USSOCOM_STBAA2015_Appendix_H_Final_02Mar2016.docx

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES ACQUISITION, TECHNOLOGY, AND LOGISTICS

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

APPENDIX H

TO

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

USSOCOM-BAAST-2015

1.0 Introduction: USSOCOM Science and Technology Directorate’s (SOF AT&L-ST) vision is to Discover, Enable, and Transition technologies to provide an asymmetric advantage for Special Operations Forces (SOF). SOF AT&L-ST has identified specific technology Areas of Interest to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to the SOF warfighter.

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 H

2.5 Points of Contact (POCs):

Contracting Officer:

Primary: Ms. Nicoele Karas, Phone 813-826-6101 Email nicoele.karas@socom.mil

Contract Specialist:

Alternate: Ms. Janina Lewis, Phone 813-826-8909 Email janina.lewis@socom.mil

Technical POC: Mr. Patrick Carley, Phone 813-826-5584 Email patrick.carley@socom.mil

3.0 Closing Date: This BAA Addendum will close on April 18, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, unless superseded, amended, or cancelled.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:

USSOCOM is interested in receiving white papers from all responsible sources from industry, academia, individuals, and Government organizations capable of providing the design, development, and testing of SOF AT&L-ST related technologies. The intent is to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) warfighter. Technology may include, but are not limited to:

4.1 Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4):

4.1.1 Position Location Information (PLI) for Disadvantaged Environments. USSOCOM seeks to develop the ability to determine location information of friendly and enemy forces without relying upon GPS. Current tactics, techniques, and procedures depend heavily on equipment that can be jammed or spoofed to prevent the device from acquiring GPS data. Additionally, a map and compass does not provide the needed accuracy for targeting and data on a map may be dated and therefore unreliable. An accurate PLI capability that does not rely on GPS may be provided through a combination of technologies leveraging signals of opportunity, triangulation, integrated miniature gyroscopes, celestial sensors, terrain mapping, and/or deployable transmitters similar to those used for Long range ship navigation (LoranC). PLI gained through this capability will be overlaid on a geo-rectified moving map application. PLI data must provide Category II (15 meters) or better coordinates for the location of the operator and/or identified targets of interest. Submissions should consider that the PLI for Disadvantaged Environments device:

· Be compatible with mobile application or system inherent in a mobile application.

· Collect sensor data from the device enabled sensors and/or small external plugin devices.

· Provides accessibility to Category II or better coordinates for other device applications.

· Delivers a CoT-enabled feed for other connectible devices via Ethernet, serial, USB, or IP communication devices.c

· Maintains accuracy while in movement by foot, ground vehicle, and/or aircraft.

· Should be at least Windows compatible or Windows, Android, and iOS compatible.

· Lasts from 8-24 hours.

4.1.2 Scalable, Mobile, and Over-The-Horizon (OTH) Communication Networks. USSOCOM seeks to develop network-centric technologies that enable operators to securely and reliably communicate digital data, audio, audio/video, and high-resolution imagery over the horizon and on the move, with each other and to interoperate with other maritime/joint/combined forces and headquarters. Technologies should support distributed and coordinated maneuver, leverage joint fires, and provide searchable, real- time information to operators conducting surface, subsurface, land, and airborne special operations.

4.1.3 Security and Network Management/Monitoring of Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET). MANET routing protocols are commonly assumed to be entirely self-managing: routers, running such a protocol, perceive the topology of the MANET by means of control message exchange. Any change to the topology is reflected in the local routing tables of each router after a bounded convergence time, which allows forwarding of data traffic towards its intended destination. USSOCOM seeks to develop the capability for external management and monitoring of a MANET routing protocol to optimize parameters of the routing protocol to perform different management activities, such as network configuration, monitoring of state, monitoring of performance, fault management, and software upgrades. USSOCOM also seeks to develop solutions that will allow for remote control of MANET reporting functions, but local generation of performance reports to allow for continuous collection during periods of disconnection.

