DON26BZ02-DV053 — Innovative Camera Technology for Advanced, Simultaneous Imaging in the Extended Short Wave and Mid Wave Infrared Bands

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 36 months (Base: 12 months / Option 1: 12 months / Option 2: 12 months) Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate a dual-band camera, operating across the extended short-wave and mid-wave infrared bands, incorporating a single large format, small pitch, focal plane array and corresponding digital readout integrated circuit suitable for video imaging in a maritime environment.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is developing and deploying a suite of imaging sensors (cameras) operating across both visible and infrared wavelengths to provide panoramic surveillance, situational awareness, and target detection. Collectively, these cameras are required to yield high resolution, multi-spectral, video imagery over large fields of regard in challenging maritime environments. Consequently, a complete system necessarily incorporates multiple optical apertures and multiple, large format, small pitch, focal plane arrays (FPAs), each covering a wavelength band of interest and each with its own video readout and data interface. The full system is largely just a collection of individual cameras, mounted together and aligned and coordinated through a common controller. The size, weight, and cost are essentially the sum of the size, weight, and cost of the individual cameras. The system performance is fundamentally limited by the performance of the individual cameras as well. Other than the quality of the optics, individual camera performance is determined by the focal plane array (FPA) and the digital readout integrated circuit (DROIC), which are typically specific to the particular wavelength band. True multi-spectral sensing at the FPA level would reduce the size, weight, and the cost of the overall system. Alignment and synchronization issues between bands would also be eliminated.

Of particular interest are the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) band of 3-5 microns wavelength and what is commonly referred to as the "extended" short-wave infrared (e-SWIR) band of 1-2.5 microns wavelength. The bands are adjacent, except for a small atmospheric absorption gap, and large format (16+ megapixel) small pitch (less than 8 micron) FPAs are desired for both bands.

The bands are therefore naturally suited to dual-band sensor architectures. It should also be noted that true dual-band sensing utilizing these two bands (as opposed to wide-band sensing or sensing each band separately with two, band-specific FPAs) is expected to yield superior performance, offering increased range and improved clutter rejection for overall enhanced situational awareness. This is a collateral benefit, not a topic requirement, and it assumes that implementation of the dual-band FPA architecture does not compromise or otherwise degrade other key performance measures, such as noise and resolution.

The Navy desires an innovative camera technology capable of providing dual-band e-SWIR and MWIR video imagery data in separate channels via a Camera Link serial protocol standard (or equivalent) interface. There is no known technology commercially available today that meets the Navy's current needs.

The prototype camera shall incorporate a focal plane array comprised of a bias-selectable dual-band sensor and integrated digital readout integrated circuit (DROIC) or digital pixel readout integrated circuit (DPROIC). The focal plane array should be installed in an integrated Dewar-Cooler assembly operating at 100-160 Kelvin, with cold shield and optics of f1.5 or faster with a 1-5 micron optical transmission band. The camera should have an instantaneous field of view (FOV) no greater than 200 micro-radians. For purposes of demonstration, the prototype FPA is only required to have 2000 x 2000 (or equivalent) pixel format, but no larger than 8-micron pixel pitch. However, the technology should be fundamentally capable of extension to larger formats. A path to a smaller pitch is also highly desirable. The design should address performance issues such as noise equivalent irradiance performance, saturation/dynamic-range, and other DROIC-defined parameters. The DROIC/DPROIC should support 30 Hz full frame rate operation. While it is not necessary that it be demonstrated under this Phase II effort, the DROIC design should be capable of supporting higher frame rate windowing in multiple sub-windows. The prototype shall be tested in a manner and under conditions that clearly demonstrate the performance improvements obtained by the dual-band approach.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: For a Direct to Phase II topic, the Government expects that the small business will have accomplished the following in a Phase I-type effort and developed a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic requirements stated in the Description. The following actions would be required in order to satisfy the requirements of Phase I:

• Identification and selection of specific FPA architecture.

• Identification and selection of a specific FPA semiconductor family.

• Performance estimates based on modelling and simulation, analysis, or initial scaled prototype element testing of the selected FPA (or substantially similar) architecture, demonstrating feasibility.

• Initial design requirements for DROIC or DPROIC compatible with and suited for the selected FPA architecture.

• Performance estimates for an initial prototype camera design (FPA, DROIC/DPROIC, optics, etc.) based on the selected FPA architecture, consistent with the demonstration of feasibility.

• Identification of technical risks and associated approaches for addressing those risks.

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their response to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met (i.e., the small business must have performed Phase I-type research and development related to the topic NOT solely based on work performed under prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR/STTR work) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology as stated in Phase I above. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the offeror and/or the principal investigator (PI). Read and follow all the DON SBIR Direct to Phase II Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructions. Phase I proposals will NOT be accepted for this topic.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype consistent with the Description above, of a monolithic, bias selectable, e-SWIR/MWIR dual-band camera with integral high-speed readout integrated circuit having independent gain and integration times for each band. The DROIC/DPROIC will maintain a pixel pitch of 8 microns or less, have a minimum size of 4 megapixels, and be capable of scaling (and/or tiling) to larger formats. The camera must be packaged in a fully integrated Dewar cooler assembly capable of stable operation anywhere from 100-160 Kelvin and equipped with optics having 1.5 or faster f-number with uniform IR transmission from 1-5 microns and 200 micro-radian instantaneous FOV (or less). The camera must include a Camera Link or equivalent data interface.

Develop and execute a test plan that fully characterizes the camera performance, especially highlighting the performance specific to the dual-band architecture. Deliver, to the Naval Research Laboratory, the prototype camera in a ready-to-use configuration and condition with user instructions and interface descriptions provided, including Camera Link (or equivalent) data output format with protocols defined and documented. Prepare an assessment of the technology readiness level (TRL) and manufacturing readiness level (MRL) and include in the Final Report.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the prototype developed in Phase II to Navy use. Scale the camera technology (i.e., FPA, readout integrated circuit, optics) to the large formats required for system use. Reduce and optimize pitch. Implement high frame rate windowing capability. Develop specific large format designs suited to and ruggedized for Navy use. Mature manufacturing processes and increase yield. Implement cost reduction measures and prepare documentation and process controls for large-scale production. Assist the Navy in integrating the technology into surface ship situational awareness multi-spectral camera systems.

The technology has multiple potential system applications throughout the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. Commercial applications include sophisticated surveillance cameras for law enforcement and scientific uses such as aerial assessment of vegetation and land use, and wildlife detection, identification, and tracking.

DON26BZ02-DV052 — Non-tactical Replacement of AN/UYK-43 in a Laboratory Environment

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 36 months (Base: 12 months / Option 1: 12 months / Option 2: 12 months) Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a non-tactical replacement for the UYK-43 computer system to ensure land-based testing remains viable for Aegis computer programs before deployment on board ships.

DESCRIPTION: The AN/UYK-43 (UYK-43) computer system is used to run certain baselines of the Aegis computer program. The UYK-43 is no longer manufactured. Operational UYK-43's and spare parts are prioritized for operational fleet use and not testing. The Navy needs a replacement for the UYK-43 to enable land-based testing as there is no commercially available computer that is compatible with or emulates the UYK-43.

The solution must be binary compatible, provide compatible input/output capabilities, and have equivalent performance to the UYK-43. The computer programs of the Aegis Weapon System are commonly described as real-time embedded computer software. To ensure compatibility with the real hardware and guarantee that computer programs tested on the emulator work aboard ship, the input/output latency and throughput, memory and persistent storage capacity, and instruction timing must be matched precisely.

Compiler Monitor System (CMS)-2Y is a computer software language developed for tactical operations for Fleet Computer Programming Center - Pacific (FCPCPAC) to support Naval Tactical Data Systems (NTDS) operations. The language continues to be developed in use, eventually supporting several combat system computers including the UYK-43 which became the standard 32-bit computer of the Navy for surface ship and submarine platforms.

The solution will develop an emulator of the UYK-43, using open-source code and Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) hardware to facilitate testing critical updates of Aegis ships operating with CMS-2Y tactical code. The emulator must execute the 32-bit CMS-2Y tactical code on a COTS computer system running a common operating system. The translated CMS-2Y code must perform similarly to UYK-43 to support various test requirements and scenarios in a laboratory environment. The emulation will be evaluated in a Navy land-based test facility using operational data to verify and validate emulator functionality.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: For a Direct to Phase II topic, the Government expects that the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-type effort and developed a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic requirements of the stated objective above. The below actions would be required in order to satisfy the requirements of Phase I:

• Developed a concept UYK-43 emulator

• Demonstrated the concept meets all parameters in the Description.

• Demonstrated feasibility in meeting the requirements in the Description to support the test and operational environments.

• Feasibility established through analysis and modelling.

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their response to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met (i.e., the small business must have performed Phase I-type research and development related to the topic NOT solely based on work performed under prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR/STTR work) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology as stated in Phase I above. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the offeror and/or the principal investigator (PI). Read and follow all of the DON SBIR Direct to Phase II Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructions. Phase I proposals will NOT be accepted for this topic.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate, validate, and deliver a prototype UYK-43 emulator based on the results of Phase I. The application will be implemented in an existing Government-approved and provided modeling and simulation environment to validate performance. It will be evaluated by Government subject matter experts for validation.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the prototype UYK-43 emulator to allow for further experimentation and refinement. The prototype emulator will be incorporated into the testing for Aegis baseline modernization process. This will consist of integration into a baseline definition, incorporation of the baselines existing and new threat capabilities, validation testing, and combat system certification.

Computer science and computer engineering professions will benefit from learning to make computer programs written for legacy computer systems run on modern instruction set architectures; learning how to ensure timing of computer programs is maintained on a foreign computer architecture; learning to ensure input/output is compatible between legacy and modern computers.

DON26BZ02-DV051 — Resonant Cavity Infrared Detector Incorporating an Avalanche Photodiode Active Region

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 36 months (Base: 12 months / Option 1: 12 months / Option 2: 12 months) Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate an array of highly sensitive, wavelength tuned, discrete photodetectors with avalanche photodiode active regions and incorporating resonant cavity structures.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is developing and deploying a suite of imaging sensors (cameras) operating across both visible and infrared (IR) wavelengths. This includes wide field of view (WFOV) cameras that provide panoramic surveillance, situational awareness and, due to their high resolution, target detection. Camera sensors, even those operating in the IR, provide information (video imagery) to the ship's crew that is fundamentally familiar, intuitive, and contextual. However, imagery in the visible band has an advantage in that it includes color. Color is useful in identifying well-resolved objects and is also useful in detecting targets that might otherwise go unnoticed, assuming that the scene is relatively clear and illuminated by visible light. The visible spectrum extends in wavelength from roughly 380 nm to 750 nm, a bandwidth of less than 0.4 µm. By contrast, the near to short wave IR bands extend from 750 nm to 3 µm (2.25 µm) and the mid-wave IR (MWIR) extends from 3 µm to 5 µm (2.0 um). The MWIR band therefore contains five times as much spectral content as the visible band, all invisible to the human eye.

Though invisible, spectral content in the IR is just as useful as in the visible bands, if it is properly resolved. While imaging in the visible, near, and short-wave IR makes use of reflected light, imaging in the MWIR uses light that is emitted by bodies in the scene due to their temperature. And while MWIR images are sometimes colorized (known as false color images), the most commonly available MWIR cameras assign colors according to the infrared intensity, which corresponds to the temperature of the object being imaged. These cameras are typically referred to as thermal imagers and the images they produce as heat maps. While these instruments have obviously widespread utility, the spectroscopic information is lost. As with other bands, spectroscopic measurement in the MWIR has distinct uses, notably in detecting differences in vegetation and identifying certain minerals and manmade materials and chemicals by their characteristic spectral signature. For example, MWIR detectors with spectral discrimination have been proposed for machine vision systems intended to distinguish between and identify (for sorting) various classes of common plastics.

