ARM26BX02-NV004 TITLE: Scalable Agile Manufacturing of Launched Effects

Description:

Award Maximum: $300,000 (Base) | Period of Performance: 6 months | Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to demonstrate mass production of launched effect airframes at high rates (objective: 10,000 / month) and low cost (objective: $2,000) while also quickly accommodating design changes.

DESCRIPTION: Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are expected to play an increasingly significant role on the future battlefield. Launched Effects (LEs) are UAS launched from a tube either from air or ground platforms and can perform a variety of missions. The attritable or optionally recoverable nature and desire for “swarming” of LEs means the Army will need large numbers of them produced at high rates and for low cost, and a rapidly changing battlefield will require an agile manufacturing process. Current airframe manufacturing approaches that use high-performance carbon fiber composite material are challenged by high material costs, long lead times on tooling, labor-intensive fabrication techniques, scaling challenges. This topic seeks to develop and demonstrate mass-manufacturing approaches for LE airframes that retain high structural efficiency and sufficient capability to operate in demanding environments. The total cost of the assembled airframe (which includes skins, stiffening elements, frames, control surfaces, bulkheads, clips, brackets, and other structural features but does not other non-structural systems) is desired to be $2,000, and the desired maximum production rate is 10,000 vehicles per month. Additionally, the manufacturing process should be modular and adaptable such that it is able to adjust to a minor design change rapidly in a matter of hours or days. Proposals should provide an overview of the entire manufacturing approach with enough detail to substantiate that the proposer has considered all pertinent aspects of the design, such as critical interfaces, space, weight and power allocations, assembly constraints, and manufacturing limitations. Considerations are expected to include balancing fabrication of components with assembly into a full airframe and may include automated techniques. LE designs should be structurally representative, and the effort should present a baseline vehicle performance to be compared to the final design performance.

PHASE I: This topic is accepting Phase I submissions for a cost limit up to $300,000 and a 1-6-month period of performance. The outcome of Phase 1 is expected to be a representative LE design and feasibility study that details how the proposed manufacturing approach achieves the desired rate, cost target, and design modularity and ability to adapt to design changes. The manufacturing approach should include fabrication and assembly processes that are already matured or sufficiently mature such that negligible development is needed during Phase 2; fabrication and assembly processes requiring significant development before they could be implemented are not desired. Documentation from prior efforts that supports the analyses used in the feasibility study is encouraged. Small-scale feasibility demonstrations may also be conducted.

PHASE II: In Phase 2, firms are expected to refine their design and manufacturing approach and conduct a manufacturing demonstration that substantiates the ability to make at least 80 articles in one week and ARMY - 23 incorporates one design change in the process. The final report shall include a detailed technical data package that documents the manufacturing processes with sufficient detail to justify the cost, manufacturing rate of 10,000 per month, and design adaptation targets.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: • The LEs manufactured using this technology can have non-military uses, such as surveillance and communication during emergency response, guarding secure installations, and border protection. • The manufacturing capability can be used to mass-produce UAS for many commercial applications, such as package delivery, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and mapping.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

DON26BZ01-NV039 — Reentry Test Body Telemetry Antenna

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Design, develop, and test a reentry body antenna or antenna system capable of transmitting high speed, real time, inflight, encrypted data. The data transmission should be in bands alternate to S band such as the K & Ka bands and communicate with geostationary satellites used as a pass-through mechanism to relay the encrypted data to ground.

DESCRIPTION: The development of a next-generation telemetry communications antenna for Navy Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) reentering test bodies is critical in advancing developmental technologies being evaluated on flight tests. While common ground tests such as wind tunnels, arc jets, and vibration provide insights into predictable reentry environments, flight testing remains the gold standard in evaluating reentry bodies (RBs) and their onboard technologies.

The current technology to monitor SLBM payloads during flight include a transmitter/receiver system between the reentry body and ground stations. Data is captured during flight and transmitted to the ground in the S band (2-4 GHz), making data transfer slower than higher frequency bands. Due to the S band being a highly populated frequency band and the power on the RB required to telemeter data in the S band back down to the ground receiver, midflight data transmission is both slow and costly. Additionally, since the transmitter/receiver system today is only between the RB and ground station, real time data transmission is lost during a portion of the flight when the RB is the furthest away from the ground, otherwise commonly known as "over the top" of the flight trajectory as well as during reentry when the body enters plasma blackout.

To solve this problem, the technology proposed should use alternate frequency bands, such as K and Ka bands (18-40 GHz) and make use of geostationary satellites as a pass-through mechanism to capture real time data from the RB and telemeter the encrypted data back down to the ground at high speeds in order to minimize data transmission latency and loss. By having real-time, high-speed data throughout the duration of flight on a flight test, the Navy can better understand technology performance throughout the various environments and environment transitions and can more effectively diagnose issues or failures resulting in faster technology maturation.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified.

PHASE I: Prepare a detailed plan to accomplish the objective to include: (1) A clear and concise definition of the problem; (2) Definition of the System Requirements; (3) Proposed technology solution; (4) Draft technology solution specification; (5) Identification of trade-off studies to be studied and how the trade studies will influence product design; (6) Optimized structural and thermal designs; (7) Detailed plan to achieve prototype development and testing; (8) Detailed plan to achieve system integration and qualification. AES256 is a standard. 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: Implement the program plan described in the Phase I deliverable. Three prototypes should be delivered. The first prototype should be able to be incorporated onto a test flight such as a sounding rocket or full scale test on a Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) platform to evaluate its performance. The second prototype will be used for destructive ground test activities required for qualification and the third prototype will be used for non-destructive ground test and qualification activities. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The final product will be an antenna or antenna system that is matured to its final form factor, qualified to Trident II D5LE environments. The product shall meet all size, weight, and power constraints for implementation onto a reentry test body. A possible non-DoW use for this effort can be improved communications for commercial space payloads in multiple bands.

KEYWORDS: Telemetry; flight test; reentry body; encrypted data transmission; high frequency data transmission; geostationary satellite; high speed data

DON26BZ01-NV038 — High-power, Long Coherence Length Blue Laser

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a blue wavelength, high-power laser with a long coherence length capable of high pulse repetition frequencies.

DESCRIPTION: In recent years, blue laser diode technology has enabled improved data storage, enhanced fluorescence imaging, metal processing, and other applications. Lasers in this wavelength band also fall within the 'optical window' of water and will experience less attenuation than other wavelength bands. The wavelength band will also experience less diffraction compared to other communication wavelengths. This SBIR topic seeks to develop a blue laser capable of high pulse repetition rates and long coherence length light while maintaining a high optical power.

Target specifications for the desired product include: High optical power output: 10 W continuous wave; Optical wavelength: 425 nm to 475 nm; Long coherence length: > 10 m; High pulse repetition frequency: > 100 MHz; Laser will need to operate continuously and reliably for lifetime of 2000 days.

PHASE I: Perform a design and materials study to assess the feasibility of the proposed technology or process to meet the target specifications listed above. A final report must include an assessment of: Preliminary design and simulation of laser technology; The size, weight, and power (SWaP) implications of the proposed technology; Pathway to meet the lifetime target specification including accelerated life testing; The scalability of the approach for low quantity prototypes, low-rate production, and full rate production. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build laser prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate the laser technology and characterize its performance against the target goals of optical power, wavelength, coherence length, pulse repetition frequency, beam quality, and continuously and reliable laser lifetime. Deliver five (5) representative lasers to the Navy at the conclusion of Phase II that can be further tested.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based on the prototypes developed in Phase II, continue development to assist the Government in integrating the technology with relevant technologies. Beyond Navy applications, the proposed laser technology will be relevant for a range of commercial and scientific applications including holography, spectroscopy, and medical sciences.