4.1.4 Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Waveform to Allow SOF Operators to Move Data in the Battle Space. USSOCOM seeks to develop tactical communications that use difficult to detect RF waveforms that still can move large amounts of data in the battle space. Research results of systems that involve interaction of Radio Frequency (RF)/Microwave/ Millimeter (MM)-Wave and optical parts of the spectrum would have direct correlation to antenna systems (wireless and arrays) and potentially provide performance improvements and decrease SWaP for integrated systems. Adherence to standards, modular, interoperable, open architecture based solutions are desired. A shift towards the preferred approach of Open Systems Architecture (OSA) in the development of Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) could also provide performance improvements and increase system efficiencies.

4.1.5 Rotary Wing Aircraft Avionics/Man Machine Interface - High Band Width Information/Data Management. SOF rotary wing (RW) aircraft is increasing its use of digital information to maintain a common operating picture of the battle space to include: Receipt and transmission of imagery and full motion video, Blue Force Tracking, and mission re-tasking. The increased use of digital data, combined with the limited crew size, has the potential to increase crew workload in managing the data, distilling the information to what is relevant to the aircrew for the mission at hand, and only off boarding data that is essential to the mission at hand. In addition, the amount of data that can be shared can exceed the capacity of data links. USSOCOM/Army SOF (ARSOF)/Air Force SOF (AFSOF) operators seek to develop the capability to:

· Exchange information across the battlefield among all assets to provide necessary situational awareness of friendly and enemy forces, assets and other relevant information for decision-making to include data sharing among airframes as well as between ground and air assets.

· Enable both air and ground forces to disseminate information on a real-time basis and control who has access to the information.

Some potential technical approaches include: a single, integrated card which hosts the software that enables this information to be ascertained from the airframe and shared via applicable waveforms that comply with current and future Army-ARSOC/Air Force-AFSOF requirements (i.e. ANW2, SRW, WNW). Dynamic range antennas which would allow dissimilar platforms to share frequencies and waveforms, and software defined modems which would allow dissimilar platforms to maximize bandwidth via existing infrastructure or unused portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Submissions should describe concepts for man-machine interface allowing for efficient management of large amounts of data, rapidly establishing ad-hoc networks, jam resistant data links, and technologies allowing for increased bandwidth communications links (e.g. through the rotor wideband SATCOM).

4.1.6 Command and Control (C2). USSOCOM seeks to develop a C2 solution that can collect, disseminate, and correlate/fuse/display user friendly threat, target, and C2 data for threat avoidance, targeting, and mission accomplishment in a timely manner. Includes Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) wireless broadband, improved ground and airborne computing, mission networking, large file dissemination, and data-at-rest encryption.

4.1.7 All Source Fusion and Distribution of Data relevant To Irregular Warfare (IW) and Combating Terrorism (CT). USSOCOM seeks to develop technologies that fuse the results of multi-source persistent surveillance and all-source data through a federation of tactical data bases, permit the movement of intelligence across multiple levels of security, and enable the distribution of actionable intelligence data across the network in near real time.

4.1.8 Information Mangement (IM). USSOCOM seeks to develop:

· Technologies that provide the ability to perform IM during any phase of maneuver including maneuver to/from objective area, mission execution, via line of sight (LOS), beyond line of sight (BLOS), and nonline of sight (NLOS) means.

· Technologies that provide the ability to perform IM across the Range of Military Operations and/or any threat environment, within any climate or terrain. Perform collaborative IM with any mission partner or information source.

4.1.9 Open Standard Airborne ISR Transport Modem. The current USSOCOM Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (AISR) fleet employs multiple data link systems to provide Line-of-Site (LOS) and Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) transport for sensor data transport. These systems are proprietary and create increased costs across the portfolio. This is because each system is unique and incompatible; creating a dilemma in ensuring a successful ingest and distribution of sensor data from the source to the intended recipient.

