BAA_Attachment 12 02 2025.pdf

BAA W56KGU-23-R-RTID

Attachment 01

Revision 04: 28 November 2023

Controlled by: US Army, DEVCOM, C5ISR Center Controlled by: FCDD-ISR-EAB CUI Categories: CTI/OPSEC Limited Dissemination Control: FEDCON POC: RTI ACQ/CON; usarmy.apg.devcom-c5isr.mbx.rti-baa@army.mil

(U) BAA W56KGU-23-R-RTID

(U) ATTACHMENT 01

(U)Research and Technology Integration Directorate

(U) Research Topics

Original Posting Date: 01 November 2022 mailto:usarmy.apg.devcom-c5isr.mbx.rti-baa@army.mil

(U) RESEARCH TOPICS

(U) Research and Technology Integration Directorate is interested in receiving white papers in the topics areas listed below:

(U) SOLDIER & PLATFORM MISSION EQUIPMENT PORTFILIO

(U) RESEARCH TOPICS

(U) Ground Combat Systems Division

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FBA-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Optical Threat Detection Technologies

(U) DESCRIPTION: The Army is looking at Multi-Spectral Optical Augmentation transceiver capabilities to enhance preemptive engagement using transceiver systems.

C5ISR RTI is interested in sources for current vendors of Optical Augmentation detection technology. Specifically, there is a strong interest in systems utilizing unique approaches to the illuminating sources which will provide sufficient output power with optimized Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) for detecting targets at long range in all wavebands including the VISible Spectrum of light (VIS), Near-InfraRed (NIR), Mid- Wave InfraRed (MWIR) and Long-Wave InfraRed (LWIR). White papers should focus on systems that have been produced at TRL 6 or higher. In order to be considered TRL 6, the product should have been built in small quantities of more than 1 and tested in an environment or operational scenario. The Army is not interested in white papers for sub-assemblies or relevant component technologies, only systems that are currently built, operating and their purpose is to detect optical targets through the use of optical augmentation. White papers should contain sufficient data to demonstrate a TRL6 Capability. The information contained within the white paper should follow the guidelines set forth in the Electro Optical Counter Measures (EOCM) security classification guidelines.

(U) Air Systems Division

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FFA-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: EO/IR Sensors for Rotary Wing Aircraft

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI Directorate's Rotary Wing Applications Branch is interested in (U)white papers addressing advanced helicopter-based EO/IR sensors. The proposed R&D solutions can include but are not limited to sensors that address pilotage; near-peer military vehicle and dismount targeting; 360-degree aircrew situational and landing awareness; and relevant threat warning. Papers can include solutions that utilize Augmented Reality (AR), Aided Target Recognition (ATR), minimize size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) and are applicable to both legacy and Future Vertical Lift (FVL) platforms. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at a TRL 4 or higher.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FFB-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Hyperspectral Sensing Technologies

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Unmanned & Fixed-Wing Sensors Branch is interested in white papers addressing advanced airborne hyperspectral sensing technologies. The proposed R&D and solutions can include but are not limited to Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) sensors and HSI processing to include target detection, atmospheric compensation, and user interfaces. Topics of interest include both high performance, long range HSI sensing as well as more compact solutions that span a wide variety of Army manned and unmanned aircraft for finding challenging targets in real-time and near real-time. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at a TRL 4 or higher.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FFB-02

(U) TOPIC TITLE: EO/IR Sensors for Unmanned & Fixed Wing Aircraft

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Unmanned & Fixed-Wing Sensors Branch is interested in white papers addressing advanced airborne sensing technologies. The proposed R&D and solutions can include but are not limited to EO/IR intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, LiDAR for targeting, LiDAR for degraded visual environments, and Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) sensors. Topics of interest include both high-performance, long-range sensing as well as more compact solutions that span a wide variety of Army manned and unmanned aircraft and Air Launched Effects (ALE) platforms, for finding challenging targets in real-time and near real-time, as well as, associated solutions for image processing, automation, and Aided Target Detection/Recognition (AiTDR). The maturity of the proposed technology should be at a TRL 4 or higher.

