Department of the navy (don) 17. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions introduction

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: During Phase III, the company will further refine the prototype software solution developed in Phase II and support the Navy in the system integration and qualification testing for the software technology framework. This will be accomplished through land-based and ship integration and test events managed by PEO IWS to transition the technology into the CBM+ efforts for AEGIS platforms. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Many private sector organizations are working to implement CBM+ as a means for reducing operating costs and increasing uptime. Markets such as manufacturing and transportation will be able to exploit the results of this topic.

REFERENCES:

1. Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics & Materiel Readiness. “Condition Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+). "April 2016. www.acq.osd.mil/log/mpp/cbm+.html.

2. Collum, P. H. “OPNAVINST 4790.16B Condition Based Maintenance and Condition Based Maintenance+ Policy.” 01 Oct 2015. URL last visited on 19 April 2016. https://doni.documentservices.dla.mil/Directives/04000%20Logistical%20Support%20and%20Services/04-700%20General%20Maintenance%20and%20Construction%20Support/4790.16B.pdf.-

KEYWORDS: CBM+; Prognostics Health Management; Structured Data Analytics; Analytical Agnostic Framework; Plug-n-play; Unstructured Data Compilation

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

N171-072

TITLE: Removable and Maintainable Future Hull Arrays

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: VIRGINIA Class Program Office (PMS 450), Program Office (PMS 401), and OHIO Replacement Program Office (PMS 397); Large SONAR Hull Array

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 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 innovative hull array technology that allows removal and replacement of failed sections of a hull array and that will significantly reduce life cycle costs.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy has identified the need to improve hull array acoustic performance of submarines to decrease vulnerability against threats. Currently, the Navy is developing technologies for building and installing large SONAR arrays external to the hull of a submarine. These technologies allow for a lightweight, scalable array, which provides many options for installation. In order to minimize life cycle costs for these large hull arrays, technology to improve repair and maintainability of the hull array is crucial. It is anticipated that life cycle cost savings of up to $500K per platform are realizable using removable and maintainable hull array technology.

The current approach to attaching arrays to the hull of a submarine uses viscoelastic-bonding materials. The current design and manufacturing approach of bonding the arrays to the submarine hull severely limits the ability to repair the array sensors or cables during an Extended Dry-dock Selected Refit Availability (EDSRA). Additionally, inspection of the current submarine hull welds is difficult to perform in the regions where the hull array covers the welds. Therefore, the Navy is seeking innovative design and manufacturing techniques for attaching acoustic array panels to the submarine hull to improve platform production, operation, and maintenance costs. Minimization of the Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) failed hull array sections is a key metric of any proposed innovative solution.

Current array design and manufacturing processes build the array in half-stave sections, each containing the requisite cabling, acoustic sensors, and connectors to assemble the entire array into an installation fixture that is brought up to the submarine for its final attachment and bonding to the hull.

The innovative technology shall focus on other final array attachment designs to the hull that significantly improve the ability to repair failed sections of the array or to remove and replace the same in order to conduct Unrestricted Operations (URO) inspections. Attachment and removal concepts must not be detrimental to array acoustic performance and must be robust enough to survive the operational, physical, and environmental challenges encountered in a shipboard submarine environment. The company shall design and fabricate test panels that demonstrate this innovative technology for evaluation by the Government. This technology will include concepts such as investigations into design principles, materials, and construction techniques, as well as creating a benchmark “trade space” of innovations against array performance, weight, neutral buoyancy, reliability, maintainability, and the following critical array design parameters:

• Operation during hydrostatic pressure extremes 0 – 1000 psi

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.

