FY20_ST_BAA_Appendix_N_Final_10_May_Conformed.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES ACQUISITION, TECHNOLOGY, AND LOGISTICS

DIRECTORATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SOF AT&L-ST)

APPENDIX N

TO

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

USSOCOM-BAAST-2015

For

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

1.0 Introduction:

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L), Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T), transformed the BAA infrastructure to better align with the USSOCOM’s Commander’s strategic priorities and vision. As such, the S&T Directorate will change its investment strategy in FY20 by moving from incremental development efforts to more encompassing, disruptive technology efforts that are larger in scope and meet the demands of the strategic vision and Future Operating Concept (FOC).

2.0 General:

2.1 Agency: United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

2.2 Program Office: Science and Technology Directorate (SOF AT&L-ST)

2.3 BAA Number: USSOCOM-BAAST-2015

2.4 BAA Addendum Title: SOF AT&L-ST Appendix N

2.5 Points of Contact (POCs):

Contracting Officer:

Primary: Capt John Kenney, Phone 813-826-5671 Email: john.kenney@socom.mil

Alternate: Ms. Sonia Lizotte, Phone 813-826-1066 Email: sonia.lizotte@socom.mil

Technical POC:

Mr. Peter Greany, Phone 813-826-7423 Email: Peter.Greany@socom.mil

3.0 Closing Date: This BAA Addendum will close on June 14, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, unless superseded, amended, or cancelled. White papers may be submitted any time during this period subject to the submission process described in this addendum and the BAA.

4.0 Technology Areas of Interest:

Special Operations Forces (SOF) are designed to operate in austere environments and continue to be in the forefront of the United States efforts confronting an emerging reality where any opponent possesses potential for overmatching capabilities. The new “normal” for SOF will be to operate in satellite denied/disrupted environments, under threat of targeting by high-end military capabilities, including Weapons of Mass Destruction, where the Cyber and Electronic Warfare domains are contested and increased scrutiny is routine. The Future Operating Environment (FOE) is a world of “Convergence”: the point where the gap between non-state and state actor capabilities diminishes and the threat to force and mission success increases significantly. Core SOF missions such as Direct Action, Counterterrorism, Security Force Assistance, Counter Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and more are not expected to change significantly, however, the operational environment in which these missions will be executed is changing in accordance with global themes and trends. SOF missions will not significantly change, but the environment in which they are conducted is, and will continue, to change significantly.

S&T is interested in receiving white papers from all responsible sources from industry, academia, individuals, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, National Laboratories, and Government laboratories capable of pursuing, developing and evolving disruptive capabilities that must be made available to the SOF Operator within the next five to seven years in order to achieve mission success in the FOE. In this context, disruptive technology is an unused, unapplied and untested alternative to current technology. It applies to hardware, software, networks and combined technologies. Disruptive technology refers to any enhanced or completely new technology that replaces and disrupts an existing technology, rendering it obsolete. A disruptive solution is intended to be a ground-breaking technology or totally new approach that displaces an existing technology or approach. SOF seeks to become more lethal, more available, more invisible, more omniscient and more invulnerable. USSOCOM employs capabilities in all domains: terrestrial, maritime, air, space, and digital. SOF personnel place a premium on technologies that are small, lightweight, rugged, modular, multi-use, easy to use, have low power consumption, require minimum maintenance, and designed for operation in extreme environments. Technology designs should consider comprehensive signature management approaches enabling low visibility and clandestine capabilities.

4.1 Next Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Capability Focus Area Introduction: USSOCOM S&T's Next Gen ISR capability focus area is focused on automated and persistent near-real-time data/information collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions, systems, and capabilities to include up and down cross-domain functionality enabling predictive analysis to augment SOF operators and analysts. Focus is on increasing and enhancing SOF's ability to manage and understand threats and the environment, process multiple data and communications inputs for optimized decision making, and support rapid, on-the-move ability to learn and communicate knowledge across a mission stakeholder team to search, locate and process High Value Targets.

