Army 17. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions

The ultimate goal is to produce a missile deployable, long range UAS swarm that can deliver small EFP’s to a variety of targets. This will serve as a smart augmentation to the standard missile warhead. What is solicited is a GMLRS or ATACMS launched payload consisting of multiple quad-copters carrying EFP munitions. Quad-copters should carry onboard power sufficient to conduct mission. Quad-copters should be able to withstand missile launch environments (acceleration, shock and vibration spectra) and thermal loads at deployment.

PHASE I: Conduct design trade study of quad-copter concepts capable of meeting performance metrics stated in the above description. Perform concept down-selection to a design for Phase II prototype demonstration. Results from the design study will be documented for Phase II.

PHASE II: Expand on Phase I results by maturing selected design to an adequate level for build, testing, and proof-of-concept demonstration. Perform necessary performance characterization and testing (i.e. shock and vibration, electrical power supply sizing, etc.). Acceptable Phase II demonstration should include quad-copter deployment (unfolding), powered flight, acquisition of a representative target, and automated navigation to and landing on target. Additionally, demonstrate quad-copter detonation of the EFP munition (this can be independent of powered flight demonstration for ease of testing and any regulatory restrictions).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: There are many military uses for the desired system. While the baseline use is inherently military in nature, other payloads could be used for remote sensing into dangerous/hazardous areas. Portions of this SBIR developed technology should be considered for commercial applications where appropriate. If successful, the most immediate transition path is transition to PEO M&S for use in a variety of missile systems.

REFERENCES:

1. http://www.astronautix.com/a/atacms.html

2. http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/mfc/pc/guided-unitary-mlrs-rocket/mfc-gu-mlrs-rocket-pc.pdf

3. http://www.teledynerisi.com/products/0products_3sc_index.asp

KEYWORDS: Drone, unmanned, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), quad-copter, swarm, explosively formed penetrator (EFP)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate for the first time a low power, low latency, and high bandwidth WiGig (60 Ghz band) wireless data link to support intra-Soldier transmission of high definition sensor imagery.

DESCRIPTION: The objective of this SBIR is to adapt a commercial based 60 GHz wireless technology to a Soldier Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) capability, providing reliable and robust communications between Soldier-borne electro optic (EO) devices and sensors within a hostile military electro-magnetic environment. Future soldier borne sensors and devices will be limited by the use of current Army intra-Soldier wireless technologies, such as Ultra Wide Band (UWB) communications are limited in being able to support transmission of full frame rate, high definition sensor imagery without significant image compression which can introduce image artifacts and latency. In the commercial/consumer market WiGig-based radios have demonstrated suitable bandwidth, power consumption, and latency for dismounted Soldier applications, however they are not optimized for Soldier-borne equipment deployed in a tactical environment. This SBIR effort will be the first effort to leverage this important nascent technology and is seeking innovative solutions to implement the WiGig technology towards addressing and solving critical battlefield spectrum deficiencies associated with Soldier mounted sensors and devices. Among the applications that he 60 GHz wireless technology will benefit are communications between weapon-mounted and helmet-mounted electro-optical (EO) sensors, communications between electro-optic sensors and the Soldier’s End User Device (EUD), and communications between among multiple medical sensors associated with the Integrated Soldier Sensor Systems (ISSS). Efforts under this SBIR will focus on novel solutions to adapt commercial 60 GHz transceiver chipsets and their Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) lower level layers to be used in communicating between and among soldier borne sensors and devices. These efforts ultimately will result with the delivery of very small-foot-print transceiver modules appropriate for use with existing Government provided Soldier borne sensors (TBD) with an objective of supporting multiple type of high speed serial and/or parallel interfaces.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort will consist of trade studies and a breadboard transceiver pair suitable for use in a laboratory environment. The studies will investigate feasibility of modifications and adaptation of commercial WiGig chipsets, antennas, and associated antenna beam forming techniques to support dismounted Soldier sensor applications. The studies will produce updates and required military modifications to the commercial WiGig standard, chipsets and antennas. This Phase 1 effort will support integration with dismounted Soldier sensor systems and EUDs to enable low power, low latency, and high bandwidth wireless data transmission in a tactical environment. The Phase I effort will also address the following key enablers: 1) Identify hardware and software modifications necessary to achieve spectrum supportability in accordance with Army Regulation 5-12 (AR 5-12); 2) Radio immunity to blue force and adversaries’ communication systems; 3) Implementation of intra-soldier network formation techniques for non-line-of-sight wireless links to support a host of emerging soldier-borne electronic devices such as Family of Weapon Sight-Individual (FWS-I), Family of Weapon Sight-Crew Serve (FWS-CS), Family of Weapon Sight-Sniper (FWS-S), NETT Warrior EUD, Laser Range Finders, Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS), and ISSS; 4) Secured WiGig wireless communications to support transmission of secret and below data.