(U) Countermine Division

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGA-01 (formerly GEA-01)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Landmine and UXO Detection Technologies

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Applications Branch is interested in receiving (U)white papers for new landmine, minefields, improvised explosive hazard, and UXO detection technologies and for the improvements to existing detection systems such as the Husky Mounted Detection System (HMDS), family of platforms or sensors on Unmanned Ground Vehicle/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UGV/UAV) platforms, Soldier Borne Sensors (SBS), forward-looking ground penetrating radar, acoustic, infrared, handheld dismounted detection technologies, fused sensor technologies, Explosive Hazard (EH)/Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection capabilities (e.g. deep buried metallic and non-metallic detection, and wire detection), anomaly detection systems, change detection, Synthetic Aperture Acoustics (SAA), and forward-looking electro optic as well as emerging detection, neutralization and marking technologies. Sensing techniques shall be designed primarily to support route clearance, maneuver support, entry control points, cordon and search, and situational awareness. Threat detection technologies should also be able to detect threats which reduce the ability of dismounted and mounted Soldiers’ movement and maneuver. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGB-01 (formerly GEB-02)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Humanitarian Demining Technologies

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Humanitarian Demining Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the procurement, design, development, testing, and support of mature technologies for the clearance, detection and mechanical neutralization of mines and UXO. Technologies considered should be currently in use in mine action projects, or in an advanced stage of development and ready to be used in an actual mine/UXO effort worldwide. This includes any identified and/or needed improvements to existing mechanical clearance systems of mine/UXO detection systems that are capable of near ready to undergo an Operational Field Evaluations (OFEs) in actual mine and UXO contaminated areas worldwide. Technologies include but are not limited to Badger, Bearcat, Improved Back Hoe, Rotary Mine Comb, Minehound, MineWolf, STORM, Rapter, Rebel Crusher, Robomax, TRAXX, Scorpion, TRPS, Multi-Tool Excavator, Mantis, Terrapin, etc. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGC-01 (formerly GEC-01)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Ground Penetrating Radar Payloads on UAVs

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Technologies Branch is interested in receiving white papers for standoff detection using ground penetrating radar payloads, with optimized low SWaP antennas for use on UAVs for wire detection, surface-laid explosive hazards, buried explosive hazards, and other targets of interest. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGC-02 (GEC-02)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Next Generation of Remote Sensing Capabilities

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Technologies Branch is interested in receiving white papers to develop the next generation of remote sensing capabilities to automatically detect and classify threats and impediments to U.S. Army operations, with particular emphasis on developing tools and techniques that leverage satellite, radar, image, and other data to detect surface-laid explosive hazards, buried explosive hazards, maneuver threats and other targets of interest, as well as developing algorithms capable of processing available commercial and government data to detect these objects with a high degree of accuracy. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGC-03 (formerly GEC-03)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) Based Vehicle Borne IED (VBIED) Detection System

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Technologies Branch is interested in receiving white papers for a prototype nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) based vehicle borne IED (VBIED) detection system designed to screen for bulk explosives inside vehicles while stationary or moving. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3- 7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGC-04 (formerly GEC-04)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Low SWAP multispectral imagers and low-power processing detection algorithms

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Technologies Branch is interested in receiving white papers for sensors and algorithms that support multispectral imaging from a small unmanned aerial vehicle. Sensors should be capable of observing spectral bands that support the detection of surface-laid explosive hazards, maneuver threats, vehicles, and/or other targets of interest while minimizing the amount of unnecessary information passed to data processing hardware. Algorithms should support low-power processing, while utilizing spatial and spectral target features. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGC-05 (formerly GEC-05)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Sensors and algorithms supporting polarimetric imaging

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Technologies Branch is interested in receiving white papers for sensors and algorithms that support polarimetric imaging from a small unmanned aerial vehicle. Sensors should be capable of observing reflective and/or emissive polarized signatures that support the detection of surface-laid explosive hazards, maneuver threats, vehicles, and/or other targets. Algorithms shall be capable of automatically prioritizing a selection of imagers based on initial data processing. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGD-01 (formerly GED-01)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) Algorithms for Threat Detection

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Algorithms/Image Processing Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the development and demonstration of ATR algorithms for the detection and identification of the following:

• (U)Vehicular threats

• (U)Combatants

• (U)Complex obstacles

• (U)Mines and IEDs (U)The algorithms are for developmental airborne, vehicle-based, handheld, robotic mine and IED detection equipment and to turn threat detection data into actionable information via display of threat cues in end user devices (ATAK) as well as heads-up displays (Hollow-lenses, etc.).

