TO 0001 Vulnerability SOW.doc

FA9451-09-R-0003

SCHEMA

Task Order 0001-00

Vulnerability 29 October 2009

1.0 BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVE

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL’s) Directed Energy (RD) Directorate’s Satellite Assessment Center (SatAC) is the Air Force-chartered organization that evaluates directed energy effects on space systems, performs assessments of space system susceptibilities to directed energy sources, and develops tools to perform satellite and space systems technical analyses. Space systems are defined to include satellites, ballistic missile re-entry vehicles, certain boosters/launch vehicles used to attack other space objects or the US homeland from inter-continental distances, and their respective supporting architectures (including hardware and software).

The SatAC has performed a variety of safety, survivability, and vulnerability research studies. With the increasing use of directed energy (DE) in space, a continuing requirement exists for studying and quantifying DE effects on space systems.

The objective of this task order is several-fold:

· To enable the Air Force to make accurate prediction for signature analysis and system level response for satellites of interest.

· To provide continued technical analysis and support to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in order to enhance current and future understanding of space superiority concepts with vertical and horizontal integration of multiple, dissimilar systems and enable planning, utility analysis, modeling and simulation, and other needed functions. These studies are designed to improve definition, development, implementation, operation and sustainment planning to protect US interests in space.

· To design, develop and apply technology for the evaluation of directed and other sources of energy and related effects on space systems, space system operations and general functionality.

· To provide technical analysis to AFRL for Laser Clearinghouse (LCH) analysis, development, and technical assessments.

2.0

SCOPE

This task order shall include:

· Conducting assessments of aerospace systems in natural and man-made environments. Assessments will consist of signature analysis and vehicle response for systems of interest. The assessment process will include collecting data on satellite and missile components, building models and determining failure modes and failure criteria through testing and analysis of these components which can then be used to develop an overall system level response. This process will include populating the SatAC databases, such as the materials database and the Satellite Information Database (SID) and developing/improving the software code so that assessments can be performed efficiently and accurately. The results will be documented in the appropriate databases. The effort shall also include the design, development, construction, testing and fielding of calibration devices that can be used to develop and demonstrate imaging technologies.

· Studies to identify gaps in capabilities based on current and future threats, developing processes to integrate future technology with the appropriate knowledge and tools for operators to accomplish their mission, as well as preparing information to better utilize future technology for space superiority needs. These tasks will include preparation of program plans, identification of space systems for studies and analyses, identification of potential environmental and other effects in space on space systems, definition of requirements and analysis necessary to assess potential effects, and documentation of results.

· The following technical areas: preparation of program plans, identification of space systems for analyses, identification of potential effects of directed energy and other environments in space on space systems, definition of requirements and analysis of experiments necessary to assess potential effects, identification of mitigation approaches for these effects, and documentation of results. Hardware may need to be designed, fabricated, and provided for this research effort. Custom software, tailored to the hardware, may also need to be written.

Many of the specifics regarding candidate technologies to be assessed, the systems to be assessed, the conditions & scenarios for their assessment, and the assumptions regarding the assessments are based on the results of previous efforts and/or to some extent are still being formulated with the customer as government requirements evolve. Hardware and software requirements may be developed and implemented dynamically as part of the overall work effort.

3.0

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Materials Characterization and Testing: The contractor shall evaluate existing data and identify areas where data are lacking; propose needed tests; obtain test materials; provide pretest predictions; coordinate/conduct testing; analyze test results; and enter the data into the available databases. Material properties that need to be addressed are both thermo-physical and optical. The optical properties will include both pristine and space aged measurements. Optical measurements may include both single wavelength and broadband wavelength data over a wide range of angles so that Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions (BRDFs) can be generated, in addition to capturing measurements of Directional Hemispherical Reflectivity (DHR). This will also cover software updates to include adding new fields to the databases when required and compatibility with different database formats and assessment tools. The contractor shall attend the Materials Database Working Group (MDWG) to insure the data have been thoroughly reviewed before they are entered into the database. The data will be examined for consistency and suitability. This will include coordinating with different test facilities to acquire their test results and different imagery analysts to insure the data are compatible with actual imagery.

3.2 Failure Modes: The contractor shall develop failure modes or mechanisms and failure criteria for incorporation into the SatAC codes. This includes the definition, development and modeling of failure modes of components and subsystems which impact system level performance. The contractor shall identify satellite components that are needed for testing to support both signature and effects analysis. The contractor shall aquire test articles, pretest analysis, test conduction (to include test conditions), post-test analysis and documentation of the test results. Where testing is not feasible, analytical assessments will be conducted to quantify the failure criteria.

