FA8650-17-S-1009-Atch1.pdf

FA8650-17-S-1009

Attachment 1

Advanced Laboratories for Analysis of Sensors (ALAS) IDIQ Statement of Objectives (SOO)

07 December 2017

1.0 Technical Background

The Sensors Directorate develops sensor systems and subsystems that enable the situational awareness and spectrum dominance of the warfighter. Typically, these developments pose complex issues requiring solutions with operational insight, technical feasibility, and transitionability. Therefore, quantitative knowledge is critical in selecting sensor technology concepts that provide the greatest development in performance payoff for the lowest technical risk and the greatest opportunities for transition to the field. Sensor system operational and technical performance needs to be quantified in order to address technology challenges and/or to provide technology solutions. Potential solutions must be developed, assessed and investigated by modeling, simulation, research, design, test and evaluation.

2.0 Technical Objectives

The objective of the Advanced Laboratories for Analysis of Sensors (ALAS) Program focuses on the research and development (R&D) of innovative technological solutions to enhance Radio Frequency (RF), Electro-Optical (EO), and Multi-Spectral (MS) system technologies and sensors along with advancing test measurement techniques and methods. In addition, this program focuses on AFRL/RY range and laboratory techniques and enhancements that are necessary to meet cutting edge and emerging warfighter needs. As this program encompasses a broad range of R&D activities and leverages multiple disciplines, completion of these objectives will include application of existing techniques and/or the development of new techniques in modeling, simulation, design, data collection, calibration, test and evaluation of sensor systems and subsystems.

3.0 Tasks and Technical Requirements

3.1 Enhance Sensing Technologies and Systems

Characterize and test RF sensor systems and subsystems driven by AFRL core technology competencies or other relevant technology developments. These technologies may include, but are not limited to, the following:

3.1.1 Improved Radar Systems: Research and develop state-of-the-art radar systems capable of transmitting and receiving signals across wideband frequency spectrum while implementing additional capabilities to meet warfighter needs.

3.1.2 Exploration of RF Waveforms: Research and develop methods to use waveform diversity to improve the robustness of systems as well as allow for multi-function techniques.

3.1.3 Signal Processing and Algorithm Exploration: Research and develop methods to improved signal processing and develop advanced algorithms to maximize usefulness of RF sensors and measurement systems.

3.1.4 Sensor Resource Management (SRM): Implement effective and efficient means to optimize integration and use of RF and EO Sensing systems, Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, and signal processor resources, aboard a single aircraft and across multiple aircraft.

3.1.5 Improved EO-RF Systems: Research and develop advanced MS systems, including critical aspects of combining radar data with electro-optical data to produce new knowledge beyond what is provided from each spectral modality individually.

3.2 Advance Test Measurement Techniques and Methods

Plan, devise, and implement techniques to characterize baseline range performance and range R&D technical enhancements; implement effective and efficient R&D measurement practices; optimize data quality and reduce errors in measurements; and efficiently use all resources. Identify, analyze, and implement new methods and techniques (including developing hardware or software modifications) to advance the state of the art in measurement systems enabling the ranges to assess advanced technologies supporting future warfighter needs. Such R&D may include (not limited to) multi-static measurement systems as required to achieve advanced RF sensing objectives and improved performance in the compact range as follows:

3.2.1 Clutter Characterization and Mitigation: Research and develop methods to identify, characterize, and mitigate clutter for increased accuracy and sensitivity of radar systems.

3.2.2 Multi-static RF Measurement: Research and develop methods to implement and integrate bi-static and multi-static measurements into the range to provide different target views and perspectives with greater accuracy, effectively increasing RF situational awareness.

3.2.3 Distributed and Multispectral Sensing Measurement: identify and analyze methods to implement distributed and multispectral sensing measurements into the range to better support the entire RY portfolio and increase sensitivity of quantitative data.

3.2.4 Improved Antenna and RCS Measurement: Increase current capability in the ranges to conduct antenna and RCS measurements throughout the exploration of different methods to increase fidelity, decrease uncertainty, and provide expanded customer subset.

3.3 Modeling and Simulation of Sensor and Subsystem Hardware

Develop and maintain models and digital simulations to participate in the design and analysis of new RF and multispectral system/subsystem concepts as they become available for evaluation or test. This includes upgrading and maintaining simulation tools such as Python, Matlab/Simulink, Pioneer RCS, and SABER to aid in the analysis of new concepts. The analysis of new concepts shall identify possible solutions for further investigation while enhancing the models and increasing their accuracy based on field and laboratory test results. Potential topics for modeling and simulation include (but are not limited to) antenna systems, EO and/or RF detection techniques and hardware, tracking, signature analyses, distributed sensing, imaging, and scene generation.

3.4 EO-RF Data Fusion

Research and develop novel modeling & simulation techniques to EO-RF data fusion from Near Earth Objects (NEOs). Develop and maintain digital models and simulations to participate in the design and analysis of EO-RF merged data. This includes upgrading and maintaining simulation tools such as Python, Matlab/Simulink, Pioneer RCS, and SABER to aid in the analysis of new concepts. The analysis of new concepts shall identify possible solutions for further investigation while enhancing the models and increasing their accuracy based on field and laboratory test results. Topics for modeling and simulation may include (but are not limited to) pre/post detection fusion methods, detection & tracking improvements from fused data, improved characterization from fused data, and imaging.

