DON26TZ01-NV017 — High Energy Laser Optically Rugged Maritime Beam Director Components & Subassemblies

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop new, innovative processes and methods of reproduction, and deliver prototypical end item high precision optics suitable for use with high energy lasers in beam directors - as scalable components and/or subassemblies, through automated and additive manufacturing techniques for structures, optics, and mirrors (flat and parabolic) - including any required finishing processes, (e.g., coating and polishing processes) to develop, document, achieve and demonstrate "end item" durable, rugged, reliable, tested components and/or products.

DESCRIPTION: Highly precise, small to large diameter (10 to 50 to 100cm) high energy laser optics and mirrors have very long lead times often exceeding individual fiscal year funding, and experience a high rejection rate due to complex, multi-step processing between multiple dislocated facilities. Resulting optics have high defect rates and low ruggedness requiring depot supplies of spares and replacements, creating logistical shortages and non-availabilities which impact readiness and capacity.

Creating multiple kinds of components for a notional or specific beam director that offers a series of developmental components and elements toward a finalized ruggedized beam director, suitable for at-sea deployment for up to ten years without maintenance is the objective. Threshold shall be the development of an optic that provides initial research and development value that can be tested in multiple laser inducted damage tests (LiDT). Examination of capabilities for scale, with optics from 10cm to 50cm or 100cm diameters, is expected.

Specifically, there is a very high interest in creating components from bulk materials with finished or near finish high quality optical surfaces and properties, transmissive or reflective, at a greatly reduced cost compared to traditional optical components (e.g., an optical transformation lens, a simple transmissive optic, or a fast steering mirror) utilizing "on-demand" adaptive, additive 3-D printing, etching, and highly automated finishing techniques. High interest exist in optical elements from 40 to 50 centimeters in diameter (e.g., ceramic, metal or other optical materials), small lightweight optics (e.g., from plastics or ceramics), and items that are completed to form a fully finished component through "no touch" human intervention processes or via fully automated decision-based manufacturing and processing (e.g., including finished robust optical coatings suitable for sea water based atmospheric exposure – such as fog or sea water splash contamination).

The Navy seeks a capability to create custom optical components, potentially including required integrated subassemblies, from processes that result in highly precise end item optics for high energy laser beam directors and laser weapons systems, either as components, replacements and/or subassemblies, through automated and additive manufacturing techniques for structures, optics, mirrors both shorten timelines for availability, and also enable innovative laser architectures - including or beyond current state-of-the-art modular architecture designs. Especially those where limited lifetimes due to environmental exposure require unique materials and innovative generational designs that change based on emergent requirements and increased commercial capacity. These can potentially open new avenues that enable new, innovative laser architectures - including capabilities or beyond current state of the art modular architecture designs, such as "ball on gimbal", heliostats and celiostats – but the focus is on the processes and means to scale component designs, rapidly prototype multiple initial designs, and then move to quickly produce production grade high quality optics for initial use or as replacement utility spares. Preference shall be given for use of existing, commercially available materials, starting feed stock, or machine tooling. Similarly, preference shall be given for use of existing or modified "open system, open software" code and manufacturing methods.

The Navy has special interest in those components where limited lifetimes are expected (e.g., exit apertures, rotating or moving optics) due to environmental exposure and require unique materials (e.g., hard coatings for dust resistance, hydrophobic water shedding or chemical resistance) and innovative designs (e.g., flexible substrates) that can adapt, be replaced quickly, or change based on when emergent requirements and increased commercial capacity are noted.

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 ONR 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: Demonstrate at small scale (threshold: 10-15cm, objective: > 25cm) ability to create, finish, produce and replicate a single custom highly precise optical component design or integrated subassembly from a proposed set of processes - that results in highly precise end item optic, that can be tested in a standardized high energy laser induced damage test (LIDT). The design should include characteristics that show the resulting optical component can serve in the development of a full-scale beam director for a high energy laser weapons system at scale (small [10cm] or large [50cm]) using a surrogate commercial laser of no less than 1 kilowatt (kW). The final Phase I test shall enable proof in the applicability of additive or subtractive machined optical components, using highly automated processes toward meeting replacements for components and/or subassemblies. Included in the proof shall be demonstration of the ability to incorporate a fully automated manufacturing technique for assembling structures, optics, and/or mirrors that both shorten timelines for availability, or potentially enable innovative laser architectures for an individual component or subsystem. As an objective, one specific optical design that utilizes or extends an existing/anticipated high energy laser beam director (e.g., the planned DOW Joint Beam Control System (JCBS) or other service lightweight beam director) availability or functionality beyond current state of the art is expected.

PHASE II: Demonstrate at larger scales [30 to 50cm (threshold) to 100cm (objective)] of custom optical components or integrated subassemblies developed from the Phase I design concepts that will support a proposed DOW service led high energy laser beam director effort. Include development of all required mechanical and electronic control considerations for a full scale beam director use of the developed component or subsystem, suitable for a prototypical level integration effort within a high energy laser weapons system using a surrogate commercial laser of no less than 10 kW (Threshold) to 50 kW (Objective), showing applicability of additive or subtractive machined components, using only highly automated processes toward meeting replacements for components and/or subassemblies. Complete one specific optical component design that replaces or extends a high energy laser beam director functionality beyond the current state of the art in modular architecture and manufacturable designs by identifying an accurate unit price or cost estimate against documented and identified performance requirements. Identify potential means where limited lifetimes due to environmental exposure can be monitored and rapidly replaced through the use of unique materials and innovative generational designs that offer changes based on emergent requirements and increased commercial capacity with an objective being to demonstrate a simulated component failure and manufacture a complete replacement optic or component within 1 month.

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

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support transition for Navy use.

The processes and components developed shall transition directly into the DOW development of high energy laser weapons systems, including spares.

Additional commercial products may include sensing and measurements systems that require a rugged, highly accurate optical element for video or still imagery. In particular, multiple service high energy laser beam directors are under development. This also includes potential for near term transition, including but not limited to high energy laser precision optics for LADAR systems; optics that could transition into the Golden Dome 4 America missile defense initiative for a potential directed energy weapon based on high energy lasers; or for a high power optical sensing and tracking capability.

DON26TZ01-NV016 — Nudging Behaviors for Better Sleep

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop software for personalized and adaptive behavioral interventions (i.e., nudges) using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) wearable hardware devices to promote and improve sleep outcomes and human performance in dynamic environments.

DESCRIPTION: Despite extensive research on the mechanisms of sleep and behavioral modifications to improve sleep, relatively little is known about how context-sensitive behavioral nudging systems—those that dynamically suggest small, adaptive changes based on real-time data—can improve sleep quality and overall performance outcomes in complex, high-stakes settings. Fatigue caused by inadequate sleep negatively affects service members' performance and has contributed to accidents—resulting in deaths and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to ships, vehicles, and aircraft. "Nudging" refers to subtle interventions that steer behavior without restricting choices. For example, non-obvious changes in how options are presented (e.g., ordering, timing, framing) have been shown to significantly affect sleep behaviors and dietary choices. Recent advances in wearable sensor technology (e.g., smartwatches, rings, sleep trackers, etc.) allow for continuous collection of physiological and behavioral data. Many hardware devices are coupled with software that provide notifications, advice, and suggestions, but these are often canned, static statements that are simply pushed to the user (i.e., a one-way notification) and are not personalized to the user and/or their data.

Delivering adaptive behavioral nudges that learn and track the user's state and responses, evolve over time, and promote sustained positive behavior change is also critical for mitigating the impact of sleep on operations. The objective of this STTR topic is to develop personalized and adaptive behavioral interventions (i.e., nudges) using COTS wearable devices to promote and improve sleep outcomes and human performance in dynamic environments. Achieving this objective requires: (1) research into integrated theoretical frameworks for personalized behavior change, grounded in cognitive, physiological, and contextual variables, and informed by mathematical tools such as dynamical systems modeling; (2) the development of adaptive algorithms that leverage Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to integrate with existing wearable and embedded sensors to identify optimal timing, modality, and content for real-time, minimally-intrusive, adherence-supporting behavioral nudges across diverse user states and operational contexts; (3) the exploration of human-centered communication strategies for delivering behavioral insights and recommendations, ensuring interventions are not only well-timed but also subtle and capable of supporting an ongoing user-system relationship built on trust and voluntary engagement; and (4) empirical testing in ecologically valid environments, including experiments that collect sleep and performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness, generalizability, and long-term behavioral impact.

Equal emphasis will be placed on (1) advancing theoretical models of behavior change, sleep regulation, and performance adaptation and (2) developing AI/ML systems and communication strategies for delivering behavioral nudges.

This topic focuses on sleep behavior due to its broad applicability to the general population, its foundational role in human performance, and the relative ease and reliability of measurement. Proposed efforts should aim to develop generalizable algorithms that integrate complex mathematical modeling and ML with cognitive-behavioral theory to drive adaptive behavioral interventions. These interventions must be compatible with existing wearable and embedded sensor ecosystems – this topic explicitly does not aim to develop new hardware, but instead to maximize the utility of currently available commercial sensors as inputs to a personalized, adaptive nudging system.

PHASE I: Develop early research plans, concepts/prototypes, and requirements for investigations into: (1) theoretical models of real-time behavioral change, intervention receptiveness, and nudging effectiveness that combines psychology (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, decision sciences), mathematics (e.g., dynamical systems), computer science (e.g., AI/ML, human-computer interaction), physiology (e.g., sleep science, chronobiology), and communications (e.g., persuasive communication, dialogic interaction systems; (2) develop a system that integrates AI/ML decision engines that dynamically adapts nudge timing, content, and delivery method based on physiological, cognitive, and contextual data and measures nudge compliance and effectiveness all in service of positively impact sleep behavior.

Tasks and environments should reflect the unique operational demands of the naval context, including irregular sleep schedules, sustained attention during extended operations, and decision-making under fatigue. Critical elements of the Phase I effort are to describe the research and engineering plans that would be executed during a potential Phase II and provide evidence of the feasibility of the approach, emphasizing the current state of the research and how the approach is both innovative and achievable.

Prepare Phase II plans that should include key component technological milestones and plans for at least one operational test and evaluation to include user testing.

Due to the potential for long review times involved, formal human subject research is prohibited during Phase I.

PHASE II: Conduct and implement interdisciplinary research in the fields of psychology, physiology, mathematics, and computer science to develop and evaluate a prototype system with sailors (coordination aided by ONR) outlined during the Phase I. Include parallel but interrelated research and engineering tracks that will deliver iterative prototypes that will undergo design and testing reviews, to include usability assessment and effectiveness evaluations where appropriate. Collect both subjective and objective metrics regarding nudge usefulness, compliance, sleep quantity and quality through the development process. Perform all appropriate engineering tests and reviews, including a critical design review to finalize the system design. Produce the following deliverables: (1) additional research into development, adaptation, and delivery of behavioral nudges with a particular emphasis on sleep and fatigue; (2) a working prototype of the system that leverages existing COTS sensors, wearables, and hardware; (3) evaluation of system usability and compliance regarding effectiveness of nudges; (4) a system effectiveness evaluation of system capabilities to produce improved sleep quantity and/or quality. DON will provide Phase II awardees with the appropriate guidance required for human research protocols. Institutional Review Board (IRB) determination as well as processing, submission, and review of all paperwork required for human subject use can be a lengthy process. As such, no human research will be allowed until Phase II and work will not be authorized until approval has been obtained, typically as an Option to be exercised during Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for fielding. Develop the software for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in operational settings. As appropriate, focus on broadening capabilities and commercialization plans. Development of affordable, scalable, non-proprietary technologies are needed to take data generated by COTS hardware and sensors into actionable information that can be delivered as personalized nudges.

