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

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I results and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the small business will develop and deliver a course curriculum training manual, in Microsoft Word source format, such that the Navy can reproduce, update, extend and use for training courses of the future processes, select an application within the combat system, and validate the new teaching tool as a prototype. The new teaching tool prototype should include 1) a training computer video (embedded in Microsoft Power Point) which includes core visual and audio presentations depicting the use of psychological training exercises and tools (for scaling and repeatability) with extended techniques delivered by a human trainer and 2) using the template course curriculum, the small business will build and deliver an example training manual using the course curriculum template representative topic for the Zumwalt class combat system. This template curriculum shall demonstrate the core technology processes with examples enabling the Navy to build advanced learning systems using the latest psychological techniques and tools. The delivery mechanism should be Microsoft Word, and include instructions and embedded training on how to build training courses with the technology, as there are many subsets of systems on board that require training. The prototype will be validated by showing it provides for accentuated learning and memory retention of individuals in a deep-learning state, which conditions the sailor for faster assimilation of information during learning exercises. The prototype will be delivered in Phase II ready to test with the Integrated Warfare System (IWS) 9.0 combat systems training program. The company will create plans for Phase III development.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The Navy will use the final technology to certify and test in IWS 9.0 combat systems. The small business shall demonstrate the ability to create a course curriculum for one or more combat system topics, also to be delivered in the Phase III segment of this SBIR. The small business will deliver the competencies required to perform training which will be passed on in “train the trainer” sessions for Navy personnel. Those newly trained individuals will assist in the validation, testing, and certification of the resulting training tool for Navy use, and will represent best knowledge on using the technology. The small business will support the Navy in implementing the training required to use the developed technology. Private Sector Commercial Potential: Learning techniques and improvements are helpful in almost any industry that teaches and instructs its employees or students. The technology will benefit the medical field as a cooperating learning aid for medical surgery, where skilled hands and extreme accuracy are paramount to success. Another likely candidate is manufacturing, where very exact tolerances are required for advanced assembly of components. Colleges and universities could change their curriculums to benefit their students with this technology.

REFERENCES:

1. Grinder, Michael. “Righting the Educational Conveyor Belt.” 2nd Edition. Portland, Oregon: Metamorphous Press. 1991.

2. Beaver, Diana. “NLP for Lazy Learning: How to Learn Faster and More Effectively.” London, England: Collins & Brown. 2002.

3. Bandler, Richard. “Richard Bandler’s Guide to Trance-Formation: How to Harness the Power of Hypnosis to Ignite Effortless and Lasting Change.” Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc., 2008.-

KEYWORDS: Cross-Training; Speed of Learning; Neuro Linguistic Programming; Cooperative Learning; psychological anchors; techniques for the subconscious mind.

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

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS397 – OHIO Replacement Program Office

OBJECTIVE: To develop a behavioral algorithm to increase efficiency and improve reliability of high frequency SONAR applications and SONAR processing networks.

DESCRIPTION: Submarine SONAR systems face interference from environmental clutter (e.g. scattering and reverberation) and other sources of sounds. Echolocating bats have developed exceptional resilience to interference when sharing the same acoustic space, that exceeds the strategies currently employed in SONAR systems. This topic will apply lessons learned from biological studies, especially bat SONAR, to processing and networking optimization theories. There are two clear SONAR applications for this adaptation. First, the SONAR technology where sound is transmitted and received for echolocation can be improved by adapting biological methods for clutter suppression and achieve greater efficiency. Second, the SONAR processing network can be improved by optimizing efficiency in high network traffic applications such as high frequency SONAR.

The Navy seeks to develop a behavioral algorithm that optimizes efficiency in a dynamic, high-throughput SONAR environment and processing system network. The current submarine SONAR technology relies on the IEEE standards for SONAR development and processing which uses feedback from preceding events to multiplicatively adjust the mean delay time before attempting to retransmit a jammed transmission. Understanding and utilizing a biological response to the same problem will lead to innovative and highly efficient adaptation to SONAR processing systems. As the oceans’ environments become more cluttered and populated, greater demands in high frequency SONAR will be required to navigate these environments.

