BAA_I2WD_-_26_August_2019.pdf

BAA I2WD 2019

Solicitation Number: W56KGU-19-R-9999

United States Army

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence Surveillance and

Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate

(I2WD)

Broad Agency Announcement

I2WD 2019

Issued by: Army Contracting Command- Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) 26 August 2019

Distribution A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Table of Contents

PART I – INTRODUCTION

PART II – GENERAL

PART III – RESEARCH INTERESTS

Preamble Topic title: Intelligence and Information Warfare - General

TRADOC FOC-03-03: Advanced Collection, Processing, Analysis, Management and Sharing of Information TRADOC FOC-03-05: Information Protection TRADOC FOC-03-06: Situational Understanding TRADOC FOC-03-08: Information Operations TRADOC FOC-04-01: Sensor Fusion TRADOC FOC-09-01: Survivability and Force Protection TRADOC FOC-10-01: Understand the Battlespace Environment TRADOC FOC-10-05: Enable Force Protection and Security

Topic title: Collect - Advanced Radio Frequency Technology and Techniques for Signal Intelligence

SIGINT Sub-Topic #1 – Antenna Design for Airborne and Ground Platforms SIGINT Sub-Topic #2 – RF Techniques to Enhance SIGINT Receivers SIGINT Sub-Topic #3 – Tactical SIGINT Capabilities

Topic title: Collect – Signals Intelligence for Conventional Analog/Digital Signals & Low Probability of Intercept Signals

SIGINT Sub-Topic #1 – COMINT Enhancements for Conventional Signals SIGINT Sub-Topic #2 – Advanced Receiving Techniques SIGINT Sub-Topic #3 – Advanced Geolocation Techniques SIGINT Sub-Topic #4 – Individual Specific Emitter Identification (SEI) SIGINT Sub-Topic #5 – Issues Peculiar to High Frequency Electronic Support Measures SIGINT Sub-Topic #6 – Multi-Intelligence Electronic Support (ES) for Integrated Electronic Warfare

Topic title: Collect – Signals Intelligence for Modern Signals SIGINT Sub-Topic #1 – Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Enhancements for Modern Signals SIGINT Sub-Topic #2 – Advanced Receivers and Receiving Techniques SIGINT Sub-Topic #3 – Platform and Antenna Array Modeling SIGINT Sub-Topic #4 – Advanced Communication Specific Emitter Identification

(SEI)

Topic Title: Multiple-Intelligence Multi-INT Sub-topic # 1 – Multi-INT Sensors for Urban Operations

Topic title: Collect Signal Intelligence for Electronic Intelligence SIGINT Sub-Topic #1 – COMINT Enhancements for ELINT SIGINT Sub-Topic #2 – Improvement of Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Techniques SIGINT Sub-Topic #3 – Precision Geolocation SIGINT Sub-Topic #4 – Emitter Identification Capability

SIGINT Sub-Topic #5 – Data Thinning & Autonomous Target Search Topic title: Collect – Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT)

MASINT Sub-Topic #1 – Active and Passive RF MASINT Technology MASINT Sub-Topic #2 – System of Systems Integration of Delivery, Processing and Dissemination Systems

Topic title: Electronic Warfare for Air and Ground Survivability EW Sub-topic #1 – Radio Frequency Sensors/ Receivers/ Countermeasures ... 33 EW Sub-topic #2 – Infrared Countermeasures EW Sub-topic #3 – Multi-Spectral Electro-Optics/Infrared/Ultraviolet Sensors for Warning/Countermeasure EW Sub-topic #4 – RADAR Countermeasures, Warning and Deception EW Sub-topic #5 – Advanced RADAR Countermeasures EW Sub-topic #6 – Electronic Deception & Advanced Signature Management . 37 EW Sub-topic #7 – Projectile Warning / Tracking using LADAR EW Sub-topic #8 – Integrated ASE (IASE) Hardware/Host Evaluation EW Sub-topic #9 – Advanced Radar Warning Receiver Demonstration

Topic Title: Cyber Electro-Magnetic Activities (CEMA) Electronic Warfare (EW) .. 40 CEMA EW Sub-Topic #1 – Communications Electronic Warfare CEMA EW Sub-Topic #2 – Electronic Warfare-Enabled Cyber CEMA EW Sub-Topic #3 – Distributed and/or Coherent Electronic Warfare CEMA EW Sub-Topic #4 – Electronic Warfare (other)

Topic Title: Cyber Electro-Magnetic Activities (CEMA) Cyber Operations / Offensive Cyber Operations

CEMA CO / OCO Sub-Topic #1 –Cyber Operations CEMA CO / OCO Sub-Topic #2 – Cyber EW Framework CEMA CO / OCO Sub-Topic #3 – Software Agent Technologies CEMA CO / OCO Sub-Topic #4 –Offensive Cyber Technique Development CEMA CO / OCO Sub-Topic #5 – Adversarial Use of Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence as Applied to Cyber CEMA CO / OCO Sub-Topic #6 – Machine Learning / Artificial Intelligence Applications for Autonomous Cyber

