Attachment 2_MATRIX TO 0001 SOO -Multi-Source Analytics_FINAL.pdf

FA8650-21-S-6002

Attachment 2

Task Order 0001 - Statement of Objectives (SOO) Multi-Source Analytics

Date: 12 Apr 2021

1.0 Background

Data is growing at an exponential rate. The advancement of data modalities, the platforms that capture it, and the pipelines that transfer it, are also increasing at a rapid rate. The Air Force has already made advances in these platforms and the data processing capabilities to deliver new methods and modalities of information to our warfighters. The quantity of data from single source, even when fully understood, can still be overwhelming to end-users. Challenges include understanding the full spectrum of data from raw to processed, reasoning about the meaning of the data, and selecting the tactical and strategic actions that can be taken from this data. Our human and automated agent analysts are not only tasked with operating in this complex environment for single data sources, but are responsible for leveraging multiple data sources to form a more complete picture of their area of regard.

Making sense of multi-source data requires an effective human-machine team environment. The two unique and complementary systems need to understand and leverage the strengths of the other, and have a well rooted understanding of their respective weaknesses. With the increased emphasis on autonomy for maintaining USAF dominance, effective teaming with autonomy will be a complex and crucial component to successfully achieving USAF goals. To fulfill these goals, newly developed mission analytics created for processing multiple data sources will need to build upon the foundational research of cognitive processes like reasoning and meaning making. These analytics must be designed to enable the discovery of new relationships between information sources. The analytic agent must also represent itself in a way that interfaces well with the human teammate to provide not only the processed information, but also the agent’s reasoning in a way that has parity with how a human would reason and understand the processed output of the information.

2.0 Scope

Perform human-centered software design and development to produce tools, models, and algorithms along with innovative human subject experiments.

These tools, models, and algorithms will be developed at various levels of fidelity, including empirical studies, proof of concept prototypes, operational prototypes, and transitionable Information Environment tools and analytics.

This effort will span a range of activities pertaining to the research, development, and assessment of multi-source analysis. Work will include expanding the current research and development capabilities of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Content Management

System (ICMS) Framework, adding instrumentation capabilities to provide valuable insights into how users interact with the various analytics and data sources. From the gathered instrument data, develop machine learning training data sets and their subsequent algorithms to enhance operations in the mission space.

3.0 Technical Objectives

3.1 Conduct research and development on new and existing innovative analytic tools and tool-suite technologies to accelerate workflows and processes for the warfighter. Focus areas include but are not limited to:

developing analytics, automation, and workflow solutions for Situational Awareness, Command and Control, ISR Planning, Order of Battle Management, Threat and Anomaly Detection, and Target Development.

3.2 Perform research to understand and model practitioners’ cognitive work and workflows. Study of practitioners’ cognitive work should be conducted using techniques like knowledge elicitation, interviews, and observations of practitioners at work. The knowledge that results from these studies should also be abstract enough to apply across multiple Air Force missions.

3.3 Prototype and build decision support tools, including both advanced user interfaces and back-end data analytics, which result in more effective and efficient human-machines teams. This process will involve highly iterative and agile approaches that allow for frequent incorporation of end-user feedback during the design and development process.

3.4 Develop, and assess the incorporation of instrumentation capabilities into new and existing analytic tools. This will allow for discovery of user behaviors within a given tool while performing analytic tasks. Research efforts should include methodologies for gathering meaningful data from tool usage and building out proper data sets towards research, development, application, and assessment of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Deep Learning techniques.

3.5 Conduct research and development towards the latest innovative advances in web-based development technologies, including DevSecOps, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) across multiple networks, and security domains. Utilize emerging technologies from national and international government, academic, and industry agents.

3.6 Design, develop, and perform empirical investigation of synthesis-based, updatable, and dynamically “living” analytical tools for information environment analytics. This is a new class of tools for conducting continuous anticipatory war fighting, tools for evaluating and aiding analytical rigor in the production of information environment characterization, and methods for accelerating social-cyber skill development and sustainment.

3.7 Use multiple methods and techniques (e.g., machine learning, natural language processing, agent based modeling) from multiple sources (text, images, videos, sound, memes) and multiple platforms including social media (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Reddit, 4Chan etc.) and traditional broadcast media to characterize the information environment including actors (e.g., trolls, bot armies, cyborgs, etc.) information maneuvers, and information campaigns (including disinformation).

3.8 Perform research in human behavior in information operations both at the individual and community level such as but not limited to understanding cognitive limitations and vulnerabilities, social psychology phenomena, emotions, cultural narratives, and group behavior, all of which can help assess the impact of influence and be better positioned to train resilience in the warfighter.

3.9 Develop test plans and human-user protocols (including Institutional Review Board (IRB) human use research protocols), perform the acquisition and setup of specialized laboratory and test facility equipment to meet test program objectives, develop and use software packages that provide optimal research capability, and perform data collection, analysis, and documentation of research results.

3.10 Collaborate with, and leverage technologies from, national and international government, academic, and industry agents to enhance advanced research and development capabilities. Form and secure partnerships and research relationships both within and outside of AFRL.

Participate in local, national, and international workshops, conferences, and events.

4.0 Operations Security (OPSEC)

The contractor shall provide OPSEC protection for all sensitive/critical information and indicators involved in execution of this Task Order, as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security). 711 HPW Critical Information and Indicators are protected under the 711 HPW Operations Security Program and the 711 HPW Critical Information and Indicators List (CIIL).

Contractor employees granted access to critical information and indicators will be provided initial OPSEC training by the 711 HPW OPSEC Coordinator upon in-processing and prior to being granted access to CIIL items related to the Task Order. The contractor will also participate in 711 HPW’s annual OPSEC training and education programs, which includes periodic updates and refresher training on CIIL items applicable to the Task Order. The 711 HPW OPSEC coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of AF contract activities and operations.

All contractor personnel require a minimum of a Tier 1 background check (T1)/SF85 for any position that requires access to the internet, use of automated information systems to cover standalone computers or unescorted entry into restricted or controlled areas prior to reporting for duty in support of any requirement. The investigation is not for a security clearance; it is for a position of trust. This is a mandatory requirement set forth in DoDM 5200.02_AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program. All documentation required for security certification shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

5.0 Additional Requirements

• Highest Security Classification: TS/SCI

• Deliverables o Reports: CDRLs A001, A002, A003, A004, A005, A006, A007, A008, A009, A010, A011, A012, A013, A014, A015, A016, A017, A018, A019 o Software: All data analytic software developed o Hardware: All Special test equipment developed or acquired

• ITAR: Applicable

• Available Base Support/Facilities: The contractor will be provided access to the following Building 248 laboratory facilities to conduct the research:

o Woodshop – Rm B08 o Analyst Test Bed (Unclassified) – Rm 205 o Analyst Test Bed (Secret) – Rm B07 o Analyst Test Bed (TS/SCI) – Rm B03

• GFP/GFI: None

• Flight Test: No

• Human Use/Protection of Human Subjects: Yes

• Animal Use: No

• Hazardous Materials: No

• Radioactive Materials: No

• Period of Performance: 45 months technical plus 3 months for

Final Report (48 month PoP)

• Estimated Funding Profile: The estimated funding for this task order is:

Fiscal Year FY 22 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 Total

Total Amount $3.0M $3.5M $3.5M $3.0M $13M