KEYWORDS: Diode laser; blue laser; fiber amplifier; pulsed laser; high power laser; coherence length

DON26BZ01-NV037 — Synthetic Alkali Atom Vapor Density for Atom-Based Sensors

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Simplify the thermal management of practical atom-based quantum sensors based on alkali atoms by creating a passive atom source operated at thermal equilibrium based on a synthetic alkali vapor density for rubidium or cesium atoms.

DESCRIPTION: Quantum sensors based on atoms offer the opportunity to produce measurements with excellent sensitivity or long-term stability, making them attractive for use in atomic clocks, magnetometers, or inertial sensors. In these sensors, the atomic vapor represents the sensing media where variations in signal magnitude from fluctuations in atom number can lead to instability or loss of sensitivity.

Many atom-based sensors rely on heavy alkali atoms, specifically rubidium and cesium. This is because of the simplified, hydrogen-like energy level structure, the availability of narrow-linewidth semiconductor diode lasers on the relevant D1 (795/895 nm) and D2 (780/852 nm) transitions, the accessibility of commercial microwave electronics at the 3-10 GHz hyperfine splittings, and the ease of production of vapor phase atoms at modest temperatures.

Active approaches to alkali regulation have been demonstrated to manipulate the vapor to a non-equilibrium state. These approaches involve forced chemical reactions, intercalated graphite, alkali impregnated materials glasses. In each case, a feedback loop must respond to measurements of the vapor density, leading to extra sensor complexity.

An equilibrium vapor density represents the simplest atom source which can be synthetically adjusted to an elevated temperature through a mixture. Here, a primary species mixed with a secondary species reduces the equilibrium vapor density of both species by the mixing ratio following Raoult's Law. Such an approach can be applied to laser-cooled systems in addition to vapor cells to enable equilibrium operation at elevated system temperature, providing tight thermal regulation at low power.

PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate a method to produce a predetermined mixture of primary and secondary alkali species allowing for reduction of equilibrium vapor density of the primary species. Mixtures consistent with supporting laser cooling at elevated temperatures from 30-85°C should be demonstrated corresponding to ~10-10,000× reductions in the primary species. Spectroscopic determinations of the primary species density in the mixture should be evaluated against unmixed samples of the primary alkali species. In the Phase I Option, if exercised, stability of the mixtures against thermal cycling should be demonstrated.

PHASE II: Produce mixtures capable of supporting laser cooling and trapping at elevated temperatures over the 30-85°C range. Mixtures will be produced in or transferred into chambers that support optical access, magnetic fields, and ultra-high vacuum conditions compatible with atom trapping for evaluation. In addition, atom trapping performance will be evaluated to determine number of atoms and loading time constant at a range of temperatures around the target temperature. Deliver at a minimum three (3) samples (containing > 1 mg each) of the atom-trapping material in a proposed delivery mechanism to the Navy at the conclusion of Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based on the demonstrations and continual advancement of laser cooling technologies, the atom source should lead to dramatic improvements in the SWaP of cold atom systems. Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. The end product technology could be leveraged to adapt atom-based sensors to a variety of thermal environments to support biomedical, communications, and navigation applications.

KEYWORDS: Quantum sensing, magneto-optical trap, atom source, atomic clock, atom interferometer, atomic magnetometer

DON26BZ01-NV036 — Solid-Fuel Rotating Detonation Ramjet (SF-RDR) for High-Speed Propulsion

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a throttleable solid-fuel Rotating Detonation Ramjet Engine (SFRDE) system by integrating a controllable gas generator to precisely regulate fuel supply, enabling stable and efficient Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) operation.

DESCRIPTION: The Department of Navy (DON) seeks innovative solid-fuel detonation-based propulsion solutions that can deliver superior performance and operational flexibility. The RDE is a promising candidate to replace current constant-pressure combustion systems, due to its high-thermal efficiency, wide-operating Mach range, short combustion time, and small volume. However, to fully realize the benefits of an RDE for naval applications, particularly in the context of ramjet operation, the ability to operate an RDE on solid fuels and precisely control thrust output is crucial.

To date, RDEs have been demonstrated to operate at ramjet relevant conditions; however, the applicability of RDEs to ramjet cycles has largely focused on the use of gaseous or liquid fuels. The use of solid fuels in RDEs presents additional complexities. Fuel formulations must be carefully tailored to provide detonable fuel at ramjet relevant temperatures. The use of a gas generator to provide the combustible mixture could potentially lead to solid particles clogging the fuel injectors.

The proposed research should address the following two key areas to achieve a throttleable SFRDE: (1) Throttleable Gas Generator Development — Design and develop a compact, lightweight, and throttleable gas generator capable of precisely controlling the flow rate and composition of the fuel and/or oxidizer supplied to the RDE; (2) Combustion Chamber Design — Optimize the rotating detonation engine combustion chamber design for stable rotating detonation wave propagation and efficient mixing of the gas generator's output with the primary oxidizer stream.

PHASE I: Design, develop, and demonstrate: (1) a throttleable gas generator subsystem and (2) that the gas generator provides a combustible mixture detonable at ramjet relevant temperatures. Solutions are preferred that are capable of demonstrating a subscale SFRDE system with the throttleable gas generator. Demonstrations should achieve sustained detonation operation for nominal durations of 0.5 to 3.0 seconds after reaching steady state.

PHASE II: Develop and fabricate a tactical-scale prototype of a throttleable SFRDE. Performance and operation will be demonstrated under ramjet-relevant conditions during ground-test. The ground-test campaign nominally will characterize performance across throttle settings, including thrust, specific impulse, combustion efficiency, and response time. Awardee(s) should provide a manufacturing readiness assessments and initial cost estimates of Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further improve the SFRDE system and expand on the experimental demonstration for Navy-relevant conditions and vehicle geometries. If supported by transition partners, Phase III may include development of flight-representative hardware or subcomponents and associated validation for integration into a future flight demonstration. The commercial potential of this device lies in the component fabrication and potential secondary applications. The sub-systems and technologies developed could be used across a broad range of power-generation, thermal management, and aerospace applications. The system has applicability to energy production research and development efforts ongoing in RDEs by industry and government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Energy.

KEYWORDS: Solid Fuel; Rotating Detonation Engine; Gas Generator; Detonation; High-Speed Propulsion; Ramjet

DON26BZ01-NV035 — Integrated Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization Framework for Hypersonic Boost-Glide Weapons

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an integrated multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization (MDAO) framework for hypersonic boost-glide weapons that enables concurrent optimization of vehicle geometry, mission trajectory, and control strategy by leveraging existing modeling tools, incorporating reduced-order models, applying artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to accelerate design and reduce computational cost, and providing early insights into system cost estimation, manufacturability, and technology development roadmaps.

DESCRIPTION: The Department of the Navy (DON) requires advanced simulation and optimization capabilities to accelerate the conceptual design and mission planning of hypersonic boost-glide weapons. These systems must deliver long-range strike capabilities, survive extreme thermal and structural environments, and maintain maneuverability for terminal effectiveness against defended targets. Designing such vehicles is highly complex due to the strong coupling between aerodynamic heating, structural loading, control authority, system mass, and mission trajectory.

Conventional design approaches treat these disciplines in isolation and in sequence, often resulting in suboptimal performance, prolonged development timelines, and increased costs. MDAO methods offer a more integrated approach, enabling concurrent consideration of key factors and improved trade space exploration. However, coupling high-fidelity models across multiple domains creates significant computational challenges. Practical MDAO frameworks must incorporate reduced-order models, surrogate approximations, and robust optimization techniques that balance computational efficiency and modeling accuracy.