USSOCOM seeks to develop a software defined modem that is agnostic to the proprietary waveforms and modems employed today. It will provide the capability to utilize not only Ku (12.75GHz to 13.25 GHz) but also Ka (27.5 GHz and 31 GHz), and X [7.25 GHz to 7.75 GHz (Space to Earth) and 7.9 GHz to 8.4 GHz (Earth to Space)] in order to provide the most operational effective and cost efficient capability for SOF missions worldwide. It will also be backwards compatible with all legacy ISR modem and transport technologies.

4.1.10 Maritime Communications/Underwater Navigation. USSOCOM seeks to develop:

- Technologies that provide enhanced directional communications capable of electronically and dynamically steerable, platform to platform line of sight communications for use in a maritime environment. The capability must be compatible with Naval Special Warfare next generation survivable crafts with regards to LPI/LPD.

- Technologies that provide SOF Combat Divers in the water column the ability to communicate with a variety of platforms including, operator to/from operator, operator to/from aircraft, operator to/from Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV)/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), operator to/from host vessel, and operator to/from sensor. The desired system will allow communications of voice, data, and video from and to operators in the water column with system functionality to a depth of 300ft and a distance of ten miles.

- Technologies that provide diver underwater navigation technologies, diver underwater secure communications system (untethered) for diver to diver, diver to SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV), and diver/SDV to airborne sensor (without floating communication buoys).

- Technologies that provide SOF operators the ability to receive and transmit data and voice over SATCOM in order to perform their missions more effectively. As such, USSOCOM seeks to develop an antenna(s) capable of SATCOM transmit/receive data and voice in the Ku band on a manned submersible platform, improving upon the performance of the current technology. The SATCOM antenna(s) must be physically small and tolerate environmental conditions experienced by various NSW submersibles. Initial submersible platforms include the SDV and Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) prototype vessels. SATCOM antenna technology must provide improved performance under significant size constraints and extreme environmental conditions. Antenna performance will be characterized by Look angle (lower, wider angle windows better), power needed (smaller better), connectivity acquisition (shorter time better), connectivity sustainment (longer duration better), satellite compatibility (current/future communications constellations) and functionality at various sea states/combined seas (higher better). Environmental performance will be characterized by depth tolerance (down to the submersible capability to be provided), temperature (air and water), and various transportation methods (ground shipping, etc.).

- Technologies that provide a low profile SATCOM antenna that can be deployed on small, low observable maritime combatant craft. This antenna shall operate in X and Ku bands, maintain satellite connectivity while craft operates in elevated seas, and transmits and receives data not less than 4 Mbit/s. Since space, weight, and power are limited on combatant craft; the size of the antenna shall be within 24 inches in diameter; may extend below the deck not more than 5 inches; and shall operate on craft power. The antenna controller shall be separate from the antenna and shall not weigh more than 20 pounds.

4.2 Cyber/Other:

4.2.1 High Fidelity Cloning of Complex Items. USSOCOM seeks to develop the capability of producing equipment items leveraging recent advancements in 3D Printing. Specifically, USSOCOM seeks the capability to take photographic images using commercially available personal devices and replicate it using small, portable 3D printers. It is expected that images will be taken in ambient environments, using the phone camera’s built in lighting capabilities. It is envisioned that the image quality would be high enough quality that it would be capable of being translated into high quality 3D printed articles. It is highly desirable that any supporting software be in the form of an “app” that is upgradable as advancements are made. Software when transferred to 3D printer must replicate both depth and size within 0.5mm when compared against the original article. X&Y axis images, if required, are acceptable. It is further desired that supporting 3D printers be capable of using a wide range of polymer “build material”.

4.2.2 Selective Near-Field Net Connectivity. USSOCOM seeks to develop the ability to selectively permit/deny net connection of personal electronic devices. It is envisioned that this capability should extend no greater than a 10M ‘bubble.’ The ability to permit/deny access should include one or more of the common methodologies of connection to the internet: WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE and 3G. It is highly desirable that any supporting software be in the form of an “app” that is upgradable as advancements are made.

