broad agency announcement amend 01b.pdf

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)

Amendment 0001

1. Agency Name United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

Colorado Springs, CO

2. Funding Opportunity Number

USAFA–BAA-2009-1

3. Funding Opportunity Title Research Interests of the United States Air Force Academy

4. Types of Instruments Awarded

Research and Development contracts, grants and cooperative agreements

5. Announcement Type "Amendment 0001 to Initial Announcement"

6. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Numbers 12.800

7. Due Dates This announcement remains open until superseded. White papers are reviewed and evaluated as they are received and may be submitted at any time. Proposals will be due according to specific instructions contained in a separate Request for Proposal notice resulting from favorable White Paper evaluations or Calls issued against this BAA. Calls may be placed against this BAA and specific information related to due dates will be provided in each Call. The Calls may also include specific terms which apply to the Call such as further technical details, cut-off date for White Paper and/or proposal submission and any pertinent clauses such as available Government Furnished Property or specific

Organizational Conflict of Interest requirements. Proposals or White Papers submitted in response to Calls should be submitted according to directions contained within each individual Call. Late bid and proposal provisions (IAW FAR 52.215-1(c) (3)) will apply to this BAA.

8. Additional Overview USAFAs Dean of Faculty (DF) is announcing to business and academia the intent to solicit proposals for basic and applied research through this BAA. This strategy provides USAFA

DF an acquisition tool with the flexibility to solicit proposals and make awards to develop technologies to meet present and future Air Force research needs as technology issues are identified. USAFA invites proposals for research in many broad areas. These areas are described in detail in Section I, Funding Opportunity Description.

USAFA is seeking unclassified, fundamental research white papers and proposals that do not contain proprietary information. Requests for White Papers/proposals are transmitted via Calls which may be published separately from the BAA at various times during the open period of the BAA (note: the first Call may be published with the BAA).

It is also anticipated awards will be made in the form of grants, cooperative agreements or contracts. USAFA reserves the right to select and fund for award all, some, or none of the

White Papers and/or proposals in response to this announcement. All awards are contingent upon the availability of funding for the program areas identified. Unless specifically indicated in a Request for Proposal or a Call, cost sharing is permitted but not required. This announcement will remain open until replaced by a successor BAA or cancelled. Proposals may be submitted at any time.

Awards based on responses to this BAA are considered to be the result of full and open competition. Small businesses are encouraged to propose on all of the solicitations. The

NAICS code, unless otherwise stated in the BAA amendments shall be: 541711, Research and Development in Biotechnology and 541712, Research and Development in the

Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). The size standard for both NAICS codes is 500 employees. Proposals submitted shall be in accordance with this BAA and its appropriate amendment(s).

Interested offerors should be alert for any BAA amendments, Calls, or other changes to the requirements of this BAA or its subsequent amendments. Amendments to and/or Calls on this BAA will be posted to the FedBizOpps and/or Grants.gov website and published when they occur. Interested parties are encouraged to periodically check these websites for updates.

USAFA will not issue paper copies of this announcement. The costs of white papers and/or complete proposals in response to this BAA are not considered an allowable direct charge to any award resulting from this BAA or any other award. Technical and cost proposals, or any other material, submitted in response to this BAA will not be returned.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

a. Research Centers

1) Aeronautics (Aeronautics Research Center)

2) Aeronautics (Modeling and Simulation Research Center)

3) Astronautics (Space Systems Research Center)

4) Bioenergy (Environmental Research Center)

5) Chemistry (Chemistry Research Center)

6) Computer Science (Academy Center for Cyberspace Research)

7) Engineering Mechanics (Center for Aircraft Structural Life Extension)

8) Laser and Optical Physics (Laser & Optics Research Center)

9) Physics (Space Physics & Atmospheric Research Center)

10) Center for Physics Education Research (CPER)

11) Academy Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems Research (UAS)

12) Center of Innovation (CoI)

13) Electrical and Computer Engineering Research

b. Research Institutes

1) Institute for Information Technology Applications

c. Other

1) Space Situational Awareness (Department of Physics)

2) Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership

3) Department of Foreign Languages and the Office of International Programs…..28

4) Interdepartmental Program of Operations Research and Analytics……...........…29

d. Special Programs

1) Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)

e. Conferences and Workshops

f. Technical Information

g. Evaluation Criteria for Conference Support

h. Cost Information

II. AWARD INFORMATION

III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

V. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION

VII. AGENCY CONTACTS

VIII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

I. Funding Opportunity Description

The Air Force Academy invests in an active research program for three main reasons. First and foremost, research significantly enhances the cadet learning experience. Our research is done by, for and with cadets who work alongside fellow cadets and faculty mentors. Research provides cadets with rich independent learning opportunities as they tackle ill-defined problems and are challenged to apply their knowledge and abilities.

Secondly, our research program provides opportunities for essential faculty development. Research broadens and deepens the experience base of the faculty.

