Opera_SOO_Topic2.doc

Statement of Objectives (SOO) for Object Physics for Recognition Advancements (OPERA) Topic 2

1.0 Background

The OPERA Program is looking to develop technologies that span a broad application space. The effort is object physics focused. The historical AFRL/RYAS portfolio allocated most of its resources toward the research and development of efficient production of target signature databases for training ATR algorithms. The primary sensing domain was in the air-to-air and air-to-ground radar technologies. Areas of emphasis include study and analysis of exploitable target phenomenology, computational electromagnetics for training of ATR algorithms, effective and efficient geometry capture for computer aided design, and radar signal analysis/ modeling. The new RYAS portfolio will allocate its resources toward the research and development of theoretical methods for multi-sensor exploitable signature understanding. Focus on the causal physical mechanisms that contribute to the signature and that discriminate between targets highlights our approach to performance. We will take a unified approach to developing and simulating exploitable multi-sensor signature physical mechanisms using systems theory models and physical saliency technology. Significant emphasis will be put into the development of specific physical sensing technologies across wavelengths within a disciplined system trade- space analysis capability. Full characterization of multi-sensor physical responses will require expertise in wave theory physics, system theory models (i.e. Bayesian decision theory, information theory), and multi-sensor signature measurement analysis. Capabilities to fully model and characterize exploitable wave theory based physics are required to push layered sensing technology beyond detection and kinematic tracking in a performance based manner:

2.0 Objectives

The objective of OPERA T2 is to develop a prototype multi-sensor exploitation system and validate the prototype through controlled measurement where uncertainty sources are well characterized and minimized. Application of exploitation concepts to measurement data from existing systems provides further validation and characterization of methods under conditions where sources of uncertainty are greater. Application programs in the area of Multi-Sensor Exploitation provide the opportunity to apply research results to problems with specific requirements.

Figure 1: Wave Theory Based Physics Driven Approach for Multi-Sensor Exploitation System Concept.

3.0 Needs

3.1 Capability to isolate and model the physical mechanisms responsible for exploitation performance in a multisensory scenario. This capability leads to a deeper understanding and efficient knowledge based development and characterization. Data driven methods require substantial data to develop a comprehensive signature database. The cost of obtaining measurement data is cost prohibitive for most efforts, and accurate signature synthesis requires long model build and validation processes. Because an ATR systems theory is at the research stage, efficient methods of defining when CAD models and predicted data meet an algorithms’ requirements do not exist. Therefore extensive database development and evaluation is required. As this is a serial process, database problems are discovered late in the development timeframe after substantial resources have been used for database development. The capability to isolate and model physical mechanisms responsible for exploitation performance earlier in the exploitation development process is required for effective and efficient signature exploitation systems.

3.2 A working systems theory is critical to allow the propagation of various sources of uncertainty in the sensing process to the impact on system performance. This capability leads to meaningful component design methods versus ad hoc methods. It provides a generalized research approach for multi-sensor innovation.

3.3 The study and characterization of “salient” physical mechanisms within the measured signature subspace opens up the possibility for innovations in custom hardware sensing designs for signature exploitation and multi-sensor fusion.

4.0 Tasks

4.1 Develop a Multi-Sensor Physics Information Analysis Capability.

Fundamental research areas include decision theory models, multi-sensor physics modeling, and saliency analysis methods. These areas provide a theoretical basis to carry forward to modeling specific sensors. Decision theory models combined with saliency analysis methods are being researched to provide the capability to understand wave theory based physical processes that exhibit robust discriminative behavior.

4.2 Take controlled measurement and specific sensor signature modeling that addresses known uncertainty sources can then be used within an information channel system model to validate discriminative features in a prototype exploitation system model. This approach is under development for radar systems and can be expanded to accommodate generalized multi-sensor analysis.

4.3 Exploration of the application of radar based saliency methods to signatures from other sensor types based on wave theory physics (EO, LIDAR).

4.4 Research efforts that explore methods of reducing the feature subspace to a minimum set of salient characterized physical observables that can be sensed with one or more vehicles using small sensor payloads.

4.5 Develop a full multi-sensor physics information analysis capability to design sensor payloads, integration and data processing methods. Provide a prototype systems analysis capability for exploitation of the system concept development as depicted in the first two layers of the pyramid in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Multisensor Physics Information Sensing Analysis Capability

5.0 Management Objectives

Management objectives include maintaining clear government visibility into program schedule, performance, and risk while allowing the contractor maximum flexibility and innovation to manage the effort. This would include program schedule, cost, performance, risks, associate contractor agreements, subcontracts and data to meet contract objectives that satisfies all technical requirements.

5.1 Meetings. Host a post-award conference within 30 days of contract award. Program management reviews and technical interchange meetings for each individual delivery order will be required. Agendas for all meetings will be developed jointly.

5.2 Systems Engineering. Disciplined systems engineering approach tailored to meet the Program and Contract Objectives is required to provide an integrated development program.

5.3 Materials. The contractor shall procure materials if they are not available through government channels and are required for the performance of this program. The materials shall consist of test equipment, supplies, replacement and new parts, subassemblies, manufacturer's literature, and manuals which are not available through government channels and/or not available in sufficient time to meet the urgency of requirements. Flight/ground testing requirements may involve the use of contractor- owned/operated or government-owned/operated testbed aircraft.

6.0 OPSEC

General OPSEC procedures, policies and awareness is required in an effort to reduce program vulnerability from successful adversary collection and exploitation of critical information. OPSEC will be applied throughout the lifecycle of the contract. The Critical Information List will be provided upon request by the RYOY Security Office. While working on the government installation OPSEC will be provided by the RYOY Security Office.

7.0 Deliverables

7.1 CDRLS-See CDRLS attached to the solicitation.

7.2 Note: Hardware and software data items will require the addition of CLINs:

CLIN 00xx – Software Database: Software database developed and/or modified during the course of the effort.

CLIN 00xx – Computer Software: All software developed and/or modified during the course of the effort.