4.2.3 Scalable Knowledge Management. USSOCOM seeks to develop software that creates a knowledge “blueprint” of an entity by aggregating electronic communications then triaging the most important information by relationship, tone, location and event. It is envisioned that the resulting management analytical output would be presented in such a fashion as to render it operationally actionable. It is highly desirable that any supporting software support a dashboard and a mobile-devices supported “app” that are upgradable as advancements are made.

4.2.4 Information Dominance Across Networks. USSOCOM seeks to develop employment of unique open source technologies, software analysis/advanced algorithms for Processing Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) function, exploitation of commercial networks at the tactical level, and ability to simulate environments.

4.2.5 Canine Deception. Dogs can provide an early warning to the enemy, giving them more time to respond to an assault. USSOCOM seeks to develop new tools to minimize the defensive value of dogs to the enemy. Research is required in at least three areas: Determine what specific sensory inputs trigger dogs' curiosity (auditory: footsteps, voices, olfactory, etc.); Identify potential methods to minimize or "jam" those sensory inputs; and identify remote methods to distract dogs.

4.3 Fires/Scalable Effects Weapons (SEW):

4.3.1 Enhanced Survivability Technology for SOF Aircraft – Hard Kill Defensive System Technology. SOF Rotary Wing (RW)/Fixed Wing (FW) aircraft operate in high threat environments in close contact with enemy. SOF RW/FW aircraft are vulnerable to a wide range of threats ranging from unguided Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) (hard to detect and allow minimal reaction time) to other threats utilizing a variety of guidance systems. It is increasingly difficult, and expensive, to develop defensive systems that can keep pace with the rapidly evolving and increasingly proliferated threats to SOF RW/FW aircraft. USSOCOM seeks to develop technologies that provide SOF RW/FW aircraft a highly effective and affordable defensive capability that can neutralize a wide range of threat systems independent of guidance and is effective in neutralizing (detect and engage) a wide range of threat systems. Submissions should describe a system concept for a defensive system suitable for SOF RW/FW aircraft. Submissions should consider that the Hard Kill Defensive System:

· Is capable of detecting and tracking a wide range of threats.

· The mechanism that is used to detect and engage the target cannot increase the signature of the aircraft to a point that it becomes a vulnerability.

· Is capable of engaging multiple targets through the course of a mission.

· Needs to be small, lightweight, and modular to only be installed when dictated by mission requirements.

· Has a high probability of defeating the threat.

· Does not add to crew workload.

· Is effective while operating in close proximity of friendly aircraft.

· Has a low probability of false alarm.

4.3.2 Scalable Effects Weapons (SEW). USSOCOM seeks to develop:

· Technologies that can stop/disable individuals for an extended duration, remain less lethal, and be used both on combatant and noncombatant individuals. The effect must immediately prohibit the individual's ability to perform a useful function at ranges greater than 6 ft.

· Technologies that use less lethal payloads to prevent combatant and noncombatant individuals from entering a specific area for a specified period of time.

· Technologies that will cause people to leave a facility without having to enter that facility to force their departure from the facility. May be scalable and must be less lethal to those individuals and the employed payload will not cause catastrophic damage nor destruction to the facility.

· Technologies that will stop a fast moving vehicle, 60+ mph, using Less than Lethal Weapons. The effect from the payload must slow the vehicle to a complete stop without harming the passengers and without causing catastrophic destruction to the targeted vehicle.

4.3.3 Advanced Sniper Barrels. USSOCOM seeks to develop advanced sniper barrels in 300 Winchester and 300 Norma Magnum that are lighter in weight, provide extreme accuracy (<1 moa) and at least double current barrel life while maintaining 1.25 moa accuracy extreme spread.

4.3.4 Advanced Precision Guided Munition (PGM). USSOCOM seeks to develop an expendable, small (9-18lbs) Advanced PGM solution that incorporates a high resolution day/night sensor package with video feeds and a lethal warhead that is capable of rapid beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) engagements. The Advanced PGM solution should be able to be remotely-piloted or operate autonomously. The Advanced PGM solution will have longer loiter times and ability to operate at higher altitudes in higher winds than currently available alternatives.