PHASE II: The Phase II effort will demonstrate, for the first time, a 60GHz wireless link and interface between a high definition weapon-mounted sensor and head mounted remote display or NETT Warrior EUD. The demonstration hardware will include all modifications and adaptations identified in Phase I to implement a low power consumption (<400mw), low latency (<5ms), and high bandwidth wireless data transmission capability (>1Gbps) that is optimized for use in a tactical military environment. The hardware will be configured to optimize performance over the full range of weapon and head orientations. Prototype hardware will be designed to support a foot print of 15mm X 15mm transceiver module and a production cost goals of <$50 per chipset.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This technology supports a high bandwidth, low latency wireless data link between a weapon-mounted thermal sight and helmet mounted display. The Phase III effort will transition this technology to soldier systems employing Rapid Target Acquisition (RTA) such as those used in the Family of Weapon Sights Individual (FWS-I) and Crew Served (FWS-CS) variants. This capability will also support intra-Soldier networking of multiple Soldier-borne devices such as the End User Device (EUD), Laser Range Finders (LRFs), health monitoring sensors and displays such as ISSS sensors. The most likely transition path to operational capability is through the FWS-I and FWS-CS programs of record (PORs). This capability also has the potential for insertion into the Program Executive Office, Soldier (PEO Soldier) Intra Soldier Wireless (ISW) program which currently is addressing wireless communications standards and architectures for use with a host of current and emerging soldier-borne sensors. WiGig is commercial technology that could potentially be inserted into defense systems as a result of this SBIR project. Commercial applications of the WiGig technology include personal area wireless networks for first responders, low interference wireless communications for medical applications in hospital and triage environments, and high speed file transfer for data server back-up.

REFERENCES:

1. “WiGig and the future of seamless connectivity” Wifi Alliance. September 2013. Web. 14 March 2016 http://www.wifi.org/download.php?file=/sites/default/files/private/WiGig_White_Paper_20130909.pdf

2. Vergun, David. “New Night Vision Gear Allows Soldiers to Accurately Shoot from Hip” The Official Homepage of The United States Army. 22 July 2015. Web. 14 March 2016. http://www.army.mil/article/152691/New_night_vision_gear_allows_Soldiers_to_accurately_shoot_from_hip/

3. Moorhead, Patrick. “Intel and Qualcomm Partner (Yes, Really) to Move WiGig 60 GHz 802.11AD Wi-Fi Forward” Forbes. 03 February 2016. Web. 14 March 2016. http://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickmoorhead/2016/02/03/intel-and-qualcomm-partner-yes-really-to-move-wigig-60-ghz-802-11ad-wi-fi-forward/#f960bbb13c4e

KEYWORDS: WiGig, Wireless, Sensor, Thermal, Display, 60 GHz, Radios, Antennas.

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: The Offeror shall define, develop, and demonstrate a system/device that provides wireless commercial throughput rates, resistance to system and/or artificial interference, and a low probability of interception and detection in an operational environment.

DESCRIPTION: Problem Statement: Tactical Radios are the main digital communication devices used on the battlefield today, however operational and generating forces have adopted the use of commercial end-user devices known as smartphones. These smartphones are high processing computational platforms capable of supporting highly complex applications and support high bandwidth networks. These smartphones use tactical radio networks which limit the ability to realize much higher throughput rates and usage, hence limiting expanded capabilities and functionality for Soldiers. In order to address this capability gap, a system/device is required to be developed that incorporates the following Key Performance Parameters with commercial standards such as Wi-Fi or LTE:

a) Demonstrate LPI/LPD (Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection)
b) Demonstrate Jam-Resistance
c) Implements Frequency Agility
d) Provide Multipath Resistance
e) Operate in a Degraded Mode (For Use if the Offeror chooses to use Wi-Fi or LTE for design implementation)
f) Maximize Spectral Efficiency
g) Demonstrate Physical Layer Security
h) Implements Wireless Routing Protocol(s)

System Description: The system/device shall support transmission and reception of control and monitoring command data for Soldiers’ aerial and terrestrial assets such as UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), Ground-based Robotics, and Sensor Devices through network communications. The system/devices shall support transmission and reception of voice and C2 (Command and Control) data through network communications. The system/device shall support transmission and reception of BAN (Body-Area Network) devices worn by a Soldier, such as physiological or health monitors worn by Soldiers. The system/device size shall not be larger than 6 in x 3.2 in. The system/device shall use USB 2.0 or greater for physical connectivity and communication with smartphone. The system/device weight shall not exceed 0.5 lbs. The system/device shall have a software interface to control and provision wireless device communications. The system/device shall be capable of supporting throughput network speeds up to 6 Mbps at distances up to 1KM using commercial communications standards, such as Wi-Fi or LTE. The system/device shall not exceed $500.