The commercial sector is developing some of these AI-enabled sleep technologies, but they often do not deal with critical issues regarding complex environments and dynamic contexts, do not address encryption and classification requirements, and often come with prohibitive licensing and usage fees. This technology will have broad application in the commercial sector.

DON26TZ01-NV015 — Advancing Human Modeling Tools for Enhanced Performance and Survivability in Austere Environments

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop an advanced suite of parametric human modeling tools incorporating USN/USMC aircrew anthropometric databases, empirical posture data, and 3D scans.

DESCRIPTION: The goal of this STTR topic is to leverage newly available data and advances in digital human modeling to improve modeling fidelity for USN/USMC and other DOW aircrew to improve acquisition outcomes. Resulting improvements to operational and environmentally appropriate protective clothing and equipment size, design, and tariffing (i.e., determination of how much of each size needs to be procured and distributed) will yield significant benefits to Fleet readiness and sustainment, safety, performance, protection, and affordability.

Digital Human Modeling (DHM) applications and tools are used to design and assess items for the DOW including protective clothing, footwear, body armor, flight equipment (e.g., helmets, oxygen masks, survival vests, G-suits, torso harnesses, etc.), seating, restraint systems, workstations, cockpits, controls, ground vehicles, and much more. Using this technology early in the product lifecycle is essential to reducing development cost and schedule and informing design tradeoff decisions. Historically, use of DHM has been subject to a variety of limitations that affect model fidelity, which is how well the model represents reality. These limitations result in reduced utility of the technology when the limitations are understood, but more concerning are the potential adverse outcomes where the limitations have either not been understood or have been ignored. This is concerning for all types of design applications, but especially problematic in aviation where safety of flight is crucial. There is an abundance of feedback from aircrew regarding poor fit or lack of availability of the sizes of protective clothing and operational equipment they need. They experience pain and injury, reducing performance and impacting readiness. There is now the potential to exponentially improve DHM capabilities due to a variety of advances in 3D scanning, model development, and availability of aircrew population specific anthropometric data and empirical posture data representing real-world conditions for military aircrew.

Limitations to current DHM capabilities related to the users include issues with intuitiveness of the tools, the degree of expertise required for effective use, and the significant amount of time it takes to develop expertise. There is a shortage of expert users in both the DOW and industry. Manikins used in DHM analysis are commonly selected from built-in software libraries with inappropriate anthropometric measurements for the population and/or design being evaluated. DHM users with a poor understanding of anthropometry often fail to consider the multivariate nature of anthropometric accommodation ignoring the need to consider more than one measurement at a time and neglecting the critical interactions of the measurements. Users positioning/posturing manikins routinely use guesswork in the absence of empirical data to account for clothing and flight equipment, restraint systems, cushion compression, flesh compression, and postural variation. They often have a limited understanding of aircrew operations and/or environment leading to incorrect assumptions when setting up their models.

For some DHMs the anthropometric measurements that can be adjusted are not the ones that matter for design application and the underlying anthropometric data used in the application may not represent the target population. Multivariate use cases have been developed and in use on DOW aircraft acquisition programs since the mid-90s, but manikins representing the use cases are often not included in DHM manikin libraries causing users to default to inappropriate use of the manikins that are available.

Until recently, the only USN/USMC aircrew anthropometric data available was from a 1960s database that did not include women. Currently, there are no DHM applications that include USN/USMC aircrew anthropometric data or associated multivariate use cases.

Another important consideration is that the commercially available DHM applications allow for analysis of one or more manikins, to include a family of multivariate use cases, but do not allow for parametric modeling of an entire population needed to accurately quantify the accommodation levels of a design.

The NAWCAD Human Systems Engineering Department has recently completed an aircrew/aviator anthropometric survey and is also collaborating with the USAF on the Seat Specific Posture Model (SSPM) Project to collect empirical posture data to improve modeling fidelity. This project was initially intended for the purpose of developing an aviation specific postural analysis tool in the RAMSIS DHM but will be useful for other applications as well. One example that this STTR topic proposes is that this aircrew data be used in in the development of aviation-specific parametric accommodation models. The US Army has successfully developed this type of modeling tool for ground vehicles with a great many advantages to their acquisition programs and alleviation of many of the limitations documented above.

There have also been significant advances to head, hand, and body models that can be leveraged to greatly improve DHM state of the art and acquisition outcomes. Integration of aircrew-specific anthropometric and 3D scan databases would ensure modeling efforts reflect the intended population. Aviators are a distinctly different population and appropriate representation of them in modeling applications is essential. Model input parameters can be adjusted to represent the goals of the modeling effort (i.e., desired accommodation levels and target population or subpopulation) with adjustable demographic variables such as sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Modeling tools can incorporate the ability to consider not only traditional 2D anthropometric measurements, but 3D shape and/or non-traditional measurements with the goal of improving size design and fit prediction. Through new and affordable 3D body scanning technologies, it is possible for an individual's specific anthropometry as well as their feedback on fit and preferred size to be run through an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to allow for ongoing improvements in size design, fit prediction, and tariffing. There have been advances in the development of head models that do not include hair artifacts, an important consideration in design. Improvements of head and hand models for dynamic or functional fit can improve the ability to digitally evaluate if masks maintain a seal when pilots talk or change facial expression and if gloves are designed appropriately for all pilot tasks, not just one static hand position. Posable manikins representing intended individuals or populations (multivariate use cases) can be easily customized and imported into any CAD environment or DHM software application for a variety of uses.

It is important to note that the proposed tools are meant to be supplemental not duplicative of other modeling tools currently available or in development. Having these proposed modeling tools be interoperable or integrated with existing or emerging tools is highly desirable.

What makes these tools unique from existing/emerging modeling tools:

• Inclusion of USN/USMC aircrew anthropometric databases and 3D scans.

• Inclusion of SSPM project aircrew posture and reach data.

• Solution is not computationally and/or time prohibitive to use.

• Fills a gap in providing a solution that does not require an artisan modeler to make use of the models (easy to learn, simple user interface).

• Leveraging existing models/methods for expeditious transition.

• Models to be exported in common file formats to be interoperable with a broad range of CAD/DHM applications. No specific software applications are required.

• Not strictly PPE focused but also applicable to clothing design.

• Includes accommodation modeling tool for aircraft cockpits and workstations.

• Will represent digital twins of individuals like other modeling tools, but will also provide population virtual assessment of fit, size design, tariffing recommendations, and report population accommodation levels.

• Will allow for principal component analysis on a population and representation of boundary cases customized for specific applications.

• Includes ability to import anthropometric data for a group of participants and create bivariate plots for visual comparison to aircrew population data.

• Models will be web-hosted and freely/easily available to DOW civilians and contractors.

• Intention is to have web-hosted instructional materials, user forum, document library, and subject matter expert information to encourage best practices and collaboration.

• Framework will be built in to allow import of other population databases so other military populations including foreign military partners can be represented.

The proposed suite of tools would need to be easy to use, affordable, and easily accessed (e.g., hosted webapps and/or downloadable standalone applications) to facilitate practitioner usage and standardization. Accompanying guidance in the form of teaching materials, a user forum, links to relevant papers and reports, and a registry for subject matter experts and facilities wishing to be listed would be beneficial inclusions. The ability to create visualizations should also be considered. Allowing the import of anthropometry in a .CSV file for overlay with existing anthropometric databases in the form of bivariate plots of key anthropometric measurements is extremely helpful for population comparisons as well as confirming that human participants used for physical assessments adequately represent the target population. This proposed effort also seeks to put a framework in place that will allow incorporation of data from other populations and use of the models for other applications and users to include the entire DOW, foreign military partners, NASA, industry, and academia.

PHASE I: Identify, discuss, and demonstrate an approach to develop new or update existing models to create a suite of tools that will improve modeling fidelity for aviation applications. Ensure that the approach would seek to address limitations of the current state of the art as well as leverage recent improvements where feasible within the scope of this topic. Include plans for development and testing of prototypes to be developed during Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate prototype parametric aviator head, hand, and body shape models as well as an accommodation model tool. Provide access to the prototype for evaluation by end-user DOW subject matter experts (SMEs).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Upon completion of modeling tool development, the tools will be web hosted and made freely available to DOW users (civilian and contractors), vendors, and academia. They will have immediate benefit to numerous programs/platforms (e.g., PMA-202, Joint Strike Fighter), Human Systems SMEs, and DOW manufacturers/suppliers. Accompanying guidance in the form of teaching materials, a user forum, links to relevant papers and reports, and a registry for subject matter experts and facilities wishing to be listed are desired inclusions. The USN will not incur an ongoing webhosting cost. Model improvements (e.g., incorporation of new/additional scans and anthropometry, customization or new development of a tool for a specific application that was outside the scope of the STTR, etc.) may provide follow-on funding opportunities by Program Offices or other DOW entities. The STTR partners may choose whether they would like to make the tools freely available to the public or charge a fee for use for other organizations that may find the tools useful.

Other commercial opportunities include expanding the populations represented by the tools to include foreign military and civilian populations.

DON26TZ01-NV014 — Low Power Seawater Converter for Aircrew Survival

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop a lightweight, compact, rugged, and reliable device that can convert seawater into safe, drinkable water. The device should minimize bulk and human energy expenditure, while maximizing output.

DESCRIPTION: Survival in a life raft on the open ocean depends greatly on the availability of potable water. Naval aircrew currently carry prepackaged water in soft packets placed within the ejection seat survival kit and aircrew survival vest sufficient to sustain life for less than one day. Reverse osmosis desalinators and forward osmosis nutrient packs are commercially available to the recreational seafarer. However, neither of these approaches are designed to maximize the amount of drinkable water while minimizing the amount of human energy expended, while constrained by limited space within a survival kit. Manual Reverse Osmosis Desalinator (MROD) devices are labor intensive, requiring more than 2500 pumps to produce one liter of water in one hour. Such human powered devices may require more energy expenditure than the calories available to stranded aircrew. Forward osmosis products available for the recreational sailor can produce potable beverages with little manual effort, but the total output capacity for aircrew is limited by the storage volume of the ejection seat survival kit. Current options for supplying sufficient drinking water to sustain life throughout extended rescue durations are inadequate.

Innovative solutions will minimize or eliminate aircrew physical activity/exertion, while producing at least one gallon of drinkable water per day, with a minimum salt rejection of 95%. Concepts utilizing novel chemical processes or nanotechnology are preferred over simple refinements of current osmosis technology.

The device should: a) fit within a Naval Aircraft Common Ejection Seat (NACES) survival kit (an envelope approximately 6½"x14½"x4½") along with an Emergency Oxygen System (EOS) and an LRU-38/P life raft, but not exceed 114 cubic inches. b) operate in near freezing brine water/freshwater/saltwater. c) operate in turbulent or calm water conditions. d) operate reliably in cold and hot ambient air from -40° to +125°F (-40° to +51°C). e) operate after exposure to temperature extremes from -65° to +160°F (-54° to +71°C). f) operate after exposure to mold, mildew, flame, and salt fog. g) not create hazards (i.e., burn, injury, Foreign Object Debris (FOD), snag/trip, and static discharge) in any mission or survival operations. h) operate following a 600-knot seat ejection. i) operate after repeated exposure to altitudes up to 70,000 ft (0.65 psi). j) operate after exposure to typical fixed-wing ejection seat aircraft vibration levels, at frequencies from 5 Hz-2000 Hz). k) provide resistance to environmental contaminants (i.e., sand, petroleum, oil, lubricants, and solar radiation). l) not interfere with survival vest or mounted gear, armor/armor release, seat harnesses, helmets or head mounted gear. m) be capable of operating after 728 days with a 90-day shelf life while exposed to temperature ranges of -65° to 160°F (-54° to +71°C). n) weigh less than 2 lbs. o) use Berry Amendment-compliant materials and manufacturing techniques.