4.4 Human Performance:

4.4.1 Performance Enhancements. USSOCOM seeks to develop:

· Technologies such as exoskeletons, that enhance the performance of the operator by improving load carrying capacity, speed, and distance of movement.

· Technologies such as pharmaceutical products that enhance the physiological performance of the operator by improving endurance, senses, cognitive ability (think quicker), and tolerance to environmental extremes.

· Technologies that enhance SOF operators by monitoring physiological data and provide therapeutics when required.

· Technologies that enhance SOF operators to recover quicker, think quicker, and run faster.

· Technologies that allow SOF Combat Divers to dive longer/deeper.

· Technologies to migrate risk of injury and cognitive thought technologies to include artificial intelligence and cognitive computing.

· Human-machine collaborative decision making.

· Autonomous learning systems.

4.4.2 Crew Augmentation for FOSOV. USSOCOM seeks to develop ground mobility systems that integrate crew augmentation technologies that reduce cognitive loading and accommodate a smaller force. USSOCOM seeks to develop multi-tasking systems that can accommodate redundant processes and integrate multiple systems into a single system control (weapon system control, navigation control, battlefield awareness, multi-screen incorporation, etc.) that can automate redundant processes and integrate multiple systems into a single system control and vehicle automation that improves safe vehicle operation in all combat environments. Integrating systems and automating processes would require fewer operators per vehicle while maintaining combat effectiveness and improving safe operations. Possible technical approaches include, scalable vehicle automation, integrated situational awareness, communications, and weapon control systems, and hands-free control of vehicle systems.

4.5 Mobility:

4.5.1 Unmanned Systems. USSOCOM seeks to develop:

· Technologies for Launch/recovery from Sea, Air, Land using multi-Intelligence (INT) payloads providing integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Recconnaisance (ISR) across sensors.

· Technologies for dismounted/mounted UAS operations in a runway independent expeditionary environment (light weight launch/recovery systems – no launch/recovery systems).

· Technologies for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) to include maritime environment (VTOL from boat to boat).

· Technologies for unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) operations using untethered autonomous platforms with unique attachment methods for Tagging, Tracking and Locating (TTL)/Tags (must be considered as a system of system - platform, communications, attachment method, and payload).

· Technologies for unique maritime TTL/Tags that are able to track moving underwater objects and report underwater tracking information to airborne sensors.

· Technologies for advanced manned-unmanned system operations (cooperative operations and “smart swarm” operations).

4.5.2 Diver Thermal Protection. USSOCOM seeks to develop the capability for either passive or active diver thermal systems to maintain diver thermal temperatures in extreme variations of water for both cold and warm water scenarios for a minimum of five hours. Diver thermal systems are needed for both active divers with no umbilical in addition to systems needed to be interoperable with potential wet and dry submersibles. This project will provide life support for SOF Combat Divers and expand upon the mission profile for Concepts of Operation (CONOPS) already in existence that are unable to be supported. This is a capability needed not only nationally but internationally with our Special Forces Equipment Capabilities (SFEC) partners as well. Submissions must clearly state one of the following two development paths for diver thermal protection:

· Provide a concept report on an innovative technology currently at TRL 4 or below.

· Provide a diver thermal management system under development that is matured to a TRL 7.

4.5.3 Active Ride Control. USSOCOM seeks to develop a maritime ride control system as a means to prove the viability and overall advantages associated with vessel stabilization aboard high speed marine crafts. SOF surface systems desires a system that autonomously and dynamically corrects and adjusts craft systems, including trim tabs. The purpose is to significantly improve the ride quality aboard high speed crafts in elevated sea states. The project will improve crafts stability in extreme sea states in-turn enhancing the Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman’s ability to perform their missions. Submissions should consider an Active Ride Control system that can achievea Spine Stress Dose (Sed) (8 hrs) <4.7 Megapascal (MPa) up to a Sed (8 hrs) < 3.9 MPa.