This SBIR topic seeks innovative tools and methods that support an integrated MDAO framework for the design and optimization of hypersonic boost-glide weapons. Proposals should demonstrate capabilities in the following areas: Aerodynamic and trimmed flight analysis; Aerothermal modeling; Structural analysis; Mass properties and internal system layout; Trajectory and control optimization; System-level integration into an existing or proposed MDAO architecture such as ADAPT or OpenMDAO; Uncertainty quantification and robust optimization; AI/ML methods to accelerate convergence, construct reduced-order models, support adaptive sampling, and enable data-driven design exploration.

PHASE I: Develop a prototype MDAO framework for hypersonic boost-glide weapons. Integrate key modules and demonstrate coupling with existing architectures such as ADAPT or OpenMDAO. Apply the framework to optimize a representative boost-glide vehicle, capturing control surface deflection effects and geometric deformations over a notional trajectory. Evaluate computational efficiency, model fidelity, and extensibility. Prepare a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop a fully integrated MDAO framework that enables co-design of vehicle geometry, trajectory, and control strategies for hypersonic boost-glide weapons. Incorporate launch platform constraints and model in-flight geometric deformations, control surface deflections, and effects such as ablation. Demonstrate manufacturability and cost-informed design on a non-canonical configuration. Leverage AI/ML to accelerate optimization, support surrogate modeling, and enable adaptive, data-driven design exploration. Validate the framework on realistic scenarios and implement workflow automation.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition the MDAO framework and supporting modules to practical applications within the Department of War and commercial aerospace sectors. Conduct extensive validation and optimization across a broad range of hypersonic vehicle configurations and flight conditions. Support integration into existing design and analysis workflows. Collaborate with industry and DOW stakeholders to ensure compliance with deployment standards. Develop comprehensive training materials, user documentation, and technical support resources.

KEYWORDS: Hypersonics; Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis, and Optimization; MDAO; Computational Fluid Dynamics; Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning; AI/ML; Software Tools; Aerodynamics

DON26BZ01-NV034 — Effects of Additive Loading on Electromagnetic Properties in 3D Printing

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Assess the effects of additives into 3D-printed input materials that are structurally and thermally viable for weapon system components, to determine the changes to electromagnetic (EM) properties that can be achieved based on how the additives change the material properties of 3D printed materials, and changes required to the 3D-printing process to ensure sufficient additive concentration to achieve relevant EM property changes. The end goal of this research is to establish what EM behavior effects are possible with relevant material properties for weapon systems and what additive composition are needed to obtain them. An initial use case of an antenna radome for a weapon system navigation receiver will be explored.

DESCRIPTION: Many different 3D printing techniques are currently employed today and the use of this technology has progressed from niche, one-off manufacturing to producing large components, printing directly onto complex-shaped objects, and even mass manufacture. The majority of the printing that is performed, however, focuses on pure polymer materials. There is a need to develop technologies to attenuate electromagnetic (EM) radiation for relevant purposes specific to many military applications.

Pure polymer materials traditionally used for 3D printing do not attenuate Radio Frequency (RF) and are often transparent to key frequencies. The incorporation of additives into the polymer input materials can change the EM properties of the bulk material as evidenced by initial research by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. The work in this SBIR topic is meant to determine what EM attenuation behaviors are possible with the incorporation of additives, for materials intended for use in relevant environments. This includes analyzing changes to the physical properties of the produced materials to determine how the thermal and mechanical properties as well as the printability of the materials are affected.

PHASE I: Produce additive incorporated 3D-material substrates and conducting characterization of the electromagnetic changes. (Note: The form of the materials will depend on the printing techniques employed, but could include filaments, powders, or resin materials, selected based on applicability to the expected operating environment for weapon system antenna radome.)

PHASE II: Print antenna radome representative samples with different additives and additive concentrations to assess the EM property control potential along with structural and thermal performance. Impacts to the printing process will also be assessed to determine if modifications to 3D printer software/hardware are required to reach full benefit.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Print a full-scale antenna radome prototype, with additive selection and concentration, to meet specified performance parameters for frequency transmission and rejection. Antenna radome prototypes will be characterized for EM, structural, and thermal performance prior to testing an actual weapon system. Rapid printing of prototypes using validated material specifications and printing methodologies will also be conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of in-theater replacement part manufacture with modified EM response characteristics. A dual use application would be antenna radome designs that provide a high rejection, tight bandpass to mitigate non-desired frequency interference.

KEYWORDS: Additive; Manufacturing; Electromagnetic Properties; EM; 3D Print; Nanomaterials; Transparency; Reflection; Emission

DON26BZ01-NV033 — Applied Neuroanalytics for Optimization of Naval Training and Operational Readiness

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a neuro-enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) system that captures, analyzes, and operationalizes neurophysiological and behavioral data to provide near real-time, adaptive feedback for improved training efficiency, performance, and operational readiness of U.S. Navy personnel.

DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Navy Force Design 2045 (CNO NavPlan 2024) highlights the importance of the warfighter and human-machine teaming in the future fight, emphasizing the criticality of developing high-performing teams and leaders that are resilient, adaptable, and warrior tough while supporting an increasingly hybrid Fleet of manned assets augmented with thousands of unmanned assets. The future fight will likely require operators to: digest and synthesize large amounts of data from an extensive network of humans and machines; make decisions more rapidly due to advances in AI, enhanced connectivity, and autonomous weaponry; and oversee a greater number and types of robotics, including swarms.

Traditional training paradigms typically neglect real-time measurement and integration of cognitive and physiological performance states (e.g., mental effort, task engagement, lapses and slips of attention, complacency, mental fatigue, and stress). Emerging technologies for advanced data analytics grounded in neuroscience provide new capability that can enhance warfighter development and mission success by embedding neurofeedback into live and synthetic Naval training environments.

The U.S. Navy seeks to identify a major step forward in neuro-enhanced AI systems to reduce time-to-proficiency and predict Sailor readiness within the unique maritime military environment. This envisioned capability will leverage and further develop Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) neurotechnologies along with complimentary biosensors (e.g., electrocardiography [ECG], electromyography [EMG], eye tracking) and behavioral monitoring tools for Navy-specific use cases.

This SBIR topic will prioritize two key demonstrated factors: (1) the ability to collect neural, physiological, and behavioral data in parallel with operators using a desktop or higher fidelity simulator; and (2) the ability to analyze and interact with that data, both in near real-time and post-hoc, using an advanced language-understanding system coupled with an extensive foundational model of the human psychophysiology and/or behavior to provide feedback.

PHASE I: Design and validate a strategy for integrating the neuro-enhanced AI system with existing Navy training architectures. Define and characterize mission-relevant cognitive states predictive of optimal warfighter performance. Develop a system architecture that fuses neurophysiological, behavioral, and mission/environmental data for predictive insight. Deliver system architecture documentation, a feasibility analysis, a preliminary data model for cognitive and physiological performance state prediction, and a prototype development roadmap for Phase II.

PHASE II: Build and demonstrate a working prototype of the system integrated within a Navy-relevant training environment. Instrument a Naval operational team (e.g., aircrew, ship bridge) for real-time neurophysiological data collection and adaptive training response. Implement a neuro-enhanced advanced language understanding system for AI-driven coaching. Deliver an IRB application/approval; a cybersecurity and RMF compliance report; data strategy documentation; a live data collection event demonstrating improvements in performance and mission readiness; updated data exchange framework using API or Navy-compliant standards.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Validate system effectiveness for improving warfighter performance and readiness; demonstrate adaptive capabilities with AI-based recommendations; achieve authority to operate (ATO) with Navy training platform(s). Validated capabilities will be relevant for Naval Aviation, Surface Fleet Training, Submarine Operations, Medical Teams Afloat, and Special Operations Forces. Commercial applications include aviation, e-sports, medical simulation, and elite training environments where human performance optimization is critical.