(U)The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGD-02 (formerly GED-02)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Detection and Localization Algorithms for Engineered Obstacles

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Algorithms/Image Processing Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the development of detection and localization algorithms for engineered obstacles. This would include physical impediments, e.g., tank ditches, hedgehogs, dragon’s teeth, etc.; explosive threats, e.g., scatterable explosive threats and/or emplaced minefields; and others, e.g., military vehicles of equipment in support of counter mobility engineering operations. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGD-03 (formerly GED-03)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Sensor and Algorithms Supporting Standoff Chemical Detection

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Algorithm/Image Processing Branch along with the Countermine Technologies Branch are interested in receiving white papers for sensors and algorithms that support the standoff detection of chemical compounds that indicate the presence of explosive material or its containers. The sensors shall be capable of detecting bulk trace quantities of materials. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGE-01 (formerly GEF-01)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Explosive Hazards Detection

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Standoff Detection Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the detection, assessment, identification, and discrimination of explosive hazards/improvised explosive hazards. This includes buried and non-buried explosive threats whether scattered or laid, obstacles and barriers such as Czech Hedgehogs and tank ditches, and tunnels as well as rapid target acquisition, classification, and localization of vehicular threats plus detecting, localization, identification, and intent identification of personnel. Technologies include, but are not limited to radar, electromagnetics, lasers, vibration sensing, acoustic and seismic, chemical detection, electro-optic, nuclear, infrared (IR) sensing and imaging, and wire detection capability. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGE-02 (formerly GEF-02)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Multi-Mission Payloads on Small Unmanned Aerial System

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Countermine Standoff Development Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the advancement of multi-mission payloads (MMP) on Small Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS) platforms, both rotary wing and fixed wing UAS, in support of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Cross Functional Team (CFT).

These payloads will deliver day, night, automatic real-time threat detection capability of vehicles, dismounts, antitank guided missile teams, explosive hazards, and small UAS, with automated threat alerts, cueing and adaptive mission planning. The Soldier gains the capability of having Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) performed on-board their SUAS family of systems, as well as increased standoff distances from their adversaries. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGE-03 (formerly GEF-03)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Next Generation Breaching Technology - Explosive Breacher Sensing Payloads

(U) DESCRPTION: RTI’s Countermine Standoff Development Branch is interested in receiving white papers related to the detection of mines, minefields, and complex obstacles from unmanned air and ground vehicles (UAVs/UGVs) to support the Next Generation Breaching Technology - Explosive Breach (NGBT-EB) program. These platforms will leverage a variety of sensing capabilities to include Electro-Optic Infrared

(EOIR), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) combined with automatic real-time threat detection algorithms. The NGBT-EB system will integrate sensor payloads with edge-based processing to detect explosive hazards (surface laid/buried mines), minefield indicators, and complex obstacles to support adaptive mission planning for breaching operations. The Soldier gains the capability of having Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) as well as increased standoff distances from potential explosive hazards that impede maneuverability and survivability. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FGE-04 (formerly GEF-04)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: GPS Denied Position Tracking

(U) DESCRPTION: RTI’s Countermine Standoff Development along with the Countermine Technologies Branch are interested in receiving white papers for high fidelity position tracking capabilities that do not rely on differential Global Positioning Systems (dGPS). This capability is desired to accurately track the position and orientation of Group 1 UAV. Solutions of all maturity are being sought from vendors with an interest in researching, developing, maturing, and/or productizing their solution for use in Army systems. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT) Division

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FH-01 (formerly FC-01)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Assured Positioning, Timing and Navigation (APNT)

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI Directorate's PNT Division is interested in white papers providing advancements for APNT systems providing application to ground vehicles, dismounted Soldiers, aerial platforms (manned and unmanned). Capabilities being sought include multi-sensor APNT systems, advanced sensor fusion algorithms, Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) resiliency, GPS free initialization, other satellite (Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO)) Radio Frequency (RF) based navigation, advanced antennas, and integrity algorithms. A methodology is required to provide a metric for PNT assuredness (trust/integrity) of the PNT capability of the platform. The maturity of the proposed technology should be between TRL 2-6.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FH-02 (formerly FC-02)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Complementary and Cooperative PNT

