DON26BZ01-NV007 — Test and Alert System for Type 1 Encryption Device Hold-up Batteries (HUB)

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop a common Type 1 encryption device Hold-Up Battery (HUB) tester and accompanying low battery alert device.

DESCRIPTION: Develop a universal Hold-Up Battery (HUB) tester and integrated low-voltage alert system for Type 1 encryption devices. These devices rely on HUB batteries to retain mission-critical software. Failure to replace depleted batteries within specified intervals often renders them inoperable, necessitating costly returns to depots or vendors for software recovery.

The proposed solution must provide: A non-invasive HUB battery tester compatible across multiple device types; A low-battery alert mechanism to signal impending voltage failure; A streamlined method for monitoring and managing battery replacement intervals.

This capability will significantly reduce lifecycle costs, improve operational readiness, and mitigate the risks associated with device storage in long-term vault conditions.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified.

PHASE I: Investigate and propose design approaches for a universal HUB testing device compatible with a range of Type 1 encryption devices. Emphasis will be placed on a non-invasive testing methodology to assess battery health without compromising device security or data integrity. Evaluate the technical feasibility of developing a compact, attachable low-battery alert module capable of operating within storage conditions and security constraints typical of Type 1 encryption devices. Identify common HUB battery characteristics across platforms and establish baseline voltage thresholds for end-of-life alerts. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on Phase I modeling, design and develop a prototype HUB testing device for Type 1 encryption devices. Execute Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) activities to identify the system's capabilities, limitations and deficiencies. Provide DT&E data for cost, performance and schedule tradeoffs. It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop the prototype(s) generated in Phase II for use in COMSEC facilities and Fleet activities that store and maintain Type 1 encryption devices with HUBs. By identifying and developing devices that test and alert to HUB status, this research benefits the private sector by enabling reliable and robust commercial solutions for testing, tracking and replacing batteries that may be failing. This could potentially lead to improved performance, reduced downtimes and replacement/recovery cost associated with these devices when the batteries fail.

KEYWORDS: Type 1 Encryptor; Hold-Up Battery; HUB; COMSEC; Vault Storage; Bricked Encryptor; Battery Testing