H60 DEPARTMENT APPLIED ARTIFICAL

INTELLIGENCE/INTELLIGENCE AUTOMATION SUPPORT SERVICES

STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 BACKGROUND

The increasing complexity of the modern battlespace and the proliferation of advanced threats necessitate the development of autonomous capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness, increase operational tempo, and reduce risk to human operators. The Intelligent Automation Division

(H60), Weapons Control and Integration Department (H), Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren

Division (NSWCDD) executes a critical mission to research, develop, test, integrate, and sustain

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions for weapon systems and autonomous platforms across the Department of War (DOW). H60 is responsible for pioneering capabilities that provide a decisive advantage to the warfighter by the integration of autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotics, and unmanned systems. These technologies are empowered by the application of intelligent automation to defeat current and future enemy threats and technologies. This contributes to the defense of the nation and protection of the warfighter through continued advancement and integration of AI/ML technical solutions onto weapon systems. This technical focus area continuously requires innovative, focused, and expeditious responses to conquer threats that pose challenges to US forces and lead to the expansion of coalition warfighting capabilities.

To deliver these complex systems, H60 requires contractor support in implementing a modern

Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) framework and conducting rigorous Assured AI (AAI)

Test and Evaluation (T&E), along with other Engineer support activities. This SOW outlines the comprehensive technical and engineering services required for the contractor to successfully support H60 in fulfilling these vital national security objectives.

C.2 SCOPE

The complexities and importance of H60's responsibilities necessitate deep expertise in several cutting-edge fields. This SOW defines the tasks the contractor shall perform to augment H60's capabilities and execute its mission objectives. Contractor performance shall directly contribute to automating and weaponizing weapon systems and the maturation of the autonomous kill chain.

This includes engineering for perception autonomy, algorithmic development for weapon autonomy, and systems integration for full killchain autonomy.

The scope of this effort encompasses the entire lifecycle of AI/ML-based autonomous systems, from concept design through fielding and sustainment. The Contractor shall provide a comprehensive suite of services to support the Intelligent Automation Division's (H60) diverse portfolio. The contractor shall be proficient in and provide support across the following disciplines:

• Acquisition, Program, and Project Management

• Systems Engineering and Systems Integration

• Data and Configuration Management

• Computing Hardware Engineering

• Prototyping and Model Making

• Software Engineering

• AI/ML Algorithm Development

• Analyses, Assessments, Test and Evaluation

• Cybersecurity and Systems/Network Support

• Safety and Ethical Assurance

• DevSecOps, ML Ops, and IT Infrastructure Engineering

• Integrated Logistics Support

• Training and Instruction

• Technical and In-Service Engineering Support

• Facilities, Fabrication, and Low-Rate Production

The Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, resources, and management to perform all tasks outlined in this SOW, working in close collaboration with Government personnel and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with Department of the Navy (DoN) operational requirements.

Given that programs and projects in the H60 Division’s portfolio are at various phases of the acquisition framework—from science and technology to life cycle sustainment—the Contractor shall provide flexible and scalable support to all current and new projects as they mature through the acquisition, technology, and logistics framework.

C.2.1 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following documents are applicable to this SOW. The most current versions of these documents are accessible through the internet or will be provided to the Contractor upon request.

Other Department of War Specifications/Standards/Other Applicable Documents may become applicable throughout the life of the Task Order and may be added to the Task Order via modification.

The Contractor shall ensure compliance with the most current versions of these documents throughout the life of the Task Order:

Number Document Name

DOD 8570.01-M Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program

SAE AS5553 SAE Aerospace Standard 5553

NISPOM – 32 Code of Federal

Regulation Part 117

National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM)

NSWCDDINST 5510.4B NSWCDD Command Security Manual

Number Document Name

SEAD-3 Security Executive Agent Directive 3 – Reporting Requirements for Personnel with Access to Classified Information or Who Hold a Sensitive Position

SEAD-3 Implementation

Memo

Implementation of Security Executive Agent Directive 3, Reporting

Requirements for Personnel with Access to Classified Information or Who

Hold a Sensitive Position

DODI 5200.48 Controlled Unclassified Information

SECNAVINST 5210.8F Department of Navy Records Management Program

NSWCDDINST 5100.1F Occupational Safety and Health Program

NAVADMIN 216/15 Cyber Hygiene Authorization to use Personal Wearable Fitness Devices

NAVSEA S0420-AA-RAD-

010 – REV 2A

Radiological Affairs Support Program (RASP) Manual

DODI 8510.01 Risk Management Framework for DoD Systems

CJCSI 6211.02D Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) Responsibilities

DODM 1000.13 Department of War Identification (ID) Cards

NAVSEAINST 4200.19

(series)

Planning, Use and Control of Services Contracting

COMUSFLTFORCOM/

COMPACFLT 6320.3B

Medical Screening for U.S. Government Civilian Employees, Contractor

Employees, Guests and Visitors Prior to Embarking Fleet Units

C.3 REQUIREMENTS

C.3.1 Program/Project Management, Acquisition and Governance for Autonomous Artificial

Intelligence (AAI) & Machine Learning (AI/ML) Enabled Systems

C.3.1.1 The Contractor shall provide all necessary programmatic support to the Government

Program Manager (PM) for the successful execution of the programs/projects in the H60 portfolio.

