Attach_6_-_Task_Order_1_-_Enhanced_Tactical_Communications_Interface__(ETCI)_SOO.pdf

Task Order 1 - Statement of Objectives Enhanced Tactical Communications Interfaces (ETCI)

1.0 Background

Communication effectiveness is critical to mission success throughout all U.S. Air Force domains. However, Air Force operations typically take place in complex and unique, high-noise, multi-source, acoustic environments. Operators are under severe sensory and cognitive load, where noise and other acoustic stimuli cause interference with the operator’s ability to monitor multiple sources of information simultaneously, and detect, interpret, and localize a particular sound of interest. Operators may be required to monitor multiple sources of auditory and/or multisensory information while performing several tasks simultaneously, and will also require adequate protection to reduce the impact of noise. The Battlespace Acoustics Branch (RHCB) advances the science and technology associated with auditory research by developing advanced interfaces to support human-machine teaming, improve information presentation while reducing cognitive load through the development of auditory/multimodal displays, enhance decision making performance, and provide hearing protection based on the analysis and modeling of acoustic characteristics relevant to operational environments.

2.0 Scope

This effort will include research on, and the development of, models for human communication and human-machine teaming. Human-centered auditory interface technologies for communication (voice, chat, text, and other advanced communication management tools) and information displays (spatial audio, sonification, etc.) are needed along with new research to exploit multisensory processing for multimodal displays. Operationally-relevant environments will be employed, where possible, to further evaluate these technologies and research to facilitate their transition to the Warfighter. Further, research to improve the design of advanced tactical communication and protection systems will be conducted and new design guidelines will be established to inform the development of new systems with greater capabilities. Finally, new models of the physical acoustics of sound sources and sound propagation over long distances will be developed as well as supported by the establishment of new methodologies for making the measurements that will inform these models, in an effort to better characterize the acoustic environments of the battlespace.

3.0 Technical Requirements

• Develop an understanding of the requirements for effective human-to-human and human-to-machine communication, the potential impact of communication systems and hearing protection devices on that capability, and the utility of advanced auditory displays (spatial audio, sonification techniques) to support situation awareness, reduce workload, and improve overall operator multisensory perception in a number of operationally-relevant domains (e.g., UAS, Cyber, Special Ops).

• Conduct research to develop a better understanding of the psychological and physical (acoustic) requirements for effective point-to-point and global communication in human-human and human-machine teaming situations. This research will focus on identifying the auditory sensory and cognitive constraints mediating human performance and will inform the development of acoustic and language models (to enhance the capabilities of the human-machine interface).

In addition, the utility of new multimodal displays and communication tools will be evaluated in laboratory settings as well as in operationally-relevant environments in order to provide systems that enhance Airman situational awareness and communication effectiveness.

• Research, develop, and transition new/advanced communication management tools and auditory display concepts for presenting time-critical information to an Airman, improve communication and hearing protection systems, and provide techniques for capturing the acoustics of operational environments.

• Explore the continual development and advancement of hardware and software to meet the previously identified technical requirements. This includes work on interface designs, I/O devices, algorithms, and other software for the development of technology, data collection, and data analysis. Also included is integration with existing/new technologies, modeling, and interface development.

• Develop test plans and human-use protocols, perform the acquisition and setup of specialized laboratory and test facility equipment to meet test program objectives, develop and use software packages that provide optimal research capability, and perform data collection, data analysis, and results reporting.

4.0 Operations Security (OPSEC)

The contractor shall provide 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 ongoing security program. The 711 HPW OPSEC coordinator will evaluate the OPSEC posture of AF contract activities and operations.

5.0 Additional Requirements

• Highest Security Classification: Unclassified

• Deliverables o Reports: CDRLs A001, A002, A003, A004 A005, A006, A007, A008, A009, A010, A011, A012, A013, A014, A015, A016, A017, A019, A020, and A022 o Software: Laboratory software will be developed and delivered o Hardware: Lab prototype hardware

• Protection of Human Subjects: Yes

• ITAR: Applicable

• Available Base Support/Facilities: The contractor will be provided access to the following Building 441 laboratory facilities to conduct research:

o Auditory Localization Facility (ALF) o Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) Facility o Microphone In Real Ear (MIRE) Facility o Impact Noise Testing Facility o Battlefield Airman Laboratory o Audiometric Testing Chamber o Speech Perception Laboratory o Spatial Hearing Acoustic Research Chamber (SHARC) o Voice Communication Research and Evaluation System Facility

(VOCRES)

o Enhanced Communications Research (EnCoRe) Laboratory o Electrophysiology Laboratory o Psychoacoustic Listening Laboratory

• GFP/GFI: None

• Flight Test: No

• Human Use: Yes

• Animal Use: No

• Hazardous Materials: No

• Radioactive Materials: No

• Period of Performance: 45 months technical plus 3 months for Final

Technical Report (48 month POP)

• Estimated Funding Profile: The estimated funding for this task order is:

Fiscal Year FY1 FY2 FY3 FY4 Total

Total Amount $1.65M $1.66M $1.68M $1.68M $6.67M