PHASE I: The small business will define and develop concepts for an innovative hull array technology to implement a reliable means of attaching and removing the array that can survive the operational, physical, and environmental requirements of a shipboard submarine environment discussed in the Description section. The small business will investigate approaches to readily remove and replace sections of the hull array without the use of bonding agents. The small business shall determine technical feasibility through modeling or analysis and provide characteristics of the proposed approach to array attachment to demonstrate it meets acoustic and environmental requirements. The Phase I Option, if awarded, should address technical risk reduction and provide performance goals and key technical milestones.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I, the small business will develop prototype innovative hull array technology panels for evaluation by the government. The removable and repairable prototype panels will be attached to a representative submarine hull section to determine their capability in meeting the performance goals as defined by the Navy. The validity of the prototype will be shown by a demonstration conducted by the Navy on Government land or water-based test facilities or vehicles during Phase II. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use. Secure access to classified data will be required in Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will further refine the prototype and support the Navy in transitioning the innovative hull array technology for production use. The company will demonstrate manufacturing technique(s) to attach a production representative panel to a submarine hull in accordance with the Phase III development plan. The demonstration will be conducted on a U.S. Navy submarine in an operationally relevant environment. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Industries, such as Electric Boat, Newport News, and Navy Shipyards that employ large sonar structures subjected to at-sea environments and require removable, repairable, and periodic inspections, will benefit from this technology. The commercialization of this technology will help reduce the overall life-cycle cost of other industry sonar systems.

REFERENCES:

1. Freitag, Lee. “Acoustic Communication with Small UUVs Using a Hull-Mounted Conformal Array.” http://www.matsysinc.com/products/sonar_transducers/docs/acoustic_communications_small_uuvs.pdf

2. “NSSN Virginia Class Attack Submarine, United States of America.” naval-technology.com. http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/nssn-

KEYWORDS: Removable and maintainable Hull Arrays; future hull arrays; viscoelastic bonding; Extended Selected Dry-dock Refit; Unrestricted Operations; Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)

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

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: VIRGINIA Class Program Office (PMS 450)/ OHIO Replacement Program Office (PMS 397)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a power unbalance conditioning system for submarine electrical systems enabling correction of 3-phase current unbalance.

DESCRIPTION: The primary objective of this research and development effort is to improve on the currently available large-scale solutions to current unbalance, and smaller scale correction devices focused on correcting supply side instead of demand side unbalance. Current power unbalance correction technology like the Eaton Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) (ref 1) are focused on providing clean balanced power to a load, not to regulate for the benefit of the source. The technology has too large of a footprint, being over 40 inches high and 700 lbs. at the 30 kW level. A more applicable technology concept is the Variable Shunt Reactor concept produced by SIEMENS (ref 2) though the size is more consistent with commercial power sub-stations than military ships. The Navy’s need for power may provide the groundwork for solving this problem in the future. However, the technology would need to focus on whole ship power from a single large-scale power supply vice the smaller scale 40-70 kW concept needed here. By implementing a rack-mounted solution for current unbalance correction, this technology can be installed in electronic systems that currently do not have the space for large devices. Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) can eliminate power unbalance but they use too much space for energy storage to be used as a broad spectrum solution. Allowing multiple systems to utilize the same smaller scale hardware solution will reduce maintenance costs associated with spares as the number of units performing redundant functions can be reduced. Alternative approaches for architectural changes in the power distribution system as a whole show promise for the future but changing whole ship distribution for in-service and in-design platforms would be prohibitively expensive.

To satisfy power interface requirements defined in MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3), a three-phase current unbalance requirement is levied on the shipboard equipment. Source voltage balance is assisted by maintaining a current unbalance restriction for individual three-phase loads and by ensuring single-phase loads are distributed as evenly as possible across the three phases during installation of the shipboard electrical power distribution system. User equipment comprised of a combination of single-phase and three-phase loads shall have a resulting input three-phase line current unbalance not exceeding 3% of the user equipment rating under normal operating conditions and during normal operating modes. The Navy is looking for enabling technology as more Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) single-phase equipment is being fed from the Delta three-phase power source. Groups of single-phase loads connected to three-phase busses create an opportunity for excessive unbalance over some power lineups. Existing and previous unbalance mitigation approaches have included UPS and/or a power conditioner function to address or buffer current unbalance. It is desired that small businesses investigate processes and develop a device which will successfully address steady state and transient equipment current unbalance conditions of up to 12% such that no more than 3% unbalance is seen at the source connection.