This infuses current, relevant, state-of-the-art and cutting-edge applications and examples into the curriculum. This also helps our faculty remain current in their respective fields.

Third, at USAFA we strive to conduct research to enhance the ability of the Air

Force to perform its mission. There are currently ongoing research projects spanning topics as diverse as super cooled cesium atoms, cyber security, spatial disorientation and homeland defense.

This BAA is located at FedBizOpps.gov and Grants.gov website. Research areas of interest to the Air Force Academy’s Technical Program Managers are described in detail in the Sub areas below.

a. Research Centers

1. Aeronautics (Aeronautics Research Center)

The Aeronautics Research Center performs a range of aeronautical research tasks in support of Air Force, DoD, NASA, other government and commercial sponsors.

Making use of the extensive experimental facilities housed in the USAFA

Department of Aeronautics, the Center pursues a range of aeronautic and propulsion research efforts, with equal emphasis on basic and applied research.

The research program in this center is geared toward providing all undergraduates with a rich, relevant research experience while answering critical research needs of our highly varied customer base. Researchers may expect extensive access to premier facilities, tremendous latitude of pursuits and single-minded focus on research tasks, but must seek to incorporate student participation in their projects, typically two to four students per semester. Substantial effort in this center is directed toward the solution of multi-disciplinary problems which may require skills beyond classical aeronautics disciplines, including plasma and laser physics, automatic controls and applied mathematics. The ARC, in partnership with the

USAFA Modeling and Simulation Center, is a leader in the complementary employment of experiment and simulation to solve complex fluid, aerodynamic and control problems.

Current research strengths include several complementary thrusts. Closed loop flow control efforts that focus on aero-optic and energy extraction, with extensive effort in the development of automatic control algorithms and techniques, experimental flow control methodologies and CFD simulations. Plasma actuator development continues in collaboration with the USAFA Physics Department, investigating basic phenomenology while investigating high-leverage applications for the devices. Heat pipe investigations that seek improved performance of high power lasers. Well-developed force and moment measurement capabilities are employed in the investigation of numerous air vehicle modifications as well as development of new designs. Operating engines, including an F-109 turbofan and several internal combustion engines are used for fuels and flow quality investigations. Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas and other allied aeronautics subjects.

Currently available facilities, instrumentation and research efforts can be found at http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfan/research_centers/aero_research_center.cfm.

Thomas E. McLaughlin, Ph.D.

Director, Aeronautics Research Center

USAF Academy Department of Aeronautics

PH (719) 333-2613, FAX (719) 333-4813

E-mail: tom.mclaughlin@usafa.edu

2. Aeronautics (Modeling and Simulation Research Center)

The Modeling and Simulation Research Center (M&SRC) is a multi-disciplinary center which shares a dual mission of providing high performance computing resources to USAF Academy cadets and research and teaching personnel, as well as conducting modeling and simulation research tasks in support of Air Force, DoD, NASA, other government and commercial sponsors. Making use of distributed/shared memory computing systems and a dedicated research network, the Center pursues a range of computational research efforts, with equal emphasis on basic and applied research. The research program in this center is geared toward providing undergraduates with scientific computing experience supported by the DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program and projects which answer critical research needs of our highly varied customer base. Researchers may expect extensive access to premier facilities, tremendous latitude of pursuits and single-minded focus on research tasks, but must seek to incorporate cadet participation in their projects, typically two to four cadets per semester.

The M&SRC, in partnership with the USAFA Aeronautics Research Center, is a leader in the complementary employment of experiment and simulation to solve complex fluid, aerodynamic and control problems. Current fluid/aerodynamic research efforts include: 1) closed loop flow control focused on aero-optic and energy extraction, 2) plasma actuator development, in collaboration with the USAFA

Physics Department, 3) Chemical, Oxygen, Iodine Laser operation optimization, 4) fluid-structure interaction as applied to aero-elasticity and cargo airdrop operations,

5) massively-separated flow aerodynamics, including turbulence modeling and 6) electrostatic force enhancement of aerosol processes. The M&SRC, in partnership with the USAFA Center of Innovation, is also a leader in the complementary employment of web 2.0/3.0 experiment and simulation on “intelligent networks” including the Flexible Distributed Control/Coordination (FDC) process. FDC has the desired effect of changing and improving decision making within a Command and

Control (C2) hierarchy by adding a collaborative element to the decision making process and it may also be able to align social networking to achieve desired effects. This is a complementary thrust with the Department of Homeland Security.

Currently available facilities, resources and research efforts can be found at http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfan/research_centers/modeling_and_simulation_center/m odeling_and_simulation.cfm

Keith Bergeron, Ph.D.

