BAA W15QKN-26-S-1AZR Emerging Technologies_Final.docx

W15QKN-26-S-1AZR

REQUEST FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR

NEW AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS

FOR

EMERGING WEAPONS AND MUNITIONS SYSTEMS AND SOLDIER LETHALITY RELATED TECHNOLOGIES

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTRACTS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS

W15QKN-26-S-1AZR

Issued by:

U.S. Department of the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center Business Interface Office

BAA Issue Date: 05 March 2026 Expiration Date: 04 March 2031

REQUEST FOR RESEARCH

PROPOSALS FOR

NEW AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS

EMERGING WEAPONS AND MUNITIONS SYSTEMS AND SOLDIER LETHALITY RELATED TECHNOLOGIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART I: TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST

PART II: WHITE PAPER: CONTENT, PREPARATION, AND SUBMISSION

PART III: RESEARCH PROPOSAL: CONTENT, PREPARATION, AND

SUBMISSION

Section 1 – Introduction Section 2 – General Information Section 3 – Contents of Complete Research Proposals Section 4 – Information to be Requested from Successful Proposal Offerors Section 5 – Other Information

PART IV: PROPOSAL EVALUATION

PART V: PROPOSAL FORMS

INTRODUCTION

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), which sets forth technology areas of interest to the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center (AC), Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, is issued under the paragraph 6.102(d)(2) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the competitive selection of proposals. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA and selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provision of Public Law 98-369, "The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984" and subsequent amendments.

Proposals and white papers putting forth new and novel ideas are sought for the research and development of technologies to fill the complete spectrum of Armaments Center technology needs throughout our product life cycles through interactive collaborations with industry and academia, the Government expects to advance the development and maturation of areas of technology as applied to armament and associated systems. Proposals and white papers shall be evaluated only if they are for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state of the art or increasing knowledge and understanding within the Armaments Center’s technical community.

In order to conserve valuable offeror and Government resources, and to facilitate determining whether a proposed effort meets the guidelines described herein, prospective offerors contemplating submission of a white paper or proposal are strongly encouraged to contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC). The TPOC name and e-mail address are listed below. If an offeror elects to submit a white paper, it shall be prepared in accordance with the instructions contained in PART II of this document. Upon receipt of a white paper, it will be evaluated, and the offeror shall be advised of the evaluation results. Offerors whose white papers receive a favorable evaluation may be contacted to prepare a complete proposal in accordance with instructions contained in PART III, Section 3 of this document.

The costs of white papers and/or complete proposals in response to this BAA are not considered as an allowable direct charge to any award resulting from this BAA, or any other award. It may be an allowable expense to the normal bid and proposal indirect cost specified in FAR 31.205-18.

In accordance with federal statutes, regulations, and Department of Defense and Army policies, no person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the Army.

Offerors submitting proposals are cautioned that only a Contracting or Agreements Officer may obligate the Government to any agreement involving expenditure of Government funds. If the technology so dictates, it is preferred that proposals be submitted to cover up to a 3-year period of performance, and include a brief summary of work contemplated for each 12-month period. This facilitates the negotiation of awards for an entire 3-year program funded on an incremental basis.

Administrative inquiries regarding this BAA, whitepaper/proposal submission shall be addressed in writing via email to the following Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer ONLY:

Email: kelly.a.lynch21.civ@army.mil Address: U.S. Army Contracting Command

Email: gloria.thoguluva.civ@army.mil Address: U.S. Army Contracting Command

Whitepaper/Proposal submission NOT addressed in writing via email to the above Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer will either not be considered or delay the evaluation process.

Technical questions should be referred to the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC), DEVCOM Armaments Center, Business Interface Office, Carlos Quispe at email: carlos.f.quispe.civ@army.mil This BAA is available on the following website:

https://sam.gov/ This BAA is a continuously open announcement valid throughout the period from the date of issuance through the expiration date stated on the cover page of this BAA unless announced otherwise. Proposals and white papers may be submitted any time throughout the timeframe that this BAA remains open. Proposals and white papers submitted prior to this BAA expiration date that are for scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state of the art or increasing knowledge and understanding within the Armaments Center’s technical community, will be accepted for evaluation. Amendments to this BAA shall be posted to the SAM.gov web site (https://sam.gov/) and published at the above website when they occur. Interested parties are encouraged to periodically check SAM.gov for updates and amendments.

PART I - TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center’s (AC) mission is to lead research, development and engineering of systems solutions to arm those who defend the nation against all current and future threats, both at home and abroad. AC is interested in all proposals that can identify and develop technologies for the purpose of generating future armament and related systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) sets forth research areas of interest to the DEVCOM AC and is issued under paragraph 6.102(d)(2) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which provides for the competitive selection of proposals.

