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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY (DON)19.1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Proposal Submission Instructions

IMPORTANT

DON provides notice that Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) may be used for Phase II awards.

The optional Supporting Documents Volume (Volume 5) is available for the SBIR 19.1 BAA cycle. The optional Supporting Documents Volume is provided for small businesses to submit additional documentation to support the Technical Volume (Volume 2) and the Cost Volume (Volume 3). Volume 5 is available for use when submitting Phase I and Phase II proposals. DON will not be using any of the information in Volume 5 during the evaluation.

A Phase I Template is provided to assist small businesses to generate a Phase I Technical Volume (Volume 2).

INTRODUCTIONResponsibility for the implementation, administration, and management of the Department of the Navy (DON) SBIR/STTR Programs is with the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Director of the DON SBIR/STTR Programs is Mr. Robert Smith. For program and administrative questions, contact the Program Managers listed in Table 1; do not contact them for technical questions. For technical questions about a topic, contact the Topic Authors listed for each topic during the period 28 November 2018 through 7 January 2019. Beginning 8 January 2019, the SBIR/STTR Interactive Technical Information System (SITIS) (https://sbir.defensebusiness.org/) listed in Section 4.15.d of the Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR/STTR Program Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) must be used for any technical inquiry. For general inquiries or problems with electronic submission, contact the DoD SBIR/STTR Help Desk at 1-800-348-0787 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET) or via email at [email protected].

TABLE 1: DON SYSTEMS COMMAND (SYSCOM) SBIR PROGRAM MANAGERS

Topic Numbers Point of Contact SYSCOM Email

N191-001 to N191-002 Mr. Jeffrey Kent

Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC)

[email protected]

N191-003 to N191-015 Ms. Donna Attick

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

[email protected]

N191-016 to N191-036 Mr. Dean Putnam

Naval Sea Systems Command

(NAVSEA)[email protected]

N191-037 to N191-044 Ms. Lore-Anne Ponirakis

Office of Naval Research (ONR)

[email protected]

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The DON SBIR/STTR Programs are mission-oriented programs that integrate the needs and requirements of the DON’s Fleet through research and development (R&D) topics that have dual-use potential, but primarily address the needs of the DON. Firms are encouraged to address the manufacturing needs of the defense sector in their proposals. More information on the programs can be found on the DON SBIR/STTR website at www.navysbir.com. Additional information pertaining to the DON’s mission can be obtained from the DON website at www.navy.mil.

PHASE I GUIDELINESFollow the instructions in the DoD SBIR/STTR Program BAA at https://sbir.defensebusiness.org/ for requirements and proposal submission guidelines. Please keep in mind that Phase I must address the feasibility of a solution to the topic. It is highly recommended that proposers follow the new DoD Phase I Proposal Template located on the Submission Web site (https://sbir.defensebusiness.org/ ) as a guide for structuring proposals. Inclusion of cost estimates for travel to the sponsoring SYSCOM’s facility for one day of meetings is recommended for all proposals.

PHASE I PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTSThe following MUST BE MET or the proposal will be deemed noncompliant and will be REJECTED.

Technical Volume (Volume 2). Technical Volume (Volume 2) must meet the following requirements:o Not to exceed 20 pages, regardless of page contento Single column format, single-spaced typed lineso Standard 8 ½” x 11” papero Page margins one-inch on all sides. A header and footer may be included in the one-inch

margin.o No font size smaller than 10-point*o Include, within the 20-page limit of Volume 2, an Option that furthers the effort in

preparation for Phase II and will bridge the funding gap between the end of Phase I and the start of Phase II. Tasks for both the Phase I Base and the Phase I Option must be clearly identified.

*For headers, footers, and imbedded tables, figures, images, or graphics that include text, a font size of smaller than 10-point is allowable; however, proposers are cautioned that the text may be unreadable by evaluators.

Volume 2 is the technical proposal. Additional documents may be submitted to support Volume 2 in accordance with the instructions for Supporting Documents Volume (Volume 5) as detailed below.

Phase I Options are typically exercised upon selection for Phase II. Option tasks should be those tasks that would enable rapid transition from the Phase I feasibility effort into the Phase II prototype effort.

Cost Volume (Volume 3). The Phase I Base amount must not exceed $140,000 and the Phase I Option amount must not exceed $100,000. Costs for the Base and Option must be separated and clearly identified on the Proposal Cover Sheet (Volume 1) and in Volume 3.

Period of Performance. The Phase I Base Period of Performance must not exceed six (6) months and the Phase I Option Period of Performance must not exceed six (6) months.

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Supporting Documents Volume (Volume 5). DoD has implemented a Supporting Documents Volume (Volume 5). The optional Volume 5 is provided for small businesses to submit additional documentation to support the Technical Volume (Volume 2) and the Cost Volume (Volume 3). Volume 5 is available for use when submitting Phase I and Phase II proposals. DON will not be using any of the information in Volume 5 during the evaluation. Volume 5 must only be used for the following documents:o Letters of Support o Additional Cost Information - The “Explanatory Material” field in the online DoD Cost

Volume (Volume 3) is to be used to provide sufficient detail for subcontractor, material, travel costs, and Discretionary Technical Assistance (DTA), if proposed. If additional space is needed these items may be included within Volume 5.

o Funding Agreement Certificationo Technical Data Rights (Assertions) - If required, must be provided in the table format

required by DFARS 252.227-7013(e)(3) and be included within Volume 5.o Lifecycle Certificationo Allocation of Rights

A font size of smaller than 10-point is allowable for documents in Volume 5; however, proposers are cautioned that the text may be unreadable by evaluators. The inclusion of documents or information other than that listed above (e.g. resumes, technical reports, or publications) may result in the proposal being deemed “Non-compliant” and Rejected without technical evaluation.

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training Certification (Volume 6). DoD has implemented the optional Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training Certification (Volume 6). DON does not require evidence of Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training at the time of proposal submission. Therefore, DON will not require proposers to use Volume 6.

DON SBIR PHASE I PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST Subcontractor, Material, and Travel Cost Detail. In the Cost Volume (Volume 3), proposers

must provide sufficient detail for subcontractor, material and travel costs. Enter this information in the “Explanatory Material” field in the online DoD Volume 3. Subcontractor costs must be detailed to the same level as the prime contractor. Material costs must include a listing of items and cost per item. Travel costs must include the purpose of the trip, number of trips, location, length of trip, and number of personnel. When a proposal is selected for award, be prepared to submit further documentation to the SYSCOM Contracting Officer to substantiate costs (e.g., an explanation of cost estimates for equipment, materials, and consultants or subcontractors).

Performance Benchmarks. Proposers must meet the two benchmark requirements for progress toward Commercialization as determined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on June 1 each year. Please note that the DON applies performance benchmarks at time of proposal submission, not at time of contract award.

Discretionary Technical Assistance (DTA). If DTA is proposed, the information required to support DTA (as specified in the DTA section below) must be added in the “Explanatory Material” field of the online DoD Volume 3. If the supporting information exceeds the character limits of the Explanatory Material field of Volume 3, this information must be included in Volume 5 as “Additional Cost Information” as noted above. Failure to add the required information in the online DoD Volume 3 and, if necessary, Volume 5 will result in the denial of DTA. DTA may be proposed in the Base and/or Option periods, but the total value may not exceed $5,000 in Phase I.

DISCRETIONARY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (DTA)

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The SBIR Policy Directive section 9(b) allows the DON to provide DTA to its awardees to assist in minimizing the technical risks associated with SBIR projects and commercializing into products and processes. Firms may request, in their Phase I Cost Volume (Volume 3) and Phase II Cost Volume, to contract these services themselves in an amount not to exceed the values specified below. This amount is in addition to the award amount for the Phase I or Phase II project.

Approval of direct funding for DTA will be evaluated by the DON SBIR/STTR Program Office. A detailed request for DTA must include:

A DTA provider (firm name) A DTA provider point of contact, email address, and phone number An explanation of why the DTA provider is uniquely qualified to provide the service Tasks the DTA provider will perform Total provider cost, number of hours, and labor rates (average/blended rate is acceptable)

DTA must NOT:

Be subject to any profit or fee by the requesting firm Propose a provider that is the requesting firm Propose a provider that is an affiliate of the requesting firm Propose a provider that is an investor of the requesting firm Propose a provider that is a subcontractor or consultant of the requesting firm otherwise required

as part of the paid portion of the research effort (e.g., research partner, consultant, tester, or administrative service provider)

DTA must be included in the Cost Volume (Volume 3) as follows: Phase I: The value of the DTA request must be included on the DTA line in the online DoD

Volume 3 and, if necessary, Volume 5 as described above. The detailed request for DTA (as specified above) must be included in the “Explanatory Material” field of the online DoD Volume 3 and be specifically identified as “Discretionary Technical Assistance”.

Phase II: The value of the DTA request must be included on the DTA line in the DON Phase II Cost Volume (provided by the DON SYSCOM). The detailed request for DTA (as specified above) must be included as a note in the Phase II Cost Volume and be specifically identified as “Discretionary Technical Assistance”.

DTA may be proposed in the Base and/or Option periods. Proposed values for DTA must NOT exceed: Phase I: A total of $5,000 Phase II: A total of $5,000 per 12-month period of performance, not to exceed $10,000 per Phase

II contract

If a proposer requests and is awarded DTA in a Phase II contract, the proposer will be eliminated from participating in the DON SBIR/STTR Transition Program (STP), the DON Forum for SBIR/STTR Transition (FST), and any other assistance the DON provides directly to awardees.

All Phase II awardees not receiving funds for DTA in their awards must attend a one-day DON STP meeting during the first or second year of the Phase II contract. This meeting is typically held in the spring/summer in the Washington, D.C. area. STP information can be obtained at: https://navystp.com. Phase II awardees will be contacted separately regarding this program. It is recommended that Phase II cost estimates include travel to Washington, D.C. for this event.

EVALUATION AND SELECTIONThe DON will evaluate and select Phase I and Phase II proposals using the evaluation criteria in Sections 6.0 and 8.0 of the DoD SBIR/STTR Program BAA respectively, with technical merit being most

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important, followed by qualifications of key personnel and commercialization potential of equal importance. As noted in the sections of the aforementioned Announcement on proposal submission requirements, proposals exceeding the total costs established for the Base and/or any Options as specified by the sponsoring DON SYSCOM will be rejected without evaluation or consideration for award. Due to limited funding, the DON reserves the right to limit awards under any topic.

Approximately one week after the Phase I BAA closing, e-mail notifications that proposals have been received and processed for evaluation will be sent. Consequently, the e-mail address on the proposal Cover Sheet must be correct.

Requests for a debrief must be made within 15 calendar days of select/non-select notification via email as specified in the select/non-select notification. Please note debriefs are typically provided in writing via email to the Corporate Official identified in the firm proposal within 60 days of receipt of the request. Requests for oral debriefs may not be accommodated. If contact information for the Corporate Official has changed since proposal submission, a notice of the change on company letterhead signed by the Corporate Official must accompany the debrief request.

Protests of Phase I and II selections and awards must be directed to the cognizant Contracting Officer for the DON Topic Number, or filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Contact information for Contracting Officers may be obtained from the DON SYSCOM Program Managers listed in Table 1. If the protest is to be filed with the GAO, please refer to instructions provided in section 4.11 of the DoD SBIR/STTR Program BAA.

CONTRACT DELIVERABLESContract deliverables for Phase I are typically progress reports and final reports. Required contract deliverables must be uploaded to https://www.navysbirprogram.com/navydeliverables/.

AWARD AND FUNDING LIMITATIONSAwards. The DON typically awards a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract or a small purchase agreement for Phase I. In addition to the negotiated contract award types listed in Section 4.14.b of the DoD SBIR/STTR Program BAA for Phase II awards, the DON may (under appropriate circumstances) propose the use of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) as specified in 10 U.S.C. 2371/10 U.S.C. 2371b and related implementing policies and regulations.

Funding Limitations. In accordance with SBIR Policy Directive section 4(b)(5), there is a limit of one sequential Phase II award per firm per topic. Additionally, to adjust for inflation DON has raised Phase I and Phase II award amounts, excluding DTA. The maximum Phase I proposal/award amount including all options (less DTA) is $240,000. The Phase I Base amount must not exceed $140,000 and the Phase I Option amount must not exceed $100,000. The maximum Phase II proposal/award amount including all options (less DTA) is $1,600,000 (unless non-SBIR/STTR funding is being added). Individual SYSCOMs may award amounts, including Base and all Options, of less than $1,600,000 based on available funding. The structure of the Phase II proposal/award, including maximum amounts as well as breakdown between Base and Option amounts will be provided to all Phase I awardees either in their Phase I award or in a minimum of 30 days prior to the due date for submission of their Initial Phase II proposal.

PAYMENTSThe DON makes three payments from the start of the Phase I Base period, and from the start of the Phase I Option period, if exercised. Payment amounts represent a set percentage of the Base or Option value as follows:

Days From Start of Base Award or Option Payment Amount60 Days 50% of Total Base or Option

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120 Days 35% of Total Base or Option180 Days 15% of Total Base or Option

TOPIC AWARD BY OTHER THAN THE SPONSORING AGENCYDue to specific limitations on the amount of funding and number of awards that may be awarded to a particular firm per topic using SBIR/STTR program funds (see above), Head of Agency Determinations are now required (for all awards related to topics issued in or after the SBIR 13.1/STTR 13.A solicitations) before a different agency may make an award using another agency’s topic. This limitation does not apply to Phase III funding. Please contact the original sponsoring agency before submitting a Phase II proposal to an agency other than the one that sponsored the original topic. (For DON awardees, this includes other DON SYSCOMs.)

TRANSFER BETWEEN SBIR AND STTR PROGRAMSSection 4(b)(1)(i) of the SBIR Policy Directive provides that, at the agency’s discretion, projects awarded a Phase I under a BAA for SBIR may transition in Phase II to STTR and vice versa. A firm wishing to transfer from one program to another must contact its designated technical monitor to discuss the reasons for the request and the agency’s ability to support the request. The transition may be proposed prior to award or during the performance of the Phase II effort. No transfers will be authorized prior to or during the Phase I award. Agency disapproval of a request to change programs will not be grounds for granting relief from any contractual performance requirement(s) including but not limited to the percentage of effort required to be performed by the small business and the research institution (if applicable). All approved transitions between programs must be noted in the Phase II award or an award modification signed by the Contracting Officer that indicates the removal or addition of the research institution and the revised percentage of work requirements.

ADDITIONAL NOTESHuman Subjects, Animal Testing, and Recombinant DNA. Due to the short timeframe associated with Phase I of the SBIR/STTR process, the DON does not recommend the submission of Phase I proposals that require the use of Human Subjects, Animal Testing, or Recombinant DNA. For example, the ability to obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for proposals that involve human subjects can take 6-12 months, and that lengthy process can be at odds with the Phase I goal for time-to-award. Before the DON makes any award that involves an IRB or similar approval requirement, the proposer must demonstrate compliance with relevant regulatory approval requirements that pertain to proposals involving human, animal, or recombinant DNA protocols. It will not impact the DON’s evaluation, but requiring IRB approval may delay the start time of the Phase I award and if approvals are not obtained within two months of notification of selection, the decision to award may be terminated. If the use of human, animal, and recombinant DNA is included under a Phase I or Phase II proposal, please carefully review the requirements at: http://www.onr.navy.mil/About-ONR/compliance-protections/Research-Protections/Human-Subject-Research.aspx. This webpage provides guidance and lists approvals that may be required before contract/work can begin.

Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). Due to the typical lengthy time for approval to obtain GFE, it is recommended that GFE is not proposed as part of the Phase I proposal. If GFE is proposed and it is determined during the proposal evaluation process to be unavailable, proposed GFE may be considered a weakness in the proposal.

International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). For topics indicating ITAR restrictions or the potential for classified work, limitations are generally placed on disclosure of information involving topics of a classified nature or those involving export control restrictions, which may curtail or preclude the involvement of universities and certain non-profit institutions beyond the basic research level. Small businesses must structure their proposals to clearly identify the work that will be performed that is of a

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basic research nature and how it can be segregated from work that falls under the classification and export control restrictions. As a result, information must also be provided on how efforts can be performed in later phases if the university/research institution is the source of critical knowledge, effort, or infrastructure (facilities and equipment).

PHASE II GUIDELINESAll Phase I awardees can submit an Initial Phase II proposal for evaluation and selection. The Phase I Final Report, Initial Phase II Proposal, and Transition Outbrief (as applicable) will be used to evaluate the offeror’s potential to progress to a workable prototype in Phase II and transition technology to Phase III. Details on the due date, content, and submission requirements of the Initial Phase II Proposal will be provided by the awarding SYSCOM either in the Phase I contract or by subsequent notification.

NOTE: All SBIR/STTR Phase II awards made on topics from solicitations prior to FY13 will be conducted in accordance with the procedures specified in those solicitations (for all DON topics, this means by invitation only).

The DON typically awards a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for Phase II; but, may consider other types of agreement vehicles. Phase II awards can be structured in a way that allows for increased funding levels based on the project’s transition potential. To accelerate the transition of SBIR/STTR-funded technologies to Phase III, especially those that lead to Programs of Record and fielded systems, the Commercialization Readiness Program was authorized and created as part of section 5122 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2012. The statute set-aside is 1% of the available SBIR/STTR funding to be used for administrative support to accelerate transition of SBIR/STTR-developed technologies and provide non-financial resources for the firms (e.g., the DON STP).

PHASE III GUIDELINESA Phase III SBIR/STTR award is any work that derives from, extends, or completes effort(s) performed under prior SBIR/STTR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR/STTR programs. Thus, a Phase III award is any contract, grant, or agreement where the technology is the same as, derived from, or evolved from a Phase I or a Phase II SBIR/STTR award and given to the firm that received the Phase I/II award. This covers any contract, grant, or agreement issued as a follow-on Phase III award or any contract, grant, or agreement award issued as a result of a competitive process where the awardee was an SBIR/STTR firm that developed the technology as a result of a Phase I or Phase II award. The DON will give Phase III status to any award that falls within the above-mentioned description, which includes assigning SBIR/STTR Technical Data Rights to any noncommercial technical data and/or noncommercial computer software delivered in Phase III that was developed under SBIR/STTR Phase I/II effort(s). Government prime contractors and/or their subcontractors must follow the same guidelines as above and ensure that companies operating on behalf of the DON protect the rights of the SBIR/STTR firm.

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NAVY SBIR 19.1 Topic Index

N191-001 Multi-Color Long-wave Infrared (LWIR) Imagers for Infantry ApplicationsN191-002 Autonomous Pallet LoaderN191-003 Optically-Aided, Non-Global Positioning System (GPS) for Aircraft Navigation Over WaterN191-004 Real-Beam Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) Imaging and Automatic Target

RecognitionN191-005 Novel Diagnostic Methods for At-Sea Testing of Inertial Navigation System AvionicsN191-006 Compact Radio Frequency-to-Optical Transmitter for Airborne Military EnvironmentsN191-007 Data Analytics Tools for the Automated Logistics Environment (ALE)N191-008 Improved Quantum Efficiency Photo-DetectorN191-009 Reusable MATPAC Packaging System for Expeditionary AirfieldsN191-010 Miniature Diode-Pumped Solid State Laser for Military and Aerospace EnvironmentsN191-011 Automatic Threat Radar Waveform RecognitionN191-012 Mid-Wave Infrared Polarization-Maintaining Single Mode FiberN191-013 Maritime Big Data AnalyticsN191-014 Brightness Scaling of Quantum Cascade LasersN191-015 Enhancing Seated Aircrew EnduranceN191-016 Clustering and Association for Active Sonar Tracking and ClassificationN191-017 Enhanced Visualization for Situational UnderstandingN191-018 Automated Event Logging for Improved Electronic Warfare OperationsN191-019 High Performance Computing (HPC) for AEGIS Combat Systems Test Bed (CSTB)N191-020 Target Identification Interrogation Data Stream Analytics SystemN191-021 Automated Curvilinear Mineline DetectionN191-022 3-inch SONAR CountermeasureN191-023 Efficient 3-inch Acoustic Device Countermeasure (ADC) Depth Control SystemN191-024 Standoff Command and Control of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)N191-025 Compact High Energy Laser (HEL) Beam DirectorN191-026 Antennas and Antenna Radomes with Extreme Thermal Shock Resistance for Missile

ApplicationsN191-027 Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) Sensor for Ohio Class Ballistic Missile (SSBN),

Ohio Class Guided Missile (SSGN), and Columbia Class SubmarinesN191-028 Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) and Other Nonlinear Suppression for High Power

Fiber Delivery System for Navy Platform High Energy Laser (HEL)N191-029 Adaptive Radar Algorithms for Next Generation Surface Search RadarN191-030 Risk Reduction and Resiliency Modeling Software for Industrial Control SystemsN191-031 Quantum Cascade Laser Manufacturing Cost ReductionN191-032 Artificial Intelligence Real-Time Track Modeling and Simulation for Combat SystemsN191-033 Spatially Distributed Electron Beam Gun for High Pulse Repetition Rate OperationN191-034 Automated Multi-System Course of Action Analysis Using Artificial IntelligenceN191-035 Fat Line Towed Array Aft StabilizerN191-036 Big Data Tools for High-speed Threat Detection and ClassificationN191-037 Cyber Secure Backbone for Autonomous VehiclesN191-038 Through-the-Hull Data TransferN191-039 High Operating Temperature (HOT) Short-Wave Infrared/Mid-Wave Infrared

(SWIR/MWIR) Dual-band 2-channel and Broadband Detectors for Weapon Targeting and IR Seekers

N191-040 Open Cell Ring Down Spectrometer to Measure Atmospheric Visible and Infrared Ambient Light Extinction

N191-041 Development of Long-Life, Energy-Dense Batteries Using Alpha-Beta Emitting Isotopes/Isomers

N191-042 Developing an Intermediate Augmented Reality Capability for InfantryN191-043 Development of Ultrasonically Absorptive Aeroshell Materials for Hypersonic Boundary

Layer Transition (BLT) DelayN191-044 Undersea Energy Harvesting from Benthic Gas Seeps and Hydrates

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NAVY SBIR 19.1 Topic Descriptions

N191-001 TITLE: Multi-Color Long-wave Infrared (LWIR) Imagers for Infantry Applications

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Combat Optics (PMM140 Infantry Weapons)

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 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an uncooled long-wave infrared (LWIR) imaging sensor with multi-color capability that increases a Marine’s ability to identify potential dangers while also retaining capabilities for day and night target acquisition, utilizing one imaging system.

DESCRIPTION: Reduction of a Marine’s overall weight loaded by heavy systems is a prime goal of the Marine Corps Systems Command. Current Marine Corps-fielded LWIR (typically defined as 8-14 micron wavelength) imaging systems for infantry applications are general purpose devices, mainly for target acquisition tasks, and utilize a single-color, broadband sensor. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an advanced technique for identifying materials by their spectral signatures and is highly amenable to automatic target recognition when coupled with a library of known threats. The need to divide an imaging band into many tens or hundreds of colors necessarily extends the time required to record a measurable signal, and many HSI systems build images with a slow scan, utilizing stabilized optics. Many HSI platforms are typically aerial or space borne, with availability usually exceeding demand. LWIR systems are more versatile than other imagers as they do not rely on reflected light from the sun or other sources. The longer wavelengths are also more effective in penetrating smoke, dust, fog, and aerosols.

Multi-color systems divide the imaging band into two to tens of colors, but fall short of the many tens to hundreds of colors associated with hyperspectral imaging. A multi-color LWIR imaging sensor could combine capabilities, reducing weight and creating a more effective system. Passive LWIR multi-color systems are desirable to retain the capability to operate in daylight and darkness without supplemental illumination; provide broadband modes comparable to currently fielded imagers; and operate at video speeds to present real-time imagery to the operator. Multi-color LWIR applications to be demonstrated are disturbed earth detection, homemade explosive and chemical weapon constituent/precursor detection, and concealed/camouflaged object detection. Although full hyperspectral capability is likely required to identify specific signatures, it is intended that multi-color capability provide basic object of interest discrimination from the natural background to alert Marines of potential dangers.

Previous experiments in passive LWIR hyperspectral imaging indicate that targets of Marine Corps interest can be discriminated during daylight and darkness, without supplemental illumination. However, the Marine Corps has not pursued further research to determine the minimal number of spectral color bands required to allow a trained operator to detect potential targets of interest within otherwise uniform scene features. Uncooled (e.g., microbolometer-based) thermal imagers are the preferred embodiment for Marine Corps infantry applications, as they have significantly reduced size, weight, power, and cost when compared to cooled systems. The ability to revert to a broadband imaging mode, for long range target acquisition, would eliminate the need for Marines to carry a redundant imaging system. Marines currently utilize two representative uncooled LWIR handheld imaging systems within the Rifle Squad and Platoon, the AN/PAS-30 Mini-Thermal Imager (NSN 5855-01-554-4673), and the larger AN/PAS-28 Medium Range Thermal Bi-ocular (NSN 5855-01-573-2483).

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The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work. The Phase II and III efforts will likely require secure access, and the contractor will need to be prepared for personnel and facility certification for secure access.

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

PHASE I: Utilize existing and/or newly collected, unclassified data (Note: The performer may utilize its own or open source data) for performing an analysis to determine the minimal number of colors and scene integration time necessary to detect hidden threats utilizing uncooled LWIR imaging sensors. Perform an initial assessment of applicable technologies for LWIR color filter techniques. If feasible within the constraints of Phase I resources, demonstrate representative technologies for multi-color LWIR imaging that would meet Marine Corps needs. The Government will consider requests for samples of representative targets, hosting of range collection events, and/or Government-owned hyperspectral data files for use during the Phase II effort. Throughout all phases of the effort, the performer shall provide target and environmental modeling assumptions and sensor/optical parameters. It is recommended that performers utilize the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM), which may be obtained from the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate [Ref 6]. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop prototype hardware to demonstrate critical technologies and collection of data representative of actual threats. Develop technologies of interest that show an achievable path for embodiment in the form of a hand-held system that may supplement or replace currently fielded Marine Corps dismounted infantry thermal imaging devices. Multi-color operating modes shall provide hidden target (with a critical dimension/characteristic size similar to personnel targets) detection at no less than 20% of the broadband operating mode detection range (threshold) of upright, moving, personnel targets (0.75 meter size, 2 deg Celsius Target Contrast, V50 Detect = 1.53 cycles), in clear atmospheric conditions, and should provide greater than 33% of broadband personnel detection range (objective). Parameters include: (1) Broadband personnel target detection range shall be commensurate with the form-factor to be selected by the performer; approximately 500 meters, at 70% probability, for a pocket monocular similar to the AN/PAS-30 MTI, and 1,800 meters, at 70% probability, for a two-handed bi-ocular device similar to the AN/PAS-28 MRTB. (2) The widest field of view viewing mode shall be commensurate with the form factor selected by the performer; no less than 18 degrees horizontal for a pocket monocular and no less than 7 degrees horizontal for a two-handed bi-ocular device. (3) Broadband operating mode shall provide imagery at no less than 24 frames per second (threshold), and should provide imagery at no less than 60 frames per second (objective). (4) Broadband operating mode shall provide imagery with no more than 67 milliseconds of latency (threshold), and should provide no more than 17 milliseconds of latency (objective). All operating modes shall present imagery as complete, full field of view, frames (i.e., not push broom/waterfall presentation) with continuous refresh. All imaging modes shall assume a standing operator, holding the system without additional stabilizing support. Multi-color imaging techniques that provide a frame rate and latency suitable for continuous panning are favored over techniques that require the operator to maintain a single pointing direction for each frame. Techniques that do not require moving parts during operation or when switching between modes are preferred.

Provide analysis to show the chosen technical approach has a feasible development path to meeting the size, weight, and power goals described in Phase III. It is anticipated that data classified at the SECRET level will be produced during the Phase II effort.

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

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PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Phase III activities include optimization of the system for size, weight, power, and performance, as well as refinement of components to reduce manufacturing costs. Demonstration of optimized performance or operation in a wider variety of environments and against additional target samples may be performed. The size, weight, and power goals of the Phase III demonstrator shall be commensurate with the form factor selected. For the pocket viewer form factor, the system shall have a box volume of no more than 50 cubic inches, and a weight (with batteries) of no more than 1.5 pounds. For the two-handed bi-ocular form factor, the system shall have a box volume of no more than 300 cubic inches, and a weight (with batteries) of no more than 4 pounds. Both form factors shall have a single-load battery life of no less than five hours during continuous broadband imaging at 20 deg Celsius, when utilizing non-rechargeable Lithium batteries, such as L91 AA or CR123. Alternative embodiments, such as long-range observation devices, weapon sights, or highly mobile head-mounted platforms may be directed by the Sponsor as the utility of the technology is evaluated. It is anticipated that data classified at the SECRET level will be produced during the Phase III effort.

Multi-color LWIR imagers could be used in firefighting and law enforcement applications because of their imaging capabilities through smoke, fog, or aerosols. Multi-color LWIR imagers could also be utilized for counterfeit object detection, vegetation growth monitoring, and hazardous material leak detection.

REFERENCES:1. “Military Utility of Multispectral and Hyperspectral Sensors.” Infrared Information Analysis Center, 1994. http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA325724

2. Schmieder, David and Teague, James. “The History, Trends, and Future of Infrared Technology.” Defense Systems Information Analysis Center, Volume 2 Number 4, Fall 2015. https://www.dsiac.org/resources/journals/dsiac/fall-2015-volume-2-number-4/history-trends-and-future-infrared-technology

3. “Analysis of LWIR Soil Data to Predict Reflectance Response.”, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Aug 2009. http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA508400

4. “Standoff Detection of Trace Level Explosive Residue Using LWIR Hyperspectral Imaging.” Physical Sciences Inc., Oct 2009. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=2ahUKEwiV9Yur_b_cAhUjUt8KHf4lDQwQFjAAegQIARAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fenergetics.chm.uri.edu%2F%3Fq%3Dsystem%2Ffiles%2F9%2520Cosofret%2520Standoff%2520Explosives%2520Detection%2520using%2520AIRIS.pdf&usg=AOvVaw2icbXDaNJ1CfLOViAgktCS

5. “LWIR Multispectral Imaging Chemical Sensor.”, Physical Sciences Inc., 1998. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=2ahUKEwjz35yr9b_cAhWEdN8KHfrMC-YQFjACegQIBhAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psicorp.com%2Fpdf%2Flibrary%2Fsr-0962.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3maXcZ7M5gsjsD-h8d_lfn

6. “Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM).” U.S. Army Communications-Research, Development and Engineering Center. https://www.cerdec.army.mil/inside_cerdec/nvesd/integrated_performance_model/

KEYWORDS: Longwave Infrared; Hyperspectral; Multi-Color; Uncooled; Imaging; Sensors

N191-002 TITLE: Autonomous Pallet Loader

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles

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ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Extendable Boom Fork Lift - Modernization (EBFL-M) & Light Capability Rough Terrain Forklift (LCRTF)

OBJECTIVE: Develop an autonomous solution for transporting material up to the size of a full 463L pallet without the help of manually operated material handling equipment (i.e., forklift). Ensure a solution capable of loading and unloading the above-mentioned material onto and off of aircraft that can accommodate a 463L pallet (e.g., CH-53 or C-130).