3.3 Code Development: The contractor shall insure the proper functioning of the assessment codes and development tools. This will include insuring that the assessment tools are capable of working together and operating efficiently. Where it is required, new software will be developed to expand the SatAC’s capabilities for performing assessments and accessing desired databases in addition to making the assessments more efficient. The contractor shall develop and integrate new algorithms and processes into existing codes and develop new interfaces to be able to handle different satellite geometric model formats and, where required, model changes. Among other things, the codes shall be capable of comparing imagery and predicting signatures for specified sensors and lighting conditions. (CDRL A001, A004)

3.4 Satellite Information Database: The contractor shall gather data at all levels for current and future SatAC assessments. This research will include but not be limited to orbital data, satellite and component data, imagery, manufacturing capabilities. The results will be documented in the Satellite Information Database (SID). This work shall include web-based searches, literature searches and attendance at technical conferences and displays.

3.5 Satellite Assessments: The contractor shall assess a variety of mission impacts on the overall space system architecture, where applicable. Timelines for evolution of the assessed effects shall be identified.

3.6 System Assessments: The contractor shall use modeling and assessment codes to perform system level analysis. New or updated CAD models (SMT, Uni-graphics, or STEP formats) will be developed so that the assessment tools such as IDASS, SatView, TASAT and FIST can be used to perform optical and thermal assessments. The input parameters will be evaluated to insure that the correct orientation, geometry and material assignments are being used. The assessment process will be evaluated to insure that the optimum efficiency is obtained. Based upon the level of data that is available, sensitivity/error analysis will be conducted to evaluate the level of confidence in the results. The assessment results will be documented in assessment folders. (CDRL A002)

3.7 Additional Testing: The contractor shall define required tests and experiments to obtain data necessary to quantify effects and reduce uncertainties in the assessments. The contractor shall coordinate with testing organizations to obtain required data. If required, the contractor shall design, fabricate and build hardware to facilitate the performance of laboratory testing. The contractor shall also write software, as needed, to support these assessments. The contractor shall analyze tests results for use in the analyses for technology evaluation.

3.8 Calibration Board: The contractor shall acquire an on-orbit calibration board. This effort will include interfacing with the launch community to determine launch opportunities and interfacing with satellite bus manufacturers so that the calibration board will qualify as a payload. The contractor is responsible for the design and acquisition of component hardware of the calibration board experiment. This will include the start of development of an initial engineering prototype and its associated electronics which will be the basis for a flight module. The contractor will interface with the organization responsible for building the satellite bus to insure that all interface requirements are met. Preliminary operations and mission preparations will be addressed to insure the host satellite can support the calibration board mission. (CDRL A006) 3.9 Technology Evaluations: The contractor shall evaluate candidate technologies as specified by the government for the extension of current and novel capabilities for assessment of directed energy and related effects on space systems. This evaluation shall include consideration of the ability of these methods to model basic physics aspects of effects, assess effects not currently addressed, to improve the accuracy/fidelity of current methods, or to improve the efficiency and/or confidence with which modeling and simulations results may be utilized and effects may be assessed. Recommendations shall be developed for whether each assessed technology should be explored or implemented at the SatAC, and the priority for this implementation.

3.10 Technology Assessment and Analysis Studies: The contractor shall coordinate and develop technical analyses to identify and evaluate space superiority concepts, in the context of future technology, and their potential impact when integrated with current and future architectures. In order to successfully accomplish this, the contractor shall develop a series of requirements and detailed instructions for the formats, types and specifications of the products being delivered.

3.11 Response Analyses: The contractor shall assess impacts of the defined environments on functionality of components and subsystems for system performance described in 3.10. Expected utility towards meeting defined objectives shall be identified and reviewed. Requirements for additional modeling and/or testing to reduce uncertainties in assessments of these effects shall be identified.

3.12 Documentation: The contractor shall incorporate all assessments in the Satellite Information System maintained at the SatAC. Information on failure modes will be included, as well as supporting documentation of test results which support the assessments. Materials data will be documented in the materials database. Satellite related data will be stored in the Satellite Information Database (SID). Schedules and technical designs for the calibration board will be documented. Briefings on topics of interest to the SatAC and SatAC customers will be prepared on an as-required basis. (CDRL A002)

3.13 Technical Meetings: The contractor shall attend technical meetings identified by the Task Order Officer (nominally one per month). For each meeting, the contractor shall provide comments on the technical content of the meeting, and recommendations for improvements in the technology discussed. Presentation material shall be documented. (CDRL A003)

3.14 Travel: The contractor shall travel in support of technical meetings for this effort. All trips will most likely be two to three days in duration. Travel will include, but is not limited to, Los Angeles, CA, Colorado Springs or Denver, CO, Washington D.C.

3.15 Unique Protect List (UPL) Generation: The contractor shall evaluate satellites against specific lasers to determine if they are safe for a laser system. This shall produce a UPL that is given to USSTRATCOM for their use in determining open firing windows for the laser. The SatAC shall support laser tests by understanding the laser test plans to ensure that the optimal UPL is provided to USSTRATCOM. When requested, the contractor shall produce Unique Laser Susceptibility (ULS) files for the USSTRATCOM to accompany the UPL files.