Precise identification of specific materials (understood to include chemical compounds, minerals, gases, etc.) can be accomplished by characterization of the light reflected or emitted by the material using a spectrometer. Large, expensive, laboratory spectrometers accurately measure very narrow spectral lines across the entire width of the material's signature. Small, portable spectrometers, with less functionality or for specific applications, are also available at much less cost (mainly in the visible spectrum). In both cases, a sample of the material to be characterized is required. Light from distant objects can be analyzed spectroscopically, as in the case of astronomical spectroscopy, but this requires a more sophisticated (and expensive) machine. In all these cases however, the spectrometer is based on separation of the light by prisms or gratings prior to detection of the individual component wavelengths. This precludes incorporation of a spectroscopy capability into an imaging sensor (camera) system without greatly increasing system complexity, size, and cost. Many applications do not require precise identification of the material composition of objects in an imaged scene however – just interpretation of sufficient spectral content to differentiate between broad classes of materials (different types of plastics, polymer versus metal, asphalt versus concrete, vegetation versus manmade materials, etc.). However, it is desirable that this be done remotely (that is, at some stand-off distance) in conjunction with an imaging sensor, especially in the MWIR band.

The MWIR band has several characteristics that make it attractive for imaging under certain conditions. It also presents certain challenges. Mainly, photo-sensitive semiconductor materials in the MWIR band require cooling to cryogenic temperatures in order to achieve good performance. The materials are fundamentally broad band in nature, responding to light across the MWIR spectrum and capturing the imaged scene in terms of total intensity, regardless of finer spectral content. Finally, a great deal of the MWIR band is heavily absorbed by constituents of the atmosphere and effectively absent at any practical distance from the source. The resulting, useful portion of the MWIR band is marked by gaps and sharp discontinuities and any detector technology tuned to detect spectral content in these regions is effectively wasted.

One technology for detection of MWIR radiation in a very narrow band is the resonant cavity infrared detector (RCID). The RCID uses a conventional photodetector "sandwiched" between two reflective interfaces. The reflective interfaces form an optical resonant cavity with the cavity length (and hence, the resonant wavelength) determined by the intrinsic thickness of the detector layers and any spacer layer added to adjust the cavity length. The active region of the detector is sensitive to the broad MWIR band but the resonant cavity structure supports only those wavelengths in a very narrow band determined by the quality factor of the resonant structure and centered at the resonant wavelength. If the length of the cavity can be carefully varied and controlled by design and process, then an entire range of photodetectors can be produced, each at a desired wavelength, and carefully chosen for regions of particular interest in the parts of the MWIR band exhibiting maximum atmospheric transmission. Conceivably, the outputs from individual RCID elements can then be processed to interpret the spectral content present in a particular imaged scene. Individual RCID elements have been successfully demonstrated with detectors of n-type absorption layer, Barrier layer, and n-type contact layer (nBn) construction.

While the spectral information obtained from a series of wavelength-specific detectors is significant, the energy received is now spread over all the detector elements with any wavelengths falling between the resonances of the individual detector elements not detected. So, the IR light received by any one detector is now greatly reduced. This presents the risk that the MWIR signature emitted by dim or distant objects might no longer be detectable. This fundamental reduction in incident signal power can only be compensated for by increasing the sensitivity of the detector. The avalanche photodetector (APD) has been proposed as a means of increasing detector sensitivity as it is inherently more sensitive than nBn type photodetectors.

The Navy desires an innovative detector technology that combines the relatively new RCID topology with the proven APD to demonstrate fixed wavelength-selectable detectors with high sensitivity in the MWIR band. The goal is to achieve a minimum increase in sensitivity of two orders of magnitude over that possible with state-of-the-art nBn type detectors. This may be shown by direct comparison to published work. Wavelength selection shall be shown possible by design and process control over the full MWIR band, excluding those sub-bands of atmospheric absorption. Demonstration of a full two-dimensional (NxM) focal plane array of detector elements is not expected from this effort. Demonstration of linear arrays or partial two-dimensional arrays of elements is sufficient. However, the ability to construct multiple RCID-APD detectors, each with different tuned wavelengths, together and closely spaced on the same substrate is required. The ability to arbitrarily tune individual RCID elements, independent of position in the array and independent of adjacent elements is highly desirable.

Incorporation of a read-out integrated circuit in the solution is not required. However, electrical contacts must be included in the design and fabricated into the prototype such that the performance of each individual RCID element can be measured. The prototype is expected to be a single substrate (chip) containing multiple RCID elements with all required electrical contacts integrated, and with the substrate mounted on a suitable test structure. Since operation in MWIR requires the detector to be cooled, the solution shall also include a means to test the prototype at the designed operating temperature. A minimum of four prototypes must be produced and tested. At completion of the effort, the prototypes will be delivered to the Naval Research Laboratory.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: For a Direct to Phase II topic, the Government expects that the small business will have accomplished the following in a Phase I-type effort and developed a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic requirements stated in the Description. The following actions would be required in order to satisfy the requirements of Phase I:

• Identification and selection of a specific RCID architecture compatible with incorporation of an APD structure.

• Identification and selection of a specific RCID semiconductor family compatible with an APD photodetector.

• Identification and selection of an RCID and APD compatible fabrication process.

• Successful demonstration of feasibility of an RCID design. This may have been done through modelling and simulation, analysis, or initial prototype testing of a comparable RCID.

• A performance baseline for an RCID. The performance baseline may be based on modelling and simulation, analysis (including analysis of other reported work), or initial prototype testing of a comparable RCID.

• Identification of technical risks associated with insertion of an APD into an RCID structure and associated approaches for addressing those risks.

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their response to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met (i.e., the small business must have performed Phase I-type research and development related to the topic NOT solely based on work performed under prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR/STTR work) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology as stated in Phase I above. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the offeror and/or the principal investigator (PI). Read and follow all the DON SBIR Direct to Phase II Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructions. Phase I proposals will NOT be accepted for this topic.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype APD-based RCID consistent with the Description. Demonstrate wavelength selection, by design and process, through fabrication and testing of prototype arrays of APD-based RCIDs. Demonstrate that the APD-based RCIDs have improved sensitivity and can be designed, fabricated, and employed across the usable MWIR band. Provide test structures, bias circuitry, output circuitry, and cooler vessels necessary to operate and test the prototype RCID arrays. Provide complete test data, operating instructions, and test instructions necessary for independent evaluation of the prototype RCID arrays.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the prototype developed in Phase II to Navy use. Scale the RCID technology to larger array formats required for system use. Design, integrate, and demonstrate compatible bias and read-out circuitry. Reduce and optimize detector pitch. Mature manufacturing processes and increase yield. Implement cost reduction measures and prepare documentation and process controls for large-scale production. Assist the Navy in integrating the technology into specific sensor systems. The technology has multiple potential system applications throughout the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and NASA. Commercial applications include materials identification for applications such as the automatic sorting of recyclables, remote (overhead) monitoring of crops and vegetation, and the field detection of chemicals and chemical residues, as well as other scientific uses.

DPA26BZ02-DV010 — Low Resource Computing

Award Maximum: $600,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: This effort will develop commercially viable re-use of existing DoW assets in lieu of new hardware investments. It will demonstrate achieving mission-capable performance, security, and stability into legacy "low-resource" assets (low-resource: end-of-lifed and/or < 25% of proposed new-system resources – in one-of RAM, CPU, disk). The end product will establish approaches about material reuse regarding the oft-quoted "[y]ou go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time" (Donald Rumsfeld).

DESCRIPTION: The warfighter and their sustainment enterprise face the challenge of widely-fielded, well-understood, and battle-tested hardware being pervasive, but the rapidly evolving landscape of processing, sensor fusion, algorithms, and more do not keep pace with those. For example, often the Department looks to long-term program-of-record modernization programs which look at near-"greenfield" approaches – such as creating a new flight computer system for a plane, before being able to load it with updated software. In these cases, "green-field" development approaches, incentives to sell new hardware, and difficulty of understanding legacy systems (e.g., vendor attrition, USG not retaining technical data packages) leads to "we have to upgrade it before we can have this new feature". Likewise, new hardware can typically only be added at multi-year baseline intervals. The challenge is to determine alternate paths. Developments in meta-programming borrowed from the security community allow new functions to be added to existing systems using their existing code through 'semantic overlays'. This seeks innovative solutions that repurpose existing hardware to add net-new features not thought possible today due to resource limitations (lack-of-upgradeability, RAM, CPU, disk, etc). This approach shifts focus from procuring powerful hardware to creatively applying all available computational resources, no matter how minimal. This is critically not creating new chips, new computing architectures, etc. Instead, this effort seeks to repurpose existing chips and architectures in novel ways to fill capability gap.

PHASE I: Phase I seeks a basic prototype that brings cutting-edge capabilities to a low-resource system that is widely believed to not be capable of achieving it.

Some examples include:

• Don't build a new radio, instead enable an old radio to detect a modern drone signature.

• Don't build a standalone edge device or transport, instead integrate with COTS equipment and build low-SWaP solutions from COTS chipsets.

• Don't install a new, wired Vehicle Health Monitoring System (VHMS), instead provide a peel-and-stick wireless sensor package that predicts component failures.

• Don't replace a warship's sonar array, instead reprogram its acoustic processor to differentiate between marine life and enemy Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs).

A successful concept will define the proposed concept and present an analysis of why the low-resource system upgraded is either end-of-life and/or contains under 25% of proposed new-system resources (in at least one-of RAM, CPU, disk or the equivalent in other device architectures e.g. FPGAs, DSPs). A successful Phase I will demonstrate that the cutting-edge capability could be fielded by re-using existing hardware that is environmentally tested, platform certified, airworthy, etc. can quickly make a capability available years ahead of expected schedules. Phase I feasibility will be determined based on analysis of the low-resource system, combined with the prototype successfully demonstrating that the existing hardware capability can run capabilities that is otherwise believed to (1) not be feasible on that hardware or (2) ability to deliver on the hardware would take over 2 years of effort. The case for (1) or (2) must be clearly explained and argued based on available data, and the Government will evaluate the realism of the case made. Phase I proposers are encouraged to use existing low-resource devices for demonstrating their prototypes, if they can be properly obtained. A proposer can, if needed, instead propose a surrogate device. Devices used should not be produced by the proposer, as the intent is to show ability to extend a device fielded that the vendor does not have inherent control/design data on.

Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Report on initial architectures, selected platform, and new functionality specifications

• Month 3: Report on completion of acquisition of selected platform, proposed evaluation metrics and initial analyses results

• Month 4: Interim report describing performance of prototype system

• Month 5: Demonstration of prototype system with initial performance metrics documented

• Month 6: Final Phase I Report summarizing approach; prototype architectures and algorithms; results of performance metrics and evaluation design; comparison with alternative state-of-the-art modernization options

PHASE II: This topic is soliciting both Phase I and Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals. Direct to Phase II (DP2) feasibility will be determined based on analysis of a proposer-selected low-resource system (see Phase I section above for limitations and definitions), combined with a prototype successfully demonstrating that the existing hardware capability can run capabilities that is otherwise believed to (1) not be feasible on that hardware or (2) ability to deliver on the hardware would take over 2 years of effort. The case for (1) or (2) must be clearly explained and argued based on available data, and the Government will evaluate the realism of the case made. In Phase II, the art of computational upcycling must be fully proven to mature this to be ready for a DoD acquisition program, other agency, or commercialization to use. Phase II must demonstrate the approach across 3 or more low-resource systems and show successful meaningful feature addition. A Phase II option may be exercised at DARPA's discretion to further mature the technology for actual use in a program, subject to successful demonstration of the Phase II base goals.