KEYWORDS: Neuroanalytics; Human Performance; Predictive Analytics; Brain-Computer Interface (BCI); AI-Enabled Coaching; Real-Time Training Adaptation; Cognitive Load Monitoring; Aircrew Readiness; Adaptive Learning; Large Language Model; NAVAIR; NAWCTSD

DON26BZ01-NV032 — Automated Assessment and Adaptive Training for Simulated Fire Support Coordination

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop training tools that assess individual performance in a scenario-based fire support simulator and adapt instruction/scenarios based on that assessment without the need of an instructor in the loop.

DESCRIPTION: Recent Marine Corps publications have emphasized that effective fires employment remains a critical element of Marine Corps lethality and readiness. Fire support coordination (FSC) is the complex process of planning, integrating, and synchronizing the delivery of indirect fires (e.g., artillery, mortars) and close air support (CAS) to assist maneuver forces on the battlefield. At the company level, fire support is executed by a Fire Support Team (FiST) composed of several members, such as a FiST lead, Forward Observer (FO), Fire Support Officer (FSO), Joint Forward Observer (JFO), and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).

Simulation-based training is available at a few designated locations, but these events require substantial instructor support to simulate different roles across multiple fires agencies and platforms. Live-fire Integrated Training Exercises (ITX) are costly, time and manpower intensive, occur infrequently, and have safety and external agency constraints. Furthermore, both simulated and live training environments require instructors to observe and assess performance with no automated assessment tooling. Across live and simulated events, these assessments are often not standardized and are subjective in nature, limiting opportunities for systematic assessment at the team or individual level.

Marines need a capability to assess foundational skills in their individual roles (crawl phase) that is embedded within a realistic fires simulator without requiring instructor facilitation or a full complement of FiST members. Automated assessment within the simulator allows for more objective-based metrics of performance and diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses of individual trainees.

Simulation solutions must communicate via standard federated simulation protocols (e.g., DIS6/7, HLA RPR FOM). Preference is given to proposals that incorporate or interoperate with existing and/or approved DOW simulation platforms with existing Authority To Operate (ATO) documentation for USMC.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a scenario-based fire support simulation for individual FiST members that incorporates embedded assessment and adaptive training capabilities without the need for an instructor present. The focus of Phase I is developing and demonstrating an individual training solution for a FiST lead while also developing the broader concept for the remaining FiST individual roles. The concept shall include: (1) specific plans for how fundamental skills will be assessed at an individual FiST member level within the simulation and how the simulation will adapt based on the embedded performance assessment; (2) an evaluation plan to determine the validity of the assessments and training effectiveness.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype for a scenario-based fire support simulation that incorporates embedded assessment and adaptive training capabilities without the need for an instructor or role players present for the FiST lead role. Develop a plan to expand the assessment and adaptive training capabilities for additional roles in the FiST. Conduct validation of assessments with appropriate end users with coordination assistance from ONR. Produce deliverables including: (1) a working prototype with performance data output; (2) supporting software documentation; (3) an assessment validation report; (4) plans for expanding the assessment and training capabilities to new roles within the FiST.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Focus on broadening capabilities of the training prototype to support additional roles, mission types, and fire support capabilities (e.g., loitering munitions, UAS, etc.). Applications for dual-use include simulation-based individual and team assessments for training, such as law enforcement and air traffic controllers.

KEYWORDS: Assessment; embedded assessment; adaptive training; fire support; simulation-based training; scenario-based training

DON26BZ01-NV031 — Tele-Operated/Autonomous Mechatronic Vehicle Kits for Use In Mixed Disaster Environments

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Create a mechatronic kit (roughly 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, 3 feet high, and weighing 220 pounds) with parts that can be easily swapped and reconfigured – including motors, sensors, and software – so that small teams can quickly build and change the mechatronic system in the field to handle many different tasks.

DESCRIPTION: First responder teams are small and have many tasks. Mechatronic solutions could help, but current solutions suffer from key shortfalls: They are an overly special purpose, limited in broad utility; They lack common architecture, and cannot be repurposed or decomposed/recomposed for easy transport and repair; They cannot be physically combined for additional power, speed or endurance; Many key prime mover components are not manufactured in the United States.

This topic aims to create mechatronic prototypes that first responders can build in the field from basic parts (like frames, motors, computers, and controls). These mechatronic systems will be easy to customize for different needs. Preconfigured applications could include: Simple logistics support (e.g., carrying, loading, unloading); Intermediate applications (e.g., inspection, search and recovery); Advanced capabilities (e.g., waterproof, fire resistant, cold tolerant).

This topic aims to develop an open-ended physical architecture like an "Erector Set" with potential for endless variation.

PHASE I: Identify and design a prime mover configuration (such as electric brushless DC hub motors with Electronic Speed Control (ESC)) suitable for powering a variety of mechatronic systems with the following characteristics: Rapid installation and removal; "Stackable" or arrangeable for higher power applications; Adaptable to track drives, direct wheel drives, gear trains, power take-offs (PTOs), propulsion shafts or other motive configurations; Domestically manufactured. Define and develop a suitable standard, material and configuration for structural purposes with the following characteristics: Wide discretion in final configuration; Ease of assembly/disassembly; Folds, collapses or breaks down into minimal space; Able to host sensors and/or payloads. Prototype desired.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype kit that resembles an erector set with multiple options for field construction of useful small mechatronic systems for logistics, security, surveillance and force projection at remote installations by small groups of first responders. Develop prototype configurable U/Is that controls mechatronic vehicles/devices and allow for easy customizability by the first responders. Threshold: deliver 10 kits; objective: deliver 32 kits.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Product has utility to a wider group of users including: Joint users, law enforcement, security forces, homeland security and other users with similar mission sets; The development of an industry-recognized construction standard for small and mid-sized customized mechatronic systems; STEM, academic research activities, hobbyists and industrial partners who are transitioning from sub-scale to intermediate mechatronic systems.

KEYWORDS: Mechatronic; Automation; Robotics; Modularity; Flexible; Configurable

DON26BZ01-NV030 — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Additive Manufacturing (AM)

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Automate additive manufacturing (AM) through advanced computational techniques (i.e., artificial intelligence and machine learning [AI/ML], digital twins, etc.) to select optimal materials and manufacturing parameters to meet mission requirements in terms of component performance.

DESCRIPTION: AM has enabled new designs and rapid fabrication. However, there are no automatic tools available to computationally link across build platform to part performance. This SBIR topic seeks to leverage AI/ML, digital twins, and process simulation to select optimal materials and manufacturing parameters to meet rapidly changing mission requirements. A user should be able to input material type, part geometry, and AM system details into the prototype tools to automatically generate optimized build parameters along with accurate mechanical performance predictions.

While some tools in the current market can address part of this need, none are known which can integrate across the entire material lifecycle from pre-build to performance in a single ready-to-use package. The focus of this effort will be investigating legacy parts (i.e., obsolete castings and forgings) which need rapid production to avoid long lead times. Leveraging physics-informed AI/ML technologies and digital twins to optimize printing based on geometry and material properties will mitigate build defects and reduce post-processing while enabling performance prediction.

From a technical standpoint, the prototype tool(s) developed under this topic should seamlessly integrate across the component lifecycle, from initial design (or reverse engineering) to build parameter optimization to mechanical performance prediction in structural metals, to enable the user to accurately fabricate mission-critical components. The tool(s) must be part and AM build system agnostic to ensure scalability to multiple locations across the Navy's manufacturing enterprise with various materials, systems, and performance requirements.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept which leverages AI/ML, digital twins, and process simulation to select optimal materials and manufacturing parameters to meet rapidly changing mission requirements. Perform modeling and simulation with pointed physical testing for validation on a single component to demonstrate feasibility of the proposed concept. Required Phase I deliverables will include a report on how the proposed concept will be expanded should the proposer be awarded a Phase II contract.