4.5.4 Armored Vehicle Extrication. USSOCOM/SOF Special Tactics (ST) seek to develop technologies that provide a capability to safely and rapidly recover personnel and equipment from armored troop carriers and non-standard Fully Armored Vehicles (FAV). Current equipment requires use of mechanical methodologies, which are heavy, slow, prone to failure, and require generators or large quantities of rechargeable batteries. Solutions must not harm personnel trapped in vehicles, be lightweight, one-man operable, and rapidly deployable. Submissions should consider an armored vehicle extrication solution:

· That is single man operable.

· Removes armored hinges and breaches Ml129Al armor or equivalent.

· Poses minimal hazards to operator and minimal hazard to occupants.

· Can be immediately deployed in <5 minutes.

· Incorporates multiple breach point capability for gaining multiple access points.

4.6 Optical Electronics:

4.6.1 Curser on Target (CoT) Integrated Heads Up Display (HUD). Systems producing CoT data are becoming more widely employed to provide battlespace situational awareness (SA) data. It is essential for a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) to accurately view this SA data to aid in rapidly identifying aircraft location as it relates to friendly and enemy positions. However, these feeds are typically only available in operations centers or on heads down displays (laptop, tablets, and phones). USSOCOM seeks to develop a CoT integrated HUD which displays friendly and enemy positions as well as aircraft positions, call signs, and altitudes as icons on the HUD so that a JTAC has an instantaneous air picture for them to action. With a CoT Integrated HUD, SOF would have the ability to intuitively gain situational awareness of the environment and see icons of the aircraft positions, aircraft sensor points of interest (SPis), position location information (PLI) of other ground players (friend or foe), as well as potentially view live video. Submissions should consider a CoT HUD that:

· Integrates into current eye protection equipment or Ballistic Clear Glasses with Fusion/Panoramic night vision goggles (NVG).

· Integrates with current PLI data sources (i.e. Android and/or CoT Radios).

· Incorporates an intuitive user friendly interface.

· Displays compass direction, distance, and current grid.

· Rapidly enables/disables HUD overlay in case of close quarters combat situations.

· Can be powered off of other equipment with minimal cabling.

· Has wired information assurance or is wireless with information assurance.

4.6.2 Precision Moving Target Geo-Location. USSOCOM/ARSOF seeks to develop a small, lightweight man-portable precision moving target geo-location system that incorporates the ability to effectively and efficiently determine target coordinates and geo‐locate moving targets to an accuracy of ½ mil in all weather conditions. SWaP, ruggedness, ease of use, accuracy, and range are highest priority capability objectives.

4.6.3 High Resolution, 3D, and Multi-color Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR), Multiple Moving Target tracking for Group IV/V UAS and Manned Fixed Wing ISR. USSOCOM seeks to develop technologies for current SOF aircraft readily configured payloads for Group IV/V UAS’s and manned ISR platforms. These payloads include higher resolution (4K+), 3D, and multi-color cameras and IR imagers, multiple target tracking system development, medium/wide area motion imagery, sensor integration, foliage penetration (FOPEN)/Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and real-time FOPEN/LIDARs. In addition, the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of mission systems on fixed-wing platforms directly impacts the range and endurance of those platforms and therefore must be considered. Submissions should provide a concept that describes readily configurable payloads which incorporate the best achievable technologies stated above. The concept needs to state which combinations of technologies will provide better fit into existing sensor balls for unmanned and manned ISR aircraft that can be readily configured.

4.6.4 Visual Augmentation Sensor Denial. USSOCOM seeks to develop the ability to achieve denial of enemy visual augmentation systems (VAS) capability during select phases of combat operations. These phases include but are not limited to infiltration, exfiltration, actions on the objective with all subset activities considered.

4.7 Power and Energy:

4.7.1 Auxiliary Power Technologies. USSOCOM seeks to develop innovative auxiliary power technologies for dismounts and small unit encampments that reduce the size, weight, volume and logistical burdens associated with current fuel and power sources.