Topic Title: Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Technologies ISR Sub-Topic #1: Radar Technologies and Techniques ISR Sub-topic # 2 – Radar Applications ISR Sub-topic # 3 – Fusion ISR Sub-topic # 4 – Modeling and Simulation ISR Sub-topic # 5 – Multi-Intelligence Analysts Functions ISR Sub-topic # 6 – Biometric INTEL Processing ISR Sub-topic # 7 – INTEL & Battle Command Collaboration ISR Sub-topic # 8 – Collection & Sensor Management ISR Sub-topic # 10 – INTEL Exploitation and Analysis

Topic Title: Fusion Methodologies Fusion Sub-topic # 1 – ISR Exploitation Supporting Fusion Fusion Sub-topic # 2 – Predictive Analysis and Estimation

Topic title: Command and Control Protect, Network Vulnerability, C5ISR Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Analyses

C2 Sub-topic #1 - Blue Attack Blue Topic Title – Combat Identification

CID Sub-topic # 1 – Cooperative Target Identification CID Sub-topic # 2 – Non-Cooperative Target Identification

Topic Title – Weather Sensor Technologies Topic title: Unattended Sensors Topic title: Unmanned Vehicles

UV Sub-topic # 1 – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UV Sub-topic # 2 – Unmanned Ground Vehicles

PART IV – PROPOSAL GENERAL INFORMATION

PART V – PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

1. Eligibility

2. Contents

3. Technical and Management

4. Cost

5. Submission

6. Government Evaluation

7. Assessment Categories

REFERENCES

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

PART I – INTRODUCTION

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), solicitation number W56KGU-19-R-9999, sponsored by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD) shall be open five years from date of issue. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 35.016(c) this BAA will be publicized through the Government wide point of entry (GPE) and the notice will be published no less frequently than annually. The BAA is issued under the provisions of paragraph 6.102(d)(2) of the FAR which provides for the competitive selection of research proposals submitted in response to this announcement. Accordingly, proposals selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and fully compliant with Public Law (PL) 98-369, “The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984”.

This BAA is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to make an award or pay proposal preparation costs generated in response to this announcement.

The C5ISR encourages industry interested in conducting scientific research, including educational institutions, small businesses, small disadvantaged business concerns, historically black colleges, university and minority business enterprises, and institutions to submit proposals. Eligible prospective offerors also include Canadian firms participating in the Defense Development Sharing Program (DDSP).

Questions concerning contractual, cost, pricing, or proposal format may be directed to Tim Ward, Contracting Officer, 443-861-4640, e-mail: timothy.b.ward.civ@mail.mil.

Questions concerning the receipt of your submission should be directed to the I2WD Acquisition Branch, e-mail: usarmy.apg.ccdc-c5isr.list.i2wd-ops-acq-br-gov@mail.mil

Technical questions may be directed to the appropriate Technical Points of Contact (TPOC), topic authors, and/or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to request clarification of their areas of interest and/or to engage in informal discussions. White papers and outlines are encouraged before a final proposal is prepared and submitted to the attention of designated TPOC of I2WD. No discussions are to be held with offerors by the technical staff after proposal submission without permission of the ACC-APG Contracting Officer.

Funds are not presently available for the research interests represented in this Broad Agency Announcement. No contract award will be made unless appropriated funds are available for research and development. Prospective offerors are reminded that only a duly warranted Contracting Officer may obligate the Government to an agreement involving expenditure of Government funds.

PART II – GENERAL

Offerors shall make their proposals valid for at least 180 days. Offerors shall complete the representations and certifications set forth in Appendix A.

If an Offeror’s proposal is determined to require access to, or require the generation of, classified information, appropriate security clearances will be required of the Offeror and a DD Form 254 will be generated. Any classified materials submitted must be identified, marked, and packaged in accordance with the most up to date Industrial Security Manual. Proposals containing proprietary data should be marked "UNCLASSIFIED - For Official Use Only."

The Government intends to award cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) type contracts concerning this BAA. However, offerors may propose alternate contract types or other transaction type agreements providing that the alternative is supported in the proposal.

Also, the Government reserves the right to select the contract type as a matter of negotiation.

Each offeror's cost proposal shall contain sufficient quantitative and narrative documentation necessary to adequately support and explain the costs proposed, to include subcontractor costs. The cost narrative shall also include information demonstrating that the offeror and any subcontractors with other than firm fixed price subcontracts have accounting systems adequate for determining costs applicable to the order.

Research and development contracts awarded from this BAA will be primarily CPFF as it is not expected that the scope of the contract will be sufficiently defined to allow for a firm fixed price contract. Potential offerors should be aware that in accordance with FAR 16.301-3(a), a cost-reimbursement contract may only be used when the contractor’s accounting system is adequate for determining costs applicable to the contract. Determination of adequacy is normally performed by DCAA.