3.16 Database Population: The contractor shall update satellite information in the SatAC Satellite Information Database. This data shall include general satellite parameters, references, images, orbit information, and sure-safe values. The master protect list, provided by USSTRATCOM, shall be continually updated in the database. Periodic tiger-team validation sessions shall be held to internally validate the information in the database for its use by the SatAC software.

3.17 Data Distribution: The contractor shall provide external interface for transmitting and receiving data for predictive avoidance purposes. This data shall be transmitted through faxes, mailing, and electronic mail interfaces.

3.18 Laser Normalization: The contractor shall evaluate laser parameters received from the USSTRATCOM for accuracy and completeness. Once these parameters are received, the contractor shall interface with the laser owner to ensure that the parameters are correct. The laser parameters shall be entered into the Satellite Information Database. Once the parameters are normalized they shall be sent to the USSTRATCOM for their uses.

3.19 Waiver Analysis: The contractor shall participate in the evaluation of lasers to determine their waiver candidacy. This analysis shall support the satellite and laser owners as well as the USSTRATOM. The contractor shall communicate with all parties involved to establish an understanding of the potential risks associated with firing a laser and having a satellite accidentally illuminated by the laser. The contractor shall check the specified laser parameters and satellite sure-safe thresholds to increase laser waiver check accuracy and fidelity.

3.20 Predictive Avoidance (PA)/Laser Clearing House (LCH) Analyses: The contractor shall produce a software tool that has the ability to calculate PA open firing windows. This software is largely based on two existing tools, Satellite Predictive Avoidance Tool (SPAT) and PA Planner. These tools provide the base for developing a tool that supports customer driven laser firing needs. (CDRL A001, A004)

3.21 The contractor shall:

3.21.1 Make customer specific PA Planner updates as defined by the SatAC

3.21.2 Perform UPL generation laser programs as defined by SatAC

3.21.3 Perform database population updates for newly identified and launched satellites of interest

3.21.4 Distribute newly developed predictive avoidance data

3.21.5 Perform laser Normalization and waiver analysis on newly defined lasers of interest

3.22 The contractor shall develop a new software program which performs PA analysis using a customer with a unique laser to missile mission. (CDRL A001, A004)

3.23 The contractor shall aid in the development of PA plans for SatAC identified customers. The contractor shall do analysis on the ability of lasers to use backdrops to prevent lasers from propagating out into space and include mitigation strategies within the PA Plans. Additionally SatAC shall perform material analysis for any lasers whose wavelengths currently fall outside existing susceptibility data and also address mitigation strategies in the PA Plans.

3.24 The contactor shall begin developing probability based operational risk management techniques for conducting PA. The contractor shall develop a software tool to prove and demonstrate these techniques. Additionally, the contractor shall document the methodologies developed. For the task the contractor shall run various software packages to analyze the status of PA open windows for several customer defined scenarios. The contractor shall analyze the data to determine if PA will be acceptable for a given scenario. If the PA windows are too limiting for a given scenario the contractor shall provide recommendations to the customer as to how the scenario can be improved or changed to better PA and still meet the test objectives. (CDRL A001, A002, A004)

3.25 The contractor shall provide analysis of materials for effects from laser illumination, to include optics, detectors and others materials, in support of item 3.10 above. This task will include the development of a new laser propagation model, defining the test setups, documenting the tests and creating a final report. (CDRL A002)

3.26 The contractor participate in PA activities in the form of a target specific GLINT analysis, to include technical documentation. The contractor shall begin to automate this process in the form of a software tool. (CDRL A001, A004)

3.27 The contractor shall continue work with the Overhead Non-imaging Infrared (ONIR) community on decreasing the notification time after a new space event. The contractor shall support testing operations, satellite research, and material assignments for upcoming launches.

4.0 Program Management:

4.1 The contractor shall provide technical and management skills and resources to ensure the accomplishment of this subtask in accordance with Section 4 of the contract Statement of Work.

4.2 The contractor shall write formal and informal reports documenting analyses completed, techniques used, and software tools developed. The contractor shall develop presentation material on behalf of the government to present results, proposals, or any other information, as appropriate. The contractor shall provide trip reports and conference reports from any travel done in support of this task. (CDRL A002, A003)

4.3 The contractor shall perform all efforts necessary to assure that security requirements are accomplished for this effort in accordance with applicable DoD security classification guides and other applicable security guidance (Reference paragraph 3.0 of the contract SOW).

5.0

SCHEDULE, DATA ITEMS AND OTHER DELIVERABLES

5.1 Start Work: Date of Approval (DOA)

5.2 Status Report (A005): 15 calendar days after the close of the contractor’s accounting month.

5.3 End of Technical Work: DOA + 18 months

5.4 Presentation Material (A003): As required by Task Order Officer

5.5 Final Technical Report (A002): DOA + 21 months

5.6 End of Task and delivery of final version of the Technical Report: DOA + 21 months

6.0

TASK ORDER OFFICER:

Primary: Mr. Stan Lokaj, AFRL/RDTE, (505) 846-9768

Alternate: Capt Kim Myers, AFRL/RDTE (505) 846-0765