Phase II fixed payable milestones for the base program should include:

• Month 1: Report on planned architecture, the three (3) selected platforms, and new functionality specifications

• Month 3: Report on completion of acquisition of selected platform, detailed mapping of functionality specifications to targeted baseline for at least one (1) platform

• Month 6: Demonstration of performance of a single prototype system with performance metrics documented and compared to targeted baseline

• Month 9: Demonstration of at least two (2) prototype systems with performance metrics documented and compared to targeted baseline

• Month 12: Final Phase II Report summarizing approach; prototype architectures and algorithms; results of performance metrics and evaluation design; comparison with alternative state-of-the-art modernization options.

Phase II fixed payable milestones for the option should include:

• Month 1: Report on research and data analysis based on any Government Furnished Information (GFI) related to program targeted for transition. Report should cover summaries of challenges, existing program timelines, and low-resource hardware that serves as the 'gating' factor

• Month 3: Report on plan for resource optimization and computational trade-offs planned. Report should make concise arguments backed by calculations of why this approach is feasible to achieve objectives within the pre-existing LRC environment

• Month 6: Report on completion of setup of surrogate system and/or integration with program-provided hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) test-bed as applicable

• Month 9: Demonstration of a prototype system with performance metrics documented and compared to targeted baseline

• Month 12: Final Phase II Option Report summarizing approach; prototype architectures and algorithms; results of performance metrics and evaluation design; comparison with alternative state-of-the-art modernization options. Updated prototype demonstration meeting performance metrics

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Commercial applications that this SBIR is relevant to include remanufacturing of legacy hardware, including in the field ("out-of-factory") to upcycle them into a new life. Further, products and services coming from this work may be directly applicable to the Federal Government, where a wide range of systems from legacy civilian infrastructure to military weapons systems can benefit from the techniques proven under this SBIR.

DPA26BZ02-NV009 — Automated Process For Codesign Of Radiation Hardening And Security

Award Maximum: $250,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: To develop a manufacturable mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) technology capable of reliable operation in harsh environments, specifically high-temperature conditions up to 800°C.

DESCRIPTION: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the research and development of mixed-signal IC technology. Semiconductor electronics face significant challenges in extreme thermal environments, where conventional silicon-based technologies degrade beyond 250°C, limiting their use in defense, aerospace, and energy applications. As demand grows for long-duration reliability, wide-bandgap materials like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) offer promising alternatives due to their thermal resilience and electrical performance, yet current high-temperature electronics still lack the speed, stability, and manufacturability needed for widespread deployment. To address this, the Department of War (DoW) has launched targeted innovations to enhance high-temperature semiconductor capabilities. Missile guidance and propulsion systems require precision sensing and signal processing despite exposure to extreme heat, ensuring reliable performance in defense applications. Likewise, geothermal and nuclear monitoring depend on real-time sensing in sustained high-temperature environments to maintain system integrity. Space missions, such as Venus landers, demand electronics capable of withstanding surface temperatures approaching 500°C for long-duration survivability. While SiC-based electronics demonstrate operability beyond 800°C, their limited switching speed constrains high-performance applications requiring fast signal processing and complex computing. Conversely, GaN-based semiconductors offer superior speed but lack validated long-term stability at extreme temperatures. DARPA's High Operational Temperature Sensors (HOTS) program has paved the way for high-speed integrated circuits optimized for ultra-high temperatures, providing crucial insights into material engineering, thermal management, and circuit design. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) opportunity seeks to build on these advancements by developing a scalable wafer-based fabrication process for high-speed mixed-signal ICs, optimized for extreme temperatures. The initiative aims to establish a manufacturable microelectronics platform, enabling DoW stakeholders to design and deploy high-temperature semiconductor technologies across defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. By advancing material engineering, thermal mitigation strategies, and circuit architectures, this effort will overcome current limitations, delivering high-speed, thermally resilient electronics capable of sustained operation at 800°C.

PHASE I: Phase I is a 6-month effort to demonstrate the feasibility of the mixed-signal IC design and fabrication process through modeling and simulation, with experimental validation preferred. This includes an amplifier, exemplifying analog IC performance, with a measured Direct Current (DC) gain exceeding 20 dB and a unity gain bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, verified at 800°C; and a ring oscillator, representing digital IC functionality, with a propagation delay of less than 500 ns, measured at 800°C. Deliverables for Phase I include initial and interim technical reports; quarterly financial reports; and a draft and final technical report including a proof-of-concept analysis and simulation, a preliminary mixed-signal IC design, a fabrication process, risk assessment and mitigation strategy, and commercialization plan. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Initial Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Phase I Kickoff Meeting.

• Month 3: Interim Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 5: Draft Final Technical Report addressing all the characteristics listed in the Phase I description section and any other factors identified as relevant by the performer. The Draft Final Technical Report should additionally include proof-of-concept analysis and simulation, a preliminary mixed-signal IC design, a fabrication process, risk assessment and mitigation strategy, and commercialization plan on applicability to defense and commercial markets.

• Month 6: Final Technical Report addressing all the characteristics listed in the Phase I description section and any other factors identified as relevant by the performer. The Draft Final Technical Report should additionally include proof-of-concept analysis and simulation, a preliminary mixed-signal IC design, a fabrication process, risk assessment and mitigation strategy, and commercialization plan on applicability to defense and commercial markets. Presentation of results at a Phase I closeout meeting.

PHASE II: Phase II is anticipated to be up to 36-months to demonstrate an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) capable of stable operation at 800°C with a sampling rate exceeding 10,000 samples per second, 8-bit resolution, power consumption below 1 W, and an input voltage range of 0–5 V or wider to support various sensor interfaces. The ADC must maintain a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 40 dB, ensuring reliable signal integrity in extreme environments. Building on this circuit foundation, the performer must drive the maturation of the wafer fabrication process, completing at least one lot every six months with a minimum 4-inch diameter to support scalability. Each cycle will undergo rigorous electrical characterization, including unit device testing, reference IC validation, and yield analysis to assess reliability and manufacturability. Deliverables for Phase II include quarterly technical and financial reports; a demonstration; and a draft and final technical report including an updated commercialization plan. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

Phase II fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as issues and concerns. Phase II Kickoff Meeting.

• Month 4: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 7: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 10: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 13: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 16: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 19: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 22: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 25: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 28: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 31: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 34: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Demonstration of ADC to Government team.

• Month 35: Draft Final Technical Report listing the measured performance of the ADC and wafer fabrication process against the characteristics listed in the Phase II description section and an updated commercialization plan.

• Month 36: Final Technical Report listing the measured performance of the ADC and wafer fabrication process against the characteristics listed in the Phase II description section and an updated commercialization plan. Presentation of results at a Phase II closeout meeting.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends, or completes an effort made under prior SBIR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR program. The small business should focus on commercializing the product for sale in military or private sector markets such as aerospace or energy. Critical dual use applications include sensor electronics in extreme environments. This phase will assess and improve the operating lifetime of the mixed-signal IC across 500 to 800°C, ensuring reliability for defense and commercial applications. Long-term failure mechanisms will be analyzed to enhance durability and performance. To support commercialization and technology transition, a Process-Design Kit (PDK) will be finalized for standardized fabrication, while a scalability and deployment strategy will be developed to facilitate DOW integration and broaden adoption in commercial markets. This approach optimizes manufacturing scalability, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

DPA26BZ02-NV008 — Temperature-Hardened Electronics For Reliable Mission-Critical Applications (Thermal)

Award Maximum: $250,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: To develop a manufacturable mixed-signal integrated circuit (IC) technology capable of reliable operation in harsh environments, specifically high-temperature conditions up to 800°C.

DESCRIPTION: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the research and development of mixed-signal IC technology.

Semiconductor electronics face significant challenges in extreme thermal environments, where conventional silicon-based technologies degrade beyond 250°C, limiting their use in defense, aerospace, and energy applications. As demand grows for long-duration reliability, wide-bandgap materials like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) offer promising alternatives due to their thermal resilience and electrical performance, yet current high-temperature electronics still lack the speed, stability, and manufacturability needed for widespread deployment.

To address this, the Department of War (DOW) has launched targeted innovations to enhance high-temperature semiconductor capabilities. Missile guidance and propulsion systems require precision sensing and signal processing despite exposure to extreme heat, ensuring reliable performance in defense applications. Likewise, geothermal and nuclear monitoring depend on real-time sensing in sustained high-temperature environments to maintain system integrity. Space missions, such as Venus landers, demand electronics capable of withstanding surface temperatures approaching 500°C for long-duration survivability.

While SiC-based electronics demonstrate operability beyond 800°C, their limited switching speed constrains high-performance applications requiring fast signal processing and complex computing. Conversely, GaN-based semiconductors offer superior speed but lack validated long-term stability at extreme temperatures. DARPA's High Operational Temperature Sensors (HOTS) program has paved the way for high-speed integrated circuits optimized for ultra-high temperatures, providing crucial insights into material engineering, thermal management, and circuit design.

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) opportunity seeks to build on these advancements by developing a scalable wafer-based fabrication process for high-speed mixed-signal ICs, optimized for extreme temperatures. The initiative aims to establish a manufacturable microelectronics platform, enabling DOW stakeholders to design and deploy high-temperature semiconductor technologies across defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. By advancing material engineering, thermal mitigation strategies, and circuit architectures, this effort will overcome current limitations, delivering high-speed, thermally resilient electronics capable of sustained operation at 800°C.

PHASE I: Phase I is a 6-month effort to demonstrate the feasibility of the mixed-signal IC design and fabrication process through modeling and simulation, with experimental validation preferred. This includes an amplifier, exemplifying analog IC performance, with a measured Direct Current (DC) gain exceeding 20 dB and a unity gain bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, verified at 800°C; and a ring oscillator, representing digital IC functionality, with a propagation delay of less than 500 ns, measured at 800°C. Deliverables for Phase I include initial and interim technical reports; quarterly financial reports; and a draft and final technical report including a proof-of-concept analysis and simulation, a preliminary mixed-signal IC design, a fabrication process, risk assessment and mitigation strategy, and commercialization plan. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

PHASE II: Phase II is anticipated to be up to 36-months to demonstrate an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) capable of stable operation at 800°C with a sampling rate exceeding 10,000 samples per second, 8-bit resolution, power consumption below 1 W, and an input voltage range of 0–5 V or wider to support various sensor interfaces. The ADC must maintain a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) exceeding 40 dB, ensuring reliable signal integrity in extreme environments. Building on this circuit foundation, the performer must drive the maturation of the wafer fabrication process, completing at least one lot every six months with a minimum 4-inch diameter to support scalability. Each cycle will undergo rigorous electrical characterization, including unit device testing, reference IC validation, and yield analysis to assess reliability and manufacturability. Deliverables for Phase II include quarterly technical and financial reports; a demonstration; and a draft and final technical report including an updated commercialization plan. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: For Phase III, the small business must obtain funding from the private sector, a non-SBIR federal source, or both, and should focus on commercializing the product for sale in military or private sector markets such as aerospace or energy. Critical dual use applications include sensor electronics in extreme environments.

This phase will assess and improve the operating lifetime of the mixed-signal IC across 500 to 800°C, ensuring reliability for defense and commercial applications. Long-term failure mechanisms will be analyzed to enhance durability and performance. To support commercialization and technology transition, a Process-Design Kit (PDK) will be finalized for standardized fabrication, while a scalability and deployment strategy will be developed to facilitate DOW integration and broaden adoption in commercial markets. This approach optimizes manufacturing scalability, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

DPA26BZ02-NV007 — Compact Wideband Tunable Filters

Award Maximum: $250,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate wideband, power-efficient and tunable radio frequency (RF) filter technologies that significantly improve spectrum access and signal integrity for Department of War (DOW) communications and electronic warfare (EW) systems.