This support shall include

a) Drafting and maintaining management plans and strategies for Government review and approval. (CDRL A001)

b) Executing project leadership operations as directed by the Government, including

Milestone tracking, progress monitoring, and managing project tasks.

c) Proposing and drafting new or enhanced business processes and performance metrics for Government consideration and approval.

d) Organizing, attending, and documenting all program and project meetings, including generating attendee lists, drafting meeting minutes, and tracking action items for Government awareness. (CDRL A002)

e) Supporting project leadership operations to include preparing briefs, tasking, progress monitoring, programmatic reviews, acquisition documentation, risk management, budget development, requirements analysis, design reviews, production planning, material fielding planning, systems sustainment management, operator and maintenance training, logistics planning and management, and other project management tasking.

C.3.1.2 The Contractor shall implement and manage a quality assurance and process improvement framework to support Government oversight. The Contractor shall:

a) Conduct evaluations of products and processes and provide the results and recommendations to the Government.

b) Collect, analyze, and deliver production and performance metrics. The Contractor shall conduct trend analysis, impact analysis, and causal analysis, and provide the results to the

Government to support its decision-making process. (CDRL A003)

c) Conduct peer reviews, code reviews, and audits, and report all findings to the

Government. The Contractor shall collect and analyze lessons learned and recommend process improvements for Government approval.

C.3.1.3 The Contractor shall provide subject matter expertise and analysis to support the

Government's strategic planning for Asure AI (AAI) systems. The Contractor shall:

a) Draft and maintain, for Government approval, an AI Development and Management

Plan (ADMP) that defines the governance for AI models, datasets, and the Machine Learning

Operations (MLOps) pipeline. (CDRL A004)

b) Analyze and prepare reports on how near and long-term modernization plans, doctrine, and policy could impact the H60 portfolio. (CDRL A005)

c) Provide research, analysis, and recommendations on emerging lifecycle standards and industry best practices for AAI systems.

C.3.1.4 The Contractor shall provide financial and cost analysis support for the H60 portfolio. The

Contractor shall:

a) Generate, maintain, update, programs/projects budget estimates for Government review.

b) Utilize Government financial systems to track budget execution and provide regular status reports to the Government.

c) Perform cost excursions and provide the resulting data to support what-if analysis.

d) Use financial systems to create and track requisitions and procurement requests.

C.3.1.5 The Contractor shall provide acquisition and procurement support by preparing all necessary documentation for Government approval and execution. The Contractor shall:

a) Conduct market intelligence and cost evaluations and prepare complete Simplified

Acquisition Threshold (SAT) and MILSTRIP procurement packages for submission to the acquisition team.

b) Draft all required acquisition documentation, including Justification and Approval

(J&A) letters, for Government review and signature.

c) Prepare and route all required approval documentation (e.g., safety, ITPR, DADMS, etc.) and track them to completion, reporting status to the Government.

C.3.1.6 The Contractor shall perform the role of Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for designated

H60 programs, responsible for orchestrating the integration of complex systems and bringing together diverse components to create a cohesive and functional whole. The Contractor shall perform the following LSI functions:

a) Provide the technical management for the entire project lifecycle. This shall include drafting, for Government review and approval, the project scope, objectives, technical requirements, Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and budget estimates. (CDRL A006)

b) Develop and maintain a comprehensive System Integration Plan. This plan shall detail how different subsystems, including third-party vendor hardware, COTS software, and other

Government-furnished components, will be combined, tested, and validated to create the final system, ensuring full compatibility and interoperability. (CDRL A007)

c) Serve as the primary technical liaison between all project stakeholders, including component vendors, other contractors, and Government labs. The Contractor shall facilitate technical communication and collaboration to ensure all parties are aligned with the Government's approved project goals.

d) Identify, analyze, and track all technical risks associated with system integration. The

Contractor shall develop and propose risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans for

Government approval and shall monitor project progress to address identified technical issues.

e) Execute the quality assurance plan for the fully integrated system. This includes conducting system-level tests and inspections and applying quality control measures to ensure that end-to-end system meet all technical performance specifications and Government requirements.

f) Provide and manage a team of technical experts with the specialized knowledge required for the project, including in the areas of systems engineering, software development, cybersecurity, and platform-specific integration.

g) Maintain detailed documentation of the entire integration process. This includes maintaining technical specifications, project plans, and providing regular progress reports to the

Government on project status, technical challenges, and any deviations from approved plan.

h) Provide ongoing engineering support to ensure the continued functionality and performance of the integrated system. This includes troubleshooting fleet-identified issues, developing and integrating system upgrades, and providing technical support to end-users.

i) Conduct client satisfaction and other surveys.

C.3.1.7 The Contractor shall collect lessons learned to assist future projects.