PHASE II: Expand the concept into full prototype tool development and validation using at least two additional components of different material classes and AM build systems. Demonstrate reduction in material fabrication time through automatic parameter generation while also reducing defect rates and material waste. Required Phase II deliverables will include: (a) A report on how the proposed concept can be expanded to other materials and systems; (b) Production of prototype tool(s) ready for delivery and demonstration at two U.S. Navy affiliated facilities.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Delivery of the final prototype tool(s) to U.S. Navy facilities will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed solutions. Follow-on demonstrations to non-Navy participants will enable other DOW, DoE, government, and industry partners to view the solution and continue transition to other facilities. The expectation is that the tool(s) will be leveraged by any organization in need of efficient digital tools to predict component performance based on manufacturing details.

KEYWORDS: Additive Manufacturing; AM; Artificial Intelligence; AI; Machine Learning; ML; AI/ML; Digital Twin

DON26BZ01-NV029 — Low Cost Malleable Metastructure Adherents for Maritime Environments

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a material with the ability to rapidly and cost effectively produce metastructures or frequency selective surfaces which can be adhered to naval assets or similar systems (e.g., apertures, super-structures substructures, deployable, etc.).

DESCRIPTION: Several industries and Department of War (DOW) systems rely on Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS), metastructures, or comparable materials to protect critical assets, including communications, radar, and Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) systems. Similar materials are also used as protective coatings for Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems—particularly in airborne and maritime applications—where they are consistently challenged by harsh maritime environments.

Furthermore, the manufacturing and application of these materials are often considered expensive, time-consuming, and technically demanding due to platform-specific requirements. Recent constraints within the industrial base—such as the reduced availability of certain materials like CFC resins and polymers—have further exacerbated production challenges.

This SBIR topic seeks to develop alternative solutions that offer frequency selectivity, moldability (to conform to existing superstructures, substructures, or complex geometries), and resilience to maritime environments. The reduction in availability and manufacturability of certain composites—due to regulatory restrictions or hazardous byproducts—has created an urgent need to pursue viable alternatives. Operating apertures across multiple frequency octaves remains a significant challenge for manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The primary objective of this SBIR effort is to develop a material capable of broadband performance—defined here as the ability to provide frequency response across multiple octaves compared to existing materials. Specifically, the solution should: (1) demonstrate through-performance (S21) in a near-field environment across multiple frequency octaves; (2) operate effectively across multiple bands of the EO/IR spectrum; (3) adhere to materials with sharp angles and varied geometries; (4) be capable of long-term storage without degradation; (5) withstand at least five years in a maritime environment without significant performance degradation (defined as <0.5 dB variance); (6) be rapidly applied to a surface with minimal preparation, achieving adherence in less than 24 hours; (7) demonstrate a reduction in abatement of signal return in multiple bands; (8) demonstrate that at scale the production cost can be lower than production of existing materials.

PHASE I: (1) Material Concept Evaluation — Investigate and identify novel materials or coatings capable of providing broadband frequency selectivity across RF, microwave, and EO/IR domains; (2) Environmental Compatibility Assessment — Assess the proposed material's theoretical or lab-based resistance to maritime environmental stressors; (3) Geometric and Structural Adaptability — Demonstrate initial feasibility for adherence or conformability of materials to complex substructures and geometries; (4) Initial Performance Modeling — Develop simulation-based predictions or benchtop validations of frequency performance across multiple octaves; (5) Risk and Mitigation Planning — Identify potential risks and propose mitigation strategies for eventual shipboard or airborne qualification.

PHASE II: (1) Prototype Fabrication — Design, manufacture, and deliver functional prototype(s); (2) Performance Validation Across Frequency Bands — Validate the prototype's frequency-selective behavior through laboratory and controlled-environment testing; (3) EO/IR Performance Characterization — Conduct EO/IR transmission testing; (4) Environmental Endurance Testing — Evaluate long-term durability under simulated maritime conditions; (5) Rapid Application Demonstration — Demonstrate field-level application procedures confirming surface adherence with minimal preparation and application time under 24 hours; (6) Platform Integration Assessment — Assess integration potential with at least one DOW-relevant application.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: (1) Qualification for Operational Platforms; (2) Transition to DOW Programs of Record; (3) Production Scale-Up and Cost Reduction; (4) Commercial Dual-Use Expansion — including broadband antennas, protective camera housings, or telecom equipment enclosures; (5) Sustainment and Lifecycle Support Plan.

KEYWORDS: Frequency Selective Surfaces, Metastructures, Engineered Materials, Coatings, Metamaterials, Phase Changing Materials

DON26BZ01-NV028 — Overlay/Bond Coatings that Resist Hot Corrosion in Navy Gas Turbines

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop overlay or bond coatings and a coating model that enables longer service and prediction of corrosion, oxidation and overall degradation when exposed to marine Naval environments as a function of corrosivity, stress, and various temperature combinations via integrated computational material engineering (ICME), which will foster creation of new coatings resistant to these degradation modes.

DESCRIPTION: Marine gas turbine engines serve as primary and auxiliary power sources for several current classes of ships in the U.S. Navy. It is desirable for marine gas turbine engines to have a mean time between removals of 20,000 hours. While some engines have approached this goal, others have fallen significantly short. The main reason for this shortfall is various forms of hot corrosion (Type I and Type II) damage in the hot section turbine hardware due to intrusion of salts from the marine air and/or from sulfur in the gas turbine combustion fuels.

The synergistic effect of stress- and deposit-induced high temperature corrosion can lead to other corrosion mechanisms. Corrosion fatigue as well as fatigue often initiates at stress risers. The CoCrAlY coating, when present, usually was porous or the available coating under the platform was highly contaminated due to lack of adequate spray deposition in these non-line-of-sight areas.

The synergistic effect of stress- and deposit-induced high temperature corrosion leads to the premature failure of aero turbine blades reportedly due to stress corrosion cracking. Two important factors that lead to stress corrosion cracking of single crystal nickel-based superalloys are the type of deposits that form on components and the concentration of SOx in the environment.

PHASE I: Demonstrate an understanding of what differences and influences exist between aviation and marine propulsion. Determine the mechanism for the observed corrosion at 500°-550°C. If stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is the prevalent corrosion mechanism, determine the interplay with NaCl, Na2SO4, SOx, and stress. Initiate correlations that should begin to formulate the ICME model framework to create a coating that would avoid reactions leading to SCC. Perform a short-term (~200 hours) high temperature test to validate the feasibility of the ICME model.

PHASE II: The ICME framework shall be further expanded to include compatibility of the TBC to different bond coats as well as further development, modification, and maturation of the ICME model. Collaboration with coating and engine gas turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is encouraged. Coatings on several alloys shall be tested to determine coating compatibility and assess the impact of coatings on alloy substrate properties in a burner-rig or similar test environment that includes salt ingestion. The expected deliverables will be: (1) optimized coating corrosion resistance to SCC for a given set of alloys and (2) an ICME-derived model that would predict and assist in the development of future overlay or bond coats to minimize SCC in gas turbine that are compatible with multiple alloy substrates.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The ICME model will be further developed and matured through the expansion of bond coat/overlay coat chemistry and structure with the selected strategies to mitigate salt interaction that could lead to SCC. Engage with a gas turbine engine OEM to have an appropriate bond coat-TBC system applied on select static and/or rotating engine components of a current Navy engine. Successful development of better coatings for the current alloys, capable of extended service in the highly corrosive Naval operating environment, should enable subsequent use in commercial applications such as cargo ships, cruise ships, ferries, and tankers.