Special consideration shall be given to R&D proposals that exhibit revolutionary and innovative problem solutions. Revolutionary, in this context, means a far-reaching change that improves capabilities well beyond what was initially envisioned. Moving from having no operational capability to satisfy a listed Army requirement to having an initial, demonstrable prototype capability also fits the context of “revolutionary.”

PART III – RESEARCH INTERESTS

Preamble

The U.S. Army I2WD BAA program is organized by Army application discipline. The reader may note some overlap between sections.

The research areas described may have short or long-range impact on Army Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Measurement & Signature Intelligence (MASINT), Electronic Warfare (EW), Information Operations (IO), Information Warfare (IW), Language Translation, Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Integrity, Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), Combat Identification (CID), Radio

Detecting and Ranging (RADAR), Aircraft and Ground Vehicle Survivability Equipment (ASE & GSE), Electro-Optics (EO), or Infrared (IR) requirements advancement.

If development in certain topic areas requires the interaction of several investigators from differing interdisciplinary areas, proposals for comprehensive research programs shall be considered. Only a limited number of such large programs can be initiated under this BAA. Inquiries related to comprehensive and interdisciplinary programs should be sent to the Director, USA I2WD, ATTN: RDER-IW (Deliver to: Chief Engineer, Ms. Mary A. Wills, 6605 Surveillance Loop (Building 603), Combat Drive, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005.

See included references and glossary of terms pertinent to this solicitation.

Objective: Information Dominance on the Battlefield

Topic title: Intelligence and Information Warfare - General

The future research interest topics that apply to Intelligence and Information Warfare (I2W) can be found in the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) publication of Force Operating Capabilities (FOCs).

FOCs address the pursuit of advanced warfighting capabilities and describe them in relevant operational terms. FOCs provide focus to the Army's Science and Technology Master Plan (ASTMP) and warfighting experimentation. They apply to tomorrow’s Army, conducting overmatching decisive operations on the Information Age battlefield, and beyond. United States Army TRADOC functional agencies; doctrine, training, and combat developers; as well as Army materiel developers, utilize FOCs.

FOCs are derived by an assessment of Future Force operational concepts developed by the Mission Area Assessments, Mission Needs Assessments, and Mission Solution Assessments of the Requirements Generation System. Inherent in the Future Force concepts is a full consideration of the Future Operational Environment—the threat.

Each FOC includes a detailed, stand-alone narrative of the capability’s utility on the future battlefield.

The following FOCs apply to this general topic and the other research topics within this

BAA:

TRADOC FOC-03-03: Advanced Collection, Processing, Analysis, Management and Sharing of Information.

A layered network of advanced sensors that sense in multiple domains (e.g., radio frequency, thermal, acoustical, Electro-Optical (EO), infrared (IR), and seismic) and operate independently, or as components of other systems/platforms, including dismounted soldiers, Manned/Unmanned Ground Vehicles (M/UGVs), manned/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), satellites, and even cyber-based platforms.

Networked ISR is linked to all shooters. The network of sensors requires an integrated system-of-systems, with scaleable on-board processors, utilizing automated/aided target recognition technology, to rapidly identify, evaluate, locate, and present targets and other streaming video and text information, to commanders and staffs. It requires adaptive reasoning tools that automatically collate and transform sensor data into knowledge, support it via accessible national to tactical common databases capable of providing tailorable Intelligence (INTEL) products to users at all levels. Information management tools are required, permitting the Objective Force to precisely and automatically process, fuse, focus, distribute, and display information in the form most appropriate to the user. Required capabilities include highly advanced information processing, employing automated filters, decision support aids, comparative analysis, and embedded modeling and simulation capability, distributed over multiple, redundant communications pathways, that enable the force to quickly turn information into knowledge, create Situational Understanding (SU), and share a Common Operating Picture (COP).

TRADOC FOC-03-05: Information Protection.

The Objective Force requires information protection capabilities embedded in its Information Systems (INFOSYS), as well as its organization, doctrine, procedures, and training. Information protection must proactively provide for the continuous availability of INFOSYS, authentication of participating users, confidentiality of transmissions, and non-repudiation of transmitted or received information. The Objective Force will have the capability to guard communications, networks, and computers; detect misuse or intrusion of these systems; and rapidly restore information and INFOSYS if compromised, corrupted, or destroyed. As a subset of IO, it applies to the assurance of information against threats from a thinking enemy, actively attempting to disrupt, corrupt, or exploit the flow of friendly information. Objective Force networks must provide Protect, Detect, and React capabilities that protect the system’s integrity and confidentiality, prevent unauthorized access, and reduce the probability of intercept and exploitation by hostile forces. The system must provide an automated method to protect against computer viruses, and the capability of being updated to maintain currency.

TRADOC FOC-03-06: Situational Understanding.

The bottom line is to find the enemy and to understand the situation. The key enabler of the Unit of Action (UA) concept is the enhanced situational awareness that leads to actionable SU. This is achieved by fusing information obtained through a layered network of soldiers, sensors, and collection platforms, with information on friendly forces, enemy forces, and the environment, to obtain a COP that is shared across the force.