PHASE I: The Offeror shall prepare and deliver a feasibility study that contains a proposed design concept and implementation of a cognitive heterogeneous adaptive operational system based on system description and key performance parameters discussed and outlined in section 7. The proposed design concept and implementation shall be substantiated through modeling/simulation and/or other analytic means. When presenting modeling/simulation and/or analytic outcomes in the feasibility study, the offer shall include assumptions, caveats, and test data used substantiate the feasibility study’s conclusion(s).

PHASE II: The Offeror shall provide operational prototypes and demonstrate in a series of network tests. The network tests shall consist of the following:

a) 8-10 node network communications voice and data test. Voice quality and data throughput rates will be scrutinized.
b) Verification and Validation of Key Performance Parameters listed in section 7
c) Demonstrate control and operation of remote network devices (off-the-shelf remote devices can be used as surrogates for Army remotely-controlled devices)

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The Offeror shall demonstrate the Cognitive Heterogeneous Adaptive Operational System with a limited number of nodes to process voice calls with an acceptable voice quality level and C2 data traffic, support a network of wireless devices in a BAN scenario, and control Robotic and UAV assets. In order to demonstrate the Cognitive Heterogeneous Adaptive Operational System, the Government shall provide GFE such as Robotics and UAV assets. In order to demonstrate voice/data and BAN capability, the Offeror must integrate COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) software/hardware for verification and validation of proof-of-concept.

In terms of commercialization, the communications technology developed through this SBIR can be readily used in the IoT (Internet of Things) commercial marketspace. Several areas of the IoT include sensor networking and management, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) data off-loading for LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, Development of Smart Home and Businesses, Smart Grid Communication Implementation, etc.

REFERENCES:

1. G. Kolumba´n, T. Kre´besz, and F. C. M. Lau. “Theory and application of software defined electronics: Design concepts for the next generation of telecommunications and measurement systems”. IEEE Circuits and Systems Magazine, 12(2):8–34, Second Quarter 2012

2. M.K. Simon, “Spread Spectrum Communication Handbook”, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994

3. Elizabeth M. Royer, Chai-Keong Toh, “A Review of Current Routing Protocols for Ad Hoc Mobile Wireless Networks", IEEE Personal Communications, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 46-55, April 1999

4. R. van Nee and R. Prasad. “OFDM for Wireless Multimedia Communications”. Artech House Publishers, Boston, 2000

KEYWORDS: LPI/LPD, Physical Layer Security, Spread Spectrum, Frequency Agility, Multipath Resistance, Jam Resistance, Low Signal Interference

A17-098

TITLE: Squad-level Technology to Detect and Counter UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems)

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE: To provide each squad with the technology required to detect and disrupt/destroy UAS threats, attacks, and maneuvers. This SBIR will investigate and validate novel concepts, methods, and technology to establish overmatch against this emerging threat before the gap is realized. This effort has not been explored before at the squad and platoon level threat.

DESCRIPTION: The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) threat is becoming increasingly prolific and threatens current tactical operations at the squad and platoon levels. Protecting the tactical force by disruptive technologies to detect and counter the UAS threat is the topic of this new SBIR endeavor. Current Army tactics are ineffective against individual and swarms of UASs, while other programs target vehicle-based solutions where size, weight, and power are less of a concern. This SBIR will be the first effort to leverage this technology to address this critical capability gap in a man-portable form factor at the squad and platoon level. New paradigms in technologies will need to be direct and efficient in their neutralization capabilities while at the same time optimizing SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost). Currently, small UASs are largely used for surveillance and reconnaissance, but as technology evolves, their capability in terms of stealth, payload capacity, and stand-off range will become a “game changer” on the battlefield. However, as the UAS threat becomes more prolific, this technology may be available at the individual soldier level. By initiating this SBIR now, technology can be matured to an acceptable level where cost will be drastically reduced and therefore be available before the capability gap is realized.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort will consist of concepts for both detection and countering the threat. It will include four trade studies that ascertain the lowest risk, near term solution for current fights, as well as transitional technologies to augment future capabilities/programs that are currently in development. The first trade study will develop an acceptability metric based on technical merit, human factors, and program risk at a man-portable level. When all three are demeaned acceptable, projected SWaP-C will be utilized to begin the next trade study. The second trade study will cross-reference all baseline PEO SSL (Program Executive Office – Soldier Sensors and Lasers) programs for insertion as well as NVESD (Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate) appropriate technology areas for future insertions/modifications. Once a host program/technology is identified, a third trade study will be conducted to deduce the degree of intrusion and modification to the host for productionization. Lastly, a fourth trade study will be conducted to propose specific courses of action in support of Phase II efforts, along with an updated SWaP-C projection. The product(s) that will be selected to enter phase II will have established a cost, schedule, and performance baseline at the conclusion of phase I. The overall results of the trade studies will create a foundation for which to define the next generation of revolutionary counter-UAS devices at a man-portable level.