DESCRIPTION: Currently there is no system that allows for autonomous loading/unloading of cargo palletized on full- or half-size 463L pallets in tactical/austere environments. This results in a reliance on manpower (including fire teams) for unloading tasks in unsecured locations. Autonomous capability to load and unload cargo would greatly reduce the burden on troops in the field to move supplies out of supplying aircraft. Manual handling of cargo increases time the aircraft is on the ground in the Landing Zone and increases exposure of personnel. The system must be able to load and unload a full 463L pallet onto itself by remote control or autonomously. Once loaded, the system must be able to navigate from the self-loading location to the aircraft, over semi-improved surfaces. Technical Risks include autonomous interaction of manned/unmanned platforms, effectiveness in unprepared environments, and cargo agnostic handling capabilities.

Load and unload time should be a maximum of 120 minutes for each task.

Depending on power source (electric/engine), the system shall be able to perform one mission profile on one charge or tank of fuel. Mission profile will include loading the pallet at the self-loading location (maximum 30 minutes), navigate 200 yards (600 ft) to the aircraft and load onto the aircraft (maximum 90 minutes), unload off the aircraft and navigate 200 yards (600 ft) to the self-unloading location (maximum 90 minutes), and unload the pallet (maximum 30 minutes). The system must contain proper lifting and tie down provision for transportability and tie while loaded and unloaded.

PHASE I: Develop concepts for an autonomous pallet loader that meets the requirements in the Description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs and establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Establish feasibility by material testing and analytical modeling, as appropriate. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Develop a scaled prototype for evaluation to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Marine Corps requirements for the autonomous pallet loader. Demonstrate system performance through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Use evaluation results to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Develop the autonomous pallet loader for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. Support the Marine Corps process of test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use.

The autonomous pallet loader in its military configuration might not be suitable at its size for commercial application, but the technology of loading and unloading cargo autonomously and transporting it to another location would reduce the personnel requirement for driving a forklift. There are some commercially operated C-130s that could use the 463L pallet and potentially benefit from this technology.

REFERENCES:1. “Autonomous Cargo Handling System.” SBIR Topic N171-087. https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/1208559

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2. “CH-53K King Stallion.” http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displayPlatform&key=1716CBDA-2950-4F8D-8001-3DD82B1DDB0F

KEYWORDS: Autonomous; Material Handling; Pallet; Loader; 463L; Automated Guided Vehicle; Logistics; UGV

N191-003 TITLE: Optically-Aided, Non-Global Positioning System (GPS) for Aircraft Navigation Over Water

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA266 Navy and Marine Corp Multi-Mission Tactical UAS


OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a capability using optically-sensed features of the environment and ocean as external references for augmenting aircraft navigation when flying over water without the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

DESCRIPTION: The concept of using optical sensors for navigation has been used extensively in the past. Existing visual navigation solutions have been used within multiple weapon and military aircraft applications, but are limited to use over land, requiring detailed knowledge of the terrain. Features identified from radar or camera images can then be correlated to terrain, or map, features for estimating a given position. In addition, horizontal positioning from down-facing cameras is becoming the industry standard on high-quality, commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), especially for use indoors where satellite navigation is not available.

The current state of the art with such vision-based navigation applications does not work over water, where any detected features are not stationary and no terrain information exists for feature matching. In the commercial UAV example, this leads to low-altitude, hovering aircraft drifting with the same speed and direction of the water current below. New innovations are required for using any visually detected non-stationary features between image frames such as wind driven waves/wavelets in the case of a sensor capturing information from a Nadir or Forward-looking imager, and or clouds/clouds formations in the case of a Forward-looking imager with an excess field of view capturing features at the distant horizon. Furthermore, all image content likely needs to be considered by such new innovations. Visual solutions are often complemented by other optical remote sensing technologies that provide detailed range information, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

Without any external aiding, all modern inertial navigation positioning errors will grow over time and quickly lead to the data becoming unusable. Through new innovations using slowly time varying, sea-based features as external references, aircraft navigation systems can be augmented to potentially bound the growing positioning errors during any lengthy aircraft mission. This will lead to aircraft systems less reliant on satellite navigation or radio frequency beacons to transition longer distances across bodies of water. Any such capability can be further expanded with existing land-based visual navigation techniques or emerging ship-relative feature tracking systems to form a comprehensive solution over land, sea, and when in close proximity to ships. Any effort should demonstrate that the inertial positioning errors are bounded over a 60-minute flight envelope for an aircraft translating at speed; for example, a fixed wing aircraft traveling at a same forward speed to avoid stall, or a rotor wing aircraft translating at

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a speed much larger than any speed of the translating ocean waves below. Reported parameters should consider the speed of the aircraft, speed of ocean features, the type of sensors used, the features being tracked, the probable inertial errors with any additional aiding, and the proposed solution with the same inertial system augmented with a non-GPS optical approach. The inertial system should have positioning errors growing without bound for a flight of a minimum of 60 minutes, or shorter if the errors become larger than 1 nautical mile in any direction.

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

PHASE I: Conceptually develop one or more optically-based solutions that show the feasibility of a new capability in using external (e.g., ocean, sky, and/or any temporary features of opportunity) characteristics to augment aircraft navigation technologies. Provide documentation that demonstrates the suitability of the design for typical aircraft operations and mission environments, and the potential impacts to use without GPS aiding. Aircraft operational and mission environment information will be provided to Phase I performers. Perform a proof of concept demonstration to show the scientific and technical merit, along with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL)/Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessment. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop the optically-based concept into a prototype, perform testing and demonstrate performance of the prototype in a representative flight environment over water with varying sea and atmospheric conditions; aircraft operational and mission environment information will be provided to Phase II performers. Perform tests that demonstrate and validate the superiority of the optically-aided navigation compared to traditional aircraft navigation without external aiding (i.e., using only on-board aircraft systems, such as only air data and inertial). Show the feasibility of aircraft integration. Update the TRL/MRL assessment based on prototype advancements and test results.

Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description paragraph.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Identify requirements for transitioning to U.S. Navy aircraft with support of any appropriate PMA. Expand the prototype solution to satisfy the identified hardware and software requirements for applications to U.S. Navy fleet of aircraft, which may be manned, unmanned, fixed wing, or rotary wing platforms. Perform final testing of a fleet representative solution for at-sea aircraft navigation. Possibly further integrate the developed concepts with other navigation solutions for a more comprehensive solution to aircraft utilized in regions of the globe where GPS solutions are degraded or unavailable with coverage in both land and sea environments. The general technology can be applied in new and emerging ways for commercial applications in both large and small aircraft industries (e.g., small UAVs for operating over rivers and streams without drift).

REFERENCES:1. Chahl, J., Rosser, K., and Mizutani, A. “Bioinspired Optical Sensors for Unmanned Aerial Systems.” Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication. SPIE Proceedings, 2011. https://spie.org/Publications/Proceedings/Paper/10.1117/12.880703

2. Chao, H., Gu, Y., Gross, J., Guo, G., Fravolini, M., and Napolitano, M. “A Comparative Study of Optical Flow and Traditional Sensors in UAV Navigation.” 2013 American Control Conference, Washington DC, IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6580428/

3. Chao, H., Gu, Y., and Napolitano, M. “A Survey of Optical Flow and Robotics Navigation Applications.” Journal of Intelligent and Robotics Systems, 2014, pp. 361-372. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10846-013-9923-

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4. Chao, H., Gu, Y., and Napolitano, M. “A Survey of Optical Flow for UAV Navigation Applications.” 2013 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Atlanta, IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6564752/

5. Chao, H., Gu, Y., Gross, J., Rhudy, M., and Napolitano, M. “Flight-Test Evaluation of Navigation Information in Wide-Field Optical Flow.” Journal of Aerospace Information Systems, 2016, 13(11), pp. 419-432. https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.I010482

6. Rhudy, M.B., et al. “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Navigation Using Wide-Field Optical Flow and Inertial Sensors.” Journal of Robotics, Volume 2015, Article ID 251379, 1-12. https://web.statler.wvu.edu/~irl/Unmanned%20Aerial%20Vehicle%20Navigation%20Using%20Wide-Field%20Optical%20Flow%20and%20Inertial%20Sensors.pdf

7. Rhudy, M., Chao, H., and Gu, Y. “Wide-field Optical Flow Aided Inertial Navigation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.” 2014 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, Chicago. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6942631/citations?part=1

8. Trittler, M., Rothermel, T., & Fichter, W. “Autopilot for Landing Small Fixed-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Optical Sensors.” Journal of Guidance Control and Dynamics, 2016, 39(9), pp. 2011-2021. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305925697_Autopilot_for_Landing_Small_Fixed-Wing_Unmanned_Aerial_Vehicles_with_Optical_Sensors?_sg=5LKoAjFrO4ccPixP4oLcb8VnUcFVTx_ceplrQubvohrjhRLgiyKpvM4gAeuQ1cmJ93zPmlofLCOTbd33hkVzwKGeMZN2

9. Zhang, J., and Singh, S. “Visual-Lidar Odometry and Mapping: Low-drift, Robust, and Fast.” 2015 International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Seattle. http://www.frc.ri.cmu.edu/~jizhang03/Publications/ICRA_2015.pdf

KEYWORDS: GPS Denied; Navigation; UAS; Visually-Aided Inertial Navigation System (INS); Optical Flow; Visual-Lidar Odometry; Unmanned Aerial Systems

N191-004 TITLE: Real-Beam Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) Imaging and Automatic Target Recognition

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA280 Tomahawk Weapons Systems


OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging and associated Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) approaches that will support high-resolution, two-dimensional (2-D) imaging and classification of maritime targets for when the radar is operating in real beam mode.

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DESCRIPTION: Radar sensors on future weapon systems that form high-quality Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and ISAR images must have an offset look angle on the target. During the final stage of flight, just before impact, the radar-equipped missile that was flying at a squint angle to the target to obtain ISAR/SAR imagery must turn the missile velocity vector directly at the target, which eliminates high-quality ISAR images and the radar is forced into a real-beam degraded imagery mode. As a consequence of the image degradation in real-beam mode, the monopulse angle is distorted due to Doppler folding and the signal-to-clutter ratio is reduced according to the radar backscattering theory of the illumination response. As a result, traditional ISAR imaging algorithms used to form 2-D images of the target no longer work, and thus traditional ISAR-based ATR algorithms fail. In recent years, new advances in sparse signal processing approaches have demonstrated that for data such as ISAR, the observation time on the target required for imaging and ATR can be significantly reduced. The significant reduction in observation time can be exploited in the signal processing approach to dramatically improve the imaging and ATR performance while the radar operates in real-beam mode. The features on the target that are used to classify the targets will be encoded in the sparse representation of the radar signal and on the quality of the image formed. The Navy seeks an innovative ATR-based imaging approach that fully integrates the imaging and ATR together to leverage the sparse target information and significantly reduce the observation time to allow the radar to operate in real-beam mode. Performance of the algorithm will be assessed through simulations, captive flight tests, and live fire events when integrated into a weapon system. The real-beam ATR results will be compared to traditional ISAR ATR results for performance assessment.


PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of an innovative ATR-based imaging approach that fully integrates imaging and ATR together in order to support high-confidence vessel classification in real-beam radar mode. Develop a novel real-beam ISAR image formation approach that leverages limited radar return of targets to greatly reduce the amount of data and acquisition time required to precisely reconstruct the ISAR images as compared to the traditional ISAR imaging approach. Determine a corresponding ATR approach tuned to the type of features of the targets that are consistent with the image quality of the real-beam ISAR processor; and determine the approach to assess the algorithm performance in terms of image quality and probability of correct classification against simulated data of targets in real-beam mode, to be provided by the Government. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Further develop and demonstrate algorithm performance in terms of image quality and probability of correct classification against simulated and emulated collected data of targets in real-beam mode. Demonstrate the performance of the novel ATR-based ISAR process developed in Phase I against collected radar data on maritime targets. Perform automatic target recognition performance assessment of the ISAR images generated as a function of ship type, operational environment (e.g., sea state, wind condition), radar parameters (e.g., bandwidth, frequency), and robustness against jamming attacks.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize and integrate the algorithms into operational radar system hardware and execute real-time implementation in detailed system of systems digital simulations as well as captive flight and live fire demonstrations as determined by the transition Program of Record. Although this is primarily a weapon application, it is directly applicable to the private sector Defense contractors. The algorithm could be applied in ocean surveillance systems significantly reducing the observation time of the targets.

REFERENCES:

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1. Candes, E., and Tao, T. “Near-Optimal Signal Recovery from Random Projections: Universal Encoding Strategies.” IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 2006, pp. 5406-5425. https://statweb.stanford.edu/~candes/papers/OptimalRecovery.pdf

2. Zhang, L., Qiao, Z., Xing, M., Sheng, J., Guo, R., and Bao, Z. “High-Resolution ISAR Imaging by Exploiting Sparse Apertures.” IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 2012, pp. 997-1008. http://faculty.utrgv.edu/zhijun.qiao/Qiao-IEEE-TAP-06058607.pdf

3. Zhang, L., Xing, M., Qui, C., Li, J., and Bao, Z. “Achieving Higher Resolution ISAR Imaging with Limited Pulses via Compressed Sampling.” IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, 2009, pp. 567-571. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5061612/

KEYWORDS: ISAR; ATR; Algorithms; Maritime; Back Scatter; Real-Beam; Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar; Automatic Target Recognition

N191-005 TITLE: Novel Diagnostic Methods for At-Sea Testing of Inertial Navigation System Avionics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-260

OBJECTIVE: Develop new diagnostic methods for Embedded Global Positioning/Inertial Navigation System (EGI/INS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) avionics that minimize support equipment footprint and complexity, while overcoming challenges of at-sea testing, to perform at or above desired fault detection/fault isolation rates.

DESCRIPTION: At-sea tests of EGI/INS and IMU avionics (e.g., AN/ASN-139 CAINS (Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System) II EGI, ASQ-228 ATFLIR (Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared) IMU, NGC (Northrop Grumman Corporation) LN-200) pose a unique challenge in the support equipment community. The units under test (UUTs) perform inertial sensing and geolocation functions, yet their function must be verified in an environment subject to ship motion and without access to satellite reception.

Current and proposed methods for at-sea tests of EGI/IMU present several challenges:- High costs of sustainment for inertial reference units (IRU) equipment (incurred cost of $1.33M for 14 IRU repairs over past seven years)- Large footprint of rate table equipment (up to 40”x40” footprint and 500-pound weight) in space-limited workshops- Numerous fiber optic interfaces requiring additional troubleshooting and periodic maintenance- Long test performance times that may exceed the Navy’s objective of 60 minutes for verification of a unit under test

An innovative solution is sought to replace the Navy’s Inertial Device Test Set (IDTS), a test equipment product used to diagnose and verify the operation of EGI avionics. The Navy’s IDTS currently performs the following functional tests: Alignment; True Heading; Pitch; Roll; Velocity; Latitude; Longitude; Altitude; and Navigation Drift.

The above tests are provided as a reference. In the process of developing new test methodology, some, all, or none of these tests may be utilized. The end goal for an innovative solution should be to improve upon the challenge factors listed earlier, while meeting the Navy’s requirements for diagnostic accuracy:

1) Percent Correct Detection (PCD):

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Definition: [(Number of correct detections * 100)/Total number of confirmed faults]Objective: 85%Threshold: 70%

2) Percent Correct Fault Isolation (PCFI):Definition: [(Number of correct fault isolations * 100)/Total number of correct detections]Objective: 95% (for ambiguity group of <= 3 Shop Replaceable Assembly (SRAs)) 93% (for ambiguity group of <= 2 SRAs) 90% (for ambiguity group of 1 SRA) Threshold: 70% (for ambiguity group of <= 3 SRAs) 68% (for ambiguity group of <= 2 SRAs) 65% (for ambiguity group of 1 SRA)

Solution must be able to achieve such diagnostic coverage that INS avionics could be deemed "Ready for Issue" (RFI) following successful test. The above diagnostic accuracy requirements are currently met by the Navy's IDTS, in conjunction with the Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) family of testers. Solutions may also operate in conjunction with CASS, but are not limited to this design approach.

PHASE I: Determine EGI/IMU failure modes and test requirements utilizing past IDTS requirements analysis documentation and UUT test strategy reports, which will be made available to Phase I awardees. Develop a proof of concept for diagnostic techniques and perform a feasibility demonstration of test methods on EGI/INS and IMU components and/or sub-assemblies. Define an initial concept for integration method with CASS, if applicable to design approach. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop prototype test equipment capable of performing test method validation on full EGI/INS and IMU avionics assemblies. If pertinent to design approach, demonstrate integration with a CASS family tester at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, NJ. (Note: Access to CASS equipment at Navy facility in support of SBIR activity will have no associated cost beyond contractor’s own travel expenses.) Develop concept definition for packaging and mechanical design, accounting for environmental and electromagnetic effects requirements in Navy I-level afloat maintenance shops [Ref 5] (MIL-STD-461 for Navy surface ships, below deck equipment, using test methods CE101, CE102, CS101, CS106, CS114, CS116, RE101, RE102, RS101, and RS103).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition program for use in Navy I-level maintenance, integrating with all variants of the CASS Family of Testers, followed by regression testing of all existing IDTS Test Program Sets (TPS). TPS code comprises the test instructions executed on CASS to direct the test and measurement instrumentation. During technology transition, any new inertial device test technology must demonstrate ability to accept CASS commands, as generated by current Navy TPS code. Upon completion, the new SBIR-developed technology would be fielded in place of the existing IDTS CASS ancillary equipment.

EGIs and IMUs found within Navy air platform weapon systems are often COTS avionics used in other systems across DoD and commercial aviation (e.g., commercial passenger airlines) and transportation industries (e.g., commercial shipping, trucking, and air freight transportation). EGI/INS and IMU equipment is commonly used to aid navigation on ships, aircraft, submarines, guided missiles, and spacecraft. Novel test techniques for Navy EGI/IMU avionics may enable improvements in EGI/IMU maintenance across the range of commercial aviation and transportation industries that rely on similar equipment.

REFERENCES:1. Inertial Device Test Set (IDTS) RFI for second generation system, Solicitation Number: N68335-17-R-0033. https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=c9cea2bbb2dd81429b298f1a99f2e74f&tab=core&_cview=1

2. Sole source justification document for solicitation leading to acquisition of Navy's current EGI test equipment, Inertial Device Test Set (IDTS). https://www.neco.navy.mil/synopsis_file/N68335-10-C-0236_IDTS%20J&A

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%20for%20FEDBIZOPPS1.pdf

3. Smalling, K. and Eure, K. “A Short Tutorial on Inertial Navigation System and Global Positioning System Integration.” NASA Langley Research Center: Hampton, VA, 2015. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20150018921.pdf

4. Renfroe, P.B. et al. “Test and Evaluation of the Rockwell Collins GNP-10 for the Precision Kill and Targeting (PKAT) Missile System.” IEEE 2000, Position Location and Navigation Symposium: San Diego, CA, USA, 2000, pp. 488-493. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/838343/

5. MIL-STD-461G Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment. http://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=35789

KEYWORDS: Support Equipment; Avionics Test; Automatic Test Equipment; Automated Test Systems; Inertial Test; GPS Test

N191-006 TITLE: Compact Radio Frequency-to-Optical Transmitter for Airborne Military Environments

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA234 Airborne Electronic Attack Systems


OBJECTIVE: Develop and package a radio frequency (RF) to optical transmitter in a compact form factor, operating at 1.55 micron wavelengths, for wideband RF photonics applications.

DESCRIPTION: Current airborne military (mil-aero) communications and electronic warfare systems require ever increasing bandwidths while simultaneously requiring reductions in space, weight, and power (SWaP). The replacement of the coaxial cable used in various onboard RF/analog applications with RF/analog fiber optic links will provide increased immunity to electromagnetic interference, reduction in size and weight, and an increase in bandwidth. To accomplish this, transmitter modules are required to integrate lasers, optical modulators, bias control, and electronics in a compact form factor that can meet extended temperature range requirements (-40°C to 100°C) of the mil-aero environment.

Typically, RF-to-optical transmitters are made by integrating many discrete components into a single large module that routinely exceeds 300 cm^3. To facilitate use by many airborne platforms, the form factor of these transmitters must be reduced to less than 150 cm^3. Simultaneously, the transmitter must have performance requirements that support high performance RF link specifications such as RF bandwidths exceeding 18 GHz; RF noise figures below 25 dB (no RF pre-amplification) when connected directly to a separate single high current photodiode (0.7Amp/Watt responsivity); optical output powers greater than 20 mW from a single mode optical fiber; and spur free dynamic ranges above 110 dB-Hz^2/3. The transmitter output should be single longitudinal mode and have a relative intensity noise level of below -165 dBc/Hz over all RF frequencies from 1 to 18 GHz.

Higher levels of component integration that eliminate the use of optical splices will be needed as well as the development of more compact drive electronics for both quadrature modulator biasing and laser power conditioning

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circuits. It is also desirable for this transmitter module to have a package dimension no greater than 17.5 x 65 x 115 mm with all optical, electrical and RF connections entering and exiting though only one of the 17.5mm or 65 mm surfaces.

PHASE I: Design and develop an approach for the compact optical transmitter. Demonstrate feasibility of laser and modulator performance required as well as integration and electronic circuits strategies showing the path to meeting Phase II goals. Design and analyze a transmitter package prototype. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Optimize and fabricate a packaged transmitter prototype based on the Phase I design. Build the transmitter and test to meet design specifications in an RF photonic link with the minimum performance levels reached. Characterize the packaged transmitter over temperature and air platform thermal shock, temperature cycling, vibration, and mechanical shock spectrum. If necessary, perform root cause analysis and remediate package failures.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Qualify the packaged transmitter prototype and transition to manufacturing. Commercial applications include wireless networks based on remoted antennas; and analog optical sensors. Specifically, the Telecom Industry would benefit from successful technology development.

REFERENCES:1. Urick, V.J., Willams, K.J., and McKinney, J.D. “Fundamentals of Microwave Photonics.” Wiley Series in Microwave and Optical Engineering, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-118-29320-1. DOI: 10.1002/9781119029816

2. MIL-STD-810G, Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests. http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810G_12306/

3. MIL-STD-883K, DoD Test Method Standard Microcircuits. http://www.dscc.dla.mil/downloads/milspec/docs/mil-std-883/std883.pdf

4. MIL-STD-1678, Fiber Optic Cabling Systems Requirements and Measurements. http://www.landandmaritime.dla.mil/programs/milspec/ListDocs.aspx?BasicDoc=MIL-STD-1678

5. MIL-STD-38534J, General Specification for Hybrid Microcircuits. http://www.landandmaritime.dla.mil/programs/milspec/ListDocs.aspx?BasicDoc=MIL-PRF-38534

6. DO-160F Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment. http://www.rtca.org/store_product.asp?prodid=759-

KEYWORDS: Radio Frequency-Over-Fiber; Transmitter; Laser; Modulator; Integrated; Packaging

N191-007 TITLE: Data Analytics Tools for the Automated Logistics Environment (ALE)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA231 E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System

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 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on

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this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a toolset that would leverage machine learning and analytics to analyze the system design with Automated Logistics Environment (ALE) data collected across the fleet to design and develop improved maintenance procedures that will improve readiness.

DESCRIPTION: The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has an onboard data retrieval system, the ALE, that monitors and records all bus communications, systems sensors, and built-in test capability on every flight the aircraft makes, from the time the power is turned on until engines are shut down in highly variable operating environments. After each flight, the maintenance personnel review the data using the E-2D ALE viewing tool to assist in identifying maintenance required to be performed. Each flight file is stored for historical and analytical purposes. The ALE environment, although more of a receive and display system, has the potential to provide a deeper analytical capability. The longer the systems are in the fleet, product teams are discovering the need to have ALE provide side-by-side and overlay comparisons of performance metrics. ALE can currently do this, albeit only through a manual process using the ALE viewing tool to see faults or trends on that aircraft. Built-in test (BIT) trending needs to be more comprehensive in the sense that one BIT failure has value but seen side by side with associated systems that trend within the same flight parameters provides greater system health and diagnostics. For instance, if the historical data could be queried to display the last 20 flights of a particular aircraft and accumulate a percentage of confidence above average BIT failures, associated trends could help determine more accurately the location of the issue. Another example is if at 10K feet, humidity increases in the dome, and temperatures increase in the amplifiers, this could indicate the presence of accumulating water. ALE has limited capability to view data from multiple flights or aircrafts. Each product team has a system(s) with critical components that need up front metrics for that flight, and the ability to see that system’s cumulative flight BIT trending. From here the vision is endless if ALE were able to reach back into supply and work order data. By analyzing factors such as heat/vibration and operational usage Navy personnel could better understand "bad actors", which are the problematic aircraft with chronic low reliability and potentially the greatest single driver of readiness. Data mining can assist maintenance troubleshooting by analyzing bit-code data generated during flight; then maintainers can be provided alternate paths in hard-to-troubleshoot cases. By analyzing the data, the product team can understand the normal operating parameters and then could potentially provide warnings for catastrophic incidents by detecting/predicting these incidents before they occur. Through predictive models using ALE data, there could be some potential to consolidate scheduled maintenance actions. Sample data will be provided during Phase II.


PHASE I: Utilize mock up, wireframes, and conceptual design to identify areas within Automated Logistics Environment (ALE) that support trend analysis capability as it relates to supportability, reliability and ultimately maintainability of the E-2D platform. Design and demonstrate the feasibility of a toolset to analyze ALE data. Determine key performance metrics of the platform that are of value to the maintainer, IPT, and the enterprise and not necessarily a single solution. The Phase I will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype software toolset capable of machine learning, data mining, and identifying trends to improve maintenance procedures and readiness. Identify whether this is a web-based solution or a closed loop effort as IT framework, methodologies, and technologies determine the sustainment barriers once fielded. Adhere to agnostic, non-proprietary, interoperable and best industry development processes/ technologies as this will ensure seamless integration of the toolset. Demonstrate the prototype toolset.

Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description for details.

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PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize development and perform testing. Transition the technology and integrate the final developed toolset into the E-2D ALE. The prototype tool set could be used for commercial aircraft to improve maintenance procedures and readiness. The automotive industry, construction, or any industry utilizing vehicles would benefit from this technology development.

REFERENCES:1. Hess, A., Calvello, G., and Dabney, T. “PHM A Key Enabler for the JSF Autonomic Logistics Support Concept.” IEEE Aerospace Conference 2004 (IEEE Cat. No.04TH8720): Big Sky. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1368171/

2. Lee, J., Bagheri, B., and Kao, H. “Recent Advances and Trends of Cyber-Physical Systems and Big Data Analytics in Industrial Informatics.” International Conference on Industrial Informatics (INDIN), Cincinnati, OH, 2014. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d217/d5cfe218845da76852ce21fb46499e5c972b.pdf

3. Reis, G., and Saha, A. “Watson Content Analytics: How Cognitive Computing is Transforming Aircraft Maintenance.” MRO Americas, April 2017. http://mromarketing.aviationweek.com/downloads/mro2017/presentations/IBM-HowCognitiveComputingisTransformingCommercialAircraftMaintenance.pdf

KEYWORDS: Aircraft; Maintenance; Logistics; Machine Learning; Readiness; ALE

N191-008 TITLE: Improved Quantum Efficiency Photo-Detector


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA264 Air ASW Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a photo-receiver device with high quantum efficiency, low noise, and high dynamic range, and that is optimized for operation in the blue-green region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

DESCRIPTION: Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) has proven to be an effective remote sensing technique of the oceans and atmosphere [Ref 1]. The Navy has a strong interest in exploiting this type of sensor to better understand its operating environment. Profiling LIDAR works by emitting a short duration packet of photons and detecting the echo returns from scatter along the path of the emission. Attenuation and geometrical spreading loss results in a large disparity of photons as a function of arrival time. The temporal signature of the LIDAR return follows a decaying exponential over many decades. The ability to resolve range and magnitude information from the scatters over long distances or attenuation lengths requires a large dynamic range and very sensitive detectors that can faithfully reproduce an exponentially decaying photo-signal. Furthermore, large variations in backscatter intensity necessitate use of gating techniques.

Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) have been very effective detectors for LIDAR. They are large area detectors with high gain (greater than 60 dB) and bandwidths (greater than 500 MHz); and are nearly ideal current sources with linear responses over many orders of magnitude and noise figures near unity. They can be gated with fast recovery time and minimal ringing. However, they tend to have lower than desired quantum efficiency.

Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) based on Gallium Phosphide (GaP) have been investigated as replacements for PMTs. These detectors can be made with high gain and little excess noise by using the avalanche process. Semiconductor detectors can be less expensive and more robust than PMTs. Recently recessed-window/mesa-structure GaP APDs with low dark currents (< 1 pico-Amp) and high quantum efficiency (70% at 445 nm) have been reported [Ref 2]. However, APDs tend to have signal-induced artifacts, such as after-pulses or long decay constant tails that limit instantaneous dynamic range.

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The proposer is encouraged to present novel approaches to maximize the quantum efficiency, dynamic range performance, and noise figure of a photo-detector receiver operating in the blue-green wavelength region.

The performance objectives of the photo-receiver are:1. Dynamic range (100 nanoseconds after stimulus): Threshold > 4 orders of magnitude, Goal > 5 orders of magnitude2. Quantum Efficiency: Threshold > 50%, Goal > 70%3. Intrinsic gain: Threshold >100, Goal >10004. Coupling: single ended DC5. Analog bandwidth: >50 MHz6. Dark current: Threshold <1 nano-Amp, Goal < 1 pico-Amp7. Active area: threshold > 0.5 square centimeter, Goal > 1 square centimeter8. Peak wavelength response: 460-490 nm9. Optical damage threshold: 100 micro-Joules in 30 ns (>3000 W peak power)10. Gate recovery time: Threshold <50 nanoseconds, Goal <5 nanoseconds11. Ruggedize: System must withstand the shock, vibration, pressure, temperature, humidity, electrical power conditions, etc. encountered in a system built for airborne use [Ref 3]12. Reliability: Mean time between equipment failure—300 operating hours.13. Production Unit Cost: Threshold < $10,000 (10's of units); Objective <$1,000 (100's of units)

PHASE I: Determine a design for a photo-receiver device and an approach to achieve the desired performance specified by the requirements identified in the Description. Provide modeling or small-scale test results to validate approach. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, fabricate, and demonstrate a prototype photo-receiver and control electronics. Test and fully characterize the system prototype. Optimize gating circuit and analog gain stages.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Miniaturize and finalize the design suitable for an externally mounted, aircraft-mounted sensor pod or internally mounted sensor for small aerial vehicles. Fabricate a ruggedized system solution and assist with certification for flight on a NAVAIR R&D aircraft. Provide low-rate production capabilities. Provide testing and analysis of system performance. High Quantum efficiency photodetectors have broad range of applications in areas such as remote sensing LIDAR, Radar, Radiometry, and free-space communications. Oceanographic bathymetry systems for survey and exploration work, in particular, would benefit greatly from this effort.

REFERENCES:1. Dion McIntosh, Q. Z. “High quantum efficiency GaP avalanche photodiodes.” Optics Express, 2011, Vol. 19, No. 20. https://www.osapublishing.org/oe/fulltext.cfm?uri=oe-19-20-19607&id=222690

2. “What is LIDAR?” NOAA, 2013. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/lidar.html

3. MIL-STD-810G, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TEST METHOD STANDARD: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING CONSIDERATIONS AND LABORATORY TESTS (31 OCT 2008), Section 2, p514.6C1 – 514.6C22, p516, http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810G_12306/

KEYWORDS: High Quantum Efficiency; Photodetector; PMT; APD; LIDAR; Optical Receiver

N191-009 TITLE: Reusable MATPAC Packaging System for Expeditionary Airfields

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Battlespace, Materials/Processes

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ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA251 Aircraft Launch & Recovery Equipment (ALRE)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a reusable packaging system for shipping and storing AM2 MATPACs.