Distributed analysis, conducted at all echelons, precludes single point intelligence failures and permits information to be directly and precisely delivered to commanders, shooters, Maneuver Support (MS), and maneuver sustainment forces. This information must provide a seamless, fully integrated, multidimensional, and tailorable Common Relevant Operating Picture (CROP), which integrates relevant information from all sources, and integrates reports from subordinates. Must provide precision geospatial terrain environment information layers (modifiable digital overlays), which support cognitive and dynamic mission planning/rehearsal, thus creating a real-time virtual decision-making capability, based upon the commander’s and battle staff’s detailed ‘knowledge’ of the physical environment. Accurate terrain representations must be developed with the commanders’ needs in mind, and provide expert knowledge at the lowest tactical echelons, providing expert local knowledge exceeding that of the local populace.

TRADOC FOC-03-08: Information Operations.

Information dominance is a core competency of the Unit of Employment (UE) that provides comprehensive SU, and generates a strategic-to-tactical infosphere.

Information operations provides the Objective Force with the capability to degrade, delay, deceive, disrupt, destroy, exploit, and/or deny an adversary’s and other’s information and INFOSYS; while protecting friendly information and INFOSYS.

Information Operations requires capabilities for blinding the enemy through use of jamming, signature reduction, deception, decoys, and pattern avoidance techniques, permitting the Objective Force to see and understand first.

Information Operations (IO) elements include synchronized Computer Network Attacks (CNA)/Computer Network Defense (CND), Psychological Operations (PSYOP), military deception, Electronic Warfare (EW), Special Information Operations (SIO), physical destruction, operational security, counterpropaganda, counter-deception, physical security of Command and Control (C2), Information Assurance (IA), Counterintelligence (CI), and related activities, such as Civil Affairs (CA) and Public Affairs (PA).

Using CNA, PSYOP, military deception, EW, SIO, physical destruction, and other capabilities, IO can be used offensively to influence ideas, perceptions, beliefs, decisions, and communication of information of enemy. Using IA, CND, PSYOP, military deception, counter-deception, EW, and other capabilities, IO can be used to defend decision-making processes, by neutralizing adversary perception management and intelligence collection efforts, and attacks on our INFOSYS.

IT-based tools will increase U.S. Army Commanders’ IO capabilities and combat power.

Examples of such tools include the Internet, global broadcast television, network attack techniques (corruption of data or Denial of Service (DoS)), electro-optic, electromagnetic, high power radio frequency, audio, and seismic weapons; special purpose/multispectral obscurants, advanced INFOSYS and network security, and ‘intelligent agents’.

TRADOC FOC-04-01: Sensor Fusion.

Fusion is the process in which data generated by multiple sources is correlated, to find the enemy, and create information and knowledge. The chain of command decides what information is required for tactical operations. There are several requirements for fusion. First is to gather information. The fusion process, operating over integrated communications networks, includes accepting data from all ISR sources, organic and external. Sensors include combat platforms and soldiers, organic manned and unmanned reconnaissance and surveillance platforms, and external constellations. The second requirement is to draw relationships between source inputs. Fusion ensures that information is not stovepiped, but is fully exploitable across the entire force. The final requirement of fusion is to provide meaning to the information that has been acquired. This, the most important function of fusion, ensures that information gets converted as quickly as possible into actionable information.

TRADOC FOC-09-01: Survivability and Force Protection.

Future combat system-based combat battalions will have organic capabilities for Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF), air/missile defense, early warning, surprise-avoidance, active and passive protection systems, and operational shielding from unconventional approaches. Future Combat Systems (FCS) must provide CID of friend, foe, and noncombatant in a joint, allied/coalition environment, through platform-to-platform (manned and unmanned, ground and air), platform-to-soldier, soldier-to-platform, and soldier-to-soldier, under all battlefield and weather conditions, across the spectrum of operations.

An additional key capability in the Objective Force’s survivability approach is hit avoidance, which includes both avoiding acquisition or tracking by enemy fire control and avoiding being struck by enemy weapons once they have been fired. Active protection measures and signature management are critical capabilities for Objective Force systems.

Detection avoidance capabilities include technologies and strategies used to mitigate or disguise signature emissions of all types (visual, audio, seismic, radar, electronic, and thermal) associated with maneuver combat. In conjunction with advanced Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) assets, suppression of these signatures to the extent that soldiers and future weapon system-of-systems are indistinguishable from their surroundings, provides the warfighter with the ultimate advantage of battlefield surprise.

TRADOC FOC-10-01: Understand the Battlespace Environment.

The five basic functions required to fully understand the Battlespace environment are:

Data Acquisition, Data Exploitation, Data Management, Data Representation, and Data Dissemination.

Required capabilities include:

1. Collection and fusion of high-resolution geospatial data, and comprehensive battlespace environment information that includes real time collection of new data, as well as supplementing existing data sets with more detail.

2. Sensor cueing and placement.

3. Stand-off wide area ISR.

4. Tailored, digitized, and usable battlespace environment data that is timely, and compatible with the network-centric environment.

