FA8650-18-S-6002-Atch2.pdf

22 March 2018

AFRL Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Survivability Program

ARA Statement of Objectives

Background This Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) is intended to enable the fulfillment of the Air Force Research Lab’s (AFRL’s) responsibility to the Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) as defined in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 10-2607 to “[assist] system, command and joint program offices with legacy and development-phase system modeling, simulation, experimentation, testing, and analysis” related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) survivability. CBRN Survivability is defined in DoD Instruction (DoDI) 3150.09 as “the capability of a system to avoid, withstand, or operate during and after exposure to a CBRN environment (and relevant decontamination process) without losing the ability to accomplish the assigned mission.” In addition, weapons of mass destruction (WMD) counter-proliferation and chemical and biological defense research remain topics of interest.

Work performed may be at the Unclassified, Secret, or Top Secret (including SCI and SAP) levels. All applicable security documentation, reviews, and procedures will be performed in accordance with official policy and directives.

The objectives presented below reflect the focus areas AFRL has identified to mitigate the evolving CBRN threat environment that faces U.S. and allied forces around the world.

OBJECTIVE 1: Research, develop, and test counter-CBRN ISR capabilities to address Combatant

Command-derived requirements. Under this objective, anticipated projects are those which:

• Create next-generation concepts and architectures to counter evolving anti-access/area denial

(A2/AD) capabilities.

• Research new and innovative architectures which merge state-of-the-art sensor technologies with existing and future platforms to create an enhanced level of presence and access for counter-CBRN ISR.

• Document and develop operational and technical aspects of national/theater gateway and platform-to-platform ISR linkages, with particular focus on pairing invasive and low probability of detect/intercept ISR systems to advanced 5th generation platforms and associated peripheral devices focusing on knowledge drawn from experiments, demonstrations and evaluations.

• Explore the application of manned/unmanned teaming (MUMT) supporting CBRN related ISR and other operations. Specifically focusing on advanced, low-observable unmanned systems paired with advanced or non-traditional airborne platforms.

• Perform select user requested requirements and associated technical studies designed to inform developers of future mission critical capabilities.

• Develop and validate methodologies and techniques to evaluate and quantify counter-CBRN ISR effectiveness through technical and operational demonstrations and experiments employing advanced ISR suites paired with platforms which focus on the entire spectrum of targeting activities necessary to support counter-CBRN activities, including ISR, counter-IADS, surface vessel take-down, electronic warfare, and ultimately striking CBRN targets using AFSOC platforms.

OBJECTIVE 2: Advance CBRN survivability decision making capabilities through novel, dynamic methodologies which leverage DoD CBRN resources allowing globally deployed forces to better employ

CBRN resources consistent with geographic factors and regional threats. Under this objective, anticipated projects are those which:

• Explore new and innovative operationally focused concepts of emerging sensor technologies for existing and future platforms linked with modeling methodologies facilitate understanding the threat environment.

• Conduct studies to mature capabilities under this objective.

• Conduct Laboratory and field experimentation to assess various CBR defense strategies and technologies to mitigate threats in operationally realistic settings

OBJECTIVE 3: Enhance the CBRN survivability of aircraft and other mission critical systems through the development and demonstration of innovative CB survivability methodologies and capabilities. Under this objective, anticipated projects are those which:

• Conduct CBRN survivability research and experimentation at the airframe component and system-levels and research and develop methods to address air systems and aircrew unique CB decontamination needs.

• Research and develop capabilities to mitigate the operational impacts of operating an airbase in

CBRN environments.

• Research and develop analytic tools for assessing CBRN environments using appropriate modeling and simulation techniques

• Perform analyses, experimentation, demonstrations, and technical and non-material knowledge transitions focusing on advancing the state of knowledge in the USAF and joint counterproliferation mission areas.

• Develop methodologies and generate CBRN survivability data via modeling and simulation techniques for quantifying and assessing operational parameters to help define AF mission critical systems performance requirements.

OBJECTIVE 4: Promote airman and warfighter performance and survivability through the development of CBRN survivability decision aids as well as aircrew and weapon system CBR protection capabilities.

Under this objective, anticipated projects are those which:

• Identify factors which can impact human performance and decision making within a CB-challenged environment through quantitative analysis.

• Research and develop CBRN survivability decision making tools based on human and operational risk assessments.

• Research and develop tools which assess an airman’s ability to complete mission-related tasks in a CBRN environment.

OBJECTIVE 5: Research and develop agile CB decontamination tools and methods for the treatment of small teams and localized equipment in forward operating environments to address the challenges airman face when constrained to sustain operations in CB environments. Complimentary to this objective is the desire to research novel alternatives or approaches to enhance small/remote unit

Collective Protection (COLPRO). Approaches should consider methodologies or capabilities which leverage/enhance sustained operations and complement current/planned COLPRO systems for forward or small team locations.

ADDITIONAL OPSEC REQUIREMENT: The contractor shall provide Operations Security (OPSEC) protection for all sensitive/critical information as defined by AFI 10-701 (Operations Security), the 711

HPW OPSEC Plan, and critical information list. The contractor shall participate in the 711 HPW sustained OPSEC awareness training or include OPSEC training as part of their on-going security program. The 711 HPW OPSEC coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of AF contract activities and operations. OPSEC requirements will apply to all contract activities.