Department of the navy (don) 16. 2 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions introduction

REFERENCES:

1. E. F. Knott, J. F. Shaeffer, M. T. Tuley, “Radar Cross Section”, Artech House, Inc, 1993.

2. Richards, Scheer, Holm, "Principles of Modern Radar: Basic Principles", Scitech Publishing, Inc., 2010.

KEYWORDS: Processing/Manufacturing, RF Absorbers, Flexible, RF Materials, Antennas

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

N162-118

TITLE: Shipboard Radar Cross Section/Radio Frequency (RCS/RF) Verification of Airborne Platform

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a system capable of measuring the Radar Cross Section/Radio Frequency (RCS/RF) performance of Naval platforms or sub-systems (i.e. apertures) while deployed at sea.

DESCRIPTION: While assigned to the fleet, there is a need to quickly verify air vehicles’ RCS/RF performance to maintain operational readiness. To find RF defects or changes, measurements are taken and then used to assess the health of the aircraft and antenna functionality. The operating costs and readiness levels of many current and next generation platforms are driven by their maintenance and sustainment need. Previous and current methodologies for precise platform measurements and antenna patterns have proven too costly to the point of being impractical. An onboard RF evaluation system suite that quickly and affordably takes qualitative measurements of the RCS/RF performance on an aircraft is ideal to check system ability. The baseline bandwidth for RCS/RF verification measurements will be 2-18 GHz with stretch objectives to go both lower and higher in frequency. This SBIR topic is intended to address three levels of RCS/RF verification over the noted bandwidth:

1) On-board verification – develop a handheld or similar device to perform near field RCS/RF verification on the flight deck or below deck in the hangar space.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility for the development of a RCS/RF verification measurement system. This will include a determination of what approaches might be possible to address the objectives listed in the Description section. As part of Phase I, the contractor shall demonstrate an understanding of the problem, the physics associated with the problem and provide a clear path towards build of a prototype and technology demonstration during Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I effort, demonstrate and validate the RCS/RF verification measurement system. In this phase the small business shall build a RCS/RF frequency verification prototype system to measure an aircraft in at least one (and up to all) of the objective configurations. The bandwidth of the system shall be at least 2-18 GHz. Additional systems to go either lower or higher in frequency are encouraged.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based on the Phase II effort, integrate the RCS/RF verification measurement system with a naval platform. Perform field testing to show the robustness of the system and to resolve issues with signature and RF measurements of aircraft in shipboard environments. Private Sector Commercial Potential: The RCS/RF verification measurement system can be used in the field to measure the RCS contributions from wind turbines. Also, the system has potential to measure and diagnose the RF health of antennas and “smart” vehicles.

REFERENCES:

1. R. Cioni, A. Sarri, S. Sensani, G. de Mauro; "A Low-Cost Compact Measurement System for Diagnostic Imaging and RCS Estimation", Proceedings of AMTA 25th Meeting and Symposium, Irvine, CA, 2003.

2. Radar Cross Section Measurements and Simulations of a Model Airplane in the X-bandInácio Malmonge Martin, Mauro Alves, Guilherme G. Peixoto, and Mirabel Cerqueira de Rezende PIERS Online, Vol. 5, No. 4, 377-380, 2009 doi:10.2529/PIERS090220150258. http://www.piers.org/piersonline/piers.php?volume=5&number=4&page=377

KEYWORDS: RCS, RF, verification, antennas, shipboard

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

N162-119

TITLE: SiC-Based High Voltage Capacitor Charging Innovations

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

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: ONR 331 POM-15 Multi-Function Energy Storage FNC, ONR 35 Electromagnetic Railgun INP

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an advanced, modular and scalable capacitor charging converter that takes advantage of the unique characteristics of wide bandgap semiconductor devices. This converter will be capable of charging one or more 325kJ capacitor(s) to 6.5-10kVDC in 5 seconds at a repetition rate of up to 10 charges per minute. This duty cycle will be continuous without pause, and indefinite. The charger will be able to vary energy level and charge duration as needed to meet mission requirements, and present a manageable and reasonably continuous and level load to reduce effects on the power system.

DESCRIPTION: Future electric weapons, such as Electromagnetic Railguns, will require high-voltage supplies to provide power to their pulse-forming-networks (PFNs). While high-output-voltage power converters have been successfully applied in other applications, existing units have inadequate power densities to be deployed in volumetrically constrained shipboard applications. Additionally, most existing high-output-voltage converters do not accept input voltages in the range of projected Navy power systems. In commercial and other military applications, wide-bandgap semiconductor materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride have enabled substantially smaller switching devices with greater thermal capabilities, higher breakdown voltages, and much faster switching frequencies. This technology can enable the development of more compact, better-performing, and more efficient high-voltage power converters.