The AC headquartered at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, and with additional facilities located at Watervliet Arsenal, New York, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, serves as the Army's sole research and development hub and the principal design authority for the Army’s Armaments, Ammunition, and Fire Control systems. AC’s research, development and engineering facilities provide over 90% of the Army’s lethality and are responsible for the full lifecycle of small, medium and large caliber weapons, Fire Control, munitions and ancillary components to include warheads, explosives, and fuzes.

DEVCOM AC supports the Army’s key continuous transformation and modernization priorities, including Long Range Precision Fires and Soldier Lethality. Additionally, AC provides lethality support for combat vehicles such as the Abrams, Stryker, XM30, Bradley, and LAV. It also supports the Army's industrial base at the Watervliet and Rock Island Arsenals. Efforts under this BAA are focused on the development and demonstration of technology for current and future generation Armaments, Ammunition, and Fire Control systems, along with associated technologies delineated below.

PREAMBLE:

The U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) is focused on continuous modernization and makes the Army more adaptable, flexible and lethal while giving the Warfighter capabilities and equipment to decisively win now and in the future. The seven AFC priorities – long range precision fires, next generation combat vehicles, future vertical lift, Army network, air and missile defense capabilities, soldier lethality and contested logistics – are the pillars of our future success. Additionally, as the rate of technology acceleration advances, the Army will continue to reform its business processes, shifting from industrial age to information age approaches in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Autonomy (R&A), Modeling and Simulation (M&S), Soldier-in-the-loop Virtual and Augmented Testing, Digital Engineering (DE), Containerized Software Applications & Orchestration, Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps), DEVCOM AC Cloud Software Factories, Internet of Things (IOT) and Cyber Security (CS), and play increasingly more prominent roles in many of the technologies that will be developed to provide the battlefield overmatch that we need, and to keep our Warfighter safe.

The U.S. Army AC is looking to identify and develop technologies for the purpose of addressing key elements of the continuous modernization priorities. Efforts under this BAA should focus on the development and demonstration of technology for current and future generation munitions, armaments systems and its ancillary systems, including logistics. This shall be accomplished via investigative research efforts in the following general technology areas:

1. Advanced Materials

2. Electronics / Sensors

3. Manufacturing Technology

4. Power and Energy

5. Energetics Innovation

6. Revolutionary Armament Design Concepts

7. Fuze Technology

8. Autonomy; Guidance, Navigation and Control

9. Disruptive Lethality Concepts

10. Advanced Fire Control

11. Next Generation Logistics and Supportability Technologies

12. Environmental and Demil Technologies

13. Biometric Collection, Matching, Analysis & Sharing

14. Containerized Software Applications & Orchestration

15. DEVCOM AC Cloud Software Factories Enabling DevSecOps

16. Small Arms Lethal Technologies

17. Digital Engineering

18. Testing Methodology

19. Artificial Intelligence Assurance

20. Technology Transfer

21. Networked Lethality

22. Weapons Systems

23. Advanced Maintenance Technologies

24. Automated Test Systems (ATS) Technology

25. Advanced Munition Payloads

26. Operations Research System Analysis (ORSA) Modeling & Simulation Tools

27. Software Quality, Reliability, and Safety Engineering

28. Lethal and Protective Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Technologies

29. Counter Uncrewed Systems and Counter Swarming Technologies

30. Innovative Testing and Validation Frameworks for Next-Generation Armament Systems

TECHNOLOGY AREA DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

1. ADVANCED MATERIALS:

The DEVCOM AC has the need for investigations and research into the development and demonstration of advanced materials for weapons and munitions applications. This shall include advanced alloy systems, polymers and composites that can reduce parasitic weight, increase performance (lethality, range, etc.), extend shelf life, reduce item costs, conserve strategic materials, etc. Materials of interest include, but are not limited to: titanium, tantalum, tungsten, steel, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, ceramics, cermets, rare earth metals, sheer thickening fluids, metal impregnated polymers, polymer-based composites, filled composite materials and metal-matrix composites. In addition, additively manufactured versions of these materials are of great interest. Processes and production systems to manufacture, as well as specialized tools and methodologies for characterization, testing, and analysis of these advanced materials, are also desired.

The DEVCOM AC is interested in materials that will reduce weight, improve ballistics or provide protection to extend the service life of the barrels and other components of small, medium and large caliber weapon systems. These materials may be associated with coatings e.g. cold spray, plasma spray, laser deposition, high velocity oxygen fuel, laser peening, etc.; surface modification i.e. superfine finishing, or material substitutions such as ceramic, polymer and/or composite materials. The behavior of materials in service conditions such as crack initiation and growth, as well as fatigue behavior, thermal and environmental (ultraviolet, chemical resistance, humidity, etc.) impacts of materials are of interest. Additionally, nanomaterials hold great promise either in themselves or in combination with other materials to increase the performance of the base materials. Processes, which produce unique material characteristics with a nano-size grain structure are of interest.

EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of unique interest at this time are materials for hypersonic applications, materials subject to high thermal stress, active countermeasure materials, frangible ammunition alloys, thermoelectric materials, high efficiency insulation materials, high thermal conductivity materials, etc.