A successful project will provide an understanding of the biological response to the cluttered environment and high traffic networks and develop an implementation plan for how the Navy might adapt SONAR systems to use the biological response in a new technology. Performance measures will include effectiveness to differing ocean floor types (e.g. rock vs. silt) as well as minimizing other acoustic scattering affects. The Navy will benefit from this topic by realizing the optimum efficiency in the processing systems, which will lead to reduction in data latency and improved effectiveness of high frequency SONAR sensors in cluttered environments.

PHASE I: The company will develop the concept for adapting the biological response to cluttered SONAR environments and a plan for implementation. The project will establish the feasibility in a SONAR simulation and networking environment to demonstrate that the concept meets the Navy’s need. The company will provide a plan that addresses technical risk reduction and provides performance goals and key technical milestones. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will develop a a behavioral algorithm and provide this algorithm in software form for evaluation and delivery. The behavioral algorithm will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in Phase II and the Navy requirements for high frequency SONAR systems and network efficiency. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including differing environmental factors. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Navy requirements. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Navy and potential commercial use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. The project will further refine behavioral algorithms and software to support high frequency SONAR systems and processing networks according to the Phase II for evaluation to determine their effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. The company will work directly with the SONAR system prime integrator to provide support and level of effort engineering services as the company’s software integration lead. Once integrated into the SONAR processing system, the company will support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy Submarines and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) use. Private Sector Commercial Potential: This project will also apply to commercial applications to optimize wireless communication networks. By characterizing biological behavioral algorithms, this project can be adapted for optimized efficiency in a dynamic, high-throughput wireless communications network.

REFERENCES:

1. Biological Sonar Systems. Science Blogs, September 24, 2007. http://scienceblogs.com/neurophilosophy/2007/09/24/biological-sonar-systems.

2. Dobbins, Peter. “Dolphin sonar—modeling a new receiver concept.” December 15, 2007. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.689.3712&rep=rep1&type=pdf

KEYWORDS: SONAR Clutter; High Frequency SONAR; Biological SONAR; Bat SONAR, Network Efficiency, Echolocation; Active Sensing Systems

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

N171-068

TITLE: Innovative Capstan Rim Friction Coating

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS401 OA-9070B and OA-9070A (688 Class), OK-542 (Ohio Class), OA-9070E (VA Class) Handler Programs as well as the Ohio Replacement Program

OBJECTIVE: Develop a new coating to improve friction coefficient on capstan drive rims to improve array deployment forces.

DESCRIPTION: Submarines need to be able to deploy a towed array when required. The current Thin-line handler is a dual capstan with multiple functions, one of which is to deploy the array from the SSN Ballast Tank. The amount of deployment force is directly dependent on the coefficient of friction of the capstan rim. By increasing the friction coefficient between the Towed Array and capstan rims by 30 – 40% using a new material, deployment issues due to slippage will be reduced or eliminated by an estimated range of 50%.

Current Towed Array handlers use friction between a driven rim and the array aft termination module (ATM) to deploy the array. The rims, which are surface treated to a rough finish, deteriorate during use. As a result, the array may not deploy due to ATM slippage on the capstan. The Navy is seeking an innovative coating that will improve the coefficient of friction between the Copper Nickel (CuNi) capstan rims and the urethane ATM that can be applied in an operational ballast tank environment. The applied coating needs to be able to withstand the harsh environments that the towed array handlers are exposed to.