Director, Modeling and Simulation Research Center

USAF Academy Department of Aeronautics

PH (719) 333-9387, FAX (719) 333-4813

E-mail: keith.bergeron@usafa.edu

3. Astronautics (Space Systems Research Center)

The Space Systems Research Center performs a wide range of activities involving the design, assembly, integration, test, launch and flight of small satellites and sounding rockets to conduct research for the Air Force and the Department of

Defense. This unique program blends science, technology and organizational skills like none other at the Air Force Academy. The Center is currently analyzing the spacecraft and payload telemetry of FalconSAT-3, briefing real FalconSAT-6 payloads to the Air Force and DOD Space Experiment Review Boards, finishing the construction of FalconSAT-5 and performing vibration/Thermal Vacuum/CGMOI testing at Kirtland AFB NM, Hall-Effect Thruster characterization at Edwards, launch vehicle integration at Kodiak Island AK. These activities will be completed by

February 2010. The Center is also preparing for a FalconSAT-6 conceptual design review by May 2010. The center also is conducting research on sounding rockets.

Our recent FalconLAUNCH-7 obtained an apogee altitude of 354,000 ft! Other research areas are nanosatellites (CUBESAT class) and space education.

Designing a satellite is a complex, multi-disciplinary undertaking requiring expertise across a number of technical disciplines.

http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfas/Research/research.cfm?catname=dfas

Timothy Lawrence, Col, USAF, Ph.D.

Director, Space Systems Research Center

USAF Academy Department of Astronautics

PH (719) 333- 6734

E-mail: timothy.lawrence@usafa.edu

4. Bioenergy (Environmental Research Center)

The Environmental Research Center’s (ERC) primary mission is to support the Air

Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) basic research program though faculty and cadet research efforts. The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) has a long-term vision to establish a multi-year alternative energy program of planning, research and infrastructure investment starting in 2009. The vision involves a mix of research and alternative energy production facilities in solar electric, biofuels, waste-to-methane and other multiple conservation efforts. Given the recent high interest in the use of microalgae in alternative fuels production, our Environmental

Research Center (ERC) within the Department of Biology is starting up a Biofuels research program. To this end we are seeking research partnerships in developing the photosynthetic, growth and biomass properties of certain microalgae for the purposes of optimizing algal oils production. Ultimately, our goal is to have these oils converted to liquid transportation fuels.

Research efforts will focus on strain selection/cultivation to improve the overall yield of oils in microalgal mass cultures, in concert with developing novel extraction processes to increase oil harvest yields. A proposed solution would include a commercial partner with experience in conducting and participating in R&D relating to the production of lipids in microalgae for conversion to biofuels. Ideally, this arrangement would include exceptional research scientists with backgrounds in applied algal biochemistry, physiology and lipid biosynthesis to investigate/integrate a variety of approaches to increase oil yields in microalgae.

Researchers must provide leadership and guidance for a team of laboratory technicians and students, produce reports and other materials to disseminate research results, assist other partner scientists and have a good working knowledge of laboratory analytical equipment. Recognizing the need to develop renewable energy sources vital to this nation’s security and defense, “the primary objectives are to understand and improve the facility of certain microorganisms to produce biofuels—specifically molecular hydrogen and algal lipids—for use in fuel cells and air breathing engines.”

Because of our USAFA mission to prepare young men and women for leadership positions within the Air Force, cadet participation with researchers is expected as part of our independent study projects (499s) and cadet summer research program

(visiting partner labs). Additionally, there is potential for cross disciplinary involvement from a number of academic departments aside from Biology such as

Chemistry (biochemistry), Civil Engineering (facility production), Management

(project analysis) and Aeronautics (fuel testing). Development of this research thrust may also result in potential collaboration opportunities with other academia, private companies and our Air Force Research Laboratories.

Donald V. Veverka, Ph.D.

Director, Environmental Research Center

USAF Academy Department of Biology

PH (719) 333-9670, FAX (719) 333-2420

E-mail: don.veverka@usafa.edu

5. Chemistry (Chemistry Research Center)

The Chemistry Research Center (CRC) engages in a broad range of basic and applied research topics in support of the Air Force and DoD technology base. An essential feature of the projects chosen for study is the active participation of cadets who are chemistry, biochemistry and materials chemistry majors. The cadet research efforts are mentored and guided by Academy military and civilian faculty members, with significant collaboration by contractors and academic partners. The expertise, knowledge and creativity of scientists who are from outside of the Air

Force Academy are an important part of the research efforts.

The current topics of interest in the CRC are renewable energy materials and processes (e.g. hydrogen storage materials, ionic liquid thermal fluids and photoelectrochemical materials), energetic materials, chemical agent decontamination in ionic liquids, electrowetting of surfaces by ionic liquids, microbial adhesion on surfaces, polymer and nanoparticle coatings on technologically important surfaces, organometallic chemistry of fulvenes.

Research may take place on site using the laboratories and analytical instrumentation located in the Department of Chemistry at the US Air Force

Academy (USAFA).