3.5 Technical Feasibility of System and Subsystem Concepts

Plan and conduct analyses of new modeling and simulation techniques, measurement, tests, calibrations, evaluations, and demonstrations of active and passive RF, EO, and MS sensors.

Recommend to the Government system/subsystem design and development implementations based on these new techniques.

3.6 Design and Fabrication of Test Apparatus to Meet Unique Test Situations

Design, fabricate, and document special test equipment needed to meet unique, special, or quick-reaction test and data collections as new sensor systems and subsystems become available to test and evaluate. This special-purpose hardware includes (but is not limited to) electrical systems for the interface and control of the sensors and subsystems, control and test software, and unique sensor test apparatuses for testing components and systems such as EO/RF sources and antennas. Ensure special test equipment complies with AFRL safety instructions, logistic guidelines, and regulations.

3.7 RF Testing at Remote Locations

Plan and conduct RF, EO, and MS testing activities remote from Wright Patterson AFB, as required.

These field tests may be at Eglin AFB (e.g.; Sensors Week) or other Government or contractor facilities.

Coordinate test schedules with the Government to avoid resource conflicts.

3.8 Technology Management, Planning, Coordination and Scheduling

Accomplish program administration tasks necessary for program success. This includes security, project planning, information technology, reporting, etc.

3.8.1 Schedule, Cost, and Performance Control: Implement a disciplined cost control structure ensuring work is separately managed, segregated, and controlled for each task described above. This structure must aid in program, administrative, and financial management functions including establishing activities and milestones such as tracking performance, cost, and schedule; overseeing quality performance, planning, and forecasting; reporting funding and funding changes; and preparing appropriate documentation.

3.8.2 Systems Engineering: A disciplined systems engineering approach tailored to suit the nature of individual sensor technologies is required to provide an integrated R&D program as described above. Develop or modify measurement documentation that includes all aspects of set up, test planning, test procedures, testing, test logging, data measurements techniques, reporting and problem solutions. Develop or modify test system documentation strategies, practices, and configuration management controls.

3.9 Site Surveys

Continuation of, or new R&D efforts may require alternative locations for testing and development of RF and MS systems. Site surveys shall be conducted by the contractor if deemed necessary or required by the Government. Site surveys can include (not limited to) RF spectrum environment measurements, structural assessments, and assessment of value gained to R&D.

4.0 Hardware/Software

If the contractor determines that existing, available AFRL/RY hardware/software is not adequate to complete essential assessments, then analyses shall be performed and provided with a list of suggested equipment (new or upgraded) to the Government for review. This shall include detailed descriptions and cost estimates. If these recommendations are approved by the Government, the contractor shall implement changes to satisfy and complete the assessments.

5.0 Period of Performance

The overall period of performance is 72 months, with an ordering period of 60 months. Technical periods of performance will be determined per task order, with three months for final reporting.

6.0 Deliverables

Data shall be delivered in accordance with the Contracts Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs). Any/all specific hardware/software to be developed/purchased under the effort shall be called out within the proposal and delivered at the end of the technical effort (to include source code and adequate documentation of software).

7.0 Reviews/Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs)

The contractor shall schedule a kick off meeting within 30 days of contract award. Further, the contractor shall conduct program management reviews and TIMs, as required, during the course of analysis, development, and test activities. Agendas for all meetings shall be developed with the Government.

8.0 Security Clearance

The capability to handle classified material up to SECRET will be required, with the possibility of TOP SECRET//SCI.

Contractor personnel must maintain the capability to possess the required security clearance necessary for job performance at all times.

9.0 Operational Security (OPSEC)

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

10.0 Security

Contractors may be required to perform open/close of secure areas to include end-of-day security checks but, must not be appointed or scheduled these duties. End-of-Day security checks should only be performed on their primary work area and common areas to avoid the possibility of improprieties in a mixed environment. The contractor will require training on how to perform these duties IAW AF, DoD and local requirements. When required to perform after hours alarm response, the contractor will require access to security codes and combination locks.

11.0 Safety Plan

The contractor shall comply with all Air Force, federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations.

The contractor shall develop and have an approved Safety Plan (AFI 91-202 AFRL Sup 1) before any experiment may be conducted outside of a laboratory environment. The contractor shall comply with safety requirements contained in MIL-STD 882E, Section 4, “General Requirements,” for any deliverable system or hardware. The contractor shall identify safety-critical components of those systems or hardware and software interfaces with those components. The contractor shall test and verify the safety-critical hardware and software for safety acceptance.

12.0 Base Support

Laboratory space/equipment (on a non-interference basis) and computer/network access in AFRL/RY for this contract shall be made available for the purpose of conducting this effort, if proposed. Research laboratories and ranges include Indoor Range, Outdoor Range, Springfield Bi-Static Radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Communication Tower, Modeling Experimentation Sensor Analysis (MESA Grande) Laboratory, Distributed Sensing Research Range (DiSeRR), Plasma Laboratory, and associated mobile test resources. These ranges and laboratories will be operated and maintained by the Government.

Contractor employees requiring access to USAF bases, AFRL facilities, and/or access to U.S. Government Information Technology networks in connection with the work on this contract must be U.S. citizens. Possession of a permanent resident card (“Green Card”) does not equate to U.S. citizenship. This requirement does not apply to foreign nationals approved by the U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. State Department under international personnel exchange agreements with foreign governments. Any waivers to this requirement must be granted in writing by the Contracting Officer prior to providing access. The above requirements are in addition to any other contract requirements related to obtaining a Common Access Card (CAC).