It is envisioned that the development is a combination of material assessment and developmental testing to quantify friction coefficient and bond ability to CuNi. The ability to coat the capstan rims in the ballast tank environment is seen as the manufacturing piece. There are two areas where this improvement can save life-cycle costs. 1. The rims are currently removed by divers and sent off for machining and then a second dive is needed to re-install. The machining and second dive would be avoided. Secondly, and more importantly, the submarines suffer about two Out of Commissions (OOCs) per year with the inability to deploy. This high friction coating on the rims would add design margin and prevent those OOCs.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for the use of different materials that can be applied to the capstan to increase friction between the urethane ATM and the CuNi rim. The concept should have supporting simulation/calculation showing improvement in friction between the array and rims. The company will need to demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of the application. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results and options presented in the Phase I effort and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the company will develop and deliver a Capstan Rim Friction Coating prototype for evaluation. The Rim Friction Coating prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in Phase II SOW; as well small business will demonstrate the application of the developed coating. The OA-9070B Land Based Test Facility (LBTF) has a full-up dual-capstan system that is used to evaluate SSN engineering changes. The facility will be made available to accept coating treatment on its capstan rims. System performance gains will be measured within the test facility. The new coating will be applied to capstan rims and assessed for durability and frictional levels. With a successful LBTF set of tests, the next part would be to incorporate the new coating in an in-service platform for shipboard testing and evaluation in the desired end-use environment. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy and potential commercial use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company will apply the knowledge gained in Phase II to further refine the Rim Friction Coating. Working with the Navy and applicable industry partners, the company will demonstrate application and develop a production process that will allow incorporation of the coatings in an operational environment. Additionally, process controls and coating compliance methods needs to be developed to ensure proper application as well as some techniques for inspection that signal the need for a re-coat. The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Private Sector Commercial Potential: There are many oceanographic winching applications in the private sector that focus on seismic exploration, fisheries, and underwater cable laying. All of these applications have the potential to benefit from a field-installable protective coating that can withstand the harsh rigors of ocean submersion.

REFERENCES:

1. Stuart, I.M. “Capstan equation for strings with rigidity.” British Journal of Applied Physics, Volume 12, Number 10.

2. Jung, Jae Ho; Pan, Ning; and Kang, Tae Jin. " Generalized capstan problem: Bending rigidity, nonlinear friction, and extensibility effect.” Tribology International Volume 41, Issue 6, June 2008. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301679X07001909 .-

KEYWORDS: Towed Array; Towed Array Handler; Friction Material; Capstan; Towed Array Deployment; Ballast Tank.

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

N171-069

TITLE: Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Compliant Connection for External Sensors

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS392 (Strategic & Attack Submarine Program Office), PMS450 Class Program Office), PMS397 (OHIO Replacement Program Office), SEA 073 (Advanced Submarine Systems Development Program)

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative hull penetration system / communications interface to support long duration undersea interface for communication with external sensors vehicles while complying with current Submarine Safety requirements.

DESCRIPTION: Currently, probes used onboard Navy submarines to obtain conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) information are deployed from Non-Seawater Piping and Mechanical SUBSAFE systems (i.e., torpedo tubes, trash disposal units, and counter-measures launchers). Probes and external sensors developed to date use wire and fiber optic-based communication systems, which require the SUBSAFE systems to be in an “open” position while the sensor collects and transmits data. This is a safety issue because of the size of the opening and the extended periods it is required to be open.

The Navy seeks to develop a hull penetration system / communications interface that can augment the existing probe(s) or launchers with innovative methods of communication relay which support current wire or fiber optic-based technologies while allowing hull penetrations to remain in the “closed” position, which would drastically drive down safety concerns with existing and future external sensor interfacing.

Innovations proposed under this effort should not take into consideration modifying an existing external sensor to no longer be wire or fiber optic-based, but rather modifying the communications interface between the ship and the sensor to allow full (two closure) safety from the sea. Additionally, proposals should take into consideration factors such as sea-depth and wall thickness of the counter-measures launcher and torpedo tube doors. Proposed concepts or technologies should: 1) meet the high integrity standards of SUBSAFE Requirements Manual NAVSEA 0924-062-0010; 2) be capable of utilizing existing deployed external sensors; and 3) be capable of performing communication data transfer at current required rates (MIL-STD-1678-6 Fiber Optic Cable Topology Installation Standard Methods for Naval Ships).

PHASE I: The company will demonstrate the feasibility for the development of a hull penetration system / communications interface to support long duration undersea interface for communication with external sensors vehicles. The company will also show that proposed concept meets Navy needs for an innovative method/concept for interfacing with external sensors/vehicles through sealed (“closed”) SUBSAFE systems. The company will prove the concept of external communication that only requires modifying existing interfaces while accounting for alternatives to wire/fiber optic-based interfaces, develop a report based on analysis and trial to determine the viability of the approach, and provide the Navy with feasible options to successfully interface with external sensors/vehicles while SUBSAFE systems remain sealed. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the Phase I results and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), the small business will develop and deliver a prototype interface for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in Phase II SOW and the Navy need to comply with current Submarine Safety requirements, while interfacing with external sensors. 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 technology to Navy use. The company will apply the knowledge gained in Phase II to further refine an advanced model/instruction, suitably packaged as defined by Navy requirements. Working with the Navy and applicable industry partners, the company will demonstrate the application with alternative wire/fiber optic-based interfaces to be implemented within shipboard and/or a land-based test site to support external interface in other applications. The company will support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use. The company shall explore the potential to transfer 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: This technology may have dual-use applicability in commercial, deep-sea exploration that use manned submersibles and remote sensors to analyze the sea bed or other deep-sea phenomenon.