C.3.1.8 The Contractor shall provide a status of funds for all the projects after each funding modification is awarded. The status of funds, at a minimum, shall include an estimate to completion for each project, estimated weekly/monthly burned rate, obligated amount, remaining balance, 75% complete date, and 100% complete date. (CDRL A008)

C.3.1.9 The Contractor shall provide subject matter expertise to support the Government's governance of the AI/ML lifecycle. The Contractor shall:

a) Draft and maintain an AI/ML Maturation Process. This plan shall define the processes for model traceability, criteria for model promotion through development and testing environments, and procedures for model retraining and retirement. (CDRL A009)

b) Provide analysis and recommendations on the data governance strategy, including data acquisition, labeling standards, quality assessment, and security, ensuring a reliable source for all

AI model development.

c) Establish and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the health and maturity of the AI development process, such as data quality scores, model training efficiency, and time-to-deployment.

C.3.1.10 The Contractor shall provide programmatic support for the oversight of the MLOps infrastructure. The Contractor shall:

a) Provide support for the creation of a governance plan for the MLOps pipeline. This includes defining the automated processes for continuous integration, continuous testing (CT), continuous training, and continuous delivery (CI/CD) of AI models.

b) Monitor and report on the health, security, and efficiency of the MLOps pipeline.

This includes tracking metrics on automated test pass/fail rates, model build times, and deployment frequencies.

c) Provide analysis on the resources consumed by the MLOps pipeline, including cloud compute costs and data storage, to support Government financial planning.

C.3.1.11 The Contractor shall provide analysis and tracking for risks unique to AAI systems to support the Government's overall risk management program. The Contractor shall:

a) Identify, analyze, and document potential AAI-specific risks, including but not limited to algorithmic bias, data poisoning, model evasion, catastrophic forgetting, and unintended model behaviors.

b) Develop and propose mitigation strategies for identified AAI risks for Government review and approval.

c) Maintain a dedicated section within the program risk register to track the status of all

AAI-specific risks and their associated mitigation plans.

C.3.2 Systems Engineering and Systems Integration Support for Autonomous Artificial

C.3.2.1 The Contractor shall provide systems engineering to support the integration of AI/ML technologies into current and new projects in the H60 portfolio.

C.3.2.2 The Contractor shall provide engineering support during the development of systems and implement best rigorous engineering approaches and processes throughout the acquisition process, from requirements generation through disposal (cradle to grave) to ensure all threshold and objective requirements are achieved.

C.3.2.3 The Contractor shall draft a Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), and

Project’s Systems Engineering Plans (SEPs) when applicable. (CDRL A00A)

C.3.2.4 The Contractor shall develop and maintain Integrated Master Plans and Schedules

(IMP/IMS) for projects. (CDRL A006)

C.3.2.5 The Contractor shall apply model-based systems engineering (MBSE) when conducting engineering analysis and review and evaluation of data from different reliable sources to develop

DoW architecture framework products to effectively develop systems and transition them to the field and/or programs of record.

C.3.2.6 The Contractor shall provide engineering support to conduct technology readiness assessments of projects in support of Milestones events.

C.3.2.7 The Contractor shall maintain requirements traceability matrix (RTM) to document, track, and manage program requirements, and test results using Government designated tool (s). (CDRL

A00B)

C.3.2.8 The Contractor shall assist with the verification and validation of new and existing autonomous systems and technologies. This verification shall include evaluation of technical baselines documentation such as equipment design, operation and maintenance, requirements, architectures, interface control, etc.

C.3.2.9 The Contractor shall assist with validating tasks, such as technical performance, safety features, and reliability/maintainability thresholds/objectives.

C.3.2.10 The Contractor shall conduct systems integration to permit developmental testing, analytical testing, and data analysis of selected technologies, prototyped capabilities, and related systems.

C.3.2.11 The Contractor shall integrate subassembly hardware, develop system and component test plans, develop test data collection and analysis plans, conduct testing, and document test results.

C.3.2.12 The Contractor shall analyze new AI/ML technologies for integration into systems. The

Contractor’s analysis shall identify opportunities for improvement in performance, sustainability, reliability, and maintainability while considering cost impacts.

C.3.2.13 The Contractor shall integrate new technologies into existing systems, upon approval by the Government, ensuring that established system requirements continue to be met.

C.3.2.14 The Contractor shall conduct studies, analyses, and assessments through technology reviews, systems engineering decomposition, experimentation and testing, and any other means of collecting information to identify potential artificial intelligence solutions and to assess operational, logistical, and supportability requirements and risks of those solutions. (CDRL A00C)

C.3.2.15 The Contractor shall apply engineering, scientific analytical disciplines to identify, refine and document operational and functional requirements.

C.3.2.16 The Contractor shall translate systems autonomy operational and functional requirements from requirements documents such as Concepts of Operations (CONOPS), Capability Development Document (CDD), Capability Production Document (CPD), etc., and create Performance Specifications (PSpecs). (CDRL A00D)

C.3.2.17 The Contractor shall develop system, subsystem and component level requirements and design software/hardware specifications documents. (CDRL A00D)

C.3.2.18 The Contractor shall develop system PSpecs that shall include software and hardware interface requirements and description. (CDRL A00D)

C.3.2.19 The Contractor shall provide comprehensive systems engineering support to the

Government across the entire program lifecycle. This support shall be governed by a Systems

Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), which the contractor shall draft and maintain for

Government review and approval.

