
RDIT distribution of Monthly Releases to FSRs; electronic distribution of Emergency Releases to units: $30K
Field Service Engineer install and validate installation $3500K
Total Cost: $5510K

Development of a technical solution which ensures that IAVAs are released on a continuous basis is required, with the capability to identify potential threats and conduct vulnerability assessments in near real-time. The solution should also be capable of providing a complete view of vulnerability and exploit risks, based on threat insights. Frequent IAVA updates to software will be required to mitigate issues and protect Army tactical systems while reducing software sustainment cost.

Supported software resides on multiple domains ranging from unclassified through TS/SCI. There is a need to keep IAVA mitigation at the lowest classification possible to allow for ease of access by system administrators (FSEs & 35Ts) and replication if required. Currently monthly IAVAs are posted to AKO-S, which presents a challenge for disconnected systems which reside on other domains or systems on closed networks that need the updates prior to the distribution on CD/DVD.

A network-only solution will require an instantiation on every possible domain and there will still be a need to remediate systems that require reloading or have been disconnected from a network for a period of time. The connection must create secure electronic software distribution for issue mitigation. The network solution will also be required to possess a secure software tool which allows for remote access across each domain. The intent of the tool is to assist units with quickly resolving technical issues which may arise while updating software. This will assist with reducing FSE manpower while enhancing the user experience for the Warfighter.

PHASE I: Develop a concept which documents a process for developing a patch management system capable of providing automated and continuous Information Assurance (IA) patches for fielded, tactical systems, while providing a remote capability for auditing and assessing system vulnerability.

Provide a detailed design of a solution that provide the capability to identify potential threats and conduct vulnerability assessments in near real-time and mitigate IAVA issues. The solution also shall provide remote IAVA updates to software to Army tactical systems while reducing software sustainment cost. Complete a system design concept and demonstrate through modeling, analysis, or prototype that it meets the requirements. A requirements analysis report and a design study document shall be part of the final report. The final report shall also include estimated cost for development of the capability.

PHASE II: Develop a working prototype augmented reality capability of IAVA Management system for use with Tactical System that is based on the selected Phase I design.

Interface the capability to the Army’s network through the use of a tactical system. Perform evaluation tests of the capability using simulated mission scenarios and validates that the approach identify, mitigate issues and remotely update IAVA patches to Tactical Systems. In addition to delivering the prototype augmented reality capability, a report shall be submitted detailing testing and demonstration results. This report shall identify key performance parameters related to how the augmented reality to mitigate issues and protect Army tactical systems while reducing software sustainment cost.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Implement solution as part of a tactical system and deploy the system for test and evaluation using commercially available technologies. The implementation should ensure that the system is interoperable with existing system of systems. Perform steps required to commercialize the system. In conjunction with Army, optimize the prototype created in Phase II. The technology developed should result in a capability that can be used by the Warfighter.

KEYWORDS: IAVA, Cyber Security, Remote Install, FSE, Tactical

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Nuclear Technology

OBJECTIVE: Develop a real-time detector capable of accurately measuring the dose from prompt gamma and prompt neutron from a nuclear blast.

DESCRIPTION: The Defense community has a need for detecting and measuring the prompt gamma and prompt neutron from a nuclear blast. When a nuclear weapon detonates, it creates both prompt (also called initial) and residual radiation. Prompt neutrons result almost exclusively from the energy producing fission and fusion reactions, while prompt gamma radiation includes that arising from these reactions as well as that resulting from the decay of short-lived fission products (Ref. 1, FM 8-9). For small tactical nuclear weapons (under 50 kT), the prompt radiation is one the most predominate causes of casualties, more than the blast wave and thermal (Ref. 1, FM 8-9 table 3-I).

The prompt radiation occurs in a very short pulse, lasting only a few microseconds. Thus it is exceedingly hard to accurately measure real-time. Currently, the warfighters have both passive dosimeters and real-time dosimeters. Passive dosimeters such as as film badges, Thermo luminescent Dosimeters (TLDs), or Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) detectors accurately measure the prompt radiation. The Army’s PDR-75A uses OSL technology and can accurately measure the prompt radiation. However, it is not a real-time system. The warfighter must stop what they are doing and read the dosimeter in a reader to determine their dose. The current real-time dosimeters such as the UDR-13 can provide real-time measurements, but are extremely inaccurate (sensitivity around 30 cGy). The warfighters currently do not have capability to accurately measure prompt radiation accurately in real-time.

There are several technologies that have been developed or advanced in the last few years that make real-time measurement of prompt doses possible, feasible, and affordable. Recent advances in OSL devices along with advances in optic sources and measurement devices may allow the development of a device that can accurately measure prompt gamma and neutron in real-time or near real-time. There have also been advances in MOSFET and Pin-diodes that may allow the use of those technologies for the needed measurements. The goal of this research would be the development of such an innovative detector for eventual use on radiation detectors for vehicles and personal.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the proposed technology can accurately measure the prompt gamma and prompt neutron doses in real-time (or near real-time) via breadboard validation in laboratory environment (TRL 4). The initial step is to design and fabricate a breadboard prototype using the proposed technology. The next step is to test the breadboard prototype against prompt gamma and prompt neutron environment (i.e. the pulse reactor at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR)) to assess the capability of proposed technologies to meet the need. The final step is to review and analyze the data to determine the feasibility of the proposed technology to fulfill the Army’s need to accurately measure the prompt gamma and prompt neutron doses in real-time.

PHASE II: In Phase II, demonstrate the proposed technology can accurately measure the prompt gamma and prompt neutron doses in real-time (or near real-time) through high-fidelity breadboard validation in a relevant environment (TRL 5 or greater). Design and fabricate a high-fidelity breadboard prototype apparatus with the proposed technology integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements. Test the breadboard prototype apparatus in a relevant environment to include prompt gamma and prompt neutron as well as other relevant challenges such as temperature, EMP, and vibration. The purpose of testing is to ensure the ability of the technology demonstrates the needed capability to accurately measure the dose from prompt gamma and prompt neutron in real-time, but also to determine if any potential limitations of the technology prevent the eventual fielding of the technology. The final step is to review and analyze the data to determine if the technology will fulfill the Army’s need to accurately measure prompt gamma and prompt neutron doses in real-time in a relevant environment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, Phase III will further refine a final deployable design, incorporating design modifications based on results from tests conducted during Phase II, and improving engineering/form-factors, equipment hardening, and manufacturability designs to meet U.S. Army CONOPS and end-user requirements.

KEYWORDS: nuclear radiation detection, prompt gamma, prompt neutron, real-time detection

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Chemical/Biological Defense

OBJECTIVE: Leverage phage-based technologies to develop fieldable assays and demonstrate the long-term stability of these assays.

DESCRIPTION: Technologies that enable biological detection and presumptive identification with low operational burden are needed as future Warfighter capabilities. Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs) have remained the go-to technology for approximately 20 years despite a plethora of lab-based techniques that vastly outstrip LFIs in critical qualities such as sensitivity and specificity. This persistence of LFIs demonstrates the overwhelming importance of ease of use and low operational burden to technology adoption. While huge investments in pushing lab-based techniques towards ruggedization and simple operation are resulting in advances, platform technologies that start from a position of low operational burden and expand capabilities beyond LFIs are attractive. Meanwhile, interest in phage for a range of applications has significantly increased in recent years. Department of Defense (DoD)-relevant applications include bacterial detection, identification, decontamination, and treatment, especially of antimicrobial resistant strains. Phage offers high host specificity, built-in replication, abundance in nature, and ease of production, amongst other properties. Indeed, modified phages have been demonstrated in the lab as a highly sensitive and specific method to detect biological warfare agents such as Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis. Research into the stability of phage after lyophilization spanning several decades has shown mixed results for different phage and for different preparation methods; yet, significant success suggests that phage could present an excellent approach to fielded biological detection. This topic seeks innovative development of phage-based detection and identification technologies that are highly fieldable. More specifically, ideal assays would be simple to operate, inexpensive, disposable, and require little or no equipment to analyze results; however, they must also continue to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Determining the technical merit of using phage as the main component of fieldable assays, by determining a method for stabilization, would help drive forward the current metrics for detection and identification. While an LFI format is not specifically requested, proposed approaches should use the success of this format as a template; especially the ability to demonstrate operability in austere environments is highly encouraged.

PHASE I: Proof-of-concept will require the production of at least one specific assay that incorporates the use of a stable phage as a main component of the final design. This assay should address the ability to operate in austere environments, while continuing to be simple to operate, inexpensive (ie. less than $100/test, with a clear path towards cost reduction), disposable, and require little or no equipment to analyze results. For demonstration purposes in Phase I, detection limits are not as essential as stability of the assay components.

PHASE II: The offeror will develop functioning assays with improved limits of detection for more than one target of specific interest to the DoD. Detection of actual threat agents is encouraged but not necessarily required. However, demonstration of enhanced stability capabilities above what was demonstrated in Phase I, such as resistance to environmental fluctuations (ie. storage temperatures up to 30ºC, with up to 50ºC being optimal, and operational temperatures robust up to a 5ºC variation from ideal conditions set by the offeror) regardless of the target is also expected. At the conclusion of Phase II, the assays developed should be able to be tested for both reproducibility and accuracy of results at several storage and operational temperatures. Furthermore, suitable testing partners should be identified for threat agent testing, as work with many specific agents is highly restricted.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Efforts in both Phase II and Phase III should be clearly directed towards transition to field use. Potential limitations in sample preparation requirements, sensitivity, robustness, etc. should be clearly indicated. Avenues to overcome these limitations in potential Phase III work should be outlined. Potential products using the same technology that are not specific to DoD needs may involve different limitations (e.g. robustness to austere operations), and these separate limitations should also be outlined. Inexpensive, disposable, ruggedized detection of biological threat materials or other targets have several uses outside the DoD. Most obviously, detection of a much wider range of threats would useful in hospital or remote clinic settings. Other applications include detection of biological targets for industrial or personal use (e.g., food safety, pathogen detection, etc.)

KEYWORDS: synthetic biology, phage, austere environmental detection, biological detection, chemical detection

* DIRECT TO PHASE II *

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S):

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 section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation and within the AF Component-specific instructions. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Please direct questions to the AF SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer, Ms. Gail Nyikon, gail.nyikon@us.af.mil.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an end to end system to exploit current and future commercial satellite imaging systems by utilizing novel techniques and algorithms to fuse the different data packages together to detect changes and provide warning/cueing to other systems.

DESCRIPTION: The commercial industry is paving the way for new end to end low earth orbit satellite systems capable of providing near-continuous (revisit times of minutes to hours) imaging of the Earth. Some exemplars of these developments are Google’s SkyBox, PlanetLabs, BlackSky, Spire and Satellogic. Within the next few years, these companies are expected to field their own proprietary constellations, each with their own set of capabilities and products, which will be made available to the average consumer, commercial resellers, corporate and government users. These constellations hold a significant interest for the USAF as they are capable of high revisit rates at pertinent resolutions, between 1-5m. The USAF would like to capitalize on these future systems by building an infrastructure capable of exploiting the products and capabilities of these systems by integrating them into strategic analysis for areas of interest on a global scale. Many of these companies will host their images on their databases anywhere from hours to days after the photos are taken. In addition some systems will allow for consumers to ‘task’ satellites to take pictures of certain areas for a minimal cost.

As many of the companies will be collecting images with differing resolutions and wavebands, from different angles, times of day and over slightly different regions, the data will have to be collected and fused in order to correlate changes in a given area. An important element of this fusion is the registration of images, and in some cases ortho-rectification and geo-registration across these data sets. Next, the USAF needs to determine, autonomously, when significant changes occur in any given region. This poses significant challenges, as angles, shadows, and potentially a lack of geolocation may inhibit systems from properly alerting personnel of new areas of interest or changes in specific regions being monitored. The criteria for a useful tip/cue includes the time from data collection to receipt of the imagery, geolocation accuracy, probability of false alarm, and characterization of the activity or target of interest (i.e. troop buildup, missile launch preparations, etc). The system needs to provide proper warnings and indicators to the Air Force if an area becomes significant enough to require more persistent monitoring. The ability of the USAF to task these constellations must also be considered if it can provide additional value, in which case the processes for allocating these resources and efficiently tasking the constellations must be developed. This effort will receive no more than $1.5M for this award.

PHASE I: Proposal must show:

Demonstrated understanding of space imaging systems and products
Demonstrated expertise and capability in processing and fusing satellite imagery while performing useful extraction of intelligence value from such imagery(e.g.,crop monitoring)
Demonstrated feasibility of automated processing for data mining space based imagery for applications of military interest

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in submitting a Direct to Phase II proposal in response to this topic must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described has been met and describes the potential commercial applications. The documentation provided must substantiate that the proposer has developed a preliminary understanding of global surveillance augmentation using commercial satellite systems. Documentation must include A) demonstrated understanding of space imaging systems and products, B) demonstrated expertise and capability in processing and fusing satellite imagery while performing useful extraction of intelligence value from such imagery (e.g., crop monitoring), C) demonstrated feasibility of automated processing for data mining space based imagery for applications of military interest. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Read and follow all of Step 1 of the Air Force 15.3 Instructions. The Air Force will not evaluate the offeror’s related DP2 proposal where it determines that the offeror has failed to demonstrate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the Phase I project.

PHASE II: The contractor will study capabilities of future commercial satellite imagery constellations to provide useful military surveillance, indications, warning and threat detection, or other novel applications. The contractor will develop software capable of fusing multiple types of images taken from satellites and determine if a significant change has occurred which could result in further USAF action, and/or to implement image processing algorithms that support novel commercial/military uses.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor will pursue commercialization of the various technologies developed in Phase II for potential government applications. There are potential commercial applications in a wide range of diverse fields that include agricultural crop monitoring, disaster monitoring, and terrain mapping.

KEYWORDS: Satellite imagery, change detection, event monitoring, image data fusion, image processing, image exploitation, geo-rectification, geo-registration, satellite task scheduling.

* DIRECT TO PHASE II *

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S):

OBJECTIVE: Build and demonstrate a handheld navigation system that is less than 5 lbs, capable of constraining position error growth, and reports estimated position accuracy in GPS-challenged environments.

DESCRIPTION: Accuracy, reliability, persistence, and integrity of Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) information from GPS and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is under constant threat from asymmetrical jamming and spoofing attacks, rendering operations in anti-access/area-denial (A2AD) or “contested” environments increasingly difficult. A surge of R&D initiatives has given scientists and engineers a variety of tools and techniques that can be used to increase the resiliency of our navigation systems. These include, but are not limited to: GPS anti-Jam/anti-Spoof mechanisms; augmentations with GNSS, exploitation of signals of opportunity (SoOP) such as telecommunication towers or eLoran; vision aided navigation; advancements in MEMS-based navigation sensors; and many more. Navigation system concepts which are designed for GPS-“challenged” environments often have to compromise between performance, robustness, and SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost). This topic seeks to leverage the aforementioned innovations as well as other novel ideas to design, build, and field a man-portable navigation system to be used by ground-based forces to navigate to a target in a GPS-contested environment.

The following vignette depicts the robustness and performance required. A tactical vehicle navigates to a drop-off point. Military forces dismount and approach a target of interest on foot, traversing several kilometers over many (up to 12) hours on batteries. The operation occurs in day or darkness, in inclement weather, and in environments with little or no infrastructure such as remote deserts and forests. When GPS and other GNSS are available they can be used. When GPS is degraded or denied, other RF SoOP and landmark-based navigation updates (e.g. vision, magnetic, etc.) should be used to constrain position error growth. Initialization will be at a known location or with GPS.

Throughout the mission, it is desired that the accuracy performance of the navigation solution should be as good as possible with the objective of constraining position errors to less than 100 m. Currently, this level of performance is unfeasible with unaided MEMS-based inertial navigation systems, and while it is anticipated the accuracy will vary throughout the mission depending on the aiding source used, it is critical that valid position accuracy estimates are provided throughout the mission.

Use of aiding to constrain the navigation system error growth is anticipated, and this aiding can include, but is not limited to: vision, radar, RF SoOPs, magnetometer-based landmarks, ranging radios, etc. As the forces will be traveling in a group, a collaborative, a multi-user networked architecture could be considered.

The navigation system can integrate with existing radios and battlespace awareness applications currently used by US military forces. It must be a handheld unit similar in size to a smartphone or tablet with any extra hardware, such as antennas or complimentary sensors, being as few and miniaturized/non-cumbersome as possible. The total weight (including batteries) must not exceed 5 lbs, and ideally is 1 lb or less. The troops must have location, location accuracy, and navigation information constantly updated on their handheld devices (or provided to existing display devices in the appropriate format) after they have dismounted from the vehicle.