4.7.2 Small High Energy Power Source. USSOCOM seeks to develop small, lightweight, high energy power source for smart tags (Tagging, Tracking, & Locating sensors) and unattended ground/maritime sensors that will significantly extend current mission life.

4.7.3 Portable Power Source. USSOCOM seeks to develop a portable power source that can improve upon batteries currently in use in the field. Current baseline devices in use are:

· The BA-5390 battery. Capacity: 333 W-Hrs,Weight: 1330g. Op Temp: -30°C to 72°C.

Size: 5.0” x 4.40” x 2.45”. Max Current: 4A. Safety: Safe for transport in ruck sack.

· SAFT LSH 20, D-cell.

· SAFT LS 17330, 2/3A size cell.

Proposed devices must reach an energy density capacity increase of at least 50% over currently in use devices. Proposed hybrid power systems would consist of power generation or harvesting combined with energy storage for surge requirements. Hybrid systems are constrained to same volume as existing devices in use. The proposed devices must be safe for human transport, transportable via maritime means, and operate at temperatures from - 30°C to 72°C. Submissions should be prototype portable power systems at TRL 5 for evaluation and follow-on prototypes at TRL 7.

4.8 Protection:

4.8.1 Head Protection. USSOCOM seeks to develop a ballistic helmet that defeats a single shot of 7.62x39mm MSC (2400-2450 ft/s) with the following ballistic transient deformation when tested on multi-sized ACH geometry clay head forms and measured with a FARO arm:

Provide minimum V50 performance against the following fragmentation projectiles:

(ft/sec)

USSOCOM is interested in determining the tradespace between the current ACH impact test requirements (two impacts @ 10 ft/s with ≤ 150 G peak acceleration, 2nd impact between 60 and 120 seconds after the first) and a single hit pad system that increases impact velocity ≥ 14 ft/s with ≤ 150 G peak acceleration; or one where the first impact increases impact velocity to ≥14 ft/s with ≤ 150 G peak acceleration and the second impact occurs longer than 120 seconds after the first impact at a lower impact velocity. Pad systems should maintain performance and comfort after exposure to environmental and operational conditions such as hot/cold temperature, saltwater and altitude. Submission needs to discuss risks associated with the development of this ballistic helmet to TRL 6.

4.8.2 Tactical Stand Alone (TSA) Ballistic Plates. USSOCOM seeks to develop Tactical Stand Alone ballistic plates (no soft armor) with the following goals:

· Ballistic plate 1 – Defeat 1 shot of 7.62 x 54R API at 2850-2900 feet per second (ft/s), and 2 shots of 7.62 x 39 mm API (2400-2450 ft/s, 4" shot spacing), less than 44 mm Back Face Deformation (BFD), less than 0.75" thickness, and a target areal density (AD) of less than or equal to 5.0 pounds per square foot (psf)

· Ballistic plate 2 - Defeat 1 shot of 7.62 x 51 mm M993 at 3050-3100 ft/s, less than 44 mm BFD, less than 1.0" thickness, and a target AD of less than or equal to 6.5 psf. Submission needs to discuss risks associated with the development of this TSA ballistic plate to TRL 6.

4.9 Signature Management:

4.9.1 Advanced Signature Management. USSOCOM seeks to develop the ability to remain undetected in any way (RF, EO/IR, acoustic, etc.) at close range and in any environment by any currently fielded or developmental sensors. USSOCOM is interested in advanced technologies which provide multispectral signature management for personnel and vehicles while minimizing the size, weight, power and operational burdens on the operator. Preference is for technologies that can be integrated into existing uniforms and vehicles without impacting their operational performance. However, technologies that provide exceptional performance will be considered for next generation vehicles and special purpose uniforms. Contractors selected for projects in this area will likely require active security clearances and cleared working facilities.