C.3.2.20 The Contractor shall develop and maintain Integrated Master Plans and Schedules

(IMP/IMS) to track engineering activities (CDRL A006). The Contractor shall perform all work shall using rigorous and documented engineering processes.

C.3.2.21 The Contractor shall support the Government in all formal technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR), providing the necessary engineering data and analysis.

C.3.2.22 The Contractor shall perform the necessary analysis and engineering to support the

Government's definition of the technical baseline. The Contractor shall:

a) Conduct studies, analyses, and assessments of technologies and engineering approaches, and provide the results to the Government to identify potential AAI solutions and assess requirements, risks, and supportability. (CDRL A00E)

b) Draft and propose all levels of requirements (operational, functional, system, subsystem, performance) and interface specifications for Government review and approval. This includes translating operational needs into formal documentation (e.g., CONOPS, CDD, CPD).

(CDRL A00D)

c) Develop and maintain the system architecture using a Model-Based Systems

Engineering (MBSE) approach, creating the necessary DoW Architecture Framework products for

Government approval.

d) Develop and maintain a Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) to ensure every requirement is allocated and tracked through verification. (CDRL A00B)

C.3.2.23 The Contractor shall provide technical support for the integration and verification of systems and subsystems. The Contractor shall:

a) Conduct systems integration of hardware, software, and prototype capabilities to support all forms of testing.

b) Draft, for Government approval, and execute system and component test plans.

(CDRL A00F)

c) Provide all necessary data and analysis to assist the Government with formal verification and validation activities. This includes supporting the evaluation of technical baselines, technical performance, safety, and reliability characteristics against the approved requirements.

d) Document and deliver all test results and analysis to the Government. (CDRL A00G)

C.3.2.24 The Contractor shall provide subject matter expertise to support the Government in identifying and maturing new technologies. The Contractor shall:

a) Analyze new AI/ML technologies for potential integration and provide the

Government with formal analysis reports identifying opportunities for improvement in performance, sustainability, and reliability, including cost-impact analysis. (CDRL A00H)

b) Integrate approved new technologies into existing systems, ensuring that the established system requirements baseline continues to be met.

C.3.2.25 The Contractor shall develop and propose for Government approval a methodology for defining, documenting, and managing requirements for non-deterministic and autonomous behaviors. This methodology must address how to specify performance for AI/ML components in terms of probabilities, confidence levels, and operational envelopes (e.g., 'The classification algorithm shall achieve 98% accuracy on the validation dataset').

C.3.2.26 The Contractor shall provide Human Systems Integration and Human Factors

Engineering support throughout the design and development lifecycle. The Contractor shall analyze operator tasks, design user interfaces, and conduct usability testing to ensure the system is effective, intuitive, and reduces operator workload. The HSI analysis shall focus on how operators receive, understand, and act upon information provided by AI/ML components, especially in high-stress, time-critical situations.

C.3.2.27 The Contractor shall conduct a continuous System Safety program in accordance with

MIL-STD-882. The Contractor shall perform and deliver a System Safety Hazard Analysis

(SSHA) that identifies and assesses risks posed by system hardware, software, and autonomous functions. The analysis must include hazards associated with unexpected AI/ML model behavior and propose mitigations for Government review and approval.

C.3.2.28 The Contractor shall develop, maintain, and deliver a Government-owned Digital

Engineering Environment (DEE) for the H60 portfolio. This environment shall integrate the MBSE architecture models with high-fidelity simulation tools and analysis software. As part of the DEE, the Contractor shall develop and maintain 'Digital Twins' of key systems (e.g., the USV), which shall be used to conduct virtual integration, performance analysis, and simulated Test &

Evaluation.

C.3.2.29 The Contractor shall conduct engineering and other technical reviews.

C.3.3 Data and Configuration Management of Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AAI) &

Machine Learning (AI/ML) Enabled Systems

C.3.3.1 The Contractor shall provide configuration management (CM) and quality assurance to support Intelligent Automation programs and projects.

C.3.3.2 The Contractor shall develop CM plans for projects/programs. (CDRL A00I).

C.3.3.3 The Contractor shall provide configuration management of products throughout their Life

Cycle for the following document types: requirements documents; design documents; and production procedures for delivery to sponsors or other external organizations.

C.3.3.4 The Contractor shall organize program and project level documentation into repositories, including web-based repositories, and maintain the repository to facilitate documentation storage and retrieval.

C.3.3.5 The Contractor shall support the Government CM process by maintaining controlled and versioned documentation in accordance with the program or project CM plan.

C.3.3.6 The Contractor shall attend and provide technical subject matter expertise during

Configuration Control Boards (CCBs).

C.3.3.7 The Contractor shall evaluate proposed changes to systems, subsystems, or components for impact or other associated system applicability.

C.3.3.8 The Contractor shall establish program or project-level software CM data repositories tracking Software Trouble Reports (STRs), STR analysis, inactive configurations, and other configuration item data.