DESCRIPTION: The DoW relies heavily on RF communications and EW systems for critical tactical operations. Current filters often struggle to provide sufficient bandwidth, selectivity, and agility to operate effectively in congested electromagnetic environments. The increasing use of the RF spectrum, coupled with the growing sophistication of adversarial electronic attacks, necessitates advanced RF filtering technologies. The DARPA Wideband Adaptive RF Protection (WARP) program is developing advanced filter and canceller technology to protect wideband receivers from external and self-interference. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) opportunity seeks innovative solutions for wideband tunable microwave filters that offer superior performance in bandwidth, insertion loss, rejection, size, and power. The focus is on protecting wideband receivers from external interference and jamming.

PHASE I: Phase I is a 6-month effort focused on designing and modeling a compact, wideband filter with a center frequency tuning ratio equal to or greater than 4 to 1 in the frequency range of 2 to 18 GHz, and a bandwidth tuning of at least 3 to 1. The mode of operation may be bandpass, bandstop, or preferably both modes. Phase I will demonstrate the viability of the proposer's technical approach. This will include analytical feasibility studies and modeling showing the proposed solution can meet the filter technical metrics listed in Table 1. Simple experimental demonstrations may also be included to help support the proposed concept. Deliverables for Phase 1 include quarterly financial reports; a kickoff technical report; an interim technical report; a final detailed technical report outlining the proposed technology and how it compares with existing commercial filters; proof-of-concept analysis and/or simulations; a preliminary filter design; a fabrication process; a risk assessment and mitigation strategy; a detailed Phase II work outline; and a commercialization plan outlining target markets, strategy, and potential DoW insertion opportunities. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Initial Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Phase I Kickoff Meeting.

• Month 3: Interim Technical Report providing an update on the technical progress and status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 5: Draft Final Technical Report outlining the proposed technology, including how it addresses all the characteristics listed in the Phase I description section, and how it compares with existing commercial filters. The Draft Final Technical Report should additionally summarize/include proof-of-concept analysis and/or simulations; preliminary filter design; fabrication process; risk assessment and mitigation strategy; and commercialization plan outlining target markets, strategy, and potential DoW insertion opportunities.

• Month 6: Final Technical Report outlining the proposed technology, including how it addresses all the characteristics listed in the Phase I description section, and how it compares with existing commercial filters. The Final Technical Report should additionally summarize/include proof-of-concept analysis and/or simulations; preliminary filter design; fabrication process; risk assessment and mitigation strategy; and commercialization plan outlining target markets, strategy, and potential DoW insertion opportunities. Detailed Phase II work outline. Presentation of results at a Phase I closeout meeting.

PHASE II: The goal of Phase II is to demonstrate five or more functioning packaged filters that meet the technical metrics of the program using the design from Phase I. The phase consists of up to 36 months to fabricate the filters, and package functioning devices. During the base period, prototype devices will be fabricated and tested to validate performance against the program metrics. Deliverables for Phase II include quarterly technical and financial reports; a strategy report for packaging functioning devices; a final technical report listing the measured performance of the prototype filters against the metrics; and an updated commercialization plan with target markets, strategy, and potential DoW insertion opportunities. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting.

Phase II fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as issues and concerns. Phase II Kickoff Meeting.

• Month 4: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 7: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 10: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 13: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 16: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 19: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 22: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 25: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 28: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 31: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 34: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Demonstration of prototype to Government team.

• Month 35: Draft Final Technical Report listing the measured performance of the prototype filters against the metrics in the Phase I description section and an updated commercialization plan with target markets, strategy, and potential DoW insertion opportunities.

• Month 36: Final Technical Report listing the measured performance of the prototype filters against the metrics in the Phase I description section and an updated commercialization plan with target markets, strategy, and potential DoW insertion opportunities. Strategy Report for packaging functioning devices. Presentation of results at a Phase II closeout meeting.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends, or completes an effort made under prior SBIR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR program. Microwave filters are dual-use technology. Commercial applications include telecommunications, cognitive radios, software defined radios (SDR), and test equipment. Military applications include communications, signals intelligence, and electronic warfare. Under Phase III, the small business should focus on commercializing the filters and must obtain funding from either the private sector, a non-SBIR federal source, or both, to develop the prototype into a viable commercial product for sale in military or private sector markets.

DPA26BZ02-NV006 — Nanopore Bioelectronics for Next Generation Proteomics

Award Maximum: $250,000 Period of Performance: 9 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: To develop a next-generation single-molecule sensing and sequencing platform that delivers robust, high-accuracy, high-throughput, and scalable reading of biomolecules.

DESCRIPTION: Proteomics has emerged as a crucial field for understanding diseases, developing diagnostics, and designing effective therapeutics. Rapid, agnostic detection of future unknown protein-based biological threats necessitates the development of single-molecule protein sequencing technology that can differentiate the 20 canonical amino acids and beyond. While DNA sequencing has become widely accessible, protein sequencing has lagged behind due to significant technical complexity, including the 20 primary amino acids, numerous non-canonical and modified amino acids, hundreds of post-translational modifications (PTMs), the inability to amplify samples, a high dynamic range in biological samples, and variable solubility (1). The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) seeks to build a technology that can directly read individual biological polymers (e.g., proteins) through the use of nanopore-based platforms. The technology will enable the identification of unknown biomolecules in real time with reliable devices to address detection gaps for protein-based threats.

The current State of the Art (SOA) in proteomic polymer sequencing is defined by mass spectrometry (MS)-based platforms that allow deep qualitative and quantitative analysis of protein sequence, expression, interactions and post-translational modifications. The predominant "bottom-up" strategy involves enzymatic digestion of proteins into peptides, which are subsequently separated by liquid chromatography prior to identification and quantification using tandem MS. Despite demonstrating great utility, this destructive process often provides incomplete sequence coverage and critical information regarding full-length protein isoforms and the combinatorial arrangement of post-translational modifications on a single protein molecule is lost.

Recent advances in data-independent acquisition approaches, run on SOA instrumentation like Orbitraps and TimsTOFs, now enable the quantification of over 10,000 proteins from bulk samples and can identify over 5,000 proteins at the single-cell level (2). Despite this remarkable capability, the technology is constrained by limited dynamic range making the detection of low-abundance proteins challenging. Any novel, single-molecule protein sequencing approach will ultimately be measured against these established technological benchmarks that depend upon inferring protein identities from peptide fragments.

Novel nanopore-based technologies offer a promising path towards direct, real-time, single-molecule sequencing, potentially overcoming many of the limitations of current MS-based methods (3,4,5). To meet the need for rapid detection of unknown biological threats, DARPA seeks biological nanopore-based technology to advance our capability to read proteins, including novel sample preparation technologies, engineered protein-based motors and nanopores for molecular transit, and machine learning models for deconvoluting electronic signals.

PHASE I: During Phase I, performers will establish technical feasibility for a completely novel and proprietary sequencing methodology that can scale to ultrahigh speed, accuracy, and chemical diversity. Successful methods will develop custom interfaces between sensing/sequencing technologies and microsystems to: (1) Match a wide variety of microsystem interfaces and correct for process variation (2) Remain stable under a wide range of forces (e.g., electrophoretic, electroosmotic) and translocation of molecules (3) Present customizable chemistries that maximize signal differentiation. Performers should address a wide range of challenges, including but not limited to: adaptive sample preparation, nanopore-microsystem interfaces, and high-accuracy sequence calling algorithms. Ultimately, this platform should create a new product category: a microsystem-based, high-throughput, scalable, reconfigurable, real-time single-molecule sensing device and sequencer, that could be developed into a variety of business models (e.g., consumables-plus-instrument, centralized sequencing as a service) analogous to DNA sequencing, enabling commercial sustainability and broad acquisition that enables long term DoW access to technology.

Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Kickoff meeting report detailing sample preparation approaches, nanopore and/or motor protein designs, algorithms, and integration plans.

• Month 4: Interim report on performance of prototype system.

• Month 8: Demonstration and validation of novel sequencing chemistry. Discrimination of protein analytes with high accuracy and demonstration of a path towards increased throughput and robustness.

• Month 12: Final Phase I report summarizing all key elements of the prototype system including integration of novel chemistries with microsystem interfaces with nanopores and associated motor proteins, sample preparation approaches, prototype stability, and algorithms for discriminating protein analytes.

PHASE II: In Phase II, performers will focus on maturing the Phase I technology into a scalable and robust solution suitable for transition. The goal is to significantly advance the core technology by enabling more robust sequencing of a wider range of chemical diversity and demonstrating a clear path to high-throughput operation. The project will focus on validating three metrics critical for market entry: operational robustness (extending device and/or reagent shelf-life and stability), systematic reproducibility (across device/reagent batches and complex samples), and the scalability of the sequencing workflow for operationally relevant deployment. The primary task is to quantitatively derisk the transition from lab prototype to a commercially available instrument. The development efforts in this phase should prepare the technology for commercialization, whether as a benchtop prototype system or as the foundation for a sequencing-as-a-service model. This phase should also incorporate advanced data analysis, such as AI/ML-based high-accuracy sequence calling, to manage the increased complexity and throughput.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The focus of Phase III is to transition the developed technology to the commercial market and/or into a program of record for government use. A successful Phase III is the ultimate goal of the SBIR program and is expected to be funded by sources other than the SBIR program. The performer should pursue both government and commercial applications. For government development, the technology could be transitioned to relevant stakeholders for applications such as real-time field detection of engineered toxins, novel biothreats, and disease signatures to enhance force protection and medical diagnostics. This may involve further ruggedization and integration into existing sensor suites or diagnostic workflows. For commercial development, performers should pursue a strategy to enter markets such as medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and life science tooling. This may involve pursuing business models analogous to DNA sequencing (e.g., consumables-plus-instrument sales, centralized sequencing-as-a-service, or data licensing). The performer should seek strategic partnerships with larger corporations to facilitate market entry and scale manufacturing.

DPA26BZ02-NV005 — Spreaders for Microsystems with Advanced Thermal Resilience (SMART)

Award Maximum: $250,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: To develop passive thermal management technologies for extreme environment and high-power density systems, resulting in a conformal thin-film heat spreader technology with significant improvements compared to conventional copper heat spreaders.

DESCRIPTION: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the research and development of thin-film heat spreader technology.Current heat spreader solutions use high thermal conductivity (TC) materials like copper (TC: 400 W/m·K) and aluminum nitride (TC: 320 W/m·K). However, these solutions lack the complete set of properties needed to make them both effective at heat spreading and survivable in extreme environments. The ultimate thin-film heat spreader must: 1) have high thermal conductivity and low thermal boundary resistance; 2) be integrable with a range of microsystem technologies with low deposition temperature; 3) be electrically insulating; and 4) be scalable, supporting formation on substrates ranging from small dies to full wafers. For this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) opportunity, specific targets of interest for demonstrating heat spreader approaches are high power semiconductor lasers and extreme temperature electronics.High power density systems like semiconductor lasers are employed across a broad range of industries, including communications, manufacturing, medical diagnostics and treatment, and national security. However, high-power lasers based on III-V semiconductor materials face significant thermal management challenges, largely due to the inherently low thermal conductivity of these materials. To address this, integrating effective heat spreaders near the active region is critical to enhancing device performance, thus improving wavelength stability, boosting laser efficiency and reliability, and mitigating thermal-induced distortions.The importance of heat spreaders also extends to electronic systems and sensors operating in extreme thermal environments (exceeding 800°C). At high temperatures, phonon scattering reduces heat conductivity and reduces the effectiveness of heat spreaders. Such conditions are encountered in oil and gas exploration, geothermal technologies, combustion engines, and military systems. In the absence of efficient thermal energy dissipation, localized temperatures can rise by over 200°C above ambient, resulting in peak device temperatures approaching 1000°C—levels that can severely degrade performance, compromise structural integrity, and shorten device lifespan.For this SBIR, proposals that develop heat spreader technologies that accommodate both high power density microsystems and extreme temperature microsystems are encouraged. Laminate film stacks are acceptable. Approaches that require active cooling are discouraged. Additionally, the heat spreader technology should have the following characteristics:

• Uniform and conformal heat spreader thickness from 100 nm to 5 µm

• Less than 450°C deposition temperature for compatibility with a broad spectrum of microsystems

• Scalability from dies to full substrates

• Thermal conductivity > 1500 W/m·K

• Thermal boundary resistance < 5 m2K/GW between heat spreader and substrate material

• Low surface roughness with < 10 nm root-mean-square (RMS) value

• High electrical resistance

• Low residual film stress that induces no warpage in the substrate

• Survivability and high performance to 800°C and beyond (laser devices with proposed heat spreader are not required to meet this threshold)

PHASE I: Phase I is a 6-month feasibility study to describe the offeror's technical approach to develop a novel thin-film heat spreader technology and deposition process, in alignment with the characteristics listed above, and determine the technical practicality of the approach. This should include an assessment of its technical readiness and potential applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. This study will provide a quantitative analysis of the approach highlighting how progress will be measured. Deliverables for Phase I include initial and interim technical reports; quarterly financial reports; and a draft and final technical report including a risk assessment and mitigation strategy, proof-of-concept analysis, and commercialization plan. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting. Details on Milestones and the Milestone schedule can be found in Appendix A.