This effort will receive no more than $1.5M for this award.

PHASE I: Contractor will have developed a navigation system design, software architecture, and provided test reports showing system performance using real data (with simulated GPS outages/jamming), and a plan for miniaturizing the system to a handheld form factor/providing a real-time navigation solution.

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in submitting a Direct to Phase II proposal in response to this topic must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described has been met and describes the potential commercial applications. The documentation provided must substantiate that the proposer has developed a preliminary understanding to build a handheld dismount kit for persistent, precision navigation in GPS-challenged environments for military operations. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Read and follow all of Step 1 of the Air Force 15.3 Instructions. The Air Force will not evaluate the offeror’s related DP2 proposal where it determines that the offeror has failed to demonstrate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the Phase I project.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate a handheld navigation system that operates for 8 hrs on batteries, weighs less than 5 lbs, outputs standard NMEA, and displays position and position accuracy when used by dismounted military forces operating in a GPS-challenged environment. Accuracy of the system will be dependent on environment, the estimate of the accuracy must be provided to the user. The system must include additional methods to constrain position error growth when GPS is not available.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further miniaturize the device, add 12 hr battery life, and enhance its performance in terms of ruggedness (IP64 threshold with IP67 objective, transportation at 25,000 ft, and operation at 0 to 85C threshold with -40C to 125C objective), accuracy, and other capabilities, such as time distribution.

KEYWORDS: GPS denied, alternative navigation, MEMS, A2AD, jamming, handheld, networked GPS, eLoran, feature-based navigation, multisensor navigation, Special Forces

* DIRECT TO PHASE II *

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a capability to manufacture and qualify non-flight critical aircraft parts

DESCRIPTION: Additive manufacturing and new rapid manufacturing methods may have the capability to reduce the cost and the lead time required to produce and maintain many kinds of parts for the aerospace industry. One hurdle in implementing these new manufacturing methods for replacement parts is the stringent, time consuming and costly qualification processes that must be followed because of the change in manufacturing process, especially for flight-critical parts. There are likely legacy parts within the Air Force supply chain that are excellent candidates for production by these new manufacturing methods, and that also have less stringent qualification requirements because they are non-flight critical.

Lead time sometimes restricts the supply chain for servicing Air Force aircraft. Oftentimes, parts that need to be manufactured have long-lead times for procurement or the supplier is no longer in the business of making the parts. The ability to organically produce non-critical parts has the potential to transform Air Force sustainment practices. This effort is primarily geared towards replacing non-critical parts with additive manufacturing methods. These parts include but are not limited to such items as brackets, ducting, housings, shrouds (such as the KC-135 refueling shroud), covers, and hoses. This list is not designed to be all inclusive, but provides some of the known opportunities for parts replacement. In general, metallic parts that have any fatigue requirements are too high risk to pursue for this effort, but other high value parts may be good options if the part requirements and capability of the manufacturing process are well understood.

The capability to certify the process for non-critical parts and certifying the process for a family/class of parts is needed more than point certification for parts. Successful proposals must identify potential parts and demonstrate an understanding of how to identify all part requirements (i.e., to reverse engineer the requirements) to ensure success of replacement efforts. All business cases for developing new manufacturing methods must consider qualification as an important step of replacing the part. Cost and lead time of the part families must be considered from the outset in order to build an appropriate business case for future parts.

Because this effort is geared towards parts replacement, successful proposals will be expected to demonstrate a capability to not only manufacture parts, but also the ability to develop the data and engineering analysis required for qualification of the part. Sign-off from the appropriate engineering authority will be required before new manufacturing methods can be implemented onto actual parts. Projects are more likely to be successful if OEM engineering authorities are brought into advisement. Because of the wide scope of Air Force parts, successful proposals will identify parts to pilot the new manufacturing methods on. Partnering with OEM’s or other suppliers to propose efforts with already identified potential parts will likely be more successful than relying on the Air Force to identify a prioritized list of parts to manufacture.

Proposals are limited to $900K.

PHASE I: Contractor will have developed and demonstrated cost and time effective method for reverse engineering and production of non-flight critical aircraft parts. Developed plans and techniques for qualifying families of parts.

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in submitting a Direct to Phase II proposal in response to this topic must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described has been met and describes the potential commercial applications. The documentation provided must substantiate that the proposer has developed a preliminary understanding of additive manufacturing to support 100% parts availability. Documentation must include proof of cost and time effective methods for reverse engineering for production of non-flight critical aircraft parts, in addition to plans and techniques for qualifying families of parts. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Read and follow all of Step 1 of the Air Force 15.3 Instructions. The Air Force will not evaluate the offeror’s related DP2 proposal where it determines that the offeror has failed to demonstrate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the Phase I project.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a process for rapidly manufacture and qualification of non-critical aerospace parts. Document steps on how parts were chosen, how key qualification issues were addressed, and lessons learned for implementing new manufacturing methods on similar parts in the future. Pilot the process on 2-3 identified Air Force parts, working with appropriate engineering authorities to work through qualification of manufacturing processes.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further commercialize the capability to qualify replacement parts. Identify another round of parts or parts families to replace. Enhance the automation of the process.

KEYWORDS: Additive Manufacturing, Sustainment, Reverse engineering, ducting, non-flight critical, qualification, FDM, SLS, 3D printing

* DIRECT TO PHASE II *

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop, demonstrate, and deliver a capability that includes necessary materials, machines, and processes to produce masking and tooling for thermal spray, shot peening, and other coating processes to support sustainment of aircraft turbine engines.

DESCRIPTION: Additive manufacturing and new rapid manufacturing methods may have the capability to transform the cost and the lead time required to produce and maintain many kinds of parts for the aerospace industry. Tooling, fixtures, shop aids, and prototypes are low-risk applications for additive manufacturing to assist the depot maintenance of aircraft. Other DoD facilities such as the NAVAIR’s Fleet Readiness Centers have utilized additive manufacturing to assist in the repair of aircraft to decrease cost and time associated with non-flying parts. Plasma spray, shot peening, flame spray, and other similar processes are typically used in the sustainment of aircraft engines by the 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group (PMXG) at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center. Masking is required to protect some surfaces of parts during these processes, requiring manually intensive mask taping or expensive, long lead custom masks made from RTV or similar materials that have a limited shelf life. Additive manufacturing has the potential to transform the cost and lead time to mask these parts, transforming the process that is required in preparing parts for the deposition or peening processes.

The desired outcome of this program is a delivered machine, material system, and process that can be used to cost and time effectively produce reusable masks for thermal spray. The materials used for the mask need to withstand the thermal environment that is expected during thermal spray processes. The masks must sufficiently protect the unsprayed area to result in a quality coating. The end state is to lower the time required to produce a mask, so a rough comparative analysis must be undertaken to compare traditional masking techniques to the proposed technique.

Potential solutions could be the direct manufacture of masks via a 3D printer or the use of a 3D printer to produce a mold for these masks. Close interaction with AFRL and PMXG is expected to ensure technical requirements are met. Commercialization potential for this process exists for all thermal spray masking applications. PMXG currently is acquiring a production scale FDM machine that is capable of producing parts over 1ft x 1ft x 1ft. It would be advantageous if the technical solution was compatible with the already existing equipment, however, it is not a requirement of this program. Other types of machines can be considered for use in the end technical solution.

Material requirements for produced masks include ability to conform to the part being sprayed (roots of blades, cases, knife edge seals, stators, etc.) within tolerance to create a clean masking line. Temperatures of the material are expected to see temperatures in excess of 400 degrees F and must be able to handle or resist the heat of the sprayed particles and flame. UV degradation of the materials must also be considered due to the UV emissions of the plasma spray.

Proposed projects should include research and development of processes to produce masks and demonstrations to assist in the sustainment of Air Force parts.

Proposals are limited to $900K.

PHASE I: Contractor will have piloted a capability to produce plasma spray masking directly via additive manufacturing. Demonstrated capability of masking material to withstand plasma spray environment.

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in submitting a Direct to Phase II proposal in response to this topic must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described has been met and describes the potential commercial applications. The documentation provided must substantiate that the proposer has developed a preliminary understanding of additive manufacturing of masking to support turbine engine sustainment. Documentation must include proof of plasma spray masking production via additive manufacturing. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Read and follow all of Step 1 of the Air Force 15.3 Instructions. The Air Force will not evaluate the offeror’s related DP2 proposal where it determines that the offeror has failed to demonstrate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the Phase I project.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate, and deliver the machines, materials, and processes to Air Force Sustainment Center necessary to cost and time effectively produce reusable masks for plasma spray, flame spray, shot peening, and similar processes for turbine engine sustainment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop system for commercialization of the various technologies developed in Phase II for government applications in sustainment of military aircraft engines, to include a broader array of masking types and support for other masking applications.

KEYWORDS: Additive Manufacturing, Sustainment, Reverse engineering, tooling production, fixture production, FDM, SLS, Thermal spray, ULTEM, RTV

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Design an open, modular framework for a missile defense planner such that a training system can be embedded in it, allowing for underlying components to be rapidly inserted (e.g. mapping engines and visualization tools).

DESCRIPTION: The goal of this topic is to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility and utility of building an integrated command and control (C2) planning and training system. While this effort is intended to focus on missile defense (C2), the system must be designed and developed with the intent of expanding to address integrated air and missile defense.

Typically, battle management planners and training systems are separate products; however, both have sub-systems that perform nearly identical functions, to include modeling of current threats and blue force capabilities, visualization and mapping, scenario generation, and scenario execution with record-and-playback capabilities. The unique capabilities for a missile defense battle management planner include defense-design creation and effectiveness analysis while distinctive training system capabilities include truth and instructor displays, red cell controls (during scenario execution), and white cell controls (e.g. script or change blue force failures, degraded performance, and shot doctrine). However, even these unique planner and trainer capabilities would add value to each other in an integrated system.

The desire is for an open, modular, flexible, and adaptable missile defense planner which abstracts the component functionality (including the visualization and mapping engine processes) to facilitate rapid insertion of higher fidelity or quality services. This framework should include a training path which allows for the current planner (at any release) to be used for training and must be consistent with the underlying integrated missile defense planner. It should accommodate new plug-ins for blue force lay downs and red force threats. The framework should also safely separate training from real-time access.

This effort should incorporate innovative methods of product architectural design in order to facilitate the latest data sharing methodologies. This topic is not soliciting visualization. Mapping engines/products already exist and are not a part of this effort.

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate a missile defense planner architectural framework that allows dynamic instantiation of system components and or capabilities, as well as providing simple low-bandwidth methods of data sharing between processes. Demonstrate how this architecture could be used to simplify the evolution of missile defense product development life cycles while not restricting future enhancements.

PHASE II: Refine and update concept(s) based on Phase I results and demonstrate the technology in a realistic missile defense environment using government provided visualization and mapping engines. Demonstrate the technology’s ability to interoperate with the current missile defense battle management planning and training environments.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate the new technologies via operation as part of a complete missile defense system or operation in a system-level test bed to allow for testing and evaluation in realistic scenarios. Transition technologies developed under this solicitation to relevant missile defense elements directly or through vendors.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The contractor will pursue commercialization of the various technologies and optimization components developed in Phase II for potential commercial and military uses in many areas such as disaster planning/training.

KEYWORDS: Defense Planning, Architecture, Data Sharing Methodologies

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors, Weapons

OBJECTIVE: Develop approaches and technologies that enable irrefutable and unalterable logging and maintaining of tamper events of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based critical technology solutions without utilization of write-once memory.

DESCRIPTION: The proposed research and development project will provide a way to increase confidence levels to determine whether the detected event, in fact, was an infiltration. The application is for systems that do not have write-once memory and its processing capabilities. This irrefutable evidence should not compromise the systems functionality. This topic is not seeking solutions that use tamper-evident labels or security seals. Though the particular solution may be tailored for individual applications, the concept and methodology of the solution should be applicable to various COTS and military hardware. Preferred solutions should work without introducing additional performance risks or costs to the weapon platform and its mission. Additionally, focus on minimal impact to system availability and maintainability.

PHASE I: Research and develop methodologies for proof-of-concept on a representative system that has multiple protections other than this irrefutable evidence of event detection technology. The purpose should be to demonstrate the feasibility, uniqueness, and robustness of the protection that the proposed technology will offer. Estimate the performance impact.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I research; develop, demonstrate and validate a prototype of the developed methodologies or techniques on a representative weapon platform. Conduct an analysis to evaluate the ability of the technology’s functional effectiveness in a real-world situation. The contractor should also identify any anticipated commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovation.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate the developed technology into a system application, for a system level test-bed. This phase will demonstrate the application to one or more military systems, subsystems, or components — as well as the product’s utility against industrial espionage. Conduct an analysis to evaluate the performance of the technology/technique in a real-world situation. For transition, consider a partnership with a current or potential supplier of missile defense systems, subsystems, or components.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The proposals should show how the innovation can benefit commercial business or that the innovation has benefits to both commercial and defense applications. The projected benefits of the innovation to commercial applications should be clear, whether they improve security, reduce cost, or improve the producibility or performance of products that utilize the innovative technology.

KEYWORDS: Technology Protection, IP Protection, Tamper Evidence, Forensic Investigation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop and implement an innovative hardware and/or software solution that, in response to user or system command, can detect and identify electronic network (wired and/or wireless) infrastructure components, employ state of the art methods and technologies to automatically or under human-in-the-loop control configure the network components, and test/monitor the viability of the components to satisfy a predefined network architecture definition.

DESCRIPTION: The missile defense modeling and simulation mission and test infrastructure may benefit from the development of a self-establishing network capability. Such a capability will enable the autonomous establishment and maintenance of network connections by a primary network control node between remote components of a simulation or test according to a pre-defined network architecture.

The capability developed under this topic should incorporate innovative networking technologies to create a new autonomous networking capability. While other networking capabilities such as the Self-Organizing Networks (SONs) used in modern ad-hoc mobile and sensor networks utilize some autonomous connectivity and configuration capabilities, which may be leveraged in the development of this research, this topic differs in that the networking capability designed will create networks which will be established from a single control node with architectures that are defined by the user at the time of build, may be unique from build to build, may be re-defined and re-built according to user specifications, and which conform to DoD Cyber Security protocols. These requirements necessitate an entirely new capability which will require new research to develop and implement.

The research performed under this topic will identify the external network nodes that can be exploited to expand the network to meet the architecture topology. The network control node initiates control commands to configure the external nodes to meet the specified architecture parameter definitions. The control node also autonomously monitors the network and rebuilds or reconfigures the network when sub-components no longer meet the architecture parameter definitions or when desired changes to existing network architectures are specified by the user, and provides reports on the health and status of the network. Additionally, it provides for user oversight, management, intervention, and override of autonomous networking operations at all stages to ensure user control of autonomous networking and security activities. Upon completion of the network expansion and configuration, the control node then provides results of the network build and compliance with the architecture definitions.

PHASE I: Develop a design product which will present a notional architecture to be pursued in creating a hardware and/or software solution providing a self-establishing network capability which conforms to the user-specified network architecture and security constraint. The design will capture the key areas where new development is needed, suggest appropriate methods and technologies to realize the design based on the research performed, and incorporate new technologies researched during design development. Develop a plan for verification and validation (V&V) of the design once built.

The results of this phase will provide recommendations for what is needed to fully meet the architectural definition described above and identify where gaps exist. The proposed network design will also comply with DoD Cyber Security protocols, ensuring that network connections are only formed between authorized nodes at the same level of information security, that those connections pass data securely, and that tools are in place for the autonomous detection and mitigation of security breaches.

PHASE II: Using the design developed in Phase I, produce a small-scale prototype self-establishing network capability which can be used for test & evaluation of the basic networking and cyber security components of the design and identify areas where new development is needed. Develop new hardware and/or software technologies to support the prototype design proposed in Phase I. Perform V&V of the prototype according to the plan developed in Phase I to ensure that the priority objectives are adequately met. This prototype work will be used to inform the development and implementation of a mature, full-scale capability in Phase III.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Scale-up the self-establishing network capability from the prototype utilizing the new hardware and/or software technologies developed in Phase II into a mature, fieldable capability. Develop an interface to provide the user with reports of the completeness of network builds and compliance with the user-defined network architecture and cyber security protocols, and facilitate user oversight, management, intervention, and override of the system when necessary. Deploy the fully tested, verified, and validated capability. The contractor will commercialize the Phase III hardware and/or software, enabling an autonomous establishment or re-configuration of a wired and/or wireless network in accordance with a user-defined network architecture and adhering to user-defined network and cyber security preferences and/or protocols (desired security options may be selectable by the commercial user). Such autonomously configured networks will adhere to and provide for user oversight, management, intervention, and override of autonomous networking operations at all stages of operation.