4.1.1 Autonomy-Enabled ISR/Battlefield Situational Awareness (SA): It is difficult to achieve persistent ISR without substantial manning and networking resources. SOF is interested in automated detection, identification, and localization capabilities to support SA of dismounted personnel. SOF requires the ability to edge process, disseminate and query information in operating environments that are unfavorable to the utilization of traditional networks and computer servers. Bandwidth for information backhaul to computational centers and infrastructures is not regularly available to small teams. SOF small teams lack sufficient personnel manually to process, exploit and disseminate the amount of information generated by sensors deployed throughout the world. SOF desires software applications that are optimized for computing at the edge, automate the organization and fusion of data collected from multiple sources and multiple intelligence disciplines with neural networks and machine learning to recognize patterns and anomalies from various sensor types. SOF desires Augmented Reality (AR) enabling capabilities that provides warfighters with visual cues to identify and discern targets, foes, and friendly forces.

4.1.2 Stand-off Through-Wall Imaging: SOF routinely enters a building with multiple rooms.

Some are empty and some have people inside. SOF's interest is in obtaining a preliminary indication of where inhabitants are located, distinguish between human and animal, and identify if humans are armed and location of hidden rooms, voids or hiding places. SOF requires the ability to gain situational awareness through barriers and/or within structures.

SOF desires the ability to determine the physical characteristics of a wall (depth, rebar pattern, strength of material), presence of individuals and the contents and lay-out of structures at standoff distances in order to support operations.

4.1.3 Stand-off Biometrics: SOF is in search of tactical physical, behavioral, physiological, and/or electromagnetic signatures matching capability. The system should quickly conduct tactical biometrics matching worldwide from a distance of 1Km or more. The system needs to have the ability to both store and upload data, operate both, while stationary or moving, and capable of supporting both overt and covert operations. The systems should employ advanced analytical software and sensor fusion designs to ingest multiple data inputs including but not limited to iris, facial, anatomical measures, gestures, gait, heartbeat, electromagnetic signals, deoxyribonucleic acid, and microbiome recognition. Software designs should consider counter countermeasures intended to mask one’s identity from automated mechanisms. Software applications should have the ability to operate on smart phones.

4.1.4 Non-Radio Frequency Tagging, Tracking and Locating (TTL): SOF requires the ability to track a person or vehicle without the use of traditional electronic emitters, or other means that can be detected, to continue monitoring after losing contact with the subject. The tag on a person or vehicle must not be able to be detected by electromagnetic sensing devices, but the user can still get near-real-time updates. The tag must not emit an RF signature while in use.

The user should be able to retrieve or remotely interrogate the tag. The tag must be adaptable to fit numerous Concept of Operations (CONOPs) requirements for power and concealment.

4.2 Network and Data Management Capability Focus Area:

Introduction: USSOCOM must be able to utilize disruptively new and enhanced existing technologies to transform networks and data management techniques required to facilitate the Hyper-Enabled Operator concept in the FOE. The FOE will encompass an increasingly contested and dynamic electromagnetic spectrum and will require a comprehensive approach in order for SOF to effectively operate in. Technology areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

4.2.1 Tactical cloud and edge computing: Technology solutions that provide a tactical cloud to support localized SOF teams in degraded, disconnected, contested or anti-access/ area denial (A2/AD) communications environments. The tactical cloud solution must support today and future user requirements. Data collection, management, storage, and dissemination has become very complex. Cognitive technological solutions need to be able to process data from multiple sources and sensors. The cognitive solution must process and analyze such data to determine relevance and proper dissemination to the user. The tactical cloud must be employed with cognitive transmission devices to support continued or self-healing conductivity.

The cognitive transport network must be capable of low latency and high bandwidth transmission of data to/from edge computing devices. All solutions should explore pushing the boundaries of tactical cloud compute processing with novel infrastructures to enable next generation capabilities at the tactical edge. Edge computing capabilities must provide increased situational awareness to SOF teams at the tactical edge/austere environments. Such edge based compute devices must facilitate multiple varieties of evolving analytical software/toolsets processing needs. Software applications must provide advanced data visualization tools and analytical capabilities. Those applications must include the fusing of multiple disparate data sources. The output must enable the SOF end user with the right data, at the right time, and at the right location.