5. Actionable and scalable visualization products to mitigate the threat’s ‘home-court’ advantage, displayed either visually or in some other form that is compatible with the user needs.

6. Computer-aided analysis and reasoning tools that enable prediction and understanding and provide actionable advice.

7. Reach to national and other sources, when needed.

8. Data storage, retrieval, and update capabilities.

In order to achieve unprecedented momentum and freedom of maneuver, the Objective Force must see the complete picture of the operating environment, in all of its aspects.

Further, the Objective Force must have an understanding of this picture that allows it to take away the enemy’s ‘home court advantage’, and give our leaders a better understanding of the environment than our adversaries. Objective Force units will see first by detecting, identifying, and tracking the individual components of enemy units.

Advanced technologies that lead to unprecedented ISR capabilities, coupled with other ground, air, and space sensors, are networked to provide a common integrated operational picture that will enable seeing the enemy, both in whole and in part, as a complex, adaptive organization.

TRADOC FOC-10-05: Enable Force Protection and Security.

Provide full range of security operations, including proactive measures and response forces, to foster protected movement of forces between operating areas in ‘gray spaces’ (includes cueing and early warning to the lowest levels).

Required capabilities include:

1. Means to obscure the full range of RSTA and electromagnetic threats, both to protect friendly forces, and to attack enemy forces.

2. Combat Identification (CID), Friend-Foe, and Neutral information in support of current and future operations.

3. Antiterrorism and Facility Planning (FP) equipment and vulnerability assessment planning tools.

4. Integrated ISR and dynamic sensors for standoff detection/assessment, to aggressively perform FP and security operations.

More information on each FOC can be found in TRADOC Pam 525-66, 7 March 2008, Force Operating Capabilities. This document is available on the TRADOC homepage at http://www.tradoc.army.mil/

Topic title: Collect - Advanced Radio Frequency Technology and Techniques for Signal Intelligence

The purpose of Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) is to intercept intentionally transmitted signals. These signals can be categorized and defined as Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and / or Communication Intelligence (COMINT). COMINT, one of the primary SIGINT disciplines, includes information derived from intercepted communications transmissions. COMINT targets voice and teleprinter traffic, video, Morse code traffic, or even facsimile messages. COMINT can be collected from the airwaves, or any other transmission medium. ELINT includes the interception and analysis of non-communications transmission, such as radar. Signals intelligence collection can be performed from a variety of platforms. Examples include overt as well as covert ground collection sites; ships and aircraft. SIGINT facilities can monitor transmissions from communications satellites, as well as terrestrial facilities. This topic is concerned with identifying and developing revolutionary and evolutionary technologies, e.g., RF front-end components and signal transmission techniques, which will provide a new and enhanced operational capability and/or improve existing SIGINT capabilities.

SIGINT systems must operate over a wide frequency range to address COMINT and ELINT requirements. The need exists for components, e.g., antennas and receivers that can operate over wide instantaneous bandwidths, detect and identify conventional and modern digital signals, are reconfigurable, and can operate in multiple physical and signal environments. State-of-the-art software should control the receivers, classifiers, down converters, or other hardware used in RF collection and processing. It is desirable that the system can be interchangeable in function; e.g., COMINT and/or ELINT.

It is also desired that commercial-off–the-shelf radios, components, and sub-assemblies be investigated to the maximum extent to reduce development time and cost and to expedite system integration, test, and fielding. This includes researching, developing, testing, analyzing, and applying the rapid advancement of commercial communications techniques such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Personal Communication Systems (PCS), and burst-digital and multimode communications hardware.

Additionally, SIGINT systems must consider the following:

SIGINT information should be presented in a manner that allows the commander to quickly interpret the data to make informed decisions.

The system should be flexible and adaptable to a dense and changing signals environment.

The system should be capable of being reprogrammed quickly in order to perform missions with changing requirements, using software reloads or other innovative approaches.

Systems should strive for interoperability with other tactical, operational, and strategic SIGINT systems, either airborne or ground based platforms, to enable a more complete Situational Awareness (SA) of the battlefield.

Systems providing automated electronic mapping of the battlespace including signal characterization, precision location, parametric measurement, basic traffic analysis, and critical node analysis are of interest.

SIGINT sensors and collectors should be frequency scalable and provide “plug and play” capability, i.e., change internal hardware to perform various tasks without interrupting the soldier’s mission.

SIGINT systems should take into account co-existence / compatibility with current force protection Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #1 – Antenna Design for Airborne and Ground Platforms

Antennas remain a critical component in SIGINT systems. There are several areas with potential for technological improvement in antenna design. Efficient small and lightweight antennas are very difficult to construct, especially at the lower frequency bands. The lower frequencies translate to large wavelengths and therefore result in large antennas to achieve higher gain. The attempt to make these antennas smaller in order to meet platform constraints often results in non-optimum performance.

Additionally, antennas with fixed or variable beamwidth would be of interest. Currently, various antenna structures, e.g. single and multi-element antenna arrays, are required to provide the degree of coverage required (from narrow beam to full 360 degrees).