The transition from military type systems to COTS load elements and their pervasive single-phase modularity has introduced unbalance potential in the system. Electric distribution systems under certain conditions may be stressed with the level of unbalance caused by single-phase loading. The existing resolution involves the hardware vendors providing the best balance condition possible with the load modularity involved. The residual unbalance at the platform level is addressed with reassignment of phases where possible.

The existing range of the modularity of the load groups, which could qualify for an unbalance correction, ranges approximately from 40 to 70 KW for three-phase Delta 115VAC, 60Hz loads in accordance with MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3). Submarine AC power characteristics are identified and defined by MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3). This military standard details the submarine electric system operational and interface environment, and identifies requirements for users (loads) and distribution and power control components such as power conditioning devices. Additionally, electromagnetic interference compatibility controls must be addressed in accordance with MIL-STD-461F (ref 4). If fielded, the current unbalance correction device must be compatible with the requirements contained in MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3), MIL-STD-461F (ref 4), and MIL-S-901D (ref 5) for Grade A shock.

Typical existing solutions for this issue use configuration manipulation to provide current balance to within 3%. The mismatch between existing solutions and Navy need is flexibility and size. The Navy’s need is for greater flexibility in support of timely equipment exchange and configuration upgrades. By implementing a large-scale solution for current unbalance correction in a small footprint, this technology can allow multiple systems to leverage the same larger scale power solution, reduce maintenance costs associated with upgrades, and will allow for valuable platform flexibility as equipment changes to meet ever-fluid Navy objectives throughout the life of a ship.

This project is a solution with a physical configuration that is 19-inch rack mountable, occupying no more than a four unit (7 inch) standard height profile for a 40 kW power level. The final unit must not exceed 88 lbs. in weight. Use of materials that are non-toxic or have minimum toxicity is encouraged, as the final design must be capable of integration into a submarine atmosphere. Lithium ion batteries are not an acceptable material. The correction device must be capable of accepting and outputting three-phase Delta 115 VAC nominal power in accordance with the requirements of MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) normal voltage operating envelope identified in Table I, and graphically in figure 13 with the exception of load side current unbalance.

PHASE I: The company will develop and demonstrate a conceptual configuration for a submarine shipboard power unbalance correction system that will be mounted in a 19-inch rack mounting at 4 unit (7 inch) height for the 40kW level. The design must output three-phase Delta 115VAC 60 Hz power and operate on three-phase Delta 115VAC power input in accordance with MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3). The design must not preclude compatibility with the requirements contained in MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) and MIL-STD-461F (ref 4), preclude passing shock testing in accordance with MIL-S-901D (ref 5) for grade A lightweight testing, or contain toxic materials or lithium ion batteries that preclude use in submarine spaces. Testing of the concept for feasibility will be completed by Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport Division (Rhode Island). The Phase I Option, if awarded, would include the initial layout and capabilities description to build the prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results presented in Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the small business will develop and deliver a Phase II submarine shipboard power unbalance correction system prototype which conforms to the following: fits in a 19-inch rack at 4 unit (7 inch) max height, provides 40kW operating power, functions properly with a representative 12% current unbalanced resistive load, successfully passes tests identified in MIL-STD-1399/300B (ref 3) and MIL-STD-461F (ref 4), and weighs no more than 88 lbs. The small business will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy production and potential commercial use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the submarine shipboard power unbalance correction system to Navy use. Phase III will further refine a first article production unit that can undergo a full set of performance and environmental testing, including power, shock, and vibration testing. Upon successful completion of environmental testing, the first article unit will be developed for an early production sample suitable for a submarine temporary installation. The company will work with the Navy to install and test the unit on a deployed submarine. The company will comply with Submarine Temporary Alteration (TempAlt) requirements and assist the Navy in generation and approval of the TempAlt. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Power unbalance correction technology has commercial potential application in smaller power generation applications. As the scale of power generation and usage goes down, the statistical power balance seen at a large scale will reduce. Industrial buildings and even rural homes on a power generator must match generation and load balance for maximum efficiency and motor life. This technology has potential to be used in these locations.