KEYWORDS: Hot Corrosion, Stress Corrosion Cracking, Environmental-Induced Cracking, Corrosion Fatigue, Gas Turbines, Superalloys

DON26BZ01-NV027 — Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a prototype for a system that integrates information on sea ice conditions from a diverse set of sources, including shipboard instruments, airborne and spaceborne sensors, and sea ice model output, to yield optimized route options as a planning aid for navigation through ice-infested waters in polar regions.

DESCRIPTION: Recent trends of warming in the Arctic have led to a steady decrease in the extent of multi-year sea ice, a corresponding increase in seasonal sea ice, and an overall lengthening of the navigable season, thereby making the Arctic increasingly open to maritime traffic. Vessels operating in and near sea ice must make navigation decisions that balance the capabilities of the ship with the objectives of their voyage. Such route planning is complicated by the dynamic nature of sea ice, as it is subject to movements caused by a number of factors such as the Beaufort Gyre, transpolar drift, and weather events. A system capable of aiding navigation teams in route planning based on ice observations and forecasts over time scales on the order of hours to days is essential for safe navigation through polar regions.

Currently, ice navigation relies heavily on manual processes. A majority of route planning information comes from satellite imagery, either optical or synthetic aperture radar (SAR), or from forecast information from entities like the U.S. National Ice Center. Current ice forecasts do not always adequately account for projected ice movement over the next 12-96 hours, which is crucial for effective route planning.

The goal of this SBIR topic is to develop a prototype tool that helps ships make safe navigation decisions in the Arctic. The tool should leverage established ice prediction models and incorporate other available sources to assimilate models and improve forecasts. These additional sources may include: Onboard sensors (Radar, thermal cameras, and microwave sensors on the ship); Aircraft sensors on airplanes and unmanned aerial systems (if available); Satellites (Optical and SAR data, dynamically updated with every new overpass); Iceberg records (Historical data on where icebergs have been seen/located).

The envisioned product is a geographic-information-system-based tool that uses artificial intelligence, first-principles algorithms, and automated data processing schemes to combine information from the above sources, update model-based predictions, provide 12–96-hour sea ice forecasts, and suggest potential navigation routes. Route options should consider vessel specifications, such as ice resistance characteristics and fuel consumption rate, and provide options for fastest route to destination, shortest route to destination, route with minimal wear/tear on vessel and crew, and maximum safe speed based on ship hull type/construction.

PHASE I: Draft a conceptual framework for dynamic route planning based on sea ice characterization and forecasts from data fused and integrated from disparate sources. Define and develop in detail the concept and methodologies for extracting and combining data from diverse sources. Prepare a report containing preliminary results of retrieving sea ice characteristics using fused multimodal satellite imagery, a framework for improving predictions through assimilation of data from diverse sources, and a framework for dynamic route planning. If the Phase I Option is exercised, carry out a simple demonstration using multi-temporal and sequential datasets from multiple satellites and/or in situ measurements and modeled sea ice predictions for a specific region.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype data analysis and route planning software tool that can be tested operationally on a vessel and is in the form of a standalone system with a display interface showing the latest satellite imagery of the ocean in the vicinity of the vessel. This prototype should be able to connect to data streams from instruments onboard the vessel, near-real-time satellite data, and sea ice model output; produces nowcasts and 12-96-hour forecasts of sea ice conditions; and provides multiple route options for navigation, optimized for the fastest route, shortest route, the most fuel-efficient route, or the route with the least ice encounter.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop the prototype into a commercial tool for integration onto a U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker or an ice-hardened Navy vessel. The tool will also find its use in commercial industries such as shipping, fishing, and tourism in the polar regions.

KEYWORDS: Polar navigation; artificial intelligence/machine learning; AI/ML; sea ice forecast; route planning; satellite imagery; data fusion; Arctic; Antarctic; ice identification; ice classification; ice prediction; Meteorology and Oceanography; METOC; remote sensing; modeling; shipboard sensors; human-machine interface; big data

DON26BZ01-NV026 — Passive-Active Combo System for Unmanned Characterization of Littoral Environments

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a lightweight, integrated passive imaging and LiDAR system, deployable on an unmanned aerial platform for target detection, feature characterization, and bathymetry retrieval in littoral environments. The system should be light enough for deployment from a Group 2 (max. gross takeoff weight: 21 – 55 lbs.) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

DESCRIPTION: Achieving and maintaining maritime dominance in the coastal battlespace requires the Navy and Marine Corps to have superior situational awareness. A key component of this dominance is the ability to rapidly characterize shallow, nearshore environments in real-time using agile, unmanned aerial platforms. To this end, a system is needed that provides (1) bathymetry retrieval; (2) detection and discrimination of underwater targets; and (3) characterization of the land-ocean interface (i.e., surface type, topography, and shallow-water bathymetry).

Current UAV-based shallow water and littoral zone characterization relies on either (1) passive imagers alone or (2) bathymetric LiDAR systems deployed on larger airborne platforms or in separate missions. While passive imagers effectively characterize surface features, bathymetric LiDAR is necessary for bathymetry retrieval and underwater target detection. Simultaneous deployment of both a high-performance passive imager and a bathymetric LiDAR on a Group 2 UAV is challenging due to payload weight limitations.

One potential solution is a system that can accommodate a passive imager and a dual-wavelength LiDAR that operates at two wavelengths – one where light penetrates deep into the water column and another with very little to no penetration into the water column – which can be used to effectively discriminate between LiDAR returns from the water surface and the substrate.

The system should provide rapid onboard processing of passive spectral and LiDAR data and real-time downlink of preliminary output to a ground station. The output should include a true-color composite of the target area, a topo-bathy map, a target detection map, and a terrain characterization map. The system should provide the above information for coastal waters up to 20 meters depth in moderately turbid waters (diffuse attenuation coefficient at 490 nm, Kd(490) ˜ 2-4 m-1).

PHASE I: Develop a preliminary observing system simulation experiment to simulate optical and spectral models for the combined passive imaging and LiDAR system. Perform sensitivity analysis of system performance for a range of design configurations under varying conditions of turbidity and optical complexity of shallow water environments. Conduct a feasibility study for the proposed system. Provide a report of the feasibility study and an initial layout of the proposed system design.

PHASE II: Develop the prototype based on optimal design configurations determined from the Phase I feasibility study. Finalize the approach for exploiting spectral information from the passive imager and combining spectral information with LiDAR returns for retrieval of three-dimensional bathymetry and characterization of the water column and the nearshore terrain. Limited demonstrations of the prototype are also required.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Upon successful demonstration of the prototype in Phase II, the system shall be flight-tested, developed into a commercial product against existing requirements of the Navy's Airborne Littoral Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and the Marine Corps' Standoff Explosive Detection System for operational coastal characterization and mine detection for transition consideration. Blue-green LiDAR serves environmental monitoring, underwater mapping, and marine ecology purposes.

KEYWORDS: Passive + active imaging system; topo-bathy LiDAR; mine detection; coastal characterization; unmanned aerial systems; nearshore bathymetry

DON26BZ01-NV025 — Leveraging Machine Learning for Advanced Passive Sonar Tracking

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop advanced automation to detect, locate, classify, and correlate contacts across multiple sonar sensors and multiple display surfaces.

DESCRIPTION: Passive sonar systems employ a standardized signal processing pipeline to track, classify, and localize underwater contacts. This automated process, often referred to as "automation," begins after front-end processing generates visual displays for sonar operator analysis and automated processing. Existing algorithms that track energy signatures on these displays typically include Kalman filters, probabilistic multi-hypothesis trackers, and particle filters. However, these traditional tracking methods, as implemented in current operational systems, often fail to fully leverage the potential of modern machine learning techniques. This SBIR topic seeks to incorporate cutting-edge machine learning technologies into passive sonar processing to significantly improve tracking, classification, fusion, and localization of current anti-submarine warfare passive sonar systems.