PHASE I: Design and determine the feasibility of a concept seawater conversion device that meets the requirements provided in the Description. Demonstrate feasibility through analysis, modeling, simulation, and limited laboratory demonstrations. Provide performance, size, weight, cost and reliability estimates.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate, and validate a prototype seawater conversion device based on the design concept created in Phase I. Demonstrate device operation and capabilities in laboratory and simulated ocean environments. Provide draft design specifications, engineering drawings, and cost-benefit and life-cycle analyses.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Fabricate, validate, and deliver additional prototype devices for testing in open ocean environments. Provide support in transitioning the technology to Navy use. Provide a technical data package including a performance specification, an interface control document, and engineering drawings in accordance with military standards. Develop and assist with required qualification testing and training. Document the quality assurance test program in accordance with industry best practices.

The transfer and modification of commercial technology can benefit other military and recreational seafarers, as well as industrial, merchant, and marine operators and their crews or passengers.

DON26TZ01-NV013 — Flexible Printed Thermoelectric Cooling Film

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost and lightweight thermoelectric cooling film that could be used to cool the warfighter (small scale) or surfaces on military platforms (larger scale) using printed organic semiconductors. The flexible cooling films should have a bending radius of less than one inch to easily wrap around pipes, wrists, and ankles, and be able to conform to complex curvatures on larger surfaces.

DESCRIPTION: Thermoelectric cooling devices based on narrow bandgap semiconductors such as bismuth telluride are commercially available. They are solid state devices and thus do not have the large footprint and moving parts associated with vapor compression refrigeration systems; however, they operate with lower efficiency. They are well-suited for cooling small flat surfaces where one is more concerned with the form factor than efficiency. For many practical applications, these square ceramic tile thermoelectric devices are heavy and too rigid, and do not offer conformal contact to curved surfaces.

Over the past fifteen years, a lot of progress has been made on organic thermoelectric materials. Though the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) has not caught up to that of bismuth telluride and other inorganic materials, the potential to make low-cost, lightweight, and flexible devices has opened a new application space for thermoelectric cooling where flexibility and large-area conformal contact are prioritized over efficiency. For instance, lightweight headbands and wristbands only need to remove a small amount of heat to provide significant cooling sensation to the user. Likewise, there are diffuse, large surface area applications with similar cooling needs.

The conducting polymer Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) [PEDOT] was identified as a strong candidate for the p-type leg in the p-n device, but device performance has been limited by the lack of suitable n-type materials. The organic electronics community has long wrestled with n-type materials due to potential oxidation of the electron carriers. A number of inherently stable and high performing n-type polymers have recently been developed that should complement the available p-type materials and enable significantly improved thermoelectric cooling device performance. New device designs obtainable with simple fabrication must be developed to take advantage of the anisotropic thermal conductance and charge transport in these materials, which is typically maximized in-plane and along the polymer molecular backbones, such that measured thin film behaviors successfully translate into device performance. A number of design and fabrication strategies have been demonstrated but much more innovation is possible. It is an appropriate time to develop lightweight, flexible thermoelectric cooling devices for these niche applications.

This STTR topic is for low-cost, lightweight, and flexible thermoelectrics for personal cooling as well as for large area applications.

The flexible cooling films should have a bending radius of less than one inch to easily wrap around pipes, wrists, and ankles, and be able to conform to complex curvatures on larger surfaces. The stated applications are near-ambient temperatures though the conjugated polymers should be able to handle temperatures up to 200°C. Composite approaches that are appropriate are welcome. This topic is not soliciting a fabric-based solution.

PHASE I: Select n and p type materials. Demonstrate that the selected n and p type materials can be processed (and doped) into films with reasonable Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity in device relevant materials planes. Measure these properties in device relevant planes. Prepare a simple thermoelectric device and characterize performance. Model this simple device structure and compare with achieved performance. Model novel device geometries that could be manufactured with low cost processing approaches for both the personal cooling (small area, 4 kelvin gradient) and surface cooling (large area, 20 kelvin gradient) applications. Describe material and processing advances that would be accomplished in Phase II to enable these devices.

PHASE II: Optimize materials properties and device designs for personal and surface cooling applications. Model new designs as necessary. Make prototypes for both applications and start work towards commercially relevant device fabrication processes. In year two, prepare larger devices (10 square inches) by using commercially relevant processing methods and fully characterize device performance including achievable temperature gradients and efficiency. Model power requirements for both applications. Compare performance against commercial thermal electrics for ambient cooling applications. Prepare the cost analysis and business case for the two products.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support transition to Navy use.

Both wearable thermoelectric coolers and large area films should have commercial and military applications. For wearable devices, performance metrics (power requirements) should be known for the Phase II prototype and there would be a lot of work to optimize the product for skin contact. In the longer term, some level of elasticity to the substrates would enable better contact and comfort. For the surface cooling film, a modestly stretchable substrate would also enable better contact with the large, curved surfaces of military platforms. An adhesive backing would be needed for large area applications.

In addition to directly developing products to keep warfighters cooler, industry that provides clothing and accessories to construction workers, law enforcement, and agricultural workers could develop appropriate products. Larger area devices could cool and heat automobile seats and outdoor surfaces.

DON26TZ01-NV012 — Sensing to Measure and Validate Corrosion in Naval Systems

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop and deliver a sensory tool that can be used to monitor and assess several modes of corrosion activity as a function of time within Navy ship systems and subsystems. The sensory tool will incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) identify and estimate component life in a given platform/system for a given material selection, CAD geometry, and environment during the ship operations. AI can incorporate a set of mathematical models that will detect when the error happens and when to do maintenance. The main objectives of AI are to reduce maintenance time, production downtime, and the cost of component supplies.

DESCRIPTION: It is increasingly important for corrosion rate analysis to be performed on steel structures such as ships, offshore platforms and bridges to determine their safe operating life and for the development of effective and efficient maintenance practices. Optimal timeframes for asset availability and for planned redundancy also demand information about corrosion rates. Corrosion loss affects the effective load capacity of steel plating through causing plating thickness loss. The design of steel ships typically incorporates a corrosion allowance, i.e., an amount of corrosion loss that can be tolerated before the structural system is considered compromised. Corrosion protection measures include paint coatings and sacrificial anode systems for immersed areas. However, these methods are not always wholly effective, and continual maintenance usually is required but not always applied. In extreme cases, repair and replacement of structural details may be necessary, incurring very considerable cost penalties due to direct repair costs. It follows that the estimates of the expected rate of deterioration are important inputs for optimal maintenance and repair decisions for ships.

Naval ships are exposed to a range of corrosive environments and as a result the patterns of corrosion vary widely. The structural details and the orientation and position within the space within a given environment also will cause different corrosion patterns and rates. For immersion environments, influences on corrosion include chemical factors such as salinity, oxygen content, pH, and presence of pollutants; physical factors such as temperature and pressure; and biological factors such as bacteria and biomass. For ballast tanks the immersion environment usually is considered the most critical but in modelling the corrosion process attention might also need to be given to the occurrence of repeated wet/dry cycles as a result of the tanks being filled and emptied to adjust the freeboard trim of the ship. In addition, the presence of sacrificial anodes may have some influence, although they are effective only under immersed conditions and for uncoated areas. Thus, a de-ballasted tank will not be protected. It follows that the amount of corrosion in a ballast tank is a function of the environment, the type of corrosion protection, and the tank status. Apart from corrosion protection and operational practices, the main influence on the environmental parameters is the result of the conditions encountered during operations – what might be called the trading route, including geographical influences.

The number of hours a ship is generally in an operating or training status have decreased. Navy corrosion maintenance costs continue to escalate, reaching upwards to nearly $10B/year. Roughly 40% of those costs are caused by corrective maintenance that can be attributed to the improper selection of materials, usually from design process decisions that addressed system requirements without considering materials corrosion behavior in environments for which they are planned.

The application of a resistant coating on ships, offshore structures, and pipelines is the primary prevention method of corrosion wastage in the marine industries. To guarantee coating integrity and to be able to thoroughly survey for corrosion wastage on marine structures, new advanced nondestructive methods are being sought. The requirements of convenient and rapid determination of corrosion wastage on coated structures, even in the difficult spatial positions of the structure, will require advanced technologies which are being developed for other industries that also require very high structural integrity. Corrosion detection and monitoring are essential diagnostic and prognostic means for preserving material "health" and reducing life-cycle cost of industrial infrastructures, weapon systems, ships, aircraft, ground vehicles, pipelines, etc.

Sensor system attributes of small size, low weight, open plug-and-play interface architecture, self-diagnostics and validation make this a valuable interface and controller platform for other industrial and military monitoring applications. The system simplicity and low cost allows for wide area coverage by monitoring multiple sites on an individual structure and for fleet-wide vehicle condition monitoring. Other than Military vehicles, the smart sensor system has market potential in stationary structures, industrial processes, and civil and commercial transportation. By collecting and consolidating datasets into a fleet management system, DOW can better allocate maintenance resources and increase availability and service life objectives for these platforms. The collected data drive sustainment analytics and fleet management by increasing the accuracy of predictive maintenance schedules and decreasing inspection intervals and unnecessary preventative maintenance.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in interpreting the vast amounts of data collected by drones. Machine learning (ML) algorithms analyze the images to identify patterns of corrosion, thereby enabling more accurate and timely maintenance decisions. This level of automation reduces human error and ensures that Navy vessels remain in optimal condition. AI is a machine's capability to impersonate human behavior, respond perceptively, solve problems, and make decisions automatically without human interference or with less human interference. The main objective of AI research involves general intelligence, automated planning, perception, natural language processing, knowledge representation, and robotics.

PHASE I: Explore the various non-destructive and electrochemical technologies through a literature search and downselect to the two or three most promising evaluation options that are capable of sensing the most corrosion degradation mechanisms. Non-contact technologies are preferred if degradation sensitivities are not lost. There is a critical need for the development of a real-time monitoring capability for U.S. Navy assets that has the potential to identify the onset of various corrosion modes like pitting as well as actively characterize stress corrosion (SCC) initiation and progression.

Optimization of quasi- and fully- distributed fiber optic sensing hardware for corrosion and SCC monitoring in Navy-relevant environments, including ultrasonic acoustics. Employ laboratory corrosion and SCC experiments on instrumented structural alloy coupons to develop a correlation between acoustic emission and corrosion/SCC signatures. Create physics-based modeling of both ultrasonic guided wave non-destructive examination (NDE) and acoustic emission to develop a training set for the AI-classification framework. Improve correlations by using training and validation of AI-classification framework and application for identification, localization, and classification of various corrosion modes and SCC in relevant alloys.

The NDE or electrochemical methods should be assessed as to the quality and accuracy of the objective measurements. The speed at which the requisite information can be obtained (ft2/minute) will also be an evaluation parameter. Offerors must show at least one technology that can reliably characterize the quality of the materials interface and bulk interior, assess the spatial resolution of the technique, and assess the substrate surface conditions such as corrosion including sites with significant surface roughness.