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI Directorate's PNT Division is interested in white papers providing advancements in Complementary and Cooperative PNT technologies providing application to ground vehicles, dismounted Soldiers, aerial platforms (manned and unmanned). Technology advancements may include, but are not limited to, inertial measurement units (IMU), Vision Based Navigation (VBN) and other aiding sensors, time/time transfer, autonomy, and artificial intelligence/machine learning applications for PNT, RF ranging, signals of opportunity (SOOP), sensor/database correlation, and quantum and photonic sensors. Cooperative PNT methodologies to be explored include the application of sharing information both internal and external to the platform, in order to improve positioning and timing performance. This includes the use and application of non-traditional PNT sensors/sources of information but available to the PNT system (radar, comms, electro-optic/infrared, etc).

(U) Additionally, the PNT Division is interested in white paper in advancement of Complementary and Cooperative PNT for Low Altitude APNT System (LAAS) for the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS)

(U) FTUAS is an organic airborne Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S) capability able to provide real-time situational awareness information and effects vital to cross-domain maneuver at the speed required in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). This capability allows commanders to posture FTUAS in austere conditions and to positions of advantage to support integrated R&S operations at extended ranges throughout the battlespace.

(U) The FTUAS provides an improved ability to execute Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S) operations that collect, develop, and report actionable intelligence information where Global Positioning System (GPS) location information may be unavailable or corrupt (A2/AD environments), and it will incorporate Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) architectures including to enable rapid modification to support future system payloads.

(U) LAAS should meet the following requirements:

1.(U) Technology Readiness Level (TRL 7), the initial baseline should be TRL 6 2.(U) Suitable for Group 3 Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) 3.(U) Independent module that can be externally attached to the hull of the air platform (Preferred) 4.(U) Operations at low altitudes (<1000 feet AGL) 5.(U) Utilize passive sensors for generating APNT solution

6. (U) Perform in day, night, and other operational conditions (visibility, condensation, altitude, velocity, terrain, etc.)

7. (U) Size < 10 in^3, Weight < 0.5 lb., and Power < 10 W (nominal) 20 W (max)

8. (U) Externally powered by FTUAS

9. (U) Leverage existing sensors on FTUAS platform (when available or feasible) but not rely on those sensors to meet performance requirements

10. (U) Maintain self-location accuracy to support fire mission

11. (U) Provide 90% confidence figure of merit (FOM) for the accuracy

12. (U) Availability/continuity of solution > 0.95

13. (U) Unit cost conducive with ‘attritable’ feature

14. (U) Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) compliant

15. (U) Simplified user operation

(U) White paper responses should highlight technology areas of interest to include systems concepts and subsystems and/or component technologies that can potentially meet FTUAS stated objectives, specifically addressing TRL of the proposed system.

Specifically, the white paper response should include the following information to assess the Technology Readiness of the proposed solution:

1. (U) Detailed description of algorithms, sources (e.g. EO, LIDAR, etc.), and methods for determining self-location using visual (Vision Based Navigation (VBN)) or other APNT techniques including precision map matching, optical flow/Frame to Frame, or other.

Provide test dates, duration, and location.

2. (U) Impact of terrain types and operational environments on proposed algorithms.

Provide test description, solution maturity, solution accuracy and availability.

3. (U) Details of hardware and software characteristics utilized to demonstrate performance.

4. (U) Army open architectures (pntOS/ASPN) allowing plug and play sensors inputs.

(U) The maturity of the proposed technology should be in the TRL 3-7 range.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FH-03 (formerly FC-03)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR)

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI Directorate's PNT Division is interested in white papers in advancing Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) technologies. White papers should address one or more of the following areas: Electromagnetic Warfare in the PNT radio navigation bands, NAVWAR sensing and affecting, situational awareness of PNT interference, command, and control of NAVWAR technologies, and distribution of NAVWAR data. The maturity of the proposed technology should be between TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FH-04 (formerly FC-04)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Modeling and Simulation (M&S) for PNT

