Attachment 6 - HMDM SOO - Closed Call_15 AUG 25.pdf

Holistic Models for Decision-Making LOE Statement of Objectives (SOO)

Date: 15 August 2025

1.0 Background

Effective decision-making in complex, high-tempo operational environments depends on a detailed understanding of the cognitive processes that shape perception, reasoning, and decision-making. The Holistic Models for Decision-Making (HMDM) Line of Effort addresses this need by conducting research to develop high-fidelity computational and mathematical cognitive models, which are organized into a digital reference library for research and evaluation purposes. These models provide predictive insights into warfighter cognitive performance, supporting studies that inform readiness, adaptability, and mission effectiveness under operational conditions.

HMDM research focuses on modeling critical cognitive capabilities essential for mission success, including language learning and comprehension, dynamic asset management, and the effects of operational stressors on sensory systems such as vision and hearing. By investigating the complex interactions between perceptual modalities and stress-induced cognitive changes, this research generates validated models and prototype tools that can be incorporated into other projects supporting mission planning, execution, and adaptation across multi-domain operations, ultimately contributing to enhanced decision advantage.

2.0 Scope

The objective of this effort is to conduct research to advance human-centered cognitive modeling under the HMDM initiative. This research aims to develop, evaluate, and refine high-fidelity computational and mathematical models that simulate the effects of cognitive, perceptual, and operational factors on warfighter performance. The effort emphasizes experimental studies, prototype model development, and analysis in laboratory or simulated environments, with the goal of generating validated models and research insights.

Outcomes from this research may be incorporated into broader projects that support superior mission planning, execution, and adaptation across multi-domain operations, ultimately contributing to enhanced decision advantage. The research objectives are organized into three primary focus areas, which together address cognitive model research and analysis, prototype model design and development, and research-focused integration, evaluation, and assessment.

These focus areas collectively provide a structured approach to advancing understanding of warfighter cognition and informing future applied capabilities.

3.0 Technical Objectives

3.3.1 Cognitive Modeling Research and Analysis. The contractor shall determine necessary information, data sets, and equipment to develop high-fidelity software models, simulations and algorithms of relevant processes, tasks, and scenarios from the operational environment, to include but not limited to environmental factors associated with pilots, collaborative combat aircraft, and long endurance missions. The effort shall also incorporate research and analysis on fatigue studies and fatigue risk mitigation strategies, including modeling the effects of extended operational durations, circadian rhythm disruption, workload stress, and recovery cycles. These models shall enable accurate prediction and assessment of human performance degradation over time, as well as evaluation of intervention measures to minimize fatigue-related risks and optimize mission effectiveness. The contractor shall collect and analyze the data from, but not limited to, integrated facilities located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) that include night vision technology, hearing, localization, intelligibility, and protection measurements, multi-asset management simulation, and information sensemaking facilities. The contractor shall generate processed representations of acoustic, visual, cognitive, socio-cognitive, and additional stimuli, artifacts, and processes. The contractor’s human participant data shall contain behavioral, time series, electroencephalogram, and other physiologic data converted from the raw format obtained from the measurement systems into a common representation. The contractor shall evaluate the current facilities and software capabilities and determine changes required to map these to existing map to existing measurement, industry, military and software engineering standards and specifications. The contractor shall provide analysis of existing hardware and software, document the current models and algorithms, and provide representations in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to facilitate integration of independent models.

3.3.2 Cognition Model Design and Development. The contractor shall design, develop, and document new cognition software, integrative software (e.g., physiocognitive models), and existing cognition software models/algorithms. The contractor shall integrate new capabilities into the government modeling repository, consisting of the data, documentation, models/algorithms, software, and MBSE representation. As new models/algorithms are developed and integrated into the library, the contractor shall update existing products generated from the model library. As new hardware/software is required to measure human performance, the contractor shall document the updates, acquire the necessary equipment and design the new systems and software in the existing facilities.

3.3.3 Research Integration, Evaluation, and Assessment. The contractor shall conduct research-oriented integration, test, and validation activities to evaluate the concepts and capabilities developed in Paragraph 3.3.2 within a laboratory or simulated environment.