REFERENCES:

1. NAVSEA 0924-062-0010 Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Requirements Manual Revision C. (Public Release version available upon request).

2. Bishop, Charles M. “Sensor dynamics of autonomous underwater gliders.” Master’s thesis, 2008. Memorial University of Newfoundland. http://research.library.mun.ca/9330.

3. Laval, Bernard,Bird, John S. and Helland, Peter D.. "An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for the Study of Small Lakes." Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, January 2000. http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/full/10.1175/1520-0426%282000%29017%3C0069%3AAAUVFT%3E2.0.CO%3B2.

4. MIL-STD-1678-6 Fiber Optic Cable Topology Installation Standard Methods for Naval Ships-

KEYWORDS: SUBSAFE interface; External sensors; Unmanned Underwater Sensors; Underwater Communications Interface; Submarine Payload Integration; Open Ocean Interface

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

N171-070

TITLE: Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of Additively Manufactured (AM) Parts

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Systems Engineering/Technical Authority (SE/TA) Operations & Maintenance, Navy (O&MN)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methodology that will enable inspection of additive manufactured (AM) parts.

DESCRIPTION: The Naval fleet suffers from long lead times to obtain replacements for broken, worn, or otherwise failed parts. Additive manufacturing (AM) technology has the potential to reduce supply chain issues and enable new designs through unique layer-by-layer fabrication capabilities. The significant advance in AM technology recently has been demonstrated in the private sector. The private sector is currently limited in its ability to inspect AM components using NDE techniques. The only techniques that have been found suitable are X-ray CT systems and the use of penetrant testing (PT) for determining surface breaking cracks. Techniques like adaptive x-rays are still in conceptual stages of development.

To enable the Navy to harness metallic AM capabilities for end-use items, the ability to inspect AM manufactured parts becomes a critical issue. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technologies have served a valuable role in quality control and testing of components in the field to determine their structural integrity. The application of NDE technologies is unique to the component being inspected and leverages decades of active contributions from a variety of sectors including defense, nuclear, and transportation to develop detailed NDE guidelines, procedures, and requirements. Parts that are made using metallic AM are uniquely difficult to inspect due to significant microstructural variability and their geometric complexities that inhibit many conventional NDE techniques such as Ultrasonic Testing, Eddy Current Testing and Acoustic Emission. The intricate link between the use of AM technology and the ability of NDE technologies to inspect AM parts is vital in moving forward toward the implementation of this new technology for Navy use. Microstructural variability is very high.

There are wide technological gaps in inspecting AM parts and there is a need to explore both the capabilities and shortcomings of currently used NDE. The technology developed under this SBIR will address the following aspects of the technological gaps outlined below.

The technological gaps for AM include the need to develop a better understanding of the influence of microstructure of the AM parts and its impact on the ability to be inspected using NDE technologies. The grain size, shape, and orientation are not well established to determine suitable techniques to inspect the components. There is a need for the development of innovative technologies that can address the issues in using conventional NDE techniques. In addition, there is a lack of understanding of the types and sizes of defects that could be critical for the functionality of AM parts. It is important to determine defects like porosity, crack, delamination, volumetric flaws and surface roughness that are commonly found in AM components and also if the sizes could be structurally critical. Due to varying degree of geometrical complexities, the conventional NDE techniques are restricted in their abilities to provide quantitative information on the defects in AM components. The geometrical complexities vary from parts that provide access to all surfaces for NDE inspection to parts where in the access to surfaces begins to narrow with embedded features in the components, thereby reducing inspectability and the application of conventional NDE techniques.