Phase I fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Initial Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Phase I Kickoff Meeting.

• Month 3: Interim Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 5: Draft Final Technical Report addressing all the characteristics listed in the Description section and any other factors identified as relevant by the performer. The Draft Final Technical Report should additionally include a risk assessment and mitigation strategy; proof-of-concept analysis; and a commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets.

• Month 6: Final Technical Report addressing all the characteristics listed in the Description section and any other factors identified as relevant by the performer. The Final Technical Report should additionally include a risk assessment and mitigation strategy; proof-of-concept analysis; and a commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. Presentation of results at a Phase I closeout meeting.

PHASE II: Phase II is a 36-month effort to develop and demonstrate the technical approach outlined in Phase I, in a manner that enables comprehensive evaluation of heat spreader properties against the characteristics outlined in the description section. Deliverables for Phase II include quarterly financial and technical reports; a demonstration; and a draft and final technical report, listing the measured performance against the metrics, and an updated commercialization plan. There will also be a kickoff meeting, quarterly meetings, and a closeout meeting. Details on Milestones and the Milestone schedule can be found in Appendix A.

Phase II fixed payable milestones for this program should include:

• Month 1: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as issues and concerns. Phase II Kickoff Meeting.

• Month 4: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 7: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 10: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 13: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 16: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 19: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 22: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 25: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 28: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 31: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns.

• Month 34: Technical Report providing an assessment of project goals, progress, status, as well as any issues and concerns. Demonstration to Government team.

• Month 35: Draft Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets.

• Month 36: Final Technical Report listing the measured performance against the characteristics listed in the Description section and an updated commercialization plan on applicability to defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets. Presentation of results at a Phase II closeout meeting.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends, or completes an effort made under prior SBIR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR program, and should focus on commercializing the product for sale in military or private sector markets. High temperature thin-film heat spreaders are dual use technology. Commercial applications include high performance computing and telecommunication. Military applications include aviation, hypersonics, and missile guidance systems. Under Phase III, the small business should focus on completing one or more representative prototype demonstrations, incorporating Government performance objectives, where specific objectives will depend on the technology proposed in Phase I and demonstrated in Phase II. Entities should coordinate with the government during the demonstration development phase to evaluate if the demonstration is projected to achieve objectives that advance passive thermal cooling on high power density microsystems and extreme temperature microsystems.

OSW26BZ02-DV004 — Game-Theoretic AI for Robust Course of Action (COA) Generation and Wargaming

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: To develop and demonstrate a mature, scalable, and robust game-theoretic Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine capable of generating and executing novel, optimized courses of action (COAs) in complex, multi-domain, imperfect-information wargaming environments. The objective is to field a capability that consistently outperforms expert human planners and provides decision-makers with a significant strategic advantage in planning, doctrine development, and operational analysis.

DESCRIPTION: Modern military operations are characterized by an astronomically large strategy space, where adversaries' actions are interdependent. Current planning processes are human-intensive, slow, and explore only a "vanishingly small fraction" of possible COAs for both Blue and Red forces. This creates significant operational risk and leaves unexploited opportunities on the table. Standard machine learning approaches are often insufficient as they require massive, labeled datasets that do not exist for future conflicts and frequently produce "black box" solutions that are difficult for commanders to trust, interpret, or certify.

This topic seeks solutions founded in computational game theory capable of computing approximate Nash equilibria in large-scale, zero-sum, imperfect-information games. The desired AI engine will use self-play within high-fidelity simulation environments to learn and refine strategies for both Blue and Red sides simultaneously, without requiring a priori assumptions about adversary tactics.

The proposed solution must demonstrate the following critical attributes:

1. Dominant Performance: The system must generate COAs that are demonstrably superior to those developed by expert human planners in complex military scenarios. The ability to defeat experienced red teams is the paramount evaluation criterion.

2. Human-Interpretability: Generated strategies must be transparent and understandable, composed of modular, doctrinally-relevant planning components (i.e., not a monolithic neural network). Commanders must be able to understand the "why" behind the AI's recommendations.

3. Scalability: The AI architecture must be capable of scaling from tactical engagements (e.g., individual flight combat) to operational-level scenarios involving thousands of assets across multiple domains (air, sea, land) and extended time horizons.

4. Computational Efficiency: The solution should operate effectively on modest computational footprints (e.g., single or small-cluster CPU-based workstations), avoiding reliance on cost-prohibitive, large-scale GPU clusters for its core training and inference loops.

5. "Anytime" Capability: The algorithm must be capable of providing a valid, usable strategy at any point during its computation cycle, with the solution quality improving as more time and resources are allocated.

PHASE I: This topic is accepting Direct to Phase II proposals only. Strong proposals should document prior experience:

• A detailed white paper describing the underlying computational game-theory model and algorithmic approach used to find and refine strategies in imperfect-information games.

• Demonstrated results (e.g., data, reports, or videos) of the AI's performance against expert human teams or other state-of-the-art AI benchmarks in a complex, multi-domain wargaming or simulation environment. Performance must be quantified using a clear utility or scoring function.

• Evidence of the AI's ability to generate novel, effective, and human-interpretable strategies (e.g., examples of generated COAs).

• Technical specifications detailing the computational resources required for both training and execution, and data supporting claims of scalability from small to large-scale scenarios.

• Proposals lacking sufficient evidence of a mature, existing prototype and demonstrated performance will be deemed non-responsive.

PHASE II: Phase II will focus on:

• Building on the proven feasibility from Phase I, the offeror will mature, harden, and scale their prototype AI engine for defense-specific applications. The scope of work will include:

• Integrating the AI engine with a government-designated modeling and simulation (M&S) environment (e.g., Command: Professional Edition (CPE), AFSIM, or others).

• Conducting a series of validation and verification (V&V) events in government-provided scenarios of increasing complexity, including multi-domain swarm scenarios and joint all-domain operations.

• Systematically demonstrating the robustness of the AI by assessing its performance under conditions of degraded communications, sensor uncertainty, incomplete information, and novel adversary tactics not present in the training set.

• Delivering a robust, containerized software prototype of the AI engine and a technical data package (TDP) sufficient for government use in wargaming, analysis, and COA development.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

• Government/Military: The primary application is to serve as a core component of next-generation wargaming centers, operational planning cells, and training programs across the DoD and the Intelligence Community. It can function as a "blue" planning aide, an ultra-capable "red" opponent for training, or an impartial adjudicator for COA analysis.

• Commercial: The underlying game-theoretic reasoning engine can be adapted for a wide range of commercial markets that involve high-stakes strategic interaction under uncertainty. These include financial market modeling, cybersecurity defense strategies, complex business negotiations, supply chain optimization, and resource allocation in competitive environments. The offeror is expected to pursue these commercial applications to ensure long-term viability and innovation.

OSW26BZ02-DV003 — Generative AI for Secure Workflow Automation and Compliance

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: To develop and demonstrate a secure, enterprise-grade Generative AI platform to automate and enhance critical administrative, security, and compliance workflows within the Department of War (DoW). This effort seeks to dramatically reduce manual effort, improve the quality and speed of documentation, and ensure rigorous adherence to complex regulatory and security guidelines.

DESCRIPTION: The Department of War currently relies on manual, time-consuming, and resource-intensive processes for creating and managing critical documentation such as Security Classification Guides (SCGs), Program Protection Plans (PPPs), and OPSEC plans. These legacy workflows are prone to human error, leading to inconsistencies, over-classification, and potential security vulnerabilities. This administrative burden directly impacts mission agility and the speed of decision-making.

The emergence of secure, fine-tuned Large Language Models (LLMs) presents a transformative opportunity to modernize these processes. The DoW seeks a mature, AI-driven Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform capable of operating in both unclassified and classified environments (up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information - TS/SCI). This platform will serve as a foundational toolkit for government personnel, augmenting their ability to generate, review, and manage complex documentation with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

The chosen performer will be expected to deliver a solution that is not just a theoretical model but a demonstrable, scalable, and secure platform ready for rapid prototyping and operational testing.

This solicitation is for a Direct to Phase II (D2P2) award. Offerors are expected to have already achieved significant technical maturity and be prepared to demonstrate existing capabilities upon request.

PHASE I: This topic is accepting Direct to Phase II proposals only. Strong proposals should document prior experience collaborating and working with large defense contractors in many or all the following ways:

• Completion of a feasibility study or initial prototype development for an AI-driven tool related to classification, security planning, policy, or compliance.

• Demonstrated expertise in fine-tuning LLMs for specialized, high-stakes domains (e.g., legal, finance, cybersecurity, or government).

• Evidence of a well-defined technical approach and architecture for deploying AI solutions in secure, air-gapped, or hybrid cloud environments.

• Demonstrated Capability: Proven track record in developing and deploying AI-driven solutions.

• Classified Experience: Verifiable experience working with the Department of War on classified programs and systems up to the TS/SCI level. Personnel must be eligible for required clearances.

• Technological Advantage: A well-articulated and defensible explanation of why their secure LLM technology represents a significant leap beyond the current state of the art.

• Government Acumen: A deep and nuanced understanding of government security and administrative processes, essential for building a truly effective solution.

Proposers must provide clear and compelling evidence of this prior work in their proposal.

PHASE II: The primary goal of Phase II is to develop, demonstrate, and deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of the AI-powered toolkit within an 18-month period of performance. The performer shall:

1. Work closely with government stakeholders through detailed Q&A sessions and agile development sprints to refine requirements and ensure the solution meets operational needs.

2. Develop and deliver a functional prototype of an integrated toolkit with priority given to the following applications:

• Security Classification Guide (SCG) Builder: Automates the generation of SCGs based on program data and existing directives.

• Program Protection Plan (PPP) Builder: Assists in drafting comprehensive PPPs by integrating threat data and security controls.

• OPSEC Plan Builder: Streamlines the creation of OPSEC plans.

• Policy, Compliance, and Risk Review Tools: Enables rapid analysis of documents against a corpus of policies, regulations, and risk frameworks.

• Insider Threat Management Module: Provides tools to assist in identifying and mitigating potential insider threats through the analysis of unstructured data.

3. Demonstrate a clear and significant advantage in their fine-tuned and secure LLMs, focusing on accuracy, explainability, data privacy, and robustness against adversarial manipulation.

4. Develop a detailed roadmap for deploying the solution in a classified environment (up to TS/SCI) and integrating it with existing DoW systems.

5. Deliverables will include the MVP prototype, a final technical report, a demonstration in a relevant environment, and a roadmap for scalability and transition.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The successful completion of Phase II is expected to result in technology that is highly sought after across the Department of War and the broader Intelligence Community. The performer will be expected to transition the technology into a sustainable Program of Record or a commercially available service on government contract vehicles. Dual-use applications include deployment in other federal agencies, as well as in highly regulated commercial industries such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where compliance and security are paramount.