PHASE II: The technology(ies) selected in Phase I should be further tested using larger uncoated and coated coupons of various alloys to better gauge what the speed (ft2/minute) of detection of decohesive sites, coating defects, and substrate corrosion, if present. Work with a Navy laboratory for collaborations in assisting the offeror in maturing and transitioning the technology(ies). Further modeling validation in select field Navy environments. This will be required to assert the reliability and sensitivity of the selected technology will be needed. Other acceptance testing as dictated by the Navy Laboratory should also be done and the evaluation/monitoring technology must be assessed as to its compatibility.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The ability of some NDE and electrochemical methods to penetrate most non-metallic materials allows non-contact examination of materials. The properties of interest across the industries may be broadly categorized into three areas—layer thickness, defects and contamination, susceptibility to SCC, and material characterization. Commercial and military ships both operate in a marine environment, and although they operate in different duty cycles, both are exposed to the aggressiveness of seawater and associated micro-marine environments. Both commercial and military ships suffer from similar corrosion failures.

DON26TZ01-NV011 — Field Deployable Welding Technologies for In-Situ Repair of Thermoplastic Composites Components on Naval Aviation Platforms

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop and transition a portable induction welding system capable of in-situ repair of thermoplastic composite components on naval aviation platforms enabling rapid, field-ready maintenance capabilities for next-generation naval aircraft.

DESCRIPTION: Modern aviation platforms are increasingly using high-performance thermoplastic composites such as PAEK, PEEK, PPS, or PEI reinforced with Carbon Fiber for structural and semi-structural components. Their attractiveness is due to their superior damage tolerance, impact, and ability to be reworked for repair. Unlike traditional thermoset composites, which can only be repaired by bonded patches or bolted panels, thermoplastic composites can also be repaired by welding, which restores strength without the need to remove additional material. However, currently available welding systems have a large footprint and are available mostly with OEM and only suited for deployment at the Depots. Thus, without field deployable technofixes, repairs will result in long downtime for repair and likely higher scrap rates.

This STTR topic seeks to leverage the research expertise of academic or government labs in thermoplastic processing and electromagnetic heating to partner with a small business in designing a rugged, portable induction welding system that can be deployed shipboard and/or in Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachments.

The proposed system should: (1) be capable of welding aerospace-grade thermoplastics (at temperatures up to 400°C); (2) be lightweight and field operable, including on aircraft carriers; (3) be electromechanically ruggedized and safe to operate near avionics and flight-critical systems; (4) have a closed-loop thermal control for temperature; (5) be able to repair skins, fairings, panels, and access doors; and (6) have a weld strength of at least 70% of the parent material.

PHASE I: Identify key thermoplastic components and repair scenarios relevant to Navy and Marine Corp Aircraft; develop preliminary induction welding system architecture; build and integrate a TRL 3-4 configuration in collaboration with the research institution; and conduct an initial weld strength test. The weld strength should be at least 70% of parent material. Additionally, the awardee should assess the electromagnetic compatibility and ergonomics of the system.

While this is not an allowable developments program, the awardee may propose a limited amount of testing for calibration and validation of the prototype. The awardee should note that the Phase II down select is based on the performance and final deliverables of the Phase I Base period – so plan accordingly. The Phase I deliverables should include at a minimum: (a) a Weld Feasibility report which should include results of weld trials meeting the key parameters stated above. It should also include assessment of the thermal profile, fusion quality, and repeatability; and (b) a preliminary system concept and architecture that will meet the topic's goals.

PHASE II: Build and validate a ruggedized TRL 6-7 prototype system. Integrate smart controls and thermal feedback into the prototype. Adapt tools and fixtures for real world geometry and repair location. Validate the tool on a sub-element level aircraft part. Demonstrate mechanical integrity of repairs by mechanical testing and nondestructive inspection (NDI). Demonstrate that it meets full EMC qualification per appropriate MIL STD. Ensure that the prototype meets the Phase II goal (stated in the Description). Provide a test report summarizing all tests done in Phase II, and an electronic user instruction manual for the prototype and a maintainability and support plan for the delivered prototype.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the transition to Navy use. Expected transition within government is to fleet resource centers servicing MQ25 and next gen platforms including Maritime Strike.

Additionally, the awardee will be encouraged to transition to commercial maintenance depots.

DON26TZ01-NV010 — Next Generation Tropical Cyclone Analysis, Forecasting, and Dissemination Tactical Decision Aid Software

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

OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate an improved automated tropical cyclone forecasting, analysis, and dissemination tactical decision aid capability that uses a modern containerized software backend/frontend and is able to easily integrate legacy and novel component algorithms, models, databases, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

DESCRIPTION: Domestic operational tropical cyclone forecasting at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (DOW), Fleet Weather Centers (DOW), and National Hurricane Center (NOAA) have relied on the Automated Tropical Cyclone Forecast System (ATCF®) software suite for end-to-end tropical cyclone analysis, forecasting, and product dissemination for over three decades. This one-stop-shop for all data, modeling, post-processing, and user interaction for tropical cyclone information has endured due to its robust assured infrastructure, reliability, speed for executing actions, and long continuity even as forecasters and information have evolved. However, as compute environments and programming languages have changed, it has become more difficult to maintain and upgrade legacy software to take advantage of new capabilities.

This STTR topic seeks the development of a prototype software suite that can learn lessons from the success of ATCF®, but is architected in a modern software ecosystem to mitigate current workflow disadvantages. Fundamentally, the goal is a modular and containerized software application that can variously interact with legacy, current, and future software suites such as components of ATCF®, the Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental System Next Generation (NITES-Next) program, the NOAA Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), and other back-end and front-end APIs. The software architecture must be designed from the outset to comply with DOW DevSecOps principles and prepare the system for the Risk Management Framework (RMF) process. Desired software requirements include design in a modern broadly supported and maintained open programming language that can run online or offline on premises or in a cloud compute environment; hardening against connectivity and bandwidth issues; separation of functionality between logic, database, analysis algorithms, forecast generation, user interface, and dissemination layers; modular component development where different parts can interoperate with other software; and the ability to quickly address software updates and functionality and revert on the client side.

A dual-pronged approach to improving workflow for the tropical cyclone forecast process is envisioned, with parallel development tracks for software architecture creation and decision support aid integration. While the focus of tropical cyclone tools in the 1980s through 2000s was on track and intensity prediction, the forecasting mission has increasingly expanded. This includes the ability to track before storms have formed; 3D storm structure and rainfall evolution; ocean and wave field information; storm surge and hazards; probabilistic uncertainty; and emerging machine learning tools. The software should be capable of generating and disseminating an automated, objectively optimal analysis and forecast product from available data — that is, without significant manual human effort. It is not expected that all these efforts are achievable within the scope of this STTR effort; however, the priority development schedule must be justified, and the software solution must be able to accommodate all of these components within a future strategic plan.

Back-end capability should include: (1) a modern development software framework that can easily include or remove proprietary and open source algorithms as desired and is built and deployed as a containerized architecture; (2) a robust state management (e.g., database) for storm information and aids with backwards compatibility and export for current ATCF® "deck file" formatting; (3) concurrency for data fetching and processing to reduce data latency for time-critical forecast workflows; and (4) defined APIs to provide data access to clients, such as front-end graphical user interfaces (GUI) or downstream machine-to-machine programs. Further, the back-end capability should support backup capability, likely through a distributed system of servers.

Front-end capability should include: (1) thin client(s) for use on desktop workstations and possibly within web browsers, facilitating both on-site and remote operation with both client-side and server-side rendering tested for DOW network responsiveness; (2) flexible means of calling external scripts/functions/APIs with configurable input data, allowing forecasters to trigger different production pipelines and workflows that could be defined externally; (3) editable runtime configuration facilitating separate profiles for different operational systems or users; (4) means to integrate with internal and/or external AI systems or agents to facilitate future workflows; and (5) GUI and storm management capabilities consistent with ATCF®, with additional emphasis on performant map navigation and rendering, multi-product and format overlays (from gridded and sparse data, such as from kml, kmz, ShapeFiles, GeoTiff, HDF, netCDF, GRIB2, Zarr, GeoJSON, etc.), and dynamic filtering and alerts for data as they populate in real time. It is imperative that software developed be done so with an emphasis that support does not require skills beyond those currently required and normally used by support staff at forecast centers.

PHASE I: Design and develop an architecture concept for an improved tropical cyclone software capability, identifying the most challenging technical components. Present a demonstration for viable solutions to the technological problems. Capabilities should be contextualized and contrasted with current ATCF functionality and forecasting requirements. Integration of emerging technologies should be explicitly described, and include machine learning prediction methods, higher resolution or local forecasting, and new machine learning tools to develop and publish a product. Required Phase I deliverables include the reporting documents on progress and outcomes, the final proposed architectural solution with justifications and risk/mitigation analysis, and a description/demonstration of the unique methods to address the development challenges.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate, and validate a prototype software suite. Effort should focus on proving back-end and front-end capabilities from the above topic description that address greatest needs from the concept developed in the Phase I. It is expected that regular engagement with Naval users and frequent software demonstrations and side-by-side comparison with other operational software suites will be performed throughout software maturation. The outcome by the end of the Phase II should be an end-to-end prototype (not expected to be feature complete) that addresses substantial aspects of the ATCF mission requirements and is able to be run robustly for real-time operational usage.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Focus on continuing development of software capability, while ramping up integration with other decision support tools in the operational environment. Performance equivalence with, or superiority to, ATCF is expected and should be demonstrated on different compute platforms, cloud systems, and classified systems. Performance metrics include: graphical rendering latency (both locally and over remote display protocols) and the time required for a user to complete a standard set of storm analysis and forecast tasks within the software. Acceptance of new data, analysis, and model capabilities from internal and external partners are expected. Awardee should be prepared to deploy as a stand-alone system with thin client interface, as a component backend in a thick client front end, and/or as a module in a multi-software system.

Beyond DOW, interaction and potential transition with NOAA is expected. There is potential for supporting multiple commercializations, such as supporting academic and basic open-source software community, software sales to commercial forecasting and risk companies, and further government capability development.

DON26TZ01-NV009 — Robust Universal Adaptive Denoising Technology

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop robust denoising approaches that are highly adaptive and effective.

DESCRIPTION: Signal denoising has shown to be highly effective in improving performance of signal processing radio frequency and acoustic sensing systems. The main hindering signal in these applications is noise as it degrades the ability to sense low level signals masked by ambient noise sources which may be external to the sensor or generated by the sensor itself. The main goal of this SBIR topic is to develop a denoising technology that suppresses noise while preserving the underlying signal features. Traditionally, denoising methods have struggled to maintain performance when presented with highly non-stationary or complex noise patterns. The traditional approaches typically require extensive and time-consuming tuning to achieve desired performance. On the other hand many of learning-based methods have demonstrated excellent denoising performance but suffer from limited robustness. Therefore, the method's performance will drop if the training conditions do not adequately reflect the characteristics of the operational environment. The Navy seeks improvements in denoising performance greater than 10 dB.

For such a system installed on an aircraft, it will experience both wind- and aircraft-generated noise. That noise has components that are narrow band (< 10 Hz wide) and broadband (10s to 100s of Hz wide). The spectrum of interest for sensing extends from approximately 10 Hz to 1000 Hz. When compared with more traditional active noise cancellation techniques, the denoising approach should be capable of providing 6 dB of additional cancellation and show potential to deliver 10 dB or more cancellation.