C.3.3.9 The Contractor shall maintain and operate web-based CM server repositories, including project databases.

C.3.3.10 The Contractor shall develop and maintain Change Notices (SCNs). [CDRL A00J]

C.3.3.11 The Contractor shall prepare Software Version Descriptions (SVDs). (CDRL A00K).

C.3.3.12 The Contractor shall provide process improvement suggestions towards the program or project CM plan and assist other personnel with CM processes.

C.3.3.13 The Contractor shall maintain internal documents placed under CM control for version control, change control, or archiving purposes. This shall include the maintenance of an electronic master filing and documentation management system.

C.3.3.14 The Contractor shall perform document scanning, storage, version control, routing, and review; transfer Microsoft Word files to PDF; apply optical recognition capabilities to allow search ability; and post documents to designated shared spaces.

C.3.3.15 The Contractor shall develop, maintain, test, and install databases and database interfaces at sponsor sites.

C3.3.16 The Contractor shall perform database upgrade and patching.

C.3.3.17 The Contractor shall provide support for database interfaces to third party systems for data exchange.

C.3.3.18 The Contractor shall maintain data repositories (both hard and soft copy) on both hardware and software for projects/programs.

C.3.3.19 The Contractor shall update the data repository as changes occur to the hardware and software and perform regular audits of repository data against the current systems configuration as well as against third party data, updating the data as necessary.

C.3.3.20 The Contractor shall extend the CM process to explicitly manage AI/ML datasets and trained models as distinct Configuration Items (CIs). The Contractor shall:

a) Assign unique identifiers and version controls to all datasets, including raw, processed, training, validation, and testing sets. The CM system must be able to retrieve any specific version of a dataset.

b) Assign unique identifiers and version controls to all trained AI models and their corresponding model weights. The model's status (e.g., experimental, candidate, production) shall be managed within the CM system.

c) Incorporate dataset and model management into the CM Plan. The plan shall describe the process for baselining, checking in/out, and archiving datasets and models.

C.3.3.21 The Contractor shall implement and maintain a system for ensuring end-to-end traceability and provenance for every trained AI model. For any given model version, the

Contractor shall produce a definitive record that links it to:

a) The exact version(s) of the dataset(s) used for its training and validation.

b) The exact version of the source code (e.g., Git commit hash) of the training algorithm and data pipelines.

c) The complete set of hyperparameters and configuration files used during the training process.

d) The resulting training and performance metrics associated with that model.

C.3.3.22 The Contractor shall be responsible for the management and administration of the

MLOps artifact repository (e.g., container registry, model registry). The Contractor shall:

a) Implement versioning and access control policies for the repository to ensure that only tested and approved AI model artifacts can be staged for deployment.

b) Conduct regular audits of the repository to ensure its content aligns with the baselines established in the CM system.

c) Manage the promotion of artifacts through the repository (e.g., from a 'development' registry to a 'production' registry) in accordance with the Government-approved CM plan.

C.3.4 Computer Hardware Engineering for Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AAI) & Machine

Learning (AI/ML) Enabled Systems

C.3.4.1 The Contractor shall provide the expert-level computer hardware engineering capability to design, develop, integrate, and test the computational systems and electronic subsystems required to execute AAI workloads on tactical platforms.

C.3.4.2 The Contractor shall provide the expertise to architect the complete computational system.

The Contractor shall:

a) Conduct trade studies and analysis to select the optimal combination of Central

Processing Units (CPUs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), and other AI accelerators (e.g., TPUs, FPGAs) to meet the system's performance and Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements.

b) Design the high-speed data architecture between processors, memory, storage, and peripherals, ensuring sufficient bandwidth for real-time sensor data processing and AI inference.

c) Define the system's power architecture, including power distribution, regulation, and conditioning, to ensure reliable operation in harsh electrical environments.

C.3.4.3 The Contractor shall be responsible for the integration and optimization of all computer hardware components. The Contractor shall:

a) Integrate and test COTS and custom computing components, including single-board computers, embedded systems, and high-performance servers, into ruggedized enclosures.

b) Conduct hardware-level performance tuning, including optimizing BIOS/UEFI settings and peripheral configurations, to maximize computational throughput and minimize latency.

c) Develop and execute Hardware Qualification Tests (HQT) to validate that the integrated computer system is fully functional and meets all performance and environmental requirements.

C.3.4.4 The Contractor shall provide the capability to design and fabricate custom electronics when COTS solutions are not suitable. The Contractor shall:

a) Design and layout multi-layer, high-speed digital and analog Printed Circuit Boards

(PCBs) for custom processing boards, sensor interfaces, and power distribution units.

b) Perform signal integrity and power integrity analysis on PCB designs to ensure reliable operation.

c) Manage the fabrication and assembly of prototype PCBs and conduct functional testing to verify their performance.