SOC26BZ02-NV003 — Passive Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) for Terminal Guidance

Award Maximum: $175,000 Period of Performance: 7 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop applied research toward an innovative capability that will provide kinetic One-Way Attack (OWA) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) enhanced terminal guidance capability on approach to target by passively perceiving and navigating through complex, cluttered, and unstructured environments at mission relevant speeds.

DESCRIPTION: This topic seeks innovative research and development efforts that allow Special Operations Soldiers to employ autonomously navigating Group 1 UAS in complex, cluttered, and unstructured environments. OWA UAS often have some level of autonomous terminal guidance when a target is verified and approved for targeting. Basic UAS terminal guidance capabilities typically utilize computer vision to develop bounding boxes on a selected target and navigate directly to that location. Utilizing a designated target as a destination, the UAS developed under this SBIR must be capable of navigating to the target location/object by building a model of its current position relative to a designated target, identifying obstacles between the platform and the target, then developing and executing a navigation plan to the target while dynamically adjusting with changes in surrounding environment. As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications on the following key system attributes:

1. Must be capable of utilizing passive sensors to perceive local environment.

2. Must be capable of identifying, analyzing, and selecting suitable navigation paths for UAS through unstructured dynamic environments.

3. UAS should be capable of navigating to both static and dynamic targets.

4. UAS should be capable of loop-closures to correct INS/SLAM drift.

5. All data, compute, and sensors utilized for navigation must be organic to aircraft (i.e. no cloud compute or reach-back authorized).

6. Must be Modular Open System Approach (MOSA)/Open software compatible.

7. Must use industry standard flight controls (Mavlink, Ardupilot, etc).

PHASE I: Conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraphs entitled "Objective" and "Description."

The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study ("Technology Readiness Level 3") to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write-up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop, install, and demonstrate prototype systems determined to be the most feasible solution during the Phase I feasibility study on a passive visual-inertial SLAM navigation system to advance terminal guidance capabilities for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant multi-rotor UAS. Performers will be expected to demonstrate UAS performance in cluttered, unstructured environments.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where advanced autonomy is required to navigate UAS to targets in dense rural or urban environments. In the commercial space, there exists broad applicability for this technology in drone delivery services, unmanned search and rescue, unmanned mapping, HAZMAT, and various other use cases.

DON26BZ02-NV050 — Low-Cost Bottoming Seabed Nodes for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Support

Award Maximum: $240,000 (Phase I Base: up to $140,000 / Phase I Option: up to $100,000) Period of Performance: 6 months base + 6 months option Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop modular, low-cost, high endurance seabed nodes to support integration of diverse subsea payloads.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking low-cost, modular seabed nodes with standardized mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces to accommodate diverse payload options, including acoustic communications modems, undersea sensors, navigation, and data transfer and storage. The commercial market lacks seabed nodes appropriate for Navy use. The nodes should be capable of operating independently or operating as part of a larger node network and support interoperability with other underwater acoustic platforms, networks, and a wide range of underwater vehicles.

The nodes must have a cylindrical form factor of 19 inches in diameter and 51 inches in length, with a maximum dry weight is 1,000 lbs and able to withstand maritime deployment while maintaining and controlling descent to the seabed.

The nodes must function regardless of their orientation on the seafloor and must be operational on the seabed for a minimum of 12 months (Threshold), 24 months (Objective). The nodes must be pressure tolerant up to a depth of 300 meters and able to anchor in differing bottom types, currents, sea growth, and corrosion without performance degradation, as well as in currents up to 2 knots. Each node must manage its power usage to maximize operational lifespan and utilize power management strategies when possible.

While the focus of the effort is the design and development of payload agnostic subsea nodes, the desired initial payload of this effort will be acoustic communications nodes with the ability to expand development. Acoustic communication nodes should support two interfaces. The first acoustic communications interface shall enable long range, low data rate horizontal communications in the frequency band of 1kHz to 5kHz. The second communications interface shall enable short range, high data rate communications with Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUVs). The acoustic communications modem used must leverage Commercial off-the-shelf products, to include software-defined acoustic modems, to allow flexibility in the definition waveforms, modulation schemes, transmission power levels, and the use of Low Probability of Detection and Low Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI) acoustic waveforms. The mesh network must support persistent data storage and distribution services for small data payloads (less than 1KB in size), and data storage only for larger payloads (less than 100KB in size).

To maximize range on the sea floor and enable connectivity with other nodes, the node can deploy an undersea beacon or other methods to adjust the altitude of its acoustic transducer.

A detailed Interface Control Document (ICD) will be provided as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) upon entering Phase II. This ICD will specify the physical attachment points, as well as describe the umbilical and electronic communications to be received from the vehicle.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept design for low-cost, modular seabed nodes with standardized mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces that meet the form factor and operational requirements described above. The concept design feasibility should include any modeling and simulation and studies in support of concept risk reduction. Establish feasibility by developing system diagrams that show the design concept and provide estimated weight, dimensions, cost estimate, and manufacturability of the concept.

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 a minimum of two prototype nodes for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase I and the Navy requirements. Demonstrate performance with a detailed analysis and live demonstration in a test environment as part of the evaluation. Provide detailed technical documentation of the design, including an interface control drawing and interface specification, to allow successful transition of the product. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition this technology for Navy use.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Support further refinement and testing of the functionality following successful prototype development and demonstration.

If successful, potential applications include integration with other government agencies depending on the capability provided that supports subsea warfare, increasing the Navy's capability to perform a variety of Subsea Seabed Warfare and Undersea Warfare missions.

In addition to such DOW applications, these payloads could be used in commercial oil, gas, and oceanographic applications to improve communication between undersea vehicles.

DON26BZ02-NV049 — Universal Submersible Logistics Deployment and Stowage Package

Award Maximum: $240,000 (Phase I Base: up to $140,000 / Phase I Option: up to $100,000) Period of Performance: 6 months base + 6 months option Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a submergible low-cost, long-duration, tamper-resistant logistics delivery and stowage system, which stores and facilitates retrieval of logistics payloads from the seabed.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking a secure, low-cost capability for a passive seabed logistics delivery and stowage system. The system will be capable of delivering and storing supplies, equipment, and materials on the seabed for extended periods (24 months). The system should minimize reliance on expensive surface vessel support and specialized underwater vehicles for deployment and retrieval, thereby significantly reducing operational costs. There is nothing commercially available that does this.

The system must provide secure, environmentally protected stowage for a variety of payload sizes and types and safeguarding against corrosion, biofouling, and other environmental factors.

The entire system must have a cylindrical form factor of 19 inches in diameter and 51 inches in length, with a maximum dry weight is 1,000 lbs and able to withstand maritime deployment while maintaining and controlling descent to the seabed. The system will be optimized for the maximum amount of payload/minimized amount of command electronics contained within the system. The system must function regardless of its orientation on the seafloor and must be operational on the seabed for a minimum of 12 months (Threshold), 24 months (Objective). The payload must be pressure tolerant between 300 meters and 600 meters, and able to withstand differing bottom types, currents, sea growth, and corrosion without performance degradation, as well as currents up to 2 knots.

The system must incorporate a low-power, acoustic communication system for remote monitoring of critical parameters (e.g., location, environmental conditions, payload status) and control of specific functions (e.g., retrieval/release mechanisms, scuttling). Consideration should be given to minimizing power consumption and maximizing communication range and reliability in challenging underwater acoustic environments. Horizontal acoustic communications ranges should approach 5 to 10 km. The system shall be capable of being retrieved from the seabed depth by surfacing or deploying a float to enable retrieval.

Additionally, the system must be capable of scuttle/neutralization after a set time duration or after the payload is retrieved.

A detailed Interface Control Document (ICD) will be provided as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This ICD will specify the physical attachment points, as well as describe the umbilical and electronic communications to be received from the vehicle.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a prototype that meets the requirements described above. Demonstrate through modeling and simulation, benchtop tests or other supporting documentation the efficacy of the proposed system design for satisfying prototype system requirements.

The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II, and plans to assist the Navy in refining system level requirements for transition.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype as a fully functional payload delivery system. Perform laboratory testing, modeling, or analytical methods as appropriate depending on the company's proposed approach. Conduct rigorous testing and validation in a relevant environment and demonstrate integration with a designated Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) platform.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Support further refinement and testing of the functionality following successful prototype development and demonstration.

If successful, potential applications include prepositioning various payloads, enabling new underwater operational concepts.

In addition to such DOW applications, these payloads could be used in commercial oil, gas, and oceanographic applications, long-term storage, and on-demand retrieval of subsea equipment, tools, and materials.

DON26BZ02-NV048 — Advanced Techniques for Enhanced Deep-Sea Object Detection and Localization for Towed Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Sonar

Award Maximum: $240,000 (Phase I Base: up to $140,000 / Phase I Option: up to $100,000) Period of Performance: 6 months base + 6 months option Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative enhancements and techniques for towed Mine Countermeasures (MCM) sonars to enable object detection and localization at increased ocean depths.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy's existing minehunting systems primarily use side-scan sensors to detect, classify, and localize mines resting on the sea floor. Volume search sonars are used to detect and localize mines, tethers, and anchors for moored mines tethered to the sea floor. However, the performance of these sonars is limited by the distance and depth that the sonars can sense objects. The Navy seeks to enhance the effectiveness of existing Navy Minehunting high-frequency sonar systems by increasing sensor range for depth and distance.

The Navy seeks to develop an innovative solution to increase the range of minehunting sonar by enabling the sensors to detect and localize objects at increased distances and depths. The solution can be a combination of hardware, software, algorithms or techniques necessary to optimize sensor range. Solutions that lower the tow body to increased depths will not be considered due to the necessary increased Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) required. There is currently nothing available commercially to meet these requirements.

A required range and depth are not provided. Proposals should articulate the expected increased range and depths that their proposed solution will achieve. Proposed software and algorithms will reside either in the tow body sensor processors or in the back-end Post Mission Analysis (PMA) processors. Hardware solutions shall fit within existing SWaP parameters that follow: 30in length x 10.5inch width x 3.5inch height, 44.5lbs, and be powered by an 80V constant current amplifier. Hardware solutions should consider the shape of the tow body. If proposing a new sensor, the Gap Filler Sonar would be the preferred sensor for replacement. Any solution shall be compatible with current software and hardware architecture and available resources. The resulting technology should provide a significant improvement in the performance and detection by reducing the Probability of False Alarm (Pfa).

Improvements are considered significant when sensor performance at increased ranges approaches the current baseline requirements for sensor performance. This includes achieving a minimum probability of detection of 90% while maintaining a false alarm rate of 0.1 false alarms per hour. Candidate minehunting sonar systems include AN/AQS-20 and AN/AQS-24.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for a deep detection system that meets the requirements described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and establish that the concept can be feasibly developed into a useful product for the Navy. Feasibility will be established by either testing and analytical modeling or both.

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 a prototype for evaluation as appropriate. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase I and the Navy requirements for the Enhanced Deep-Sea Object Detection and Localization capability. Demonstrate performance with a detailed analysis, and live demonstration in a test environment as part of the evaluation. Provide detailed technical documentation of the design, including an interface control drawing and interface specification, to allow successful transition of the product. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition technology to Navy use.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Provide technical support for transitioning and incorporating the solution into Navy program(s). Depending on the program, support for additional testing may be needed. Explore the potential to transfer the system or technology to other military and commercial systems, including the underwater archeologic community, offshore oil and gas exploration, and oceanographic scientific research.

Technology developed under this effort is applicable to any domain that requires deep SONAR sensing. This includes bathymetric mapping and research, diving expeditions, and commercial fishing.