The Navy capacitor charging application is very different from commercial capacitor chargers in that the power levels are higher (i.e. a greater amount of capacitance is being charged), the per-kW size is smaller to fit within the constrained space on ships, and the charging converters are operated continuously at high repetition rates. In addition, the Navy converters must be compatible with the shipboard environment with its unique shock, vibration, and other environmental requirements. For this reason, it is necessary to develop application-specific converters for this application rather than applying a commercial-off-the-shelf solution.

This topic pursues innovative means of charging capacitors from zero to 6.5-10 kVDC, in a rapid, repetitive manner, with a range of input voltages. The proposed charging converter to be produced shall have the following characteristics:

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of an advanced, scalable, modular converter charger for 325 KJ capacitor(s) using wide bandgap switching devices. As applicable, demonstrate the effectiveness of the solution with hardware, modeling and simulation, and applicable engineering analysis. A Simulink simulation will be created under the base phase and delivered to the Navy. Hardware-based demonstration will support validation of the model, and a validated version will be provided to the Navy under the option phase, if awarded, as a Simulink file, capable of operating under the Opal-RT real-time HIL environment. Establish performance goals and provide a Phase II developmental approach and schedule that contains discrete milestones for product development.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate and fabricate a prototype with characteristics identified in Phase I. In a laboratory environment, demonstrate that the prototype meets the performance goals established in Phase I, as related to charging performance and continuous operations. Conduct performance, integration, and risk assessments. Update simulations according to the as-built design attributes. Testing during this phase should demonstrate the ability to charge a capacitor(s) with the required charge time with rep rate capability. Thermal management will be sufficiently characterized to ensure that steady-state is reached. The unit, as built, will be assessed by simulation and implemented design practices for suitability to meet shock, vibration and environmental characteristics. The performer will then develop a cost benefit analysis and cost estimate for a naval shipboard unit. Provide a Phase III installation, testing, and validation plan, including shock, vibration and environmental requirements, which includes spare test units.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Working with the Navy and Industry, as applicable, design and construct a fully functional high voltage charging converter meeting all requirements listed in the Description section. The company will support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use. The converter will be tested at full power and maximum rep rate during this phase in an in indicative manner at the vendor as a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), and then at a Navy test facility where appropriate high voltage equipment can be demonstrated with it. The company shall explore the potential to transfer the technology during this SBIR effort to other military and commercial systems. Market research and analysis shall identify the most promising technology areas and the company shall develop manufacturing plans to facilitate a smooth transition to the Navy. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Technologies developed in this program are applicable utility and industrial applications requiring high density dc power conversion, especially those involving the charging of large banks of capacitors. Examples include fusion research facilities such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF) which use 100’s of megajoules of stored energy. Technologies would also be applicable to more general medium voltage power electronics applications such as High-Voltage DC transmission (HVDC) systems, medium-voltage motor drives, and systems designed to interface alternative energy supplies to the medium voltage distribution grid.

REFERENCES:

1. Gully, J. H., “Power Supply Technology for Electric Guns”, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Volume: 27 Issue: 1, Jan 1991, Page(s): 329 -334.

2. Elwell, R.; Cherry, J.; Fagan, S.; Fish, S.; “Current And Voltage Controlled Capacitor Charging Schemes”, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Volume: 31, Issue: 1, Jan 1995, Pages: 38 – 42.

3. Bernardes, J. S.; Sturmborg, M. F.; Jean, T. E., “Analysis of a Capacitor-Based Pulsed-Power System for Driving Long-Range EM Guns”, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Volume: 39, Issue: 1, Jan. 2003 Pages: 486 - 490.

4. Grater, G.F.; Doyle, T.J.; “Propulsion Powered Electric Guns-A Comparison of Power System Architectures”, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Volume: 29, Issue: 1, Jan 1993 Pages: 963 – 968.

5. James, C.; Hettler, C.; Dickens, J.; Neuber, A., "Compact Silicon Carbide Switch For High Voltage Operation," in Proceedings of the 2008 IEEE International Power Modulators and High Voltage Conference, vol., no., pp.17-20, 27-31 May 2008.

6. Friedrichs, P.; Rupp, R., "Silicon carbide power devices - current developments and potential applications," in 2005 European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications, vol., no., pp.11 pp.-P.11, 11-14 Sept. 2005.

7. Shenai, K., "Wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor power converters for DC microgrid applications," in 2015 IEEE First International Conference on DC Microgrids (ICDCM), vol., no., pp.263-268, 7-10 June 2015.