This innovative technology will support increased speed and ease of secure network building and management in the private sector as well as secure business system integration.

COMMERCIALIZATION: This innovation technology for the autonomous establishment of secure networks has clear application beyond the scope of DoD systems. This technology can be applied to modems, routers, switches, hubs, protocol standards, ISO standards, IEEE standards, etc.

KEYWORDS: Self-Establishing Network, Systems Integration Tool, User-Defined Architecture

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Elicit new and innovative approaches to perform inline threat generation (ITG) in a constructive digital simulation, without having to pre-generate the threat data, in order to stimulate modeling and simulation (M&S) used for missile defense performance assessment.

DESCRIPTION: High-fidelity, constructive digital simulations are used to assess the performance of missile defense at the element and system level. Pre-scripted input files consisting of high-fidelity data that effectively portray the kinematics, signatures and lethality-related traits of red force missiles in a “truth” sense, stimulate various models so that the truth inputs are appropriately “perceived” by the missile defense element models and simulations during simulation runtime. There are currently no processes, tools, or software that can generate the necessary detailed high resolution truth data “inline” during runtime of a constructive digital simulation.

New innovative technologies are needed that will enable ITG in these high-fidelity constructive simulations. This innovative capability would enhance the credibility of simulations in the M&S Enterprise, shorten integration time (enabling efficiency gains and reducing event schedules), produce greater quantities of quality, credible decision quality data, and expand the envelope of behaviors assessed via M&S by allowing red forces to react and change "inline" based on what is occurring on the simulation “gameboard” during runtime. If successful, the approaches developed under this effort could be applied to the problem of producing similar truth data for blue force interceptor flyouts.

Input data considerations: The ITG capability should be able to take as inputs the minimal set of parameters and inputs that are currently used for offline, pre-scripted threat generation tools, as well as any parameters that may be required for simulated responsive behavior of the threat object that could not have been predicted priori. This input data would include both “scenario independent” missile and signature characterization/data from the Intel community and other threat authorities, as well as “scenario specific” parameters about any and all particular missile flyouts in any given scenario.

Runtime considerations: The slower a simulations runs, the less the assessment data that is available. The inline threat approach being investigated here would presumably shift the time investment of threat data production from "pre-execution" to "in-execution". The end-state desire would be that, when rolled up, this shift in where and when threat data is generated would be a net positive in terms of impacts to simulation employment timelines, as compared to the legacy, pre-scripted approach. In other words, we do not want inline threat generation to so “bog down” the runtime performance of the overall simulation that, in the end, the simulation employment timeline would have been better off to have stayed with pre-scripted threats. To that end, also note that the use of the word "inline" does not mean that leveraging of already pre-existing threat data, at least as a point of departure during runtime, for example, is necessarily prohibited.

V&V considerations: “Offline” threat tools and their outputs are rigorously validated and verified as “standalone” modeling software and are used to create pre-scripted threat data. Information provided by the appropriate authorities in the Intel and threat communities validate these missile models and corresponding signatures. An inline threat capability needs to adopt and apply the same rigor and processes that the credibility of threat data created by ITG is similarly unimpeachable. It may seem obvious or a truism to say that software tools should be verified and validated; however, it is highlighted here as a special concern and emphasis area for the use of M&S for performance assessment.

PHASE I: Develop a proof-of concept prototype/demonstration of the ITG approach, including a simulation conceptual model and top-level architecture of how a high-resolution ITG capability would be integrated into a system-of-systems simulation comparable or traceable to a simulation. Demonstrate approaches to verification and validation of the ITG. Proof-of-concept for this phase may be related to unclassified surrogate red force and blue force models or other systems, or options for a stand-in for the overarching simulation could be provided GFE. The Phase I effort could be appropriately scoped to an initial subset of inline threat data production demonstration versus the entire threat data package. Provide an initial CONOPS for V&V of the inline threat tool. Demonstrate initial capability for truth interaction of threat data creation, i.e. modification or creation of threat data during runtime in reaction to truth data that emerges on the runtime "gameboard", in a way that could not have been pre-scripted and was not explicitly part of the user input parameters.

PHASE II: Using the conceptual model and insights gained from the Phase I prototype, develop a working ITG, encompassing a capability to generate inline all types and amounts of threat data currently developed today for performance assessment simulation. Major emphasis of Phase II would then be on a rigorous V&V demonstration and benchmarking against an analogous legacy set of threat generation capabilities.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Deploy working ITG capability within missile defense applications. Develop operational interfaces with existing simulation tool sets. Update the ITG to keep pace with adversary data and threat models needed for current-day simulation efforts. Support all activities for endorsement/accreditation of the ITG capability leading to accreditation by the appropriate authorities. Ensure that design encompasses modularity (i.e. upgradeability) and usability, such that keeping pace with operational threat changes does not entail massive ITG development efforts and code changes, but rather input parameter changes, with documentation via conceptual model, specifications and user instruction, per M&S development best practices. Investigate expansion of ITG capability to also encompass blue force interceptor truth data generation.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The technology developed here could tie into commercial opportunities related to high-speed computing as related to simulation of complex systems-of-systems.

KEYWORDS: Simulation, Missile Modeling, Missile Signatures, High-Speed Computing

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Provide the government with a set of capabilities that significantly reduces the time and effort associated with integrating complex system simulations.

DESCRIPTION: As missile defense simulations become more complex, integration efforts also become increasingly more complex, resulting in significantly increased software integration times. Further increased software complexities are present within a distributed simulation enterprise. Missile defense simulations would benefit from new and innovative advances in technology and processes in order to shorten system-level-simulation integration time.

The capabilities developed under this topic should incorporate innovative software development technologies to create a robust set of enterprise-level tools and techniques to overcome system-level integration challenges. While traditional software and hardware development technologies focus on integration challenges within one team or sets of teams, this topic seeks to address the challenges associated with multi-organizational, enterprise-wide sets of system integration challenges. These requirements necessitate an entirely new way of accomplishing system level integration of simulations. To accomplish this, new research in enterprise level integration solutions are required.

Research and technology focus areas include:

Methods to shorten integration time by identifying and mitigating integration bottlenecks
Increasing software development efficiencies associated with complex system integrations
Increasing effectiveness of cross-organizational simulation development and integration

PHASE I: Develop a design and a concept of operations. The design will capture the key areas where new development is needed, suggest appropriate methods and technologies to realize the design based on the research performed, and incorporate new technologies researched during design development. The contractor should identify the strengths/weaknesses associated with different solutions, methods and concepts.

PHASE II: Based upon the findings from Phase I, the contractor will complete a detailed prototype design incorporating government performance requirements. The contractor will coordinate with the government during prototype design and development to ensure that the delivered products will be relevant to ongoing and planned missile defense projects. This prototype design will be used to form the development and implementation of a mature, full-scale capability in Phase III.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Scale-up the capability from the prototype utilizing the new hardware and/or software technologies developed in Phase II into a mature, fieldable capability. Deploy the fully tested, verified, and validated missile defense capability.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The proposals should show how the innovation has benefits to both commercial and defense applications. The projected benefits of the innovation should be clear, whether they improve development time, reduce cost, or improve the producibility or performance of products that utilize the innovative technology. This technology could be leveraged in industries where increasingly complex systems are built and tested in a distributed fashion. Examples include automotive industries, NASA, and other aerospace industries.

KEYWORDS: System of Systems Simulations, Software Integration, Software Development Testing, Network Testing, Simulation Testing, Distributed Test Assets

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative, bi-directional fiber laser/amplifier output tap couplers for use in high power fiber laser weapon systems, extending the efficiency, reliability and power handling beyond 1kW per channel.

DESCRIPTION: High energy lasers are required for a number of military applications including long range sensing, target designation and illumination and missile defense. Electric lasers are considered the laser of choice in the long-term since the energy supply is rechargeable and clean. The preferred type of electric laser is the semiconductor diode-pumped fiber laser or amplifier, which integrates well with other sensors and electro-optic elements in an aerospace environment. This topic seeks proposals for demonstration of concepts and hardware which would enable high-brightness, high-power scaling of fiber lasers/amplifiers.

High power fiber optic tap couplers are needed to monitor and control optical amplifier output power, phase, pathlength and polarization of double clad gain fibers in all-fiber optical amplifier configurations. For non-polarization maintaining gain fiber operated in a linearly polarized output architecture, it is necessary to pick-off a small amount of amplified output signal for feedback to a control loop that can adjust the input polarization state to yield a linearly polarized output state. High power capable fiber optic tap couplers are required for the development and maturation of co-directional and counter-directional pumped all-fiber architectures to increase ruggedness and reliability for combined power scaling. The ideal tap coupler minimizes loss for the throughput signal for efficiency and power handling capability while picking-off a small amount of signal for closed loop control of polarization, phase and path length matching for coherent beam combining.

Spectrally combined fiber amplifier systems do not require phase and path length matching but do require linearly polarized output for efficient beam combining. High power capable fiber tap couplers compatible with large mode area double clad fibers, polarization maintaining, and non- polarization maintaining fibers are needed. Additionally, tap couplers for photonic crystal fibers and photonic band gap are needed. Fiber tap coupler designs are targeted for lasing of Ytterbium ~1064nm and Thulium ~2000nm. Optical efficiency of the tap coupler, power handling and bidirectionality will be used as metrics for all phases.

PHASE I: Deliver a design for a kilowatt capable fiber optic tap coupler and packaging for large mode area Ytterbium and Thulium doped double clad fiber. Criteria for the design includes, bi-directional power handling capability, polarization, phase and path length pick-off with robust packaging. Designs compatible with photonic crystal and photonic band gap gain fibers are also sought.

PHASE II: Based on Phase I designs and models; build, test, and demonstrate multi-kW capable bi-directional prototype fiber optic tap couplers and conduct in-depth characterization of hardware to show a maturity of technology toward potential commercial and military applications. Deliver packaged devices to solicitor designated government labs for high power evaluation.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate multi-kW capable bi-directional prototype fiber optic tap couplers packaged for insertion into militarily relevant fiber laser weapons systems. Team with missile defense integrators to demonstrate maturity and technical readiness in military environments.

COMMERCIALIZATION: High power handling optical fiber tap couplers enable fabrication of compact and reliable fiber laser technologies for immediate insertion into military systems. Industrial commercial applications include materials marking, cutting and welding for a wide array of automated manufacturing. In a rapidly emerging medical application, tattoo removal is also an area where all-fiber optical power monitoring and control is needed.

KEYWORDS: High Power Fiber Tap Coupler, High Power All Fiber Pick-Off, Double Clad Fiber Pick-Off

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

OBJECTIVE: Develop the scaling law capabilities needed to obtain high fidelity solutions and model laser systems that contain multiple/obscured apertures.

DESCRIPTION: High energy laser (HEL) systems with spatially distributed architectures offer the potential for substantially reduced volume while mitigating thermal management requirements at the laser source (i.e., offers the potential for distributed thermal management). This beam combining method uses multiple lasers spatially distributed across the beam director’s entrance pupil. The approach also uses inexpensive high bandwidth electrooptic modulators and positioners to control the piston, tip, and tilt of each optical beamlet train, allowing for the overall system to apply a wavefront correction (without the use of combining elements or deformable mirrors) so that the beamlets coherently combine at the target. Current commercially available scaling law modeling and simulation packages, such as SHARE or HELEEOS, do not have the capabilities needed to obtain high-fidelity solutions and model HEL systems that contain multiple/obscured apertures. Scaling law modeling and simulations with these capabilities are sought to enable trade space analyses to be performed to determine the technical viability of the spatially distributed aperture HEL system approach as an alternative to current technical approaches for missile defense applications.

PHASE I: Develop a scaling law model for HEL systems that are composed of either multiple apertures that are spatially distributed and/or a single aperture that is obscured. Demonstrate the model adequately addresses critical/key system engineering design constraints (e.g., diffraction, jitter, aero-optic disturbances, atmospheric propagation, beam control, radiometry, etc.) for the selected approach(es).

PHASE II: Using the model developed in Phase I, develop packaged modules that are user friendly with proper documentation and have the potential to be implemented in current commercially available scaling law packages such as SHARE or HELEEOS. When needed, validation experiments should be used to reduce risk of model uncertainty.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Use the modules developed in Phase II to perform solicitor selected trade studies. Develop a more convenient way of defining different HEL system configurations and advance methods for bookkeeping the power lost to different HEL system configurations.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The new scaling law packages will provide military and commercial HEL system developers the ability to compare different systems (e.g., end-to-end systems with beam directors that are off-axis unobscured, centrally obscured, spatially distributed with multiple subapertures, and/or conformal phased arrays) and to tradespace analysis necessary for effective planning and decision making.

KEYWORDS: High Energy Lasers, Modeling And Simulation, Scaling Laws, Scaling Codes, Beam Control, Wave Optics, Beam Combination, Fiber Lasers

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Obtain innovative infrared (IR) readout integrated circuit (ROIC) technology, including digital and three dimensional (3-D) ROICs that will enable large format, high sensitivity, high resolution, large dynamic range, large field of view (FOV), and fast data rate dual-band IR focal plane arrays (FPAs) for missile defense applications.

DESCRIPTION: The long read time and limited data-rate and dynamic-range capabilities of analog ROICs limit sensor performance. Analog ROIC output signal is susceptible to noise requiring added shielding and additional electronics for subsequent signal processing. Digital readout integrated circuits (DROICs) using in-pixel processing and an all-digital readout can provide low noise, wide dynamic range, wide FOV, high resolution, and fast readout rate for overcoming limits imposed by readout circuits on sensors. With the emergence of through-silicon via 3-D packaging and 3-D stacked fabrication technology a future ROIC is capable of more processing on the imager chip creating the potential for smaller, low power systems. Innovative technical solutions are solicited for a ROIC architecture/design that meets the following goals: format 512 x 512 or larger; pixel pitch from 10 micrometers to 30 micrometers; operating temperature 60 - 90 Kelvin; bias range 0 - 1 Volt; detector bias resolution less than 5 millivolts; equivalent well capacity up to 50 million electrons; read noise less than 200 electrons; dynamic range 14- 22 bits; full frame rate up to 200 Hz; power consumption less than 300 mW; and matching detector quantum efficiency 45 - 70%. The proposed solutions should also include a design that mitigates the effect of harsh manmade and natural radiation environments, including high energy particles and photons to prevent catastrophic system failure.

PHASE I: Develop a preliminary design for the proposed algorithms and electronics architectures. Modeling, simulation, and analysis of the design must be presented to demonstrate clearly how near-term goals will be met. Proof-of-concept hardware development and test is highly desirable. Proof-of-concept demonstration may be subscale or specific risk reduction activities associated with critical components or technologies. Preliminary experimental results can be used in conjunction with modeling and simulation to verify scaling laws and feasibility.

PHASE II: Finalize the design of a prototype ROIC including all supporting modeling, simulation, and analysis. Validate the feasibility of the proposed technology developed in Phase I by development of the prototype and demonstration of a ROIC-enabled FPA for characterization testing at a dual-band level. Environmental testing, including radiation testing, is highly desirable in this phase.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop and execute a plan to market and manufacture the product developed in Phase II. DROIC designers are encouraged to collaborate with the detector and FPA community to achieve the best overall performance of the sensor chip assembly for missile defense applications and enable integration of the FPA into suitable integrated detector/cooler assemblies for subsequent testing.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The contractor will pursue commercialization of the various technologies and EO/IR components developed in Phase II for potential commercial uses in such diverse fields as law enforcement surveillance, astronomy, weather monitoring, aviation collision avoidance sensors, medical uses, homeland defense applications, and other infrared detection and imaging applications.

KEYWORDS: Readout Integrated Circuit, Digital ROIC, Digitization Per Column, Radiation-Hardened ROIC and FPA, Large Format, DROIC-Enabled FPAs, Digital ROIC (DROIC, Multiple Spectral Band)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes, Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Seek innovative solutions to improve performance of the next generation reserve batteries. Improvements should allow for geometric flexibility of batteries, increased energy density, longer shelf life, and manufacturability.

DESCRIPTION: Currently, a variety of reserve batteries power missile defense applications. These power systems have specific requirements that include a long shelf life (up to 20 years), high voltage levels (>100V in some cases), high power density, high energy density, safety, and reliability. Examples include thermal batteries and lithium oxyhalide. Current thermal batteries can achieve peak specific powers greater than 10kW/kg and specific energies greater than 125Whr/kg at the battery level. Similarly, lithium oxyhalide batteries can achieve peak specific powers greater than 2kW/kg and specific energies greater than 250Whr/kg at the battery level.