DON26BZ02-NV047 — Rapid Range Determination of Airborne Targets in Complex Raid Scenarios

Award Maximum: $240,000 (Phase I Base: up to $140,000 / Phase I Option: up to $100,000) Period of Performance: 6 months base + 6 months option Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a technology to determine the range of multiple, simultaneous, widely spaced, and independently moving small airborne targets using electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) means.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy fields, and continuously updates, multiple systems incorporating imaging sensors (cameras). Across all systems, the Navy will have cameras covering both wide and narrow fields of view, operating over essentially the entire span of visible to infrared (IR) wavelength bands. While there is no strict operational division, wide field of view (WFOV) cameras typically provide general situational awareness over a broad sector. When an object of interest is observed, the WFOV camera system then provides coordinates (azimuth and elevation angles) to cue narrow field of view (NFOV) cameras for high magnification imaging of the object. If the target can then be positively identified and is of a known type (for example, a cargo ship or commercial airliner), its range might then be inferred. Otherwise, or when precise range information is required, a laser rangefinder may be employed. Laser rangefinders and NFOV cameras are typically deployed in stabilized gimbaled mounts, providing full degrees of freedom and precise aiming. They are valuable and expensive resources.

A challenging problem arises when multiple targets are simultaneously present in the sector covered by a WFOV camera. While the WFOV camera images the targets and calculates their relative coordinates instantly, the NFOV cameras and rangefinders must mechanically slew to each target and hold on that target for some finite moment in order to effectively focus the image and capture the range data. This is a significant problem if the targets are small, widely dispersed throughout the field of view, and maneuvering independently, especially at high speed. As the number of targets grows, the point is reached where the NFOV camera and the range finder (often mounted on the same gimbal) simply cannot move fast enough to follow every target.

Airborne targets can be exceptionally challenging to cover because they are free to move in three dimensions and because they can typically maneuver at much higher velocities than surface targets. Alternately, small surface targets are often obscured by more severe clutter conditions due to wave action but move slower and are confined to the ocean surface. Consequently, swarms of surface and airborne targets present entirely different problems in detection and range determination. There is currently no commercial technology known that solves this problem.

The Navy needs an EO/IR sensing technology that can rapidly determine the ranges of large numbers of small, independent, rapidly maneuvering airborne targets in complex raid scenarios. Solutions may employ active means, semi-active means, or passive means. In this regard, "active means" refers to a laser-based solution, such as a lidar or conventional laser rangefinder where the solution incorporates a laser (or multiple lasers), a dedicated receiver for detecting the laser return(s), and an appropriate steering or scanning mechanism, all mounted together. A "semi-active" solution would incorporate a laser (or multiple lasers) but would make use of the separate and already available WFOV imaging sensors to detect the laser return. For this purpose, WFOV cameras can be assumed to be available in the visible and mid-wave IR (MWIR) bands. A strictly passive solution would determine range solely by the (optional) utilization of existing WFOV cameras and any passive imaging sensor necessary to augment the WFOV cameras.

Cost is always a factor and WFOV cameras are expensive and typically require a dedicated aperture, which further increases system cost and complexity. Therefore, solutions that require the modification of existing WFOV cameras or the incorporation of additional WFOV cameras are excluded from consideration. Utilization of the ship's existing NFOV cameras is also not permitted. Solutions that require a library of target images or signatures are also not allowed.

Because of blockages from the ship superstructure, the maximum azimuthal field of regard is 190 degrees (180-degree coverage plus 5-degree margin at either end) and 45-degree elevation. However, for purposes of the prototype delivered under this effort, design for and demonstration of 45-degree azimuthal coverage is acceptable, provided that the solution can be readily extended to the full field of regard without loss of performance. As an initial performance baseline, consider ten airborne targets randomly scattered over the field of regard, both in azimuth and elevation. Range measurements for these ten targets should be refreshed at a minimum rate of once per second (for the full 190-degree field of regard). It is understood that the measurement refresh rate may slow proportionately as the number of simultaneous targets increases. A nominal range resolution of ±1.0 m at 1000 m range is desired. For active and semi-active solutions, maximum usable range is assumed to scale with laser power. For the prototype demonstrated under this effort, an eye-safe condition at the emission aperture is desired with the understanding that (future) tactical units may require higher power. Consequently, for solutions that incorporate lasers, system architectures that permit scaling of the laser power are most attractive. Conversely, indiscriminate beaming of laser energy can interfere with nearby Navy and civilian aircraft so, for the case of active and semi-active solutions, a low probability of intercept technology is also desired.

The technology developed under this SBIR topic is not expected to detect new or otherwise previously unobserved targets. This topic assumes that targets are visible to and have been detected by the WFOV cameras. Consequently, target coordinates in azimuth and elevation may be assumed to be available to the range measurement system. Likewise, for active and semi-active solutions, sector blanking (that is "do not lase") coordinates should also be accommodated. In short, the desired ranging technology is expected to interface, work, and compliment the ship's existing WFOV camera(s). However, the Navy cannot provide tactical hardware, and it is incumbent on proposers to include surrogate hardware (or emulation software) that replicates the function of a WFOV staring (fixed) camera. A test plan that includes representative targets should also be included as part of the proposed solution.

Considering the requirements and objectives described above, system complexity and cost is the next most relevant factor. Systems that incorporate more than one laser or sensor element should strive to use a single aperture. If a dedicated focal plane array is included, it should be of the smallest possible size and cost and increase system complexity as little as possible. Mechanical components such as gimbals, steering mirrors, and scanning mechanisms should be minimized and made as simple as possible to reduce acquisition cost, ease repair, and maximize reliability.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an EO/IR range measurement sensor for use in determination of target ranges in complex raid scenarios meeting the requirements in the Description. Assess feasibility and estimate initial performance using ten dispersed and independent airborne targets as the baseline, also as described in the Description. Define a systems architecture with sufficient detail that the system complexity is readily apparent and estimate the final prototype system size and weight. Feasibility may be demonstrated by analysis, modelling and simulation, the fabrication and testing of initial or partial prototypes (or prototype subsystems and components), or some combination of all three. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include initial design and interface specifications necessary to build and demonstrate the prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype EO/IR range measurement sensor based on the results of Phase I. Demonstrate functionality and performance against surrogate targets and show that the functionality and performance can be extended to full 190-degree coverage. Show the range performance dependence on laser power and estimate the full range over which the solution could be effectively applied, assuming laser power was increased. Extrapolate the measured performance to estimate performance against more than ten targets. Upon completion of the effort, deliver the prototype to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning technology for Navy use. Scale the power for range and safety requirements determined by program needs. Demonstrate functionality and performance across a field of regard (not to exceed 190 degrees), also determined by program needs. Develop product specifications, performance specifications, and process control drawings for specific sensor designs. Assist the Navy in integration of these sensors with existing and future surface ship camera systems and then into Navy combat systems. Establish, either in-house, or through partnering or licensing, production facilities necessary to support Navy and other Government production demand.

In addition to defense applications, the demand for active EO/IR sensing is expected to expand in the areas of security, navigation, and perhaps air traffic control.

DON26BZ02-NV046 — High Frequency Omni-Directional Acoustic Sensor with Open Architecture Telemetry

Award Maximum: $240,000 (Phase I Base: up to $140,000 / Phase I Option: up to $100,000) Period of Performance: 6 months base + 6 months option Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop an acoustic sensor with omnidirectional high-frequency detection of low source levels, accurate bearing determination, and native integration with an Open Architecture Telemetry (OAT) towed array.

DESCRIPTION: Towed acoustic receive arrays provide powerful insight into the undersea environment and the natural and man-made entities that exist under the surface of the ocean, including adversaries. Towed arrays are populated with hydrophones. Accurate bearing determination is crucial for effective evasion or attack. To determine bearing using existing sensors, either maneuvers or arrays of omni-directional sensors must be used. These maneuvers and arrays introduce delay and complexity to acting. Providing a high frequency omni-directional hydrophone with bearing capability will substantially reduce the time required to achieve effective evasion or attack. Currently there is no commercially available technology to fill this need.

Given new telemetry paradigms that increase the number of sonar elements that can be included in a towed array, the Navy seeks a small omni-directional acoustic sensor that can improve array capability. This omni-directional sensor, paired with vector sensors to enable bearing determination, would be compatible with OAT. This will enhance towed arrays performance in detecting and localizing acoustic entities across a wide frequency range. With increased hydrophone density in the towed array, higher resolution mapping of the acoustic field can be achieved. However, the number of data channels available in the array is limited by the available bandwidth and amount of power that can be utilized throughout the array.

The Navy has developed OAT to reduce Navy reliance on proprietary hardware vendors. This open architecture approach allows other vendors to participate in the refinement of key Navy towed acoustic receive array design elements.

The high-frequency omnidirectional acoustic sensor must be robust enough for towed array deployment, survive a range of environmental conditions, withstand speeds up to 30 knots, and depths to one mile.

To minimize flow disruption over the towed array, the dimensions of the High Frequency Omni-Directional acoustic sensor should be smaller than approximately 2 inches in diameter.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an OAT High Frequency Omni-directional acoustic sensor meeting the parameters of the Description. Demonstrate the concept is feasible and can meet the parameters through analysis and modeling. 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 the prototype sensor designed in Phase I. Demonstrate the sensor through testing in a controlled body of water, such as the deep waters of Lake Pend Oreille near Bayview, Idaho, by conducting prototype testing to verify the survivability of the acoustic sensor in the ocean environment. This testing will provide data to support the Navy's decision regarding the potential adoption of the sensor into future towed receive array designs.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Work with Navy subject matter experts to develop designs that will perform as desired when integrated with the other open architecture telemetry elements, towed array hydrophones, and towed array physical form factor. Should the Navy determine that the designs are appropriate for incorporation into the OAT system, the Navy will provide refined system requirements. Prototypes will either be purchased by the government or by prime contractors producing towed arrays.

Potential dual use would be for arrays used in oil and gas exploration and other environmental sensing applications.

DON26BZ02-NV045 — Active Detection of Low-Observable Surface Targets through Electro-Optical Means

Award Maximum: $240,000 (Phase I Base: up to $140,000 / Phase I Option: up to $100,000) Period of Performance: 6 months base + 6 months option Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a means to detect, determine the range of, and track low-observable surface targets utilizing active electro-optical sensors.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy continues to field multiple systems incorporating imaging sensors (cameras). Taken collectively, the Navy has cameras covering both wide and narrow fields of view, with varying resolution (pixel count), and operating across essentially the entire span of visible to infrared (IR) wavelength bands. For surface ships, camera sensors are used for general situational awareness, to aid in navigation for target detection and tracking, and for targeting. Camera sensors, even those operating in the IR, provide information (video imagery) to the ship's crew that is fundamentally familiar, intuitive, and contextual. However, that does not mean that the information is complete and unambiguous.

A particularly challenging problem is the detection of low-observable surface objects (targets). These targets are small enough that their motion is subject to wave conditions as low as sea state 3. These objects rise and fall with the waves such that, for oblique observation angles, they are obscured from observation when at other than the crest of the wave. These objects are also typically submerged to a large degree, with only a fraction of their size breaking above the surface of the water. Low-observable targets include relatively benign objects such as drifting debris, buoys, and navigation markers. They also include lethal objects such as floating mines and semi-submersible crafts such as sea attack drones. In between these two extremes are a host of mine-like objects (MLOs), floating hazards (for example, shipping containers), personnel in the water, and marine mammals that are of high importance for general safety and safe navigation. While small commercial and civilian pleasure craft would typically not be considered low-observable objects (because they purposely make themselves observable with running lights), the Navy does occasionally assist in searching for small vessels in distress or downed aircraft that, under the circumstances, are considered low-observable objects. One final class of low-observable targets is periscopes and elements of submarine masts that have a small cross-section and are intermittent by nature.