DESCRIPTION: The Expeditionary Airfield (EAF) Integrated Product Team (IPT) team and the Fleet have identified a need for a reusable securing system for shipping and storing AM2 MATPACs. The EAF Marines are tasked with rapid deployment and operation of expeditionary airfields in any feasible location around the world. A MATPAC is eighteen (18) sheets of either 6 or 12-foot aluminum AM2 mat, stacked and bound. It can also be a package where AM2 mat is used as dunnage to create a secure box to ship lighting and accessories. AM2 mat is either 6’ by 1.5” by 2’ (weight 75 lbs) or 12’ by 1.5” by 2’ (weight 150 lbs).

The heaviest MATPAC, a version that contains lighting fixtures, has a total weight of 3,500 lbs. The most lightweight version contains 6’ AM2 matting and weighs 1,475 lbs. Current reusable pack banding technology, like ratchet strapping, is not strong enough and is too flexible to handle the weight of the MATPAC. These options are also not suitable for the ultraviolet (UV) conditions MATPACs are exposed to since they are stored outside in the elements. The currently fielded securing method is to use steel banding, which results in excess dunnage for the receiving location. The large number of MATPACs and the frequency of shipping have also resulted in excessive impact on the EAF budget. The banding on MATPACs in storage must be broken and replaced annually, further impacting cost and labor.

Currently, EAF is spending $1.37 million annually on steel banding, which breaks down to $20-$35 per MATPAC for standard banding and $5 per MATPAC for “belly banding.” The standard banding method is to stack the mats, place steel end frames on either end and band the end frames to one another in an “X” across the front and back of the stack. This prevents the mat from shifting around in transit. “Belly banding” is used when the mat is sent back for refurbishment. This involves stacking the mat and simply banding around the stack twice, no end frames. Standard banding uses 75’ of banding for 6’ MATPACs and 120’ for 12’ MATPACs while belly banding only uses 20’. When the MATPACs arrive on site and are cut open, the discarded banding can result in 4-5 truckloads of banding that has to be removed.

The EAF Marines are an expeditionary force so a premium is placed on weight, size, and maneuverability, which impose a few constraints on any solutions. EAF Marines must be prepared to operate in any feasible climate, a requirement that extends to their equipment as well. Any securing system proposed must be capable of withstanding the temperature, humidity, and UV conditions that it will be exposed to during shipment and in operation. MIL-STD-810G Part Three [Ref 1] contains information regarding climactic conditions. EAF equipment must function in all four climactic design types (Hot, Basic, Cold, and Severe Cold) to include all daily cycles [Ref 1 - A1, B3, B1, B2, A2, A3, C1, C2]. The mats are placed on a flat rack for shipment and to save room they must sit flush next to each other. The solution must be low profile and cannot protrude out at all from the MATPAC itself. Storage space is limited so when not in use, the solution should be able to be stored or shipped back easily. The solution can utilize the current end frames but that is not required as long as the solution protects the edges of the mat, secures the locking bars shipped with the MATPACS, provides a surface for identification markings, and fully encloses the ends of the MATPACS. A locking bar is .188" thick, .625" wide and comes in lengths of 1, 2 and 6 feet. The number and size of the locking bars included will depend on the contents of the MATPAC. The options are:20 2-foot locking bars22 6-foot locking bars56 1-foot locking bars36 1-foot locking bars40 1-foot locking bars31 1-foot locking bars and 2-foot locking bars144 1-foot locking bars120 2-foot locking bars MATPACs are moved by a forklift and stacked on top of one another so the securing solution must be able to withstand these types of normal operation as well as accidental drops from the operational height of the forklift tines (approximately 10 feet). Currently the end frames provide space for forklift tines below the MATPAC and self-align MATPACs as they are stacked, so this can be done with a single forklift operator. The end frames have a notch on

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the bottom edge and a tab on the top edge so when they are stacked, the notch and tab align, guiding the MATPAC being stacked into the correct position. If the end frames are not utilized, the solution should provide these capabilities as well.

The solution should lower total ownership costs and the logistics footprint. The EAF team would like to see a return on investment in no more than 3-5 years if the upfront cost is higher than what is currently spent on banding.

PHASE I: Provide a conceptual design and prove the engineering and economic feasibility of meeting the stated requirements through analysis and lab demonstrations. Identify specific strategies for meeting performance and reliability goals. Provide top-level costs for the proposed design. The Phase I effort should include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype securing system and demonstrate prototype performance. Provide an estimate of cost, including manufacturing. Provide a failure analysis, service life estimate, and assessment of meeting stated requirements.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate the technology at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or 7 for transition to the Expeditionary Airfields program. This technology can be used to replace disposable banding methods in any industry that ships or stores large equipment, such as construction materials, and wants to decrease long-term spending and maintenance.

REFERENCES:1. “MIL-STD-810G Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests.” Department of Defense. (2008). http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810G_12306/

2. “Expeditionary Airfields.” NAVAIR: Patuxent River. http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displayPlatform&key=6B70537D-9AA8-4032-9497-F3033942A78E

3. “Galvanized Steel Strapping Skid Lot - 1 1/4" x .031" x 760'.” Uline Shipping Supply Specialists, 2018, p. 294. https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-14381S/Steel-Strapping/Galvanized-Steel-Strapping-Skid-Lot-1-1-4-x-031-x-760?keywords=s-143815

4. “Semi-Open Metal Seals - 1 1/4".” Uline Shipping Supply Specialists, 2018, p. 294. https://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-833/Strapping-Seals-and-Buckles/Semi-Open-Metal-Seals-1-1-4?keywords=S-833+Semi-Open+Metal+Seals+-+1+1%2f4%22

KEYWORDS: Banding; Securing System; Expeditionary Airfields; EAF; MATPAC; AM2

N191-010 TITLE: Miniature Diode-Pumped Solid State Laser for Military and Aerospace Environments


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: JSF Joint Strike Fighter


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OBJECTIVE: Develop and package fiber pigtailed high-power diode-pumped solid state lasers, operating at 1.55, 1.06, and 1.32 micron wavelengths, for wideband Radio Frequency (RF) photonics applications.

DESCRIPTION: Current airborne military communications and electronic warfare systems require ever-increasing bandwidths while simultaneously requiring reductions in space, weight, and power (SWaP). The replacement of the coaxial cable used in various onboard RF/analog applications with RF/analog fiber optic links will provide increased immunity to electromagnetic interference, reduction in size and weight, and an increase in bandwidth. However, for some airborne platform applications, RF/analog fiber optic links require the development of shot noise limited lasers that can operate over extended temperature ranges (-40 to 100°C).

Diode-pumped solid state lasers built to operate at 1.55, 1.06, and 1.32 micron wavelengths, such as those utilizing Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) pump lasers, have been known to operate over an extended temperature range without the need for thermo-electric cooling. These devices are also known to have shot-noise-limited noise properties throughout the Gigahertz regime inherent in their design due to the slow gain dynamics of rare-earth doped crystals and glasses.

The developed linear-polarization laser packaging must include a single-spatial-mode polarization-maintaining fiber pigtail with the polarization aligned to one axis of the fiber having a polarization extinction ratio of better than -18dB. Single-longitudinal mode operation at 1.55-micron wavelength is the most desirable; however, it would be advantageous if multi-longitudinal-mode designs (i.e., laser mode spacing greater than 50 GHz) as well as wavelengths of 1.06 or 1.32 microns were also available in the same form factor package as the wide variety of applications may dictate the use of one of these alternative designs. The minimum target threshold for laser output power is 50 mW and stretch goals of 200 to 500 mW, all with shot-noise-limited intensity noise levels at RFs above 1 GHz. This target threshold eliminates designs based on lower power seed lasers combined with optical power amplifiers designed to boost output power. The packaged laser is required to have a height less than or equal to 14 mm, and an overall package volume of less than 50 cubic centimeters, not including the fiber optic pigtail, but including all power electronics for controlling pump laser current and/or temperature control. The packaged laser must operate over a minimum temperature range of 0°C to 70°C with a stretch goal of -40°C to 100°C, and maintain hermeticity and optical alignment upon exposure to air platform vibration, thermal shock, mechanical shock, and temperature cycling environments [Refs 3 – 5]. Only fiber pigtailed lasers will be considered for this topic. Uncooled designs are preferred; however, thermoelectric cooled designs are acceptable especially given the operating temperature stretch goals.

PHASE I: Design and analyze the proposed approach for 1.55 micron lasers. Demonstrate feasibility of 1.55-micron laser power with a supporting proof of principle bench top experiment showing path to meeting Phase II goals. Design and analyze a laser package prototype. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Optimize the 1.55-micron single-longitudinal-mode laser and packaged laser designs from Phase I. Build and test the laser to meet design specifications. Test the prototype in an RF photonic link with the minimum performance levels reached. Characterize the packaged laser transmitter over temperature and air platform thermal shock, temperature cycling, vibration, and mechanical shock spectrum. If necessary, perform root-cause analysis and remediate laser package failures. Deliver 1.55-micron laser packaged prototype. Design and analyze the applicability of the proposed approach to the other desired wavelengths and longitudinal mode options.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize and transition the packaged laser prototype into manufacturing, potentially with a U.S.-based photonic component supplier, making the component available to the public and defense industry. Commercial applications include wireless networks based on remoted antennas used in commercial telecommunication systems.

REFERENCES:

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1. Beranek, M. and Copeland, E. “Accelerating Fiber Optic and Photonic Device Technology Transition via Pre-qualification Reliability and Packaging Durability Testing.” IEEE Avionics and Vehicle Fiber-Optics and Photonics Conference: Santa Barbara, 2015. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7356630/

2. Urick, V., Mckinney, J. and Williams, J. “Fundamentals in Microwave Photonics” John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: Hoboken, 2015, pp. 469-472.

3. MIL-STD-38534J, General Specification for Hybrid Microcircuits. http://www.landandmaritime.dla.mil/programs/milspec/ListDocs.aspx?BasicDoc=MIL-PRF-38534

4. MIL-STD-810G, Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests. http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810G_12306/

5. MIL-STD-883K, DoD Test Method Standard Microcircuits. http://www.dscc.dla.mil/downloads/milspec/docs/mil-std-883/std883.pdf

KEYWORDS: Laser; Diode-Pumped; Solid State; RF-Over-Fiber; Fiber Optics; Packaging; Radio Frequency

N191-011 TITLE: Automatic Threat Radar Waveform Recognition

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Battlespace, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA262 Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems


OBJECTIVE: Develop an automatic radar waveform detector using passive radio frequency sensors such as existing radar receivers to detect, discern, classify, locate, and track low-probability of intercept (LPI) radars.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking algorithms and processing technology that can automatically determine radar waveform parameters to detect, discern, and classify LPI radars. Waveform parameters include for example: bandwidth, waveform flexibility, phase shift coding, pulse code modulation as well as signal strength and direction. Time-frequency analysis and machine learning techniques have shown the potential to achieve automatic radar waveform recognition. Recent open literature has begun to address LPI waveform recognition techniques utilizing feature extraction and classification techniques to extract features from the intercepted signal and to classify the intercepted signal based on the extracted features. We seek to refine and extend such techniques.

Achieving this capability depends on both the sensitivity of the passive receiver to discern the signature information content and the development of automatic processing algorithms that is able to robustly differentiate and classify the information. For this SBIR topic it will be necessary to determine the passive receiver requirements and to develop the processing techniques. Approaches are desired that can be integrated into fielded systems with minimal modifications are desired.

PHASE I: Develop techniques and demonstrate the potential to derive automatic radar waveform profiles with passive radar sensing using simulations. Determine potential performance for different passive radio frequency

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receiver sensors. Evaluate the potential performance to detect LPI radars and determine location information to aid tracking. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Demonstrate technical capability with real data using a radio frequency detector. Quantify effectiveness and performance.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Complete development, integration, and transition to Naval airborne surveillance platforms. The general approach may find use in law enforcement applications where LPI communication techniques are used by those under surveillance.

REFERENCES:1. Lundén, J. and Koivunen, V. “Automatic radar waveform recognition.” IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing, June 2007. Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 124–136. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.131.6784&rep=rep1&type=pdf

2. Zhang, M., Diao, M., Gao, L., and Liu, L. “Neural Networks for Radar Waveform Recognition.” Symmetry 2017, 9(5), 75. doi:10.3390/sym9050075

3. Wang, C., Wang, J., and Zhang, X. “Automatic radar waveform recognition based on time-frequency analysis and convolutional neural network.” 2017 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP), DOI 10.1109/ICASSP.2017.7952594

KEYWORDS: Automatic Radar Waveform Detector; Passive Radio Frequency Sensors; Low Probability of Intercept; Radar; Waveform Recognition; Emitter Locating

N191-012 TITLE: Mid-Wave Infrared Polarization-Maintaining Single Mode Fiber


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA272 Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop single mode polarization-maintaining fiber (PM-fiber) that covers the Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) wavelengths from 2um – 6um for applications that require a high polarization extinction ratio at the fiber output and is able to waveguide tens of watts of optical power through the fiber.

DESCRIPTION: Applications requiring linearly polarized light and the flexibility of fiber delivery in the MWIR region will require a fiber solution that preserve the polarization state of the launched light. Most infrared lasers are polarized. PM-fiber offers the capability of preserving the launched light polarization state as it propagates through the fiber. In conventional fibers the polarization state is not preserved due to mechanical stress, temperature induced changes, fiber fabrication imperfections, and fiber bends. Commercially available silica PM-fibers cover the visible and near-infrared spectrum; these work by creating a strong birefringence across the core of the fiber, which is responsible for preserving the polarization state of launched light as long as the polarization is aligned with one of the birefringent axes. Several different approaches can be taken in order to fabricate such specialty fibers including, but not limited to, the use of elliptical core, the addition of stress rods (Panda type and Bow-Tie type), and also by micro-structuring the optical fiber (MOF). Currently there is no commercially available PM-fiber solution for the MWIR region. A specialty fiber capable of high-power laser transmission (>10W cw) and preserving the polarization state of the input light with high polarization extinction ratio (~-30dB), high birefringence (~10-3) and with low propagation losses (<0.2dB/m) covering the MWIR wavelength spectrum is desired.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of an initial design of a PM-fiber approach best suited for the MWIR spectral region. Evaluate the performance of the PM-fiber design by determining if wave guidance is achieved in the spectral

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window of 2um – 6um, the magnitude of the birefringence, and the attenuation loss is less than 0.2dB/m. Demonstrate fabrication proof of concept and identify the steps and approach needed to fabricate the fiber design. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop an initial PM-fiber prototype. Perform characterization of the optical and mechanical performance of the PM-fiber. Compare experimental results to the expected specifications. Optimize the PM-fiber design based on the characterization results and evaluation. Produce several different lengths of PM-fibers to test the performance of the drawn fibers (i.e., 1m, 5m, 10m), which should be terminated in an optical connector that requires a minimal amount of epoxy. Ensure that the insertion loss of these fibers is less than 0.5 dB.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize development and support fiber testing. Refine the fiber based upon results of testing and transition the final technology to be used with the next-generation Infrared Counter Measures (IRCMs). Successful development would benefit the medical industry for transporting high amounts of optical energy to manage drug efficacy or cells manipulation.

REFERENCES:1. Folkenberg, J., Nielsen, M., Mortensen, N., Jakobsen, C., and Simonsen, H. Polarization Maintaining Large Mode Area Photonic Crystal Fiber. Optics Express, 2004. https://www.osapublishing.org/DirectPDFAccess/03FB670B-D83C-C517-012C0C8F20DB2EB6_79214/oe-12-5-956.pdf?da=1&id=79214&seq=0&mobile=no

2. Mendez, A., and Morse, T. “Polarization Maintaining Fibers (Chapter 8).” Specialty Optical Fibers Handbook, 2007, pp. 243-277. Elsevier Inc.: Burlington. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780123694065#book-info

KEYWORDS: PM Fiber; Polarization; Polarization Maintaining Fiber; MID IR Fiber; PM Photonic Crystal Fiber; PM AS2S3 Fiber

N191-013 TITLE: Maritime Big Data Analytics

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: None or N/A NAE Chief Technology Office

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the benefits of big data analytics to effectively manage the abundance of ingested and disparate data for the purpose of enhancing the decision-making process during maritime missions.

DESCRIPTION: The success of military operations significantly depends on the level of situational awareness. This is especially true for the P-8A Poseidon conducting long-range anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) maritime missions. An expanding array of sensors and disparate information sources has exponentially increased the sheer volume and variety of data flooding operators and potentially causing operator fatigue from data overload. The P-8A will process and analyze terabytes of data per mission, a significant increase from the gigabytes of data for its predecessor, the P-3. At risk is the effectiveness and efficiency of on-board operators to manage, interpret, and take action on timely sensitive data to neutralize potential threats.

Actionable intelligence enables the aviator to rapidly make informed decisions and respond more quickly to ever changing events. This requires the automated processing of large and varied data to include imagery, acoustic, environmental, intelligence, and historical habit patterns to uncover hidden and unknown correlations to predict target actions. Implementation of big data analytics to perform maritime data mining and predictive analytics will enable mission commanders to exploit the information to make real-time and informed decisions in a maritime operational environment.

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PHASE I: Develop, design, and demonstrate a strategy, taking into consideration the feasibility, suitability and acceptability, to leverage big data analytics for P-8A maritime missions. Identify potential roadblocks likely to be encountered and formulate approaches to overcome them. Recommend an architecture, such as open source, and implementation plan and illustrate the benefits of big data analytics through operational use cases. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a working prototype of the selected concept to include high level requirements, design, initial testing, and demonstration. Demonstrate the prototype in a lab or live environment.

Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see Description for details.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Conduct integration and testing of the prototype for the P-8A system, to include land-based mobile operational centers (MOCs), where data analysis occurs. This capability would have multiple applications for the private sector where large amounts of data need analysis for efficiency of specific systems, to include banking, inventory, and commerce.

REFERENCES:1. Agrawal, D., Bernstein, P., Bertino, E., Davidson, S., Dayal, U., Franklin, M., and Widom, J. “Challenges and Opportunities with Big Data: A white paper prepared for the Computing Community Consortium committee of the Computing Research Association.” 2012. https://cra.org/ccc/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/05/bigdatawhitepaper.pdf

2. Porche III, I., Wilson, B., Jonhson, E.-E., Tierney, S., and Saltzman, E. “data_flood: Helping the Navy Address the Rising Tide of Sensor Information.” RAND Corporation: Santa Monica. https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR300/RR315/RAND_RR315.pdf

3. Ramos, J., and Ranjan, R. “Cognitive Data Governance Powered by Machine Learning to Find and Use Governed Data.” IBM Corporation: Somers, NY, 2018. https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/asset/file/5b0440c579aff3001d0000be/CDG_Jo_Rakesh.pdf

KEYWORDS: Big Data; Analytics; Decision Making; Automation; Disparate Sources; Computation

N191-014 TITLE: Brightness Scaling of Quantum Cascade Lasers


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA272 Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems

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

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of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate and develop new quantum cascade laser (QCL) architectures that enable scaling the laser brightness by a factor of five over current state-of-the-art single-element, single-mode QCLs.

DESCRIPTION: Single-element, edge-emitting quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) operating in the 4.5-5.0-micron wavelength region generally require a relatively narrow element width (~ 5-6 microns) to maintain stable, single-spatial-mode continuous wave (CW) operation up to the 1.5-2.0 watt-range output power levels. Higher CW output powers (~ 5 watts) have been achieved at the expense of multi-mode operation [Ref 1], as evidenced by unintended beam steering with increasing drive level [Ref 2], and more importantly, much degraded beam quality resulting in much lower brightness than that from a single-mode, diffraction-limited (M2 < 1.5) QCL with output power under 1.5 watts. It is very important to point out that for most, if not all, of the military applications based on the use of high-power lasers, such as Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM), the laser must have sufficient intensity (power per unit area) or power-in-the-bucket on target down range above the threshold value in order to achieve its intended effect [Refs 3, 4]. It is also worth noting that the achievable intensity is directly proportional to the laser beam brightness (not just laser power), which is a strong function of both the laser power and beam quality. To increase the laser intensity on target, effective modular approaches such as coherent beam combining or spectral beam combining [Refs 5, 6] can be used to scale up the power and also brightness of a laser array so long as the lasers in the array are near-beam-diffraction limited. Under this beam quality condition, both the power and brightness will scale linearly with the number of elements in the array.

The aforementioned beam combining approaches would directly benefit from increasing the available single-mode output brightness and power from the individual lasers to be combined. However, there is an upper limit on the power and brightness levels of a single QCL without degrading the beam quality for the following physical reasons: QCLs exhibit a maximum operating current density (Jmax) that is dependent on the injector doping level, but is typically in the range of 4-5 × the threshold current density, Jth. Thus, the maximum output power at Jmax is ultimately limited by the active-region volume, which is defined by the number of stages and the device area. Longer cavity length can be used to scale the area, although internal losses will generally limit the practical cavity lengths that can be used without incurring a significant reduction in slope efficiency. The number of active-region stages can be increased for optical gain, but are constrained by thermal-conductance considerations. Increasing the emitter width is limited by the onset of multi-spatial-mode operation, resulting in poor laser beam quality, as well as the effectiveness of heat removal in CW operation.

Single QCL power and brightness can be scaled up by increasing the wall-plug efficiency and improving its thermal management, both of which are active research areas. However, there is a third, equally important and yet unexplored development arena with high potential payoff in this brightness pursuit critical for the Naval applications, and which is the main focus of this topic. It is therefore the goal of this topic to investigate and develop new QCL architectures via judiciously increasing the active volume of the device, and thereby scaling the brightness by a factor of five over current state-of-the-art single-element, single-mode QCLs. These new architectures need to address strong self-heating in CW operation that results in thermal lensing that can trigger beam instabilities, like beam-steering and multi-mode operation. New methods for stabilizing the optical mode in CW operation without introducing significant penalty in optical loss and/or thermal conductance are required. In the near-infrared spectral region, many techniques have been demonstrated to stabilize the fundamental optical mode of single-element devices to high output powers [Refs 7, 8]. Many of these techniques, when judiciously and wisely adapted for QCLs, may benefit from reduced tolerances that scale with wavelength.

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate feasibility of a QCL design around 4.5-micron wavelength, with no integrated linear or tapered amplifier, and with the brightness scaled up by a factor of 5 over buried hetero-structure devices with the current state-of-the-art brightness [Ref 9] that has achieved approximately 2 to 2.5 W room-temperature output power at 4.6 microns with an M2 value of ~1.06. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

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PHASE II: Demonstrate a single-mode QCL prototype that produces at least 10 W with M2 no more than 1.5 in both the fast and slow axes, and achieves a factor of 5 improvement in brightness under CW operation, based on the design developed in Phase I. The single QCL device should have no unexpected and undesirable beam steering effect as the QCL drive current is increased.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Fabricate, test, and finalize the technology based on the design and demonstration results developed during Phase II. Commercialize the technology for private sector use including law enforcement, marine navigation, commercial aviation enhanced vision, medical applications, and industrial manufacturing processing.

REFERENCES:1. Bai Y., Bandyopadhyay, N., Tsao, S., Slivken S., and Razeghi, M. “Room temperature quantum cascade lasers with 27% wall plug efficiency.” Appl. Phys. Lett. 98, 2011, 181102. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3586773

2. Bai, Y., Bandyopadhyay, N., Tsao, S., Selcuk, E., Slivken, S., and Razeghi, M. “Highly temperature insensitive quantum cascade lasers.” Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 2010, 251104. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3529449

3. Sanchez-Rubio, A., Fan, T.Y., Augst, S.J., Goyal, A.K., Creedon, K.J., Gopinath, J.T., Daneu, V., Chann, B., and Huang, R. “Wavelength Beam Combining for Power and Brightness Scaling of Laser Systems.” Lincoln Laboratory Journal, 2014, Volume 20, Number 2, p. 52. https://www.ll.mit.edu/publications/journal/pdf/vol20_no2/20_2_3_Sanchez.pdf

4. Shukla, P., Lawrence, J., and Zhang, Y. “Understanding laser beam brightness: A review and new prospective in material processing.” Optics & Laser Technology 75, 2015, pp. 40–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2015.06.003

5. Hugger, S., Aidam, R., Bronner, W., Fuchs, F., Losch, R., Yang, Q., Wagner, J., Romasew, E., Raab, M., and Tholl, H.D. “Power scaling of quantum cascade lasers via multiemitter beam combining.” Optical Engineering, 2010, 49(11), p. 111111. https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/journals/Optical-Engineering/volume-49/issue-11/111111/Power-scaling-of-quantum-cascade-lasers-via-multiemitter-beam-combining/10.1117/1.3498766.short

6. Huang, R.K., Chann, B., Burgess, J., Lochman, B., Zhou, W., Cruz, M., Cook, R., Dugmore, D., Shattuck, J., and Tayebati, P. “Teradiode's high brightness semiconductor lasers.” Proc. SPIE 9730, Components and Packaging for Laser Systems II, 97300C, 2016. doi: 10.1117/12.2218168

7. Huang, R.K., Donnelly, J.P., Missaggia, L.J., Harris, C.T., Plant, J., Mull, D.E., and Goodhue, W.D. “High-Power Nearly Diffraction-Limited AlGaAs–InGaAs Semiconductor Slab-Coupled Optical Waveguide Laser.” IEEE Phot. Tech. Lett, 15, 2003, 900. doi: 10.1109/LPT.2003.813406

8. Kintzer, E.S., Walpole, J.N., Chinn, S.R., Wang, C.A., and Missaggia, L.J. “High-Power, Strained-Layer Amplifiers and Lasers with Tapered Gain Regions.” IEEE Phot. Tech. Lett, 5, 1993, p. 605. doi: 10.1109/68.219683

9. Feng Xie, Catherine Caneau, Herve P. LeBlanc, Nick J. Visovsky, Satish C. Chaparala, Oberon D. Deichmann, Lawrence C. Hughes, Chung-en Zah, David P. Caffey, and Timothy Day, “Room Temperature CW Operation of Short Wavelength Quantum Cascade Lasers Made of Strain Balanced GaxIn1-xAs/AlyIn1-yAsMaterial on InP Substrates,” IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS, 2011, pp. 1445-1452.

KEYWORDS: QCL; Wall-Plug Efficiency; Thermal Load; Scaling; Mid-Wave Infrared; MWIR; Brightness

N191-015 TITLE: Enhancing Seated Aircrew Endurance

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TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Biomedical, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA202 Aircrew Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop and validate technologies that have the potential to improve aircrew endurance and mitigate musculoskeletal pain associated with military aviation.

DESCRIPTION: The musculoskeletal pain associated with military aviation has continued to be identified as an issue of significant importance to the fleet. Chronic injury and fatigue have been identified as significant cost drivers to both the Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Administration (VA). Lost work days, reduced operational readiness, and increased medical costs (during active duty as well as post-career) are all consequences of the poor work environments in naval aircraft cockpits and at work stations.

Technologies are sought that would decrease the fatigue and pain experienced by naval aviators and aircrew during and after long-duration flights (3+ hours). Technologies proposed should be compatible with or have the potential to be compatible with current naval aviation aircraft platforms. Currently identified drivers of pain and fatigue include, but are not limited to, inadequate cushion support (i.e., seat back, seat pan, and lumbar), poor seated posture (i.e., "helo hunch"), cockpit geometry, mass of required body-borne flight equipment, thermal environment, and whole-body vibrations [Ref 4]. Both materiel and non-equipment solutions would be considered. Performance gains will be characterized in a laboratory-based environment using a combination of agreed-upon objective and subjective measures over a representative flight duration. The measures will depend upon technical approach with the overall goal being the reduction of pain experienced during/after flight. Alternatively, provide analysis or other data that supports the validity and effectiveness of proposed technology/process/solution.

Note: NAVAIR will provide Phase I performers with the appropriate guidance required for human research protocols so that they have the information to use while preparing their Phase II Initial Proposal. Institutional Review Board (IRB) determination as well as processing, submission, and review of all paperwork required for human subject use can be a lengthy process. As such, no human research will be allowed until Phase II and work will not be authorized until approval has been obtained, typically as an option to be exercised during Phase II.

PHASE I: Identify one or multiple approaches to mitigating aircrew fatigue/pain. Determine and demonstrate the potential for compatibility with current naval aviation platforms. (Note: If applicable, an aircraft seating system may be selected by the Government to support demonstration of proposed approach.) Develop/fabricate mockups and/or prototypes, as applicable. If funding and maturity of the proposed technology/process/solution permit, provide functional prototype or subsystem to support quantification of performance gains. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

Note: Please refer to the statement included in the Description above regarding human research protocol for Phase II.

PHASE II: Further develop and iteratively improve the design based on performance results. Incorporate user feedback and test data, where possible, to optimize the design of fatigue reducing technologies/processes/solutions. Perform lab-based evaluations to quantify the performance gains of proposed technologies/processes. Develop and implement, to the extent possible, an airworthiness/qualification test plan if positive results are obtained.

Note: Please refer to the statement included in the Description above regarding human research protocol for Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Finalize the technology and complete qualification/airworthiness testing. Evaluate the system during flight testing. Transition the technology/approach to additional platforms. Technology developed during this effort would be applicable to environments in which personnel are required to be seated for extended durations. Direct applications of the developed approach/technology could be pursued across civil, commercial and military/government aviation. Depending upon the approach, additional applications could exist for

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other sectors, including ground transportation and office work.

REFERENCES:1. Bongers, P., Hulshof, C., Dijkstra, L., Boshuizen, H., Groenhout, H., and Valken, E. “Back Pain and Exposure to Whole Body Vibration in Helicopter Pilots.” Journal of Ergonomics, 1990, pp. 1007-1026. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00140139008925309?needAccess=true

2. Cunningham, L., Docherty, S., and Tyler, A. “Prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in Rotary Wing Aviation Pilots.” Journal of Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine, 2010, pp.774-778. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45492712_Prevalence_of_Low_Back_Pain_LBP_in_Rotary_Wing_Aviation_Pilots

3. Hamon, K., and Healing, R. “Eliminating Avoidable Helicopter Seating-Related Injuries to Improve Combat Readiness and Mission Effectiveness.” American Helicopter Society International, Inc. 70th Annual Forum, Quebec, 2014. https://vtol.org/store/product/eliminating-avoidable-helicopter-seatingrelated-injuries-to-improve-combat-readiness-and-mission-effectiveness-9482.cfm

4. Phillips, A. “The Scope of Back Pain in Navy Helicopter Pilots.” Monterey: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, 2011. http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a543155.pdf

5. Walters, P., Cox, J., Clayborne, K., and Hathaway, A. “Prevalence of Neck and Back Pain amongst Aircrew at the Extremes of Anthropometric Measurements.” Army Aeromedical Research Lab, Fort Rucker, 2012. http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a564323.pdf

6. Walters, P., Gaydos, S., Kelley, A., and Grandizio, C. “Spinal Pain and Occupational Disability: A Cohort Study of British Apache AH Mk1 Pilots.” Army Aeromedical Research Lab, Fort Rucker, 2013. http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a587285.pdf

KEYWORDS: Endurance; Cushions; Back Pain; Aircrew; Seating; Ergonomics

N191-016 TITLE: Clustering and Association for Active Sonar Tracking and Classification


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO-IWS5, AN/SQQ-89 Program Offices


OBJECTIVE: Develop novel algorithms using improved energy clustering and association techniques to represent the spatial and Doppler distribution of active sonar returns to improve active sonar tracking and classification performance.