C.3.4.5 The Contractor shall develop the low-level software that directly interfaces with and controls the hardware. The Contractor shall:

a) Develop and maintain firmware and BIOS/UEFI for custom computer hardware.

b) Develop Board Support Packages (BSPs) and device drivers for various operating systems (e.g., Linux, RTOS) to enable communication with custom hardware and peripherals.

c) Program microcontrollers and FPGAs to perform dedicated, real-time tasks such as sensor signal pre-processing, motor control, or safety monitoring.

C.3.4.6 The Contractor shall provide the capability to evaluate and integrate emerging, post-GPU computing architectures. The Contractor shall:

a) Monitor the state-of-the-art in specialized AI hardware, including Neuromorphic

Processing Units (NPUs) and other low-power, event-based processors.

b) Upon Government direction, acquire and evaluate prototype next-generation processors to assess their suitability for defense applications.

c) Develop the necessary software, firmware, and drivers to integrate these future hardware architectures into H60 systems.

d) Maintain and provide SMEs with deep technical knowledge of critical subsystems, including Remote Weapon Stations (RWS), specific camera and sensor payloads, and associated vendor software, to support all tiers of troubleshooting and integration.

C.3.5 Prototyping and Model-Making for Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AAI) & Machine

C.3.5.1 The Contractor shall provide the subject matter expertise required to design, model, and fabricate mechanical and structural solutions. The Contractor shall:

a) Capture and document design requirements and develop 3-D models using

Government-approved CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, ProE).

b) Perform mechanical, thermal, and stress analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to validate designs.

c) Generate and maintain all necessary machines and assembly drawings for fabrication and documentation. (CDRL A00L)

d) Operate fabrication equipment, including machining and welding, to produce components and assemble end-items.

e) Utilize Additive Manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) with a variety of materials, including polymers and metals, to rapidly fabricate complex components, custom enclosures, and one-off prototype parts.

f) Ensure all physical prototypes and modifications are fully documented and reflected in the system's Digital Twin and associated MBSE models, maintaining consistency between the physical and digital representations of the system.

g) Fabricate components using advanced composite materials, including but not limited to carbon fiber and fiberglass, to meet specific weight, strength, and radio-frequency (RF) transparency requirements.

C.3.5.2 The Contractor shall provide the subject matter expertise required to design, fabricate, and assemble electrical and electronic solutions. The Contractor shall:

a) Draft requirement documentation for and design integrated circuits, Printed Circuit

Boards (PCBs), and microcontroller-based systems.

b) Perform thermal and electro-magnetic interference (EMI) analysis on electronic designs.

c) Assemble and test prototype circuits, cable harnesses, and wire assemblies for design verification and system integration.

d) Provide Radio Frequency (RF) engineering support, including the design, fabrication, and integration of custom antennas and RF-shielded enclosures to ensure communications and sensor performance while minimizing electromagnetic interference.

C.3.5.3 The Contractor shall apply its fabrication capabilities to the specific needs of AAI-enabled platforms and systems. The Contractor shall:

a) Design and fabricate ruggedized, environmentally sealed enclosures for deploying high-performance computing hardware (e.g., GPUs, TPUs). Designs shall include specific solutions for advanced power distribution and thermal management (e.g., active cooling, heat dissipation) to ensure system reliability in constrained, power-limited environments like

Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs).

b) Design and fabricate custom mounts, fixtures, and power/data distribution systems for integrating advanced sensors (e.g., EO/IR, LiDAR, radar) and weapon systems onto tactical vehicles, aircraft, and operational platforms.

c) Rapidly prototype and modify existing systems to support user evaluations, technology insertions, and the fielding of low-density, specialized capabilities to meet validated warfighter needs.

d) Design and construct Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) testbeds and specialized test tools that enable the safe and effective evaluation of weapon autonomy functions in a lab environment.

e) Design and integrate advanced robotic and actuation systems, including servo-mechanisms, robotic manipulators, and automated payload handling systems, into prototype platforms.

C.3.5.4 The Contractor shall provide the necessary support to acquire components and install completed prototypes. The Contractor shall:

a) Conduct research and procurements of Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and other components required for prototyping and fabrication.

b) Provide on-site installation support for prototyped equipment aboard tactical vehicles, aircraft, USVs, and other operational platforms.

c) Provide maintenance and repair support for both in-house and fielded prototype equipment.

C.3.6 Software Engineering Support for Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AAI) & Machine

C.3.6.1 The Contractor shall provide the software engineering and programming support to implement automation and AI/ML software in systems, sub-systems, and components utilizing computers, electronics, and software.

C.3.6.2 The Contractor shall provide a comprehensive software engineering capability to design, develop, integrate, test, and sustain all non-AI software components required for AI/ML-enabled systems.

C.3.6.3 The Contractor shall follow a disciplined and documented software development process compliant with SEI CMM Level 3 (or equivalent) and employ agile methodologies where applicable.

C.3.6.4 The Contractor shall conduct software development consistent with industry best practices to ensure software quality assurance and shall provide software deliverables that follow Open

Architecture (OA) procedures, standards, and guidelines.