8. MIL-S-901D: http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-S/MIL-S-901D_14581/

9. MIL-STD-167-1A: http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0100-0299/MIL-STD-167-1A_22418/

10. MIL-STD-810G: http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0800-0899/MIL-STD-810G_12306/

KEYWORDS: Electromagnetic; capacitors; pulsed-power; converter; power electronics; pulse-forming; wide bandgap; silicon carbide; railgun; gallium nitride

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

N162-120

TITLE: Trace Multi-Analyte Chemical Detection System for Underwater Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Applications

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

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Expeditionary UUV Neutralization System (EUNS) in PMS-408

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a trace chemical / explosive sensor system for underwater unexploded ordnance (UXO) applications that is effective for TNT and other nitro-based underwater UXO analytes of interest.

DESCRIPTION: Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) response teams encounter a variety of underwater explosive threats including limpet mines, naval mines, underwater improvised explosive devices (UW-IEDs) and other UXO. A trace chemical/explosive sensor system will provide improved classification and identification of suspect underwater targets in missions for which acoustic and/or visual imaging alone are not effective. The chemical sensor package desired from this project will be capable of being integrated into a man-portable remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The goal of this program is to expand the existing trace chemical detection capability to include TNT and other nitro-based underwater UXO analytes of interest, such as RDX, PETN and HMX, as well as home-made explosive (HME) compound such as ammonium nitrate, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD). The current state-of-the-art is a single analyte sensor for detection of TNT, which only partially addresses the Navy’s requirement to detect the full range of explosive threats.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a multi-analyte sensor system to detect explosive threat compounds of interest at operationally relevant concentrations in seawater. Perform modeling and simulation to predict effectiveness against TNT and other nitro-based underwater UXO analytes of interest, such as RDX, PETN and HMX, as well as home-made explosive (HME) compound such as ammonium nitrate, triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD). The weight and volume of the sensor should not exceed 25 pounds and 250 cubic inches. The maximum power requirement should not exceed 2.5 watts. The sensor’s response time should not exceed 2 minutes. The minimum detection limit threshold should be 500 parts per trillion.

PHASE II: Produce a prototype sensor system based on the Phase I work. The prototype will be used to demonstrate and validate the concept developed in Phase I in an operationally relevant environment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate prototype sensor system into a man-portable ROV and demonstrate detection of underwater UXO chemical signature targets in an operationally relevant environment prior to transition to PMS-408. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Detection of underwater chemicals for pipeline inspection.

REFERENCES:

1. Charles, PT, André A. Adams, Jeffrey R. Deschamps, Scott Veitch, Al Hanson and Anne W. Kusterbeck, Detection of Explosives in a Dynamic Marine Environment Using a Moored TNT Immunosensor, Sensors 2014, 14(3), 4074-4085; doi:10.3390/s140304074.

2. Adams, André A., Paul T. Charles, Scott P. Veitch, Alfred Hanson, Jeffrey R. Deschamps, and Anne W. Kusterbeck, (2013), REMUS100 AUV with an integrated microfluidic system for explosives detection, Anal Bioanal Chem 405:5171–5178, DOI 10.1007/s00216-013-6853-x.

3. Andre A. Adams, Paul T. Charles, Jeffrey R. Deschamps, and Anne W. Kusterbeck, Demonstration of Submersible High-Throughput Microfluidic Immunosensors for Underwater Explosives Detection, Analytical Chemistry (2012), dx.doi.org/10.1021/ac2009788.

4. Paul T. Charles, André A. Adams, Jeffrey R. Deschamps, Scott P. Veitch, Alfred Hanson, and Anne W. Kusterbeck, Explosives detection in the marine environment using UUV-modified immunosensor, Proc. SPIE 8018, 80181U (2011).

5. Dock, Matthew L.; Harper, Ross J.; Knobbe, Ed, Combined pre-concentration and real-time in-situ chemical detection of explosives in the marine environment, 2010, OCEAN SENSING AND MONITORING II, Book Series: Proceedings of SPIE-The International Societ

6. Trace Chemical Sensing of Explosives: Edited by Ronald L. Woodfin. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470085202.fmatter/pdf

KEYWORDS: Chemical sensor, explosive sensor, underwater sensor, remotely operated vehicle, underwater UXO, underwater IEDs

Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.

N162-121

TITLE: New Condition Based Maintenance and Energy Command and Control Network Architectures for the Naval Expeditionary Force

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

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Exchange of Tactical Information at the Tactical Edge (EAITE) FNT FY14-03

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.