Another area of interest is improvement in the antenna mounting structure to ensure that the structure does not interfere with antenna performance. Proposed antenna configurations should take into consideration that operating environments may cover temperature extremes or harsh conditions. Novel antenna concepts that can solve these limitations and satisfy SIGINT requirements are desired. To address these needs Research and Development (R&D) emphasis could include:

Electromagnetic Modeling (EM) of single and multiple mounted antennas to predict beam patterns and gain.

The development of compact High Frequency/Very High Frequency (HF/VHF) antennas for SIGINT systems on smaller payload platforms such as manpacks and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Research should also emphasize low-drag, conformal, efficient designs for both collection and Direction Finding (DF) purposes.

Development of next generation antennas using basic research and novel technologies, e.g., Fractals, High Temperature Superconductors (HTSC), revolutionary designs, exotic materials with variable properties (permeability / permittivity), metamaterials, frequency selective surfaces (FSS), and frequency agile apertures, etc.

Development of broadband capability while maintaining good electrical performance, e.g. Gain and Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR).

Antennas that are operational from HF through Millimeter wave to address current and future COMINT and ELINT needs.

Development of antennas that address all or some of the following characteristics: miniature, disposable, small aperture, and reconfigurable.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #2 – RF Techniques to Enhance SIGINT Receivers

Research and development (R&D) of advanced receivers that can enhance the performance and capabilities of future SIGINT systems is required. Emphasis shall be on wide bandwidth, small size, low power, low noise, wide dynamic range, and advanced signal processors and processing algorithms. The goal is to improve SIGINT system techniques for signal detection, recognition and sorting in a cluttered Radio Frequency (RF) environment. Also, of interest are signal processing or alternate techniques for interference signal rejection and suppression. These developments should address the following:

Methods and techniques for improving the intercept range (distance) of ground based and low-flying systems

Improvements in man-machine interfaces Adaptability to address future modulations through the use of software reloads.

Ability to operate within various environmental operating conditions – temperature, vibration

Wideband instantaneous operational frequency range from High Frequency (HF) through millimeter Wave (mmW).

Capability to handle conventional and modern signal types; ability to be easily configured to address future signals.

The ability to automatically adapt for optimal sensitivity to achieve high signal-to-noise ratios for select signal types that are present for a very brief period of time.

Reduction in size and power consumption requirements The combination of ELINT and COMINT receivers into single or dual use packages.

Active and Passive SIGINT technologies to improve signal identification should be considered.

Other technological advances improving on existing receiver capabilities.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #3 – Tactical SIGINT Capabilities

Research and development (R&D) of advanced tactical receiver components and capabilities is required. Emphasis shall be on low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP- C) receivers, transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, and other hardware required to perform SIGINT missions. Low SWaP-C is critical for man-pack SIGINT systems where every additional component means another left behind. These developments should address the following:

Wideband man pack receivers and transceivers Low profile wideband man pack direction finding antennas Conformal direction finding antennas Modular, small, and efficient man pack amplifiers Radio and Network Emulator for Operator Training and Testing Utilizing low-cost commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware to perform

SIGINT missions Android Signal Processing capabilities Signal processing techniques for platforms with limited processing capabilities

Topic title: Collect – Signals Intelligence for Conventional Analog/Digital Signals & Low Probability of Intercept Signals

SIGINT systems must operate in a signal environment that uses conventional signal types, e.g., Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), and phase modulation, as well as more modern signal types, e.g. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Quadrature Phase-key shifting (QPSK). Also, the future signals environment will be rich in the number of electromagnetic signals of different types, e.g. encrypted, multi-media, Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), and digital. SIGINT systems must quickly detect and process multiple signals to identify and locate the threats thus providing the warfighter with real time data to improve situational awareness.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #1 – COMINT Enhancements for Conventional Signals

This topic is concerned with improving the ability to quickly and uniquely identify and locate communication targets on the tactical battlefield. Areas of research and development include, but are not limited to, super resolution Direction Finding (DF) algorithms, DF antenna array design, system calibration and EM/ RF interference rejection, critical component development, real-time signal processing, wide-band / LPI signal exploitation, High Frequency-Direction Finding (HF-DF) and non-DF signal geolocation techniques. Many of these areas are addressed in further detail in the following paragraphs:

Super-Resolution DF Algorithms Super-resolution DF algorithms enable the user to identify and distinguish between closely spaced transmitters. Also, these algorithms have evolved as a means to reduce the degrading effects of co-channel and multi-path interference signals. New DF algorithm techniques or enhancements to existing approaches that can exploit the space and time diversity of co-channel signals are of current research interest.