DESCRIPTION: Active sonar performance on Cruisers, Destroyers, Frigates, and Littoral Combat Ships equipped with the Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) Mission Module currently employ processing algorithms that achieve much less than the theoretically optimal performance. Development of novel algorithms will increase the sonar and

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combat system automated detection, classification, localization, tracking, and false-alarm capability; and streamline the tasks for reduced operator workload and manning via improved automation.

Active sonar in ASW attempts to differentiate between echoes from submarine targets and the many other echoes from non-submarines, also known as false contacts (clutter). This differentiation is performed by applying a sequence of algorithms to the echoes. These algorithms make up a signal and information processing chain, which is composed of segments associated with detection, localization, tracking and classification. A technology is sought to explore use of spatial and Doppler information to fundamentally improve the detection segment of the active sonar signal and information processing chain.

Detection data, which are indexed by the measurement dimensions of range, bearing, and (for continuous-wave (CW) pulses) Doppler shift, represent a high-energy response relative to the local diffuse background noise and reverberation. The extent of the target and clutter responses in these dimensions can be larger than the system resolution because of their physical size and the spreading induced by acoustic propagation underwater. This results in each contact (target or clutter) being represented by multiple detection points that must be clustered. Current clustering techniques employ an agglomerative hierarchical approach that separates the detection data on a given ping into clusters using a proximity metric. Several approximations to the optimal clustering algorithm are required to enable real-time implementation. Multi-target tracking algorithms then use the cluster data to estimate the position and trajectory of each contact in the scene over multiple pings. Because tracking algorithms generally assume point measurements in range, bearing, and Doppler; a single point (cluster centroid) represents the cluster data.

Limitations of the current approach include reliance on imperfect estimates of the diffuse background (i.e., normalizers); an insensitivity to the anticipated shape of the target and clutter responses (e.g., rings produced by mutual interference, arcs caused by bottom reflections, or separated clusters arising from multipath propagation); an assumption that all clusters within a ping represent independent targets; and a tracking algorithm optimized for point targets. These limitations lead to single contacts being split into multiple clusters and multiple tracks; numerous clutter tracks falsely classified as targets; and true target tracks that are identified late or missed because they are corrupted by clutter clusters.

It is expected that system performance will be substantially refined by new data clustering and data association techniques, expansion of the mathematical representation of the clusters, identification of potentially associated clusters, and use of the new information in target tracking and classification. Potentially applicable emerging science and technology includes alternative cluster representations such as ellipsoids or posterior probability density functions, and (for within-ping cluster association) the use of features that discriminate target clusters from clutter clusters. Research and development is necessary to explore the proper use of these techniques to address the discrimination between categorically different reflectors such that they perform well on data observed in real systems and can be implemented in a real-time system. Target tracking algorithms then need to be developed to exploit the novel cluster representations and cluster-association information. The goal for these improvements to the submarine detection segment of the active sonar signal and information processing chain is to reduce the false track rate by 50% while maintaining probability of true alert and latency, thereby reducing operator workload and staffing requirements.

The intended technology transition will be integration into the PEO-IWS 5 surface ship ASW combat system Advanced Capability Build (ACB) program used to update the AN/SQQ-89 Program of Record.

The Phase II effort will likely require secure access, and NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work.

Work produced in Phase II will likely become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as

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set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Develop an innovative concept for data clustering and tracking active-sonar detection data with the attributes related in the Description. Establish feasibility through analytical modeling and development with simulated or recorded data that is analogous to Surface Ship sonar data that will be provided by the Navy. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will entail development of initial design specification and a capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, develop, and deliver a prototype active-sonar data clustering and tracking algorithm. Demonstrate the prototype algorithm’s performance through the required range of parameters given in the Description, including testing with diverse SQQ-89 data sets provided by the Government at a mutually agreed upon Government- or company-provided facility. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Assist the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use in an operationally relevant environment to allow for further experimentation and refinement. The prototype algorithm will be integrated into the PEO-IWS 5 surface ship ASW combat system Advanced Capability Build (ACB) program used to update the AN/SQQ-89 Program of Record.

Commercial applications that could benefit from the innovative data clustering and data association algorithms include both active and passive remote-sensing systems where the responses of the object of interest or confusable objects are larger than the inherent system resolution in any of the measurement dimensions or where the responses are separated rather than contiguous. Scenarios with moving objects would further benefit from the tracking algorithm developed to exploit the information obtained by the data clustering and data association algorithms. Examples outside of sonar include most applications of radar, lidar, satellite remote sensing, ultrasound, and thermal imaging.

REFERENCES:1. Gan, Guojun, et al. “Data Clustering: Theory, Algorithms, and Applications.” ASA-SIAM Series on Statistics and Applied Probability, Philadelphia: SIAM, 2007. http://epubs.siam.org/doi/book/10.1137/1.9780898718348

2. Bar-Shalom, Yaakov, et al. “Tracking and Data Fusion.” YBS Publishing, Storrs, CT, 2011. http://www.worldcat.org/title/tracking-and-data-fusion-a-handbook-of-algorithms/oclc/759479036

3. Schupp, Daniel, et al. “Characterization and classification of sonar targets using ellipsoid features.” IEEE Global Conference on Signal and Information Processing (GlobalSIP) 2015:1352-1356. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7418419/

4. Sibul, Leon, et al. “Lossless information fusion for active ranging and detection systems.” IEEE Transactions on Signal Processing 54/10 2006:3980-3990. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/1703864/

5. Hanusa, Evan, et al. “Contact clustering and classification using likelihood-based similarities.” Proceedings of the Oceans Conference 2012:1-6. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6404928/

KEYWORDS: Anti-submarine Warfare; Submarine Detection; Active Sonar; Data Clustering; Data Association; Active Sonar Target Tracking

N191-017 TITLE: Enhanced Visualization for Situational Understanding

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ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0, FNC - Operator Planning Tool


OBJECTIVE: Develop an automated three-dimensional (3-D) enemy Courses of Action (COAs) application that utilizes five dimensional (5-D) representations, variable in both time and space, for complex missions that provide situational visualization to achieve greater understanding in real-time.

DESCRIPTION: The Surface Navy currently has no automated, collaborative tools for the analysis of potential Course of Action (COA) Tactical Decision Aids (TDA). Surface ships now use a set of disaggregated software decision support aids that do not support collaboration, have only two-dimensional (2-D) visualization, and must be aggregated by the operator to be useful. Current decision support tools are fixed in time, and must replicate calculations and be combined by operators to assess performance over time. Visual graphical animations allow trends to be spotted and evaluated more quickly than tabular or static 2-D presentation formats. Static 2-D representations have proven to be effective in coordinating unit support and assigning roles, tasks and actions within the maritime, and air and land mission domains; however, they are limited in their ability to visually represent multi-unit or multi-domain temporal coordination. Although many three-dimensional (3-D) situational visualization representations that provide understanding exist, consensus for and widespread adoption of 3-D situational visualization have not been achieved. This often stems from the lack of machine readable data, inaccuracies in the modeling, and sub-optimal estimates and visualization of the friendly and enemy COAs. This condition is particularly serious with respect to known and known but unaccounted-for threats within the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) domain. To address this condition, enhanced situational visualization to achieve greater understanding is needed. A solution is needed that will provide a 3D Graphic User Interface (GUI) with a capability to include moving forward and backward in time and space as added dimensions (known as 5-D) to the current COA analysis tool under development. This will enhance capabilities of the developing Battle Management Aid for Surface Navy planning. Leveraging the foundation of an established COA generation tool with a 3-D graphic virtualization will deliver a COA representation with the added dimension of time variability.

One of the key challenges of big data is taking the enormous amounts of information and turning it into something useful that can be consumed and ingested by the human brain. Although there are no defined limitations to hardware and software for use aboard ships, Navy resource sponsors are seeking to reduce lifecycle costs to support Fleet capability by developing hardware agnostic software and by employing software standards that facilitate updates without significant cost. Neuroscientists at the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) say they have developed a new type of visualization – a five-dimensional colorimetric model that they say will help them visualize data across space and time. Some 5-D visualizations are being used in medical and construction industries. The method, called a five dimensional (5-D) colorimetric technique, graphs spatiotemporal data (data that includes both space and time), that has not previously been achieved. Previous to the 5-D colorimetric model spatiotemporal problems were analyzed either from a spatial perspective (for instance, a map of gas prices in July 2013), or from a time-based approach (evolution of gas prices in one county over time), but not simultaneously from both perspectives.

The Navy seeks an automated COA capability that improves situational understanding through the use of visualization. New approaches are needed with enhanced visualization methods and present dynamic real-time, temporally accurate visualizations of friendly and threat capabilities within a region of interest. Leading edge technologies in medicine and construction design are beginning to utilize 5-D representations that they say will help them visualize data across space and time. The technology is not widespread in commercial application, because not many industries need a time and space dimension to plan. Using 3-D situational visualization on optimal, multi-

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domain animated COA estimates will provide automated predictive COAs and improve data analysis and situational understanding. Adding the dimension of time, the ability to slide forward and backward across space and time with 3-D representations, is the added capability of a 5-D system. This will provide the improved capability for temporal coordination of tactical performance envelopes that is needed. This new capability will utilize methods that apply structured data, generate estimates, and graphically display dynamic temporal opportunities and vulnerabilities that are relevant within the tactical context. 5-D representations that spatially and temporally adapt to indicate dynamic parameters (1st dimension), distributed sensor and weapon coverage areas (2-4th dimensions), and more importantly, convey an estimate of the reaction or decision time (5th dimension), are highly desirable for understanding and addressing multi-domain tactical mission planning. Just as a tactical heads up display (HUD) overlays critical information on a 3-D view (often of the tactical area or target) to provide increased situational awareness and a reduction of decision and reaction times, COA-based visualization has proven to be effective in conveying temporal orientation and increasing “tactical cognitive” performance. As the dynamic information state factors (e.g., analysis insights, atmospheric propagation and detection ranges) change, the new capability will clarify their impact to the unit commander. 3-D visualization with 5-D animation will enhance operator comprehension of options and contribute to mission planning optimization.


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

PHASE I: Develop an initial concept design for an automated 3-D COA solution that presents 5-D animation of COA. Prove the feasibility of the concept, through modeling and simulation, to meet the capabilities described in the Description. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype automated COA solution that presents 5-D animation of COA for ease of comprehension that meets the parameters described in the Description. Evaluate the prototype to ensure it improves situational visualization and situational understanding within an IAMD context.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the 3-D COA tool with 5-D animation. It has two likely destinations, supporting the dual paths the Navy is exploring for Battle Management Aid placement. The new COA tool will be used as a web application service in the Navy’s Maritime Tactical Command and Control (MTC2) network and will need to be compliant with the software interface requirements for web applications as mentioned in the Description. Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use within the Aegis Weapon System (AWS in Advanced Capability Build (ACB) 20 or higher) as part of an Integrated AWS planner. Refine the prototype for integration into the current AWS operational planning tools. Test and refine the prototype design for the appropriate interfaces with other Navy systems and to comply with information security requirements.

The developed technology should be broadly applicable to live testing of manned and unmanned systems and simulations in which users need COA planning and updates to the plan as time progresses. Dual use applications are numerous, almost any analyst seeking to combine spatial and temporal data in a single display could use this

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technology.

REFERENCES:1. Duffie Jr., Warren. “Virtual Victories: Marines Sharpen Skills with New Virtual-Reality Games.” Office of Naval Research, 17 May 2017. http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100513

2. Stilman, B. “Discovering the Discovery of the No-Search Approach.” Int. J. of Machine Learning and Cybernetics, 2012, Springer., p. 27. (Printed in 2014, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 165-191.) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13042-012-0127-3

3. Stilman, B., Yakhnis, V., and Umanskiy, O. “Chapter 3.3. Strategies in Large Scale Problems.” Adversarial Reasoning: Computational Approaches to Reading the Opponent's Mind, Ed. by A. Kott (DARPA) and W. McEneaney (UC-San Diego), Chapman & Hall/CRC, pp. 251-285, 2007. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267079439_Adversarial_reasoning_Computational_approaches_to_reading_the_opponent%27s_mind

4. Stilman, B. “Linguistic Geometry: From Search to Construction.” Kluwer (now Springer), 2000, pp 416. https://www.springer.com/us/book/9780792377382

KEYWORDS: 3-D Visualization; Tactical Decision Aid; 5-D Animation; Mission Planning Optimization; Course of Action; Enhance Operator Comprehension

N191-018 TITLE: Automated Event Logging for Improved Electronic Warfare Operations


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 2.0, Above Water Sensors Program Office.


OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an automated Electronic Warfare (EW) event logging system for the operator display console that captures and assimilates EW emitter information to improve surface electronic warfare operator performance.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy’s surface EW systems are receiving a series of complete technology upgrades under a phased development and acquisition approach that delivers new capabilities (i.e. system hardware) to the Fleet in “block” updates. This includes the introduction of new electronic support, electronic attack, countermeasures, and electro-optic and infrared systems. Taken collectively, these updates result in a completely new, fully modernized, and greatly expanded Surface Fleet EW capability. However, the increased levels of performance and enhanced mission capabilities being deployed by these block improvements are accompanied by an increased burden on the EW operator. The EW operator now has access to more electronic support information of a greater depth than ever before. As sensor data from radar, electro-optic sensors, and even other ships is fused with the expanded Electronic Surveillance (ES) data available, the burden on the operator increases exponentially. The problem far exceeds what is encountered in normal or commercial air traffic control because the EW operator must discern and evaluate the

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threat presented by multiple uncooperative contacts. Operator overload and fatigue are serious problems that can be exacerbated by inefficient organization and display of information. While some of this data can be processed automatically, perhaps using machine learning or adaptive algorithms, the Navy does not want to remove the operator from the loop; the EW operator and display will remain a critical element in Surface combat. The EW human-machine interface (HMI) must be updated and enhanced along with the other system elements.

The EW operator primarily receives and maintains information on emitters detected by the ES system. Detected emitters may be persistent or fleeting. However, for each of these detection “events” the emitter information must be recognized, understood, and perhaps acted upon in real time. In almost all instances though, it is desirable for the operator to be able to log and record the event data, sometimes with the incorporation of additional information entered by the operator (the added information may be notes created by the operator or information provided by other sensors or sources). The logged and recorded information, in order to be useful, must then be made available when needed and in a format that is useful for the intended purpose. At one extreme, the information may be recalled almost immediately by the operator. At the other extreme, the saved information may be assimilated, sorted, and used at a later date (for example, for training purposes). In all cases however, the amount of effort involved in logging and recording the information and the utility of that information, once recorded, depends greatly on the quality of the HMI.

The Navy needs an event logging and recording application specifically suited to the capture and assimilation of EW emitter information at the operator console. The technology will provide maximum utility to the operator without increasing the burden on the operator. Therefore, the proposed application must demonstrate a particular understanding of the human-machine interaction present in EW operations. Innovation is sought in the visual display and organization of the data that anticipates and facilitates the operator’s needs and actions. The application should provide an ES Intercept Log that, with simple “one-click” operator direction, captures and tags emitters from the EW display, including the Emitter History Log (EHL) and Emitter Summary List (ESL). The application must record operator actions and include the facility for the operator to add and associate comments to the emitter entry.

The captured event data must be organized, stored, and made immediately available for recall when the operator requires. Information must be permanently saved and easily searchable by multiple emitter parameters (e.g., frequency, pulse repetition rate). The logged information must also be searchable by event metadata that includes time-stamp, geo-location, operator actions, and operator entered comments. The application will also include the ability to auto-populate formatted electronic intelligence (ELINT) messages for export at operator direction. The captured data must also be organized, formatted, readable, and sortable for post-mission download in Windows Excel format. The application software must facilitate information assurance compliance and be provided with a well-defined software interface for integration into the future EW operator console. The event logging software architecture should also be as modular as possible to accommodate future updates to the EW operator console.

The Phase II effort will likely require secure access to data classified at the Secret level, and NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work.


PHASE I: Provide a concept for an automated event logging software application that shows it feasibly meets objectives stated in the Description. Demonstrate feasibility by a combination of analysis, modelling, and simulation. Ensure that the feasibility analysis includes predictions of operator performance during use of the application. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specification

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and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop, deliver, and demonstrate a prototype for an automated EW event logging software application meeting the requirements contained in the Description. Development of an associated EW display emulation capability may be needed in order to demonstrate the event logger.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Government use. Since the Phase II effort results in a prototype that is not necessarily demonstrated on a tactical system, assist in integrating the event logger software into the EW display tactical code. Assist in certification of the resulting tactical code. Assist the Government in testing and validating the performance of the resulting event logger application, as integrated into the EW console.

The core event logger software can also be customized for additional applications such as other military systems (including radar displays) and for commercial systems such as air traffic control systems.

REFERENCES:1. Haberkorn, Thomas, et al. "Traffic Displays for Visual Flight Indicating Track and Priority Cues.” IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems 44, September 2014: 755-766. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6898824/

2. Moacdieh, Nadine, and Sarter, Nadine. "The Effects of Data Density, Display Organization, and Stress on Search Performance: An Eye Tracking Study of Clutter.” IEEE Transactions on Human-Machine Systems 47, December 2017: 886-895. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7971994/

KEYWORDS: Electronic Warfare; EW Human-Machine Interface; ES Event Logging; Electronic Surveillance; Visual Display of EW; Electronic Intelligence

N191-019 TITLE: High Performance Computing (HPC) for AEGIS Combat Systems Test Bed (CSTB)


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0, AEGIS Integrated Systems Program Office


OBJECTIVE: Provide dynamic resource allocation software for High Performance Computing (HPC) by optimizing computing hardware/software usage in response to unanticipated simulation events and/or simulations requiring more processing time in the Combat Systems Test Bed (CSTB).

DESCRIPTION: The CSTB, as an integrated model across the entire AEGIS Combat System, is computationally intensive to operate and functions in a time-managed environment. The AEGIS program office has made an investment in modeling and simulation capabilities to emulate an integrated Combat System. Ultimately this system requires a grid environment, Monte Carlo analysis capability, innovative scheduling software, and modular models

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to ensure necessary model speed and capacity. The required innovative methods are (1) dynamically allocation of resources during the simulation and (2) optimization of models in a modular fashion so that they can take advantage of all hardware available in a grid environment.

The CSTB will be integrating 30-plus models and when used in a simulation will produce a high-fidelity representation of the entire AEGIS Combat System. Every model created contains inherent limitations and system resource requirements, and operates at a designated speed. A High Level Architecture (HLA) enables the models to integrate together and facilitates the transportation of interactions amongst them. The current paradigm is to schedule a model on one server, the next model on another server, and so forth. The necessary innovative breakthrough is for the scheduling software to be smart enough to adjust the model in a modular fashion so that the slowest part of the model is able to run as fast as its quickest part, which would achieve efficiency in runtime. Furthermore, if a model’s runtime could be sped up with a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), the scheduling software should be aware of this and apply the appropriate resources when possible. Additionally, there is no current capability for the system to reallocate resources due to an unplanned event. For example, if a threat did a certain maneuver or a type of jamming midway through the simulation, there is no way to dynamically allocate the available computing resources so that this event does not slow down the entire simulation. This has an exponential impact on time when considering Monte Carlo runs. For the CSTB to be effective in its mission and deliver critical analysis, the Navy must run the CSTB using a High Performance Computing (HPC) paradigm. This HPC environment will use servers in parallel and will need a method for maximizing the resource capability, availability, throughput, and capacity within fiscal limitations.

There are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions available for resource allocation such as Univa Grid Engine (UGE) and HTCondor. UGE optimizes throughput and performance of applications, containers, and services by maximizing shared computing resources. HTCondor is able to develop, implement, deploy, and evaluate mechanisms and policies that support High Throughput Computing (HTC) on large collections of distributive computing resources. Unfortunately, neither of these solutions addresses unplanned events during a simulation or compensates for additional processing requirements and resource allocation.

The Navy seeks scheduling software that allocates and monitors computing resources, as well as starts the simulations using HPC. Software used in an HPC-enabled CSTB computing environment will have to comply with the DISA Risk Management Framework (RMF) methodology for identifying, managing, and mitigating cybersecurity risk [Ref 3]. The solution will use multiple models with distribution across multiple servers that utilize the Linux Operating System, allowing for extraordinary levels of processing speed. The software will start the simulations by dynamically allocating system resources to software processes, efficiently utilize the available resources, monitor resources to ensure effective execution of priorities, and enable reallocation of resources when required. The innovation needed to achieve these objectives requires the capability of dynamically adjusting resources throughout a simulation to shorten the time it takes specific events to execute, e.g., a maneuvering threat or a scenario that requires jamming. Furthermore, the scheduling software must be intelligent to operate the models in a modular fashion allowing for the slowest part of the model to execute as quick as the fastest part. For example, if a radar model could execute in a shorter time using a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), the scheduling software should be aware of this and take advantage of this computing resource in a modular fashion. Overall, this innovation would save days of computing time required for Monte Carlo runs.

The scheduling software will drive affordability through the Navy by reducing costs in acquisition and manning. The software will maximize shared computing resources across the server farm, which optimizes performance of the models’ throughput. This distributed structure will reduce costs by selecting resources that are optimal for each segment of work, subsequently extending the mean time before failure of each server. Initial estimates for service life enable a cost reduction of 40% for server purchases. In addition, an estimated 20-40% reduction in staffing costs is expected for running the model. The current process to achieve high performance computing is starting each run manually on individual computers. The scheduling software will enable one individual to commence and monitor multiple simultaneous runs. Thus, through a reduction in acquisition of servers and in staffing required to commence and monitor runs, the scheduling software helps to achieve affordability for the Navy. The AEGIS CSTB needs to execute runs in a timely manner to answer engineering questions posed by the technical team. This requires the AEGIS CSTB to run on a server farm and have the ability to spin up multiple processes in parallel to support the analysis required to answer the engineering questions asked. HPC allows the AEGIS CSTB to operate on a server farm to execute parallel processing, and cuts overall run time for Monte Carlo analysis. This will allow the CSTB to

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conduct multiple runs concurrently. The requirement is to reduce the time it takes to run 100 Monte Carlo sets in series down to the time it would take to run 2-10 sets in series. In this manner, runtime performance will be optimized, allowing the response time to be decreased by at least a factor of 10.

The system parameters required to attain the specific intended use of the scheduling software are accepting/starting modeling jobs; allocating jobs to available resources; monitoring the jobs; ensuring the jobs are executed to completion; saving the data that is produced on a network-attached storage; and confirming the validity of the data. User prioritization of jobs will guarantee that high-priority jobs are finished first.

The CSTB operates in a test environment that consists of desktops and a server farm. The desktop allows the end-user to access the server farm, where multiple simulations are executed concurrently. The desktops are used for conducting analyses on the data that is produced from the simulations.



PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for scheduling software relative to HPC. Demonstrate that the concept shows it will feasibly support the test environments identified in the Description. Determine feasibility by an assessment of analysis and simulation runtime. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities included in the Description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, develop, and deliver a prototype scheduling software to efficiently allocate and monitor resources, as well as start simulations across a server farm. Ensure that the prototype system will be capable of accepting CSTB Modeling jobs in accordance with the Description requirements.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use in order to meet a critical Navy need to decrease the amount of time it takes to generate data required to answer engineering questions posed by the technical team. Test the product in the CSTB Laboratory to verify and validate its functionality. The final product must be approved by the AEGIS CSTB program office.

This scheduling software can be utilized across the motor vehicle industry and other large industries that have intensive computational needs. Academia, the aviation industry, the weather industry, and the energy industry, could benefit from this technology.

REFERENCES:1. “Introduction to High Performance Computing.” HPC Advisory Council, 18 March 2018. http://www.hpcadvisorycouncil.com/pdf/Intro_to_HPC.pdf

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2. Newton, Randall. “What’s Happening to Cluster Computing?” Digital Engineering, 1 November 2016. http://www.digitaleng.news/de/whats-happening-to-cluster-computing/

3. DODI 8510.01, Risk Management Framework (RMF) for DoD Information Technology (IT), 12 March 2014. http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/851001_2014.pdf

KEYWORDS: High Performance Computing; HPC; Monte Carlo Analysis; Dynamically Allocating System Resources; Parallel Processing; Combat Systems Test Bed; CSTB; Scheduling Software; ACS; AEGIS Combat System

N191-020 TITLE: Target Identification Interrogation Data Stream Analytics System


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0, AEGIS Combat System Program Office


OBJECTIVE: Develop a system architecture and algorithmic framework to identify air targets in real time quickly, accurately, and reliably for the AEGIS Combat System.

DESCRIPTION: Data stream analytics have been used in industry for a number of years to solve various logistical and other problems using on-the-fly monitoring, data-mining, and analysis of ongoing information streams. Recent advances in both Artificial Intelligence (AI) (e.g., Deep Learning techniques pioneered by Google) and high-speed parallel computing architectures (such as the Nvidia and AMD Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) subsystems) may now provide the ability to execute such data-stream analysis algorithms in real time.

Current Combat System Track Identification (ID) methodology utilizes transponder-based track ID data, Radio Frequency (RF) and voice interrogation of the potential air track under investigation, and estimated ID based on the operator’s best judgement when no other viable source of ID is available. In an environment where tactical communications are challenged or denied (e.g., where voice communications and/or transponder ID data may be unavailable), the operator is forced to rely only on his/her knowledge of the Area of Responsibility (AOR), the current Tactical Situation (TACSIT), and his/her own experience in determining if an air track is a potential threat. A system capable of providing the operator with additional ID options analytically derived from the observed air track behavior, with each potential ID suggestion ranked by probability, will greatly assist the operator in making a final track ID assignment to a questionable air track. An enhanced and semi-automated track ID capability will also contribute to the reduction of operator fatigue by reducing the operator’s need to ponder over each track ID to determine its veracity, thus allowing for a potential increase in the operator’s ability to handle extended duty time resulting in an associated reduction in manning by more than 20%, and improving affordability. One of the principal goals of this effort is to improve the operating efficiency of the combat systems air track identification capability, allowing a significant (>50%) improvement in the probability of successful identification for any specific track in the communications/sensor denied environment mentioned above. The current air traffic control aircraft ID uses mode-S transponder data stream provided by the aircraft. The issue is that mode-S is not a secure/verifiable source - transponders in aircraft can be switched/exchanged or modified. An alternate/verifiable form of aircraft identification needs to be developed that does not necessarily rely on the cooperation of the aircraft.

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The Navy seeks a software system architecture and algorithmic model that implements real-time target track ID assignment within the AEGIS combat system. The system model architectural attributes will include scalability to process (in parallel) a large number (i.e., on the order of 10 times the current AEGIS capacity) of air tracks within the Common Operational Picture (COP). The system needs to be self-contained (i.e., require only software running within its current host combat systems suite to provide complete single-platform based capability) and have minimal impact on the performance of the current combat system. The system must also provide a well-defined and documented Applications Program Interface (API) allowing portability of the architecture and algorithms to other combat systems (e.g., Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) and the Future Surface Combatant (FSC) combat system).

The proposed system architecture and associated analytic algorithms must be capable of generating a real-time track ID for all air tracks within the COP based on an analytical combination of available parameters. These parameters may include a prospective air target transponder provided ID, observed real-time track behavioral characteristics (air speed, maneuver radius, projected destination, radar signature analysis, etc.) analyzed against a known track airframe dataset comprised of previously collected air track data and behavioral data retrieved from a shipboard airframe track database, and current principal ship TACSIT and geographic location with respect to known commercial air-traffic patterns in the AOR. The system must be capable of generating alterative track IDs developed in real time as a set of probability-ranked options. Each option will have associated track-ID reliability metrics that will indicate its relative merit with respect to the other options presented. The proposed system will allow an operator to specify an ID reliability threshold after which the real-time analysis will provide the alternate ID suggestions. The technology will also utilize multi-platform sourced data streams (when available) to provide a multi-platform distributed track ID capability and improve the reliability of its ID recommendations. The value of having a set of continuously updated probability ranked air track ID options available to the console operator will greatly reduce the probability of incorrect air track identification that could result in either erroneous engagement of non-threatening tracks, or non-engagement of lethal threats.

The proposed system must rapidly present the initial analytical results for real-time use in the operator’s decision-making process. However, the analytical process should not complete once the initial results are presented. The technology will continuously and dynamically update and present enhanced analytical results (i.e., updated target ID recommendations) in a real-time manner as the tactical air track data stream evolves. The method used to present the analytical results must be compatible with and implementable within the currently implemented AEGIS software and hardware display infrastructure. The technology will be well documented and conform to open systems architectural principals and standards.


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

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a software architecture and real-time data-stream analytics system as identified in the Description. Demonstrate that the model will show that it can feasibly meet the requirements in the Description. Establish feasibility through evaluation of the proposed model via a study and/or use of a simulation-based analysis. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities required to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype software architecture and real-time data-stream analytics system that demonstrates the capability to perform all parameters described in the Description after implementation and

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integration into the combat system environment. Perform the demonstration at a Land Based Test Site (LBTS), provided by the Government, that represents an AEGIS BL9 or newer combat system environment and that should be capable of simultaneously simulating two AEGIS test platforms, to allow for the demonstration of track ID generation using sensor data provided by two cooperating platforms. Ensure that the prototype will demonstrate it has little to no impact on the performance of the combat system environment. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy combat systems and potential commercial use.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Implement a fully functional software architecture and real-time data-stream analytics algorithms system into the AEGIS combat system baseline modernization process, consisting of integrating into the combat system baseline, validation testing, and combat system certification.

This architecture can benefit the commercial air traffic control systems, providing a potential capability to identify unknown air tracks utilizing commercial air space and/or approaching civilian airports. Such a capability may prove useful in civilian anti-terrorism scenarios.

REFERENCES:1. Vasudevan, Vijay. “Tensorflow: A system for Large-Scale Machine Learning.” Usenix Association, USENIX OSDI 2016 Conference, 2 November 2016. https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/osdi16/osdi16-abadi.pdf

2. Vasudevan, Vijay. “TensorFlow: Large-Scale Machine Learning on Heterogeneous Distributed Systems.” Usenix Association, 2016. http://download.tensorflow.org/paper/whitepaper2015.pdf

3. Schmidhuber, Jürgen. “Deep Learning in Neural Networks: An Overview.” Neural Networks, Volume 61, January 2015, pp. 85-117. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893608014002135

4. Schmidt, Douglas. “A Naval Perspective on Open-Systems Architecture.” Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, SEI Blog, Posted 11 July 2016. https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/sei_blog/2016/07/a-naval-perspective-on-open-systems-architecture.html

KEYWORDS: Real-time Target Track ID; Deep Learning Techniques; Transponder Identification; ID Spoofing; Artificial Intelligence; Multi-platform Track ID; Track-ID Reliability Metric

N191-021 TITLE: Automated Curvilinear Mineline Detection


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA), PMS 495, Mine Warfare Program Office


OBJECTIVE: Develop an automated curvilinear mineline detection algorithm.