PHASE I: Develop concepts for a robust denoising approach requiring minimal training and are effective in highly non-stationary or complex noise environments. Modeling and simulation to include laboratory measurements to assess the efficacy of the approach based on an in-air or ground-based mobile acoustic sensing system is desired. Consider how the approach may be extended to a radio frequency (RF) system operating in the 1-10 GHz range. The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate an end-to-end denoising approach on an acoustic frequency sensing system in a laboratory environment and ultimately in a representative operational environment. The prototype assessment should include narrow and broadband noise removal performance while preserving desired signal characteristics, robustness in the presence of non-stationary noise environments. At least 10 dB of noise cancellation is needed with 15 dB desired over traditional active noise cancellation techniques. Consideration for the ease of integration and fielding should be made. Demonstrating the efficacy of the denoising approach on a variety of host platforms is desired. Further refine the extension of the denoising technique to use by RF sensing systems.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the transition to Navy use.

A universal highly adaptive denoising approach could find applications across remote sensing, communication systems, biomedical signal processing, audio restoration, and image enhancement.

DON26TZ01-NV008 — Automated Software Test Generation and Augmentation for Improved Debloating

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop an automated solution for developing, enhancing, expanding, and augmenting software tests to more safely broaden the employment of proactive cyber techniques such as debloating and post-construction software refactoring. Technology is needed to refine a suite of tests to a level such that it may serve as a practical expression of a software transformation objective to drive other tools as well as validate their output. Technology should leverage multi-modal methods such as ingesting code and documentation as well as be compatible with DevOps processes.

DESCRIPTION: Modern software development practices such as industrialized code reuse and artificial intelligence (AI) assistance enable developers to produce increasingly complex and capable software more quickly and cheaply than ever before. The tools to ensure that all this software is well-tested and that all of the included code is well-tailored to the deployment scenario, however, have lagged by comparison.

Modern applications often include hundreds to thousands of libraries and other dependencies, with often only a small portion of the code in each being ever needed by users in each deployment scenario. The excess code that remains often tends to be less used in general, less well-scrutinized, and full of obscure features that will often be found (sometimes only years later) to contain vulnerabilities. To address this problem, numerous tools have been developed to identify bloat and then modify the software by removing unneeded code. Configurations, usage logs, and tests that are fed as inputs to code transformation tools to tell them what to cut are referred to as the debloat specifications.

Because the economics of code reuse will continue to drive library and package developers to maximize generality, debloating must happen through a separate process that begins after those components are built into a specific application. The fact that another process will be modifying code separate from the original one that designed, implemented, and tested those components adds risk—it is not uncommon to see flawed or incomplete transformations. Evaluation results showed that 37% of the debloated binaries they created failed to correctly execute the functionality they were intending to retain.

Many factors can contribute to a transformation yielding a broken application, but one of the biggest is a low-quality debloat specification. Developer-authored tests are often limited and the users of debloating tools rarely can specify in exact detail all the features they actually need for a given deployment scenario. These incomplete specifications can lead tools to be overly aggressive in things like security checks and exception handlers that are critical to application safety and robustness.

To better address the problem of low-quality and incomplete debloat specifications, new technology is needed to more fully incorporate and automate the capturing of desired software behaviors for input to a debloat tool. The technology should be able to take advantage of code analysis as well as analysis of related artifacts such as documentation, build configs, existing tests, and even user input, as long as it can be made practical and easy for a user to answer. Various works have explored methods and techniques for capturing exception handlers, balancing reduction with a targeted amount of generality, and leveraging AI to incorporate new tests. All may inform strategies for automated test generation and augmentation that can lead to higher quality debloat specifications.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for automated multi-modal processing of code and other DevOps repository artifacts such as user guides, etc. to generate and augment a suite of tests that can serve as the inputs to proactive cyber security tools, namely debloating. Work toward a design that can develop tests based on unstructured documents and interact with a user to refine the tests. The Phase I Option, if exercised, would develop the initial test augmentation capability to create the full prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype containerized test augmentation capability to validate the concept defined in Phase I. Demonstrate the automated multi-modal processing of code, DevOps repository artifacts, and, if necessary, user interview inputs, into developing, enhancing, expanding, and augmenting software tests by the prototype. Ensure that the prototype is deployable in a software factory environment and able to develop many tests to sufficiently, reliably, and robustly enable the debloat of (1) an application using only its existing limited test suite, (2) unstructured program documents like user guides, and (3) real-time user input at the non-expert level by the end of Phase II.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Integrate the Phase II developed test augmentation capability with Program of Record systems and their applications. Field containerized solutions that integrate with existing build pipelines.

Potential commercial applications include automated software testing and fuzzing harness generation, a growing need due to the proliferation of AI-generated code.

DON26TZ01-NV007 — Novel Computing for Streaming Radio Frequency in Low Size, Weight and Power Environments

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

OBJECTIVE: Create a small and computationally powerful Radio Frequency (RF) sensor that meets or exceeds the requirements of extremely limited low size, weight, and power (LOW SWaP) platforms. This computational engine should weigh < = 1.5 lbs., require < = 100 watts of power, and be able to ingest and process > = 2 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth of RF spectrum continuously.

DESCRIPTION: Today's electronic processing technology is not keeping pace with the DOW's computational demands. Growing networks of new higher resolution and higher fidelity sensors yield vast quantities of data, and deep neural networks are being deployed to reduce these data streams to actionable information for the warfighter. Concurrently, the constraints imposed by network capacity, latency, and data security are driving this sensor processing to the tactical and network edge where the data is collected. This transition is compounding processing throughput shortfalls because of edge platform challenges.

In today's battle space, the concept of putting payloads on smaller and smaller unmanned platforms is a huge need. This STTR topic focuses on extremely low SWaP RF sensors that can be less than 5 lbs. The critical piece is the computational engine that will turn streaming Intermediate Frequency (IF) (with an Instantaneous Band Width of > = to 2 GHz) and perform the detection and data product formation for RF analysis and eventual classification and localization of emissions in the extremely broad RF spectrum. For these payloads to go on Group 2 or smaller Unmanned Aerial platforms, the entire sensor package must weigh less than 5 lbs. and the processing engine is allocated less than 1.5 lbs. of this total weight and consume less than 150 Watts. The critical component is a computational engine that is small enough yet computationally powerful enough to make these payloads a reality.

The Navy seeks a single chip and infrastructure that is less than 1 lb. and less than 3 mm on either side. This will include the input/output (I/O) to the sensor data sources, the memory, the computational devices, and the I/O to the operator or decision engine (preferably the decision engine would be part of this device).

These computational engines must meet an extremely high performance metric while being extremely lightweight and energy efficient. The products resulting from this STTR topic will be utilized in Group 1 and 2 UASs as well as buoys that are less than 3 inches in diameter. These devices must be able to be zeroized and support data at rest encryption standards.

Work produced in Phase II is expected to 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 ONR 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 and provide a detailed schedule out through Phase II Option periods and a detailed technical description as to how they will achieve success.

Participate in a kickoff meeting during which details on how to get to the final briefing and its specifics will be presented.

If the Phase I Option is exercised, showcase software modules and fundamental breadboard designs.

The final briefing showing specifically how they will meet the following requirements:

• Less than or equal to 3 mm by 3 mm size

• Meeting class B shipboard installation Environmental Qualification Testing (EQT)

• Less than 100 watts energy consumption

• Demonstrate the ability to move 2 GHz of IBW continuously through the pipeline and show what higher order data products will come out the backend

• Data at rest security requirements

• Non-Volatility certification requirements

• Networking architecture demonstrating ability to configure to multiple types of networks.

• Interface descriptions on how external systems will interface and operate the prototype device remotely and locally

• Examples of the user interfaces and the schema for formatting, recording, librarying, and playback

• Cost and schedule program management plan

PHASE II: Participate in a kickoff meeting and present a detailed development plan including costing (recurring and non-recurring separated) development, security and testing plans.

These plans will include:

• detailed technical plans

• detailed security plans

• detailed EQT plans

• detailed lab testing plans (both at developers facility and at government labs) utilizing different types of RF sensors.

• detailed ship installation and at sea testing (Phase II Option will be integration and testing at sea)

After the kickoff meeting and with government concurrence of the plan, focus on developing the solution meeting all the security, environmental qualifications, and performance requirements agreed to.

The system to be developed shall meet the following requirements (as stated in the Phase I section):

• Less than or equal to 3 mm by 3 mm size

• Meeting class B shipboard installation Environmental Qualification Testing (EQT)

• Less than 100 watts energy consumption

• Demonstrate the ability to move 2 GHz of IBW continuously through the pipeline and show what higher order data products will come out the backend

• Data at rest security requirements

• Non-Volatility certification requirements

• Networking architecture demonstrating ability to configure to multiple types of networks.

The prototype system:

• will show compliance with shipboard installation environmental qual requirements

• shall show the ability to perform data at rest encryption and the ability to meet volatility requirements for system posture changes.

• shall show the ability to consume data from a defined sensor and parse and tag this data.

• shall demonstrate the ability to record and playback from both local and remote users

Perform a minimum two lab demonstrations at the developer's facility and one integration and demonstration at a government lab. The government lab will provide testing and validation of the capabilities and provide immediate feedback to the developer for further refinement of the prototype. Work with the government lab to develop a shipboard installation and testing plan.

The Phase II Option, if exercised, will focus on readying the prototype system to be installed and tested at sea during a government-defined testing event.

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

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Clearly and in detail describe how this capability will transition to a Navy program of record (POR). This plan will also describe how it will be used in the POR and the initial concept of what data products will be recorded and how.

The government feels that any commercial industries needing real time video / data compression, or greater than 4K video streaming capabilities will benefit from this technology.

DON26TZ01-NV006 — Waste Heat Recovery

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost waste heat recovery system capable of converting the heat energy within DDG 51 main engine exhaust into electrical power.

DESCRIPTION: LM 2500 gas turbine engines' maximum thermal efficiency is approximately 38%. This means at least 62% of the energy in every drop of fuel consumed by the process of propelling a DDG 51 Class ship is unused and available for harvesting as it is being expelled in the form of heat via engine exhaust. Significant energy that is currently "wasted" could be recovered from exhaust to save on fuel costs and increase the range of surface combatants. To effectively utilize all resources, the Navy seeks to capture this waste heat as usable energy source.

In the past, the Navy recovered this heat energy via the Rankin cycle to heat galley appliances with steam. However, there has never been a durable, effective, weight- and space-economizing system that utilizes waste heat to produce electrical power on a Navy ship. Within the context of enhancing the environmental record of the Navy, this initiative would productively tap an "alternative" energy source to reduce fuel consumption and subsequent emissions.

The Navy seeks a solution that provides an innovative system for waste heat collection and utilization that maximizes capture and use of thermal energy while minimizing impacts on any other ship system or prominent feature (especially the main engines). Also important to the Navy is an emphasis on moderating use of or impacts to the ship's profile and/or Radar Cross Section, available onboard space, and any serious impacts to weight and stability characteristics. Keeping these difficult limitations in mind, it is the Navy's goal to produce the greatest possible amount of electrical power from harvesting the abundant thermal energy from every ship's main engine exhaust. While the DDG 51 Class Gas Turbine Generators (GTGs) also have similar thermal efficiencies and the scope of this STTR topic may become inclusive of GTGs in the future, the immediate focus of the topic is on the waste heat from the LM 2500 main engines.