A short description of the chemistry research facilities and equipment is available at http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfc/research.cfm?catname=dfc

John S. Wilkes

Director, Chemistry Research Center

USAF Academy Department of Chemistry

PH (719) 333-6005, FAX (719) 333-2947

E-mail: john.wilkes@usafa.edu

6. Computer Science (Academy Center for Cyberspace Research)

The Academy Center for Cyberspace Research (ACCR) conducts research in a wide range of basic and applied areas within the field of Computer Science in support of the Air Force, DoD and other government and commercial sponsors.

The primary mission of the center is to enhance cadet education through participation in and exposure to research projects in the domain of cyberspace. All cadets in the Computer Science major receive a research experience through independent studies, course projects and summer research opportunities. Current research focus areas for ACCR include cyberspace education and training, offensive and defensive cyber-warfare and information assurance. State of the art computing facilities are available to students and researchers for conducting studies in an isolated network environment running VM software for rapid reconfiguration and testing. Parallel architectures are also available for studies using neural networks and parallel algorithms. ACCR is especially interested in multi-disciplinary efforts that apply underlying computer science principles and theory to complex problems and applications. For example, the application of concurrent coding theory to the development of jam resistant communications without requiring a shared secret; ad hoc network routing algorithms for robust communication in autonomous vehicles; and the application of visualization principles to discover system vulnerabilities. Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas as well as other cyberspace topics.

Currently available facilities, publications and research efforts can be found at http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfcs/accr/.

Dennis L. Schweitzer, Ph.D.

Director, Academy Center for Cyberspace Research

USAF Academy Department of Computer Science

PH (719) 333-3945, FAX (719) 333-3338

E-mail: dennis.schweitzer@usafa.edu

7. Engineering Mechanics (Center for Aircraft Structural Life Extension)

The Center for Aircraft Structural Life Extension (CAStLE) performs a range of vehicle structural integrity research tasks in support of Air Force, DoD, DHS, NASA, other government, academic and commercial sponsors. Making use of the extensive experimental and computational facilities housed in the USAFA

Department of Engineering Mechanics, CAStLE pursues a range of engineering mechanics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, corrosion engineering and material science research efforts, with more emphasis on applied, advanced development and technology transition than basic research. The research program in this center is geared toward providing all undergraduates with a rich, relevant research experience while answering critical research needs of our highly varied customer base. Researchers may expect extensive access to premier facilities, tremendous latitude of pursuits and single-minded focus on research tasks, but must seek to incorporate student participation in their projects, typically two to four students per semester. CAStLE in partnership with the USAFA Modeling and

Simulation Center is a leader in the complementary employment of experiment and simulation to solve complex static stability, static strength and fracture mechanics problems. Current research strengths include: high temperature materials development; advanced barrier coatings; static strength, corrosion and static stability design, test, analysis and methods development; computational structural and fracture mechanics; failure analysis, flight data acquisition system development, installation, maintenance and data analysis; structural risk analysis; and USAF

Aircraft Structural Integrity Program. Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas and other allied integrity subjects.

http://www.usafa.edu/df/dfem/castle/index.cfm

Lt Col Tim Radsick, Director, Center for Aircraft Structural Life Extension (CAStLE)

Department of Engineering Mechanics

PH (719) 333-1928, DSN 333-1928

FAX (719) 333-8520

E-Mail: tim.radsick@usafa.edu

8. Laser and Optical Physics (Laser & Optics Research Center)

The Laser and Optics Research Center performs a range of research tasks in support of the Air Force, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National

Science Foundation and other government and commercial sponsors. Making use of the extensive experimental facilities housed in the USAFA Department of

Physics, the Center pursues a range of research efforts, with an emphasis on basic research. The research programs in this center are geared toward providing all undergraduates with a rich, relevant research experience while answering critical research needs of our highly varied customer base. Researchers may expect extensive access to premier facilities, tremendous latitude of pursuits and single-minded focus on research tasks, but must seek to incorporate student participation in their projects, typically two to four students per semester.

Current research areas of emphasis comprise five broad areas. In the Atomic physics area, precision measurements of atomic properties are a primary focus of investigation. These include measurements of atomic state lifetimes and branching ratios in alkalis such as cesium, sodium, potassium and rubidium along with alkaline-earth elements such as strontium which have atomic clock applications.

Also the interaction of alkali atoms with inert gases is being studied for their collisional excitation transfer properties which are important to the operation of alkali lasers. This area is closely related to our second area of emphasis: the study of diode-pumped alkali lasers (DPAL). Key objectives of the DPAL research program are investigating their potential for scaling to high average power, investigating various amplifier and resonator configurations and improving the spectral and spatial output characteristics of high power semiconductor diode pump sources.

Applications such as second harmonic generation and sum frequency generation are also part of this effort. Other gas lasers such as carbon monoxide lasers operating infrared wavelengths are also investigated.