REFERENCES:

1. Eaton Aerospace, “Technical Data TD157003EN” August 2015 http://powerquality.eaton.com/Products-services/Power-Conditioning/EVR.asp?cx=3

2. SIEMENS Transformer Case Study. “Variable Shunt Reactors for flexible grids.” April 2015. http://www.energy.siemens.com/br/pool/hq/power-transmission/Transformers/Reactors/case-study_variable-shunt-reactors-for-flexible-grids.pdf.

3. Department Of Defense Interface Standard (MIL)-STD-1399 section 300B, Electrical Power, Alternating Current, Dated 24 April 2008 http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-1300-1399/MIL-STD-1399-300B_13192/

4. Department of Defense Interface Standard (MIL)-STD-461F, Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment, Dated 10 December 2007 http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0300-0499/MIL-STD-461F_19035/

5. Military Specification (MIL)-S-901D, Shock Tests, H.I. (High-Impact) Shipboard Machinery, Equipment, and Systems, Requirements for, Dated 17 March 1989 http://everyspec.com/MIL-SPECS/MIL-SPECS-MIL-S/MIL-S-901D_14581/-

KEYWORDS: Submarine Power Distribution; Power Unbalance; Power Conditioning; Current Unbalance; Voltage Unbalance; Delta Power Phase Balance

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

N171-074

TITLE: Affordable, Fast-Tunable, Notch Filters at X-Band and Higher Frequencies

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS 2.0), SEWIP Block 2

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 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 fast, affordable and reliable tunable notch filters at X-band and higher frequencies for electronic warfare and military communications systems that suppress interference.

DESCRIPTION: The radio frequency spectrum has become extremely crowded in recent years due to the fast growth of wireless networks. With multiple wireless systems transmitting at closely spaced frequency allocations, communication interference is inevitable. This problem is compounded in military environments, both on land and at sea, by the close proximity of various transmitters that are constantly changing physical location, direction of transmission, and frequency. Naval vessels employ multiple transmitters covering multiple frequency bands, all closely co-located on a single, oddly shaped (in the electromagnetic sense) metal platform. The potential for inadvertent interference, either directly or through reflection of signals (and possibly from a neighboring vessel), becomes too complex to mitigate by design and placement of the transmitting antennas. Consequently, receivers must sense sudden and rapidly changing interference and respond almost instantaneously.

Although digital signal processing techniques have revolutionized modern electronic warfare (EW), radar, and communications systems, the most generally effective way to protect radio frequency (RF) receivers is to keep interference out of the receive channel. This means suppression of the interference is needed as close to the receive antenna as possible (such as at the “front end”). As future receivers strive to eliminate analog down-conversion stages prior to the analog to digital conversion stage, the requirement for front-end filtering only increases. For this purpose, high quality filters with steep band edges, deep (highly attenuated) stop bands, and low insertion loss are hard to beat in performance. High quality passive filters, a mature and proven technology, would perform interference suppression perfectly well, if only the frequency, spectral width, and power of the interferer were known and constant, which they are not.

Adequately addressing the problems presented by complex interference environments will require fast tunable, agile, X-Band notch filters (for example band-stop filters with narrow stop bandwidths). These filters must tune rapidly to the interference frequency and have high stop-band attenuation – that is, deep notches. However, complete agility requires more than tunability and attenuation. Ideally, the spectral width of the stop-band should be adjustable to some degree and the transition from stop-band to pass-band should be sharp so that desired signals are not inadvertently filtered out. Furthermore, the passband of the filter should have minimal insertion loss and linear phase shift with frequency. Finally, like all electronic components in military applications, characteristics such as reliability, temperature stability, and immunity to mechanical vibration are required. Low cost and device-to-device repeatability are crucial.