Attach_9_-_Task_Order_4_-_Battlespace_Visualization_Research_(BVR)_SOO.pdf

Task Order 4 - Statement of Objectives Battlespace Visualization Research (BVR)

1.0 Background

The warfighting domain is becoming increasing complex and more integrated across previously largely independent operational domains. The amount of data and information available to operators through visual and other mediums is increasing dramatically, and making effective use of this information while minimizing ‘information overload’ is becoming increasingly difficult. A key approach to improving human and human-machine performance is through research and technologies that optimize human processing of visual information, in some cases augmented with other sensory modalities, to enable efficient and effective work, including more accurate and rapid meaning- and decision-making.

2.0 Scope

Robust research is needed to investigate all aspects of human visual performance, including research to enhance the display of and human interaction with complex systems, from air, space, cyber, and other operational domains. Key research efforts include fundamental and applied aspects of visual function as well as the development and performance evaluation of information visualizations across a variety of hardware platforms, and as appropriate, in conjunction with other sensory modalities such as audio, tactile and vestibular. Development and evaluation efforts include the integration of various sources of information including real, sensed, synthetic, and symbolic for novel visual interfaces and work aids. The primary objective is to advance science and technology toward the optimization of warfighter information processing using: (1) work and domain analysis methods (2) visual display design methods, (3) visual and multi-modal interaction methods, (4) visual analytics and supporting mathematics, (5) augmented, virtual, and mixed reality and other methods that can be developed and applied to improve decision making and operational effectiveness.

3.0 Technical Requirements

• Develop, plan and execute robust research and experiments relevant to enhancing human performance in research and application areas-of-interest, which include

(a) characterizing human visual performance – both aided and unaided, (b) data collection and analysis of operator performance, (c) conducting work domain analysis using Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) and/or other appropriate methods,

(d) performing analysis using algorithms, modeling and analytics, (e) conducting literature searches/reviews, (f) recruiting and screening potential study participants, (g) developing and executing experimental plans, (h) interpreting and reporting experimental results, and (i) performing record keeping for experiments.

• Utilize best-practices and knowledge of experimental methodologies to maintain a high level of research integrity, conduct appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using the collected data, and verify the integrity and accuracy of the data collection and analysis capabilities and develop methods to ensure sanitization of data or software.

• Demonstrate and/or validate visualization technologies that both encompass human-centric experimentation as well as run the gamut from initial evaluations to integration testing using simulated and/or field environments/tests.

• Develop or modify existing warfighter interface software for operational and/or relevant representative environments as well as develop and use software packages that provide optimal research capability.

• Test modified software, models, and simulations for their capability to improve the human performance of Air Force systems.

• Perform operationally representative demonstrations/tests and operational evaluation data collection for information analysis tasks.

• Develop experimental test plans (including flight test planning) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) human use research protocols.

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. Identical contract security requirements are specified in the DD Form 254 for the Basic IDIQ Contract.

5.0 Additional Requirements

• Highest Security Classification: TS-SCI

• Deliverables o Reports: CDRLs A001, A002, A003, A004, A005, A007, A008, A010, A012, A020, and A021.

o Software: Laboratory software will be developed and delivered o Hardware: None

• ITAR: Applicable

• Available Base Support/Facilities: The contractor will be provided access to the following Building 33 and Building 248 laboratory facilities to conduct research:

o Visualization Lab o Dynamic Visual Assessment Lab o Mathematical Transformation Lab o Night Vision Goggles Lab o Display Measurement Lab o Multisensory Perception Lab o Image Enhancement Lab o Mixed Reality Lab o Human Effectiveness Astronomical Telescope (HEAT) Lab

• GFP/GFI: None

• Flight Test: Yes

• Human Use: Yes

• Animal Use: No

• Hazardous Materials: No

• Radioactive Materials: Yes. A Government-owned light measurement device that contains a radioactive calibration device is part of the available base support/facilities.

• Period of Performance: 36 months technical plus 3 months for Final Technical Report (39 month POP)

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

Fiscal Year FY1 FY2 FY3 Total

Total Amount $1.6M $1.8M $1.9M $5.3M