Future missile defense applications are projected to require more power and longer runtimes in smaller spaces, which will necessitate greater power density and energy density. Technologies that increase operating time or reduce size and weight are desired. In addition, current reserve batteries are geometrically constrained. Missile defense applications seek battery technologies that could enable a more conformal shape in order to achieve a higher volumetric energy density. The proposer could achieve improvements through enhanced packaging efficiency, materials, or electrolytes.

Focus areas for manufacturability enhancements include improved processes for materials, assembly, inspection, quality control, and modeling. Seek manufacturing processes that allow scalability with minimal design changes of the new battery technology. Designs should allow for electrical verification testing of the battery and periodic health monitoring throughout the battery shelf life.

PHASE I: Complete an initial design for the battery technology to demonstrate the proof of concept. Include laboratory experimentation and/or modeling to verify the proposed concept. Deliver an initial design for the prototype along with performance estimates.

PHASE II: Complete a detailed prototype design and construct a prototype for testing in a simulated environment. Testing should verify design assumptions and performance estimates. Include a detailed design and detailed performance analysis from the prototype testing.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Work with missile defense integrator to refine requirements and demonstrate the technology in a relevant environment. A successful Phase III would transition the technology into a missile defense application.

COMMERCIALIZATION: Pursue commercialization in both DoD and non-DoD applications. Reserve batteries have uses in other military and commercial applications including guided munitions, launch systems, and single use emergency systems.

KEYWORDS: Reserve Batteries, Packaging Efficiency, Energy Density, Power Density, Shelf Life, Manufacturability

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sensors, Weapons

OBJECTIVE: Develop accelerometers, gyros, and inertial measurement units (IMUs), based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies capable of performing under missile defense application shock and vibration environments.

DESCRIPTION: Gyroscopes and accelerometers employed in missile defense IMU applications encounter severe shock and vibration during storage, transport, launch, staging, deployment, and engagement. In addition, IMUs in flight systems (interceptors, airborne platforms, and space assets) are constrained by limits on size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) while requiring high performance. Current state-of-the-art tactical IMUs utilize optical technology (ring laser gyros and fiber optic gyros) which can be sensitive to temperature, shock and vibration. MEMS technology promise to offer smaller, lighter, and less expensive to produce IMUs than optical systems since integrated circuit manufacturing production techniques are utilized in MEMS fabrication. However, MEMS based IMUs have been known to experience performance degradation while operating through stressing shock and vibration environments. Proposed MEMS solutions should focus on producing reliable, durable, and accurate components that operate without performance degradation under all shock and vibration environments encountered by flight systems. Current industry standard tactical IMUs (e.g. LN-200 FOG and HG1700 IMUs) provide baseline SWaP and performance standards for any proposed effort.

Also, applicable portions of Department of Defense document MIL-STD-810, Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests, and the Air Force Space Command and Space and Missile Systems Center document SMC-S-016, Test Requirements for Launch, Upper-Stage and Space Vehicles, may serve as useful guides for the testing.

In addition to typical accelerometer and gyro performance values used to quantify performance, two performance ranges should be considered. The first is the shock response spectrum amplitude (g) versus frequency (Hz) range and, the second, for vibration, is the power spectral densities (g^2/Hz) versus frequency (Hz) range.

PHASE I: Conduct experimental and/or modeling efforts to demonstrate proof-of-principle of the proposed technology to operate in high shock and vibration environments. Demonstrate the technological ability to maintain performance standards in realistic environments.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate the functionality of a MEMS prototype and its ability to be utilized for missile defense accelerometer, gyro, and IMU applications. Demonstrate applicability to both selected military and commercial applications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The cost avoidance realized by employing this technology would be significant. Hence, the anticipated Phase III program customers would include a wide range of current weapon system programs. During this phase, the effort calls for engineering and development, test and evaluation, and hardware qualification.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The proposed technology would be anticipated to have a high level of interest for the aerospace and testing industries where ever accelerometers and/or gyros are practical.

KEYWORDS: MEMS, IMU, Accelerometer, Gyro

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes, Weapons

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative concepts and materials to replace the Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous separator and glass separator used in lithium oxyhalide batteries, while maintaining or exceeding performance, decreasing manufacturing complexity, and yield more efficient battery geometries.

DESCRIPTION: The anodes and cathodes of the lithium oxyhalide reserve battery’s cells are separated by a PTFE micro-porous material and glass material that provides electrical isolation for the electrodes. The solutions must include producible materials that maximize volumetric efficiency for electrolyte capacity and are optimized for efficient electrolyte flow and distribution upon battery activation. The solutions must utilize materials which are chemically compatible with electrolyte and reaction products after activation.

These efforts will focus on specific military aerospace requirements and chemistry while concepts and materials developed in this effort could be integrated into other military systems and aerospace batteries of similar chemistry and have potential for application in other battery chemistries using liquid electrolyte.

PHASE I: Conduct experimental and/or modeling efforts to demonstrate proof-of-principle of the proposed technology to operate in the aerospace battery electrochemical environment. Demonstrate the technological ability to maintain performance standards at the cell level.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate the functionality of a separator prototype and its ability to be utilized in a missile defense reserve battery. Demonstrate applicability to both selected military and commercial applications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The cost avoidance by employing this technology would be significant. Hence, the anticipated Phase III program customers would include a wide range of current weapon system programs. During this phase, the effort calls for engineering and development, test and evaluation, and hardware qualification.

COMMERCIALIZATION: The proposed technology would be anticipated to have a high level of interest for the aerospace, marine, and automotive industries and anywhere batteries are used as a primary power source.

KEYWORDS: Battery, Lithium Oxyhalide, Electrolyte, Ceramic, Battery, Micro-Porous Separator

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Combat Support Systems (CSS), PdM Expeditionary Power Systems (EPS)

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative approaches to enable a Marine unit to harvest energy in locations that are covered with low direct-light levels and low wind levels.

DESCRIPTION: Logistics resupply of power, both fuel and batteries, is a major burden on a Marine Company and can limit their desired operations. The USMC Expeditionary Energy Strategy and Implementation Plan (Ref. 1) states an ultimate goal of eliminating liquid fuel needs except for mobility platforms by 2025. Several renewable energy efforts are underway to get the Marine Corps closer to this goal (Ref. 2); however, most of these efforts are focused on technologies that are most efficient in open sunny locations. With the Marine Corps push to the Pacific and locations where terrain will consist of denser foliage areas, the more standard solar and wind technologies will not be as effective. There is a need for technology that can harvest energy in covered locations which would reduce the Marines total logistical burden of fuel and batteries. Currently all fielded renewable energy systems require open uncovered locations for deployment. Systems such as wind and solar do not perform well near or under covered locations such as in forests or jungles. Known harvesting technology that can be used in covered locations such as waste-to-energy technology is currently too bulky, time consuming to initiate and unreliable for small units of Marines. Other efforts have been looked at such as micro-hydro turbines, hand crank generators, and biomass energy converters. All of these systems have had deficiencies in ether size, weight, operational area limitation, or ease of deployment, making them currently unsuitable for wide use. The Marine Corps deploys in a variety of environments and needs advanced technology that will allow for harvesting of available energy in locations that are covered (Ref. 3).

The Marine Corps is interested in innovative approaches in the development of renewable expeditionary energy systems. Proposed concepts must be able to operate in temperature ranges of -20°F to 125°F in rain, dust, salt conditions and survive transit over rough terrain (Ref. 4). Proposed concept systems must be light and compact allowing a small number of Marines to carry and deploy the system. The objective for an individual component is no more than a 2 person lift (88lbs). To limit deployment area and overall weight, the proposed concepts should be scalable and have energy densities greater than 25W/ft^2 and 5W/lbs. Proposed concepts should have minimal start up time (< 10 minutes for 2 people) allowing the Marines to rapidly set-up and start powering their equipment. It is anticipated that successfully developed energy harvesting concepts would be used in conjunction with the USMC renewable energy and hybrid systems. Therefore, proposed concepts will be required to have either a nominal 24V output which is fairly stable (MIL-STD-1275F) or a 120V AC output (MIL-STD-1332B) (Ref. 5,6).

PHASE I: Develop concepts for harvesting energy in covered locations that meet the requirements described above. The small business will demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and will establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Analytical modeling and simulation may be used to demonstrate feasibility. The small business will also articulate a plan for Phase II development that identifies performance goals, key technical milestones, and, as appropriate, any technical risk reduction strategy(ies).

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, develop and deliver a prototype system for government evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW and the Marine Corps requirements for renewable energy systems. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and over the required range of parameters as discussed in the Description above. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into a final design. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the small business will be expected to support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. The small business will develop a plan to determine the effectiveness of the renewable energy system in an operationally relevant environment. The small business will support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. As applicable, the small business will prepare manufacturing plans and develop manufacturing capabilities to produce the product for military and commercial markets.

KEYWORDS: Renewable energy; energy harvesting; expeditionary energy; expeditionary power; energy strategy

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMM-113.5, Product Manager Optics and Non-Lethal Systems (ONS), MCPC 240111

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 section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. 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 system for locating the source of hostile small arms fire without the requirement for direct line of sight to the point of origin. The system shall consist of head, body, and/or hand-held components to provide real-time location data to a dismounted Marine during tactical movement. This topic addresses energy efficiency and operational costs by reducing the power and expense associated with fixed-site and vehicle mounted anti-sniper and counter-fire sensor systems.

DESCRIPTION: Acoustic gunshot detection systems utilizing microphone arrays are capable of establishing the approximate point of origin and trajectory of small arms fire, but are easily confused in multi-path reflection environments, including mountainous regions and urban canyons. The same mountainous and urban environments can constrain the use of line of sight based gunfire location techniques, such as muzzle flash detection, and “pre-shot” capabilities that actively search for optical augmentation retro-reflections from potential threats, providing little utility to other friendly forces not equipped with their own gunfire or pre-shot sensors. Active illumination pre-shot systems also have the potential to reveal friendly force locations to hostile forces equipped with imaging devices operating within the same wavelengths. Reference 1 provides additional details of these capabilities and their limitations. Dismounted Marines are currently equipped with various direct-view visible light and indirect-view image intensification and thermal imaging systems operating in infrared imaging bands. Under ideal viewing angle (parallel, but not perpendicular, to line of sight) and environmental conditions, some devices are capable of briefly perceiving small arms projectiles in flight, either directly or indirectly via their wake, but without sufficient detail to reliably track to the point of origin.

Prior research (see Ref 2) indicates that small arms projectiles in flight are strong emitters in infrared bands, particularly Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR). Dismounted Marines typically utilize uncooled Long-wave Infrared (LWIR) imagers, such as the AN/PAS-28 Medium Range Thermal Imager and AN/PAS-30 Mini Thermal Imager (see Ref 3 and 4), due to their low cost (less than $10,000), low power (less than three Watts), and near-instant start-up time, but these systems have only demonstrated reliable imaging of relatively large or slow projectiles, such as grenades. Handheld MWIR imagers are available in the USMC inventory, but their high cost (greater than $20,000) and cooling needs (up to eight Watts and greater as ambient temperature increases, cool-down times measured in minutes) are accepted for only the longest range (over 2,500 meter) imaging applications. The currently fielded AN/PAS-22 Long Range Thermal Imager (see Ref 5) is an MWIR device, but has a restricted field of view, low resolution, and insufficient imaging frame rate to resolve small, high speed projectiles perpendicular to observer.

This topic seeks to explore innovative approaches in the development of a man-portable, battery powered, small-arms fire location system that is handheld, head mounted, and/or body worn for use by an individual dismounted Marine observing from positions of protective cover during tactical movement and, ideally, while also on-the-move. Proposed concepts shall utilize thermal imaging technology to acquire, display, and extrapolate a partial small arms projectile (Russian caliber 5.45mm, US caliber 5.56mm and greater) track, passing at any angle within tactically relevant range (hundreds of meters) of the observer, to the point of origin. Accuracy of points of origin shall (threshold specification) have an average azimuth error of less than five degrees from the observer’s point of view, and an average range estimation error of less than 20%, during conditions of no-obstructing terrain between the source and observer. Accuracy should (objective specification) be less than two degrees average azimuth error, and less than 10% average range error. Thresholds are specifications that meet requirements; while objectives are specifications that exceed minimal requirements and are of a particular interest. Observed tracks shall be graphically distinguishable from extrapolated paths, and overlaid on actual, real-time, terrain scenery to assist observer orientation. Proposed concepts shall have a probability of detection of no less than 70%, day or night and commensurate with the threat weapon capabilities (ex., 500 meters for 5.45mm and 5.56mm caliber rifles; 2,000 meters for 12.7mm caliber heavy machine gun weapon systems). Proposed concepts should not utilize pre-mission terrain maps or other external mapping platforms. Concepts may, but are not required to, include additional electro-optical, acoustic, or other sensors to achieve accuracy requirements or cue other sensors with higher fidelity, but shall remain passive (no deliberate emissions) while in operation. The ability to refine accuracy through networked, open architecture, multi-user observations is desirable; however the system must meet requirements with a, passive, stand-alone capability. Concepts shall be capable of acquiring and temporarily storing (for at least fifteen minutes) the tracks of multiple weapons firing near-simultaneously, including those operating at a high rate of fire (up to 2,000 rounds per minute). For the purposes of Phase II demonstration, proposed sensor components (including sensor level analog to digital conversion and onboard calibration and image enhancement functions, but not including output capture and projectile track processing hardware) should consume a total of no more than eight Watts of power over an ambient operating temperature range of -40C to +49C. Collected imagery and track analysis should be presented within one minute of firing events (a burst of machine gun fire counts as one event). The goal for Phase III is for collected imagery and track analysis to be presented to the user within 5 seconds or less after firing events. The Phase III system and power supply capacity shall be sufficient for eight hours of continuous surveillance, including no less than 250 distinct firing events detected and correlated to point of origin. The weight of Phase III head-mounted, hand-held, and/or body-worn components (including batteries), shall not exceed 500 grams, two kilograms, and seven kilograms, respectively.

PHASE I: Develop concepts for an improved approach for locating the source of hostile, small-arms fire without the requirement for direct line of sight to the point of origin that is capable of meeting the requirements stated in the Description above. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and will establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. As applicable, the company will conduct detailed analysis of relevant target sets, concepts of employment, and sensing schemes necessary to achieve the desired capability. Where feasible, and within the scope and resources of the Phase I effort, key technical concepts shall be demonstrated. The small business will also articulate a plan for Phase II development that identifies performance goals, key technical milestones, and, as appropriate, any technical risk reduction strategy(ies). The company shall also provide a draft Phase II test and evaluation plan identifying any required resources necessary to acquire data for Phase II prototype design refinement. The plan should include the gathering of live-fire data collection utilizing non-Government resources, should sufficient research literature not be available during Phase I.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II SOW, the small business will gather additional data, via live-fire observations, to refine the design and develop a prototype for evaluation. Access to Government furnished weapons, ammunition, and range facilities may be requested; however, the company shall provide a plan to conduct live-fire data collection utilizing non-Government resources (as part of the company’s Phase II prototype testing and evaluation). At the completion of the Phase II contract, the prototype developed shall have a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5, component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment, and demonstrate the ability to meet required capabilities, utilizing critical technology components, such as sensors, representative of Phase III concepts. In Phase II testing and evaluations, low risk technologies (such as image processing electronics) that can be optimally scaled physically and for power consumption with available and proven techniques, may be represented by commercial components (e.g. a tethered general purpose computer with high performance graphics processing units that can be replaced with an embedded field programmable gate array solution in Phase III). Test and evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements for a dismounted Marine platform solution. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the company will be expected to support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. The company will develop a self-contained and ruggedized solution and any respective components optimized for evaluation to determine its overall system effectiveness against realistic threats. The company will support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. As applicable, the company will prepare manufacturing plans and develop manufacturing capabilities to produce the product for military and commercial markets.

KEYWORDS: Hostile Fire Indication; Gunshot Detection; Shooter Location; Small Arms Localization; Projectile Tracking; Anti-Sniper

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMO MC3

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 section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. 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: Development of innovative approaches to provide high-voltage protection to reduce the risk of electrical shocks from low overhead wires for dismounted radio operators while providing equivalent or better radiation pattern and gain in existing hand-held and man-pack radio antennas.