2. ELECTRONICS / SENSORS:

The DEVCOM AC has the need for efforts addressing fabrication technology R&D for micro-system chips based on the silicon, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process. This technology is to be utilized for miniature electronic board applications. Processed chips will be applied for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices for Safe and Arm and micro-initiation components.

The DEVCOM AC has the need for efforts in the R&D of anti-tamper systems for remote armament systems. Anti-tampering systems are needed in increasing numbers, as military priority capability needs for autonomous tactical behaviors, autonomous movement, and manned/unmanned lethality are growing. Solutions are being sought to protect remote armament systems on the battlefield, in urban environments and in storage. The R&D efforts should include a capability that tracks tampering attempts made on unmanned systems. Anti-tamper systems that are capable of deactivating battery-operated unmanned systems are needed as well.

The DEVCOM AC has a need for efforts in the R&D of micro-system packaging and micro-system architecture for input into remote armament systems. Novel optical, electrical and hermetic sealing techniques and capabilities will be needed to support this effort.

The DEVCOM AC has need of efforts in the R&D of advanced distributed sensors (radar, electro-optics, infrared, direction finding) to provide threat detection and fire control solutions supporting existing and emerging weapon systems. Different sensors must provide detection range (minimum and maximum), angular coverage (ideally hemispherical or better), update rates, and measurement accuracies necessary for a given application within the appropriate timelines to assure that countermeasures are effective against a wide variety of threats including ground vehicles, unmanned air systems, direct and indirect fire. The sensors must also operate within size, weight, and power constraints of target platforms. Designs should also be developed with cost in mind. Sensor systems should also, to the extent possible, operate on the move. The sensors must operate in a variety of environments (dust, fog, rain, etc.) and should meet MIL-STD requirements for electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic compatibility, temperature, pressure, other environmental conditions, etc., as appropriate. In particular, sensors must be capable of operating in increasingly congested electromagnetic environments. They should be capable of multiple modes, missions, and applications, and, as such, should be easily configurable/re-programmable. The sensors must have good clutter/background cancellation capability and be able to discriminate amongst targets – allowing accurate, automatic identification of threat targets, while rejecting targets that are not of interest. Along with discrimination, there is also a need for sensors to be able to determine threat intent. Both discrimination and threat intent, in turn, require labeled data sets for algorithm development and/or training of machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) processors. Sensors should use open, modular, scalable architecture to the extent possible. In addition, for specific missions, sensors should be compliant with appropriate standards or architectures (e.g. the U. S. Army’s Modular Active Protection System framework). They should also be designed for manufacturability, maintainability, upgradability, and flexibility. Sensors should be designed such that they can be used on a variety of platforms with the appropriate integration packages/kits.

DEVCOM AC continues to seek new, innovative methods for enhanced survivability and lethality by disrupting anti access area denial (A2AD) systems at extended ranges in contested operational environments. This includes munitions delivered non-kinetic effects to deny, degrade, and deceive adversarial sensor systems and infrastructure. The capability should be scalable, focused on peer adversaries in a major conflict by employing a complex diversity on non-kinetic effects for offensive purposes, such as directly defeating adversary capability, delaying and degrading counter fire, and creating uncertainty and confusion. Munitions delivered non-kinetic effects will require distributed, collaboration, and autonomous behaviors to engage a peer adversary, and enhance diversity of the effects. Development of key enablers will be required in the domain of distributed autonomy, including munitions hardened hardware, field upgradeable software, tactics, primitives, and algorithms. In addition to offensive EW capability, the USG also has a need for non-kinetic effectors for use in counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) scenarios and in defensive postures.

As capability increases and munition payloads become more complex, the USG anticipates that there will be added emphasis on the miniaturization and capability of all on board electronic components. This would include, but is not limited to, the payload capabilities listed above, onboard sensors and onboard electronics.

EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest currently are unique technologies that address:

1. Low phase noise oscillators

1. High-efficiency power amplifiers

1. Small tunable bandpass filters

1. Distributed local oscillator architectures

1. Advanced clutter and multipath mitigation techniques

1. Advanced approaches for classification, discrimination, threat intent, etc.

1. Special-purpose integrated circuits, including RF systems on chips

1. Advanced lightweight materials

1. Additive manufacturing

1. Active electronic phased arrays

1. Digital antenna array architectures

1. Precise antenna calibration techniques

1. Advanced electronic protection techniques

1. High-performance, heterogeneous processing “backends”

1. Built-in test and diagnostics

1. Collaborative non-kinetic techniques

1. Sense, Target, Engage Autonomy

1. Munition hardened EW payloads and antennas

1. Scalable and field upgradable software frameworks

1. Beyond Line-of-Sight Techniques

1. Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems

1. Counter radar technologies

1. Capabilities for long range threat detection

1. Data Fusion

1. Machine intelligence (machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques) capability enhancements to any or all the above

1. Intelligent autonomous agent architectures for increased situational understanding of the operating environment

Additional items include gun/cannon launchable sensors, environmental sensing technologies, flexible printed/hybrid electronics, novel inks for printed electronics applications, interconnects for flexible electronics, novel substrate materials, and low power electronic components.

3. MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY:

The DEVCOM AC has a need for research efforts to establish the science behind the manufacture of quality weapon and munitions components, and the integrated data environment that will allow the process knowledge to be retained by the Army in a central repository for future use. These efforts shall address the identification, definition and understanding of materials, equipment, processing and procedures associated with the manufacture of weapons and munitions components; and the capture of that information so that this knowledge can be readily transferred to the industrial base for use in component manufacture using qualification and certification practices to instill quality, reliability, and safety. Efforts shall also address the integration of the 3D-Technical Data Package philosophy in the design to manufacturing cycle, and the sharing of digital information across dissimilar systems. Efforts that enhance DEVCOM AC’s ability to understand the underlying science of component manufacture or further its capability to document and transfer manufacturing processes are desirable. Additionally, efforts that establish manufacturing science test beds, including Additive Manufacturing, to complement DEVCOM AC’s prototyping capabilities are encouraged.

The DEVCOM AC is interested in advancing the state of the art in manufacturing and fabricating components for weapon and munitions systems. Of high interest are technologies that will extend the life of high-value components, such as small, medium and large caliber gun barrels. These technologies may be associated with coatings e.g. vapor deposition, plasma spray, laser deposition, high velocity oxygen fuel coating, laser peening, intensive quenching, etc.; and surface modification, i.e. superfine finishing, or material substitutions such as ceramic materials. Also, processes that reduce the weight of system components, or extend performance either in terms of life, ballistics, or protection are of interest. Finally, the DEVCOM AC is interested in emerging technologies that can eliminate the use of Cr+6 based (hexavalent chromium) surface treatments used on weapon system components to include, but not limited to, gun barrels, recoil mechanisms, aircraft landing gear assemblies, etc. These processes shall be compliant with existing environmental policies and provide equivalent, or better, performance as compared to Cr+6 -based surface treatments.

Further, the DEVCOM AC is interested in manufacturing processes to reduce cost, cycle time, and fabricate parts where price is independent of quantity. Examples of such processes include rapid prototyping technology, and free forming technology whether laser based, plasma based, or polymer based. Our vision of the future requires a “paperless process” from designer to machine. Inherent in this process are several subsets including a “model centric” design environment, including intelligent machining, joining, and processing. One goal is to add intelligence to machine tools to enable them to do a self-assessment, self-programming, self-diagnostics, self-scheduling, and in-process monitoring using both software and sensor tools capable of surviving in the harsh processing environment. Lastly, the DEVCOM AC is interested in fiber optic technology, and remote sensing or optics necessary for such systems; and technologies that instill intelligence in processes or machine tools e.g. modeling, data analysis, data fusion, etc.

The DEVCOM AC is interested in proposals to support our “model centric” design environment to rapidly advance the state of the art in modeling, simulation, design, manufacturing, and field support of components for weapon systems. Specifically, the DEVCOM AC has interest in technologies that transition from development to production of advanced design methodologies, and ensure that this transition occurs seamlessly and with the greatest possible understanding of manufacturing process capability in relation to design intent. It will be essential to establish process capability relative to design intent baselines and goals (i.e., Cp, CpK) and put the disciplines, methodologies, and tools in place to meet these goals. Additionally, the DEVCOM AC is interested in design expertise, methodologies and tools to achieve “quality” hardware from the very start of production and throughout the program production life cycle. The expertise and tools may include the capability to define and flow complex requirements at the characteristic level through multiple layers of the supply chain. It will also include the ability to simulate optimum processes and tooling for material and machined parts, seamlessly document process capability in relation to design intent, and provide for continuing improvement of both design and manufacturing processes; and provide the capability to capture, link, trace, analyze, and manage requirements to manufacturing processes.

4. POWER AND ENERGY:

The DEVCOM AC has a need for efforts in the development and demonstration of Novel Power, Energy Harvesting, Energy Storage and Energy Management Systems, i.e., develop and demonstrate the critical components for improved reserve batteries, hybrid power sources, and other novel power sources to include micro generators, super and ultra-capacitors, power harvesting and power distribution concepts. Fuel cell and Lithium (or Li Ion) battery research and manufacturing technology development are also possible areas for projects.

