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