DESCRIPTION: Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) provides radio and antenna material solutions to the Marine Corps. In an operational environment, dismounted Marines can encounter low-hanging wires such as unregulated power distribution lines which present the potential for an electric shock hazard. These lines can be unpredictable in height and voltage. Dismounted Marines operate hand-held or man-pack radios with long collapsible whip (8 to 10 ft.) or blade antennas (3 to 4ft) (Ref 1 and 2). The configurations allow for the possibility of an electrical shock hazard should direct contact be made with a power line. While whip antennas exhibit good size and weight characteristics for the performance they provide, they pose a shock hazard in these types of environments due to their length and all metal construction. Intermediate length blade antennas are more manageable, but are also not designed for the electrical safety of the operator. The development of technology solutions for this type of environment creates several challenges. Electrical antennas (monopoles) need to be in upright position to perform well and display the appropriate omni-directional pattern. However, doing this increases visual cueing to the enemy. An operator in “prone” position (under fire) could also experience substantial degradation in antenna performance due to reflections off of the ground plane. While higher amplification could facilitate the use of a shorter antenna height, this could in turn negatively impact the available portable battery power carried by each warfighter as higher amplification would require more available power. Wearable antenna solutions (e.g. solution that wraps around the individual) are available; however, they could potentially pose Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP) concerns. These solutions also are limited by the use of one frequency band and typically have insufficient power for communications. Loop antennas provide a means to reduce the height significantly, but with a cross-looped design (such as an eggbeater), it becomes impractical for an individual to use. Presently, a temporary solution has been deployed but this solution is a simple antenna sheathing that is considered a temporary work around and not integrated with the antenna. At this time, there are no robust, viable technology solutions for this ongoing need in the application cited.

MARCORSYSCOM is looking for non-invasive, innovative approaches that can be installed in the field for our fielded antennas described previously, to reduce the risk to the operator by providing high-voltage protection to 20KV RMS (35KV RMS objective) while also providing equivalent or better radiation pattern omnidirectional gain as well as a solution that is difficult for the enemy to visually detect. The antennas/solutions of most interest are for use with hand-held and man-pack tactical radios in the High Frequency (HF), lower Very High Frequency (VHF) bands (2 to 88 MHz), and 33-88mhz Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS). The following hand-held and man-pack tactical radios use those above mentioned bands: AN/PRC-150, AN/PRC-117F, AN/PRC-117G and AN/PRC-152 (Ref 3 and 4). The radios use N Type and threaded Neill–Concelman (TNC) antenna connectors. Concepts proposed must not negatively impact or damage the high voltage wires encountered and must pass a high voltage performance test. Proposers should be prepared to discuss the level of protection their technology solution(s) provides, the technology used to achieve a proposed level of protection, and any applicable antenna/solution performance information. Proposers should employ open architecture designs principles as much as is practicable. Preference will be given to solutions that do not cause permanent modifications to the current Marine Corps systems. For maximum range and reliability, the dismounted Marine requires the antenna to be light and flexible (Ref 3 and 4). A collapsible design is not required but, if applicable to the proposed concept, would be helpful for storage and transportation.

PHASE I: The company will develop concepts for reducing the risk of electric shock in the event that a hand-held or man-pack radio antenna makes contact with a live power source pursuant to the requirements described above. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and will establish the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Feasibility will be established by material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. The company will provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, the small business will develop a scaled prototype(s) for evaluation. The prototype(s) will be evaluated to determine the capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW and the Marine Corps requirements as stated in the Description section. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and over the required range of parameters as discussed in the Description above. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype(s) into a final design. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the company will be expected to support the Marine Corps in transitioning their technology for Marine Corps use. The company will finalize the design for evaluation to determine effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. The company will support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. As applicable, the company will prepare manufacturing plans and develop manufacturing capabilities to produce the product for military and commercial markets.

KEYWORDS: antenna; tactical radio; AN/PRC-150; AN/PRC-117F; AN/PRC-117G; AN/PRC-152

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Combat Support Systems (CSS), Family of Water Purification Systems

OBJECTIVE: Development of a Squad level (13 Marines) water purification system (8 gallons/hour) capable of purifying water sourced from any location with a low to zero energy consumption while maintaining the purification standards in TB MED577 (Ref. 1).

DESCRIPTION: Purification of locally sourced water is critical to reducing the logistical supply lines of forward deployed Marines. Large, Battalion sized (Ref. 2), water purification systems exist within the Marine Corps which are capable of purifying water from any source. However, purification of water at smaller force structures can be difficult as space allocations, weight restrictions and available energy sources are limited. The present method of supplying water at the Squad or Platoon level (43 Marines) is to air-drop bottled water or by trucking water purified or produced at a Forward Expeditionary Base (FOB). The process of desalinization is viewed as being one of the highest power demand processes in water purification systems. Desalination of water obtained from any source to support Squad or Platoon operations remains a significant technical challenge. Commercially available water purification systems operate on a much smaller scale and are only able to handle low-salinity (brackish) sourced water. These systems are not scalable and would require an external generator to provide the power necessary to facilitate the desalination process. Innovative research has been performed in nanophotonic effects allowing for high efficiency direct solar membrane distillation, which could allow desalination of water at resource limited locations (Ref. 3). This process holds the potential to greatly increase typical desalinization permeates yields, while decreasing desalinization energy expenditures. This is one example of basic research that could be applied to water purification to increase efficiency of the systems. Successful development of this concept would allow the Squad to facilitate a greater level of selfsufficiency increasing the Commander’s flexibility to deploy this size force. Being able to purify water locally reduces the total cost of supplying water compared to constant resupply of bottled water. In addition, the reduced fuel consumption will reduce the life cycle cost of the water purification system.

The Marine Corps is interested in innovative approaches in the development of a water purification system for Squad sized forces. The Squad sized system should be able to purify 6-10 gallons/hour, weigh no more than 10 lbs, and have a volume of less than 1.5 cubic feet. Of particular interest are approaches which can be scaled to handle Platoon level purification of 12-30 gallons/hour (up to 90 gallons/day) from salt water sources, weigh no more than 84 lbs. and have a volume of less than 15.5 cubic feet. The Marine Corps is required to fight in any location and be highly expeditionary and proposed concepts must be very mobile, surviving transport over rugged terrains (Ref. 2, 4). They must also be usable in any climate the Marines operate in, including desert, jungle and temperate climates as spelled out in MIL-STD-810G (Ref. 4). Concepts proposed must include an automatic water quality test capability and method for providing visual indication (a simple go/no-go indication) as evidence that the water source has been purified to an acceptable level (Ref 1). Concepts should also be operable by a single individual who does not have water quality certification or training. In addition to being able to purify a wide variety of contaminated water sources, proposed concepts must be energy efficient to help reduce the logistical fuel burden on the expeditionary forces while minimizing the need for energy from batteries or other fuel sources (less than 100W during contaminated water purification) and must not require excessive operator mechanical energy for operation.

PHASE I: The small business will develop concepts for an improved water purification system that meets the requirements of the Description section above. The small business will demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and will establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Analytical modeling and simulation may be used to demonstrate feasibility. The small business will also articulate a plan for Phase II development that identifies performance goals, key technical milestones, and, as appropriate, any technical risk reduction strategy(ies).

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II contract Statement of Work (SOW), the small business will develop and deliver a prototype water purification system to the USMC for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW and the Marine Corps requirements for water purification as discussed in the Description above. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation over the required range of parameters as discussed in the Description above. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into a final design. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the small business will be expected to support the Marine Corps in transitioning the water purification system technology for Marine Corps use. The small business will develop a plan to determine the effectiveness of the new water purification system in an operationally relevant environment. The small business will support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. As applicable, the small business will prepare manufacturing plans and develop manufacturing capabilities to produce the product for military and commercial markets.

KEYWORDS: water purification; desalination; water supply; expeditionary support; disaster relief

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMM-113.5, Product Manager Optics and Non-Lethal Systems (ONS), MCPC 240111

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 section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. 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: The objective is to develop, demonstrate and manufacture low size, weight, and power (SWaP) display and optical technologies for presentation of enhanced vision system imagery for dismounted Marine mobility (i.e., movement in darkness and degraded visibility environments) and target acquisition, and electronic display symbology for command, control, and navigation applications, while retaining the ability to see the outside world in a manner that does not reveal the operator’s location via stray light emissions. This topic addresses energy efficiency and operational costs by combining the functionality of multiple display devices.

DESCRIPTION: Marines utilize low light imaging sensors in the form of night vision goggles (NVGs) to conduct movement, target acquisition, and manual tasks in conditions of low ambient light. The most commonly utilized NVG is the AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device (see Ref 1). The majority of NVGs occlude the eye when in use, and must be rotated over the head or detached when entering environments of high ambient light to allow the Marine to have an unrestricted field of view (FOV). The transition from bright and dark environments and corresponding stowing and re-engagement of NVGs creates periods of vulnerability as the Marine’s attention is temporarily diverted to make the adjustment. Similarly, hand held command, control, and navigation devices, such as Global Positioning System receivers, typically require supplemental illumination to view, such as a backlit display or flashlight. However, this could potentially reveal location at night and inhibit local situational awareness and use of individual weapons when hands and attention are occupied. The predominant example of see-through displays applied to NVGs is the AN/PVS-21 Low Profile Night Vision Goggle (LPNVG) (see Ref 2). The LPNVG optically folds the output of standard night vision image intensifiers, which are offset to the side of the head, to partially transparent display surfaces in front of the operator’s eyes overlaying the images onto the outside world. Visible light emissions are not readily apparent through the display surfaces when observed from in front of the operator. However, the relatively low transparency of LPNVG display surfaces limit the ability to acquire targets when ambient conditions are too bright for night vision sensors and too dark to clearly see through the display. Monochrome head mounted displays (HMDs) developed for pilotage applications are increasingly available, and may be extremely bright (1,500 candelas per square meter or greater) for daytime viewing, but color HMDs utilize broadband light sources with partial reflectance optical surfaces that allow light to pass out the front. Light emission limitations are not critical for pilotage applications due to the extreme distance of any potential observer; however, light security is essential to dismounted operations to prevent hostile forces from detecting Marines by the illumination from their night vision or other electronic display devices reflecting off their eyes and skin.

The U.S. Marine Corps in interested in innovative approaches in the development of light secure, see-through display technology (ies) amenable to monocular and binocular configurations while providing the ability to view high resolution (described below), full color (red/green/blue - no less than 256 greyscale levels per color) video imagery, while transmitting no less than 50 percent of incoming ambient light (average across visible spectrum) to the operator without noticeable haze, distortion, or optical seam line artifacts. Light security shall be from the perspective of an observer with unaided, dark-adapted eyes standing ten meters in front of the operator and attempting to detect illumination on surfaces (skin, eyes) directly occluded by the transparent display when operating at nighttime brightness settings and clear starlight (0.0007-0.002 lux ambient illuminance). For all proposed concepts the display optics, light engine (light emitting array or illumination source and modulation system), and associated minimal structural framework to maintain alignment and spacing between elements shall be no greater than 250 grams per eye.

For the purposes of Phase II demonstration, the weight specification does not include articulating structures for head mounting and optimal positioning of the display in front of the eye(s), or associated application platform electronics, protective enclosures, heat dissipation, cabling, and power sources. Proposed light engine and associated alignment/spacing structures concepts shall not occlude viewing below or to the sides of the display optic. Transparent or wireframe structures concepts that do not significantly occlude vision are acceptable, but shall count toward the total weight. The display shall require no more than 1 Watt of power per eye for the light engine (assumes the use of a Low Voltage Differential Signaling or similar interface for pre-processed video inputs) when operating at moonlit night (0.27-1 lux ambient illuminance) viewing brightness and presenting full resolution imagery (all pixels active at an average of 50 percent peak night viewing brightness) at no less than 60 frames per second. The display should (objective specification) require no more than 1 Watt of power per eye when presenting symbology, such as GPS waypoints, compass headings, and/or target locations, comprising no less than 0.2 percent of active pixels viewable under indoor lighting operating brightness (320-500 lux ambient) conditions. Thresholds are specifications that meet requirements; while objectives are specifications that exceed minimal requirements and are of a particular interest.

The display should have a maximum brightness sufficient for viewing symbology outdoors under full daylight (10,000-25,000 lux) conditions. The display active area shall have a horizontal FOV no less than 48 degrees, a vertical FOV no less than 40 degrees, and a resolution of 38 to 50 pixels per degree. Eye relief and viewing offset/angle (eyebox) shall be sufficient to accommodate an operator wearing corrective vision or ballistic eyeglasses while running with the display attached to a ballistic helmet with a three- or four-point suspension system. The combined head-mounted weight of the Phase III demonstrator including optics, display, imaging sensor, display driver electronics, enclosure, and adjustable helmet mounting hardware should not exceed 1 kilogram in either monocular or binocular configurations. Computing elements for symbology generation and sensor image post-processing for display inputs, and battery power supply may be body-worn, and should not exceed 7 kilograms weight.

Potential light engine technologies amenable to power efficient low brightness, high pixel count imagery and high brightness, low pixel count symbology include, but are not limited to, organic light emitting diode arrays and microelectromechanical raster scanning laser systems (see Ref 3 and 4). Examples of lightweight display optics include, but are not limited to, multi-layer holographic waveguides, free-form prisms, and ellipsoidal mirrors (see Ref 5 and 6). Of particular interest are concepts that minimize forward protuberance, maximize airflow to prevent fogging, and prevent pooling of rain or other liquids within the active viewing area while standing or prone. Proposers should be mindful that any proposed display optic materials shall be ballistic polymers or shall incorporate structures that reduce hazardous flying debris when shattered and resistant to abrasion by blowing and hand-wiped sand and dust.

PHASE I: The small business will explore the application of innovative concepts for the development of light secure, see-through display technology (ies) amenable to monocular and binocular configurations that meet(s) the requirements as detailed in the Description above. The small business will demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and will establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. As applicable, the company will conduct size, weight, and power analyses, optical modeling and will provide a preliminary design as a means of demonstrating the ability to meet or exceed the stated capabilities. Where feasible, and within the scope and resources of the Phase I effort, key technical concepts shall be demonstrated. The small business will also articulate a plan for Phase II development that identifies performance goals, key technical milestones, and, as appropriate, any technical risk reduction strategy (ies). The small business shall also provide a draft Phase II test and evaluation plan identifying any resources necessary to acquire required data for Phase II prototype design refinement.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II SOW, the small business will refine their designs and develop scaled prototypes with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5, component and/or breadboard validation for evaluation in a relevant environment. The prototypes shall demonstrate the ability to meet required capabilities while utilizing optical elements with manufacturing and integration schemes representative of Phase III concepts. Simulated sensor imagery and command and control symbology may be in the form of pre-recorded inputs to the displays. The display mounting scheme shall be amenable to direct viewing of imagery and external scenery by an observer under the specified ambient lighting conditions. Low risk technologies (such as video graphics driver electronics) not part of the developmental effort that can be optimally scaled physically and for power consumption with available and proven techniques, may be represented by commercial components (e.g., a tethered general purpose computer and a high performance video graphics driver card that can be replaced with an embedded field programmable gate array solution in Phase III). As applicable, the small business will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful the small business will be expected to support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. The company will fabricate ruggedized systems with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (defined as system/subsystem model or prototype) for demonstration in an operationally relevant environment. Adjustable position helmet mounts will be required for evaluation to determine effectiveness without the demonstrator tethered to a fixed location. In addition to an integrated command and control symbology generator, an imaging sensor capable of demonstrating full resolution and frame rate scene presentation shall be utilized to simulate night vision capability in real-time. This can include low cost (less than $10,000) commercial silicon cameras with near-infrared cut-filters removed to permit non-visible flood illumination operation, and should be of unity magnification and aligned parallel to the display viewing angle. The company will support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the display and optical components for integration into future Marine Corps night vision goggle systems. As applicable, the company will prepare manufacturing plans and develop manufacturing capabilities to produce the product for military and commercial markets.

KEYWORDS: Head Mounted Display; See Through Display; Night Vision; Augmented Reality; Command and Control; Light Security

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM Combat Support Systems (CSS), PdM Expeditionary Power Systems (EPS)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a renewable energy hybrid system in the 1kW power range that will reduce the weight and volume by 50% compared to the currently deployed 1kW systems.

DESCRIPTION: During Operation Enduring Freedom, fuel and water accounted for seventy percent of the logistics required to sustain Marine Corps and Army expeditionary forces ashore. A Marine infantry company today uses more fuel than an entire infantry battalion did merely a decade ago. This increase in the demand for “liquid logistics” places a significant risk and strain on the distribution pipeline and increases the overall weight of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). A 2010 study found Marine and Army units in Afghanistan average one casualty for every 50 fuel and water convoys. The demand for fuel, batteries, and bottled water places more Marines on the road and has become the soft underbelly of our forces. To counter this logistical problem the USMC started several initiatives in renewable hybrid systems to reduce fuel consumption on the battle field with an ultimate goal of eliminating liquid fuel needs, except for mobility platforms, by 2025 (USMC Expeditionary Energy Strategy and Implementation Plan). One of these initiatives was the establishment of the Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network System (GREENS) II Program to incorporate current renewable technologies that will provide only limited weight and volume savings for the current deployed systems. More significant weight and volume reductions are needed to increase the deployment options for these systems. Rethinking the construct of renewable hybrid systems may be necessary to achieve this goal.