Fiber laser research involves novel fiber designs including photonic crystal fibers and acoustically-engineered fibers for the suppression of non-linear effects in high-power fiber lasers, fiber components necessary for coherent beam combining, fiber laser and amplifier characterization, novel fiber manufacturing and processing methods, high-brightness, efficient, wavelength-stabilized pump sources, modeling and simulation of fiber lasers and amplifiers and fiber laser applications including but not limited to remote sensing, tracking, directed energy weapons and communications.

High-performance imaging research is focused on novel wavefront measurement and manipulation techniques including holographic wavefront sensing and correction and photon sieve telescopes. Key objectives include developing and demonstrating imaging technology suitable for integration into rugged compact devices and aerospace platforms.

Nanomaterials research includes the application of novel materials structures for the manipulation of light including negative index materials, phonon-photon superlattices, tunable dielectrics, ferro-electric and ferro-magnetic oxides, surface plasmonics and black silicon for photo-detector and solar cell applications.

Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas and other related subjects.

Maj Benjamin G. Ward

HQ USAFA/DFP USAF Academy, CO 80840

Phone: (719) 333-4165, Fax: (719) 333-7098, E-mail: benjamin.ward@usafa.edu

9. Physics (Space Physics & Atmospheric Research Center) The Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center (SPARC) studies the natural environment from the troposphere to the Sun in support of Air Force, DoD, NASA, National Science Foundation and other government and commercial sponsors.

Making use of the extensive experimental facilities housed in the USAFA

Department of Physics, the SPARC pursues a range of efforts, with equal emphasis on basic and applied research. The research program in this center is geared toward providing all undergraduates with a rich, relevant research experience while answering critical research needs of our highly varied customer base. Researchers may expect extensive access to premier facilities, tremendous latitude of pursuits and single-minded focus on research tasks, but must seek to incorporate student participation in their projects, typically two to four students per semester. Substantial effort in this center is directed toward the solution of multi-disciplinary problems which may require skills beyond classical physics disciplines, including plasma and laser physics, advanced miniaturization techniques, use of Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), development of minitruized automated satellite constellations and advanced data mining techniques for large data systems. The SPARC in partnership with the USAFA Space Systems Research Center, is a leader in the development of miniaturized payloads for small satellites.

Current research strengths include several complementary thrusts. Space physics and space weather study the relationship of the space environment and the effects this environment have on mankind. Topics in space weather can range from experimental, such as developing new instrumentation to measure the space environment, to theoretical, such as developing assimilative models which can be used to predict the space environment into the future. Linked with space physics and space weather, the micro and nano satellite thrust develops aggressively miniaturized spacecraft for use in small in-expensive constellations devoted to exploiting the entire range of space activities of interest to sponsors. The applied physics thrust considers all applications of physics to the practical applications of technology to sponsors and in the past has included studies of plasma actuators, high speed spectroscopy in support of brief duration phenomena in the roposphere, mesosphere and the ionosphere, studies of the aurora and applications of weather modeling to highly dynamic small scale areas such as the Air Force

Academy. Finally we support a wide range of basic research in astronomy and astrophysics in support of the Academy observatory.

Matthew G. McHarg, Director of Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center

Department of Physics

USAF Academy, CO 80840

PH (719) 333-2460 (Desk), PH (719) 333-3510 (Front Office), FAX (719) 333-3182

E-Mail: Matthew.Mcharg@usafa.edu

10. Center for Physics Education Research (CPER)

The Center for Physics Education Research (CPER) was founded in 1994 to build a

USAFA center of gravity providing impetus, opportunities and tools for physics faculty nationwide as well as engage in and apply Scholarship of Teaching and

Learning-like (SoTL) research activities within the Department of Physics. The

CPER maintains extensive ties and collaborations with similar research programs nationwide.

The primary goals of the CPER are to:

• Engage in research initiatives that quantify gains in student understanding and appreciation of physics. Efforts in this category leverage the random assignment of students within Core Physics sections to categorize and assess gains in performance of students within a single semester and across multiple semesters. In addition to analyzing performance on standardized assessments, there is considerable interest in analyzing student response patterns, developing assessment rubrics and understanding prior student knowledge.

• Develop and share tools for enhancing teaching and student learning in physics. Of particular interest is the development of pedagogical techniques and supporting tools for the Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) initiative, the signature CPER effort. This effort includes the extension of JiTT to develop student self explanations under a Worked Example model of instruction.

Additional efforts would include development of tutorials (to include computer simulations) for both beginning and intermediate physics students.

• Maintain a connection between course and curriculum development (content, assessment methods, pedagogical approach) and physics education research. CPER is actively and intimately involved with several national level efforts to engage in collaborative education research and bring the research results into the classrooms, both nationally and USAFA, as soon as warranted by the assessment results. Current research in this area includes

Do-It-Yourself Modeling (DIY), examination of concept visualization techniques in eight disciplines ranging from Astronomy to Sociology and development of classroom lessons based on the group’s prior work. These topics (and supporting grants) are in the NSF CCLI (Course, Curriculum and

Laboratory Innovation) category.