The DEVCOM AC is interested in proposals for advancing the state of the art in materials and technology for sustainable energy and environmental protection. Specifically, the DEVCOM AC is interested in materials and technology that will provide for improved power density, energy efficiency, reduced logistics and/or weight burden, and overall sustainability of energy sources during military deployment, and with a clean environmental footprint. Additionally, future concepts will require technologies that support significantly extended range with performance at elevated temperatures, increased performance at cold temperatures, and the survivability of the Power and Energy subsystem through the dynamic launch event. Technologies of interest include, but are not limited to, those for power and energy conversion, power generation, energy storage and recovery, renewable energy, and hybrid intelligent management technologies. Materials of interest include, but are not limited to, coatings/materials to improve efficiency of photovoltaic and/or thermo-electric generators, novel materials for weight reduction and improved performance in batteries, materials for forward deployable sustainable energy systems, etc. Technologies proposed should demonstrate dual-use applications and have direct application to the Warfighter. Additionally, the DEVCOM AC is interested in innovative research that can lead to portable, efficient, and compact power technologies that enhance the military’s reach, decrease the logistical burden, and improve energy efficiency at all levels. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, innovative energy conversion, energy harvesting, micro-scale power sources, storage and recovery technologies, renewable energy, including solar and wind, energy harvesting/scavenging technologies, hybrid intelligent management technologies, alternative energy systems, fuel cells, and micro-grid forward deployable energy solutions. Also, the development of advanced novel electric and magnetic materials and coatings/materials that improve energy efficiency and enable sustainable power and energy technologies is of interest as well as novel coatings/materials for photovoltaic and thermo-electric generators, advanced nano-composites for turbine technology, enabling coatings/materials for advanced oil-free turbo-machinery or alternative approaches, or high temperature materials to reduce weight and increase efficiency of high temperature engines, novel battery materials, etc. In addition, the DEVCOM AC is interested in innovative research that can lead to portable, efficient, and compact power technologies that increase our military’s reach, decrease the logistics burden, and improve the overall efficiency of our war fighting forces, especially for distributed and net-centric operations.

EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of unique interest at this time are Improved thermal reserve and liquid reserve battery chemistries, micro-generators, capacitors, flexible/conformal batteries, thermoelectric materials, energy harvesting processes, batteries with improved cold weather performance (down to -40C), etc., while supporting significantly extended range, and performance at elevated temperatures.

5. ENERGETICS INNOVATION:

The DEVCOM AC is interested in advancing the state of the art in Energetic Material technology within the entire lifecycle of explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, from concept through disposal. Potential areas of interest include new methodologies in modeling and simulation such as packages to calculate the performance and signature properties of propellants, pyrotechnics, or explosive properties of ideal and non-ideal explosives. In addition to modeling and simulation, the DEVCOM AC has a desire to build and test the new propellants. This would include both static and dynamic testing. The DEVCOM AC also has a need for new synthesis methods; design and synthesis of energetic molecules, oxidizers, and binders; novel scale up synthesis and crystallization techniques, new analysis methods and specification modernization, and non-CHNO very high energy density materials. In terms of energy output, novel concepts that result in much greater energy density and/or energy availability within timeframes and volumes of typical high-performance explosive, pyrotechnic, and propellants are desired. Tailored and tailorable burn properties for propellants and pyrotechnic signatures are desired for a variety of systems. Multi-purpose effects from a single explosive or warhead are also desired, such as blast, fragmentation, metal pushing, and electromagnetic effects. In the realm of formulations for propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnics, there is a need for energetics and mixtures that exhibit extreme compressive strength and toughness; new binders and additives for pressing, curing, and strengthening formulations; tailored surface and mechanical properties, and improved aging and high temperature and severe environment resilience. Novel processing and in-situ characterization of chemical reactions and formulations are of interest in the following areas: synthesis from the laboratory scale to production scale; higher throughput and novel formulation methods of melt pour, cast cure, and pressed explosive, propellant, and pyrotechnic formulations; creation and characterization of amorphous and nanoscale formulations, filling advanced geometry warheads, and tailoring of flow properties. New ideas in the realm of novel disposal and energetics recycling and repurposing are also of interest, such as on-demand or reversible chemical bonding for demilitarization technologies.

The DEVCOM AC has a need for development and demonstration of reliable energetic quality verification methods in an industrial environment. These efforts shall address both verification of bulk ingredients and final formulations. The demonstration shall include considerations of the issues resulting from increasing production quantities and sampling method selection decisions.

6. REVOLUTIONARY ARMAMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS:

The DEVCOM AC has the need for efforts that address the R&D of Advance Design Technologies. The technologies for R&D efforts include threat recognition, targeting, system communication of mission commands, remotely operated platforms, weapon systems and weapon systems security, control unit systems, battlefield automation systems, software/performance analysis, emerging software technologies, embedded systems, navigational guidance platforms, integrated user interfaces and processors, computer based systems, orientation and ranging technologies, enhanced software algorithm development and software sustainment/supportability as each relates to embedded software residency in weapons, improvements to existing systems and development of new systems, including the design, development, fabrication of hardware and electronics of these systems. Mission objectives are to enhance supported platforms, reliability, performance, capability, response time, and accuracy in meeting the Army’s Vision.