System Calibration and Electromagnetic Modeling Currently, SIGINT systems are subjected to extensive calibration procedures before being operational. Additionally, any changes to the system hardware could require a complete recalibration. This is highly inefficient and extremely costly. Therefore, advanced and novel system calibration techniques that could minimize or even eliminate the system calibration are required. This can be accomplished using advanced algorithms or developing a calibration technique that is insensitive to hardware changes. Additionally, Electromagnetic Modeling (EM) to provide accurate system performance predictions could be applied as a technique to possibly reduce calibration requirements. Generic solutions that can be applied to different platform types and / or extrapolated to similar systems, are preferred and of particular research interest.

RF Interference RF interference caused by high power transmitters, co-channel signals, or other sources is recognized as a major problem in receiving systems. RF interference can overload SIGINT systems resulting in the loss of potentially critical intelligence. Methods and techniques are required that can discriminate, manage, or eliminate interference signals to ensure continuous operation. Broadband rejection techniques are of particular interest but reduced alternatives will also be considered. Possible solutions can be implemented in hardware, software, or both. Several examples of interference rejection/management are: broadband excision, narrow band cancellation, adaptive nulling, covariance matrix extrapolation, Digital Beamforming (DBF), and closed loop self-adapting circuits. These systems should work in real time for maximum operational efficiency. RF interference management should include the ability to select specific signals of interest from among all other emitters in a tactical battlefield environment and additionally offer protection from high power signals that can damage the receiver front end. Automatic system operation is preferred, but manual operation either alone or with some degree of automation will be considered. Application of these techniques to both ground-based and airborne platforms (helicopters, fixed wing and Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV)/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is of current interest.

Critical Component Development The capability of SIGINT systems is directly dependent on the performance of the individual components that comprise the system. Some of these standard components include: high gain low noise amplifiers, rapidly tuned agile filters (bandpass, notch), low sidelobe low phase noise direct signal synthesizers, high speed Digital-to-Analog (D/A) converters, and wideband high dynamic range receivers. Advances in basic research such as high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), High Temperature Superconductors (HTSCs), wideband gap devices, ferroelectric material, etc. have resulted in higher performance components thus enabling better system detection, improved resolution, and increased range. New component applications of these existing research technologies and next generation research that could further enhance these components is desirable. The ultimate goal is to integrate these technologies/components into SIGINT systems to obtain the following capability improvements:

Good selectivity, improved sensitivity, and phase stability Broad instantaneous bandwidth High two-tone spur-free dynamic range Multi-mode, e.g., broadband dual channel or narrow-band multi-channel

Wide-band / LPI Signal Exploitation Techniques The current trend in RF communication systems is the use of advanced digital modulation schemes and ultra-wideband technologies. These formats present a unique challenge to SIGINT systems because the signals are difficult to identify and track, e.g., LPI. The signals could be frequency hopping, buried below the noise floor, require precise timing, or spread the transmitted energy over a wide band. Basically, these signals are designed to cause ambiguity and/or unpredictability in time, frequency and power and to bring new problems to tactical Directional Finding (DF). Possible solutions to these problems will require innovative techniques or technologies and are of particular interest.

Electro-Magnetic Environment (EME) Activities To perform efficient utilization of the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum and to coordinate SIGINT activities it is desirable to collect, store, and analyze the Electro-Magnetic Environment (EME). This data and analysis is used to determine the typical signaling activity present in a particular area of operation. There is interest in hardware and software capabilities to collect and store RF information and to perform analysis of the RF environment. Topic areas that will be considered are:

Hardware to effectively collect a broad range of frequency, large instantaneous bandwidth, sufficient high dynamic range, and sufficient frequency resolution.

Hardware to efficiently and effectively transfer large amounts of collected data to storage devices at a high rate over a sufficient time period.

Software techniques and capabilities to automatically detect signal energy, effectively filter signals of varying bandwidth, and effectively identify signaling modes and modulation types present for varying periods of collection in varying Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) environments.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #2 – Advanced Receiving Techniques

A comprehensive understanding of how a SIGINT system can operate to its full potential is critical. The soldier must understand the system, know its limits, know the best method of operating, and how to interpret the results. This is generally referred to collectively as Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). Therefore, developing superior SIGINT TTPs will enhance the efficiency, capability, and understanding of SIGINT system operation and enable optimum usage. An emphasis on reliable and robust techniques for signal detection, recognition and sorting in a cluttered RF environment is of interest. Several examples of additional areas of interest include but are not limited to the following:

TTPs for automated intercept, processing and exploitation of Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), Low Probability of Exploitation (LPE) signals.

Techniques for robust processing of signals in noise and interference.

Developed TTPs must be usable on a tactical battlefield where there are many signals of non-interest interspersed with the desired target signals.

Methods and techniques for enhancing the intercept range of systems.

Improvements to the user interface for rapid and improved operation.

Automated system control for optimum performance with limited user interaction / interpretation.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #3 – Advanced Geolocation Techniques

This topic addresses the goal of identifying the precise location of threat emissions.