This effort shall focus on experimental analysis and assessment of the Digital Models of Cognition library and Air Force–provided research prototypes, tools, and data products.

The contractor shall collaborate on defining research analysis objectives, establishing evaluation criteria, identifying required data and instrumentation for experimentation, and designing representative research scenarios. The contractor shall develop and refine research-specific test and validation procedures to assess performance against scientific and technical objectives. Participation in on-site research experiments may be required to observe real-time results, capture initial findings, and identify research issues. The contractor shall conduct in-depth data analysis and produce technical reports to document findings, methods, and conclusions. Any analysis tools or scripts related to the HMDM model library that are developed as part of the research effort shall be provided.

4.0 Operations Security (OPSEC)

General Operations Security (OPSEC) procedures, policies and awareness are required in an effort to reduce program vulnerability from successful adversary collection and exploitation of critical information. OPSEC will be applied throughout the life cycle of the contract. The Critical Information and Indicator List (CIIL) and the XX OPSEC Plan will be provided upon request by AFRL/XX Information Protection Office. While working on the government installation, OPSEC guidance and OPSEC training will be provided by AFRL/XX Information Protection Office. This training will ensure contractors are familiar with XX’s CIIL and OPSEC Plan as it pertains to their contract. The contractor shall apply OPSEC in their management of their current program IAW AFI 10-701 Operations Security.

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 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.

All documents, including papers, abstracts and posters shall be cleared by AF prior to public release.

Please include the highest Security Classification required for this effort within the SOW, even if the classification is UNCLASSIFIED

5.0 INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION

Please include the highest classification that this contract will be conducted at if access to NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION is required SCI (10e(1) or Non-SCI (10e(2), the SOW must include the following at a minimum): “Access to National Intelligence Information at the ______________ is required in performance of this contract”:

• •“Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Level”

• And/or

• •“Non- Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Level”

Contractors will complete the customer-provided Intelligence Oversight training as required by customer requirements and will report any Questionable Intelligence Activity (QIA), Significant/Highly Sensitive Matter (S/HSM), and/or Federal Crimes IAW procedures established in DoD Directive 5148.13, Intelligence Oversight, and AFI 14-104, Intelligence Oversight. For contracts involving cryptographic matters in addition to DoDD and AFI, Reference USSID 18: Legal Compliance and US. Persons Minimization Procedures

21 IS/SOO and AFRL Senior Intelligence Officer will require a brief specific explanation/justification be included in the PWS/SOO/SOW that indicates why the contractor will require access to SCI and non-SCI intelligence information to perform this work or they will not sign.

Example of PWS/SOO/SOW explanation/justification statement: The Contractor shall require access to National Intelligence information at the TS-SCI and non-SCI level in performance of this contract in order perform XX (program specific requirements) XX functions/duties as required in performance of this contract.

6.0 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION PLANS (STPP)

Contractor employees during the performance of this effort may be required to have access to Critical or Enabling Technology Elements (CTE/ETE), Controlled Technical Information (CTI) or other potential sensitive information. Contractor employees will be required to protect this information from disclosure to unauthorized personnel and companies. If a disclosure occurs, the contractor shall notify the Government program and security office within 24 hours of any security incidents involving the loss, compromise, or suspected compromise of CTE/ETE. The notification must be made through secure means (encrypted email, secure email, or secure/encrypted call) appropriate to the level of information involved.

Following notification to the government program or security office, the contractor shall assist with all inquiry and investigation reports, and, if applicable, participate in a damage assessment

Security Risk Review:

Initial/Annual/New Research and Development (R&D) Senior/Key Person Profile: In accordance with CDRL A00X, the Contractor shall provide R&R Senior/Key Person Profile Worksheet(s) throughout the lifecycle of this effort as follows: 1) an initial report of all Senior/Key Personnel at the time of award; 2) an annual report of all Senior/Key Personnel providing support; and 3) ad hoc report when any new Senior/Key Personnel join the contract.