• Proliferate lessons learned on a national level by disseminating research results through conference presentations, workshops and publications.

• In addition to disseminating results and lessons learned in Goals 1-3 on a national level, CPER personnel are also developing tutorials, annotating JiTT content for national distribution and authoring a first-ever undergraduate textbook in the Physics of Space Weather.

Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas and other related subjects.

Maj Robert Lee, PhD

Director, Center for Physics Education

USAF Academy Department of Physics (USAFA/DFP)

Phone: (719) 333-3411 DSN: 333-3411

Email: Robert.Lee3@usafa.edu

11. Academy Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems Research (UAS)

The Academy Center for UAS Research educates our cadets as Air Force

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Officers, develops premiere UAS research capabilities and faculty and provides world-class UAS research facilities, supporting a real-world experience for our cadets and producing needed research solutions for our military partners and sponsors. The research in support of this Center focuses on providing autonomous, decentralized solutions of UAS may also incorporate the use of land and water assets. Researchers may expect access to premier facilities, including lightweight UAS vehicles with supporting Command and Control infrastructure and test and development equipment.

Current research areas strive to achieve the Center’s goals. These include control systems algorithms to direct autonomous vehicles, robotic control and navigation, robust communication systems meet the challenges of unpredictable network topology changes, inexpensive sensor network designs incorporate fusion techniques for target identification and localization and event-driven, multithreaded software architectures. Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas or in areas they feel will complement the Center’s work.

Daniel Pack, Ph.D.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering HQ USAFA/DFEC

2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 2F6

USAF Academy, CO 80840-6236

PH: (719) 333-6967

Fax: (719) 333-3756

E-mail: Daniel.Pack@usafa.edu

12. Center for Innovation (COI) The USAFA Center of Innovation (COI) performs a wide range of cadet focused research and innovation tasks, projects and programs in support of DHS S&T, OSD, DoD, USSTRATCOM Global Innovation Security Center (GISC), AFRL and the JCS

Strategic Multilayer Assessment Group. The COI also focuses on cadet research and innovations that supports a Title III Section 313 DHS S&T program called

“Technology Clearinghouse to Encourage and Support Innovative Solutions to

Enhance Homeland Security.” The innovation program places equal emphasis on basic and applied research as well as prototyping and field testing novel technologies for use by warfighters and first responders. The COI focuses on creating novel linkages between old and new technologies that can lead to game changing process innovations. The COI research program is geared toward providing all undergraduates with a rich, relevant research and innovation experience while answering critical needs of our highly varied customer base.

Researchers may expect extensive access to premier facilities, tremendous latitude of pursuits and single-minded focus on research and innovation tasks, but must incorporate student participation in their projects, typically two to four students per semester. Substantial effort in this center is focused on how cadets would employ web 2.0/3.0 collaborative tools to enhance warfighters and first responders’ ability to achieve desired effects. Specifically, the COI is interested in championing innovations in the cyber area that blends the cadet’s collaborative social networking skills with the state-of-the art networks, computational nodes, trusted enclaves and delayed tolerant networks.

The COI, in partnership with the USAFA Modeling and Simulation Center, is a leader in the complementary employment of web 2.0/3.0 experiment and simulation on “intelligent networks” to achieve a disruptive process innovation called Flexible

Distributed Control/Coordination (FDC). FDC has the desired effect of changing and improving decision making within a Command and Control (C2) hierarchy adding a collaborative element to the decision making process. It is believed FDC can achieve what is referred to as 3rd to 6th degree effects that cannot be accomplished within a traditional hierarchical organization. FDC may also be able to align social networking to achieve desired effects. Prototyping an intelligent networking infrastructure facilitates collaboration, with more socialized networking constructs, we hope can ultimately achieve a FDC capability. The improvements come as a result of improved information flow between hierarchies and throughout the layers of a hierarchy, much the same way as human interactions are guided today.

Current research strengths include several complementary thrusts. Crowdsourcing in a DoD/DHS environment; Core Routing & Switching; ad hoc mobility; IP and digital communications; virtualization; media and content and network management. Immersive connected innovations interest include real-time ray tracing (3D water and 3D display); 3-D Internet and data visualization; Co-

Processor Memory Sharing for Visual Computing; Confrontational Computing:

Socializing Around Arguments on the Web; Human-Centric Vision of Consumer

Applications; 2D Interconnect for Tera-scale Processors; Collaborative Visual

Analytics in Virtual Worlds; Parallel Programming Tools: Enhancing Computer

Vision; Bringing Mobility to Virtual Worlds; Everyday Sensing and Perception; Clone

Cloud: Augmented Smartphone Applications Through Cloud Execution; Distributed

Applications with Adaptable Security; Router Bricks: Enabling General-Purpose

Network Infrastructure; Cloud Computing - near term platform approaches, security federation, enterprise collaboration and scalable data storage; internet-scale general-purpose information exchange service facilitates, controls and monitors the secure borderless delivery of messages among a wide range of internet-connected devices and enterprise applications; Collaborative Data Management - Automatic assignment of semantics to data. Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas and other allied COI subjects.