For strictly passive imaging sensors, low-observable targets are obscured by wave clutter and sun glint, even when in the direct line of sight. They are often only intermittently visible due to wave action. White caps, foam, and spray caused by breaking waves further obscure targets, present false targets, and significantly add clutter, especially in the visible band. Active sensors – essentially the incorporation of a laser, or multiple lasers, can improve the probability of accurate detection. In addition, incorporation of a laser provides the possibility of obtaining critical range information on the target, something that is quite difficult to do with strictly passive imaging sensors.

However, active sensing presents its own challenges. Lasers are highly focused and must be directly incident on the target. Fast scanning or scanning in discrete steps with a focused beam runs a significant risk that small targets will be missed. Laser beams can be expanded into a fan pattern through incorporation of suitably chosen lens elements, but the incident laser power on the target is then correspondingly decreased, reducing the detection range. Increasing the laser power to compensate for this runs the risk of producing a hazard to friendly personnel, bystanders, marine life, and equipment. Hybrid detection schemes that incorporate multiple lasers or switch the beam(s) from broad to narrowly focused through opto-mechanical means add cost and system complexity. Semi-active means, whereby the laser acts as an illumination source with the returned light received by an imaging sensor, are possible, but this increases the complexity of determining range.

The Navy seeks an active electro-optic/IR (EO/IR) sensing technology that compliments shipboard passive imaging sensors (cameras). This technology is needed to detect low-observable targets, as defined above, with no known commercially available solution. Detection is defined as determination of relative azimuth and range. Tracking will be accomplished by post-processing (software) of the detection data returned by the sensor over time and is not part of this effort. However, the detection update (re-visit) rate must be fast enough to support tracking, accounting for wave action, the resulting intermittent visibility of the targets, and the maximum expected speed of sea drones, periscopes, and other non-drifting targets. High probability of detection is prioritized over low false alarm rate as the system implementation anticipates cueing of narrow field of view cameras to confirm and identify targets with the help of target recognition algorithms and the human operator. Therefore, some false alarms can be tolerated but the goal is to reduce the false alarm rate to that which is manageable by a single human operator. Automatic target recognition software and the operator display are outside the scope of this effort.

Acceptable solutions may employ lasers in lidar configurations or as laser illuminators in range-gated detection architectures (or any such combination). Solutions that utilize existing wide field of view cameras operating in the visible and mid-wave IR (MWIR) bands as receivers of the laser return are acceptable, provided no modification of those cameras (framerate, resolution, etc.) is required. Solutions that incorporate more than one laser are allowed. However, solutions that rely on hyperspectral imaging sensors are not permitted as the Navy does not intend to replace its existing suite of sensors to realize this capability. Because of blockages from the ship superstructure, the maximum field of regard is 190° (180° coverage plus 5° margin at either end). However, for purposes of the prototype delivered under this effort, design for and demonstration of 45° coverage is acceptable, provided that the solution can be readily extended to the full field of regard without loss of performance.

As a performance metric, a probability of detection of 98% with an associated false alarm rate of no more than two per minute for conditions up to and including sea state 5 is the starting benchmark. Detection range is assumed to scale with laser power. However, an effective sensor range of 100 to 500 meters should be taken as the nominal requirement for demonstration of the solution. Longer range is highly desirable. Optical platforms for the Navy's existing systems are already stabilized, therefore ship motion does not factor into the solution. A sensor location of 60 feet above water line should be assumed. The size and nature of the target also contributes significantly to the detection problem. For purposes of evaluating feasibility through modelling and simulation, analysis, or scaled or partial prototype testing, a steel or iron metal sphere with diameter of one-meter, matte surface finish (but wet), and 90% (by volume) submerged, with sea state 3 conditions is the preferred baseline for comparison. In demonstration of the full solution, at or near the end of Phase II, the awardee shall propose and select surrogate targets that are representative of the most stressful targets of interest described above. Full at-sea testing is understood to be beyond the scope of this effort. Therefore, innovative test procedures that demonstrate and measure the performance and utility of the solution are expected.

Considering the requirements and objectives described above, system complexity and cost are the next most relevant factors. Systems that incorporate more than one laser or sensor element should strive to use a single aperture. If a dedicated focal plane array is included, it should be of the smallest possible size and cost and increase system complexity as little as possible. Mechanical components such as gimbals, steering mirrors, and scanning mechanisms should be minimized and made as simple as possible to reduce acquisition cost, ease repair, and maximize reliability. A solution that is eye-safe at the water surface is mandatory. An eye-safe solution at the aperture is highly desirable. Finally, solutions that utilize hard to detect laser wavelengths or covert (low probability of intercept) operating modes to deter detection by adversaries and mitigate interference with other Navy ships are also highly desirable.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an active EO/IR sensor for detection and range determination of low-observable surface targets meeting the requirements in the Description. Assess feasibility and estimate initial performance using the 90% submerged metal sphere as a surrogate target, also as described above. Define a systems architecture with sufficient detail that the system complexity is readily apparent and estimate the system size and weight. Feasibility may be demonstrated by analysis, modelling and simulation, the fabrication and testing of initial or partial prototypes (or prototype subsystems and components), or some combination of all three. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include initial design and interface specifications necessary to build and demonstrate the prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype active EO/IR sensor for the detection and range measurement of low-observable surface targets based on the concept, analysis, preliminary design, process steps, and specifications resulting from Phase I. Demonstrate functionality and performance against surrogate targets and show that the functionality and performance can be extended to full 190° coverage. Show the range performance dependence on laser power and estimate the full range over which the solution could be effectively applied, assuming laser power was increased. Extrapolate the measured performance to estimate performance in sea states as high as sea state 5. Upon completion of the effort, deliver the prototype to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Scale the power for range and safety requirements determined by program needs. Demonstrate functionality and performance across a field of regard (not to exceed 190°), also determined by program needs. Develop product specifications, performance specifications, and process control drawings for specific sensor designs. Assist the Navy in integration of these sensors with existing and future surface ship camera systems and then into Navy combat systems. Establish, either in-house, or through partnering or licensing, production facilities necessary to support Navy and other Government production demand.

In addition to defense applications, the demand for active EO/IR sensing is expected to expand in the areas of security, navigation, search and rescue, and the fields of scientific study that utilize advanced earth sensing and surface mapping.

DAF26BZ02-DV014 — Creating a Mobile L-Band Linear Accelerator (LINAC)

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 24 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: The program goal under the offered D2P2 topic is to design and build a transportable L-Band Linear Accelerator (LINAC) with a 20 MeV output. This LINAC would be used as both a standalone nuclear test environment and with other test capabilities to create a combined nuclear test environment for microelectronics. The program would leverage existing components (electron gun, klystrons, accelerator section) retrieved from a previously operated DoW LINAC. Work could include procurement/fabrication of injector system, modulator, beamline and magnetics, beamline diagnostics and support equipment, beamline structure, beamline cooling, power management & distribution system, power supplies, controls, external chillers, computer/software, and RF system. For procurement or fabrication work that cannot be completed under phase II, full drawings and phase III development/operation plan must be included at the end of phase II. This LINAC represents a capability that does not currently exist within the DoW.

DESCRIPTION: White Sands Missile Range's (WSMR's) Survivability, Vulnerability and Assessment Directorate (SVAD) received major components of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) from Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center with the intention of rebuilding it to be a smaller LINAC with a 20 MeV output that could be housed in a freight container for ease of transport and positioning. This effort was put on hold, but a mobile LINAC is still needed to operate as a standalone capability and synchronized with other test capabilities for combined environment testing.

PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior 'Phase I-type' effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Applicant(s) should provide documentation demonstrating a clear understanding of tools, equipment, modeling, and development/integration of LINAC components including electron guns, klystrons, accelerator sections, modulators, beamline equipment and diagnostics, power distribution and supplies, controls, software, chillers, and RF systems applicable to research and development of LINAC capabilities.

PHASE II: The overarching goal of Phase II will be completion of a final design and procurement/fabrication of major components toward the delivery of a mobile 20 MeV linear accelerator. During the two-year period of performance, the old LINAC parts will be transported from WSMR to an offsite location in order to analyze the existing klystrons and accelerator section. Further research and development work may include procurement/fabrication of injector system, modulator, beamline and magnetics, beamline diagnostics and support equipment, beamline structure, beamline cooling, power management & distribution system, power supplies, controls, external chillers, computer/software, and RF system. The awardee will submit for review a LINAC design and a list of the components they propose procuring or fabricating under Phase II. The awardee will also identify supporting equipment and components needed as part of a Phase III SBIR effort along with a timeline for final assembly and operation prior to transfer to the transition partner. Since a fully operational LINAC is not expected at the end of Phase II, a bidder may concentrate on subsystems and components within their area of expertise so long as they also develop a final design and plan for execution of that design (with cost estimates for completion).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Upon final assembly and demonstration operations, the mobile LINAC will be used for component testing as a standalone pulse gamma simulation irradiator and in concert with other radiation test capabilities for exposure to combined environments. While lessons learned will support further Nuclear Hardness and Survivability (NH&S) test efforts in the future, commercial applications in the medical industry are also likely.

DAF26BZ02-DV013 — Modernization of Flash X-Ray Simulated Environments

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 Period of Performance: 24 months Phase Type: Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2)

OBJECTIVE: The program goal under the offered D2P2 topic is to design and build two new flash x-ray test capabilities. To reduce cost, both would be built on non-functioning capability platforms (CXS and PI 538 flash x-ray) with completely new output profiles. The CXS would be redesigned as a cold x-ray source. The PI 538 would be redesigned to reduce the Full-Width-Half-Max (FWMH) pulse width. For both machines, perform an evaluation of components that could be replaced using different materials for targets, switches, or resistors, etc. This could increase operational time between maintenance cycles, allowing for higher annual operating capacity. Both proposed capabilities represent unique output profiles of high value to nuclear modernization test and evaluation work across the DoW.

DESCRIPTION: The CXS small flash x-ray and the PI 538 flash x-ray machines are both currently available for repurposing. Both machines will require removal to an offsite location for assessment. While assessment methodology may include rebuilding and operating to establish a baseline, the intent is not simply to return the machines to operation in their original form. Modification to the output and operational throughput (e.g., number of operations per day and reduced maintenance periods) of both machines will require research and development.

Technical capability for modification of the CXS into a cold/warm x-ray source exists at a TRL of 6. Performers should be at TRL 8 with this technology upon completion of Phase II. The technology for shortening of the PI 538 pulse width is also considered TRL 6 and should be TRL 8 upon completion of Phase II. The TRL for PI 538 modification portion of the effort to reduce maintenance downtime and make its use in combined environments more readily available, is a moving target as state-of-the-art materials and methodologies continue to evolve.

PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior "Phase I-type" effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Applicant(s) should provide documentation demonstrating a clear understanding of x-ray machine design including blumlein design, factors affecting pulse width, energy outputs, state-of-the-art materials for X-ray sources, and modeling and simulation of x-ray source technology.

PHASE II: To perform phase II, the CXS and PI 538 flash x-ray machine will first be transported offsite for assessment. Note that transfer of the PI 538 will require special provisions to remove and transport the dielectric oil without affecting its insulating properties. Following initial assessment, components of both machines will be evaluated for replacement with higher performance materials such as resins or composites less susceptible to dendrite formation or changes to the target material and form. Modeling & Simulation to determine the best method to meet the technical objective of adjusting CXS energy output.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Upon final assembly and demonstration operations, the mobile CXS and PI 538 will be used for component and subsystem testing as a standalone pulse gamma simulation irradiator and in concert with other radiation test capabilities for exposure to combined environments (specific programs supported TBD in coordination with DoW Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) and AFNWC). Lessons learned will have applications in how we expect cargo at ports of entry. However, the bigger technological gain will likely remain within the Nuclear Hardness and Survivability (NH&S) test enterprise and be applicable to anticipated future efforts at other service test sites.