As part of the Advanced Design Technologies, airframes that have the capability to maneuver more and fly further, plus reach targets at hyper-velocities, would be of interest. The airframes can also have embedded novel propulsion technology, in order to reach the targets in a faster time. Novel material technology shall be explored for the purpose of launch survivability for hypervelocity launches, for actuation, and for shape changing of the outer mold line during flight. The motivation behind shape changing is the elimination of moving parts such as actuators which can be a burden on internal volume and also can be an expensive item for the munition. Maneuvering capabilities can be enhanced through the use of the advanced morphing materials, since macro changes on the body shape can be accomplished instead of relying on deflecting canards using conventional motors. Ultimately, it will be essential to validate the performance through testing.

EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest at this time are technologies associated with the following concepts:

a. Novel Propulsion Design

b. Morphing airframes for optimizing maneuvers

c. Advanced material for weight reduction and launch survivability improvement

7. FUZE TECHNOLOGY:

The DEVCOM AC is interested in next-generation technologies that will address pressing needs in fuze technology development. As seen below, miniaturization, reliability, manufacturability, and the ability to survive high “G” (G = acceleration of gravity) gun launch are critical attributes to be addressed. Specific research needs are outlined below.

7.1 Initiation Technologies

The DEVCOM AC has a need for research efforts addressing the R&D of in-line multi-point initiation technology that can accommodate 10’s of initiation points. Of specific interest are multi-point architectures that will scale up to 30-50 points of initiation while minimizing integration burden and volume in the warhead assembly. Initiation points simultaneity, selectivity and the ability to withstand gun launch “G” loads are key attributes that must be satisfied.

The DEVCOM AC is also seeking technology for the research, development, integration and demonstration of improved Electronic Safe and Arm Devices (ESADs) and advanced ESAD components. Of specific interest are technologies that will reduce the technical risk and improve the reliability and performance of ESADs while also reducing the size and cost of ESADs. One goal of these technologies is to allow ESADs to be utilized in high-G hard target applications such as artillery and other indirect fire munitions. Miniaturized passive first-safety-environmental sensors are a priority along with the next generation of G-hardened Exploding Foil Initiators. Research to develop miniaturized, high voltage components such as low-cost switches, capacitors, and transformers is also needed. Novel integration techniques that will reduce the cost or size of today's component technologies will also be considered.

7.2 Improved Fuzes and Components for Hand Grenades, Sub-Munitions, Mortars and Artillery

The DEVCOM AC is seeking proposals for the research and development of an improved miniature Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Safe and Arm (S&A) device including necessary energetics for gun launched munitions. The ability to survive gun launch, size minimization and manufacturability are key attributes that the technology must address. The DEVCOM AC is also interested in research into design improvements for improved manufacturability including energetics integration into MEMS devices that can be used across the whole portfolio of munitions.

The DEVCOM AC is also seeking proposals for the research into and the development of improved highly reliable sub-munition fuzes. Proposals should address improvements in the areas of design, manufacturability, loading, and assembly of sub-munition fuzes, and related components. The goal of this research is to increase the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of sub-munition fuze assembly to MRL6. This effort supports the development of Science & Technology (S&T) concepts under DEVCOM AC’s Cluster Munition Replacement Technology effort.

Further, the DEVCOM AC is seeking proposals for the research into and the development of fuzes and fuze components that will improve producibility, performance, accuracy, consistency or function requirements of hand grenades. Research will include development of prototype hardware components including, but are not limited to, fuze assemblies (inert or live), fuze bodies, levers, hinge pins, strikers, springs, pull pins, pull rings, energetic components or energetic compositions that will demonstrate improved capabilities such as pull-force, delay time, and fuze outputs along with improved producibility.

7.3 Fuze Power Sources

The DEVCOM AC is seeking proposals for research into the development of low cost, robust prototype power sources for advanced extended range munitions. The DEVCOM AC is interested in novel thermal and liquid reserve battery technologies and energy harvesting technologies that demonstrate extended run times greater than 3 minutes over temperature extremes of interest. Solutions which demonstrate a higher energy density and power density through integration of new electrode materials, insulation materials or novel construction of battery/power sources are of interest to meet this requirement.

7.4 Advanced Proximity / Height of Burst Sensors

The DEVCOM AC is seeking proposals for research into the development and demonstration of advanced proximity / Height of Burst sensor systems capable of being integrated into munition systems. Areas of interest include Radio Frequency, Optical, and Image based proximity sensor technologies. Custom components for use in these systems are also of interest to include transmitters, receivers, apertures, and signal processors (digital and analog Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Solutions which demonstrate high levels of integration and being capable of integration into a wide variety of munitions are of highest interest.

7.5 Fuze / Mission Setters

The DEVCOM AC is seeking proposals for research and development of secure spread spectrum wireless fuze mission setting capability. Also of interest is wireless power transfer for systems within near field ranges (less than 10m). Demonstration of this technology would be in support of long-range precision fires auto-loader integration goals within the Army.