C.3.6.5 The Contractor shall perform full-lifecycle software engineering in accordance with

Government-approved requirements and design documents. The Contractor shall:

a) Plan, design, code, test, and integrate all software components.

b) Deliver complete software packages including all source code, build files, and executables for all deliverables. (CDRL A00M)

c) Provide software maintenance and sustainment support, including bug fixes, performance enhancements, and obsolescence management.

d) Develop and maintain all required software documentation, including but not limited to: Software Development Plans (SDP), Software Requirements Specifications (SRS), and software test plans. (CDRL A00N)

e) Provide all necessary technical documentation and subject matter expertise to support formal program reviews, including PDRs, CDRs, PRRs, and SVRs.

f) Provide technical analysis and recommendations for software modifications, upgrades, and technology refresh.

g) Draft and maintain software transition plans for Government review and approval.

(CDRL A00O)

h) Draft and provide all necessary technical input for Software Engineering Change

Proposals (ECPs) for Government review and approval.

C.3.6.6 The Contractor shall develop the software necessary to integrate AI components and to connect with digital engineering environments. The Contractor shall:

a) Design and develop Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and data services that allow the core software system to dynamically load, configure, and receive outputs from containerized AI models delivered by the MLOps pipeline.

b) Develop software interfaces to connect with the Digital Twin and Hardware-in-the-

Loop (HWIL) testbeds. This includes creating the necessary middleware to pass data between the operational software and the virtual simulation environment.

c) Develop software for data collection, logging, and visualization to support AAI Test &

Evaluation, providing the tools needed to record and analyze system performance during test events.

C.3.6.7 The Contractor shall develop software adaptable to a hybrid computing environment. The

a) Develop cloud-native software components and services intended for execution in

Government-approved cloud environments (e.g., for large-scale data processing or simulation).

b) Develop and optimize software for deployment on Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP)-constrained edge computing devices, such as those found on USVs and other unmanned platforms.

This includes customizing open-source Linux distributions and developing efficient, low-latency code.

C.3.6.8 The Contractor shall maintain proficiency in and utilize a modern, flexible technology stack as approved by the Government. The Contractor shall also provide support for other languages, databases, or tools not explicitly listed as directed by the Government to meet evolving project needs. The final stack will be determined on a per-project basis and documented in the

Government-approved Software Development Plan.

C.3.6.9 The Contractor shall demonstrate the capability to provide experts proficient in the following representative technology categories:

a) Core Systems and Performance Languages: C/C++, Python, Java, C#. This includes modern systems languages designed for safety and concurrency, such as Rust or Go.

b) GPU and Parallel Computing Frameworks: NVIDIA CUDA, OpenCL, and equivalent frameworks for GPU/parallel processor development.

c) AI/ML Development Frameworks: Deep expertise in building software that integrates with models developed in common frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.

d) Robotics and Autonomy Frameworks: Robot Operating System (ROS/ROS 2), Joint

Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS), and associated simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, AirSim).

e) Web/UI and Visualization Technologies: Modern web frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue) built on JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML/CSS for the development of user interfaces and data visualization dashboards.

f) Database and Data Streaming Technologies: Relational (e.g., PostgreSQL), NoSQL

(e.g., MongoDB), and high-throughput data streaming platforms (e.g., Apache Kafka, gRPC).

g) Infrastructure, Cloud, and MLOps Tools: Git, Docker, Kubernetes, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible) for managing cloud and on-premises environments.

h) Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows and deep expertise in various UNIX/Linux distributions, including customization for real-time and embedded applications.

C.3.6.10 The Contractor shall provide expertise in developing highly parallelized software for heterogeneous computing hardware. This shall include:

a) Developing and optimizing code using NVIDIA CUDA, OpenCL, or equivalent frameworks to maximize the performance of AI/ML algorithms on Graphics Processing Units

(GPUs) and other parallel processors.

b) Profiling and debugging performance bottlenecks in GPU-accelerated code to ensure real-time processing capabilities for perception and weapon control systems.

c) Developing software that efficiently manages data transfer between CPUs and GPUs to minimize latency.

C.3.6.11 Real-Time and Embedded Systems Software: The Contractor shall provide expertise in developing software for real-time embedded systems. This shall include:

a) Developing software for Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), such as VxWorks or real-time variants of Linux, ensuring deterministic performance for critical tasks like sensor processing and actuator control.

b) Applying safety-critical software development standards, such as MISRA C/C++ or other relevant standards, for code that controls hardware or weapon functions.

c) Developing low-level software, including device drivers and firmware, to interface with custom hardware, sensors, and peripherals.

C.3.6.12 The Contractor shall be proficient in developing software that utilizes common frameworks for robotics and autonomy. This shall include:

a) Developing, testing, and deploying software nodes and packages using the Robot

Operating System (ROS/ROS 2) and its ecosystem of tools (e.g., Gazebo for simulation, RViz for visualization).

b) Developing interfaces to and extending other relevant autonomy frameworks and data standards, such as the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) or platform-specific

SDKs

C.3.6.13 The Contractor shall provide the capability to apply formal methods and advanced software verification techniques to critical software components. This support includes:

a) Utilizing static and dynamic analysis tools to detect code defects, security vulnerabilities, and violations of coding standards.

b) Developing formal models of software components and, where directed by the

Government, applying model-checking or theorem-proving techniques to mathematically verify properties related to safety and security.