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DESCRIPTION: The Navy is interested in technologies that facilitate automated target pattern recognition capabilities in aerial multi-spectral images of curvilinear-arranged targets in various coastal and inland environments. COBRA multi-spectral imagery has wavelengths in the visible spectrum, including those that penetrate the water, and infrared. These minefields may be placed in a variety of configurations. Current patterned algorithms exploit a mineline’s linear features and rely on minimal variations in mine-to-mine placement angles to make a detection. This tradeoff improves the algorithm’s linear mineline performance. Automated target recognition algorithms that annotate minefields placed in nonlinear patterns would reduce mission execution time during the post mission analysis phase and improve detection system performance.

Typically, minelines placed in a coastal environment follow the natural landforms of the area and may take on complex, non-linear shapes. Accurate and reliable automatic detection and notification of the presence of these curvilinear minelines would reduce operator review time to mark the area for clearance or avoidance by follow-on forces. Studies have shown that an accurate and reliable automatic detection algorithm reduced detection time and improved detection rate. If all of the algorithm’s cues are false alarms, operator performance may be worse than if no aiding was provided at all. This would reduce the mission time and the potential for error due to operator fatigue and human error.

The Navy needs innovative methods that can recognize non-linear, patterned targets in a variety of inland and coastal environments as imaged aerially with a multi-spectral camera. The proposed effort will develop algorithms for automated target recognition of curvilinear minelines to optimize Probability of Detection (PD) and Probability of False Alarm (PFA)/False Alarm Rate (FAR) of the COBRA Block I System. Targets will have a top surface area equivalent to that of a circle with a diameter of approximately 15 to 30 centimeters, which equates to approximately 6-14 pixels in COBRA’s imagery. In order to work within the current COBRA Block I Real Time Processor (RTP) framework, the algorithms will need to be modular as the RTP uses independent algorithm libraries. Modules will perform logically discrete functions and provide well-defined interfaces for other modules. Algorithms will be hardware agnostic, but for development considerations only, will run on an Intel-based 64-bit architecture system with discrete NVIDIA graphics cards. As newer hardware becomes available, the algorithm kernels should be capable of scaling to utilize available resources. These modular algorithms will be integrated into the COBRA Airborne Payload Subsystem (CAPS), the COBRA Post Mission Analysis (PMA) Subsystem, and potentially other flight and post-mission analysis systems as identified. The algorithms will be implemented as object-oriented C++ for Central Processing Units (CPUs) and/or Open Computing Language (OpenCL) or Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) for Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) processing. Processing techniques should work in conjunction with the current RTP framework and algorithms to process imagery in real time; currently an image to be processed is captured every 763 milliseconds. The proposed algorithms will be required to conform to the Navy’s Open Architecture (OA) initiative. Modular design of software components will enable openness to the Navy and others.


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

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an algorithm capable of detecting curvilinear minelines in a variety of inland and coastal environments using aerial multispectral imagery. Demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm through modeling and simulation. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design

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specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a modular software library prototype to provide efficient real-time detection of curvilinear minelines using COBRA Block I imagery as described in the Description. The prototype may run in a development environment that meets the hardware performance specifications and software libraries of the COBRA Block I RTP. Generate a performance estimation of the developed capability to include PD, PFA/FAR, operating time, and operational impacts of environmental conditions including clutter and vegetation. Use operationally representative data for the evaluation. Ensure that the algorithm performance meets the system’s minefield detection performance using specified target sizes. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy and potential commercial use.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. While algorithm modularity eases integration, integrate the algorithms into the RTP. Perform the following integration tasks: adding the algorithms into the existing processing framework, load balancing across the RTP’s various processors, and acceptance testing in the operational configuration. Further refine the software to ensure compatibility with existing mine warfare operator interfaces and workstations according to the Phase III SOW. Support updates to the COBRA Technical Data Package to support the Navy in transitioning the design and technology into the COBRA Production baseline for future Navy use.

The technology developed here can be applied to pattern recognition problems, surveillance tasks, remote sensing, and Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE). Commercial applications include biometrics, computer vision, facial recognition, and histopathology.

REFERENCES:1. "AN/DVS-1 Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA)." The U.S. Navy – Fact File. Last update 4 October 2017. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2100&tid=1237&ct=2

2. Bernabe, Sergio, Lopez, Sebastian, Plaza, Antonio, and Sarmiento, Roberto. “GPU Implementation of an Automatic Target Detection and Classification Algorithm for Hyperspectral Image Analysis.” IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, Vol. 10, No. 2, March 2013. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6218752/

3. Reiner, Adam J., Hollands, Justin G., and Jamieson, Greg A. “Target Detection and Identification Performance Using an Automatic Target Detection System.” Human Factors, Vol. 59, No. 2, 01 March 2017, pp. 242-258. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720816670768

4. Samson, Joseph W., Witter, Lester J., Kenton, Arthur C., and Holloway, John H. “Real-time Implementation of a Multispectral Target Detection Algorithm.” SPIE 5089, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets VIII, 11 September 2003. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.501567

5. El-Saba, Aed, Alam, Mohammad S., and Sakla, Wesam A. “Pattern Recognition via Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Polarization-based Imaging.” SPIE Defense, Security and Sensing, Proceedings Volume 7696, Automatic Target Recognition XX; Acquisition Tracking, Pointing, and Laser System Technologies XXIV; and Optical Pattern Recognition XXI, 13 May 2010. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.851689

KEYWORDS: Automated Target Detection; Automated Pattern Detection; Curvilinear Minefields; Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis; COBRA; Post Mission Analysis; Mine Countermeasures; MCM

N191-022 TITLE: 3-inch SONAR Countermeasure

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ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 415, Undersea Defensive Warfare Systems Program Office.


OBJECTIVE: Develop a smaller ADC MK 4 Mod 1 countermeasure to a 3-inch diameter form factor capable of internal launch.

DESCRIPTION: The current Acoustic Device Countermeasure (ADC) Mk 4 Mod 1 is the primary SONAR countermeasure in the U.S. Navy expendable countermeasure inventory. It is a 6.25-inch diameter, 107-inch long, 120 lb. acoustic device stowed within the external launch tubes of the submarine. A 3-inch form factor ADC Mk 4 Mod 1 meeting the existing operational and environmental requirements would provide the Navy and the Countermeasure Program decreased lifecycle costs through reduced size, weight, and handling logistics. For example, the external countermeasures currently have a 12-year storage life and two 2-year stowage limitation. A second off-load, refurbish, and reload is required. Unlike the 6-inch device that is stored externally to the submarine pressure hull in the free flood external countermeasure launchers (ECL), the 3-inch devices will be stored onboard in a benign environment. In some cases, this will allow for bringing a SONAR countermeasure capability to existing submarines without ECL capability prior to their decommissioning. This change will also allow for greater service life, increased flexibility of the load-out quantities and opportunity to use the limited number of external launch tubes for new technologies or other capabilities without those products experiencing significant costs associated with implementing outboard stowage/launchers. These new technology/capability options include a submarine launched anti-torpedo torpedo (ATT), compact rapid attack weapon (CRAW), or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). All of these alternate payloads extend the offensive, defensive, and sensing reach of the platform.


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

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an end-to-end redesign of an ADC Mk 4 that meets the requirements of the Description. Include in the design the details of the acoustic projector and associated driver network designs. Establish feasibility of the design through modeling and simulation. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the specifications and anticipated (i.e., modeled) performance characteristics to build the prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and build 3-5 prototypes for testing and evaluation. Perform evaluation and testing of the prototypes based on the requirements stated in the current ADC Mk 4 performance specification that includes

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contractor low-level subassembly performance tests. Include acoustic evaluation, both before and after mock launches from the internal countermeasure launcher facility maintained by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island. Initial testing will be the responsibility of the executing company, while follow-on testing will be the responsibility of the Navy, with the company’s assistance.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use by providing follow-on prototypes (using any lessons learned from the Phase II acoustic and internal countermeasure launcher testing) and engineering support for full environmental testing, which could include storage temperature thermal cycling, lightweight shock testing, vibration analysis, and additional acoustic evaluation testing. All pertinent requirements can be appropriately provided to awardees. There is potential for some of this testing to occur in Phase II. Ultimately, within Phase III, it is desired that at least two to three prototypes will be launched from a U.S. Navy submarine to assist in the full circle environmental evaluation of the design.

A commercial application would be the launch of measurement devices from Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (AUVs) given the volume optimization of the launch mechanism.

REFERENCES:1. Burdic, William S. “Underwater Acoustic System Analysis.” Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1991. https://asa.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1121/1.391242

2. Poterala, Stephen F., et al. “Processing, texture quality, and piezoelectric properties of <001>C textured (1-x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)TiO3 - xPbTiO3 ceramics.” Journal of Applied Physics 110, 014105 (2011). https://aip.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1063/1.3603045

KEYWORDS: SONAR; Acoustic Countermeasure; External Countermeasure Launcher; Internal Countermeasure Launcher; Anti-submarine Warfare; Detection and Tracking

N191-023 TITLE: Efficient 3-inch Acoustic Device Countermeasure (ADC) Depth Control System


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 415, Undersea Defensive Warfare Systems Program Office


OBJECTIVE: Develop an efficient depth control mechanism capable of being implemented into both existing and future 3-inch diameter Acoustic Device Countermeasures (ADC) to allow for increased amount of power for improved (i.e., greater source level and/or longer duration) acoustic performance.

DESCRIPTION: Current 3-inch Mk 2 devices utilize an electric motor and a small-ducted propeller for depth control to ascend from maximum submarine operational depths, or to descend from shallow submarine operational depths, or to maintain depth at the time of submarine launch. The motor runs off the existing Eagle-Picher lithium aluminum/iron disulfide (LiAl/FeS2) thermal battery (EAP-12189), which also provides power to the acoustics of the device. Improved acoustic performance in terms of increased duration and increased acoustic sound pressure levels is needed to counter ever-improving adversarial torpedoes. Reducing, or eliminating, the need for the depth

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control system to require power from the battery would leave increased power for enhancement of the acoustic output or duration of the device. Available power for the depth control varies depending on the launch depth and the acoustic mode. The technical challenge in designing the depth control system (selectable for Deep, Shallow and Launch Depth settings) is fitting it within the existing volume of approximately 70 inch squared and making it robust enough to survive and operate following exposure to accelerations and forces experienced by the device when it gets launched out of the internal countermeasure launcher aboard all current U.S. Navy submarines, at potentially all submarine operational depths. The maximum Peak Device Acceleration (G’s) that could be encountered is approximately ½ SINE Wave 120 g’s for 30 ms, and the maximum Hull Exit Velocity is 105 fps. By fitting it into the existing volume and surviving launch transients, the system could be utilized for both current and future devices.

As part of the effort, state-of-the-art in packaging and buoyancy compensation systems should be incorporated, potentially including high-pressure canister inflation and/or high-strength bladder materials. A redesigned depth control system has the potential to reduce the overall device cost by eliminating the need for the current specialized electric motor and ducted propeller. Physical dimensions of the current device include the following: weight in air 9.002 lbs.; buoyancy -0.853 lbs.; center of buoyancy 18.175 inches forward of tail; and center of gravity 22.311 inches forward of tail.


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

PHASE I: Provide a conceptual design of a depth control system including the dimensions, power source, and buoyancy calculations substantiating that the system can provide the depth control needed for the device, which includes providing buoyancy for a controlled ascent from submarine launch depths, providing negative buoyancy for a control descent from shallow launch depths, and providing the ability to maintain depth at the time of launch. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept through modeling and simulation. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial layout and capabilities description to build the prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype system for testing and evaluation based on the buoyancy-specific unclassified requirements stated in the current ADC Mk 2 performance specification for depth control, which can be appropriately provided to awardees. Perform evaluations that include acoustic testing and evaluation, both before and after mock launches from the internal countermeasure launcher facility maintained by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island. Provide, for final testing and certification, 3-5 prototypes as deliverables. Perform acoustic testing that will provide confidence that the depth control design does not affect the acoustic directivity patterns.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use, which is expected to be in the form of engineering support for full environmental testing during Phase III, which could include storage temperature thermal cycling, lightweight shock testing, vibration analysis, additional acoustic evaluation testing, and full depth excursion testing. Ultimately, within Phase III, it is desired that at least two to three prototypes will be launched from a U.S. Navy submarine to assist in the full circle environmental evaluation of the design.

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An example of a dual-use commercial application would be the launch of environmental measurement devices utilizing the efficient depth control system from Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (AUVs), or ships of opportunity, given the volume optimization of the launch mechanism.

REFERENCES:1. Kundu, Pijush K. Fluid Mechanics. New York: Academic, 2002; https://www.elsevier.com/books/fluid-mechanics/kundu/978-0-08-054558-5

2. Burdic, William S. Underwater Acoustic System Analysis. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1991; http://www.worldcat.org/title/underwater-acoustic-system-analysis/oclc/551483500.

KEYWORDS: Acoustic Device Countermeasure; Center of Buoyancy; Center of Gravity; Depth Control; Internal Countermeasure Launcher; Buoyancy Control Methodologies

N191-024 TITLE: Standoff Command and Control of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: NAVSEA 06/PMS-408 (Expeditionary Missions) Low Observable

OBJECTIVE: Develop platform independent data and power transfer material solutions for enabling command and control of inspection class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for real-time, human-supervised response operations from safe separation distances.

DESCRIPTION: The ocean environment is one of the most diverse and challenging environment for moving power and data in sufficient capacity (i.e., bandwidth, range, reliability) when human-supervised command and control of inspection class ROVs is required for countering underwater explosive threat objects. Current ROV systems are equipped with physical data and/or power tethers, which due to tether drag and thrust limitations [Ref 1] most notably in higher sea states and water depths over 100 feet of seawater (FSW), overcome the ability of small inspection class ROVs to maneuver to and/or maintain their station relative to targets being investigated. Novel approaches to extend the surface lateral standoff range of ROVs from topside operators beyond that of the physical tether are required with little to no latency for display of streaming video, and sonar and sensor data from the ROV to the operators on the console providing human-supervision, and, when needed, an ability to override autonomy.

Navy Expeditionary forces have a requirement to operate inspection class ROV systems and payloads (e.g., manipulators, diagnostic sensors), at extended standoff distances against targets on the surface down to 1,000 FSW while maintaining human-supervision and, when necessary, taking manual control of ROVs operating in close proximity to underwater explosive threat objects. Minimal latency, standoff command and control solutions are needed that provide a physical separation between the ROV operator and the ROV at: (1) a threshold surface lateral safe separation distance of at least 3,000 yards and an objective distance of 5,000 yards; (2) a threshold surface lateral safe separation distance of at least 5 nautical miles and an objective distance of 25 nautical miles. Recognizing the current state of technology may preclude zero-latency for teleoperation of ROVs, sufficient technical approaches that pursue low latency solutions to maintain viable human-in-the-loop teleoperation of ROVs will be of interest in evaluating proposed solutions.

Tether drag and tether management remain a challenge during operation of ROV systems for response to underwater threats, particularly as ROVs are operated in deeper water and at extended separation distances from topside ROV operators. The Navy has particular interest in technologies that offer a short-range, zero latency material solution for command and control of inspection class ROV with a minimum surface lateral separation of 3,000 yards. This capability is required to enable human-supervised and/or human-controlled precision task execution with the ROV to investigate and/or neutralize underwater threat objects poised in the water column from the surface down to 1,000

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FSW. Secondarily, the Navy is interested in a low latency field configurable “add-on” capability to the short-range solution, for increasing lateral standoff to a range of between 5 and 25 nautical miles. Short-range and long-range solutions of interest must be designed as stand-alone (i.e., platform independent) subsystems capable of integrating with the Teledyne SeaBotix vLBV300, and eventually in Phase II, if awarded, with the Next Generation Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Underwater Response Vehicle for testing. The complete solution would be deployed from any craft of opportunity without requiring EOD personnel or craft to manually emplace it for use. Any solution that proposes a physical tether must include an automated tether management system to manage scope length. Proposed solutions must address how DoD cyber security requirements (as defined in DOI 8500.01) will be addressed, and in the case of any wireless components of data transfer, how DoD frequency spectrum requirements will be addressed.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a fully integrated self-deploying subsystem with autonomous tether management capable of meeting the requirements in the Description. Following the requirements analysis, develop a conceptual design for the short-range subsystem and perform a proof of concept demonstration or relevant bench-top and/or simulation to enable the Navy to ascertain the feasibility of the military utility and supportability of a proposed prototype development effort. The Navy desires an analysis articulating a proposed approach for eventual extension to a long-range solution. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype system and validate it with respect to the objectives. Develop, design, and fabricate an initial demonstration prototype of a short-range subsystem for integration with the Teledyne SeaBotix vLBV300 and the Next Generation EOD Underwater Response Vehicle. The Phase II effort should also include refinement of the analysis and the modifications necessary to develop a long-range capability.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Fabricate and deliver a short-range system with all necessary interfaces for operation with the Teledyne SeaBotix vLBV300 and the Next Generation EOD Underwater Response Vehicle.

Commercial applications include for other ROV users, such as DoD Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) remediation teams; Department of Homeland Security activities providing port security functions; underwater repair and construction teams; and law enforcement agencies performing underwater post incident forensics analysis.

REFERENCES:1. Crist, Robert D., and Wernli, Sr., Robert L. “The ROV Manual: A User Guide for Remotely Operated Vehicles, Second Ed”. Waltham: Butterworth Heinemann, 2014. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289731799_The_ROV_Manual_A_User_Guide_for_Remotely_Operated_Vehicles_Second_Edition

2. Domingues, Christophe, Essabbah, Mouna, Cheaib, Nader, Otmane, Samir, and Dinis, Alain. “Human-Robot-Interfaces based on Mixed Reality for Underwater Robot Teleoperation.” IFAC Proceedings, Volume 45, Issue 27, 2012, pp. 212-215. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1474667016312307

3. DoD Instruction Department of Defense Instruction 8500.01, “Cybersecurity”, 14 March, 2014. https://fas.org/irp/doddir/dod/i8500_01.pdf

KEYWORDS: Remotely Operated Vehicles; ROV; Standoff Command and Control of ROVs; Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Low Latency Human-supervised Controls; Naval Mines; Teledyne SeaBotix vLBV300

N191-025 TITLE: Compact High Energy Laser (HEL) Beam Director

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ACQUISITION PROGRAM: SEA073, Advanced Submarine Systems Development

OBJECTIVE: Develop an affordable, single-aperture, atmospheric-correction, compact beam director system for a High Energy Laser (HEL) weapon to be employed by a US Navy platform.

DESCRIPTION: HEL weapon employment would support covert operations and early warning for a carrier battle group as well as self-defense of Navy platform and friendly special operating forces. Previous beam directors developed for land-based or airborne use are too large for Navy platform use and not submersible. The Navy has a need for compact, agile HEL weapon beam directors, with an aperture size of approximately 12 inches with 360-degree Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) imager for target tracking and queuing, that greatly reduce the weight and volume of existing HEL weapon beam director systems while providing the ability to maintain extremely accurate movement of the optical elements so that the laser intensity is maintained on target. To maintain Navy platform force levels in the future funding environment, weapon system affordability must be addressed upfront as a major design consideration. Proposals in this area should address the following areas: (1) Opto-mechanical design of the compact beam director compatible with existing/future Navy platform mast configurations; (2) innovative optics and control system that either adapts to or otherwise mitigates the effects of thermal blooming and other turbulent phenomena; (3) control or removal of beam jitter caused by on-board vibrations; and (4) integration with current/future mast configurations. The HEL beam director is required to have the following: (1) capability to handle >100kw average optical output power; (2) -30 - +80å¡ of altitude training range; (3) 360å¡ of azimuth training range; (4) 1 radian training accuracy relative to an inertial reference; (5) structures and components must remain operable through 20 G shock acceleration; and (6) a housing that must withstand fluid pressure to 100 psi without leakage and must isolate the beam director optics from the maritime environment.

The Navy seeks a field prototype with Deformable Mirror (DM) for adoptive correction of the turbulence and jitter control hardware to demonstrate Navy platform mast integration into HEL weapon targeting capability - both azimuth and elevation. The technology will be evaluated for the potential for integration into surface ship, helicopter, or Army configurations and platforms for higher energy levels (optical power > 300 kw). The technology will demonstrate accurate target tracking with positive feedback target lock-in, short acquisition time, multiple target selection, and wave-front correction. The field prototype design will build on and leverage multiple ongoing projects, including submicro-radian closed loop boresight sensing, beaconless wave-front control, and wrinkle-proof deformable mirrors for atmospheric turbulence correction of the beam propagation through marine wave boundary.



PHASE I: Develop a concept for a compact beam director system for a HEL weapon. Demonstrate feasibility through modeling and simulation. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop the required technology into a prototype and demonstrate that it meets the requirements in the Description. Address all of the key drivers (i.e., mechanical design of the structure and bearings, operation through turbulence, haze and thermal blooming, and aim-point selection and maintenance through haze) for the beam

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director. Test and refine the prototype into a technology that the Navy can use.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate the field prototype design into Virginia class Universal Modular Mast (UMM) or a 688 class (Los Angeles Class) type 8 periscope mast. Provide a potential road map for the integration of the beam director on other DoD platforms, such as surface ship/helicopter/Army. It is expected that demonstrating a laser beam director meeting the stated requirements will result in a wide range of applications both for DoD and commercial industries.

The commercial market includes laser communication and electrical power generation through light (power beaming) at remote locations.

REFERENCES:1. Cook, Joung R. "High-energy laser weapons since the early 1960s." Optical Engineering 52(2), 021007, 5 October 2012. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.52.2.021007

2. Albertine, John R. and Merritt, Paul H. "Beam control for high-energy laser devices." Optical Engineering 52(2), 021005, 3 October 2012. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.52.2.021005

3. Abeysinghe, D. C., Haus, J. W., Heikenfeld, J., and Smith, N. R. "Agile wide-angle beam steering with electrowetting microprisms." Opt. Express 14,6557-6563, 2006. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.14.006557

4. Buske, I. and Walther, A. "Setup of a beam control system for high power laser system at DLR." Proc. SPIE 9989, 99890R, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2240942

5. Ostaszewski, M., Harford, S., Doughty, N., Hoffman, C., Sanchez, M., Gutow, D., and Pierce, R. "Risley prism beam pointer." Proc. SPIE 6304, 630406, 2006. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.679097

KEYWORDS: BD; Beam Director; HEL; High Energy Laser; MBE; Model Based Engineering; Field Prototype with Deformable Mirror; DM; Submicro-radian Closed Loop Boresight Sensing; Opto-mechanical Design of the Compact Beam Director; Compact Beam Director

N191-026 TITLE: Antennas and Antenna Radomes with Extreme Thermal Shock Resistance for Missile Applications

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 3A, STANDARD Missile Program Office


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OBJECTIVE: Develop conformal antenna and antenna cover (i.e., radome) materials that provide stable antenna performance in increasingly demanding flight environments.

DESCRIPTION: Evolving weapons technology is driving missiles and other flight vehicles to greater speeds and higher accelerations. The result of increased speed and acceleration is higher temperatures and thermal stresses. For instance, with vehicles traveling over Mach 4, surface temperatures can reach 1,500°C or higher. Rapid acceleration can result in extreme thermal gradients, which translate to high stresses. These increases require changes in materials to meet or exceed requirements to negate the effects on missile antennas and radomes.

The Navy needs new materials that package missile antennas in conformal configurations that can withstand these demanding new flight environments. These configurations may be with the antenna either directly on the vehicle surface or behind a conformal antenna radome. Flight environments include shock at launch (e.g., 30,000g for gun-launched projectiles), acceleration from zero to over Mach 5 in milliseconds to seconds, altitude of flight from sea level to 200,000 feet, and flight through adverse weather (e.g., rain, sleet). Most applications are limited by size and shape profile constraints (e.g., airframe fitting in its canister).

The primary focus of this SBIR topic is advanced materials, which would enable use of radomes or conformal antennas in more aggressive environments. The material property sets required for these two applications have substantial overlap, which means an advanced material may be useful for both, but optimal for one in particular. The Navy believes that the existing designs for radomes and conformal antennas are adequate, and that materials are the limiting factor in increasingly aggressive environments. There are specific material properties, namely dielectric constant and loss tangent, which need to be low (preferably below 5 and .05 respectively). While proposals describing advanced materials are anticipated, an engineering solution that allows use of existing state-of-the-art materials in extended service will be considered.

Antenna and radome materials must provide for stable performance over the duration of its flight. Thermal shock is particularly difficult and can cause expansion of the outer surface during acceleration, thereby impacting both antenna electrical performance and material structural integrity. In addition, it is anticipated that future antenna applications will require frequency selective surfaces for electrical performance. These conductive patterns add requirements for surface smoothness and outer surface protection. The incorporation of a pattern layer, and any associated coatings, may further complicate the thermal shock performance. Possible applications for the desired technology include tactical missiles, long-range guided projectiles, and hypersonic vehicles.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for conformal antenna and radome materials that meets the parameters in the Description. Demonstrate that the concept can feasibly meet the requirements in the Description. Demonstrate feasibility through analysis, modeling, and experimentation of materials of interest to meet the parameters in the Description. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop models to produce notional full-scale prototypes that will be delivered at the end of Phase II. Demonstrate that the prototype can function under the required service conditions including thermal and mechanical stresses as stated in the Description. Perform testing that includes high-temperature mechanical tests, thermal shock tests, electrical tests, non-destructive testing, and microstructural examinations to show the prototype will meet Navy performance requirements. It is expected that offerors will propose technology solutions with the highest capability they can imagine, and will test to show such capability.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use in future missile development. Support the manufacturing of the components via the technology developed under this topic, and assist in extensive qualification testing defined by the Navy program.

Potential commercial uses for high-speed antenna performance improvements are in the commercial spacecraft and satellite communications industries. The materials appropriate for this topic should have lower thermal expansion and higher erosion resistance than polymeric antenna materials, making them attractive for satellite applications where differential expansion from solar heating and erosion from micrometeorite impact are concerns.

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REFERENCES:1. Kasen, Scott D. “Thermal Management at Hypersonic Leading Edges.” PhD Thesis, University of Virginia, 2013. http://www.virginia.edu/ms/research/wadley/Thesis/skasen.pdf

2. Johnson, Sylvia. "Ultra High Temperature Ceramics: Application, Issues and Prospects.” American Ceramic Society, 2nd Ceramic Leadership Summit, Baltimore, MD, August 3, 2011. http://ceramics.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/applicatons-uhtc-johnson.pdf

3. Atherton, Kelsey. “The Navy Wants To Fire Its Ridiculously Strong Railgun From The Ocean.” Popular Science, 8 April 2014.http://www.popsci.com/article/technology/navy-wants-fire-its-ridiculously-strong-railgun-ocean

4. Walton, J.D. “Radome Engineering Handbook.” Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1970.

KEYWORDS: Missiles; Guided Projectiles; Antenna Radomes; Antennas; Thermal Shock; Missile Erosion; Hypersonic

N191-027 TITLE: Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) Sensor for Ohio Class Ballistic Missile (SSBN), Ohio Class Guided Missile (SSGN), and Columbia Class Submarines


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 401, Submarine Acoustic Systems Program Office

OBJECTIVE: Develop an effective Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) sensor for the Ohio Class SSBN, Ohio Class SSGN, and Columbia-class submarines.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy has a need to improve the capabilities of its current CTD sensors to acquire environmental data aboard its deployed submarines. These sensors measure conductivity, temperature and pressure to estimate the speed of sound and seawater salinity and density. It is imperative that the data accurately represent ambient conductivity, temperature, and depth conditions with no latency and with high degree of accuracy. The Navy’s CTD was a form factor replacement for the legacy sound speed sensor and designed to be installed into the sensor chamber on 688(i)-class submarines. This is not an optimal CTD system configuration for SSGN/SSBN, as it causes inadequate flow to be directed at the CTD sensor resulting in an erroneous measurement of sound speed profiles. A CTD specifically designed for use in SSN sea chests is hampering the ability of SSBN/SSGN and eventually Columbia-class submarines to accurately estimate local sound speed and water density. A sensor designed specifically for the Ohio SSBN/SSGN and Columbia submarine classes is required and will allow for the acquisition of more accurate data. As such, while CTD sensors are commercially available for purchase, they are not specifically designed for the mounting arrangement and unique flow requirement of the SSBN/SSGN/Columbia-class submarines as detailed in platform-specific plans.

The new sensor will fit a maximum envelope form factor of an 18-inch by 18-inch by 18-inch cube to minimize the need to modify the current sensor’s sea chest, and will also be designed to ensure adequate flow to the CTD sensing elements. The design of a sensor that is optimized for the SSBN/SSGN/Columbia class sail CTD intake vents is necessary to enable accurate sensing of these important parameters. This will enable an accurate sound velocity profile to be used in sonar tactical aids. It will enable better weapon presets and better ballast control for both manual and automatic ship handling during assents to periscope depth and hovering operations. This both enhances mission performance and helps to reduce broaching and associated vulnerabilities.

Specific requirements include the following:1) The conductivity sensor must achieve an accuracy after stabilization of less than 28 µS/cm (micro-Siemans/centimeter) RMS error (threshold) or 14 µS/cm (goal).

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2) The temperature sensor must achieve an accuracy after stabilization of less than 0.28°C root mean square (RMS) error (threshold) or 0.14°C (goal).3) The pressure sensor (supporting depth determination) must achieve an accuracy after stabilization of less than 0.3 decibars (i.e., 50 kPa) RMS error (threshold) or 0.2 decibars (i.e., 20 kPa) (goal).4) All sensors (temperature, conductivity, and pressure) must achieve a stabilized state after any change in ambient conditions in less than 12 seconds (threshold) and 6 seconds (goal). A stabilized state is equivalent to 95% of the steady state level approached with unlimited wait time.5) The maximum delay in passing sample water from the free stream outside of the hull boundary through a duct (limit IAW ship drawings, 18-inches)onto any sensor head must be 3 seconds (threshold) or 1.5 seconds (goal) when the boat speed through the water is 5 knots or greater.6) The CTD system must meet Military Standard (MILSTD) 461 electromagnetic noise requirements for conducted and/or radiated emissions.7) The CTD system must meet MILSTD 901D requirements for shock qualification standards and MIL-STD-810 Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests.



PHASE I: Develop a conceptual design of a CTD optimized for installation in a SSBN/SSGN sea chest. Demonstrate feasibility of the design through testing, modeling, and/or simulation. Show feasibility of deployment on a submarine through demonstration of fit to the form factor as well as demonstration of transmission through cable length that would be required on a submarine in the required timeframe. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include drawings, schematics, and financial plan to build the prototype in Phase II for the proposed system.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype CTD sensor. Demonstrate that the system will fit into the existing sea chest. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Navy use. Once a prototype is produced, or if a detailed model is produced, complete testing to verify performance criteria has been met.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the CTD sensor to Navy use. Deliver the sensor to Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) for final inspection. Send a representative to accompany NUWCDIVNPT personnel for installation onto a SSBN, SSGN, or Columbia-class submarine. Perform further receipt-testing of the installed sensor to verify the performance requirements were met.