4.2.1.1 Platform Agnostic: can be accessed on any device (mobile devices including Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), laptops, camera sensors, etc.) and can be leveraged by any platform (ship, vehicle, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), etc.).

4.2.1.2 Simplify/automate connection of networked devices self-healing.

4.2.1.3 Provide ability to compute and derive insights at multiple points within tactical network prior to reach-back to enterprise-level network connection.

4.2.1.4 Leverages open source standards and data.

4.2.1.5 Minimal proprietary interfaces, functions, software or applications.

4.2.1.6 Capable of fusing disparate data sources.

4.2.1.7 Compatibility with Integrated Sensor Architecture (ISA).

4.2.2 Cognitive Multispectral Communications: Technologies to facilitate high throughput, fault-proof, multispectral communications by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)/ machine learning (ML) to autonomously react to contested communications in austere operating environments via switching between radio frequency (RF) and non-RF communications means.

SOF desires a capability to achieve two way communications without the use of satellite links maintaining high data throughput comparable to satellite relay links due to either an A2/AD environment where satellite communications are non-existent or in a low visibility environment where signals propagation should be kept to a minimum. Solutions are not limited to technology deliverables and can be studies on improved processes/methods of communication.

Capabilities must address the following:

4.2.2.1 Environments where EMI is high due to Blue Force Electronic Counter- Measures (ECM), in-situ use of the electromagnetic spectrum or opposition forces communications “jamming” activities.

4.2.2.2 Ability to conduct secure, low probability of intercept (LPI) and low probability of detection (LPD) communications at high data rates.

4.2.2.3 High interoperability with various platform devices (mobile devices including ATAK, laptops, camera sensors, etc.).

4.2.2.4 Network Introspection: network’s ability to self-examine the condition of its connected devices and self-correct failures and anomalies; autonomous dynamic load balancing of data transmission to maximize available bandwidth.

4.2.2.5 Maintain data integrity over trusted/untrusted hardware.

4.2.3 Non-Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Positioning, Navigating and Timing: SOF requires the ability to maintain accurate Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) in areas where satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) services and other radio navigation signals are unavailable or untrusted. Effective navigation and situational awareness in space, in the air, on land or in sea based environments are critical to SOF. SOF is seeking alternative modalities for achieving Assured PNT (APNT) services. SOF operates in areas of incidental or deliberate GPS interference or denial. Incidental denial includes GPS-loss due to movement into subterranean areas (caves, basements, bunkers) or signal-blocking environments (urban canyon, parking garage, buildings). Deliberate denial includes electromagnetically contested environments. Capabilities should consider advances in high-volume PNT and APNT devices for mobile platforms providing options for distributed networks of cooperative devices like: celestial attributes, multi-platform based beacons/triangulation (SUAS platforms and services), common timing, and the detection of jammers or other attack vectors. Such capabilities should have cognitive/automated attributes to assure seamless transition when interruptions or disruptions occur.

4.2.3.1 Solutions must be applied to multiple platforms to include but are not limited to: Maritime, Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, tactical vehicles, and all groups of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), etc.

4.2.4 Integrated Cyber Operations: Traditional network defenses are not adequate to eliminate or mitigate advanced persistent threats that mask their exploitations within a network- cloud, enterprise, or military platforms. Future networks will need the ability to attack and defend in an orchestrated fashion in contested environments while maintaining sufficient network performance to execute mission operations. Capabilities should consider advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning mathematical implementations to provide options for, but not limited to:

4.2.4.1 Network Countermeasures: Leveraging and controlling the adversary’s communication and networks, whether sophisticated or unsophisticated, for the advantage of SOF

4.2.4.2 Ingest: Consume and comprehend cyber operation authorities and network policies to determine best courses of action before contested

4.2.4.3 Network Situational Awareness

4.2.4.4 Real-time Threat Modeling: Identify and comprehend threats, associated vulnerabilities, impact, and consequences of effects

4.2.4.5 Antifragility: Novel approaches to design networks that implement antifragility properties- properties that increase in capability to thrive as a result of adversity