Dr. Terry Pierce

Director USAFA Center of Innovation

Special Advisor for Disruptive Innovation DHS S&T

PH (719) 333-3974

E-mail: terry.pierce@usafa.edu

13. Electrical and Computer Engineering Research

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DFEC) conducts research into producing needed solutions for our military partners and sponsors while providing real-world engineering experience for our cadets and aiding in the professional development of our faculty. Research in the areas of energy security and smart grid technology are sought to include concepts associated with effective demand management, integration of multiple generation sources and communication of energy events.

The DFEC research program currently includes investigations in the following areas:

• RF measurement and systems development,

• Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) applications,

• circuit development,

• robotics and

• renewable energy.

Researchers may expect access to fully equipped facilities, including a state-of-the-art Anechoic Chamber and RF laboratory, MEMs design and test capabilities, various robotics platforms and test and development equipment as well as a printed circuit board prototyping support. Examples of existing research include improvised explosive device (IED) detection, radar cross section (RCS) analysis, MEMs-based antenna design, portable wind power generation and autonomous robot algorithms.

Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas or in areas they feel will complement the department’s work.

Andrew Laffely, LtCol, USAF/USAFA/DFEC

USAF Academy, CO 80840

PH (719) 333-9472

Fax (719) 333-3756

E-mail: andrew.laffely@usafa.edu

b. Research Institutes

1. Institute for Information Technology Applications

Warfighter’s Edge (a Rapid Application Development team, under the Institute for

Information Technology Applications)

The Warfighter’s Edge team performs a myriad of cutting edge software development with research necessary for interaction with legacy software solutions.

The team is primarily focused on the needs of unit level warfighters. Development projects range from interface development using plug in technologies to direct database calls to web service requests. The development team is geared toward interfaces with Air Force programs such as Portable Flight Planning System (PFPS)

[and its 5.0 follow on], FalconView, Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS), Patriot

Excalibur, TaskView, Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) – Unit and force level and other common warfighter programs. Development is conducted with Team Foundation Server in the .NET programming language (C# or VB) with unit tests covering code. Agile development, specifically SCRUM is performed by the Warfighter’s Edge Team.

Code is produced on the Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN), is compliant with DoD regulations including Standard Technical Implementation

Guides (STIGs), ASACoE certifications, AFNIC (EITDR) processes and requirements. Software is used on NIPR, SIPR and JWICS networks, therefore appropriate security clearances must be held. Research agreements with outside agencies is common and all code produced is the property of the US Air Force.

Strengths are a self-contained sustainment capability including subject matter experts on staff with real world operational aircrew, C&A and testing.

Overview of some products can be found at http://wedge.hpc.mil

Lt Col Andrew Berry

PH (719) 333-9798, DSN 333-9798

E-mail: Andy.Berry@WEdge.hpc.mil

c. Other

1. Space Situational Awareness (Department of Physics)

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) research is performed by the Department of

Physics (DFP) across a range of research tasks in support of the Air Force, DoD, NASA and other government and commercial sponsors. Making use of USAFA’s extensive experimental facilities housed in several academic departments, DFP pursues a range of research efforts, with an emphasis on basic and applied research. The SSA-relevant research programs are geared toward providing all undergraduates with a rich, relevant research experience while answering critical research needs of our highly varied customer base. Researchers may expect extensive access to premier facilities, tremendous latitude of pursuits and single-minded focus on research tasks, but must seek to incorporate cadet participation in their projects, typically two to four cadets per semester.

Space situational awareness is the requisite current and predictive knowledge of the space environment and the operational environment upon which space operations depend as well as all factors, activities and events of friendly and adversary space forces across the spectrum of conflict. Current research areas of emphasis include space object characterization via resolvable and non-resolvable imaging using both passive and active optical and radar observations, improvements to satellite orbit determination and prediction (methodology, algorithms and processing), modeling of space surveillance sensors to enhance algorithm development and fusion of disparate data sources to maximize the situational awareness. USAFA currently has a 41- and 61-centimeter telescope for SSA research along with access to high performance computing and small satellite experiments. Future capabilities and facilities will include a two-meter fast-tracking telescope, small remote/autonomous telescopes and radar receivers. This mini network of sensors will be tasked and used by cadets to maintain a small satellite catalog for SSA. Researchers are encouraged to propose topics in these areas and other related subjects.

Francis K. Chun, Ph.D.