PHASE II: The Phase II effort will be a breadboard demonstrator. The demonstration hardware will include all modifications and augmentations identified in Phase I to implement a safe and effective capability that is optimized for use in a tactical military environment. The phase will culminate with hardware being demonstrated real-time against UAS systems along with the identified “host” system at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5/6. Phase II will culminate with an updated cost, schedule, and performance baseline as a subcomponent to the host system of phase III. The end product should be projected to be <100 in3, <3 lbs, <$15k, and will be able to be used with batteries.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The focus of this phase is to retrofit the identified technology/program from Phase I with an updated version of the hardware from Phase II. The updates made will further optimize SWaP-C while transitioning the technology to PM SSL. The technology, coupled with threat detection and identification systems, will enable soldiers to not only acquire threat UASs, but neutralize them as well. The resultant capability has the potential for insertion into the Program Executive Office, Soldier’s (PEO Soldier) Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR) and Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) programs of record (PORs), which already address dismounted target identification at extended ranges. This will be the first effort to put counter-UAS capability in the hands of soldier at the squad and platoon levels. The resultant technology could potentially be utilized by police forces to neutralize/deter restricted air space defiance as well.

REFERENCES:

1. USAF (2013). Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Service Demand 2015-2035. http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/48000/48200/48226/UAS_Service_Demand.pdf

2. Neuenswander, Colonel D. Matthew (2012). Wargaming the Enemy Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Threat*. http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/apjinternational/apj-s/2013/2013-1/2013_1_07_neuenswander_s_eng.pdf

3. Gebre-Egziabher, D. (2011). Analysis of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Concept of Operations in its Applications. http://www.cts.umn.edu/Publications/ResearchReports/reportdetail.html?id=2014

4. McCaney, K. (2015). Army Steps up Search for Anti-drone Technology. Defense Systems. http://defensesystems.com/articles/2014/02/26/army-counter-uav-technology.aspx

KEYWORDS: UAS, disruptive, neutralize, counter, detection, squad, platoon

A17-099

TITLE: Intelligent Tutor as a Service

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop innovative methods and software tools to provide a services based approach for an intelligent tutoring capability as a capability in a service oriented architecture. This functionality must provide tutoring as a reusable service that can be used by a variety of capabilities and devices.

DESCRIPTION: There is an emerging trend to develop modeling and simulation enterprises that use a service oriented architecture (SOA) as its basis. The promise is that an enterprise can use SOA concepts to provide reusable services that can be composed as they are needed. Research is being conducted to provide common components in SOA environments that can be easily used. Concurrently, there is a focus on the development of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) to augment training and provide adaptive learning possibilities. ITS is forecasted to be a significant capability for future systems in order to provide tailored training and to provide professional training level experiences at the point of need. What is needed is an approach that provides an adaptable ITS service in a SOA environment that can be reused by modeling and simulation capabilities rendered in a SOA enterprise.

This topic seeks to provide a novel concept for the development of a tutoring system as a service in a SOA system. This effort must conduct an analysis to define approaches to provide a services based approach for intelligent tutoring and training. This effort must define an approach that supports an adaptive approach to assist/replace professional trainers. Potential use cases range from individual tutoring to a capability to provide assessment of performance for team training. The system should incorporate adaptive learning concepts to tailor training support based on the proficiency level of individuals or teams.

PHASE I: Conduct an analysis to define an approach for implementation of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) as a service in a SOA environment. Define an approach for the analysis of training data for the ITS as well as an approach for the representation of the training strategy. Provide a proof of concept analysis on the application of this approach for both individual and team training assessment and feedback.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype services oriented ITS capability that targets either an individual or team training environment. The prototype should demonstrate mechanisms for interaction with ITS as an enterprise framework provided service. The prototype should also provide an approach for providing assessment engines and specifying data to measure /provide. The prototype should provide an approach for the representation of domain knowledge and a training strategy. The services based ITS prototype should assess the target system’s proficiency while using the training capability without tight coupling.