Upon detection of threat signals it is desired to locate the source within a certain degree of accuracy, and then decide what action is required (jam, eliminate, etc). Many techniques such as Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA), Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA), and interferometry have been developed to solve this problem. Each approach has unique benefits and can achieve various degrees of accuracy, especially when placed on moving platforms. Enhancements to existing approaches and new, novel techniques that can result in more accurate results and can operate either in a stationary or mobile environment are of interest. Additional considerations are:

Geolocation of LPI

Novel methods and techniques for extending the detection range of ground based and low flying DF systems

Geolocation from a single site, preferred, or from multiple cooperative sensors.

Advanced geolocation techniques and algorithms for threats in a high-density, high multipath environment.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #4 – Individual Specific Emitter Identification (SEI)

SEI is a method of recognizing individual electronic emitters through the precise measurement of selected signal “externals”, i.e., parameters and/or characteristics of the transmission. To be identified by SEI techniques, a specific emitter must have one or more of these signal externals that are stable and that are unique within the measurement capabilities of most collectors. SEI can provide reliable and timely intelligence data for keeping track of individual target emitters and the particular units operating them. An SEI system is driven by four key concepts:

Accurately measuring signal features that are consistent from one transmission to another for a given emitter but differ from emitter to emitter

Clustering the features by emitter, so that different emitters can be identified or verified.

Entering the cluster information into a database and maintaining the clusters as the features age in time

Providing ground truth (the correct Identification (ID) of the emitters being evaluated) for the naming of the clusters and evaluation of the clustering process.

A typical SEI system consists of several subsystems: RF system, data collection, signal processing, feature estimation, identification classifier, cluster management, and database. The RF subsystem usually contains a set of downconverters to translate the frequency so that it is compatible with the data collection subsystem. The data collection subsystem collects samples of the emitters without modifying the signal characteristics.

The signal processor processes the data to identify features for classification. The feature estimation defines the signal features from the demodulated signal. The cluster management subsystem is responsible for maintaining and modifying the clusters in the database. Finally, the database catalogs, stores, and retrieves data for processing.

Developing systems that can accurately perform these functions to correctly identify signals with a high degree of accuracy is of current interest.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #5 – Issues Peculiar to High Frequency Electronic Support Measures

Electronic Support Measure (ESM) is considered the eyes and ears of the Electronic Warfare (EW) effort, in that ESM is responsible for the detection, processing, recording, location, and identification of electromagnetic energy transmitted by hostile and neutral emitters. The main purpose of ESM is to gain sufficient information about sensors to allow an understanding of the signals characteristics, e.g., transmitted power, operating frequency, polarization, and signal bandwidth, and includes identifying the systems role, method of operation, and its strengths and weaknesses. With this information, the Electronic Support (ES) system can identify the asset, assess its relative threat and provide information to the operator on how best to manage the threat. The HF frequency band presents unique design and environmental challenges that are not associated with systems at the higher frequency bands. The following topics demonstrate some of these key issues and desired attributes associated with HF operation but, are not all inclusive.

Near vertical incident skywave Ionosphere measuring and modeling techniques Antenna arrays for high-angle skywave High dynamic range HF receivers Small aperture antenna Active elements Dielectric loading Polarization diversity Minimum operator action to provide situational awareness Priority Threat Alarming Manual & Automatic Receiver Queuing Automatic Threat Identification

New and innovative methods to address these concerns and that can ultimately enhance HF system performance are of high research interest.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #6 – Multi-Intelligence Electronic Support (ES) for Integrated Electronic Warfare

This topic addresses the goal of providing the Warfighter with improved Multi- Intelligence Electronic Support (ES) Situation Awareness (SA) of wireless communications in the presence of, and cooperation with, electronic communications and force protection systems. New and innovative technologies and techniques will be applied to improve the Multi-Intelligence ES sensing capability and SA of threats within the Electro-Magnetic Environment (EME). Technology and techniques will be researched and developed to provide improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, detection, identification, and emitter location for Multi-Intelligence sensor systems.

Considerations will be made for use of these capabilities in dismount, ground vehicle, airborne, and unmanned platforms. Technologies and techniques may be provided for stand-alone sensor system operation or network coordinated and distributed sensors system operation.

Topic title: Collect – Signals Intelligence for Modern Signals

The topic of SIGINT for modern signals is concerned with improving the ability to detect, identify, locate, demodulate, survey, search, and correlate modern communication targets on the tactical battlefield. Improving man machine interfaces (MMI) is also important in the complicated SIGINT environment. In general, modern communication emitters are characterized by a very wide range of platform size, mobility, signal duration, power, bandwidth, frequency reuse, coding complexity, global connectivity, data rate, and spectral overlay/underlay; and operating in various co-channel signal densities, dynamic multi-paths, and terrains or altitudes. New technologies are continually evolving. The complexity of the signals environment and the multiple variations of signal generators require constant innovation to remain effective in the SIGINT arena.

SIGINT Sub-Topic #1 – Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Enhancements for Modern Signals

COMINT concerns itself with areas of research and development including, but not limited to, super resolution Direction Finding (DF) algorithms, DF antenna array design, system calibration, and Electromagnetic Modeling (EM), radio frequency interference (RFI) rejection, critical component development, real-time signal processing, wide-band/ Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) signal exploitation,…