The proposer should quantify the level of stress the material can incur while in an operational environment, and provide a preliminary concept design and validation plan and an in-depth examination in scalability and the potential for miniaturizing any technologies highlighted within the feasibility study, as these proposed technologies will need to create a system able to fit and effectively/safely operate within the DDG 51 Class footprint(s) and meet weight and stability requirements.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for waste heat recovery of the LM 2500 engine that accomplishes the requirements listed in the Description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept with a development plan and proposed test plan that will include testing to failure and compliance with environmental standards. Accompany the feasibility study with a recommendation of how the technology could be best incorporated into DDG 51 Class ships. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II. Prepare a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype and/or a comparable simulation able to demonstrate the conformance with power-generation industry standards and according to actual operating specifications, conditions, and DDG 51 Class footprints. A high-fidelity industry-standard computerized predictive model/simulation of the system displaying all significant data points of the system while in operation is needed and/or a high-fidelity (to no less than 1/32 scale) working prototype of the system. The simulation must validate the functionality/effectiveness of the system. A comprehensive installation plan, itemizing any required materials and their sources, recommending the safest and most cost and time-effective installation techniques will also accompany all Phase II documentation as a deliverable. Conduct a thorough examination and estimate of potential electrical output across the range of ship speeds and engine conditions to include idle.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. The product will be validated, tested, qualified, and certified for Navy use.

There are any number of industries that utilize gas turbines, and this technology will likely be applicable to many of those industries where abundant spare electrical power can and would be fully utilized.

DON26TZ01-NV005 — Automatic Cable Tester

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost and user-friendly automatic cable tester capable of universally testing continuity, resistance, and isolation of both Copper, Radio Frequency (RF) cables, and the impedance of Fiber Optic cables via Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR), while rapidly generating easily read quality assurance reports.

DESCRIPTION: While a DDG 51 Class Ship is undergoing modernization, significant time is spent testing continuity, resistance, and isolation on large numbers of Copper, RF cables, and impedance of Fiber Optic cables. For example, within the combat systems alone, there are over 2,900 interfaces that require such testing. With the numerous amounts of cables needed to be tested on board a ship, manual testing of each cable can take several hours compared to several minutes or less with utilization of an automatic tester.

While approximately 175 adapters and kits are available for automatic cable testing, there are no universal devices capable of testing Copper, RF, or Fiber cables. The automatic tester must be equipped with low-cost software and adapter kits for both the "local" and the "remote" sides of the varieties of copper cables and connectors under test. The Navy needs a cable analyzer that can perform a variety of multi-pin connections along with a Fiber Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS)/ OTDR tester capable of utilizing the existing and approved testing standards or featuring an innovative unconventional low-cost means of examining each cable and loopback.

The Navy seeks an automatic cable tester capable of testing the connectivity, continuity, and isolation of both Copper, RF and Fiber Optic cables. The development of an inexpensive, portable, universal cable tester system, able to portray data in real time is desired. The tester must be able to easily connect to the variety of connectors on the cables previously mentioned and reduce both the number of test-connectors necessary to operate as well as the overall cost of the prototype/production system. The software used by the tester should be able to be either Microsoft-based software or one easily convertible into an Excel format for recording test data. The solution should be easily transported by one sailor to allow for convenient movement through tight hatchways and spaces found within a DDG 51 Class Ship. The prototype developer should also document specifics of a life cycle management program both for the tester and all components. The developed solution should shorten the length of time required to test all connections on a ship undergoing modernization.

PHASE I: Develop a concept for an automatic cable tester and demonstrate that the concept meets all parameters in the Description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs by component evaluation and analytical modeling. The Phase I Option, if exercised, should include the initial layout and capabilities to build the prototype in Phase II. Prepare a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver for evaluation and testing a prototype accompanied by a complete connector kit for Navy testing. Design all system components to meet all standard Navy environmental testing. The prototype will be evaluated and tested to determine capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Description. Develop device designs that can be efficiently fabricated/assembled and detailed plans for fabrication intended to reduce the number and/or cost of test-connectors/ devices across the spectrum of cables mentioned in the Description. Identify software concepts that can be used for testing at minimum continuity and insulation resistance testing of copper and fiber optic verification testing for performance, insertion and return loss for both single and multi-mode fiber cabling. Product performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation, modeling, and demonstration over the required range of parameters. An extended laboratory test will be used to refine the prototypes into a design that will meet Navy requirements. Prepare a Phase III manufacturing and development plan to transition the system to Navy use.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the Automatic Cable Tester to Navy use. Develop installation, maintenance, and operations manuals for the Automatic Cable Tester to support transition to the fleet.

The finished product has potential commercial applications for commercial communication maintenance personnel.

DON26TZ01-NV004 — Non-Proximate Chemical Analysis by Field Portable Mass Spectrometry and Robotics

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

OBJECTIVE: Design, build, and operate a portable mass spectrometer outfitted for proximal detection with a flexible inlet on a land-based robot, to collect real time mass spectra and chemical data at the source.

DESCRIPTION: Mass spectrometers provide unparalleled chemical detection and identification, specifically by use of high-resolution system or tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Field portable mass spectrometers have been commercialized for decades and have led to the ability to detect chemicals of concern at the source. Unlike traditional mass spectrometry where sample preparation is required to get analytes into a form factor amenable for analysis, ambient ionization mass spectrometry has demonstrated proximate detection, with no sample preparation, if the test subject can be placed in front of the mass spectrometer inlet. A plethora of ambient ionization sources for drug, chemical warfare, explosive, and environmental detections of bulk objects in their original form factors with no sample preparation.

Not every test subject however will fit in front of the mass spectrometer's inlet, nor can the ionization source be positioned in such a way to accommodate the test subject. Other ionization sources such as swabs and contact transfer touch sprays have been developed to sample an area and bring the sample to the mass spectrometer. This requires a trained user and sampling error can often be the largest challenge in these samplings.

Non-proximate methods, essentially changing the inlet of the mass spectrometer, have been developed and demonstrated. For example, sampling explosives and chemical warfare agents from ambient surfaces at distances of up to 3 meters from the mass spectrometer has been demonstrated. However, this method was performed with a rigid inlet and while non-proximate distances were achieved, the flexibility of the sampling was limited, and it would be difficult to adapt to a robotic arm on a rover such as those used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

The objective of this STTR topic is to demonstrate a portable mass spectrometer that has a flexible inlet that could be brought to the test subject and manipulated by a robotic arm platform to collect chemical data at the source. The inlet and the subsequent ionization source combination must be ruggedized and manipulated by a robotic arm to move both to position for sampling. The mass spectrometer must provide remote red light / green light results to the operator from a standoff distance. It must be operational in varying levels of humidity, temperature, and ability to detect a wide array of chemicals.

PHASE I: Design a detailed model and parts inventory for a non-proximate mass spectrometry inlet or ion transport device that is flexible and positionable by a robotic arm. Detail ionization source that will be selected to interface with mass spectrometry inlet and demonstrate that it can be moved by a robotic arm. Design a detailed model and parts inventory for a field portable mass spectrometer (MS) that will couple to the flexible non-proximate inlet, taking into consideration Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) requirements and how it will interface and operate on a robotic arm on a rover. Adaptation of commercial field portable mass spectrometer to interface with a flexible inlet is also appropriate.

Provide a parts list with material type and weight for each component (required). The battery for the MS should last at least 3 hours before needing to be recharged. The casing of the flexible inlet, ionization source, and MS should be ruggedized, water resistant, and ensure that the instrument is not damaged upon movement. The MS must be operational during and after movement. Additionally, the MS must be operational at a temperature range of -25 °F to 120 °F (Threshold (T)), -35°F to 135°F (Objective (O)).

Consult MIL-STD-810 Test Methods: 501.6 High Temperature, 502.6 Low Temperature, 507.6 Humidity, and 510.6 Sand and Dust when designing and selecting the material and layout of the system.

The overall layout of these components for the final system should be sketched and the overall size should be as compact as possible. The communication of the MS to the control system at the operator should be detailed. The MS should have an operating mass range at least from m/z 50 to m/z 500 to detect a wide range of chemical threats. Detection limits for chemical threats must be less than 100 ppb (T), in the ppt range (O).

The Phase I Option, if exercised, should be used to further develop and improve the design and, possibly, to demonstrate key components.

The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Construct the non-proximate inlet and interface with field portable MS with the aforementioned operational specifications from Phase I. Interface the non-proximate inlet and ionization source with a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) robotic arm that could be mounted to a rover for sampling remote and hard to reach locations. The MS should be able to be operated remotely and have a database capability of providing red light / green light results to the operator based upon both mass spectra and tandem mass spectra. The system must provide remote results and be fully operational while the robotic arm is in motion. Demonstrate the detection of three target chemical threat simulants from surfaces that cannot be moved to a traditional stationary inlet. Guidance will be provided to threat simulants at the start of Phase II, but they will be within the required mass range. Deliver one operational unit to the Navy.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Final testing and demonstration / evaluation would be conducted in theater and on forward operating bases. Scenarios could be standoff detection of unknown objects and suspected hazardous threats, gathering chemical information from object difficult to sample that may have moved through a hazardous environment (under side wing of an aircraft), or when human / physical interaction with a sample is not ideal.

Ample forensic applications for this technology exist in drug, chemical warfare agent, and explosives detection. There are also potential dual use applications in the pharmaceutical and industrial processes such as inspecting the inside of a chemical reactor / checking the cleanliness after a process or within quality control areas. There are also environmental dual use applications for traversing hard to sample locations and instead being able to send the rover and sampling apparatus into the space.

DON26TZ01-NV003 — Advanced Liquid Hydrogen Storage and Employment Methodologies for Unmanned Aerial Systems

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop a cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage and delivery solution that can achieve high hydrogen mass fraction and a low boil off rate. Demonstrate that the cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage system improves endurance, range, and continuous payload power in an unmanned aerial system (UAS).

DESCRIPTION: Hydrogen fuel-cell-powered air systems are becoming more prevalent in aviation. Although compressed gaseous hydrogen has traditionally been employed to power these systems, cryogenic liquid hydrogen has recently started gaining traction. Overall, liquid hydrogen storage provides added benefits such as reduced weight and volume compared to gaseous hydrogen storage, but there are still challenges to air vehicle integration and long-term use due to the extreme low temperature and other properties of liquefied hydrogen.

This STTR topic is seeking a liquid hydrogen storage and delivery solution that achieves high performance metrics while also maintaining longevity, safety, and usability for US Navy and US Marine Corps UASs. The performance metrics of interest for the delivered solution include a gravimetric hydrogen storage efficiency = 40% and volumetric hydrogen storage density of > 40 g/L. The integrated solution must also maintain a hydrogen boil-off rate of < 10% mass per day, as well as a gaseous hydrogen delivery system that can meet the flow and temperature requirements of the fuel cell. A liquid hydrogen filling method and procedure shall be defined with an emphasis on minimizing loss of hydrogen. Additionally, the storage vessel shall be reusable and able to achieve > 100 fill cycles. The storage solution and filling procedure must also meet standard safety requirements such as those called out in DOC 06/02/E on the H2 Tools website.

Additionally, consideration should be made for integration into a range of UAS sizes from a Group 2 to Group 5. This shall include considerations for fuel level monitoring and sloshing effects during flights, as well as meeting necessary environmental (basic hot and basic cold), shock, and vibration requirements called out in MIL-STD-810-H. Ability to demonstrate that the new cryogenic liquid hydrogen delivery system can manage and mitigate thermal loads of UAS mission systems is of particular interest. Finally, cryo-compressed hydrogen solutions will also be considered if it meets the key performance parameters outlined here.