4.2.4.6 Creation of scalable computational algorithms for accommodating large amounts of unstructured data storage

4.2.4.7 Maintain data integrity over untrusted hardware and network devices

4.2.4.8 Novel ML algorithms to optimize network performance in contested environments

4.2.4.9 Implement Byzantine fault analysis to create provable network mission assurance through disaggregation and composition of untrusted components

4.3 Next Generation Effects / Precision Strike Capability Focus Area Introduction: USSOCOM seeks to study, design, develop and demonstrate advanced technology concepts and materials associated with the application of effects from non-lethal through overmatching lethality. These technologies may include, EW, directed energy (DE), kinetic weapons, munitions, devices and fire control systems. The major developmental goal is a standalone effects system which gives an operator or platform the ability to tailor the effects directed onto a target, ranging from incapacitation up through and including scalable effects, allowing for a wider range of non-kinetic and/or kinetic effects on the enemy without increasing the logistical burden on a small SOF formation.

4.3.1 Organic Precision Strike: USSOCOM is seeking advanced organic precision strike capabilities with the following key attributes:

4.3.1.1 Ensuring accurate and unimpeded weapons delivery against targets in any environment.

4.3.1.2 Operator selectable effects including scalable, non-lethal, electric, directed energy with the ability to set for proximity, near surface burst, target sensing and bounding effects.

4.3.1.3 The ability to engage personnel, both individually and as a group, with scalable effects.

4.3.1.4 Include an integrated fire control system that utilizes multi-spectral sensor fusion to enable detection, location, and targeting of various items of interest including but not limited to humans, vehicles, electronic emitters, threat optics, lasers, rocket launchers and gunfire. The fire control system should fuse inputs from integrated environmental sensors and targeting devices and compute firing solutions to aim system effects systems. The integrated fire control system should not be detectable by enemy forces.

4.3.1.5 The ability to positively identify dismounted and mounted partner forces while operating in proximity to an enemy force.

4.3.2 Offensive Self-Directed/Teaming Systems: SOF is interested in technologies that enable the use of small self-directed/teaming systems to conduct direct action against a range of potential targets or obstacles. While conducting a variety of missions, SOF forces may encounter a variety of obstacles or threats. Use of an organic small self-directed/teaming systems to breach obstacles or neutralize threats from a protected position will allow mission continuation or success while minimizing exposure to hostile actions. SOF is interested in capabilities to interdict next generation unmanned threats operating in all domains.

4.3.3.1 Systems must: be in a back-packable form factor; support positive target identification; allow for safe recover and re-use of autonomous platform; provide modular and tailorable effect to meet multiple mission requirements; robust command and control link. Operate in environments up to high winds, rain, day/night and complex urban terrain (including indoors).

4.3.3.2 Automated target detection and tracking algorithm processing onboard.

4.3.3.3 Novel kinetic or ballistic payloads applicable to the platform.

4.3.3.4 Advanced autonomous systems behavior development.

4.3.3 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing for Next Generation Combat Effects: USSOCOM seeks to study, develop, and demonstrate advanced technologies associated with the application of:

4.3.2.1 Enhanced effects, from non-lethal through scalable applications, via advanced manufacturing processes, materials and coatings for weapons and advanced energetics in propellants, explosives, incendiaries and smart fuzes, in order to create overmatching next generation capabilities.

4.3.2.2 Ability to customize/optimize energetic compounds as well as reduce overpressure and toxic fumes associated with expended explosives and weapons systems (if applicable).

4.3.4 Stand-off Electronic Denial: SOF requires the ability to deny or disable the use of electronic systems from 1Km to over-the-horizon distances. SOF conducts a variety of missions whereby the use of off-the-shelf night vision devices, electronic surveillance equipment, communications devices, vehicles/vessels and other electronic-based systems reduces SOF’s technical overmatch.