C.3.7 AI/ML Algorithm Development for Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AAI) & Machine

C.3.7.1 The Contractor shall provide the subject matter expertise required to research, design, develop, and train machine learning models and algorithms to enable autonomous system behaviors. This includes the development of algorithms for perception, planning, decision-making, and action.

C.3.7.2 The Contractor shall develop and train machine learning models for advanced perception and comprehensive environmental understanding, creating a persistent world model for the autonomous system. The Contractor shall:

a) Develop deep learning models (e.g., CNNs, Transformers, Graph Neural Networks) for the detection, classification, identification, and tracking of targets using a wide range of sensor modalities, including: Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR), RADAR (including Synthetic Aperture

Radar - SAR), LiDAR, multi-spectral and hyperspectral imagery, acoustic/sonar data, Signals

Intelligence (SIGINT), and Communications Intelligence (COMINT).

b) Develop robust algorithms for multi-sensor data fusion and object-level tracking (e.g., using Kalman filters, particle filters, or deep learning techniques) to create a single, unified, and persistent world model from disparate, asynchronous, and potentially conflicting sensor inputs.

c) Develop algorithms specifically designed for GPS-denied navigation and localization, including techniques such as Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO), SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), and terrain/celestial navigation.

d) Develop and train models that are robust to environmental clutter (e.g., high sea states, adverse weather), sensor degradation, and a wide range of adversarial deception techniques, including spoofing, camouflage, and the presentation of novel sensor data.

e) Develop and apply Generative AI techniques (e.g., GANs, Diffusion Models) for high-fidelity synthetic data generation to augment training datasets, especially for rare targets, denied-area operations, and edge-case scenarios.

h) Provide expertise in synthetic data generation techniques to augment real-world training datasets and cover edge cases.

C.3.7.3 The Contractor shall develop algorithms that enable autonomous platforms (e.g., USVs, UAVs) to navigate and maneuver intelligently, safely, and tactically in contested, dynamic environments. The Contractor shall:

a) Develop and implement algorithms for tactically-aware, multi-objective path planning, enabling platforms to dynamically re-route based on emerging threats, mission objectives, fuel constraints, and environmental factors, while adhering to required constraints (e.g., COLREGs for maritime platforms).

b) Develop and apply Deep Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Inverse RL techniques to train agents for complex, sequential decision-making tasks, such as breach-and-clear maneuvers, covert infiltration, or optimizing sensor placement for maximum coverage.

c) Develop algorithms for precise automated launch and recovery of subordinate assets

(e.g., a UAV or UUV from a host USV) and for the dexterous control of on-board robotic manipulators and payload systems.

d) Develop algorithms that enable adaptive autonomous behaviors based on the system's understanding of the tactical situation, including transitioning between operational modes (e.g., from low-observable transit to high-speed engagement).

e) Develop algorithms for control of on-board manipulators and payloads.

C.3.7.4 The Contractor shall develop, mature, and integrate a suite of AI/ML algorithms designed to automate functions across the entire killchain (Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, Assess) and reduce operator workload. All algorithms shall be developed to integrate with the Government-

Owned Weapon Autonomy Architecture.

C.3.7.5 The Contractor shall provide experts proficient in the following Find & Fix Algorithms:

1. Automatic Target Recognition (ATR): Develop and refine ATR algorithms for detecting, identifying, and classifying targets from various sensor feeds, including providing for the ability to switch between multiple ATR models optimized for different targets or conditions.

2. 3D Scene Reconstruction: Develop algorithms to create 3D models of the battlespace from sensor data to support targeting and visualization.

3. Change and Anomaly Detection: Develop algorithms for Coherent Change Detection

(CCD) to automatically identify relevant changes in an area over time, and Anomaly Detectors to flag objects or activities that are out of context.

C.3.7.6 The Contractor shall provide experts proficient in the following Tracking Algorithms:

1. Target Tracking: Develop and improve algorithms that perform robust, frame-to-frame tracking of designated objects.

2. Pose and Speed Estimation: Develop algorithms that use computer vision techniques, including Keypoint Detection, to automatically estimate a target's orientation (pose), heading, and speed for input into weaponeering solutions.

C.3.7.7 The Contractor shall provide experts proficient in the following Targeting and

Weaponeering Decision Aids:

1. Weapon-Target Pairing Recommenders: Develop algorithms that provide optimized weapon-to-target pairing recommendations, including Multi-Platform scenarios involving heterogeneous assets (e.g., AC-130J, USVs, UAVs).

2. Optimized Weapon Settings: Develop algorithms that recommend the optimal weapon settings (e.g., fuse, delay, impact angle/aspect) to achieve a desired Probability of Kill (Pk) based on the target type and kill level.

3. Lethality and Collateral Damage Estimation: Develop algorithms that provide real-time, on-platform ("at the edge") lethality estimates using Government-approved models (e.g., AJEM) and provide 2D/3D visualizations of estimated collateral damage.

C.3.7.8 The Contractor shall provide experts proficient in…