For these reasons, the Marine Corps seeks the development of technology that can reduce the weight and volume of current deployed renewable hybrid systems. For renewable energy systems to be effective in tactical environments they must be able to reliably provide power no matter the environmental or transportation conditions (MIL-STD- 810G, (Ref 1). Because of this many of the available renewable systems are required to be hybridized type systems that use energy storage, power management and backup power generation from generators and vehicles. Current state of the art in Marine Corps tactical renewable energy systems in the 1kW sustained power range is GREENS. This system has a total weight of around 700lbs and volume around 44ft^3 once all the components are considered (renewable energy, power electronics, inverter, energy storage, cabling and power manager). Unfortunately, force structures in the 1kW power range are small tactical units, platoons (43 Marines) and squads (13 Marines) with only human lift capabilities (MIL-STD-1472G, (Ref 2)) making the current systems useful in limited scenarios. If these systems can see a reduction in weight and volume by at least 50%, then the adoption of these types of systems can be increased greatly. These reductions can potentially be found in the renewable energy technology, electronics technology, packaging technology, and energy storage technology or by completely rethinking the construct of what a hybrid energy harvesting system consist of. To support USMC applications a nominal 24V output (MIL-STD-1275D, Ref 3) or a 120V AC output (MIL-STD-1332B, Ref 4) is required. Proposed system concepts must also be able to provide power both night and day.

PHASE I: The small business will develop concepts for an improved ultra-light weight and compact hybrid system that meets the requirements described in the Description above. The small business will demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and will establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Feasibility will be established by material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. The small business will also provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals, key technical milestones, and a technical risk reduction strategy.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II SOW, the small business will develop and deliver to a renewable energy hybrid system prototype for government evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II SOW and the Marine Corps requirements for hybrid systems. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and over the required range of parameters as discussed in the Description above. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into a final design. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the small business will be expected to support the Marine Corps in transitioning the Ultra-lightweight and Compact Energy Hybrid System for Marine Corps use. The small business will develop a plan to determine the effectiveness of the new hybrid system in an operationally relevant environment. The small business will support the Marine Corps for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use. If applicable, the small business will prepare manufacturing plans and develop manufacturing capabilities to produce the product for military and commercial markets.

KEYWORDS: Hybrid; renewable energy; remote power; light-weight packaging, light-weight electronics; highenergy density batteries

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

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 section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. 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: Fabricate and demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) interconnect technology between heterogeneous wafers in an effort to significantly reduce the Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWAP-C) of current and future systems.

DESCRIPTION: As 2.5D/3D technology starts to reach mainstream production in the electronics industry, opportunities exist to develop this technology for use in many defense applications. Dense levels of integration at the wafer interconnect level and potentially the device level would significantly reduce the SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) of current and future systems. Oftentimes, in both military and commercial systems, requirements exist for a non-standard reticle size or interconnect technology to meet custom application needs. This solicitation will explore the ability of the current industry wafer fabrication base to create custom wafer stacks with a large number of interconnects in the vertical (via) and horizontal (trace) dimensions across an entire wafer and wafer stack.

It is desired to fabricate, at the end of Phase II, a five layer wafer stack that consists of wafers at least 150mm in diameter, with each wafer containing a minimum of 500,000 interconnects to the wafer above and/or below it. The topmost and bottommost wafers are excluded from this requirement and need only demonstrate interconnects to the wafer above or below. The interconnect density should be evenly spread across, to the extent possible, the entire 150mm wafer stack. Current IC technology has high interconnect density in the chip itself but interconnect technology to the circuitry above or below, for example in a wafer stack, is typically much less.

A methodology to test every connection from a DC perspective is required to obtain yield data. The wafer stack must contain at least one Silicon wafer, and may contain more than one, but it is ultimately desired for the wafer stack to contain other substrate materials. Sapphire, Gallium Arsenide, Silicon Dioxide, Gallium Nitride (GaN), and Indium Phosphide are potential candidates, and may be integrated with other materials, for example GaN on diamond. Other material or combinations thereof may be submitted for consideration. The bonding and interconnect methodology is not defined and up to the performer to determine. The performer must show that any bonding techniques do not cause detrimental effects, for example too high of a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch causing structural damage, to any potential active devices contained within any of the candidate substrates. The desired interconnect metal is copper to maintain maximum compatibility with current industry fabrication techniques, however other interconnect metallurgy will be considered if appropriate. If required, a handle wafer may be counted as one of the mandatory wafers.

PHASE I: Phase I is a technology feasibility phase and will determine the best fabrication processes and methodologies to design, fabricate, and test a wafer stack meeting previously discussed requirements. A report detailing the outcome of Phase I is required. The report should describe the approach to be used to demonstrate 3D interconnect between wafers if awarded the Phase II effort.

PHASE II: Phase II will require the successful bonding of at least three wafers, one of which must be Silicon and one of which must be another dissimilar material, having at least one million measurable connections between the wafers, with greater than 99% yield.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the small business will provide support in transitioning the technology for Navy use, with a focus on scaling manufacturing capabilities and commercialization plans.

KEYWORDS: Three-Dimensional (3D); Wafer scale; Three-Dimensional (3D) Interconnect; Wafer stacking; Vias; Yield; Heterogeneous

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), ACAT I

OBJECTIVE: Develop and validate a portable, non-invasive sensor suite and post-processing capability that will accurately measure spatially resolved, time-dependent pressure, temperature, void-fraction, and velocity data within a multi-species, highly turbulent, supersonic flow through a short, thick-wall, curved steel pipe, without any element of the sensor suite permanently altering or physically crossing the pipe boundary.

DESCRIPTION: A novel approach to collecting flow performance data (i.e., pressure, temperature, density, voidfraction, and velocity) is needed to support routine performance assessments of Navy hardware systems and needs to be demonstrated in a test environment. To minimize the high cost and safety impacts associated with hardware modifications and test conduct, a portable, non-invasive sensor suite is needed. The non-invasive sensors must collect data by instrumenting the outer surface of a pipe. Permanent modifications to the pipe structure are prohibited due to safety, cost, and logistical concerns. Legacy data do not provide the level of understanding desired to assess system performance and to support validation and eventual use of newly developed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based modeling and simulation (M&S) tools because no solution currently exists to capture this data. New spatially resolved, time-dependent flow data will provide an improved understanding of the underlying physics within the flow phenomena, and also support flow performance assessments and predictions with the CFD M&S tools.

The current hardware under test consists of an upstream high pressure inlet mixing with a reservoir connected to a short, curved, thick steel pipe that flows the mixture of steam, water (from the reservoir), gas and pressure inlet by products into a larger chamber. The pipe is the area of measurement interest and is approximately 19-inches in diameter, has a 2-inch thick steel wall structure, contains one bend of less than 90 degrees and has an available straight pipe length of less than 5-inches. The environment to be measured during hardware tests is a high-pressure, high temperature mixture containing at least water/gas/steam created by igniting a double-based grain solid propellant (inlet pressure) into a water-filled reservoir. As the solid propellant expends itself, the mixture combines with propellant particulates. The noise generated by the solid propellant combusting has a broadband acoustic signature that is in the order of hundreds of decibels. The high-level, broadband acoustic noise environment may corrupt acquired data, particularly if the sensing method is ultrasonic in nature. The total duration, from ignition to propellant expended, lasts approximately 1 second.

The flow through the curved pipe can be characterized as multi-phase (i.e., water, steam, and propellant gases), compressible, nonhomogeneous, turbulent, and highly transient with the potential presence of shock waves within the pipe. During the ~1 s duration test event, the pressure in the pipe is expected to rise to ~600 psia; the temperature is expected to rise to ~400 °F; and flow is expected to have a mean motion velocity of ~800 ft/sec may exist.

Through industry searches, it has been determined that current commercially available technologies' response times and sampling rates are insufficient to non-invasively collect sufficient data. Additionally, any invasive sensor suite would be exposed to the harsh environments and would need to withstand the high temperatures, high velocities and high pressures. Historically, there have been difficulties with sensor survivability, which can result in loss of valuable data.

An innovative, non-invasive, prototype sensor is needed to obtain some, if not all, of the following short duration (~5 ms) time-average, spatial and temporal resolved data:

Pressure
Temperature
Density
Multi-phase void fraction (i.e., ratio of liquid to gas/steam/propellant mixture)
Velocity

PHASE I: Determine technical feasibility and develop a non-invasive, portable sensing system that can discern the presence of water, gas, and/or steam flowing within a 19-in. diameter, short (< 5-in. of straight length), curved, 2-in. thick steel pipe at flow speeds of up to 800 ft/s. Perform analysis, modeling and simulation, and/or laboratory investigations/demonstrations to provide initial assessment of approach. The size of the sensor suite is of less concern during the Phase I effort, as long as it is shown that the physical foot print of the sensor suite can be reduced in later phases.

PHASE II: Based on Phase I effort, further develop and demonstrate a non-invasive and portable sensing system that can measure and accurately quantify (to within 10%) the flow characteristics (i.e., pressure, temperature, density, void-fraction, and/or velocity) of a multi-phase fluid that is multi-species, compressible, and highly turbulent. This sensing system should be capable of being sized appropriately to fit within an approximately 3’x3’x3’ volume. Performance of a demonstration to prove capabilities of the new system will be required. It can be expected that the government will provide the hardware under test in order to simulate the environment that needs to be measured.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The mature sensing system will transition into the program of record and will be used to assess system performance and to support validation and use of newly developed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based modeling and simulation (M&S) tools. This technology and the data obtained from its use will be used on possible future programs as well.

KEYWORDS: Non-intrusive; sensor; multi-phase; supersonic; flow; instrumentation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Materials/Processes, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: D5 Trident II (ACAT IC)

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 section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. 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: Determine the optimum design concept for a high energy, high flux detector for use with the High Energy Computed Tomography (HECT) that meets our mission goals of both inspection capability and system supportability. Trident II rocket motors are currently inspected using a HECT system to inspect for critical defects that affect motor safety and reliability. Objective is to develop the design concept into a usable x-ray detector for the use with the Varian-supplied K15 Linatron source. Access to a K15 will be made available at the Naval Air Warfare Center China Lake. This will include the x-ray detector, as well as all support electronics and necessary hardware to integrate it into the existing system. The intention is to develop a replacement for the detector, which is a subsystem of the HECT, which must work with the radiation source (The Varian K15).

DESCRIPTION: The current HECT system, used to inspect the D5 Trident II rocket motors, is an old design using outdated technology. As such, it has become expensive to maintain and support. The intention of this effort is to develop a new x-ray detector that is improved for performance (based on bit depth and resolution) and supportability (based on ability to procure and maintain hardware), using modern electronics, components, and interfaces. This is a difficult problem as the radiation environment is both high energy and high flux. Radiation hardening impacts detector performance. This program will develop a new detector with modern components and materials that has equal or improved performance and is more supportable for the inspection of these rocket motors.

One of the (non-Navy owned) HECT systems currently in use was updated in the early 1990s and resulted in large improvements in system performance and supportability. This demonstrates that system performance can be greatly improved in all aspects. However, the materials, technology, and design from that upgrade have been made obsolete by improvements in detector technology and electronics, which made huge leaps in capability in the 2000s. A research and development (R&D) effort is necessary to ensure that new detector technology can be modified and/or redesigned to be able to operate in our specific environment (specifically, radiation hardening).

PHASE I: Determine technical feasibility to develop a new High Energy High Flux X-ray Detector as discussed in the Description section. Develop conceptual design and select 2-3 of the most optimum detector design concepts. These concepts will be implemented in a detector that allows performance evaluation (in particular regarding resolution, bit depth, and detector life), with an understanding of the tradeoffs of performance specifications, reliability, and supportability. A technical report will be generated detailing results and tradeoffs between the designs.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype detector, usable with the K15 on D5 Defect Standards, along with a report containing a full evaluation of its actual performance and capability as used with the K15. Demonstration of improved resolution, bit depth, and detector life will prove out the design and allow progression to Phase III.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based upon Phase I and II effort, fabricate full scale High Energy High Flux X-ray Detector Array and transition to Navy for use in inspecting D5 Trident II rocket motors in the HECT inspection system. Engage in broader commercialization efforts to field this x-ray detector suitable for use in the high energy environment. Possible customers include Army, Navy, Air Force, NASA, large solid rocket motor industry suppliers, Department of Homeland Security, and other countries that use K15 Linatron x-ray sources to inspect rockets for their space program.

KEYWORDS: x-ray; high energy; high flux; detector; computed tomography; inspection

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), ACAT I

OBJECTIVE: Develop and validate a new instrumentation sensor suite and associated processing techniques to capture the size, shape, composition, and velocity of a re-entrant jet formed during large-scale bubble collapse near a moving boundary. The sensor system must collect spatially resolved, time-dependent void-fraction, density and velocity data.

DESCRIPTION: When a pressurized volume is suddenly opened, such as when a payload exits a launch tube, there is a sudden “uncorking” of pressurized gas that expands out of the volume. If a moving surface (boundary) is what is initially in place to maintain the pressure in the volume, the gas expands out of the volume and directly behind the moving surface. This “uncorking” event forms a large bubble that expands to a maximum size before collapsing (due to local hydrostatic pressure) and forming a re-entrant jet which then contacts the moving surface. This re-entrant jet presents a threat of damage due to high-speed impact with the moving surface. Re-entrant jet behavior is observed in various other disciplines, including cavitation research and underwater explosions [UNDEX]. In each of these problems, the jet is formed when the bubble is placed near and allowed to collapse into a solid boundary. In spite of the widespread interest in this problem, the dynamics of large-scale bubble collapse are not well understood. This is due in part to the difficulty of performing direct measurements of the bubble collapse phenomena.

To-date, measurements of the uncorking and re-entrant jet phenomena for a moving plate have been limited to qualitative, underwater video of the bubble and limited pressure and load measurements on the moving surface. Visual methods have provided limited information on the jet due to opacity of the bubble interface. The objective is to develop a sensor suite to quantitatively measure the size, shape, and velocity of this re-entrant jet throughout its formation and as it impacts/interfaces with the moving surface. In a notional test environment, the bubble is planned to uncork with an overpressure of approximately 20 pounds per square inch differential (psid) (relative to the local hydrostatic pressure), and then expands out to a diameter of approximately 10 feet. The bubble travels upward due to buoyancy and the influence of the moving surface, which is traveling in the same direction. Bubble collapse occurs after 10-15 feet of upward travel. The bubble then continues to oscillate, resulting in multiple re-entrant jet formations during the time that the moving surface moves to the free surface of the water. At the time when the moving surface broaches the water surface, the jet forms one last time, impacting the moving surface with significant force. Another factor making measurements more difficult to collect is the addition of vented gas from the moving surface, which increases the opacity of the environment that a measurement device would need to be able to resolve. The venting results in a steady stream of small bubbles that surround and join the base bubble that is generated, creating a highly opaque and turbulent region.

Market and historical searches have confirmed that instrumentation suites have not been able to view or collect data on this water jet within this region of vented gas.

PHASE I: Define and develop a new instrumentation sensor suite that can provide accurate measurement of the reentrant jet. Perform analysis, including modeling and simulation and breadboard testing, to ensure concepts can be utilized with major features of the full-scale environment as discussed in the Description section. This environment would include both underwater and surface capture of the phenomena at the described geometries and pressures for this high speed event.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I effort, develop a large-scale version prototype of the new instrumentation sensor suite for demonstration and validation. The prototype should be delivered at the end of Phase II to be utilized on subscale testing. The large scale version prototype would need to be able to view an approximately 20 ft wide underwater area by 50 feet tall. It would also need to view a 20 ft wide area above water.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If Phase II is successful, the small business will provide support in transitioning the technology for Navy use. The small business will develop a plan to determine the effectiveness of the sensing system in an operationally relevant environment. The small business will support the Navy with certifying and qualifying the system for Navy use. As appropriate, the small business will focus on scaling up manufacturing capabilities and commercialization plans. Completed system(s) will be delivered to the Navy for use.

KEYWORDS: Sensor; instrumentation; multi-phase; underwater; launch; bubble collapse; re-entrant jet

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information System

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative methods, tools and techniques to recover the implemented software architecture of a cyber-physical system in the absence of source code or other program information.