4.9.2 Advanced Signature Management Submission Instructions: White papers on this topic shall not be submitted through the process used for the rest of this BAA. Any offerrors wishing to be considered for this topic area should fill out the online submission form as instructed for the other topic areas but do not attach any documents to the form. White papers and quad charts shall be written to a CD and mailed to the following address or submitted through secure channels as appropriate:

USSOCOM

ATTN: SOF AT&L-ST, Steven Cox 7701 Tampa Point BLvd MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5323 Submissions must be postmarked by the BAA submission deadline in order to be considered. Any submissions that do not correspond to a form submitted to the BAA web page and any submissions where the white paper and quad chart are submitted on-line instead of mailed in will not be considered.

5.0 Submission Instructions for – Appendix H – USSOCOM Directorate of Science and Technology (SOF AT&L-ST) Appendix to USSOCOM-BAAST-2015.

5.1 Technology Development Cost and Schedule: Offerors are advised to consider a limit of not more than $3 million total cost of development and not more than 24 months to complete all efforts for each submission under USSOCOM-BAAST-2015 Appendix H. Offerors may exceed this amount, but they may or may not be considered for award due to cost and schedule constraints and/or other statutory or regulatory requirements.

5.2 White Paper Submission and Review Periods: USSOCOM SOF AT&L-ST intends to conduct scientific and peer 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.

5.2.1 Notional Evaluation Period – White papers submitted from March 2, 2016, to April 18, 2016, will be evaluated from April 19, 2016, to May 31, 2016, with Offerors being contacted regarding the scientific peer review results of their white papers in June 2016.

5.3 Criteria, Relative Importance, and Method for Selecting Proposals for Award:

5.3.1 Review Method: The Government will review each white paper and select the Offerors that have the greatest potential to meet the needs of USSOCOM technology requirements based on the areas stated in USSOCOM-BAAST-2015 Appendix H. Initially, a determination will be made if each Offeror is technically qualified and has a comprehensive understanding to undertake the development of the technology based on the information stated in the white paper. The Government will determine the most technically competent and capable of the qualified Offerors using the criteria below.

5.3.2 Review Criteria: The Government will review the Offeror's capability to meet the technology requirements using the following specific criteria listed in descending order of importance:

5.3.2.1 Relevance: The Government will review the Offeror's description of the technology and the USSOCOM unique technology need that it meets for the technical challenges listed in paragraphs 4.0 - 4.9 of this USSOCOM-BAAST-2015 Appendix H.

5.3.2.2 Innovative or Revolutionary Technology: The Government will assess the Offeror's capability to satisfy the technical challenges and design objectives by reviewing the Offeror's unique, innovative, or revolutionary approach; technical risk and mitigation plan; the ability to achieve technology maturity; and other technical data/information conveyed.

5.3.2.3 Price/Cost: Cost realism and reasonableness will be considered to the extent appropriate.

5.3.2.4 Schedule: The Offeror's schedule will be evaluated based on the reasonable level of effort and complexity of the technology; the resources, facilities, and equipment available; and the allocation of time per major task.

5.3.3 Notification of Selection: All Offerors submitting white papers will be contacted by the Government, either with written correspondence informing them that the effort proposed is not of interest to the Government, or with a request for a formal cost and technical proposal by a specified date.

5.4 Document Submissions - General: All Offeror documents, to include white papers, technical proposals, statements of work, and cost proposals, shall be submitted in electronic format. Offerors may submit their documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe Acrobat. Quad charts or briefing presentations may be submitted in Microsoft Power Point. All Offeror’s submitting white papers shall complete requisite data fields for USSOCOM-BAAST-15 Appendix H at the following URL: http://www.socom.mil/sordac/Pages/BAAHome.aspx.

NOTE: See special instructions in paragraph 4.9.2 for responses to the Advanced Signature Management Techology Area of Interest.

If you experience problems uploading attachments, you are still required to complete requisite data fields and then email attachments to BAAST15H@socom.mil. Subject line of email should state, “White Paper-Topic Area-STBAA15H-Company Name.”