8. AUTONOMY; GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION AND CONTROL:

The DEVCOM AC has been for many years researching, developing and manufacturing smart munitions that can withstand thousands of “g” loads during launch. The development of these munitions has been focused in areas such as power, electronics, inertial measurements, actuators, rocket motors and seekers. The DEVCOM AC has been able to make great strides in all these areas with the result being the testing, manufacturing and fielding of gun launched smart munitions for the U.S. Army. With that said, areas such as autonomy, and state-of-the-art guidance, navigation and control technologies will need significant R&D efforts. Since there is a need for long range precision guidance, technologies that will enable a munition to fly faster and further, be more accurate in acquiring targets, with the ability to conduct midcourse corrections (with and without the use of GPS), will be essential. Autonomy can be introduced into the field of operations by designing a munition that is not only smart, due to its electronics and navigation, but will also have the ability to communicate with other munitions in flight. An example may be a leader / follower scenario where you have several smart munitions that are fired in a volley. The leader munition will then be communicating with the other munitions and will be providing them with information about targets so they, in turn, can make corrections in flight in order to prosecute various targets. This area is a new field of study called “Collaborative Control”. Because of the increase in launch velocities needed for longer ranges, longer flight times and enhanced maneuverability to go after moving targets, R&D efforts to define more accurate robust navigation and position transmission technologies will be necessary especially if munitions need to communicate with one another. Methods of accurately measuring the projectile flight dynamics can include state-of-the-art technologies that will improve projectile on board state estimation without GPS satellite data. In this GPS denied scenario, terrain mapping can be a method in improving accuracy. With that said, downloading maps to the munition, and having the munition recognize optically the sites on the ground in order to improve its position estimation will be of critical importance. Another possibility can be to use celestial navigation in conjunction with terrain mapping. However, there is a need for innovative research into terrain mapping, celestial navigation or other state of the art methods in order to improve accuracy for the smart munitions. The DEVCOM AC is also interested in general machine intelligence and/or autonomy-enabling capability enhancements to any or all of these mission needs.

EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES:

a. Collaborative Control

b. Terrain mapping for position estimation accuracy

c. Celestial navigation

Intelligent autonomous agent architectures for location, mapping, and increased situational understanding of the operating environment.

9. DISRUPTIVE LETHALITY CONCEPTS:

The DEVCOM AC is interested in research into next generation warhead and lethal mechanism technologies that contribute to providing more energy on target, enabling multi-domain lethality against a wide range of target sets, and maintaining lethality as warhead volumes are reduced in size to accommodate other munition system components.

EXAMPLE TECHNOLOGIES: Of particular interest is research to develop the technologies associated with the following concepts:

0. Warhead scaling effects and optimization

0. Fabrication using novel materials

0. Advanced modeling & simulation capabilities that account for the use of novel materials

0. Collaborative lethal effects

0. Warheads with multiple modes of operation

0. Novel initiation schemes

0. Survivability in extreme environments

0. Advanced fragmentation

0. Split Hopkinson Bar Technology

0. Advanced lethality modeling

0. Long standoff, aero-stable warhead concepts

0. Anti-armor warhead concepts

0. Counter-UAS/Counter-RAM technologies

0. Lethal UAS and other unmanned/autonomous technologies

0. Advanced warhead testing and diagnostic capabilities

0. Low-cost warheads

10. ADVANCED FIRE CONTROL:

The DEVCOM AC is interested in research proposals related to emerging Fire Control technology. Specific areas for research include: (1) Advanced Technical Fire Control; (2) Position / Navigation; (3) Advanced Fire Control Algorithms; (4) Advanced System Controllers; (5) Photonics and Quantum Science Technologies, and (6) Live, Virtual and Embedded Fire Control Trainers Specific research needs are outlined below.

10.1 Advanced Technical Fire Control

The DEVCOM AC is in need of research to develop direct view Optics, Electro-Optic, Sighting systems or their components in support of the military’s mission to provide superior military equipment to our Warfighters. Research topics of interest are:

a. Develop Optics material and/or equipment

b. Develop state of the art electro-optics, fiber-optics and sighting system technologies

c. Advance study of threat capabilities

d. Develop better understanding from analysis gained from experimentation

e. Air & Ground Platform Signature Reduction

f. Dismounted Target Acquisition Optical Capability

g. Improved Soldier Protection

h. Sensor/effects packages (to deny access to critical points and provide force protection)

i. Soldier Signature Reduction

j. Use modeling and simulation to determine survivability

k. Bio-mimicry advances in flexible Photodetectors, Smart Optics, Adaptive Optics, Advanced Weapon Sight (aiming reticle)

l. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)

m. Improved Situational Awareness

n. Improved position sensors

o. Machine intelligence and/or autonomy-enabling capability enhancements to any or all the above

For the Advanced Technical Fire Control subtopic, the DEVCOM AC is in need of research to develop direct view Optics and new sighting technologies in support of the military’s mission and ground-based platforms.