DESCRIPTION: The understanding of the architectural design of a system (such as a nuclear reactor safety system or vehicle operations system) is crucial in assessing the system’s security posture and robustness. Even if the original design of a software architecture is known, the implemented architecture may vary due to implementation choices related to performance, efficiency, language constructs, patching, etc. While reverse engineering and binary analysis tools for desktop applications have been developed for some time, tools for embedded applications (e.g., supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, industrial control systems (ICS), embedded systems, etc.) are either immature or non-existent. In addition, vulnerability analysis at a software design and source code level cannot uncover all susceptibilities because additional software (e.g., library routines, firmware, etc.) are integrated into the architecture and are potential malware sources.

In order to truly understand weaknesses, a mechanism is needed that can extract the “as-built” architecture from the machine code and achieve a high level of confidence that the recovered architecture representation is accurate. This mechanism should: (1) Identify critical security points in the architecture, (2) discover the functionality of individual system components and (3) enable cyber security engineers to scrutinize critical access points and potential susceptibilities in the system. This technology could be used by systems engineers either to analyze “black box” architectures where the design is unknown, or to verify that a software system has been implemented and performs as designed which, in turn, would make it possible to discover when a system has been compromised and does not function as intended.

A focus on real-time embedded systems and real-time operating systems is highly desirable. A solution that runs on Linux or Windows in a desktop environment and can accept binaries from a variety of operating systems (Linux, Windows, VxWorks, Integrity, LynxOS, etc.) and architectures (ARM, x86, PowerPC, etc.) is more relevant than a solution that is OS and/or architecture specific.

PHASE I: Describe & design creative methods/techniques/tools for recovering and reconstructing architecture of an implemented software system, accurately modeling and displaying the architecture, and assessing its security posture. The result should use common modeling standards (SysML, UML, etc.) where possible.

PHASE II: Develop, implement and validate a prototype tool that utilizes the methods/techniques from Phase I. The prototype(s) should be sufficiently functional to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach on a representative realworld software system. Models produced by the tool should highlight potential cyber access points and weaknesses or susceptibilities in the system. Initial compatibility with a variety of processing architectures is desirable, but the solution may initially focus on one.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The ability to accurately model and validate an implemented system architecture for verification and assessment will be an invaluable tool for ensuring the safety and security of DoD systems with additional uses in security and safety sensitive industries such as commercial and civil aviation.

KEYWORDS: system, architecture, recovery, analysis, embedded, systems, software, binary, assessment, vulnerability, cyber, security, reverse, engineering, design

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Research and develop technology to provide a cyber deception capability that could be employed by commanders to provide false information, confuse, delay, or otherwise impede cyber attackers to the benefit of friendly forces.

DESCRIPTION: Deception is defined as a "deliberate act perpetrated by a sender to engender in a receiver’s beliefs contrary to what the sender believes is true to put the receiver at a disadvantage.” (1) Military deception is defined as “those actions executed to deliberately mislead adversary decision makers as to friendly military capabilities, intentions, and operations, thereby causing the adversary to take specific actions (or inactions) that will contribute to the accomplishment of the friendly mission.” (2) Military forces have used techniques such as camouflage, feints, chaff, jammers, fake equipment, false messages or traffic, etc. for thousands of years to alter an enemy’s perception of reality.

This effort will examine the typical attack steps of; reconnaissance (where the enemy researches, identifies and selects the target), scanning (where detailed information about the target is obtained allowing a specific attack to be crafted), gaining access (where the attack is carried out), and maintaining access (where the attack evidence is deleted and information is exfiltrated or altered/destroyed) to identify where and how deception technologies can be brought to bear to thwart the objectives of an attack.

It is believed that deception techniques, working in conjunction with normal cyber defense methods, can alter the underlying attack process, making it more difficult, time consuming and cost prohibitive. Some work has already been done in cyber deception technologies; i.e., honeypots are computers designed to attract attackers by impersonating another machine that may be worthy of being attacked, honeynets take that further by simulating a number of computers or a network, and products such as the Deception Toolkit conveys an impression of the defenses of a computer system that are different from what they really are by creating phony vulnerabilities. Modern day military planners need a capability that goes beyond the current state-of-the-art in cyber deception to provide a system or systems that can be employed by a commander when needed to enable additional deception to be inserted into cyber operations.

PHASE I: 1. Design and develop techniques and technologies that could be employed in a representative scenario based on the criticality of the cyber situation and/or INFOCON status, 2. Conduct a complete comparative analysis and, 3. Conduct a proof-of-feasibility demonstration of key enabling concepts.

PHASE II: 1. Develop and demonstrate a prototype that implements the Phase I methodology, 2. Identify appropriate performance metrics for evaluation, 3. Generate a cost estimate and implementation guidance for both a modest pilot project and fielding at the Air Force, regional Network Operations and Security Center or other suitable command level, and 4. Detail the plan for the Phase III.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Cyber deception capability in military or commercial networks.

KEYWORDS: Cyber Deception, Military Deception, Digital Deception, Active Cyber Defense

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative tools & techniques to secure operation of mobile devices & systems: enable security in real-time systems; establish security in disadvantaged, intermittent, & low-bandwidth environments. Must provide military-grade techniques.

DESCRIPTION: The warfighter needs access to and the ability to dynamically share data in a variety of formats. In addition, they need access to this data no matter where they find themselves in the world; be in the office, a hotel room or in an austere area with suspect communications infrastructure. As such, there exists the need to secure commercial mobile devices for information sharing for multiple levels of classification up to the highest classification levels. These solutions must provide data-at-rest, data-in-transit, tamper mitigation, secure OS and device attestation, dual-factor authentication & authorization, and efficient power consumption.

PHASE I: Describe and develop creative methods, techniques and tools for establishing, guaranteeing and conveying the integrity and authenticity of data via commercial mobile environment. The methodologies should in particular address the issue of how to ensure sensitive data remains isolated according to published NSA guidelines (CSfC and MCP Protection Profiles).

PHASE II: Develop, implement and validate a prototype system that utilizes the tools and methods from Phase I. The prototypes should be sufficiently detailed to evaluate scalability, usability, and resistance to malicious attack. Also should show evidence of efficient power consumption. Efficiency is less critical than overall scalability and security.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Provide at least 3 secure containers where applications can execute assurance that will not cross over into other containers resident on the device; show limited performance degradation. This will enable users to utilize commercial mobile apps as well as those specific to government agencies.

KEYWORDS: Security, Mobile, Data-at-Rest, Data-In-Transit, dynamic mobile device management

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative techniques to adapt network or perception of network to thwart adversary attempt to perform reconnaissance, launch attack and successfully exfiltrate information.

DESCRIPTION: Attackers go through the process of gathering information about a target, preparing the correct and appropriate attack vector, gaining access, maintaining access and then causing harm, including removing information. If we can disrupt the attacker’s processes at any of these stages by introducing MTD techniques, we may defeat or at least delay the attack by increasing the attackers work factor and making them become more “visible” and subject to detection and eradication via other techniques. The methods developed should be compatible with existing protocols and standards so that they can be applied to most networks.

The increasing focus on network centric warfare means that the ability to protect networks will become essential to ensuring the safety of military operations. Similarly, in the civilian domain the increased use of electronic commerce and cyber-physical systems, such as industrial/home control networks, is creating a situation where the ability to resist or delay attacks will become more and more critical over time.

PHASE I: Describe & develop creative methods, techniques & tools for causing the perceived/actual picture of the network from an attackers perspective to change. Methodologies should in particular address issues of how to cause disruption & doubt from an attacker’s perspective but not add any significant error, confusion/processing to the protected network.

PHASE II: Develop, implement and validate a prototype system that utilizes the tools and methods from Phase I. The prototypes should be sufficiently detailed to evaluate scalability, usability, and resistance to malicious attack. Efficiency is also an issue that should be explored, although it is less critical than overall scalability.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate results in relevant military and civilian applications.

KEYWORDS: moving target defense, agility, uncertainty, dynamic diversity defense

POINT OF CONTACT: David Climek, Phone: 315-330-4123, Email: david.climek.1@us.af.mil

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: To define threat models; develop and prototype novel, resilient architectures, tools, and techniques to mitigate threats to cyber-physical system. To develop modeling and simulation tools that consider the safety and correctness constraints of the physical systems and the interaction with the digital components.

DESCRIPTION: Cyber-physical systems integrate computational, networking, and physical resources. Popular examples include industrial control systems, medical safety systems, software defined radios, and avionics systems. The computational and networking resources provide many benefits to the control of physical systems. The computational resources allow for re-programmability, meaning that bugs in the design can be addressed on deployed systems, without the need for costly hardware replacements. Networking these devices further increases the ease of reprogrammability, since the operators are no longer required to physically visit every node that needs re-programmed. However, with the increased benefits come many additional challenges and increased threats.

While the benefits of re-programmability and networked nodes are hard to argue, the increased attack surface from these additional benefits must be carefully considered, especially for safety-critical systems. The ability for an adversary to remotely connect to, and re-program, a control device for a safety system poses a significant risk. What is needed are tools, techniques, and systems that are resilient to these remote adversaries, as well as other types of failures.

PHASE I: Perform a study to describe the tools, techniques, and/or architectures in need of development for cyberphysical systems in order to limit an adversary’s, or component failure’s, impact, and allow the cyber-physical system to continue to operate in a degraded mode, while still maintaining the safety properties of the system. The study should include plans for a Phase II prototype hardware or software module that demonstrates the enhanced resilience of the CPS.

PHASE II: Develop, implement, and validate a prototype system that utilizes the architecture, tools, and methods from Phase I. The prototypes should be sufficiently detailed to evaluate scalability, usability, and resilience to attack, or failure. Efficiency of the architecture is important, especially, in safety critical applications. Develop novel techniques and tools for modelling CPS, allowing for modeling/simulation of the system to ensure safety and correctness of the controls.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Safety-critical control systems span a wide range of industrial and military applications. Any enhancements to the security of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) control systems hardware and software will have benefits to both military and commercial markets. Transition of this technology would benefit DoD programs such as SPYDER, MNVR and Rifleman Radios, as well as the TACDIS Cross Domain Solution and the Hardware Convergence R&D initiative.

KEYWORDS: cyber-physical systems, high-assurance architectures, safety systems, industrial control systems, embedded systems, resilience

* PROPOSALS ACCEPTED: Phase I and DP2 (Direct to Phase II). Please see the 15.3 DoD Program Solicitation and the DARPA 15.3 Phase I Instructions for Phase I requirements and proposal instructions.*

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Biomedical, Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate clinically-viable bio-interface technologies that have mechanical properties similar to tissue, yet can interface with conventional benchtop and/or implantable electronics to form complete systems for biological sensing and modulation. Areas of interest include implantable interface technologies for neural and other biological tissue, as well as wearable biosensors and interfaces.

DESCRIPTION: There is a critical need for DoD capabilities that would provide breakthrough medical treatments for wounded warriors with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, immune system dysfunction and other DoD-relevant health issues. Regulation of neural and other biological functions via interface technologies has become increasingly enticing as a means of clinical treatment. For instance, over the past several decades we have seen the emergence of neural recording and stimulation to restore sensorimotor capability and vagal nerve stimulation technologies for the treatment of epilepsy and depression. While these treatments have achieved moderate success, existing clinically approved technologies offer limited stability and precision, which significantly hinders their clinical translation. Despite recent noteworthy advancements in pre-clinical electrode technologies, existing devices suffer from reliability problems, often associated with tissue damage and/or mechanical failure of the device.

Even state-of-the-art interface technologies exert high mechanical strain on surrounding tissues, leading to scarring, persistent bleeding and neuronal damage. Tissue in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has Young’s Modulus of approximately 600 kPa. Traditional electrodes are manufactured using either fine metal wires, such as platinum (168 GPa), or microfabricated from silicon (180 GPa). This six order of magnitude difference in stiffness leads to a number of issues—including tissue damage, surgical attachment and relative motion—which reduce the clinical viability of these technologies. By developing bio-interfaces with kPa-scale stiffness, it would be possible to attach neuromodulation devices to the PNS without incurring these problems. Proposed implantable neural interface devices should be able to penetrate the tough epineurium of a specified nerve (e.g. vagus, ulnar), enter multiple fascicles and accommodate the range of motion that the nerve typically encounters. Wearable technologies should similarly match the mechanical properties of skin and tissue to provide robust, biocompatible solutions for biological interfacing.

This topic seeks to advance the clinical readiness of bio-interface technologies by decreasing the biomechanical mismatch between manufactured devices and biological tissue. The most established approaches in this space use polymeric substrates with embedded conductors. There have been recent advances in materials that may push the Young’s Modulus down even further, such as shape memory polymers that soften when inserted into tissue. While these advances are important, all still use substrate materials that have a modulus greater than 10 MPa. Some early demonstrations of biologic materials such as collagen have yielded crude but functional devices with kPascale stiffness properties. Dissolvable carrier substrates have also shown promising results, but depend heavily upon the dissolution rate of the sacrificial material and leave behind tiny but stiff electrodes.

Despite these advances in materials science and device fabrication, there has been little progress towards demonstration of functional devices, much less mechanical testing with ex vivo nerve tissue or in vivo electrophysiological validation. Without this validation, promising new technologies will not be adopted by the neural interface community or medical device manufacturers.

PHASE I: Proposals to this topic should aim to develop and/or demonstrate mechanically compliant yet reliable biological interface devices that are wearable or implantable, enabling direct monitoring or modulation of biological signals in peripheral nerves and organs. Implantable PNS-specific devices should demonstrate an ability to penetrate the epineurium and perineurium of a nerve to insert kPa-scale electrodes into individual fascicles, and to do so at a scale and precision relevant to neuromodulation therapies. These devices should include interconnects to mate with standard benchtop or implantable electrophysiology equipment. Wearable devices should provide reliable measurement of biological signals that are relevant to quantifying health physiology.

Phase I deliverables include: Proof of concept demonstrating the feasibility of manufacturing and implementing novel soft bio-interface devices. Feasibility may be demonstrated through a variety of models, including tissue phantoms, in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo studies. The final report must include a quantitative analysis of interface properties and mechanical characteristics. The final report should also contain detailed plans for Phase II.

PHASE II: Work in this SBIR topic should focus upon creating fully functioning interface devices suitable for chronic implantation in vivo. Performers should develop manufacturing and testing procedures to produce and verify the flexible bio-interface assembly. Devices should comprise a set of interconnects, flexible tethering leads and a compliant substrate containing a multitude of interface sites for stimulating and/or sensing neural activity (at fascicular resolution or better) or measuring biomolecules in vivo. The interface assemblies must be safe, effective and chronically stable for long-term use in animals or humans.

Phase II deliverables include: Demonstrate the reliability and scalability of the manufacturing approach. Proposals should include plans to develop and demonstrate individual compliant devices using batch manufacturing process flows capable of producing hundreds of identical devices. Studies should characterize the morphological and physiological properties of relevant tissue to develop advanced finite element models and validate these against ex vivo experiments with the soft interface technology. Phase II efforts must also demonstrate the lifetime of the devices through Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), including mechanical, soak and electrical testing. Finally, the devices must be tested chronically in animal models to validate sensing and modulation capability, as well as cross-talk, impedance and other relevant properties. Tissue samples must undergo histological examination to demonstrate the extent of damage incurred during application or surgical insertion as well as after chronic use.

DIRECT TO PHASE II: Existing technologies that target peripheral nerves and have demonstrated capabilities are eligible for Direct to Phase II applications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Highly effective clinical therapies for treating disease and mental health through biocompatible neuromodulation devices. Highly effective treatments for PTSD, anxiety, immune function, and other DoD-relevant health issues through biocompatible neuromodulation devices.

KEYWORDS: biology, neuroscience, peripheral nervous system, spinal cord, neuromodulation, nerves, shape memory polymers, silicone, electrode, collagen, elastomer.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Chemical/Biological Defense, Electronics

OBJECTIVE: Design, build, and demonstrate a high-speed (5 GHz), high-sensitivity (NEP < 1pW/Hz^1/2) photodetector with octave spanning responsivity in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and/or long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral regions.

DESCRIPTION: There is a critical need for DoD capabilities that would provide improved detection sensitivity of threat explosives and chemical warfare species. The MWIR and LWIR spectral regions are technologically important for numerous applications including communications, environmental and industrial monitoring, thermal imaging, and chemical sensing for defense and homeland security [1]. Despite the pressing physical motivations for extending such applications to the MWIR and LWIR, the lack of suitable radiation sources and detectors in these spectral regions has resulted in applications being developed in the less favorable, near-infrared (NIR) spectral region where the telecom industry has driven the development of laser and detector technologies. The maturation of quantum cascade laser technology and the recent development of microresonator-based optical frequency comb technology [2] have changed the current and future MWIR/LWIR landscape. To fully exploit the application potential [3] of chip-scale optical frequency comb sources now under development, new high-speed, broad spectral coverage, and highly sensitive detectors are needed to replace the often bulky, cryo-cooled systems that are currently in use.