Targeted Improvement metrics include: Tracking — Increase Hold Time Ratio (Threshold: 10%, Objective: 20%); Tracking — Reduce Time to Detect (Threshold: 10%, Objective: 20%); Classification — Increase Probability of Correct Classification (Threshold: 10%, Objective: 15%); Classification — Reduce Probability of False Alerts (Threshold: 10%, Objective: 15%); Track Fusion — Increase Probability of Correct Association (Threshold: 15%, Objective: 20%); Localization — Reduce Area of Uncertainty (Threshold: 15%, Objective: 20%).

Work produced in Phase II may become classified.

PHASE I: Develop algorithms that improve sonar automation for tracking, localization, classification, and multi-sensor fusion. The approach will reduce the burden of operators to maintain and promote tracks and be supported by theory.

PHASE II: Implement the proposed approach in a simulated environment (e.g., MATLAB) and demonstrate stated performance using government-provided data from a Navy sonar system. Important metrics will be, but not limited to, probability of correct association, hold time ratio, time to track, and probability of correct classification. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support transition to Navy use. This effort is anticipated to have dual-use applications in commercial surveillance systems with towed arrays or ISR uncrewed aerial vehicles.

KEYWORDS: Multi-sensor data fusion, operator workload reduction, advanced automation

DON26BZ01-NV024 — 3D-Heterogeneously Integrated Photonic (HIP) Imaging Sensor

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Design, fabricate, and verify the performance of a 3D-heterogeneously integrated photonic (HIP) imaging sensor consisting of a detector array, read-out integrated circuit (ROIC), and photonic transmitter.

DESCRIPTION: Emerging military electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors enable high resolution through small pixels, wide field-of-view through large arrays, and high frame rate through high sensitivity and low latency. For the most advanced focal plane array (FPA) sensors, the data bandwidth dictated by the high pixel count and bit rate is reaching the limits of conventional copper wire interconnects.

Datalinks using optical interconnects offer a unique and commercially mature solution that can obviate the copper bandwidth limitation, while offering additional advantages of lower power, lower cost, and on-chip integration. For large arrays, the high data rate can be further managed by tiling synchronized, independently addressed smaller arrays, which divides the serialized data stream into multiple parallel paths, while also improving foundry yield.

A photonic layer could be added to create a 3D vertically integrated FPA stack, enabling large arrays to operate at exceptionally high data rates. 3D heterogeneous integration of the FPA stack can be accomplished using bump-bonding, direct-bond integration, or other techniques, but ultra-low capacitance connections are required for low-noise operation to permit the short photon integration times inherent to high-frame-rate imaging.

When tiled in large arrays of small pixels, the 3D-HIP imaging sensor will provide concurrent wide-FOV, high-resolution, and ultra-high frame rate, circumventing conventional imaging sensor paradigms. Frame rate should use 1 KHz as the goal to address high data rate challenges. This SBIR topic's intent is the development and maturation of 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI) of electrical and optical/photonic layers that achieves high bandwidth interconnection.

PHASE I: Perform a trade study of design variables. Create a concept for a 3D-HIP imaging sensor design. All design features must be supported by quantitative modelling, simulations, or general trade analysis. The design should be adaptable to all EO/IR spectral bands, formats, and pixel sizes. Address detector, ROIC, and photonic layer designs and interconnections. Prepare a Phase II plan that includes the fabrication, integration, and testing strategy.

PHASE II: Fabricate a prototype 3D-HIP imaging sensor based on the Phase I design. It is expected, but not required, that detector, electronic, and photonic layers will be fabricated and integrated at separate foundries. While only a 3D-HIP transmitter is required, the output must be received and processed into imagery. The transmitter chip should be compatible with formation of a tiled array. The transmitter-to-receiver connection should employ optical fiber of nominally 1 meter length. The transceiver performance will be thoroughly documented in the Phase II final report.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the transition to Navy use. High-resolution, wide-FOV, high-speed imagers will find wide use in many commercial and industrial applications such as computer vision, autonomous navigation, security and industrial facility surveillance monitoring.

KEYWORDS: Sensors, read-out integrated circuit, ROIC, photonics, tiling, chiplet, heterogeneous integration

DON26BZ01-NV023 — Risk-Aware Regenerative AI-based Multimodal Visual-Tactical (ISRT) (Observant-AI) – Monitor, Understand, Alert, and Assist

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop risk-aware artificial intelligence (AI)-based computing methods motivated by three naval challenge problems that enable insightful active cross-domain (Sea-Space-Air-Land-Cyber) situational awareness and AI-assisted course of action and countermeasures in real-time conditions, namely, "LIVE" machine self-teaching (i.e., Regenerative AI); contextual machine exploitation; contextual networking to gain insights from accessible all-source-intelligence (ASI) and multimodal sensors; and proactive AI-assisted targeteer and decision support to manned and unmanned assets.

DESCRIPTION: The Observant-AI is envisioned as a distributed system of mission-focused AI agents that self-organize and share insights via ad hoc networking. The agents autonomously form mission-oriented collaborative teams to process and fuse multidomain anomalous events and activities for real-time AI-generated visual-tactical understanding, monitoring, alerts, and related operational risks. It applies natural language explanations for human-AI interactions, course of action assistance, and reasoning about risky engagements.

Problem scope and capability concerns: First, over the past three decades, advancements in AI and machine learning (ML) for applications in hybrid networked teaming of manned and unmanned systems and sensors have unlocked new possibilities across a range of naval operations for novel missions. On the other hand, the defensive and offensive effectiveness of these technologies against near-peer adversaries remains a significant challenge.

Second, current Naval ISRT operations follow rigorous protocols supported by wide-ranging wargaming scenarios to plan tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) with contingencies as operations unfold. However, they are extremely vulnerable to human biases and omissions that undermine the assessment of evidence, statistical analysis, and the understanding of cause and effect.

Third, generative AI methods are being integrated into the operational planning process and can enrich the development of a range of ISRT strategies. However, it must start all over again if "Unknown-Unknown" events crash the ongoing TTPs.

This SBIR topic will develop Observant-AI agents as a class of regenerative AI that learn in real time, enables active visual and tactical monitoring of anomalous activities, and trigger I&W alerts in naval operations. The goal of the effort is to perform a combination of offline and online predictive engagement modeling to plan for trusted AI-enabled TTPs that will strategically adjust plans in real time to adapt to emerging events and conditions.

Critical AI technology components and developments include: Contextual modeling; Multidomain multimodal all-source intelligence data and signals; Data learning; Data quality, data interoperability, data generation; Data storage; Spatiotemporal synchronization methods; Multimodal contextual signal processing and fusion; Cross-domain contextual collaborative learning, inference, and recognition; Contextual collaboration, adaptation, and teaming via ad-hoc networking; Contextual reasoning, risk assessment, and risk reduction; Contextual query, question-answering (Q&A), and natural language processing; Contextual priority-based task management; AI-risk escalation control methods; AI-assisted targeteer maneuvers and engagements.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified.

PHASE I: Determine the technical feasibility of designing and developing the Observant-AI technology described in the Description section. Draw key distinctions for the proposed design approach compared to the current state-of-the-art naval ISRT information exploitation systems. Motivate the design with three compelling challenge problems supported by relevant datasets. Consider challenge problems corresponding to cross-domain littoral operations and navigational risks countering anti-access/denied-access enforcement scenarios. Conduct end-to-end Observant-AI system performance assessment. Deliverables include end-to-end initial prototype technology, T&E, demonstration, a plan for Phase II, and a final report.