Professor of Physics

USAF Academy, CO 80840

PH (719) 333-2601 (Desk), PH (719) 333-3510 (Front Office)

FAX (719) 333-3182

E-mail: Francis.Chun@usafa.edu

2. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership

The Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership is involved in multiple basic and applied research efforts that span the domains of human behavior. Specifically, we have expertise in areas such as human factors, leadership, sociology, social psychology, clinical psychology, social work, general psychology, biopsychology and cognition. The research program in the department is designed to leverage the expertise of the diverse faculty while at the same time provide undergraduates with relevant, applied experience in research through independent study projects, summer research programs and working alongside faculty on ongoing projects.

This is accomplished through research conducted locally and also through numerous collaborations with other DoD agencies and academic institutions.

Current topics of interest range across the behavioral sciences and include:

• The examination of sleep to assess neuropsychological performance as a function of chronic partial sleep deprivation.

• Psychosocial resiliency among soldiers who have deployed during

Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

• The examination of leaders decision making and performance in complex socio-cultural and technological contexts. The goal is to enhance flexible and adaptive decision making and consequent behavior in military and interagency individuals and teams across the spectrum of current and potential military and civil-military (interagency and coalition) operations.

Douglas R. Lindsay, Lt Col, USAF, PhD

Director of Research

USAF Academy Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership

PH (719) 333-2972, FAX (719) 333-6711

E-mail: douglas.lindsay@usafa.edu

3. Department of Foreign Languages and the Office of International Programs

Our ever-expanding global Air Force mission demands increasing foreign language capability and intercultural competence in our officer corps to support national security strategies. Foreign language programs at USAFA seek to expand the opportunities for USAFA cadets to enhance their foreign language skills and their understanding of world cultures in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese or Spanish. Beyond the classroom, language acquisition and cultural understanding is enhanced through study abroad opportunities for cadets such as the Cadet Summer Foreign Language Immersion

Program, the Cadet Cultural Immersion Program, the Semester Exchange Abroad

Program, the Semester Study Abroad Program, and the Cadet International

Academy Visits Program. Research and assessment tools within these programs and in-classroom curricula, are essential to produce officers with some level of foreign language proficiency and intercultural competence. Research interests in foreign language and international programs include but are not limited to the following areas:

• Methods to assess foreign language proficiency of students in different levels

• Methods to assess foreign language proficiency in various modalities

• The impact of language and/or cultural immersions on language and intercultural competence development of students

• The use and effectiveness of various technologies in teaching and assessing foreign languages

Col Daniel Uribe, Professor and Head

Department of Foreign Languages

USAF Academy, CO 80840

PH (719) 333-8673 (Front Office)

E-Mail: Daniel.Uribe@usafa.edu

4. Interdepartmental Program of Operations Research and Analytics

This interdepartmental program leverages the talents of faculty members across multiple departments in the disciplines of operations research, systems engineering, management, and others. These individuals provide exceptional educational opportunities for cadets primarily supporting capstone projects in operations research. In addition, the program supports cadet projects such as new venture analyses, systems engineering process improvements, as well as a number of independent study projects and summer research programs. This is accomplished through numerous collaborations with other governmental and non-profit agencies. The program supports local organizations as our students work with real clients in real agencies addressing real issues. While local organizations provide Air Force Academy cadets an opportunity to experience organizational dynamics, the program also supports defense and homeland security agencies worldwide.

Each year cadets enrolled in Mathematical Sciences, Operations Research, Management, and Systems Engineering Management Capstone courses develop projects that solve real world problems for client organizations with tools they have learned at the Academy. Faculty and staff directly support these initiatives through both mentorship and research. While mathematics and management are well known fields, the operations research and analytics disciplines have developed within the advent of computer technology. Operations research and analytics methods focus on analyses that combine mathematical, econometric, computer systems and managerial concepts to improve operations and processes. Current topics of interest range across operations research and the management sciences and include, but are not limited to:

• Scheduling, routing, assignment, and resource allocation issues

• Modeling and simulation of organizational operations and processes

• Statistical analysis of organizational processes and business functions

• Decision models supporting both strategic and tactical decisions

Robert Block, Lt Col, USAF, PhD

Associate Professor of Mathematics

USAF Academy Department of Mathematical Sciences

PH (719) 333-6898, FAX (719) 333-2114

E-mail: robert.block@usafa.edu

d. Special Programs

1. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

The United States Air Force Academy faculty performs a variety of STEM outreach tasks in support of Air Force and Department of Defense goals to enhance the quality of K-12 science and mathematics education with the ultimate goal of encouraging greater numbers of US citizen high school graduates to pursue college degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Making use of the extensive experimental and classroom facilities housed in the

USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, the Academy administers one of the largest undergraduate research programs in the United States, as ranked by the National

Science Foundation’s annual listing of federally funded research & development universities. See for example http://www.usafa.edu/df/data/researchReport-all_optimized.pdf The USAF Academy currently houses twelve active research centers and two Air Force research institutes…