FA8650-17-S-1009-Atch3.pdf

FA8650-17-S-1009

Attachment 3

Advanced Laboratories for Analysis of Sensors (ALAS) Task Order 0002 – Indoor Range Statement of Objectives (SOO)

07 December 2017

1.0 Technical Background

The Indoor Range (IR) is a large, multifunction compact range that provides a research testbed to investigate new hardware, algorithms, and measurement technology in an environmentally controlled and secure environment. The IR’s mission is to provide a real-world environment for the development and validation of RF sensor technology, covering basic research to advanced technology demonstration. The facility is operated in two modes. The first mode is as a compact range primary for antenna measurements, with growing interest in monostatic radar cross section (RCS) measurements. The second mode is an anechoic chamber for supporting a variety of R&D where antenna or RCS patterns are not required, but a need for a controlled RF environment is required, e.g., system level testing for hardware or algorithm development assessment/demo. Measurement support spans basic research through advance technology readiness levels. Primary measurement assessments include absolute or relative gain versus frequency, absolute or relative antenna patterns, cross-polarization rejection, and radome performance.

2.0 Technical Objectives

The objective of the Advanced Laboratories for Analysis of Sensors (ALAS) Program, Task Order (TO) 0002, focuses on the research and development (R&D) of innovative technological solutions to enhance Radio Frequency (RF) system technologies and sensors along with advancing test measurement techniques and methods using an anechoic chamber. This TO focuses on AFRL/RY IR techniques and enhancements that are necessary to meet cutting edge and emerging warfighter needs. Emphasis is placed on improvements to data accuracy, repeatability, uncertainty reduction, and traceability, as well as, test efficiency. 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 VHF/UHF Direct Illumination Far Field Antenna Measurement System

R&D and implementation of a direct illumination measurement system in the OneRY chamber.

Supplement existing compact range high frequency measurements (1-50 GHz) with direct illumination based antenna measurements to allow accurate antenna system measurements from 150-2000 MHz.

This includes R&D into the improvement and characterization of the compact range for 400 MHz to 2000 MHz operation, R&D supporting implementation of a direct illumination system, and uncertainty analysis supporting decision making for using direct illumination measurements versus compact range measurements. In addition, this task shall support various corporate R&D efforts involving VHF/UHF antennas/arrays testing in the OneRY IR.

3.2 Antenna Measurement System Upgrade for RCS Measurements

R&D improving both OneRY compact range antenna and RCS measurement quality and test efficiency of existing systems and processes. The OneRY IR is fundamentally setup to operate using turn-key measurement solutions to enable long term supportability by government personnel while meeting measurement requirements not otherwise available for the RY corporate RF portfolio. In this respect the IR measurement systems are primarily a tool for conducting corporate R&D rather than the aim of R&D itself. As such, measurement quality improvement includes characterization and chamber/system modifications of the measurement systems performance across applicable full operating spectrum and defining data quality in terms of accuracy, repeatability, uncertainty, and traceability. Efficiency improvement includes, but is not limited to, system and process changes that enable 24/7 automated testing operations. All improvements shall provide a seamless and well documented interface with the incoming Orbit/FR StingRay antenna/RCS measurement system and current PNA-based antenna instrumentation and Orbit 959 software. Documentation for government operation shall include, but is not limited to, appropriate operators and maintenance documentation for sustainability for near-term (3 year) operation for a low cost solution to provide immediate target RCS characterization capability and improve existing antenna measurement performance to support more challenging/sensitive performance assessments. Once an RCS capability exist, this task shall include R&D into formal RCS range certification of the OneRY IR.

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 system/subsystem concepts as they become available for evaluation or test. This includes upgrading and maintaining simulation tools such as Orbit/FR 959 Spectrum Measurement Software, 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 test results. Potential topics for modeling and simulation include (but are not limited to) antenna systems, RF detection techniques, tracking, signature analyses, distributed sensing, and scene generation.

3.4 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 & passive RF sensors. Recommend to the Government system/subsystem design and development implementations based on these new techniques.

3.5 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 RF sources and antennas. Ensure special test equipment complies with AFRL safety instructions, logistic guidelines, and regulations.

3.6 RF Testing at Remote Locations

Plan and conduct RF testing activities remote from the OneRY IR, as required. These tests may include inter-range comparisons at other Government or contractor facilities or test sites. Coordinate test schedules with the Government to avoid resource conflicts.

3.7 Technology Management, Planning, Coordination and Scheduling

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

3.7.1 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.

3.7.2 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.

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 technical period of performance is 21 months, with a final reporting period of 3 months.

6.0 Deliverables

Data shall be delivered in accordance with the Contracts Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) as attached to the basic contract. Any/all specific hardware/software to be developed/purchased under the task order 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. 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 IR, Outdoor Radar Range (ORR), 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).