PHASE I: Develop a design for a holistic liquid hydrogen storage and delivery solution that is validated through material analysis and/or modeling and simulation. The design should include a trade study that demonstrates how metrics such as size, weight, and volume affect the overall boil-off rate as well as gravimetric and volumetric storage efficiency. The analysis should assume normal hydrogen and include expected liquid hydrogen fill rate, precooling requirements, and storage vessel cycle life. UAS load profile and fuel cell requirements will be provided by the Government and/or UAS supplier and should be incorporated into the heat leak rate and hydrogen flow requirements to optimize design. Incorporation of a battery to meet peak loads can also be considered in the optimization trade study. Investigation should emphasize UAS integration, be performed over a range of liquid hydrogen storage amounts from 0.5 kg up to 100 kg and consider thermal management opportunities such as cooling UAS systems like payload and avionics. Overall, incorporation of test data to validate analysis is encouraged.

The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Build a prototype liquid hydrogen storage vessel and gaseous hydrogen delivery system and demonstrate a filling procedure. Complete an end-to-end bench test of the overall system to demonstrate operational performance in a relevant environment. Collaborate with a UAS manufacturer chosen by the Government to integrate the storage and delivery system.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Demonstrate the manufacturing maturity of the integrated storage, delivery, and filling system. Develop the operation, maintenance, storage, and safety procedures for using the system in an unmanned aerial vehicle. Demonstrate that the system meets all UAS requirements while also improving its operational capabilities such as endurance, range, and continuous payload power.

This technology is highly relevant to the commercial urban air mobility market. A high-performance hydrogen system would have improved range and flight time compared to current platforms that rely on batteries.

DON26TZ01-NV002 — Modeling for Frontal Polymerization Curing Process

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop a multiphysics model or toolset to predict frontal polymerization phenomena and to optimize the resin additives (e,g., catalyst, inhibitor, etc.) for an optimized cure with less distortion or residual stress, while ensuring that the front does not self-extinguish.

DESCRIPTION: Frontal polymerization is the process of curing a resin monomer into a polymer with a localized self-sustaining and moving reaction zone. Frontal polymerization has many benefits over traditional resin cure methods, such as reduced cure time from many hours to seconds or minutes, a significant reduction of the energy required to cure (in some cases over 99.5%), and reduced cost associated with curing a resin.

Frontal polymerization has many potential applications such as increasing cure percentage for thermoset additive manufacturing processes without requiring a post cure, rapid manufacturing of composite structures, and rapid composite curing for accelerated repairs of composite structures.

Frontal polymerization is a very boundary condition dependent process. Changes in boundary conditions, initial conditions (including temperature and initiation methods), resin formulations, resin or composite thickness, as well as the addition of reinforced fibers or materials can drastically affect characteristics like front velocity, front temperature, and whether a front is sustained or terminated. This can make it challenging to predict and synthesize resin systems that can sustain a frontally polymerized cure with different initiation methods, environmental conditions, composite/resin thicknesses, and reinforcement materials.

Currently, phenomenological multiphysics modeling efforts for frontal polymerization are limited to 1D, 2D, or small 3D models, since they are very computationally demanding due to the highly nonlinear coupling of the governing equations and short timescales required for accurate solution convergence. Furthermore, many models do not predict the mechanical response resulting from the frontal polymerization process (i.e., warpage or residual stress of the polymer caused by the frontal polymerization process). Surrogate modeling can drastically reduce the time to simulate a front but often requires training to create the surrogate model in the form of many finite element analyses or experiments that can be very time consuming. Recently a mechanism-based approach has been created, allowing for prediction of frontal polymerization phenomena without requiring differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) testing to obtain properties for different resin formulations.

This STTR topic calls for development of a model or toolset to predict characteristics of the frontal polymerization process such as front temperature, front velocity, and cure percentage, as well as the resulting effects from the frontal polymerization process such as warpage, residual stress, or post cure mechanical strength. The model should work for multiple initiation methods (i.e., a point initiation of the front, line initiation, and planar initiation for the front (for simulating a point heat source, a line/wire heat source, and a planar heat source). The model should also be scalable, allowing for simulation of different/larger geometries without detrimental increases in computational time. This topic falls under the NAWCAD STTR focus area for in situ material detection and repair solutions.

PHASE I: Develop the framework for a model and determine if the model can predict a frontal cure of a resin with at least one experimentally cured front of a resin as the starting foundation for validation of the model. The model should predict characteristics such as cure percentage, thermal gradients, and front velocity.

The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Use a model or framework to optimize additive concentrations (e,g,, catalyst wt%, inhibitor wt%, etc.) to reduce distortion, front temperature, or residual stress for a frontally cured polymer, while ensuring that the front is sustained leading to a fully cured polymer. Use a model or have a framework for simulating or predicting the curing of a fiber reinforced resin. Optimize the additive concentration percentages to reduce distortion of a frontally cured composite patch or panel, while maximizing the percent fiber volume fraction, and ensuring a sustained front/cure. Experimentally validate the model via frontally cured resin and frontally cured composite samples. Optimize the frontal polymerization process for a successful composite cure for different boundary or initial conditions (i.e. ambient temperatures, thicknesses of composite, initiation methods, etc.).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Fully develop the model and transition the model and frontal polymerization technology targeting repair applications for NAVAIR. Create representative panels and/or repair patches that meet specifications required for Navy adoption of the technology.

This technology could benefit the private sector by reducing time and cost associated with curing composite structures or performing composite repairs. This could lead to a reduced cost for cured composite structures. Potential secondary applications include reduced cost automotive composite manufacturing, marine/boat composite manufacturing, and renewable energy composite manufacturing.

DON26TZ01-NV001 — Thermally Tolerant Optical Fire Detectors

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

OBJECTIVE: Development and demonstration of an optical fire detector capable of an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-enhanced Optical Fire Detector (OFD) capable of operating in temperatures up to 400°F, enabling deployment in high-performance engine nacelles without compromising responsiveness or coverage.

DESCRIPTION: All aircraft engine nacelles require reliable and rapid-fire detection systems to ensure airworthiness and flight safety. OFDs are preferred over other technologies due to their fast response times and comprehensive coverage. However, existing OFDs are typically limited to operating in temperatures below 200°F, rendering them unsuitable for certain high-temperature nacelle environments that exceed this threshold.

Current Limitations of the Alternative (Thermally Robust Temperature-sensing Lines):

• Slower detection response compared to optical methods

• Limited coverage due to sensor placement constraints

• Lack of non-destructive calibration, increasing maintenance complexity and downtime

AI/ML Integration for False Alarm Reduction:

• Real-time signal classification to distinguish between genuine fire signatures and benign stimuli such as sunlight, engine exhaust, or infrared (IR) reflection

• Adaptive filtering based on operational context, reducing nuisance alarms and increasing system confidence

Thermal Design Enhancements:

• Material and packaging innovations to withstand prolonged exposure to 400°F (204°C) environments

• Calibration methodologies resilient to the thermal cycling, vibration, and Electromagnetic Interference common to nacelle-mounted systems

• Integration compatibility for both retrofit of legacy platforms and new platforms.

Expected Benefits:

• Improved fire detection performance in thermally extreme zones

• Increased aircraft survivability and mission readiness

• Enhanced maintainability through non-invasive self-test and diagnostic capabilities

• Improved fleet sustainability

PHASE I: Develop an innovative approach for an OFD suitable for use in a hot (up to 400°F) aircraft environment. Demonstrate the OFD detection capability of a hydrocarbon flame in a 400°F environment, as well as the ability to avoid a false alarm from other light or heat sources.

The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate practical implementation of a production-scalable OFD developed in Phase I that can function as a "drop-in" replacement for current fire detectors (mounting and wiring). Evaluate performance of production scalable unit in accordance with MIL-F-23447 and MIL-STD-810H.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Produce a functional OFD that passes all environmental and fire detection qualification testing. Prepare the OFD for installation on a selected aircraft. Deliver all needed data to verify functionality for fire detection and any limitations due to false positives. Document any software needed for fire detection used in the OFD.

Thermally tolerant and robust OFD benefits commercial aircraft by enabling mounting in high temperature areas. The increased operational temperature would increase the life of the component. OFDs can also be used in manufacturing, chemical process, and oil refinement. High temperature environments may be needed or result in these industries. Any improvements to software detection through AI/ML would reduce the number of false positives, which results in a reduction of expensive cleanup, extensive operation downtime, and potential environmental issues.

DPA26TZ01-NV001 TITLE: MEDICAL SWARM ROBOTICS FOR EXTRACTION AND LIFESAVING INTERVENTIONS

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

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate small-robotic swarms capable of autonomous battlefield medical assistance, including short casualty movement, hemorrhage control, fracture stabilization, and medication delivery.

DESCRIPTION: This topic addresses a critical battlefield medical need through the development of innovative swarm-based small-robotic systems capable of autonomous medical assistance to incapacitated and difficult to reach casualties. Future Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) predict massive casualty incidents, delayed evacuation, and insufficient capacity of the medical system, especially from the point-of-injury to Role 1 medical care. With a delayed medical response casualties have a high chance of dying due to lack of hemorrhage control which is the leading cause of potentially survivable death in both battlefield and civilian trauma cases prehospital. Autonomous medical care may be essential for saving lives in these future contexts, especially for casualties who are unable to treat themselves, have no buddy aide in proximity, or are in inaccessible areas for human medical response. This topic calls for a solution of an autonomous, self-deploying, wound assessing, swarm-capable, self-linking, mobile robotic solution to assist reaching and moving casualties and perform life-saving interventions (LSIs) at the point-of-need. Small swarm robotics provide advantages in their ability to access difficult to reach casualties obscured by rubble and terrain, can adapt by conjoining or detaching to meet the need of a detected casualty, and are ideal for limited space during unmanned evacuation assistance. For this topic, the novel robotic system should demonstrate at least two of the following four essential capabilities, one from each category: Extraction: 1) Movement of a casualty a short distance (10m) and/or onto a SKED or litter 2) Stabilization of a fractured limb through the entanglement of rigid structures. Treatment: 1) Manage massive extremity or junctional hemorrhage control 2) Delivery of medications through intramuscular injection or placement of intraosseous needle. First, a solution can demonstrate the ability to leverage a swarm architecture to coordinate the capability to drag/move a casualty a short distance and or position the casualty onto an extraction SKED or litter. Coordinated swarm maneuvers would allow smaller robotics capable of navigating tight spaces lift or drag a casualty together when a single unit may not have the dragging capacity otherwise. Second, a solution can demonstrate protective limb stabilization by entangling multiple robotic units around or along a limb. By interlocking systems, a solution should provide protective bracing around an injured body-part to prevent further injury during casualty movement. Third, a solution can demonstrate the ability to self-arrange and reassemble into shapes to provide massive hemorrhage control. The goal will be to create a "smart tourniquet" capable of autonomously clamping around injured limbs to stop arterial blood flow as well as apply sufficient pressure and coverage over a junctional wound. The solution will need the necessary sensing and intelligence to identify and locate the hemorrhage injury and advanced capabilities and swarm architecture to reassemble into a hemostatic tool. Fourth, a solution can demonstrate the ability to deliver medications to a casualty either through intramuscular injection or establishing an intraosseous infusion. Due to the intended smaller size, the medical robotic solution could be an ideal assistant in the tight quarters of unmanned evacuation vehicles. The ability to provide medications and fluids enables higher qualities of care by autonomous and unmanned systems. The proposed design for a robotic solution should aim to accomplish two of the four tasks with at least one from each category of extraction and treatment while being as small, light, and portable as possible. Proposals that can accomplish more tasks will be reviewed more favorably. The topic is not prescribing a design choice, and proposers are welcome to propose any form factor of robotic system that provides mobility, a swarm architecture, and self-assembly and deployment. The desired utilization of these robots is for individual/self-aid in a frontline environment with the aim to fit into an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) or lightweight enough to be deployed via drone-swarm. By leveraging a modular, interconnected, swarm-capable architecture the design should allow for mobility across dynamic environments, adaptability to various anatomies and injuries, and low-cost manufacturing.