REFERENCES:1. "Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) Sensors.” Ocean Instruments, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Holes, MA, 26 January 2018, http://www.whoi.edu/instruments/viewInstrument.do?id=1003

2. Urich, Robert J. “Principles of Underwater Sound.” Peninsula Publishing, Westport, CT, 1992, https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Underwater-Sound-Robert-Urick/dp/0932146627

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KEYWORDS: Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD); SSBN and SSGN Sensors; Columbia Class Submarine; Speed of Sound; Underwater Acoustics; 688(i)-class Submarines

N191-028 TITLE: Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) and Other Nonlinear Suppression for High Power Fiber Delivery System for Navy Platform High Energy Laser (HEL)


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: NAVSEA 073, Undersea Technology


OBJECTIVE: Develop new single mode (SM) fiber(s) with suppressed Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) and other nonlinear effects for High Energy Laser (HEL) beam delivery fiber.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is interested in the burgeoning technology area that supports a High-Energy Laser (HEL) system on naval platforms that can serve a vital role in naval defensive and offensive operations for ensuring Navy Battle Space Supremacy and water space management. Currently no such SM fiber with a reduced loss exists commercially that can carry a HEL over 60 feet, due to SBS and other nonlinear effects. The Navy seeks an innovative solution for integrating HEL weapon system or subcomponents through a submarine pressure hull. Potential integration approaches that are being investigated to install such a system on a platform include placing beam director and HEL sub-systems separated by a distance greater than 60 feet. In this case the total optical power (SM multiple fiber bundle) would need to be transmitted long distance capable of at least 2 to 3 kW output optical power per SM fiber with a goal to be able to support a future system having a threshold of 50 kW to a 100kW goal of output optical power at wavelengths 1 µm, 1.5 µm, and at 2 µm. Developing innovative SM fiber technology to integrate HEL weapon system subcomponents through a platform will facilitate the inboard/outboard integration of a HEL weapon system. The innovative fiber/fibers design should have a suppressed SBS and other nonlinear effects. Total optical loss of the innovative SM fiber/fibers/optical cables should be less than 0.5 dB of the length of 60+ feet.

The innovation required to achieve these options is significant. Currently SM fiber optic technology is generally used for outboard sensors, which use significantly less optical power density. The feasibility of a SM fiber for an HEL application is yet to be determined. The bend radius of the fiber must not exceed more than an inch going through the roller assembly. In order to achieve benefits, development is desired of a new SM fiber(s) with reduced SBS for HEL beam delivery of a SM fiber carrying > 2kW of laser power over a distance of > 60 feet.

PHASE I: Design, model, and develop a concept for a SM fiber to transmit high optical power between HEL subsystems. Demonstrate feasibility of the concept by modeling and simulation and/or limited demonstrations in a laboratory environment. Determine that the selected technology is feasible and meets Navy high energy delivery SM fiber optical power requirements in the Description. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, would include the initial layout and capabilities description to build the unit in Phase II.

PHASE II: Fabricate SM delivery fiber with reduced SBS and other nonlinear effects with total loss of less than 0.5 dB. The High Energy Laser prototype fiber will be used for evaluation in a representative platform environment. The prototype should include a complete concept that incorporates HEL power transmission for a long distance (> 60 feet). Demonstrate an innovative fiber prototype from modeling, design, and verification test in a laboratory

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environment in order to verify that the key system performance specifications of the platform have been met. Deliver SM fiber for Navy test and evaluation. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition to Navy use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Further refine a full-scale prototype that can be integrated and tested on Navy Submarine test platform.

The innovations developed under this SBIR topic would be useful in industries such as telecommunications and offshore oil/gas exploration. There are many examples where optical power transmission is not currently viable undersea for sensors where high optical power is required. This technology supports Navy manned and unmanned platforms, petroleum wells, associated drilling and monitoring processes, undersea cable systems, and high-pressure pipeline monitoring.

REFERENCES:1. Military Specification for Connectors, Electrical, Deep Submergence, Submarine (MIL-C-24217A). http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-C/MIL-C-24217A_49807

2. Military Specification for Connectors, Plugs, Receptacles, Adapters, Hull Inserts, & Hull Insert Plugs, Pressure-Proof, General Specification For (MIL-C-24231D). http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-C/MIL-C-24231D_8423

3. Dragic, P.D., Ballato, J., Morris S., and Hawkins, T. “Pockels’ coefficients of alumina in aluminosilicate optical fiber.” J Opt Soc Am B., 2013; 30:244-250. https://www.osapublishing.org/josab/abstract.cfm?uri=josab-30-2-244

4. Kobyakov, A., Kumar, S., Chowdhury, D.Q., Ruffin, A.B., Sauer, M., Bickham, S.R., and Mishra, R. “Design concept for optical fibers with enhanced SBS threshold.” Opt Express, 2005; 13:5338-5346. http://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=https://www.osapublishing.org/viewmedia.cfm%3Furi%3Doe-13-14-5338%26seq%3D0&hl=en&sa=X&scisig=AAGBfm1ZrrZ1g_B2SIvsAjPzLZipxyKDsA&nossl=1&oi=scholarr

5. Shiraki, K., Ohashi, M., and Tateda, M. “Performance of strain-free stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression fiber.” Journal of Lightwave Technology, 1996,Vol. 14, Issue 4, pp. 549- 554. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/491392/

KEYWORDS: High Energy Laser; Nonlinear Spectroscopy; Long Distance Single Mode Fiber; Stimulated Brillouin Scattering; Fiber bundle, High-power Carrying Capacity Fiber

N191-029 TITLE: Adaptive Radar Algorithms for Next Generation Surface Search Radar


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 2.0, Above Water Sensors Program Office, Next Generation Surface Search Radar (NGSSR)


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OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a suite of algorithms that extend, enhance, and optimize the performance of the Next Generation Surface Search Radar (NGSSR) by exploiting the software-defined architecture of the radar.

DESCRIPTION: Navy ships are designed and equipped to fulfill various combat and supply missions. No ship class has the same set of mission requirements. However, navigation and situational awareness are basic functions common to all ships and these seemingly routine tasks have become more difficult as the maritime environment has become increasingly complex. The seas are becoming crowded. Furthermore, the proliferation of inexpensive solid-state radio frequency (RF) technology means that even small fishing boats and pleasure craft have radars. Air traffic and land-based emitters further crowd and confuse the radio spectrum. Major shipping channels that are jammed with ship and radio traffic as well as debris such as floating transport containers present a real hazard to navigation. Exploiting these conditions, adversary ships, aircraft, and unmanned airborne vehicles can conceal themselves while conducting surveillance or other operations.

In response, the Navy is investing in new navigation radar, the Next Generation Surface Search Radar (NGSSR). While being designed to be affordable (for wide deployment) and having a range consistent with its primary navigation function, the radar will make full use of the latest digital technology and incorporate a software-based architecture at its core. Both the receiver and the exciter will be realized in software to the maximum extent possible. Conversion of digital to RF in the exciter and RF to digital in the receiver will therefore represent the bulk of the non-processor hardware (excluding ancillary equipment such as power supplies). NGSSR will therefore be “software-defined” radar, similar to what has been so successfully done with software-defined radio.

This software-defined radar feature is primarily intended to meet the sustainability requirements for the radar by drastically reducing radar-specific hardware. However, the software-defined architecture also offers the opportunity to implement functionality never before considered for such relatively simple rotating radar. Software modules should be easily capable of extending the radar’s capability such that it can assume expanded mission requirements. Furthermore, the potential exists to enhance the basic navigation function of the radar, making it resilient in the face of complex contact scenarios, robust to varying weather conditions, and immune to interference and deception, while simultaneously reducing operator workload and fatigue. An agile approach in which the radar automatically adjusts to changing conditions is necessary.

The Navy seeks a coherent suite of algorithms suitable for the NGSSR that tangibly enhance radar performance and utility. In this case, “coherent” means that the multiple algorithms are organized and can be integrated to act in conjunction with each other to realize broad areas of performance enhancement in the radar. A set of algorithms that address disparate radar functions piecemeal is not needed. Furthermore, because the radar development program will already be delivering software implementing basic radar functions, such as fundamental search modes and surface contact tracking, they should not be considered in the solution.

Of particular interest are radar algorithms that reduce the operator workload by assisting in target identification and by automatically responding to interference, spectrum crowding, and changing weather conditions. Improved collision avoidance is an obvious potential benefit. This topic anticipates consideration of algorithms that exploit the software-defined nature of the radar exciter (i.e., signal generator) through pulse-to-pulse agility of the transmitted signal. Algorithms that expand the utility of the radar beyond its primary navigation role are also desired. Detection and tracking of unmanned aircraft (drones) are desirable secondary functions of the radar as is the detection of low observable surface targets such as surface debris, partially submerged craft, fast in-shore craft, periscopes, and floating mines. Candidate algorithms should also take into account the digital receiver, which is capable of sensing the entire in-band spectrum (in addition to just receiving the radar’s own returns), and electronic protection as desirable areas for consideration. Algorithms should be designed for modularity to facilitate easy update and compatibility with the existing NGSSR software.

PHASE I: Propose a concept for a coherent set of agile radar algorithms that enhance NGSSR performance and expand its utility as described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and predict the utility of the concept. Demonstrate feasibility by analysis of algorithm performance, analysis of the projected benefits, and the modularity of the algorithms (which is the measure of the ease with which they can be integrated in the NGSSR architecture). An analysis of the algorithm efficiency (i.e., the processor loading) is also desirable. Demonstrate utility by analysis or simulation of the performance improvement offered by the algorithms taken collectively. As a

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NGSSR system will not be available, ensure that the proposed concept anticipates development (or acquisition) of a radar simulation capability sufficient to demonstrate the radar algorithms (this simulation capability need not run in real time). Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate the agile radar algorithm suite prototype. As a NGSSR system may not be available until late in the project (if at all), perform development and demonstration of the algorithms that include development of a radar simulation capability sufficient to demonstrate the radar algorithms in the development environment (this simulation capability need not run in real time). Deliver to the Government a prototype that is a suite of coded algorithms (ready for compilation into executable code), corresponding interface and operation support documentation, and the radar simulation software.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Government use. Assist the Government in inserting the coded algorithms into the NGSSR software baseline and validating the compliance of the algorithms to NGSSR program standards. Provide software support and assist in demonstrating and testing the radar performance directly resulting from the algorithms.

These algorithms have the potential to transition to the broader commercial navigation radar market.

REFERENCES:1. Debatty, Thibault. "Software defined radar a state of the art.” 2nd International Workshop on Cognitive Information Processing, 2010, pp. 253-257. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5604241/

2. Stinco, Pietro, et al. "Cognitive radars in spectrally dense environments.” IEEE A&E Systems Magazine, October 2016, pp. 20-27. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7746567/

KEYWORDS: Navigation Radar; Software-Defined Radar; Radar Algorithms; Target Identification; Detection and Tracking; Electronic Protection

N191-030 TITLE: Risk Reduction and Resiliency Modeling Software for Industrial Control Systems


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 397, COLUMBIA SUBMARINE Class Program Office.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative software prototype that can model and evaluate the resiliency of industrial control systems in conjunction with processes and operations to reduce the risk of unacceptable consequences while eliminating the costs of unnecessary cybersecurity capabilities.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking a resiliency modeling prototype that can efficiently model existing systems-of-systems including technology and processes in order to identify resiliency concerns where disruption of services or unacceptable consequences are possible. The modeling prototype should also provide an accepted means to measure resiliency across systems-of-systems and inform current risk management practices and policies such as DoDI 8500.01 (Cybersecurity) and DoDI 8510.01 (Risk Management Framework (RMF)) in order to reduce or eliminate low-value administrative churn. These improvements will reduce procurement and sustainment costs by eliminating cybersecurity technology initiatives that provide little to no value for industrial control systems. The prototype will support the best analysis of alternatives from technologies and processes in order to determine affordable solutions, with the greatest improvement in risk reduction and resiliency, in a timely manner (days versus months).

Resilience is the capacity of any entity—an individual, a community, or a system—to prepare for disruptions, to recover from shocks and stresses, and to then adapt and grow from that disruptive experience. For a system, resiliency is a factor, not only of the technology employed, but also of the procedures established for operations, and

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the proficiency of operators and maintainers. Today, some practitioners of cybersecurity attempt to keep out all threats and eliminate all vulnerabilities. In this manner, their efforts can be seen as trying to fix every weak link in the chain. Practitioners of resilience believe there will always be weak links, so systems must be developed with the best combination of people, process, and technology to respond to the shocks and stresses that will inevitably come. Resilience is analogous to multiple diverse chains operating in parallel, so that even if one weak link in a chain fails, the entire system will not. There currently is not any commercial technology available that provides the process and software necessary to model and measure systems-of-systems resiliency, in a timely manner (days versus months), so that programmatic decisions can be made regarding the security and resiliency of the systems-of-systems.

There is currently a need to develop a process to ensure that industrial control systems (ICSs) on defense platforms, in shipyards or in National critical infrastructure are sufficiently resilient to current and future cyber threats. Many of today’s cybersecurity risk management approaches work toward establishing ever greater defense-in-depth to secure each individual system from an unknown number of threats. Unfortunately, this current state of affairs offers no way to measure how much defense-in-depth is enough, does not address future threats, and fails to address the resiliency that can be gained from a systems-of-systems approach. Providing the ability to model and assess the resiliency of people, process, and technology across systems-of-systems will ensure that this approach is not only effective, but that the most affordable solution, be it via cybersecurity processes or technologies, will be identified.

In the past, ICS had little resemblance to traditional information technology (IT) systems in that ICSs were isolated systems running proprietary control protocols using specialized hardware and software. ICS components were located in physically secured areas and the components were not connected to IT systems. Over time, widely available Internet Protocol devices have replaced many ICS solutions, which have increased the risk of cybersecurity incidents. However, the security objectives of ICS still typically follow the priority of availability and integrity, followed by confidentiality. A significant amount of effort has recently been devoted to improving cybersecurity for IT systems; without careful consideration when applied to ICS, this same approach, which emphasizes protection of information confidentiality would result in a waste of resources, and not ensure that ICS safety and reliability concerns were properly addressed. For industrial control systems on naval platforms, in shipyards, and in critical infrastructure, what matters is that those cyber-physical systems, coupled with the people and processes that operate them, provide sufficient resilience to assure that key services can be relied upon, and that unacceptable consequences will be suitably constrained. This topic seeks a software prototype to provide a holistic approach that addresses risk and resilience across systems-of-systems and best prepares Navy platforms, shipyards, and critical infrastructure against future cyber threats.

PHASE I: Investigate approaches to develop an innovative concept for a proposed ICS resilience modeling prototype that meets the requirements described above. Identify how this technical solution can be utilized to improve the resilience of industrial control systems (ICSs) while reducing procurement and sustainment costs of unnecessary cybersecurity technical initiatives. Develop two notional examples to demonstrate the feasibility of the information that would need to be gathered as input to and the expected output from the modeling prototype. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop the ICS resilience modeling prototype for evaluation that uses the innovations identified and developed in Phase I. The performer’s SOW will provide performance goals and key technical milestones, address technical risk reduction, and include estimates of development cost and schedule as well as the associated cost, schedule, and performance risks. Demonstrate and validate the prototype’s performance using representative ICSs either provided or approved by the Government after submittal by the awardee. Test the prototype in the laboratory to evaluate performance to Navy requirements. Consider Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RM&A) and implement as part of the SOW. Determine ICS resilience benchmarking metrics to be measured by the software prototype in Phase II. This software modeling prototype is intended only to be used by shore-based organizations, and thus will not require testing at sea. Refine the system and prepare a Phase III development plan and RM&A predictions to test and prepare the system for Navy use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Provide an ICS resilience modeling system that can transition to the Navy. Engage in the testing, qualification, and certification to make the system available for Navy use for platforms and facilities with industrial control systems (e.g., ships, submarines, maintenance facilities, other critical

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infrastructure. Ensure that the resulting system will support the assessment of ICS resiliency across system-of-systems. Provide benchmarking metrics to identify areas of concern and aid in the analysis of alternatives to determine the most suitable and affordable cybersecurity solutions.

This technology has potential commercial transition to industrial control systems throughout National critical infrastructure. The product will aid in risk reduction and resiliency of industrial control systems, agnostic of military or commercial domains, since resiliency of industrial control systems is a cross-cutting, critical capability need. Possible other uses for this technology include the water, electric and power industries. Large industrial plants in the private sector can will also be able to take advantage of this technology.

REFERENCES:1. Young, Bill and Leveson, Nancy. “Systems Thinking for Safety and Security. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division; Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, December 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/96965

2. Bochman, Andy. “Internet Insecurity.” Harvard Business Review, May 29, 2018. https://hbr.org/cover-story/2018/05/internet-insecurity

3. Geer Jr., Daniel E. “A Rubicon.” A Hoover Institution Essay, Aegis Series Paper No. 1801, May 29, 2018. https://www.hoover.org/sites/default/files/research/docs/geer_webreadypdfupdated2.pdf

4. Rothrock, Ray. “Digital Resilience: Is Your Company Ready for the Next Cyber Threat?” American Management Association, New York, 2018.

KEYWORDS: Industrial Control Systems; Resilience; Critical Infrastructure; Risk Management; System of Systems; Cybersecurity Defense-in-depth

N191-031 TITLE: Quantum Cascade Laser Manufacturing Cost Reduction


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 2.0, Above Water Sensors Program Office.


OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a new standardized fabrication process for quantum cascade lasers (QCL) operating in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) band that is optimized for repeatable and cost-effective manufacturing.

DESCRIPTION: Many threats to surface ships employ infrared (IR) imagers and detectors. These include lethal threats such as anti-ship cruise missiles as well as aircraft and unmanned aerial systems performing routine surveillance. In all cases, shipboard countermeasures are needed and lasers are a fundamental component of any electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) countermeasures suite. In order to realize maximum utility, it is desirable that multiple lasers, each operating in a different wavelength band, be employed. However, this becomes expensive and the combined weight of the lasers in a wide bandwidth system becomes considerable, especially since laser countermeasures are most effective when mounted high on the ship’s superstructure, where weight is at a premium.

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Fortunately, conventional countermeasures lasers typically do not require power levels as high as that needed for laser weapons. Recently developed semiconductor lasers, especially if their outputs are combined across an array of devices, are sufficient to produce the power required. Their small size is also attractive, particularly as multiple devices will still be required to cover multiple wave bands. Of special interest is the quantum cascade laser (QCL), because it has the added feature that its wavelength can be selected across a relatively wide band within the same basic device. This means that a small number of individual QCL designs can serve many applications. This has obvious benefits for affordability, especially as envisioned systems may require hundreds of individual solid-state laser components.

However, QCLs are expensive. This is not due to a lack of understanding of the device, nor to a particularly difficult or exotic manufacturing process. QCLs are most commonly fabricated in the indium phosphide (InP) semiconductor system using basic process steps widely available in the industry. The main factor driving QCL device cost is limited market demand. That is, QCLs are produced in limited numbers, often in discrete batches utilizing proprietary processes, to supply niche markets such as scientific instruments. In addition, QCLs have not yet found major markets in industrial or telecommunications applications. Consequently, QCL production volumes are low because a single semiconductor wafer fabrication run can supply multiple applications due to the inherent flexibility of the device.

A standard QCL semiconductor fabrication process that can meet a wide range of defense needs in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) wave band is needed. A great deal of research over the past 20 years has steadily advanced QCL performance, in increasing both the power output and the breadth of operating wavelengths. Fundamental QCL device physics is well understood. Ironically, the prolific research aimed at improving QCL performance has likely contributed to the high cost of the device, as no “standard” device has been established. Therefore, device performance is sufficiently mature and innovation in this area is not considered part of this effort.

The Navy seeks a standard QCL fabrication process optimized for affordable manufacture and realized in a common semiconductor system (such as InGaAs/InAlAs quantum wells on an InP substrate) with repeatable and high-yield fabrication processes. The process should yield a standard device that the company can subsequently have produced in a merchant foundry of their choosing (merchant foundries are “build to print” semiconductor fabrication facilities that accept work under contract). Innovative application of established, or invention of new, process steps is required to produce devices optimized for yield and throughput that can be fabricated in existing semiconductor foundries. Also, note that the device design and fabrication process are integrally linked and it is understood that the resulting fabrication process must be demonstrated on a specific QCL design or family of QCL devices.

For this effort, the MWIR band of interest is 3.7-4.8 microns wavelength. A single-device output power of 500 mW (minimum, at room temperature) with device efficiency of 8% is considered achievable and acceptable. As devices exhibiting considerably higher power than the minimum present a net cost savings in applications where the output power of multiple devices is combined, cost per watt of output power may be used as a figure of merit in assessing the feasibility of the proposed design. The emitted beam quality (M2) should be less than 3.0 (with a goal of 1.5). The device design cannot preclude its application in systems employing beam combining. The demonstrated devices must permit wavelength selection over a nominal range of 100 - 200 nm and the basic design should be applicable across the entire 3.7-4.8 micron band (with adjustment of wavelength-determining dimensions and parameters such as quantum well thickness). Within these parameters, the fabrication process (and associated device structure) must be optimized for low-cost fabrication. While device cost varies from manufacturer to manufacturer (approximately $4,000 each), and according to device performance, a cost reduction of 80-90% is desired, based on the current state of the art for commercially available devices of comparable performance.

PHASE I: Provide a concept for a QCL fabrication process and device design, optimized for manufacturability, while meeting the minimum performance parameters described in the Description. Select a specific semiconductor family that is compatible with available merchant foundries and demonstrate the feasibility of its concept in reducing cost. Demonstrate feasibility by a combination of analysis, modelling and simulation. Include, in the feasibility analysis, yield predictions and cost analysis of the proposed fabrication process. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a

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prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Produce and deliver a prototype QCL fabrication process that meets the requirements in the Description. Produce and deliver generic devices that also meet the requirements and are not intended for any specific system application. Demonstrate and document process repeatability and device-to-device uniformity. Report prototype test data. Demonstrate low cost production by validating (through testing) production-ready prototype QCLs. This is expected to be an iterative process, likely resulting in multiple prototypes. The product expected from this effort is a complete design package for the production of a final generic prototype, sufficient for delivery to a qualified merchant foundry. At the conclusion of Phase II, deliver sample prototype devices, at least five each operating in at least two center wavelengths, to the Government for characterization and retention as “gold standard” devices.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Government use. Since the design package and prototypes resulting from Phase II are generic, assist in applying the design for specific system applications. This is expected to entail selection of device dimensions and adjustment of corresponding process parameters in order to produce QCLs at specific center wavelengths. Produce device-specific process instructions and mask sets ready for delivery to qualified merchant foundries. Assist the Government in testing and validating the performance of the resulting devices and in enforcing quality control. Ensure that the final product is a sustainable family of affordable QCLs, produced to a standard process and available for application in multiple DoD systems, including shipboard and airborne countermeasures.

This technology can be used in commercial applications such as telecommunications and laser spectroscopy.

REFERENCES:1. Razeghi, Manijeh, et al. "Recent progress of quantum cascade laser research from 3 to 12 µm at the Center for Quantum Devices.” Applied Optics 56, 1 November 2017: H30-H44. https://www.osapublishing.org/ao/abstract.cfm?uri=ao-56-31-H30

2. Vitiello, Miriam Serena, et al. "Quantum cascade lasers: 20 years of challenges.” Optics Express 23, 20 February 2015: 5167-5182. https://www.osapublishing.org/oe/abstract.cfm?uri=oe-23-4-5167

3. Razeghi, Manijeh, et al... "Recent advances in mid infrared (3-5µm) Quantum Cascade Lasers.” Optical Materials Express 3, 10 October 2013: 1872-1884. https://www.osapublishing.org/ome/abstract.cfm?uri=ome-3-11-1872

KEYWORDS: Quantum Cascade Laser; Shipboard Countermeasures; Mid-Wave Infrared; Beam Combining; Solid-State Laser; Semiconductor Fabrication; QCL; MWIR

N191-032 TITLE: Artificial Intelligence Real-Time Track Modeling and Simulation for Combat Systems


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0, AEGIS Combat System Program Office


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OBJECTIVE: Provide an Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability for target identification and behavior-based predictive track vector generation combined with Real-time Modeling and Simulation (M&S) based combat system targeting and tracking management that fills gaps presented in a communication and/or sensor challenged environment.

DESCRIPTION: The growing proliferation of unmanned air and surface vehicles poses a potential tactical threat to our current naval platforms. This threat continues to grow as the technology needed to develop such vehicles in vast numbers becomes easier for both state and non-state actors. The subsequent increase in the number of potential air and surface targets tracked and engaged in a tactical environment, where both communications and sensor data acquisition may be hampered by enemy activity, is of critical concern. The development of a mechanism that will provide the AEGIS (and potentially the Future Surface Combatant (FSC)) combat system with real-time M&S-based tracking updates to “fill in the gaps” when operating in a communication and/or sensor challenged environment is needed.

Non real-time (RT) M&S has been in use for a number of years within the Department of Defense (DoD) community. To date, its use has been more or less constrained within the analytical community and used to develop tactical engagement models for validating combat and weapons systems design requirements, tactical and strategic engagement modeling, and so forth. Recent advances in both AI (e.g., Deep Learning techniques pioneered by Google “Tensorflow” library & framework) and high-speed parallel computing architectures (such as the Nvidia and AMD Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) subsystems) may now provide the ability to execute M&S algorithms in a real-time environment. The potential of melding real-time M&S algorithms with known target behavioral models utilizing newly developed AI algorithms and techniques could yield significant tactical advantages. Current combat system tracking management algorithms utilize a simple linear predictive model based on last known position and velocity vector to update track data in situations where real-time sensor data is unavailable due to sensor failure or active sensor and/or communications jamming.

The RT on-the-fly track M&S agent (hereafter referred to as the RTS Agent) proposed technology is intended to function within a future tactical environment that may contain a large number of battlespace entities, all operating in a communications- and/or sensor-challenged electromagnetic (EM) environment. In such an environment, both organic and non-organic sensor data updates may be intermittently delayed or completely unavailable for an indeterminate period. Providing a capability in the combat system to estimate track position, velocity, and so forth during these intermittent periods will provide the commander with real-time modeling-based information. Such information will be of significant benefit in determining the actual current state of the battlespace. Additionally, an enhanced track picture will help reduce decision-related stress and fatigue by reducing the operator’s need to ponder over each track to determine its status, thus allowing for a potential increase in the operator’s ability to handle extended duty time and an associated reduction in manning, potentially improving affordability. The Navy seeks an innovative RTS Agent capability within the AEGIS combat system. The technology will be arbitrarily scalable to an indefinite number of battlespace-tracked entities, enabled by an architectural framework that leverages multiple parallel processing (in both hardware and software) of simultaneous tracks. Hence the final capacity would be determined by the parallel processing capacity of the hardware available at implementation. It will be relatively self-contained such that it will require only software running within its current host combat systems suite and be integral within the AEGIS combat system to provide complete single-platform based capability and have minimal to no impact on the performance of the combat system. It will also provide a well-defined and documented Applications Program Interface (API) allowing it to be easily ported to other combat systems architectures (i.e., SSDS and the FSC combat system) currently in the planning stage.

The RTS Agent architecture will be capable of creating estimated track vector updates based on RT track simulation and AI techniques utilizing prior track behavior and other data. This data will be gleaned from a combination of prior track behavior, its AI-projected target, and the tracked entity’s known capability. The latter will be determined from its estimated entity ID, referenced against an entity ID/Capability database.

The RTS Agent architecture proposed for development will be capable of presenting probability metrics for each potential predicted track (or group of tracks) in real time to the operator, with the goal of providing a >50%

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improvement in probability of successful target engagement when compared to the performance of an operator track picture unassisted or unaugmented by the RTS Agent. The developed RTS Agent architecture will be capable of coordinating its simulated track data with the track data of other platforms and performing multi-platform AI-assisted simulated track de-confliction, when such data is available.

The developed RTS Agent architecture will be capable of re-establishing simulated track synchronization with real-world sensor derived track data when such data again becomes available to the combat system either on an intermittent (asynchronous) or continuous basis. Both the developed RTS Agent architecture and any associated AI algorithms should be well documented, and conform to open systems architectural principle and standards. Architectural implementation attributes should include scalability, support of a well-documented open-systems API to support future capability upgrades, and the ability to run within the computing resources available within the AEGIS combat systems BL9 environment.



PHASE I: Design, develop, and deliver architecture for a RTS Agent. Demonstrate that the concept shows that its proposed architecture framework and conceptual model can feasibly meet the requirements and parameters set forth in the Description. Establish feasibility through a study and/or use of a simulation-based analysis. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, develop, and deliver a prototype RTS Agent that will demonstrate the capability to perform all parameters in the Description. Perform the demonstration at a Land Based Test Site (LBTS), provided by the Government, which represents an AEGIS BL9 or newer combat system environment and is capable of simultaneously simulating two AEGIS test platforms to allow for the demonstration of multi-platform simulated track de-confliction capabilities. Ensure that the prototype is capable of demonstrating its implementation and integration into the combat system environment. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy combat systems and potential commercial use.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the RTS Agent to Navy use as a fully functional software agent incorporated into the AEGIS combat system baseline modernization process. Integrate the RTS Agent into a baseline definition, validation testing, and combat system certification.

This capability has potential for dual-use capability within the commercial Air Traffic Control systems in situations when air traffic sensor data may be delayed or missing due to sensor or communications equipment failure.

REFERENCES:1. Vasudevan, Vijay. “Tensorflow: A system for Large-Scale Machine Learning.” Usenix Association, USENIX OSDI 2016 Conference, 2 November 2016. https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/osdi16/osdi16-abadi.pdf

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2. Vasudevan, Vijay. “TensorFlow: Large-Scale Machine Learning on Heterogeneous Distributed Systems.” Usenix Association, 2016. http://download.tensorflow.org/paper/whitepaper2015.pdf

3. Schmidhuber, Jürgen. “Deep Learning in Neural Networks: An Overview.” Neural Networks Journal, Vol 61, January 2016. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893608014002135

4. Schmidt, Douglas. “A Naval Perspective on Open-Systems Architecture.” Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, 27 March 2017. https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/sei_blog/2016/07/a-naval-perspective-on-open-systems-architecture.html

5. Paquin, J. N. “The What, Where and Why of Real-Time Simulation.” IEEE, 3 April 2017. http://www.opal-rt.com/wp-content/themes/enfold-opal/pdf/L00161_0436.pdf

KEYWORDS: Real-time on-the-fly track Modeling and Simulation; Deep Learning techniques; Communications and/or sensor challenged electromagnetic (EM) environment; Artificial Intelligence; Multi-platform AI-assisted Simulated Track De-confliction; AI Agent-based Software Design

N191-033 TITLE: Spatially Distributed Electron Beam Gun for High Pulse Repetition Rate Operation


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 2.0, Above Water Sensors Program Office, Advanced Offboard Electronic Warfare (AOEW) program


OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an electron gun with integral beam transport system capable of high pulse repetition rates that produce a low-voltage, high-current, ribbon-like electron beam.

DESCRIPTION: The efficient amplification of millimeter-wave (MMW) power over broad bandwidths is a difficult problem under the best of circumstances. In applications where size and weight are at a premium, it has proven largely impossible except through the employment of vacuum electron devices incorporating novel interaction structures. Even then, the most highly sophisticated interaction structure is rendered useless unless coupled to an electron beam of exacting dimensions, precise uniformity, and strict confinement. Exacerbating these already stringent requirements, many Navy applications require small size, low weight, and the most efficient use of power. These size, weight, and power (SWaP) considerations drive vacuum amplifier designs toward the lowest possible operating voltage, as high voltage power supplies are naturally bulky. The need to maintain high power output therefore requires a corresponding increase in operating current. Taken together, these requirements can only be met by an electron gun employing a spatially distributed emitting surface. Presently, such an electron gun, suitable for application in a broad bandwidth Ka-band amplifier, does not exist.