PHASE II: Conduct proof-of-concept and prototype development incorporating the recommended candidate technology from Phase I. Test and demonstrate the improved capability based on the performance metrics detailed for Phase I with requirements: Analytic Completeness < 98%, Uniqueness < 98%, Validity < 98%, Consistency < 98%, and Accuracy < 98%. Provide the following deliverables: analytics, signal processing tools, models, prototypes, T&E and demonstration results, interface requirements, and final report. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Advance these capabilities to TRL-7 and integrate the technology into the Maritime Tactical Command and Control POR, Marine Air-Ground Task Force Command and Control, or ISR processing platforms at the Marine Corps Information Operations Center. Once conceptually and technically validated, demonstrate dual-use applications of this technology in civilian law enforcement and security services.

KEYWORDS: Risk-Aware, Regenerative, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Contextual, Multimodal, Cross-Domain, Visual-Tactical ISRT

DON26BZ01-NV022 — Extremely Wide Band Digital Recording System for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Development

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a small and dense data recorder that can store >= 8 Petabytes of information in <= 4 u of 19-inch rack space, will be scalable and flexible in nature, and will demonstrate the interfacing to >= two different interface protocols each supporting > 400 GB/sec data transfer rates for >= 30 seconds.

DESCRIPTION: In today's environment, emphasis is put on how Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) can solve most of the Department of War's (DOW) problems as long as the AI/ML algorithms are trained correctly. This training requires vast amounts of relevant data. Unlike commercial websites where the algorithm developers can have the public train them based on security selection images, the DOW does not have vast stores of relevant data sets much less a global community to train the algorithms. Unfortunately, very few to none of the fielded program of record (POR) systems have the ability to record (at the tactical edge) relevant data products in sufficient quantity to help algorithm developers.

This SBIR topic is intended to develop extremely deep sensor data recorders for implementation/fielding on tactical platforms for tactical sensors at the tactical edge. These recording devices must be able to be integrated easily into the platform's sensor suite and be able to record the relevant data products for use in future algorithm development and training.

These recorders must easily adapt to various networking infrastructures (e.g., InfiniBand, NVLINK, PCIe, and or Ethernet, etc.) and support the extreme streaming bandwidths for wideband (500Mhz and greater I/Q data) Radio Frequency (RF) digital data and high definition (4K or greater) streaming video. These recording devices must be scalable in nature, at a minimum take up less than or equal to 4u of face plate volume in a 19-inch rack, and record greater than 8 petabytes of storage.

These devices must meet all NSA data at rest encryption requirements and be developed in a manner to easily acquire a volatility certification letter. These prototype devices will be installed on manned and unmanned platforms and must be developed with remote and/or autonomous operations in mind.

Key requirements: Less than or equal to 4u of 19-inch rack volume; Must meet class B shipboard installation Environmental Qualification Testing (EQT); Greater than 8 petabytes of data storage; Must meet data at rest security requirements; Must meet non-volatility certification requirements; Have networking architecture demonstrating ability to configure to multiple types of networks; Have a minimum of two different networking options where each networking option can sustain > 400 GB/s data rate; Compliance with shipboard installation environmental qualification requirements; Ability to perform data at rest encryption and the ability to meet volatility requirements for system posture changes; Ability to consume data from a defined sensor and parse/tag this data; Ability to record and playback from both local and remote users.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified.

PHASE I: Develop and provide a detailed schedule out through Phase II options, as well as a detailed technical description as to how they will achieve success. The initial deliverable of the Phase I award will be a kickoff meeting detailing how they will get to the final briefing. The final briefing will show specifically how to meet all key requirements listed in the Description. Phase I option will be showcasing software modules and fundamental breadboard designs and present the detailed plans for Phase II and Phase II option.

PHASE II: Hold a kickoff meeting with a detailed development plan including costing (recurring and non-recurring separated) development; and detailed security and testing plans. These plans will include detailed: technical plans; security plans; EQT plans; lab testing plans (both at developers facility and at government labs) utilizing different types of networks; ship installation and at sea testing. There will be at a minimum two lab demonstrations at the developers facility and one integration and demonstration at a government lab. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The awardee will clearly and in detail describe how this capability will transition to a Navy program of record (POR). Any commercial industry looking for low cost optical processing on extremely large data sets will benefit from this technology.

KEYWORDS: Digital Recorders; Radar Interfaces; Combat Control Interfaces; Electro Optic data; Continuous Digital Intermediate Frequency; CDIF; Burst Digital Intermediate Frequency; BDIF

DON26BZ01-NV021 — Robocasting Ceramic Sensors

Award Maximum: $140,000 (Base) / $100,000 (Option) Period of Performance: 6 months (Base) + 6 months (Option) Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost, flexible manufacturing technique to produce large format ceramics for undersea sensor applications.

DESCRIPTION: Piezoelectric ceramic materials are essential materials to produce undersea sensors. Many existing undersea sensors rely on a dry press manufacturing process that produces the ceramic components used in many fielded sensors. Existing piezoelectric ceramic components are becoming increasingly difficult to source due to a shrinking supplier base and a desire by many private companies to stop manufacturing lead-based products. Additionally, these components have been largely unchanged since the 1960's with little to no performance enhancements to ships' critical systems.

The goal of this SBIR topic is to support the development of new agile manufacturing techniques to produce large format ceramics and that require less capital overhead and would be easier to stand up in new cottage businesses if the current supply base continues to degrade. The secondary goal is to improve the electrical and acoustic performance of these large format ceramic materials by utilizing textured ceramic technology.

Textured ceramic materials have an aligned microstructure that can exhibit enhanced properties compared to traditionally manufactured ceramics with randomly oriented gains. One documented benefit is an improved piezoelectric performance for sonar sensor applications (early prototypes have shown upwards of 12dB improvement in performance, enabling sensors to detect potential threats much farther out).

The process of robocasting or direct ink writing of a shear thinning ceramic paste shows great potential as a flexible manufacturing technique to produce ceramics for undersea sensors. There has been recent research demonstrating that extruding a ceramic paste through a high aspect ratio nozzle can align high aspect ratio particles within a material, allowing to produce textured piezoelectric ceramics through a robocasting process.

The primary focus of this SBIR topic would be to validate the feasibility to integrate a Navy piezoelectric ceramic with a robocasting or direct ink write slurry system. Key criteria for success will include the ability to consistently extrude a layer of ceramic paste, support proper adhesion between layers, and produce high percent solids loading of the paste; and the ability to sinter the materials to produce dense final parts.

The secondary focus will be to demonstrate the ability of the additive manufacturing hardware to properly align high aspect ratio platelets during the printing process. Common geometries include cylinders with 1in outer diameter as well as rings that are greater than 4in in outer diameter. The awardee will aim to create a prototype that exceeds a capacitance of 200pf while minimizing the loss tangent.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a ceramic paste suitable for additive manufacturing that utilizes Navy piezoelectric ceramics and can align high aspect ratio ceramic platelets within the constraints listed in the Description. Feasibility may be demonstrated by analysis, modelling, and simulation, the fabrication and testing of initial test geometries, or some combination of all three. 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 prototype hardware based on Phase I work. Demonstrate the ability to construct a prototype ceramic that meets the constraints listed in the Description. The prototype hardware will be delivered at the end of Phase II ready to be tested by the Government.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Assist the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Scale/volume/speed of production will also be optimized in this phase. This added technology/capability will also assist in other projects that require advanced, textured ceramics including hypersonic radomes as well as various sensors in the commercial sector and the military. Potential commercial applications include medical imaging devices, civilian watercraft navigation and fishing devices, and infrastructure inspection equipment.

KEYWORDS: Additive manufacturing; Robocasting; Direct Ink Writing; textured ceramics; shear alignment; piezoelectric