PHASE I: Proposals are required to have selected design targets prior to Phase I acceptance, i.e., Phase I is not an exploratory phase into multiple designs. Phase I will include development of subcomponents of the design to demonstrate feasibility into the overall Phase II proposed solution. While not necessary to be integrated into a fully realized prototype system, Phase I will require the demonstration into feasibility of the following system subcomponents: 1) a modular swarm architecture and communication capability, 2) sensing capability to identify injury and anatomy, 3) mobility of the units across dynamic terrain and over/across the human body, 4) design feasibility into achieving treatment capabilities, 5) design feasibility of interlocking units, shape-changing, & rigid stability. Demonstrations can be conducted in lab environments and on hemorrhage control trainers / patient manikins. Deliverables in Phase I include reports and video demonstrations when milestones are made. Milestones: Month 1: Design, build, test, and learn plan. Month 3: Mid-point subcomponent design review. Month 6: Subcomponent feasibility demonstrations. Key Deliverables: Month 1: Design, build, test, and learn plan. Month 3: Mid-point design review report. Month 6: A comprehensive subcomponent feasibility report and demonstrations (videos) of functional subcomponents: 1. Modular swarm architecture and communication capability. 2. Sensing capability to identify injury and anatomy. 3. Mobility of units across dynamic terrain and over/across the human body. 4. Feasibility into design to achieve treatment capabilities. 5. Feasibility into design of interlocking units, shape-changing & rigid stability.

PHASE II: Phase II requires proposers to develop a fully realized physical prototype of the swarm-capable small robotic system and demonstrate its ability to perform the four listed medical interventions on high-fidelity phantoms in operationally relevant environments. All developed subcomponents developed under Phase I will be advanced and integrated into features of a realized system. Advancements must be made to the components throughout Phase II to enable more effective capability in LSIs, and ruggedization towards fielding the technology. Sensing capabilities will need to be added to understand if proper tourniquet application has been made across varying limb sizes. Proposers must also develop sensing capabilities to ensure proper pressure is applied to wounds and monitoring if hemostasis is achieved. Additionally advanced interlocking strategies to stabilize fractures must be developed. At the conclusion of Phase II a physical demonstration must be conducted of the proposed solution autonomously accomplishing two of the four medical interventions by leveraging its swarm architecture and self-reassembling capabilities. Performers must physically demonstrate one procedure from each of the following categories: Extraction: 1) Movement of a casualty a short distance (10m) and/or onto a SKED or litter 2) Stabilization of a fractured limb through the entanglement of rigid structures. Treatment: 1) Manage massive extremity or junctional hemorrhage control 2) Delivery of medications through intramuscular injection or placement of intraosseous needle. Demonstrations must be conducted in operationally relevant environments on either perfused cadavers, animal models, or high-fidelity medical training phantoms. The system by the end of Phase II must be ruggedized to operate outdoors and in unideal weather conditions. Phase II will also require commercialization and transition planning along with technology development. Throughout the phase, the proposers must collaborate with military end-users to refine operational requirements and deployment scenarios of their developed solution. Manufacturing and scaling plans for production must also be developed before the end of the Phase including designing packaging and deployment systems for rapid battlefield deployment. Since this is a medical device intended to interact with people, an FDA acceptance plan must be developed in Phase II involving a regulatory pathway and protocols for safe operation. The final report must also include technology transfer documents outlining planned opportunities for commercial and military applications.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III offers the opportunity for the proposers to apply secured outside funding, not from the SBIR program, to advance and mature the technology further for commercial and Government use cases. Many commercial applications could be applied for an advanced swarm-like medical response system specifically in disaster response. Collapsed buildings, fires, and hazardous chemicals can make reaching civilian casualties impossible outside of the means of robotic and autonomous systems. Initial LSIs can provide the necessary time for stabilization until medical response teams arrive and continue care. For the military there are expectations that LSCO environments will put a strain on the current doctrine of casualty response time and alternative and advanced solutions must be applied to manage massive hemorrhage. Possible military transition partners could include Project Manager Soldier Medical Devices (PMSMD) or Program Executive Office Operational Medicine (PEO OpMED).

OSW26BZ01-DV002 TITLE: Scalable Tracking of pLEO Constellations and Debris

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 | Period of Performance: Not to exceed 12 months | Phase Type: Direct to Phase II

OBJECTIVE: Develop and deploy scalable, cost-effective, and rapidly iterated wide-field optical tracking solutions to supplement the Space Surveillance Network (SSN) for high-density proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations and debris. The solution must meet stringent tracking, latency, and dissemination requirements while leveraging Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and software-defined sensors.

DESCRIPTION: The increasing density of pLEO constellations and orbital debris presents a significant challenge to the current SSN infrastructure, including radar fences with limited beam count and power. This effort seeks to develop wide-field optical tracking systems capable of addressing these challenges. The solution must integrate COTS components on a COTS bus to ensure low-cost deployment, rapid iteration, and replenishment. Software-defined sensors adaptable to multiple missions and on-board processing capabilities are encouraged. The system should also support extensibility to other missions via side-car payloads or on-orbit firmware/software upgrades. The system, if deployed at a scale identified by the proposer, must meet the following requirements: Threshold Requirements: Track 95% of objects larger than 1U (10x10 cm² optical cross-section, Lambertian surface at 20% reflectivity) at least once per orbit. Track 95% of unknown objects as small as 1 cm across once every two weeks. Goal Requirements: Track 99% of unknown objects larger than 1U at least twice per orbit. Track 95% of all objects as small as 1 cm once every two weeks. Track a cued object down to 1 cm with a maximum latency of 40 minutes, with no requirements for simultaneous tracks. Dissemination: All detections must be injected into the Unified Data Library (UDL) database within 5 minutes of passing through the last Field of Regard of the sensor platform.

PHASE I: This topic is accepting Direct to Phase II proposals only. Strong proposals should document prior experience: Modeling and simulation of wide-field optical systems to validate tracking performance; Prototyping and testing of COTS-based optical sensors and software-defined systems; Integration and testing of on-board processing capabilities for real-time data handling and dissemination; Validation of UDL database injection within the required 5-minute latency. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results.

PHASE II: Phase II will focus on: 1. Developing and demonstrating a fully integrated prototype system in a relevant orbital environment. 2. Conducting end-to-end testing to validate tracking performance, latency, and dissemination requirements. 3. Iterating on the design to incorporate lessons learned and optimize for cost, scalability, and extensibility. 4. Preparing for low-rate initial production (LRIP) and deployment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The solution has significant commercial potential in the growing space industry, including: 1. Supporting commercial satellite operators in collision avoidance and space traffic management. 2. Providing data services to insurance companies for risk assessment and mitigation. 3. Enabling scalable tracking solutions for emerging mega-constellations. 4. Extending capabilities to other missions, such as Earth observation, space domain awareness, and scientific research.

OSW26BZ01-DV001 TITLE: Establishing Ad-Hoc Distributed Network Across Heterogeneous RF Systems

Award Maximum: $2,000,000 | Period of Performance: Not to exceed 12 months | Phase Type: Direct to Phase II

OBJECTIVE: Successful Joint Operations executed by the U.S. Department of War (DoW) rely on tight coordination, synchronization, and tactical communication across multiple service components and platforms. The Joint Force faces real-time communication and coordination challenges between modern, more flexible systems and the much larger inventory of older legacy platforms that were independently acquired by each service. Virtually all platforms have one or more types of Radio Frequency (RF) apertures and backend electronics that could be used to coordinate effects, but they lack the appropriate firmware (FW) or software (SW) to enable cross platform synchronization of those effects due to compatibility or proprietary software interface constraints. Multiple land, sea, air, and space assets would benefit from software and firmware enhancements to increase communication and synchronization effectiveness across the Joint Force. The objective of this effort is to assess and implement advanced SW/FW enhancements onto existing platform(s) to enable heterogeneous multifunction RF systems to communicate and synchronize activities to increase effectiveness of Joint Force operations. A large defense contractor that produces high volume, (hundreds or thousands of production units) may be hesitant to change their baseline SW/FW to incorporate new capabilities. The Government is interested in an experienced agile, small business software developer to study and implement communication applications onto a large defense contractor's target software defined radio (SDR) to enable greater Joint interoperability. Key aspects of the study are to assess SW/FW compatibility with the target SDR; identify hardware and software constraints; assess cyber vulnerabilities; and culminate in a proof-of-concept lab demonstration to establish an ad-hoc network between heterogeneous RF systems. Additionally, the study seeks to generate a roadmap and identify risk reduction activities that should be performed in order to fully integrate these new capabilities into operational systems. The proposed solution should support integration with DoW's existing RF systems, payloads, and operations to improve mission agility, reduce mission risk, and enhance Joint Operations. Competitive proposals must originate from performers that have previously demonstrated SW/FW integration of multi-function operations, in a laboratory environment or in open-air testing, between heterogeneous DoW RF systems. The Government is particularly interested in enabling diverse ad-hoc data network node establishment between dissimilar RF mission systems. These DoW payloads or platforms of interest for this application are Communication, Command and Control (C2), Electronic Warfare (EW), or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. This use of diverse RF mission platforms, payloads, and leveraging multiplexed signals to establish non-traditional data distribution nodes while still performing the primary mission would greatly increase Joint interoperability.

DESCRIPTION: The proposer will need to work closely with a DoW-DIRECTED defense contractor to implement SW/FW modifications to the target SDR to enable heterogeneous multifunction RF systems to communicate and synchronize activities. The specific defense contractor will be identified to the proposer upon notification of selection for the D2P2 award.

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: Demonstrated ability to transition software enhancements to operational DoW platforms; Ability to modify / enhance existing legacy tactical platform payloads with additional capabilities; Real-world or open-air experiments to validate hypotheses and concepts; Experience implementing and testing Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) & Low Probability of Detection (LPD) waveforms. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results.

PHASE II: The DoW requires synchronization of effects at tactical timelines, which could be achieved through primary or secondary data pathways. Dynamic, distributed C2 enabled in an active conflict allows for alternate C2 methods should adversary jamming deny specific frequencies in the environment. The purpose of this study is to assess feasibility and implement an alternate data pathway through SW/FW modifications to target hardware, identify constraints, and implement an ad-hoc data network via heterogeneous RF systems. A crawl, walk, run approach is envisioned for this Phase II effort where the contractor would initially assess SW/FW compatibility with the target SDR, identify hardware and software constraints, test code initial on the target hardware, and culminate in a proof-of-concept lab demo with representative HW. A roadmap for future full system integration with the operational system is also desired. An ideal proposal will be able to demonstrate these new SW/FW capabilities on the development hardware kit that will be made available through the large defense contractor to winning proposal(s). Proposers should have access to an existing SAPF accredited facility and access to classified IT (JWICS, SIC, CORE, or SAV); or provide a credible plan for having access to accredited SAPF facilities and IT systems by the projected contract award date to collaborate with the large defense contractor. Close collaboration via remote telecons or in person meetings with the defense contractor will be required in order to integrate and test the SW/FW updates on the target hardware.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: SCO believes that there is significant potential for this technology to be incorporated across multiple DoW programs and operational platforms to enhance Joint Operations.