In particular, the Navy needs a novel electron gun capable of generating a high-power electron beam with a ribbon-like (sheet) cross-section at high pulse repetition rates. Ultimately, the electron gun will be integrated with a broadband Ka-band beam-wave interaction circuit and collector to form a complete vacuum electronic amplifier. Details of the intended interaction circuit need not be specified as multiple device concepts require such an electron

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gun.

The electron gun should operate at a voltage of 25 kV or less with a peak beam current of at least 1.0 A. The electron gun should be capable of pulse repetition rates of 10 kHz or greater with a duty factor of no less than 3%. The sheet electron beam, at the entrance to the beam transport structure, should have a beam-width to transverse-height ratio of at least 5:1 and the allowable transverse height of the beam is 0.5 mm maximum. The electron gun design should balance trade-offs in areas such as beam convergence, cathode loading (current density), maximum electric field gradients in the gun region, and required modulating voltage, to achieve acceptable electron beam transport. Acceptable beam transport is considered to be 100% beam transmission over a longitudinal distance of at least 10 cm while minimizing overall volume and weight and maximizing the operational lifetime of the electron gun. The peak beam current of 1.0 A is the minimum requirement – higher currents are desired.

To minimize the overall volume and weight (including the size and weight of the system power supplies necessary to operate the device), periodic permanent magnet-based focusing (or some variant thereof) is desired. Magnetic materials should be capable of stable operation in ambient temperatures up to 200 degrees C. The magnetic focusing system should maintain the broad and transverse dimensions of the electron beam over the entire beam transport distance, consistent with the need for efficient beam-wave interaction. The minimum pole gap (magnet bore) is 5 mm x 10 mm, consistent with the expected size of the Ka-band interaction circuit.

Successful designs must meet the mechanical and electrical requirements outlined above. A key metric is the power density of the device, which is defined as the peak beam power divided by the combined weight of the gun, beam transport system (including permanent magnets), and collector. A minimum power density of 100 W/lb is the goal of this effort. The minimum-to-maximum voltage swing required to turn the beam on and off is another key design consideration as it affects the size and weight of the power supply required to operate the device. Consequently, this voltage should be as low as possible. The key criterion for success is the demonstration of 100% non-intercepting beam transport under zero-drive conditions (no RF input) over the entire longitudinal beam transport distance.

Demonstration of a beam-stick prototype is required to verify performance. The physical interface of the electron gun should avail itself to integration with a Ka-band beam-wave interaction structure according to standard industry practice. Therefore, a technical data package sufficient to facilitate joining the electron gun to the amplifier body, subsequent processing, and testing should also be delivered.

PHASE I: Propose a concept for an electron gun and beam transport system as described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach by some combination of analysis, modelling, and simulation; and predict the utility of the concept in developing an electron gun, beam transport system, and collector optimized for integration with a Ka-band sheet beam interaction structure. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include an electron gun specification and a test plan to develop the full electron gun prototype and demonstrate it in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate prototypes of the electron gun with its integral beam transport system and collector proposed in Phase I that meets the requirements in the Description. Also develop a beam-stick prototype that can be used to verify beam transmission and power density. Test, seal, package for vacuum integrity, and deliver to the Naval Research Laboratory.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Government use. Provide fabrication, process, and test support in demonstrating the electron gun in the sheet-beam amplifier application.

Support transition of the technology to the vacuum electronics industry for application in the telecommunications market as replacements for conventional (high-voltage) travelling wave tubes.

REFERENCES:1. Pasour, J., Nguyen, K.T., Wright, E.L., Balkcum, A., Atkinson, J., Cusick, M., and Levush, B. “Demonstration of a 100-kW Solenoidally Focused Sheet Electron Beam for Millimeter-Wave Amplifiers.” IEEE Trans. Electron

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Devices 58(6), June 2011, pp. 1792-1797. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5741717/

2. Liang, H., Ruan, C., Xue, Q., and Feng, J. “An Extended Theoretical Method Used for Design of Sheet Beam Electron Gun.” IEEE Trans. Electron Devices 63(11), November 2016, pp. 4484-4492; https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7572094/

3. Booske, J.H., McVey, B.D., and Antonsen Jr., T.M. “Stability and confinement of nonrelativistic sheet electron beams with periodic cusped magnetic focusing.” J. Appl. Phys. 73(9), 1993, pp. 4140-4155. https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.352847

4. Booske, J.H., Basten, M.A., and Kumbasar, A.H. “Periodic magnetic focusing of sheet electron beams.” Phys. Plasmas 1(5), 1994, pp. 1714-1720. https://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/1.870675

KEYWORDS: Electron Gun; Sheet Electron Beam; Millimeter-wave; mmW; Power; Vacuum Electron Devices; Periodic Permanent Magnet; Beam-Wave Interaction

N191-034 TITLE: Automated Multi-System Course of Action Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0, FNC - Operator Planning Tool


OBJECTIVE: Create a mission planner decision aid that enables Automated Decision Support (ADS) utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and is scalable and composable to provide timely and effective employment of maritime resources and off board sensors.

DESCRIPTION: AI ADS that is advanced, scalable, and composable is needed to address the planning and simulation of complex missions. Current commercial Course of Action (COA) decision aids and Maritime Mission Planning Systems (MMPS) do not adequately address this need. Commercial decision aids are slow and unsuitable for tactical application. Current Navy mission planning and tactical decision aids are cumbersome, disaggregated, and labor-intensive. Current tools inherently lack the scalability and solution speed necessary to support the volume and diversity of the data that is acquired in order to make the required tactical decisions in dynamic and uncertain environments. These systems typically require operators to manually translate and aggregate the data needed to input into the tactical decision process. These systems are not multi-mission and do not provide predictions (estimates), deception reasoning, tactical options, COA animation, visualization, optimality assessment and tactical alternatives, and recommendations. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for developing and combining both deliberate planners and Mission Planning (MP) Tactical Decision Aids (TDAs) within a common architecture framework that is scalable across multiple mission areas. To address these needs, advanced AI technologies are desired for the generation and simulation of mission plans of various concurrent, multi-agent systems such as naval combat operations, air defense operations, cyberwarfare, and land combat missions. Within the foreseeable future, the planning and control of these types of missions requires adaptation to the intermediate results and dynamic re-computation in real time (i.e., in seconds from the initiation of the planning request).

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AI-based MP TDAs integrated with the AEGIS Weapons System and capable of output to external collaborative planners are needed that enable faster than real-time COA generation and performance analysis in simulation, and support real-time and post mission analysis. This will not require a new Graphical User Interface (GUI), but will expand the function of the current integrated AEGIS Weapons System planner. Furthermore, to be of high tactical relevance, the requested COA estimates produced should be differentiated by key assessment factors and (i.e., damage to US units; damage inflicted on enemy units; weapons usage; mission objectives attained; timeliness of response) available to the commander and staff within seconds from the initiation of a request on standard desktop computing hardware. This capability should provide quick (i.e., less than 30 seconds) Automatic Generation, Analysis, and Assessment of COAs of friendly and enemy forces, including generation and comparative analysis of assumption-based COA options (e.g., “what-ifs”). The developed AI planner tool will generate, analyze, and assess COA options based on threat (Threat based Course of Action Generation and Comparative Analysis), blue force capability, intelligence estimates and meteorological data; and support collaboration in the Navy’s Maritime Tactical Command and Control (MTC2) network. The developed AI planner tool will also support integration within the AEGIS Weapon System (AWS in Advanced Capability Build (ACB) 20 or higher) as a functional component of an Integrated AWS planner. It will concurrently support integration within the AEGIS Weapon System (AWS in Advanced Capability Build (ACB) 20 or higher) as a functional component of an Integrated AWS planner. COA generation should be based on a well-supported adversarial reasoning engine (Threat based Course of Action Generation and Comparative Analysis) that permits both autonomous operation and interactive human-in-the-loop participation. The output should be the expected outcomes of the prescribed mission (e.g., success, partial success, failure) accompanied by TDA Metrics comparisons of user selected performance criteria (e.g., enemy units destroyed, ordnance expended, fuel usage, casualties). By defining qualitative means of comparing COAs, the developed MP TDAs will support tactical employment optimization. These features are especially important in dynamic mission environments where the potential impact of actionable information may require immediate re-planning.



PHASE I: Develop and deliver an initial concept design of a mission planning decision aid that shows the aid can feasibly meet the requirements described in the Description. Establish feasibility through analysis, modeling, and testing. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype that meets the parameters in the Description. Evaluate the prototype to ensure it supports optimal mission planning, taking into account both the new Navy capabilities and the existing legacy manned platforms, and the Navy information assurance specifications for classification security. Demonstrate system performance through prototype installation and testing with the prime integrator for the AEGIS Weapon System. The Government will direct the prime integrator to work with the performer. The small business’s SBIR data rights will be protected while working with the prime integrator. The Government will provide the demonstration facility. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy use.


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PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Ensure that the developed AI planner tool is compliant with software interface requirements as a web application service in the Navy’s Maritime Tactical Command and Control (MTC2) network; and will concurrently support integration within the AEGIS Weapon System (AWS in Advanced Capability Build (ACB) 20 or higher) as a functional component of an Integrated AWS planner. Support the Government during testing and qualification before transitioning into Navy use.

With respect to commercial application, the developed services should be broadly applicable to live testing of manned and unmanned systems and simulations like in production control or human planning within a factory.

REFERENCES:1. Chalmers, Bruce A. “Supporting Threat Response Management in a Tactical Naval Environment.” Penn State University, 2002. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.572.7353&rep=rep1&type=pdf

2. Stilman, B. “Mosaic Reasoning for Discoveries.” Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing Research, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 147-173., 2013 (published in 2014). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273303659_Mosaic_Reasoning_for_Discoveries

3. Stilman, B., Yakhnis, V., and Umanskiy, O. “Chapter 3.3. Strategies in Large Scale Problems.” Adversarial Reasoning: Computational Approaches to Reading the Opponent's Mind, Ed. by A. Kott (DARPA) and W. McEneaney (UC-San Diego), Chapman & Hall/CRC, pp. 251-285, 2007. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=V0HMBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Kott+A,+McEneaney+W+(eds)+(2007)+Adversarial+reasoning:+computational+approaches+to+reading+the+opponent%E2%80%99s+mind.+Chapman+%26+Hall/CRC,+New+York,+p+355&ots=xei6NeUc-X&sig=4daFBHEEU2S-eTGxSsATbGicibU#v=onepage&q&f=false

4. Stilman, B. Linguistic Geometry: From Search to Construction. Kluwer (now Springer), 2000. https://www.springer.com/us/book/9780792377382

KEYWORDS: Mission Planning Tactical Decision Aids; Automated Decision Support; Artificial Intelligence Decision Support; Threat based Course of Action Generation and Comparative Analysis; Tactical Decision Aid Metrics; Tactical Employment Optimization

N191-035 TITLE: Fat Line Towed Array Aft Stabilizer


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 401, Submarine Acoustic Systems Program Office


OBJECTIVE: Develop a passive or active control system that stabilizes the aft end of towed fat line arrays during operational tow conditions.

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DESCRIPTION: Fat Line Towed arrays often operate in hydrodynamic conditions where the flow field is turbulent. Non-uniform flow causes the aft end of the towed array to experience low-frequency motion (i.e., roll, and lateral and vertical motion). These high levels of movement negatively affect the performance and reliability of towed arrays and associated processing by impacting the acoustic performance of the array, degrading performance of the magnetic heading sensor in the aft end of the array, and causing additional stress and failures for components and modules in that area. A stable array is required for accurate understanding of the location of detected signals and improved reliability of the aft heading sensor for array shape estimation. In addition to improving system acoustic performance, an aft stabilization device (stabilizer) should reduce mechanical stress and associated failures in the aft components and modules in the array. The reduction in failures for the towed array components will reduce system lifecycle costs by decreasing the number of repairs required due to failures; increasing the time between failures; and reducing the costs associated with the removal and installation of the system. The Navy is looking for an innovative solution that provides a passive or active control system (stabilizer) for the aft end of towed fat line arrays that stabilizes the low-frequency motion during operational tow conditions. This solution should also be compatible with current fat line array handling and stowage infrastructure.

Commercial towed systems do not operate in the same speed regime or flow field as military towed arrays and do not have the same constraints on size or compatibility with existing array handling infrastructure. The designs and concepts used in the commercial sector are not applicable to this application.

Critical aspects of the technology development for the stabilizer system include control methods and devices; flow analysis of array state in a non-uniform (turbulent) flow field; and feedback and control to mitigate deleterious motion caused by the turbulent flow field. The towed arrays for which aft stabilization is desired are approximately 300 feet long with a diameter of approximately 3.5 inches. The representative specific gravity for developing concepts is 1.025 +0.07/-0.00. The outer surface of fielded fat line towed arrays is smooth.

Critical performance factors of the technology development for the stabilizer system include tow stability, compatibility with the fat line stowage tube and handling, and retention of full system performance, reliability, and compatibility with the towed array. The stabilizer needs to be designed such that any failure modes such as loss of lift or drag will not negatively impact the towed array performance.

The stabilizer system must fit within stowage tube and bell mouth physical limitations. The bell mouth is a funnel shape with a bend radius of ~ 60 inches. The stabilizer is deployed from and pulled into a stowage tube with an inside diameter of approximately 6.0 inches at a rate up to 100 feet per minute. The material for both the bell mouth and stowage tube is a Copper-Nickel alloy. A bell mouth at the interface between the tube and ocean environment mitigates kinking of the array and its tow cable. Deployment of the array itself occurs by allowing the ambient differential pressures to pull the array from the tube, and the stabilizer must not interfere with this passive deployment evolution. To avoid negative impact on reliability, the stabilizer system must survive a minimum of 100 deployment and retrieval evolutions without damage. The size of the stabilizer system is limited to a maximum diameter of 3.5 inches and a length of 4 feet when inactive or retracted. No more than 100 volts and 0.25 amps of system power are available for stabilizer control and activation. The stabilizer system must be able to operate for 30 days continuously under typical tow conditions. Typical tow conditions are speeds from 5-20 knots with most of the time spent at mid-range speeds. The flow input for the stabilizer will be based on the Turbulent Boundary Layer (TBL) developed by the array (cylindrical tow) forward of the stabilizer.

To be deemed suitable for use, the stabilizer system cannot generate acoustic noise or mechanical vibration that negatively impacts the overall system (or magnetic heading or acoustic sensors) performance. Proposers should identify the anticipated acoustic noise and vibration levels associated with their proposed solution. Failure of the stabilizer system should not preclude the retrieval or deployment of the towed array from the stowage tube. The stabilizer is required to mate with the towed array modules. The stability and performance of the device are higher priority than the specific array interface.

The purpose of the stabilizer system is to mitigate low-frequency movement and oscillations (roll) of the towed array and demonstrate this ability during testing under actual tow conditions with an instrumented array provided by the Government. The environmental compatibility of the unit testing will be in accordance with MIL-STD-810G [Ref 4]. The Government will evaluate the compatibility of the stabilizer system with current deployment and retrieval equipment and procedures by using a mock-up of the stowage tube during static and towed conditions.

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PHASE I: Develop a concept for a stabilizer system that must address the critical performance factors for a fat line towed array as described in the Description, including the design of any control system required. Demonstrate feasibility by analysis and modeling of key elements. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Design, develop, and deliver a prototype stabilizer system. Ensure that the prototype demonstrates its ability to reduce the array aft end motion based on the requirements in the Description. Perform the demonstration at a Government- or company-provided facility.

Conduct the final system validation on a Navy ship that uses towed arrays. Monitor the performance of the array using the existing array sensors and compared to baseline measurements. Measure the reduction in array aft end motion and vibration during system performance testing to quantify the overall stabilizer performance. Assess the reduction in damage to sensors and modules in the array during the testing of the stabilizer performance. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Assist the Navy in transitioning the fully functional stabilizer system for Navy use. Support installation of the stabilizer system into a Government-defined fat-line towed array and provide assistance during laboratory and shipboard test events.

The developed technology is applicable to any towed system where aft end stability is required. One example would be the stabilization of dual array systems where the relative position of the two arrays impacts system performance. The stabilizer design could be re-sized and modified to work with this application. Towed arrays are used in undersea surveys, such as oil exploration.

REFERENCES:1. Lemon, S. G. "Towed-Array History, 1917-2003." IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, Vol. 29, No. 2, April 2004, pp. 365-373. http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1315726/

2. Obligado, Marin and Bourgoin, Mickael. “An experimental investigation of the equilibrium and stability of long towed cable system.” New Journal of Physics, Volume 15, April 2013. iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1367-2630/15/4/043019/pdf, 15 April 2015; http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1367-2630/15/4/043019/meta

3. Bearman, P.W., Huera-Huarte, F.J., and Chaplin, John R. “The Hydrodynamic Forces Acting on a Long Flexible Circular Cylinder Responding to VIV.”https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255179428_The_Hydrodynamic_Forces_Acting_on_a_Long_Flexible_Circular_Cylinder_Responding_to_VIV

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4. MIL-STD-810G, Department of Defense Test Method Standard: Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests, 31 Oct 2008. https://snebulos.mit.edu/projects/reference/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-810G.pdf

KEYWORDS: Hydrodynamic; Towed Array; Flow Stabilizer; Towed Dynamics Control System; Flow Analysis; Turbulent Boundary Layer; Fat Line

N191-036 TITLE: Big Data Tools for High-speed Threat Detection and Classification


ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare System (PEO IWS) 5.0 – Undersea Systems


OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative big data analysis tools to detect, classify, and localize acoustic signals from torpedo-like targets.

DESCRIPTION: Moderate to high interference sources such as merchant ships and biologics often obscure threat signals evident on sonar display surfaces. In these situations, automated detection and classification of targets is especially challenging. However, an operator can typically identify potential threats amidst surrounding interferers if they focus on the bearing of the target. This potentially introduces unacceptable delays in operators’ abilities to identify the bearing of that potential threat. The most time-critical threats are threats from torpedoes and rogue surface craft. The current level of automation predominantly trains on submarines and U.S. exercise torpedoes. Automation that detects torpedo-like threats needs to be optimized to remove delays in identifying these threats in moderate to high interference situations.

Deep learning, automated machine learning (ML), and big-data techniques have facilitated voice and facial recognition technology in devices such as cell phones, home security systems, and surveillance systems. The techniques used in these devices require massive amounts of data for training and testing an algorithm, the basis for computer metric analysis. While significant computational resources are required to process the data during the algorithm development phase, the resultant algorithm is fairly lightweight and portable. Modern sonar systems generate massive amounts of data. For example, the AN/SQQ-89 A(V)15 Undersea Warfare Combat System creates several hundred surfaces for automation and operator interrogation.

The Navy seeks development of innovative tools that provide timely and accurate detection, classification, and localization of threat targets; improves operator proficiency; and reduces the detect-to-engage (DTE) timeline. Through the use of big data analysis tools, the Navy seeks to expand current capability to better detect rest of world (ROW) threats and generically exploit passive acoustic characteristics present in all torpedo-like threats. An innovative approach is needed that will apply deep learning, ML, and big data techniques to acoustic and/or display-ready surface data to identify and localize threat targets in the data.

In Phase I, the developer will use representative, open source, Waveform Audio (WAV) files containing in-water interference sources (e.g. shipping noise, biologics, etc.) and a target of interest (e.g. high speed motor boat ) for which locations and identification of both interfering sources and the target of interest are known will be used to

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determine technology performance. The technology developed will be incorporated into the existing digital signal processing chain to support a high probability of correct classification and a low false alert rate to support existing operator displays. The technology should be capable of at least 70% correct classification with a false alert rate of no more than one (1) per hour in a semi-cluttered environment (e.g., a combatant in the presence of two surface vessels, two or more bathymetric features, and one target). Achieving a false alert rate of no more than one (1) per hour is especially important and will be a key metric in performance assessment. Transitions of these solutions to a tactical baseline will improve overall ship survivability in mission-critical situations. Initial technology transition is targeting the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Advanced Capability Builds (ACB) for U.S. combatants and other platforms performing Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tasking. Therefore, it is important that the capability be feasible to integrate with a tactical sonar system. Open source WAV files will be used to evaluate the technology for SONAR application. Open source WAV files will not be provided by the government during Phase I but will be provided during Phase II.

The Phase II effort will require secure access, and NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work.


PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for detecting and classifying acoustic targets in interference using ML and big data analysis concepts. Demonstrate how the concept meets the requirements set forth in the Description. Establish feasibility through analytical modeling and simulation. Provide an estimate of the amount and type of data required to develop the concept for a sonar application. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype application that demonstrates accurate detections (within 30 seconds of initial target energy in water) of threat-like targets in semi-cluttered environments. Demonstrate, at a Government-provided facility, the prototype’s capability to meet the performance goals described in the Phase II SOW. Evaluate the prototype to show it is capable of processing single WAV files from classified tactical recordings containing interference sources and threat-like targets of interest as described in the Description. Classified acoustic recordings with associated truth information will be provided to the performer for prototype development.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. It will be tested in an operationally relevant tactical baseline to determine if the tools meet the requirements of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 program in an integrated tactical system-level environment. Additional experimentation and refinement will be required during this phase. The prototype will be integrated into the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Program of Record. The product will be validated by the Test and Evaluation Support Group (TEASG).

This technology may be useful in commercial sonar applications such as marine mammal detection and tracking and underwater search and rescue applications.

REFERENCES:1. Shamir, L. “Classification of large acoustic datasets using machine learning and crowdsourcing: application to whale calls.” Journal of the Acoustic Society of America, February 2014, 135(2): pp. 953-62. Doi

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10.1121/1.4861348; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25234903

2. Dia, Wei. “Acoustic Scene Recognition with Deep Learning.” Machine Learning Department, Carnegie Melon University. https://www.ml.cmu.edu/research/dap-papers/DAP_Dai_Wei.pdf

3. Halkais, Xanadu C. “Classification of mysticete sounds using machine learning techniques.” Acoustic Society of America, July 2013. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24180760

4. Dugan, Peter J., Rice, Aaron A., and Urazghildiiev, Ildar R. “North Atlantic Right Whale acoustic signal processing: Part 1. Comparison of machine learning recognition algorithms.” 2010 IEEE Long Island Systems, Applications and Technology Conference (LISAT), 7 May 2010, pp. 1-6. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5478268/

KEYWORDS: Detection and Classification of Signals in Noise; Automated Machine Learning; Big-Data analytics; Deep Learning; Automated Detection and Classification of Torpedo-like Threats; Digital Signal Processing to Support Correct Classification

N191-037 TITLE: Cyber Secure Backbone for Autonomous Vehicles

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Electronics, Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Tactically Enabled Reconnaissance Node

OBJECTIVE: Create technology to accelerate the pace, security, and quality of autonomous vehicle research as well as the deployment of Groups 1 and 2 Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs less than 55 lbs.).

DESCRIPTION: The technology derived from this SBIR topic will enable rapid deployment and validation of novel flight control effectors and algorithms designed for the most challenging operations. It will also serve as an integrated avionics backbone for UAVs with high-performance control systems, sensors and cyber-secure command and control. Warfare centers, laboratories, and academia conducting air vehicle research as well as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) developing platforms will all be able to exploit the common software development environment, simulation architecture, component models, communication links, processors, sensors, and actuators. The suite of domestically produced, integrated hardware and software will include well-architected, publishable, non-proprietary Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to facilitate the rapid integration of sensors, actuators, peripheral equipment and accessories. The system will include organic, military-grade cyber security hardware and software. Future UAVs deployed with this backbone will benefit from a greatly improved security posture by eliminating existing vulnerabilities such as channels for spyware and malware. This approach is the first step in building a larger infrastructure for distributed maritime operations with organic security, networked sensors, communications, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The backbone developed by this SBIR topic will consist of modular hardware and software components necessary for manufacturing autonomous vehicles. The hardware will utilize domestically sourced components, including central processing units (CPUs), data acquisition, and transceivers. The software stack will be designed around the hardware with modules to support a wide array of input/output types. The system will support standards for common communication protocols (e.g., RS422, RS485, CAN, UDP), including encryption layers for both communications and data storage. Anti-tamper features will be included. Computational capability will be extensible with Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) modules. Other modules will include analog to digital converters, digital to analogue converters, actuators, and sensors. An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) will tie all of the embedded software modules and hardware components together in a manner that will allow control algorithms to be graphically designed, simulated, and deployed to the target hardware. The Integrated Development Environment (IED) will support graphical programming capabilities and automated generation of embedded code. The IDE will enable simulations of algorithms and associated physical systems to predict the performance of real-time embedded code.

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KEY PARAMETERS:• Cyber secure embedded software and hardware• High-performance actuators• Flight control sensors• Open architecture• Autonomous vehicles• Rapid prototyping, development, and certification (NIST Handbook 162, NIST SP 800-171, DFARS Clause 252.204-7012, and/or FAR Clause 52.204-21)

PHASE I: Develop a functional description of all hardware and software components, including CPUs, actuators, and sensors. Identify electrical and mechanical interfaces, backplane architecture, operating system, and physical requirements. Develop a baseline design for the system leveraging domestic commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components with verifiable pedigree. Define requirements for additional components that need to be developed (e.g., actuators). Breadboard the baseline avionics system. Design a ground control system, including hardware and software to handle command and control, real-time displays, data recording, and flight testing. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop additional modules sufficient for an operational family of Groups 1 and 2 UAVs. Provide expansion modules to support capabilities such as FPGA modules, video, and communications. Demonstrate traceability to DoD cyber security standards for the hardware and software. Design ruggedized packaging for the hardware components. Develop modular, parameterized simulation models of the hardware and software components, including sensor, actuators, processors, and filters.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Optimize the designs to reduce size, weight and power. Conduct component level environmental testing to verify robustness. Develop a testbed unmanned air vehicle to demonstrate the following:1. Simulation environment to design a UAV around the avionic backbone2. Seamless integration of expansion modules3. Rapid deployment of embedded software for flight control and autonomous operations4. Flight test validation of the hardware and software components

Examples of dual use include commercial and civilian applications for network-connected vehicles, ranging from internet-connected automobiles to drones.

REFERENCES:1. Mortimer, Gary. “US – DoD pulls the plug on COTS drones.” [Memorandum on “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities” that banned “purchases of COTS UAS for operational use until the DoD develops a strategy to adequately assess and mitigate the risks associated with their use.”] sUAS News, June 7, 2018. https://www.suasnews.com/2018/06/us-dod-pulls-the-plug-on-cots-drones/

2. Kuchar, R. O. and Looye, G. H. N. “A Rapid-prototyping process for Flight Control Algorithms for Use in over-all Aircraft Design.” German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of System Dynamics and Control, 2018 AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, 8-12 January 2018, Kissimmee, Florida. https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/6.2018-0386

3. Goppert, J., Shull, A., Sathyamoorthy, N., Liu, W., Hwang, I., and Aldridge, H. “Software/Hardware-in-the-Loop Analysis of Cyberattacks on Unmanned Aerial Systems.” Journal of Aerospace Information Systems, May, Vol. 11, No. 5: pp. 337-343. https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.I010114

KEYWORDS: UAV; UAS; Flight Control; Rapid Prototyping; Embedded Software; Autonomous Vehicles

N191-038 TITLE: Through-the-Hull Data

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Transfer

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

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: SEA073, Advanced Submarine Systems Development

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low size, weight, and power communication link that will operate across the pressure hull of a submarine.

DESCRIPTION: Hull penetrations on a submarine are always of concern as potential paths for seawater ingress, and any new system requiring additional hull penetrations is unlikely to be developed or adopted unless it supplants an existing system that is deemed less important under some particular circumstance. A readily available method of creating a non-penetrating communication link through the hull will support novel sensor development and adoption with fewer concerns and associated costs. A threshold capacity of 1000 bits/sec would have utility, but two order of magnitude better data rates are desired. Possible modalities include Electromagnetic and Acoustic.

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

PHASE I: Develop initial concept design and perform an analysis of the expected performance of the communication system including the details of the communication modality, modulation, and expected performance envelope to include available bandwidth and bits per joule efficiency. Conduct an analysis supported by component level testing. Include in the design: plans for form factor, adhesion to the hull, and the power and energy strategy. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype through-the-hull communication system. Demonstrate capacity and other performance metrics using actual transmissions of data. Perform an analysis that includes efficiency as function of bandwidth and expected endurance as function of duty cycle. Develop a production design, including size, weight, power, and costs estimates, as well as complete system performance predictions and evaluations to include capacity estimates under a variety of environmental conditions and ranges. SECRET clearance may be required for Phase II.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Install and test a functioning through-the-hull communication system on an operational submarine to include sending relevant information through the hull that would not otherwise be immediately available. Determine the capabilities and limitations, and obtain end user feedback that can be used to improve the system under a spiral development strategy. A dual use application of the technology could be in the oil and gas pipeline industry.

REFERENCES:1. The Fleet Type Submarine, Maritime Park Association Version 1.11, 19 Oct 07, 2013. https://maritime.org/doc/fleetsub/sonar/chap10.htm

2. “Instructions for the Installation, Care and Use of the SUBMARINE BATHYTHERMOGRAPH.” Bureau of Ships, Navy Department, Washington, D.C., 1943. https://archive.hnsa.org/doc/subbt/index.htm

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KEYWORDS: Communication; Undersea Warfare; Submarine; Underwater Networks; Sensors; Pressure Hull

N191-039 TITLE: High Operating Temperature (HOT) Short-Wave Infrared/Mid-Wave Infrared (SWIR/MWIR) Dual-band 2-channel and Broadband Detectors for Weapon Targeting and IR Seekers

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR)


OBJECTIVE: To develop High Operating Temperature (HOT) infrared Broadband or Dual-Channel (MWIR or SWIR/MWIR) detector technologies for targeting sights and weapon seekers applications.

DESCRIPTION: New HOT MWIR and SWIR/MWIR [Ref 1] detector materials such as nBn, and super-lattice detectors have raised the operating temperature for cooled detectors (traditionally 77K) to points of 120K or above, reducing the cooling requirement such that low power new Micro-Integrated Dewar Cooler Assemblies (u-IDCA) can provide background limited performance in these images. These new detectors are capable of running at high frame rates and providing broadband or dual-band channel target phenomenology exploitations and their III-V telecom-based wafer processing has reduced the potential cost structures of DoD imager projects based on this new technology [Ref 2]. The nBn or SLS LWIR infrared detectors have improved in recent years however these images still have dark current levels requiring 77K higher power and larger SWAP coolers. Additionally, the new small pixel pitch and large format of these new HOT imagers can support smaller optics while still providing smaller Instantaneous Field of View (iFOV) and better long-range target resolution capabilities.