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI Directorate's PNT Division is interested in white papers in advancing M&S for PNT technologies. The application of M&S provides benefits across the lifecycle of technology from requirement definition, design, development to testing, fielding, training, and maintenance. RTI Directorate is interested in innovative and holistic approaches to the design, development, and application of M&S with or without Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) in the following areas: (1) supporting PNT requirement definition; (2) performing design trade-offs in technology development; (3) assisting in testing activities, such as planning, environmental validation, data collection, analysis and management, etc. at lab-based risk reduction, field testing, operational testing, etc.;

(4) conducting performance analysis of components, systems, and systems of systems;

(5) analyzing the impact of PNT technology insertion on mission operations in various environments, including the emerging threat (integration of PNT M&S with mission and campaign level simulations); (6) providing support to mission planning and decision making with an understanding of the importance and implications of PNT availability; (7) applying digital engineering tools and practices to support PNT technology development to include data management; (8) developing PNT sensor models; (9) performing model validation and verification. The maturity of the proposed technology should be between

TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: FH-05 (formerly FC-05)

(U) TOPIC TITLE: PNT Enablers and Modular Open Systems Architectures (MOSA)

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI Directorate's PNT Division is interested in white papers in advancing PNT Enablers and MOSA technologies. PNT MOSA focuses on providing a modular PNT solution, enabling reconfiguration and rapid trade space analysis. The proposed solutions include, but are not limited to, research and development of All Source Positioning and Navigation (ASPN) interface control documents (ICDs), PNT Operating System (pntOS), Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR)/Electronic Warfare (EW) Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS), plug-and-play navigation sensors and interoperable capabilities. Proposed solutions for Navigation Sensor Fusion include, but are not limited to, research and development of approaches for combining information

(U) from multiple diverse navigation aiding sensors to estimate an optimal PNT solution.

The maturity of the proposed technology should be between TRL 3-7.

(U) SPECTRUM DOMINANCE, INTELLIGENCE, & SURVIVABILITY PORTFILIO

RESEARCH TOPICS

(U) Cyber-Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) Division

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBA-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO)

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Cyber Research & Development Branch is interested in receiving white papers on the following topics for the advancement of Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) to include but are not limited to:

• (U) Network discovery and characterization software tools, countermeasure capabilities and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that overcome threat/adversary best information assurance/protect measures.

• (U) Assisted vulnerability identifications of both wired and wireless networks.

• (U) Stealthy, non-cooperative access to logical networks and their components, RF devices, communications networks and their network components, non-communications networks and their components, other RF-centric networks and their components, non-traditional electromagnetic non-communications networks and non-traditional electromagnetic communications networks, to develop revolutionary TTPs that overcome threat/adversary best attempts to protect such networks and components.

• (U) Non-access dependent OCO techniques.

• (U) Methods for performing both distributed and coordinated OCO missions.

• (U) Machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) as applied to cyber (to include adversarial use of ML/AI).

• (U) The utilization ML techniques to make inferences on the training set of another ML classifier, in order to manipulate inputs to generate desired outputs to harden network security applications in cyber. The ability to test against both open and closed ML-based network security systems. Enhance real-time traffic manipulation techniques to dynamically trigger network security solutions for penetration testing.

• (U) Validation of non-network security-based ML techniques on its ability to handle targeted junk data. Automation of technique development/penetration testing augmented with ML/AI algorithms.

• (U) Applications of ML/AI techniques for automated agent deployment/development/communication.

• (U) Enhanced effects through ML/AI training for automation of cyber techniques. Cyber technique validation, testing, and verification through ML/AI augment.

(U) The maturity of the proposed technology should be minimum of TRL 3.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBA-02

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Electromagnetic Warfare (“Radio Frequency”) Enabled Cyber

(U) DESCRIPTION: The Cyber Research & Development Branch of the RTI Directorate is interested in receiving white papers on the following topics for the advancement of Electromagnetic Warfare (“Radio Frequency”) Enabled Cyber to (U)include but are not limited to methods and techniques that make use of information, protocols, standards, or the logical structure of the signals from which to base an exploitation or attack beyond traditional physical layer electronic attack methods. The environment from which operations could occur ranges from the conventional battlefield to operations in an urban setting characterized by numerous RF sources and significant numbers of non-combatants to subterranean locations where RF signal propagation is generally limited. The capabilities include being able to conduct successful operations against a selectable set of threat targets where threat signals, personnel, and equipment may be co-located with non-combatants. Threat targets include but are not limited to non-traditional electromagnetic non-communications networks and non-traditional electromagnetic communications networks. Methods for performing both distributed and coordinated OCO/RF-enabled missions. The maturity of the proposed technology should be TLR 3-6.