PHASE I: Design a photodetector with <1 pW/Hz^1/2 noise equivalent power (NEP) for operation in the MWIR (3- 6 microns) and/or LWIR (6-15 microns) spectral regions. The photodetector should exhibit the specified NEP without cryo-cooling and with 5 GHz electronic bandwidth when illuminated by femtosecond to picosecond pulse trains. Room temperature operation is desirable; however, cooling and/or temperature stabilization consistent with thermoelectric cooling is acceptable. Phase I deliverables include a design review detailing expected device performance and a report presenting Phase II plans for device fabrication and characterization. The design review should specify device responsivity versus wavelength in the targeted spectral region, spanning at least one spectral octave. In addition to the NEP and electronic bandwidth, the detector active area should be defined to establish the device D*. Detector output power and saturation properties should be addressed. The final report should describe device operational principles and limits, materials platforms and fabrication techniques, and any required supporting electronics. Experimental data demonstrating feasibility of the proposed design is favorable.

PHASE II: Fabricate and test a prototype device demonstrating the performance outlined in Phase I. Multiple devices demonstrating detector uniformity (including the potential for arrayed operation) are desirable. If not demonstrated in the prototype fabrication, a clear path toward scalable fabrication should be identified. The Technology Readiness Level to be reached is 5: Component and/or bread-board validation in relevant environment.

At the completion of Phase II, the prototype device(s) will be delivered to a laboratory of DARPA’s specification for characterization and integration with optical frequency comb sources. The final device should be adequately packaged and integrated with all relevant supporting electronics for delivery to and operation by the test verification facility. Guidance for device operation should be provided for test facility personnel.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The same physical motivations underlying defense and security application of spectroscopic detection in the MWIR and LWIR spectral regions are true for numerous commercial applications of the same technology including environmental monitoring, toxic industrial chemical detection, and first responder safety and assessment. A key specification for many commercial applications is the device SWaP enabled by the elimination of cryo-cooling.

Spectroscopic detection in the MWIR and LWIR spectral regions, where fundamental molecular vibration transitions occur, combined with key atmospheric transmission windows, is critical for improved detection sensitivity of threat explosives and chemical warfare species. Active standoff detection schemes based on optical frequency comb technology, when paired with the detectors developed in this SBIR, hold great potential to exploit these fundamental physical aspects of molecular and atmospheric chemistry for improved detection limits while simultaneously achieving improved chemical selectivity.

KEYWORDS: Photodetector, MWIR, LWIR, Optical Frequency Comb

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: Define new cyber techniques and develop technologies for automatically generating and injecting realistic vulnerabilities into large code bases for the purpose of testing and evaluating cyber security tools and capabilities, and to enable novel pedagogical tools such as customized capture- the-flag competitions.

DESCRIPTION: There is a critical DoD need for improved cyber defensive capabilities. The evaluation of cyber defensive security mechanisms is difficult and ad hoc. To compare the efficacy of different techniques, tools and technologies, analysts typically rely on synthetic benchmarks that either present a sample of existing vulnerabilities or a potpourri of synthetic test cases. Given the limited availability of such benchmarks, cyber security mechanisms tune their techniques to ensure success (high precision and recall). Ideally, evaluation should rely on automated mechanisms that can systematically inject realistic vulnerabilities into arbitrary software programs with enough understanding of the underlying computation to guide the evaluation of a wide range of security mechanisms (e.g., dynamic verses static analysis techniques). To achieve such program understanding, a combination of techniques may be necessary. For example, targeted symbolic execution may be used to discover program paths that could be used to generate vulnerabilities (e.g., integer overflows). The programs paths (i.e., symbolic constraints) could then be modified using information from formal methods (e.g., using SMT solvers) to generate and inject new code, at the source-level or binary-level, that is provably vulnerable (e.g., the system can prove that the generated conditions along a specific program path can lead to an integer overflow). The code may then be obfuscated, using previously learned bug patterns, to appear similar to native vulnerable code. Goal-directed branch enforcement may be used to select only the relevant conditions required to reach a specific program path.

PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to determine innovative cyber techniques and mechanisms that are capable of automatically generating and injecting realistic vulnerabilities to real-world applications written in C or C++. Design, prototype, and evaluate a concept system for automatic generation and insertion of vulnerability test cases using a single vulnerability class (e.g., integer overflows) and support a small set of vulnerability hiding techniques (e.g., masquerade as incomplete integer overflow). The Phase I final report shall include a test methodology and success criteria for the technology.

PHASE II: Further develop the initial Phase I results to expand the scale of code that can be ingested, increase the number of vulnerability classes supported, and develop additional hiding techniques. The prototype will support multiple techniques for testing the efficacy of vulnerability detection techniques (e.g., add non-fix point loops for static analysis tools, crypto for symbolic execution engines, input checks against fuzzing). Support of at least one additional language (e.g., Java) will be explored, with initial proof-of-concept capability developed. Demonstrate the resulting prototype in accordance with the success criteria developed in Phase I. The Phase I final report shall include test results and a software prototype.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The commercial sector has concerns with the effectiveness of their cyber defensive capabilities and understands the requirement for security mechanisms that can automatically be tuned and aid in the evaluation of their cyber defensive technologies, tools, and systems to provide an effective defense against their cyber enemies. Commercial benefits include increased cyber warfare protection of critical infrastructure environments (e.g., nuclear, electrical, transportation, etc.). As part of Phase III, the developed system should be transitioned into an enterprise level tool that can be used to evaluate third-party vulnerability detection mechanisms. The DoD and the commercial world have similar challenges with respect to maintaining the integrity of their cyber computing and communications infrastructure. Thus, the resulting cyber security techniques and technologies are directly transitionable to the DoD for use by the services within the laboratory environment (e.g., Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SSC) Pacific's Combined Test Bed) or a simulated operational environment.

KEYWORDS: Cyber defensive security mechanisms; realistic vulnerability injection; automatically tunable cyber mechanisms; test and evaluation; cyber defense.

* PROPOSALS ACCEPTED: Phase I and DP2 (Direct to Phase II). Please see the 15.3 DoD Program Solicitation and the DARPA 15.3 Phase I Instructions for Phase I requirements and proposal instructions.*

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop high-sample rate, low power, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for elemental digital phased array antennas. By the end of Phase II of the program, the ADCs should have a demonstrated effective number of bits (ENOB) > 6 bits, conversion rate of > 40 Giga samples per second (GS/s), analog bandwidth >20 GHz and power consumption < 500 mW.

DESCRIPTION: The ability to quickly and efficiently convert radio frequency (RF) signals to the digital domain where the underlying information can be processed using digital signal processing is a critical aspect of many DoD electronics systems. A specific example are phased array antenna systems, where high speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) enable the RF frequency band selection and RF beam steering to be performed using flexible and adaptive digital signal processing.

Recently, great advances have been made in high sample rate (>10 GS/s), yet energy efficient ADCs [1-3], dramatically improving the well-known Walden figure-of-merit (FOM). Yet, improvements in dynamic range, analog bandwidth and especially power consumption are needed for these converters.

To meet the needs of the DoD, this solicitation seeks high-sample rate ADCs that can meet the specifications of an ENOB greater than 6 bits, conversion rate faster than 40 GS/s, analog bandwidth greater than 20 GHz and power consumption less than 500 mW by the end of Phase II of the program. Designs may use digitally-assisted or other methods to improve performance. Especially of interest are ADC implementations that have beneficial physics based scaling in advanced CMOS technology nodes of 32 nm and below.

PHASE I: Develop, analyze and sufficiently simulate an ADC architecture with a predicted performance of:

Power < 500 mW
ENOB > 6bits
Data Rate > 40 GS/s
Analog Bandwidth > 20 GHz
FOM < 200 fJ/conversion-step

Required Phase I deliverables will include:

A report detailing the ADC architecture, design and expected performance.

PHASE II: Use Phase I analysis to design, build, and successfully demonstrate the operation of a prototype ADC for Government evaluation with the following specifications:

Power < 500 mW
ENOB > 6bits
Data Rate > 40 GS/s
Analog Bandwidth > 20 GHz
FOM < 200 fJ/conversion-step

Required Phase II deliverables include:

Report containing design, simulation, layout files and test results from 2 ADC chips.
Delivery of 2 packaged ADC chips to the government.
Any necessary GDS or equivalent layout files to allow the Government to re-fabricate the design.
A datasheet containing all the information needed for the government to characterize the chip, use the chip in an application or incorporate the data converter design and layout into a larger integrated circuit.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: In the emerging 5G standard for wireless handsets, phased arrays are expected to supply the spatial filtering needed to massively increase the number of handsets supported by a single base station. Digital phased arrays would further add to the flexibility and number of simultaneous users (handsets) but further increases in ADC sample rate and bandwidth are required for digital phased arrays to emerge at 5G.

Much like the Phase III commercial communications application, high-sample rate ADCs for DoD/Military applications are of great importance. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radio frequency systems are an effective method for in-theatre communications. These ADCs are a crucial component to breaking through the limitations of current MIMO systems to create MIMO systems supporting a greatly increased number of carriers and thus communications bandwidth.

In order to reach the goals of future communications systems, Phase III ADC metrics are as follows:

Power < 500 mW
ENOB > 6b
Sample > 80 GS/s
Analog Bandwidth > 40 GHz

KEYWORDS: ADC, A/D, analog-to-digital conversion, data converter, phased array

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate a conformal, thin, broadband and rapid optical beam steering device without gimbals.

DESCRIPTION: There is a critical DoD need for a new class of broadband, random access electro-optic sensors on lightweight, airborne platforms. A conformal, thin, broadband and rapid steering beam steering device would overcome the usual, disadvantages of traditional optical systems and electro-optical devices beam steering devices, which use heavy and power-hungry gimbals and optical components making large mechanical motions. Non mechanical optical beam steering devices have been demonstrated. Most use electrically- controlled optical diffraction to steer the optical beam. These devices operate over a narrow wavelength band, since the diffraction induced steering angle depends sensitively on the wavelength of light. These narrowband devices are not suitable for broadband optical applications.

Most passive electro-optic (EO) systems are broadband. Also there are laser systems, such as femto-second pulsed lasers and supercontinium lasers that are broadband and will allow broadband light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. Providing broadband beam steering for lidar and passive EO systems could enable new LIDAR capabilities using these super continuum lasers, and new passive EO systems capability.

As a baseline this effort will require operation in either the near IR wavelength region or the mid IR wavelength region. The proposed effort should discuss extending this capability to the visible and to either the NIR region or MWIR region, which ever band is not covered by the baseline approach.

Threshold performance objectives are a 10 cm diameter aperture, a 60 degree field of steering in both angular dimensions, > 75% optical transmission efficiency , broadband operation over at least 10 percent bandwidth, beam quality no worse than 3 times diffraction limit, and < 1 msec beam steering time. It is desire able to exceed these goals if possible. It is desirable to keep physical size small, with the beam steerer no deeper than the diameter of the clear aperture beam steering device. A key aspect of the approach is that the beam steering concept must be compatible with conformal windows on aircraft (i.e. windows that conform to the airframe surface). Beam steering approaches should be capable of operating bi-directionally, that is, as optical transmitters and receivers.

PHASE I: Determine feasibility of possible EO beam steering approaches and evaluate their performance. The Phase I effort should result in (1) detailed physical optics simulation of light propagation through the component(s), (2) assessment of the beam steering dynamic behavior and electrical properties, and (3) preliminary evaluation of the expected size, weight, and power consumption of a prototype implementation.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the Phase I concept via laboratory brassboard experiments, and develop a preliminary design of a device for field experiments. In Phase II, a Phase I concept will be reduced to practice and performance validated in a laboratory setting. The experiments conducted should result in empirical and/or analytic knowledge that will be used in the preliminary prototype design effort. The laboratory brassboard may not directly meet the desired threshold objectives, but should at a minimum provide characterization data and demonstrate by analysis that the performance objectives can be met. The preliminary design should focus on a demonstration system which could be utilized in a field experiment and would directly meet the performance objectives. Phase II deliverables include: (1) laboratory brassboard design, (2) report of brassboard experiment results, (3) preliminary design package for field test device.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: A Phase III system could be applied to a number of commercial applications, including: 1) LIDAR measurements of wind velocities, aerosol characterization, and terrain mapping, 2) compact surveillance systems in security applications. A commercially focused Phase III effort would choose a viable commercial use and build a prototype system optimized for that application.

The DoD currently uses a large number of broadband EO systems, and active EO systems (e.g. LIDAR) are increasingly of interest as well. The use of optical systems such as these is limited by the need for a turret to house the beam director. This protrusion causes aerodynamic drag that limits range and speed of the platform. Additionally, the wake turbulence can limit the useful speed and field-of-regard regime of the sensor systems. A Phase III effort would focus on increasing the TRL level of the technology to a point that is compatible with an airborne demonstration on a relevant military air platform. The effort would include any necessary component technology development, but primarily be a detailed design, integration and test phase. Phase III would include a final test and evaluation of the beam steerer with both an active EO system and a broadband passive EO sensor.

KEYWORDS: beam steering, electro-optics, remote sensing, conformal, optics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors

OBJECTIVE: Develop conformal antennas for a medium-caliber projectile. Develop capability to survive gun launch environment. Improve target angle rate error. Improve performance of aperture-limited antennas. Demonstrate breadboard-level seeker functionality.

DESCRIPTION: The DARPA MAD-FIRES program seeks to use a medium-caliber guided projectile to engage maneuvering threats. Current projectile technologies have been demonstrated in flight maneuver, but only recently have advances in electronics and gun survivability opened the possibility of projectile-based seekers. One possible seeker type is RF seekers. Current RF systems require apertures larger than projectile diameter for target tracking in terminal engagement.

A novel approach is needed for achieving sufficient gain at small diameter to enable medium-caliber RF seekers. The alternative solution of command-guidance from ground radar places significant accuracy requirements on that radar, which becomes prohibitive for very long-range acquisitions. Optical sensors offer high accuracy, but are limited in range and require hot targets or daylight illumination. RF seekers are the primary candidate for maturation.

DARPA seeks a novel antenna and seeker approach that will allow successful antenna integration on a mediumcaliber projectile. The antennas must reside within the outer mold line of a medium-caliber projectile and survive gun launch and ballistic fly out. The antenna should provide sufficient gain in the forward direction to track targets during fly out and terminal engagement. The antennas must support accurate measurement of line of sight to target for terminal phase guidance.

This RF seeker shall provide a higher Pk than existing approaches, which will benefit the DoD and the warfighter by fewer shots required per target, lower cost per intercept, and greater survivability of the defended asset.

PHASE I: Develop and design antennas for the MAD-FIRES projectile, simulate performance for configuration selection, and trade size and shape against performance to allow antenna selection trades for projectile integration. Analysis should reveal the antenna performance characteristics in a relevant environment across frequency and angle of approach to target. The proposer shall further the proof of concept study by evaluating component survivability during launch up to performing shock testing to simulate various representative launch loads. A final proposed design with a discussion of trades and details of expected performance is expected at the completion of Phase I.

PHASE II: Complete a detailed antenna design for the MAD-FIRES projectile culminating in a critical design review of the concept. Upon successful review, fabricate prototype antennas for potential live-fire testing. Measure performance of seeker in hardware demonstration and use results to update error model and refine algorithm, as necessary. Phase II deliverables will include: 1) fabricated prototype seeker and platform mock-up, 2) quantified results of performance measurements taken during hardware demo, and 3) updated/validated seeker error model, suitable for use in 6DOF simulations. The Phase II final report should describe the seeker design, the measured performance and the final seeker error model.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Small, survivable, lightweight antennas and receiver hardware will enable unique commercial applications for systems requiring highly directional and robust receiver solutions such as commercial satellites, relocatable communications nodes, and vehicle ranging sensors for autonomous vehicles. Inclusion on small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) would create selectable, directional datalinks improving link margin for mesh networking and reducing power requirements for downlinks. This technology provides design flexibility to all size constrained systems such as UAVs and satellites. The ability to position antennas longitudinally (lengthwise) while achieving the same performance as a traditional front facing antenna provides many more options for antenna placement and orientation to optimize overall miniaturization and compact system design.

Military applications will focus on the DARPA MAD-FIRES platform, supporting the government system analysis that will inform the MAD-FIRES contractor concepts. Additional applications will include C-RAM and strategic defense missions, including adaptations for projectile and missile host platforms.

KEYWORDS: Medium caliber projectile, ballistics, guided bullet, guided round, target intercept, RF seeker, miniature seeker, precision-guided munition

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DoD 2015.3 SBIR Solicitation

Available Funding Topics