4.4 Biotechnologies and Human Interface Capability Focus Area Introduction: This capability area encompasses biomedical technology development efforts to support our SOF medical community and an expanded focus on optimizing the performance of our SOF Operators (i.e., increase both physical and cognitive capability while mitigating the effects of stressors that degrade performance and health). The growing utilization and dependence on complex equipment and unmanned systems and the increasing capabilities offered significantly burdens USSOCOM personnel. Human Interface seeks to integrate human considerations with and across all system elements, and is primarily concerned with designing human-machine interfaces consistent with the physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities of the SOF Operator in order to mitigate this burden. SOF is interested in technologies that will identify tasks where unmanned system performance can enhance human capabilities and seamlessly integrate visualization and control functions to expand and enhance an individual operator’s situational awareness and lethality on the battlefield. The growing utilization and dependence of technical equipment and unmanned systems by US forces and the ever increasing capabilities offered significantly burdens SOF personnel on target. Currently the focus and human input required to operate remote equipment significantly detracts from focus that can be applied to the tactical situation. This additional cognitive load not only limits operational effectiveness but degrades the opportunity to fully leverage developing technical capabilities on target. In addition, requisite training and education on current systems burdens operators and takes valuable time from other tactical training requirements. Specific areas of focus include:

4.4.1 Enhanced human-machine interface to allow the seamless ingestion of collected information and the control of technical and unmanned/autonomous systems in order to capitalize on the opportunity to fully leverage developing technical capabilities with minimal operator focus.

4.4.2 Automation of tasks and decisions suited for technical accomplishment thereby lowering operator cognitive load during combat operations (i.e., automated decision making support).

This includes the use of machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analysis, or other strategies and/or technology to increase the speed and accuracy of the observe–orient–decide– act (OODA) loop decision cycle.

4.4.3 Ability to provide eye protection and maintain normal unaided vision while displaying a range of easily digestible visual data with minimal interference to the operator’s field of view or visual situational awareness.

4.4.4 The use of novel, non-invasive strategies and/or technology to speed the acquisition of new skills, more rapidly reach skill proficiency, and prevent degradation of acquired skills.

4.4.5 SOF is interested in an enhanced capability to perform virtual exercises and mission planning/rehearsal. A system that enables high fidelity, distributed collaboration on requirements development, mission planning, and mission rehearsal to assure mature and effective concepts, CONOPS, and plans.

4.5 Hyper Enabled Operator Capability Focus Area

Introduction: This capability area seeks technologies to deliver cognitive overmatch to SOF Operators working at the edge in austere, contested, and denied environments. Such technologies will enable SOF Operators to intuitively use information made available by next generation sensors, networks, computing and communication systems to rapidly build situation awareness; make timely, well-informed decisions; and take actions inside an adversary’s ability to react. The physical and logistical footprints of these technologies must be small enough to permit their use without compromising Operators’ speed, agility, and stealth.

4.5.1 Human-Machine Teaming: Hardware and software solutions that permit SOF Operators to interact with and control computing assets and autonomous vehicles while maintain normal sensory awareness of and manual interaction with their other equipment and the local environment.

4.5.2 Data Visualization: Multi-modal interfaces and associated information presentation designs that permit SOF Operators to receive and intuitively understand networked information from communication, computing, and sensor systems. Physical aspects of the technology must not unduly interfere with the Operator’s native ability to see, hear, or feel the local environment nor constrain the Operator’s ability to move.

4.5.3 Modeling, Simulation, and Evaluation: Synthetic environments and analytical tools with which to evaluate and predict potential mission impact of new technologies, or novel applications of existing technology--including, but not limited to, teaming systems, robotics, machine learning and data analytics, advanced life support and trauma management, data and RF environment visualization, electronic warfare and cyber capabilities, and non-traditional communication methods. These tools and environments may be able to iteratively evaluate the impact of advanced control, display, and information technologies on the mission performance of dismounted SOF Operators. Viable solutions should consider an intuitive user interface that allows creation and modification of the characteristics of simulated operational environments and enables objective assessment of multiple user-defined performance metrics. Summary metrics to objectively assess the impact of new technologies on the Operator’s situation awareness and cognitive workload.

4.6 Next Generation Mobility and Signature Management Capability Focus Area:

Introduction: USSOCOM seeks technologies that provide the SOF Operator with improved and versatile mobility capabilities in ground, air and maritime operating environments.