The Navy seeks to exploit the latest developments from the HOT SWIR/MWIR and MWIR detector area to improve weapon performance in the areas of target acquisition, target tracking, and new areas such as GPS-denied navigation all while reducing weapon cost and size. We believe it is prudent to pursue demonstration of HOT SWIR/MWIR or MWIR detector/seeker with the following attributes:

1. Waveband: 800nm-5 micron or 3-5 microns2. Array Size: Greater than 512x512 pixels3. 12 microns or less pixel pitch detectors4. Frame Rates: Greater than 240 Hz5. Operating Temperature: Greater than 120K6. Snapshot Integration7. Integration Periods less than 2 milli-seconds8. Detectivity Peak (D*): better than 5e109. Noise Equivalent Differential Temperature (NEDT): 35mK

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DSS and ONR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United

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States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of the proposed detector/seeker and develop a design suitable for fabrication (e.g., capable of withstanding pyrotechnic shock testing, preliminary salt water immersion, and transit drop testing per MIL-STD 810). Identify critical components, such as detectors and Readout Integrated Circuits (ROIC), that make up the system. Prioritize further development of any identified component (i.e., HOT detector and its associated ROIC. Conceptual designs shall be analyzed/modeled both optically and radiometrically to identify the performance and limitations of the technologies. Identify any assumptions or requirements regarding sensor/detector configuration or any additional optics required for operation. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Produce a system design and prototype based on the Phase I concepts. Provide prototypes for laboratory and field testing by ONR at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD). Update analysis and models to reflect design improvement or changes from Phase I. Rough order of magnitude cost estimates will be refined.


PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the detector technology for deployment to the warfighter. Development of the technologies described above will have immediate application to weapons community and the commercial surveillance sector. The technology should find ready applications in laboratory applications.

REFERENCES:1. Aitcheson, Leslie and Burkholder, Nathan. “Breaking Barriers to Collaboration.” U.S. Army CERDEC Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate. https://www.cerdec.army.mil/news_and_media/Breaking_Barriers_to_Collaboration/

2. Mason, W. “Low Cost Thermal Imaging – Manufacturing (LCTI-M).” DARPA. http://www.darpa.mil/program/low-cost-thermal-imager-manufacturing.aspx

3. Beystrum, T., Himoto, R., Jacksen, N., and Sutton, M. “Low Cost PbSalt FPA’s.” SPIE, Vol 5406, 2004, p. 287. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.544177

4. Lutz, H., Breiter, R., Figgemeire, H., Schallenber, T., Shirmacher, W., and Wollrab, R. “Improved High Operating Temperature MCT MWIR Modules.” Proc. SPIE 9070, Infrared Technology and Applications XL, 90701D. 24 June 2014; doi: 10.1117/12.2050427; https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050427

5. Schuster, J., Tennant, W. E., Bellotti, E., and Wijewarnasuriya, P. S. “Analysis of the auger recombination rate in P+N-n-N-N HgCdTe detectors for hOT applications:” Published in Proceedings Volume 9819: Infrared Technology and Applications XLII, July 2016. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224383

KEYWORDS: High Operating Temperature; HOT; Mid Wave Infrared; MWIR; Dual-channel Imager; Seekers

N191-040 TITLE: Open Cell Ring Down Spectrometer to Measure Atmospheric Visible and Infrared Ambient Light Extinction

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Sensors, Weapons

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ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Air Ocean Tactical Applications - Surface Atmospheric Sensing Capabilities (Non-ACAT)

OBJECTIVE: Develop, demonstrate, and transition an open-celled cavity ring-down instrument to measure ambient light extinction at multiple wavelengths, including the capability to measure in the near infrared used by directed energy systems, such as 1.06 or 1.61 microns.

DESCRIPTION: Direct measurements of ambient light extinction are difficult to obtain. Sampling the atmosphere into a closed celled system results in particle/droplet loss and disrupts temperature and humidity field for those that remain. Long path instruments by nature measure an integrated signal along a path rather than at a point, and can be impacted be refraction effects. Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometers (CRS) essentially package a long path signal between two ultra-high fidelity mirrors spaced closely together. A beam is propagated across a cavity. When terminated, the time the remaining energy decays (or rings down) is recorded. This intensity decay rate can be directly related to ambient extinction to accuracies demonstrated to better than 5% [Ref 10]. There are a number of research-grade CRS systems used by the scientific community to measure both aerosol particles and gasses, and have been demonstrated on both ground and airborne deployments. Current examples applications from the peer reviewed literature, include characterizing air pollution and haze in mega cities [Ref 7]. When coupled with a comparable light scatting instrument, CRS’s can help measure atmospheric aerosol absorption to high fidelity [Ref 1] index of refraction [Ref 3]. Examination of carefully selected absorption lines can provide real time air chemistry measurements [Refs 6, 8].

For directed energy purposes (such as supporting test range activities and later operations), engineers must account for atmospheric extinction and absorption in the ambient environment, including ambient aerosol particles to fogs and mists. CRS systems have demonstrated the ability to monitor extinction to high fidelity in closed cavities. However, application of this technology to monitor ambient conditions will require a more open-celled system than is traditionally used by the community. Closed celled systems suffer from particle losses of larger particles in airflow plumbing, and particle working by the instruments optical block lead to an evaporation of water on the particles [Ref 11]. A second challenge is that while CRS systems are commonly applied in visible wavelengths for climate and air quality applications, for directed energy applications the CRS must be modified to perform in near infrared at wavelengths utilized by these systems, such as 1.06 microns. Finally, to help characterize the optical environment two or preferably three wavelengths should be measurable, including at least one in the visible portion of the spectrum. From three wavelengths, the relative contribution of fine mode particles such as pollution and smoke can be differentiated from larger particles such as dust, sea spray, and fog [Refs 5, 9].

Nominal Performance Targets: (Guidelines, not requirements. Proposal should address projected capabilities of specific technical approach)• Ambient light extinction range of 0.005 to 10 per km• At least two wavelengths, in the red and near infrared, with three preferable (with the addition of green)• Response time on the order of seconds• Easily deployable to the field with reasonable weight (<40 lbs.), power (<500 W), and minimal operator interface• Proofed for typical ambient environments, including inclement weather, marine environments and heavy dust• Full data stored on-board

PHASE I: Design a specific sensor engineering concept. Conduct an ambient environment demonstration as a proof-of-concept. Prepare a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Further develop the concept into an instrument for deployment on a test range and/or at sea during a directed energy field test, including further developing the user interface and an instrument housing that is rugged enough to be used shipboard in a maritime environment. Provide a final technical report and deliver the prototype instrument for further use and evaluation.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the instrument to deployment to the fleet. There is an ever-increasing use of near IR systems for civilian applications and research, including sensors for

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transportation and air quality.

REFERENCES:1. Al Fischer, A., and Smith, G. D., “A Portable, Four Wavelength Single-Cell Photoacoustic Spectrometer for Ambient Aerosol Absorption.” Aerosol Science and Technology, 52:4, 383-406,2018. DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2017.1413231

2. Baynard, T., Lovejoy, E.d R., Pettersson, A., Brown, St. S., Lack, D., Osthoff, H., Massoli, P., Ciciora, S., Dube, W.P., and Ravishankara, A.R. “Design and Application of a Pulsed Cavity Ring-Down Aerosol Extinction Spectrometer for Field Measurements.” Aerosol Science and Technology, 41:4,447-462, (2007) DOI: 10.1080/02786820701222801

3. Dinar, E., Riziq, A. A., Spindler, C., Erlick, C., Kiss, G., Rudich, Y., “The Complex Refractive Index of Atmopsheric and Model Humic-like Substances (HULIS) retrieved by a Cavity Ring Down Aerosol Spectrometer (CRD-AS), Faraday Discussions, 137, 279-295, 2008, DOI: 10.1039/b703111d.

4. Gordon, T.D., Wagner, N.L., Richardson, M.S., Law, D.C., Wolfe, D., Eloranta, E.W., Brock, C.A., Erdesz, F., and Murphy, D.M., “Design of a Novel Open-Path Aerosol Extinction Cavity Ringdown Spectrometer.” Aerosol Science and Technology, 49:9, 717-726, 2015. DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2015.1066753.

5. Kaku, K. C., Reid, J. S., O'Neill, N. T., Quinn, P. K., Coffman, D. J.. and Eck T. F., (2014), Verification and application of the extended spectral deconvolution algorithm (SDA+) methodology to estimate aerosol fine and coarse mode extinction coefficients in the marine boundary layer, Atmospheric Measurement Technology, 7, 3399-3412, 2014, DOI:10.5194/amt-7-3399-2014.

6. Laj, P., et al., “Measuring Atmopsheric Composition Change.” Atmospheric Environment, 43:33, 5351-5414, 2009, DOI 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2009.08.020.

7. Li, R., Hu, Y., Li, L., Fu, H., and Chen, J., “Real-time aerosol optical properties, morphology and mixing states under clear, haze and fog episodes in the summer of urban Beijing,” Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 5079-5093, 2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-5079-2017.

8. Li, Z. Y, Hu, R. Z., Xie, P. H., Chen, H., Wu, S. Y., Wang, F. Y., Wang, Y. H., Ling, L. Y., Liu, J. G., and Liu, W. Q., “Development of a Portable Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy Instrument for Simultaneous, In situ Measurement of NO3 and N2)5, Optics Express, 26.10, A433-A449, DOI 10.1364/OE.26.00A433.

9. O'Neill, N.T., Eck, T.F., Smirnov, A., Holben, B.N., and Thulasiraman,S., “Spectral Discrimination of Coarse and Fine Mode Optical Depth, J. Geophysical Research, 108:D17, 4559, 2003.doi:10.1029/2002JD002975,

10. Petersson, A., Lovejoy, E. R., Brock, C. A., Brown, S. S., Ravishankara, A. R., “Measurements of Aerosol Optical Extinction at 532 nm with Pulsed Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy, J. Aerosol Science, 35:8, 995-1011, 2004, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2004.02.008.

11. Reid, J. S., Brooks, B., Crahan, K. K., Hegg, D. A., Eck, T. F., O'Neill, N., de Leeuw, G., Reid, E. A., and Anderson K. D., “Reconciliation of Coarse Mode Sea-salt Aerosol Particle Size Measurements and Parameterizations at a Subtropical Ocean Receptor Site,” J. Geophysical. Research, 111, D02202, 2006. DOI:10.1029/2005JD006200.

KEYWORDS: Meteorology; Aerosols; Atmospheric Spectroscopy; Electro-optical Propagation; Directed Energy; Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare

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N191-041 TITLE: Development of Long-Life, Energy-Dense Batteries Using Alpha-Beta Emitting Isotopes/Isomers

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Nuclear Technology

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS320, NAVSEA07, PEO Ships, PEO Carriers

OBJECTIVE: Develop long-life, energy-dense battery technology using alpha-beta emitting isotopes/isomers for Directed Energy, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), portable communication devices and satellites. Develop energy sources that have better size, weight, and power (SWaP) comparable or better than current military batteries.

DESCRIPTION: Present state of the art is LI batter technology. Chemical batteries are prone to short life times and degradation from heating. Isotope/Isomer batter technology could give longer life times without the hazards of chemical energy storage batteries. Affordable, reliable, and compact sources of power are needed to increase the capabilities of Naval forces. Conventional chemical batteries and fuel cells perform adequately for many applications; however, their longevity is limited by temperature, chemical instability, and integrity issues. Power sources based on weak nuclear force can operate in extreme environments such as space, arctic, and undersea, be fabricated into a miniaturized design, and do not need to be refueled if appropriate isotopes/isomers are utilized. Additionally, many isotopes can provide energy densities thousands of times greater than electrochemical batteries or fossil fuels. These isotope sources can be produced using linear accelerator technologies. This production technique is preferred over nuclear reactor isotope production.

The alpha- or beta-voltaic is analogous to photovoltaic technology except that instead of electron-hole pair formation caused by an incident photon, the pair is formed by alpha-beta particles which deposit energy into the semiconductor. Medical Isotope production using linear accelerators has been demonstrated [Ref 5].

PHASE I: Investigate the utility of different isotopes/isomers for energy storage with optimal half-lives to give the best energy gain over time. Identify best production method of obtaining isotopes/isomers and an initial design of a device, to include simulation of its release of stored energy from the isotope/isomer and generation and storage of power as a battery. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Identify key optimal isotopes/isomers for various applications. Develop a prototype nuclear battery that has energy density greater than current chemically stored energy systems. Conduct laboratory tests to MIL spec S9310-AQ-SAF-010 [Ref 6] and demonstrations to evaluate performance of various configurations appropriate for different applications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Long-term demonstration of nuclear battery technology to power a laptop computer or other equivalent device over three to six months is the goal of this Phase. Design packaging that takes into consideration safety and environmental regulations defined in MIL spec S9310-AQ-SAF-010 [Ref 6] and minimizes cost, size, and weight while matching or exceeding current standards for chemical energy storage systems being used by Department of Defense or commercial entities. Commercialization could include use in cell phone, portable electronics, commercial satellites, and all computer technologies.

REFERENCES:1. Litz, M.S. and Merkel, G. "Controlled extraction of energy from nuclear isomers." Proceedings of the 24th Army Science Conference, November 29-December 2, 2005. http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a433348.pdf

2. Carroll, J. J., Litz, M. S., Netherton, K. A., Henriquez, S. L., Pereira, N. R., Burns, D. A., and Karamian, S. A. "Nuclear Structure and Depletion of Nuclear Isomers Using Electron Linacs." AIP Conf. Proc. 1525, 586, 2013. http://aip.scitation.org/doi/pdf/10.1063/1.4802396

3. Chiara, C. J., Carroll, J. J., Carpenter, M. P., et al. "Isomer depletion as experimental evidence of nuclear excitation by electron capture." Nature 554(7691):216-218, February 2018.

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https://www.nature.com/articles/nature25483

4. Langley, J., Litz, M., Russo, J., Ray Jr., W. "Design of Alpha-Voltaic Power Source Using Americium-241 (241Am) and Diamond with a Power Density of 10 mW/cm3." ARL Technical Report, ARL-TR-8189, October 2017. http://www.arl.army.mil/arlreports/2017/ARL-TR-8189.pdf

5. Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board; “Committee on State of Molybdenum-99 Production and Utilization and Progress Toward Eliminating Use of Highly Enriched Uranium;” Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2016 Oct 28.

6. Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. NAVSEA TM-S9310-AQ-SAF-010, First Revision. “Technical Manual for Batteries, Navy Lithium Safety Program Responsibilities and Procedures.” 19 August 2004. https://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/afloat/Surface/CS/Lithium_Batteries_Info/LithBattSafe.pdf

KEYWORDS: Isotope; Isomer; Nuclear Battery; Energy; Excited states; Protons; Neutrons

N191-042 TITLE: Developing an Intermediate Augmented Reality Capability for Infantry

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human Systems, Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM TRASYS

OBJECTIVE: Develop an optical see-through, head mounted device (HMD) and associated peripherals to enhance situational awareness for dismounted Warfighters in any environment (e.g., indoor or outdoor). This device is to be an intermediate solution to full Augmented Reality (AR); and used to build situational awareness via the HMD, but without the full capabilities needed for AR: position, location, and/or head tracking of full AR that displays entities tethered to the real world.

DESCRIPTION: Achieving higher levels of situational awareness in uncertain, unstructured, and dynamic environments is critical for dismounted operations. Currently a tablet using specialized software is available to view full motion video and other battlefield control measures; accessing this information requires the user to shift attention from what is in front of him/her and look down at the screen. Hardware and software visualization of key battlefield information with AR is currently under development [Ref 1], but this “full AR” requires computing power and visualization techniques that may not always be necessary to improve the situational awareness of the warfighter. To provide more near-term solutions, development of an intermediate AR solution is desired. Previous Navy SBIR topics have been focused on development of full AR, while this SBIR topic is focused on intermediate capability optimized towards near-term solutions that enhance situation awareness, and away from end-state full AR capabilities such as a large field of view (FOV), perfect brightness, and perfect contrast. The desire for intermediate AR is to introduce the dismounted Warfighters to HMD displays and information in the field of view, without inserting entities that are tethered to the real world. Successful development will allow dismounted troops to view and select desired information to increase situational awareness but leave off the need to track the wearer’s movements and/or correlate the display of augmented icons with the real world. A prototype display device using the proposed intermediate A/R solution, as opposed to the full A/R in Ref 1, will be available for field testing within 12 months.

PHASE I: Analyze the system architectures and capabilities of existing HMDs for use in indoor/outdoor and intermediate AR applications. Provide a detailed analysis of the amount and type of information that may be displayed, but not clutter or overwhelm the viewer. Develop a detailed architectural description and clearly identifying all primary functional elements and the development required to sufficiently mature the approach. Develop plans for Phase II. If human subjects testing is anticipated during Phase II, due to the potential delays in the review and approval process, prepare and submit Intuitional Review Board (IRB) documentation during the Phase I

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option period, if awarded.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype optical see-through device that is compatible with current Program of Record individual protective equipment, exploring viable display solutions (microLEDs, OLEDs, etc.), and able to build situational awareness of the user (as defined during Phase I) in an indoor/outdoor environment. Considerations of prototype development include cost, SWaP-C, image quality, field of view, contrast, illumination, brightness, durability, and possibly others. Again, an intermediate solution may only optimize on a few key features to achieve a near-term solution. Conduct research experiments to examine the impact of the intermediate solution compared to current solutions (e.g., tablets). As such, the appropriate human research protections (e.g., IRB) will need to be considered.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support Naval Special Warfare and Marine Corps stakeholders in transitioning the HMD device. Support stakeholders with integrating the HMD into service with existing AR training devices. Assist with certifying and qualifying the HMD system for stakeholders’ use. Assist in writing device user manual(s) and system specifications materials necessary for stakeholders.

It is anticipated this technology will have broad applications in military as well as commercial settings. The technology created from this Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) topic can be leveraged for new products for computer gaming, home and commercial entertainment, medical, machine operation, and many other markets. Similarly, a successful HMD may find application in search and rescue settings, law-enforcement tasks, water-craft piloting, and some driving environments.

REFERENCES:1. Freedberg Jr., S. J. “HUD 3.0: Army to Test Augmented Reality for Infantry in 18 Months.” Breaking Defense. March 2018. https://breakingdefense.com/2018/03/hud-3-0-army-to-test-augmented-reality-for-infantry-in-18-months/

2. N162-123. “Augmented Reality Technologies for Training: A Video-See-Through, Helmet Mounted Display”. Small Business Administration. https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/1144361

3. N171-091. “Synthetic Vision for Ground Forces”. Small Business Administration. https://www.sbir.gov/sbirsearch/detail/1208567

KEYWORDS: Augmented Reality; Sensing; C4I; Head-mounted Devices; Video Display; Command and Control; Intermediate AR

N191-043 TITLE: Development of Ultrasonically Absorptive Aeroshell Materials for Hypersonic Boundary Layer Transition (BLT) Delay

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Materials/Processes, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Office of Naval Research Code 351: Basic and Applied Research in Hypersonics


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OBJECTIVE: Design, fabricate, characterize, and test ultrasonically absorptive aeroshell materials that successfully damp the second (Mack) mode instability to delay boundary layer transition (BLT) on hypersonic boost-glide weapons during the pull-up and glide phases.

DESCRIPTION: Progress has been made over the last two decades in predicting the growth of the flow instabilities that cause BLT on hypersonic vehicles [Ref 1]. However, the amplitudes of these disturbances are dependent on the freestream disturbances [Ref 2]. The magnitude, length scales, and spatiotemporal distribution of these disturbances in the stratosphere during hypersonic flight are highly uncertain. In addition, atmospheric particles could also initiate second mode instabilities, and their distribution and concentration in the stratosphere is also uncertain and variable. This variability in the atmospheric disturbances and particles implies that the transition locations on the vehicle and the altitude at which transition occurs cannot be accurately predicted. The large uncertainties in BLT lead to conservative aeroshell designs that penalize flight performance. Boundary layer stabilization using laminar flow control shows promise in ensuring laminar flow over an extended flight envelope, even under large uncertainties in the freestream disturbances.

Over the last 20 years, hypersonic BLT delay strategies involving ultrasonically absorptive materials have been investigated using theory and numerical modeling [Ref 3] as well as bench tests and wind tunnel tests [Refs 4, 5]. For the second (Mack) mode instability, porous surfaces have been shown to stabilize the disturbances through ultrasonic absorption. The first wind tunnel demonstrations involved micro-drilled metallic surfaces [Ref 4] that successfully damped the second mode in impulse facilities. Obviously, this approach does not provide a suitable aeroshell. However, recently, DRL has fabricated, characterized, and tested a carbon fiber reinforced ceramic (C/C) that revealed a clear damping of the second mode instabilities and a delay in boundary layer transition [Refs 5, 6]. In addition, this material appears to be a potential candidate to fabricate a functional aeroshell. A brief description of the fabrication process and porosity characteristics are found in Wagner, et al. [Ref 5].

Prior to a flight demonstration, the technology readiness level (TRL) of this new technology needs to be increased by refining the design, fabrication, characterization, and test methodologies. For instance, it is essential to ensure that the porosity does not compromise the mechanical and thermal performances of the aeroshell. This requires sustained ground testing under representative hypersonic flow conditions. Another area of concern is that previous wind tunnel demonstrations had much greater freestream disturbances compared to flight (i.e., noisy flow). As such, ground tests under low freestream disturbances and/or the modeling of the effect of the freestream disturbances are needed. It must also be ensured that the porous material does not significantly destabilize other BLT mechanisms that are destabilized by surface roughness, such as cross-flow. Finally, the porous material needs to remain effective over a range of altitudes, velocities, and wall temperatures.

KEY POROUS MATERIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS• The porous material needs to offer mechanical properties and thermal protection capabilities comparable to current aeroshell materials used on hypersonic boost-glide demonstrators. (Specific details can be provided after the contract is awarded.)• The material porosity needs to be tailored to the flight trajectory to attenuate the second mode instability over the range of velocity and altitudes achieved during pull-up and glide. Relevant Mach numbers are between 6 and 10 at altitudes between 90 and 130 kft. Typical pore sizes range from 1 to 100 microns [Ref 5]. The specific size distribution and percentage of open porosity will have to be tailored to the specific flow conditions based on computations.• The porous surface must not have large protuberances that could trip the flow. The roughness needs to be comparable to current aeroshell materials used on hypersonic boost-glide demonstrators. (Specific details can be provided after the contract is awarded.)• Unstable second-mode frequencies approximately scale as the boundary layer edge velocity divided by twice the boundary layer thickness (Ue/2d). Typical unstable frequencies range between 50 and 1000 kHz depending on the flight trajectory, vehicle angle of attack, and geometry. The ultrasonic absorptivity of the material will have to be characterized over this relevant range of frequencies.

PHASE I: Implement the analytical and computational methodologies needed to determine the porosity characteristics required for typical boost-glide trajectories. Leverage (as much as possible) existing knowledge and tools from the basic research conducted over the last 20 years. Employ, in the materials development, an

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understanding of the process necessary to make coupon-sized samples of C/C material with the porosity characteristics (e.g., % open porosity, pore size and volume distributions) defined by the modeling and simulation portion of the program. Characterize the material sample by using benchtop experiments to ensure that the required porosity can be achieved. Include the accurate fabrication of the intended porosity characteristics as demonstrated by a rigorous material characterization process.

PHASE II: Refine and optimize material processing, characterization techniques, and analytical and computational methodologies. Produce larger material samples that can be used for wind tunnel and arcjet testing. Demonstrate ultrasound damping using benchtop experiments and BLT delay using ground tests under representative flow conditions. Relevant Mach numbers are between 6 and 10 at altitudes between 90 and 130 kft. In addition, using arcjet screening of samples, demonstrate that the mechanical and thermal performance of the aeroshell material is equivalent to existing ones used on current boost-glide demonstrators. The conditions achieved during the arcjet tests shall be representative of flight with enthalpies up to 4.5 MJ/kg at relevant altitudes (90 to 130 kft).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further improve the manufacturing process to improve performance, reduce fabrication cost, and reduce production time. The aeroshell performance will ultimately be demonstrated in a flight test experiment when a sufficient Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is reached. The success criteria will include the ability of the aeroshell to delay BLT in flight and the sustainment of the thermal environment. In the near term, this technology is geared toward military applications, but in the long term, it could be used to enable commercial hypersonic flight. The ability to maintain a laminar boundary layer on commercial air platforms will be key to improve the aerodynamic efficiency and reduce the integrated aerothermal loads. Since such platforms will most likely be reusable, the reduced heat loads provided by a laminar boundary layer will be key for allowing reusable (non-ablating) aeroshells.

REFERENCES:1. Fedorov, A. “Transition and Stability of High-Speed Boundary Layers.” Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics, Vol. 43, 2011. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-fluid-122109-160750

2. Marineau, E. C. "Prediction Methodology for Second-Mode-Dominated Boundary-Layer Transition in Wind Tunnels." AIAA Journal, Vol. 55, No. 2, 2017. https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.J055061

3. Fedorov, A. V., Malmuth, N. D., Rasheed, A., and Hornung, H. G. "Stabilization of Hypersonic Boundary Layers by Porous Coatings." AIAA Journal, Vol. 39, No. 4, 2001. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e7e0/e3d20413a1057d50f804701fda61d16df638.pdf

4. Rasheed, A., Hornung, H. G., Fedorov, A. V., and Malmuth, N. D. "Experiments on Passive Hypervelocity Boundary-Layer Control Using an Ultrasonically Absorptive Surface." AIAA Journal, Vol. 40, No. 3, 2002. https://authors.library.caltech.edu/11341/1/RASaiaaj02.pdf

5. Wagner, A., Kuhn, M., Martinez Schramm, J., and Hannemann, K. “Experiments on passive hypersonic boundary layer control using ultrasonically absorptive carbon–carbon material with random microstructure.” Experiments in Fluids, Vol. 54, 2013. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00348-013-1606-3

6. Wagner, A., Kuhn, M., and Hannemann, K. "Ultrasonic absorption characteristics of porous carbon–carbon ceramics with random microstructure for passive hypersonic boundary layer transition control." Experiments in Fluids, Vol. 55, 2014. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00348-014-1750-4

KEYWORDS: Laminar Flow Control; Boundary Layer Transition; Hypersonics; Second-mode Instability; Ultrasonically Absorptive Material; Carbon-carbon (C/C) Aeroshell; Porous Material; Tactical Boost-glide

N191-044 TITLE: Undersea Energy Harvesting from Benthic Gas Seeps and

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Hydrates

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

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Multiple program offices have interest in undersea energy harvesting.


OBJECTIVE: Determine the potential for seabed methane seeps and hydrates to enable operational endurance, maneuverability, efficiency, and resiliency for sustained operations supporting undersea systems.

DESCRIPTION: Prior research has focused on investigating benthic seep and hydrate characteristics (chemical makeup, flow, etc.), understanding associated biological lifeforms, and prediction of benthic seep and hydrate locations [Refs 5-11]. Lacking is any substantive research into the potential for these energy resources to serve as sources for seabed energy conversion/storage for operational use. The Navy is currently pursuing development of technology to convert energy from seafloor hydrothermal vents and is conducting research in the area of seafloor microbial fuel cells. There are also prior and ongoing efforts to harvest energy from tidal and wave energy, as well as Ocean Thermal to Electric Conversion. This SBIR topic, by contrast, seeks to develop technologies to harvest, store, and utilize methane and other gases from benthic gas seeps and hydrates for seabed electric power production. Continuous kilowatt-scale electrical output from a single device is of interest. The design should take into consideration potential fouling of the system, a desired system lifetime of 2 years (without maintenance), the depth ranges for seeps and hydrates, and ease/practicality of system deployment. Minimizing system and deployment costs is important. It is critical to understand the biological and geological environment near benthic seeps and hydrates such that compatible technologies are pursued and ultimately developed and fielded.

PHASE I: Develop energy conversion concepts that involve the capture, storage, processing, and conversion of benthic gas seeps to electrical power output. Develop a concept of operation that covers the deployment platform, deployment methodology, and approach to minimizing cost and risk. Perform modeling, simulation, and experimentation as necessary to demonstrate conceptual feasibility. Address scalability of the concept above and below the kilowatt level. Develop targets for system and deployment costs per kilowatt electrical output. Identify the relevant environmental considerations involved in deploying and operating such systems on the seabed. Ensure conceptual designs have minimal impact on the marine environment. Prepare a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype kilowatt-scale benthic gas power system and deployment methodology. Demonstrate the ability to deploy the power system onto a benthic gas seep utilizing the intended platform from the Phase I concept of operation. Demonstrate the ability to produce kilowatt-scale electrical power from the system.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop the Phase II design for a specific Navy undersea system application. Demonstrate the ability to autonomously locate a benthic seep/plume, and operationally deploy a complete benthic gas power system and undersea asset with minimal impact on the marine environment. Demonstrate the ability to power an undersea system over a significant period of time to validate the ability to fulfill a Naval mission.

REFERENCES:1. “Undersea Warfare Science & Technology Objectives, 2016.” Undersea Warfare Chief Technology Office. http://www.navsea.navy.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Z0Z0mzYhhhw%3d&portalid=103

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2. “Undersea Warfare Science & Technology Strategy, 2016.” Undersea Warfare Chief Technology Office. http://www.navsea.navy.mil/Portals/103/Documents/USWCTO/2016_USW_ST%20_Strategy_%20Distro_A.pdf?ver=2016-11-01-133933-867

3. "Department of Defense 2016 Operational Energy Strategy, 2016.” Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment. https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/Downloads/OE/2016%20DoD%20Operational%20Energy%20Strategy%20WEBc.pdf

4. "Naval Research and Development Framework, 2017.” Office of Naval Research. https://www.onr.navy.mil/en/our-research/naval-research-framework

5. Brothers, D.S., Ruppel, C., Kluesner, J.W., ten Brink, U.S., Chaytor, J.D., Hill, J.C., Andrews, B.D., and Flores, C. “Seabed fluid expulsion along upper slope and outer shelf of the U.S. Atlantic continental margin”, Geophys. Res. Lett., doi: 10.1002/2013GL058048

6. Brothers, L.L., Van Dover, C.L., German, C.R., Kaiser, C.L., Yoerger, D.R., Ruppel, C.D., Lobecker, E., Skarke, A.D., and Wagner, J.K.S. “Evidence for extensive methane venting on the southeastern U.S. Atlantic margin.” Geology, G34217.1, 2013. doi:10.1130/G34217.1.

7. Skarke, A., Ruppel, C., Kodis, M., Brothers, D., and Lobecker, E. “Widespread methane leakage from the sea floor on the northern US Atlantic margin.” Nature Geoscience, 2014, doi: 10.1038/ngeo2232.

8. Johnson, H.P., Miller, U.K., Salmi, M.S., and Solomon, E.A. “Analysis of bubble plume distributions to evaluate methane hydrate decomposition on the continental slope.” Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 16, 3825–3839, 2015, doi: 10.1002/2015GC005955.

9. Andreassen, K., Nilssen, E.G., and Ødegaard, C.M. “Analysis of shallow gas and fluid migration within the Plio-Pleistocene sedimentary succession of the SW Barents Sea continental margin using 3D seismic data.” Geo Mar. Lett., 27, 2007, pp. 155-171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-007-0071-5

10. Ryu, B.J., Kim, S.P, et al. “Mapping gas hydrate and fluid flow indicators and modeling gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) in the Ulleung Basin, East (Japan) Sea: potential linkage between the occurrence of mass failures and gas hydrate dissociation Mar.” Petrol. Geol., 80, 2017, pp. 171-191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2016.12.001

11. Hsu, HH., Liu, CS., Morita, S. et al., “Seismic imaging of the Formosa Ridge cold seep site offshore of southwestern Taiwan.” Marine and Petroleum Geology, Volume 80, February 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11001-017-9339-y

KEYWORDS: Methanogenesis; Benthic; Methane Seep; Methane Hydrate; Power; Energy; Energy Harvesting; Seabed; Sea Bed

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