10.2 Position / Navigation

The DEVCOM AC is in need of research to develop position or navigation sensors such as, but not limited to, non-magnetic compasses, gyroscopes, inclinometers and accelerometers in support of the military’s mission to provide superior military equipment to our Warfighters.

This research is directed to advance the capabilities of PNT (Position, Navigation, Timing). The emphasis is to develop advancements in laser gyros, next-Gen ASIC chipsets and capabilities to function in anti-spoof and anti-jam environments. Also of interest are machine intelligence and/or autonomy-enabling capability enhancements to Position / Navigation capabilities in general.

The DEVCOM AC also has a need for situational awareness on adversarial attempts to deny and degrade the PNT domain. Munitions hardened payloads will be needed to sense the battlefield for PNT denial and report back to the Fires position as well as to higher Echelons. Munitions are in a good geometry to support assured PNT mitigation strategies. These same payloads should have provisions to return fire also becoming offensive to deny adversary use of PNT signals.

10.3 Advanced Fire Control Algorithms

10.3.1 Architecture

The DEVCOM AC is in need of research to demonstrate rapid sensor-to-shooter target hand-off at all echelons that can support the military’s mission to protect the nation and/or the Warfighter from any threats. Research topics include:

a. Reduced soldier/leader cognitive workload

b. Seamless integration of manned and unmanned effects assets

c. GPS denied soldier tracking

d. Lethal UV integration

The DEVCOM AC is also interested in general machine intelligence and/or autonomy-enabling capability enhancements to any or all the above mission needs.

10.3.2 Target Acquisition

The DEVCOM AC is in need of research to demonstrate an auto-tracker in small, medium and large weapon sighting systems and improved target range information that can support the military’s mission to protect the nation and/or the Warfighter from any threats. Research topics of interest are:

a. Closed Loop Fire Control / Data Links

b. Projectile tracking and closed loop improvement

c. Correcting for miss distances

d. Target State Estimation (TSE) / Prediction

e. Auto Tracking

f. Auto / Aided Cueing

g. Aiming Aides

h. Ballistic Algorithms / Computation

i. Advanced Meteorological Measurements and Prediction

j. Multiple/many target handling/prioritization (e.g. swarms)

k. Automated target detection, recognition and identification

l. Machine intelligence and/or autonomy-enabling capability enhancements to any or all the above areas.

10.4 Advanced System Controllers

The DEVCOM AC is in need of research to develop an innovative system controller that can support the military’s mission to protect the nation and/or the Warfighter from any threats. Research topics of interest are:

a. Small Footprint

b. Reduced Power Consumption

c. Ruggedization Technology

d. LRM Form Factor

e. Expandable Interfaces

f. Standard Architecture

g. Simultaneous Multiple OS

h. Self-Diagnosing/Self Reporting BIT

i. Remote Display/User Input Capability via Standard Interface (e.g. Ethernet)

10.5 Photonics and Quantum Science Technologies

The DEVCOM AC is in need of research to develop photonics and quantum science technologies for Armament Applications. Some areas of interest are:

a. Photonics and quantum-based technologies for potential Fire Control Technologies including but not limited to target acquisition and tracking, signature reduction, and potential spoofing technology.

b. Integrated photonics for the reduction of size, weight, and power for Fire Control and other Armament Systems.

c. Advanced computer hardware technologies for high performance, power efficient computing, particularly in austere environments.

d. Photonics and quantum-based technologies for the next generation of PNT technologies for Armament applications.

e. Target acquisition technologies for obscured targets, either obscured by environment or camouflage.

f. Photonics technologies for the advanced control of laser wave fronts for Fire Control applications.

g. Software technologies appropriate for the analysis of low photon target image processing and associated machine learning approaches for target recognition

h. Photonics technologies for laser protection.

10.6 Live, Virtual and Embedded Fire Control Trainers

The DEVCOM AC is in need of research to develop embedded interfaces and advanced visualization systems that utilize fire control systems for areas of live, virtual and embedded training that meets the military's need to maintain readiness of the Warfighter as expert system operators and able to maximize lethality potentials of armament systems. Some of the areas for research are:

a. Computer vision and graphics

b. Small Footprint

c. Ruggedization Technologies

d. Low bandwidth secure networking

In conclusion - For the Advanced Fire Control Topic: Of unique interest at this time is research associated with the following:

a. Unmanned & autonomous systems that can provide advancements in target info to Fire Control

b. Sensor fusion methods and networks to increase fire control and diagnostic effectiveness

c. Down range wind sensors

d. Dynamic Fires Planning and Execution

e. Real time localized MET and environmental data for Fire Control corrections

f. Machine intelligence and/or autonomy-enabling capability enhancements to any or all the above areas.

11. NEXT GENERATION LOGISTICS AND SUPPORTABILITY TECHNOLOGIES:

The DEVCOM AC is interested in proposals for…