Signature Management Submission Instructions: White papers on this topic shall not be submitted through the process used for the rest of this BAA. Submissions that are signature management related requires 2 steps. First, a general unclassified description should be submitted on the BAA web page and do not attach documents to that submission on the web page. Second, a CD/DVD or document should be mailed to the address provided below. White papers and quad charts shall be written to a standard format CD/DVD and mailed to the following address or submitted through secure channels as appropriate:

USSOCOM

SOF AT&L-ST, ATTN: James Griffin 7701 Tampa Point Boulevard MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5323 Submissions must be postmarked by the BAA submission deadline in order to be considered

4.6.1 Signature Management: USSOCOM seeks solutions for signature reduction in visual, infrared, radio frequency, and acoustics for currently fielded and future systems. USSOCOM is interested in advanced technologies which provide multispectral signature reduction for personnel and platforms while minimizing the size, weight and power requirements.

Technologies that provide exceptional performance will be considered for next generation platforms and personnel solutions. Contractors and organizations selected for projects in this area will likely require active security clearances and cleared working facilities.

4.6.1.1 Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) apertures: USSOCOM seeks submissions for reduced signature installation concepts for a variety of fielded or next generation EO/IR systems.

4.6.2 Next Generation Mobility: USSOCOM seeks capabilities/concepts for next generation mobility platforms that are versatile, increase SOF mobility capabilities and offer reduced multispectral signature management characteristics. SOF is interested in a truly “All Terrain” system that is capable of navigating multiple environments (i.e. mountains, snow, water and desert) and is interoperable with existing logistical systems. Both manned and unmanned solutions are acceptable for submission.

4.6.2.1 Additional areas of interest related to this topic would include advanced materials, hybrid/electric considerations, designs that are able to traverse difficult terrain, preferably transportable within current logistics considerations and increase range/speed capabilities.

4.6.2.2 Maritime radar: USSOCOM seeks submissions for low power maritime radar technologies that provide detection, track and identification capabilities that are lightweight, reliable and tailorable for installation on a wide variety of platforms.

4.7 Other Technologies of Interest to SOF AT&L (non-disruptive):

4.7.1 Improved Rotary Wing Helmet: USSOCOM has a need for an improved helmet system for rotary wing (RW) pilots and aircrew. The proposed helmet systems shall exceed the performance of the currently fielded RW helmet Aircrew Integrated Helmet System, HGU-56/P (AIHS). USSOCOM is interested in pursuing opportunities through white papers and functioning prototypes for the Next Generation RW helmet. In addition, the proposed helmet system shall include design considerations that provides the following improvements:

• Significantly improved head mobility and field of view compared to the existing HGU- 56/P when inside the cockpit

• Improved comfort and stability for a minimum of 8 hours of continuous use interoperable use in conjunction with existing Night Vision Device (NVD), oxygen delivery system, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) mask

• The helmet system shall integrate and be interoperable with:

o Aircraft Internal Communications System (ICS) for SOF RW aircraft o SOF handheld communications radios such as the AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR), AN/PRC-152A Multiband Handheld Radio (MBHHR), and AN/PRC-163 Multi-Channel Handheld Radio (MCHHR) o M45 Aircrew CBRN mask, Joint Service Aircrew Mask - Rotary Wing (JSAM RW)

MPU-5

o Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System - 6 (ANVIS-6) o First Spear Aviation Body Armor Vest o Elbit Common Helmet Mounted Display (CHMD)

4.7.2 New Materials for Advanced Armor Applications: Recent advancements in armor performance and weight reduction have been primarily due to novel and/or improved processing techniques of existing armor materials. While these approaches have been relatively successful, disruptive gains in vehicular and dismounted soldier armor require focusing at the materials science level, to include microstructure and mechanical property enhancements of existing solutions, and the development of new armor materials. USSOCOM is particularly interested in new polymer and fiber technologies that simultaneously improve failure strain and ultimate tensile strength properties in order to improve ballistic performance and reduce the weight of all-composite and ceramic/composite armor.