Contractor shall obtain coordination from the Government on all ad hoc R&D Senior/Key Person Profile Worksheet(s) prior to the covered employee(s) receiving access to S&T information.

If, at any time, during performance of this award, the contractor/subcontractor learns that its Senior/Key Research Personnel are or are believed to be participants in a Foreign Government Talent Program or have Foreign Components with a strategic competitor or country with a history of targeting U.S. technology for unauthorized transfer, the contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer no later than 5 business days from the date at this information became known.

In the event a security risk is identified, and the Government determines the security risk exceeds the acceptable threshold, the Contracting Officer will promptly notify the Contractor of the Government’s recommended course of action, which may include full or partial termination of award. The Government will provide as much information/rationale as OPSEC measures allow for. In the event the Contractor wishes to challenge the Government’s decision, fundamental research awards will follow the OSD R&E Memorandum dated 6 Jun 2023. All other awards follow the Ombudsman procedures in DAFFARS 5352.201-9101.

Contractor shall flow down this requirement to all subcontractors involved in the performance of research under this effort.

7.0 COUNTERINTELLIGENCE (CI) MEASURES

Cooperate with DoD Counterintelligence entities to address threats related to foreign intelligence activities.

Report suspicious activity, insider threats, or other potential CI concerns to the appropriate DoD agency or security office in compliance with DoDI 5240.06 and related policies.

8.0 Communications Security (COMSEC) Compliance

1. Safeguard all communications and ensure compliance with DoDI 8523.01 (Communications Security).

2. Use approved encryption methods to protect classified and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) during electronic transmission.

3. Prevent unauthorized access to COMSEC materials and report any loss or compromise of such materials immediately.

Training and Awareness. The contractor shall:

1. Provide OPSEC awareness training to all personnel, ensuring understanding of CI and COMSEC requirements, as well as their role in protecting critical information.

2. Ensure personnel complete any government-mandated OPSEC or COMSEC training prior to beginning work and on an annual basis thereafter.

Incident Reporting:

The contractor shall immediately report the following to the Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), or RSIS Security Office:

1. Any suspected or confirmed OPSEC, CI, or COMSEC violations.

2. Unauthorized disclosure, loss, or compromise of classified, CUI, or sensitive information.

3. Indicators of insider threats or foreign intelligence activities.

4. Reports shall comply with procedures outlined in AFI 10-701 and DoDI 5240.06.

Subcontractor Compliance:

The contractor shall ensure all subcontractors adhere to OPSEC, CI, and COMSEC requirements outlined in this PWS. Subcontractors must incorporate equivalent protections and training into their operations.

Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with OPSEC, CI, or COMSEC requirements may result in suspension of access to classified information, work stoppage, or termination of the contract for default.

9.0 Additional Requirements

• Highest Security Classification: TS/SCI

• Deliverables

CDRL # CDRL NAME FREQ

A001 Scientific and Technical Reports – Final Report ONE/R A002 Funds and Man-Hour Expenditure Report MTHLY A003 Contractor Spend and Expenditure Plan MTHLY A004 Contract Funds and Status Report (CFSR) QRTLY A005 Status Report MTHLY A006 Presentation Material ASREQ A007 Computer Software Product – Source Code ASGEN A008 Material and Processing Digital Data Package (MPDDP) ASGEN A009 System/Subsystem Design Description (SSDD) ASGEN A010 Technical Data Package ASGEN A011 Scientific and Technical Reports Annually

• ITAR: Yes (for example, NVG research, F-35 JPO work, possibly other research).

• Available Base Support/Facilities: The contractor will be provided with access to buildings 441, 248, 33 and 852 to conduct research, as necessary. Alternate work locations will be utilized as required by the Government.

• GFP/GFI: TBD

• Flight Test: Yes

• Human Use/Protection of Human Subjects: Yes

• Animal Use: No

• Hazardous Materials: No

• Radioactive Materials: No

• Period of Performance: 60 months technical performance plus 3 months for Final Report

(63-month PoP)

• Estimated Funding Profile:

Fiscal Year FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29 FY30 Total

Total Amount $5M $5M $5.2M $5.5M $5.5M $26.2M