5.0 Supplemental Submission Instructions and Information:

5.1 Submission Website: All Offeror’s submitting white papers shall complete requisite data fields for USSOCOM-BAAST-15 Appendix N at the following URL: https://www.socom.mil/SOF- ATL/Pages/baa.aspx. If you experience problems uploading attachments, you are still required to complete requisite data fields and then email attachments to BAAST15N@socom.mil.

Subject line of email should state, “White Paper-Topic Area-STBAA15N-Company Name.”

5.2 Technology Development Cost and Schedule: Offerors are advised to consider if the proposed solution meets the follow criteria:

5.2.1 S&T Activities: USSOCOM desires proposals that conform to the definitions of Applied Research or Advanced Technology Development. Please refer to the DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 2B, Chapter 5 for the full definitions. The abbreviated definitions are listed below:

Applied Research- Applied research is defined as systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to determine the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met.

Advanced Technology Development- Includes all efforts that have moved into the development and integration of hardware for field experiments and tests.

5.2.2 Technology Readiness Level (TRL): USSOCOM desires proposals with TRLs between two and five. The TRL definitions are listed below:

TRL 2- Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies.

TRL 3- Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept.

Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.

Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative.

TRL 4- Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively “low fidelity” compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory.

TRL 5- Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment.

TRL 6- System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment.

Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness.

5.2.3 Cost and Schedule: In addition to the S&T activities and TRL, USSOCOM desires proposals that have between $3 to $10 million total cost of development and between 24 to 60 months to complete all efforts required to obtain a TRL of 6 (refer to section 5.2.2 for definition) and for each submission under USSOCOM-BAAST-2015 Appendix N. Offerors do not have to conform to the cost and schedule criteria outlined in this section but they may or may not be considered for award. If an offeror does not conform to the cost and schedule criteria outlined in this section, the offeror is highly encouraged to provide rationale why their proposal does not meet the cost and schedule criteria and why it still meets the S&T activities and TRL criteria.

5.3 White Paper Review Periods: USSOCOM SOF AT&L-ST intends to conduct scientific reviews within approximately 45 days of the closure of this addendum. At the end of the review, USSOCOM will notify Offerors whether their white papers were selected for submission of a proposal. For planning purposes, a notional white paper evaluation schedule is provided. Future changes to this notional schedule may not be published and are at the sole discretion of the Government.

5.3.1 Notional Evaluation Period: White papers submitted from May 14, 2019, to June 14, 2019, will be evaluated from June 17, 2019, to July 31, 2019, with Offerors being contacted regarding the scientific review results of their white papers in August 2019.

6.0 White Paper Review Criteria

6.1 Review Criteria: The Government will review each white paper and select the Offerors that have the greatest potential to meet the needs of USSOCOM technology requirements. Initially, a determination will be made if each Offeror is responsive to the BAA criteria (S&T Activities, TRL, and Cost and Schedule), is technically qualified, and has a comprehensive understanding to undertake the development of the technology based on the information stated in the white paper. In accordance with USSOCOM-BAAST-2015, Section 4.3.1, the Government will determine the most technically competent and capable of the qualified Offerors using the following criteria:

6.1.1 Importance to Agency Programs: The degree to which the technical approach is relevant to the proposed area of interest.

6.1.2 Technical: The degree to which the technical approach is disruptive, innovative, feasible, achievable, complete and supported by a technical team that has the expertise and experience to accomplish the proposed tasks. This includes an evaluation of the probability for transition of this effort into an acquisition program, a military system, or other military capability. Additional salient characteristics surrounding the technical approach include a brief discussion on 1) Theoretical Rationale, Scientific Methods, and Research, 2) Significance, Relevance, Disruption, and Innovation, 3) Impact to SOF, 4) Technical Risk, as well as 5) Personnel and Facilities.

6.1.3 Schedule: The degree to which the proposed schedule is achievable; the resources, facilities, and equipment available; and the allocation of time per major task.

6.1.4 Funding Availability: The Government will review the proposed Rough Order of Magnitude to determine if it is a fair estimate of the proposed scope of work and whether funds are available to support the proposed scope of work.