(U) Radar Division

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFA-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Antenna/Array Design for Airborne Targeting Platforms

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Radar ISR Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the advancement and technological improvement in antenna array design. Frequency bands have an effect on wavelengths impacting the size of antennas to achieve higher (U)gain. The attempt to make these antennas smaller in order to meet platform constraints often results in non-optimum performance. Additionally, innovative technology approaches to develop and build a scalable wide-band antenna and/or apertures configured for different applications and air platforms to enable advanced multi-function (i.e radar, electronic warfare, communications) capabilities is of interest.

Air platforms of interest include, but are not limited to, manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Air Launched Effects (ALEs), high altitude balloons (HABs), and loitering munitions. 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 might include temperature extremes or harsh conditions. Novel antenna concepts that can solve these limitations and satisfy radar and/or multi-function requirements is desired. TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFA-02

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Radio Frequency Techniques to Enhance Transmitters/Receivers

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Radar ISR Branch is interested in receiving white papers on advanced transmitter and/or receiver technology that can enhance the performance and capabilities of future radar systems. Emphasis shall be on wide bandwidth, small size, low power, low noise, wide dynamic range, advanced signal processors, and processing algorithms. The goal is to improve radar system techniques for target detection, tracking, classification, recognition, and identification in a cluttered Radio Frequency (RF) environment. Also, of interest are signal processing or alternate techniques for interference rejection and suppression. TRL 5-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFA-03

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Radar Applications

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Radar ISR Branch is interested in receiving white papers on the research, development, test, evaluation, and/or demonstrations of advanced radar systems. This includes the design, development, and testing of prototype devices, systems, and subsystems. Applications span short and extremely long ranges and include, but are not limited to, radar applications for weapon cueing to targeting, tracking, target location, high resolution stationary and moving target imaging and surveillance, ISR on board and/or in support of loitering munitions and long range fires platforms, mine and other explosive device detection, counter sniper, counter munitions, counter hostile fire, combat identification, Soldier cueing and protection, battle damage assessment, building penetration, buried target detection and terrain characterization/geospatial data generation over all RF bands and polarizations.

(U) Specific interest is placed on the following sub-topics: tradeoff and other technical analyses to determine performance requirements and/or technological risks, based on current and evolving operational requirements. These should take into account factors such as payload size, weight and power; platform characteristics and limitations, costs, data link limitations, spectrum issues, data generation and distribution timelines, waveform generators, digital processors, image formation algorithms and operator training levels.

(U) Analysis, design, development and testing of advanced hardware technologies that

(U) may include but are not limited to, conformal/reconfigurable antenna designs, transmit/receive (T/R) modules, and advanced signal processors.

(U) Research, design, development, implementation, and testing of Electronic Counter Countermeasures (ECCM) for both Moving Target Indicator (MTI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) modes into existing, emerging, or future radar systems.

Techniques should also include the ability to precisely locate the source of the counter measure.

(U) Research, design development, test, evaluation and/or demonstrations of advanced multi-sensor technologies or systems. This includes radar integrated with but not limited to EO/IR and or SIGINT technologies. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFA-04

(U) TOPIC TITLE: AI/ML for Radar Applications

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Radar ISR Branch is interested in receiving white papers on research, development, test, evaluation and/or demonstrations of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) concepts, techniques, or algorithms for airborne radar applications. This includes, but is not limited to AI/ML-enabled Automatic or Aided Target Acquisition/Recognition (ATR/AiTR) algorithms to improve target recognition performance for various radar applications, AI/ML enabled adaptive resource management algorithms to optimize front-end resources for multi-mission, multi-function or various radar objectives, and AI/ML-enabled advanced signal processing techniques.

Proposed AI/ML concepts should take into consideration tactical processing limitations, (U)training data sets, and challenging collection geometries. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFA-05

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Distributed Radar Technologies

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s ISR Branch is interested in receiving white papers on research, development, test, evaluation and/or demonstrations for distributed radar technology concepts, algorithms, and techniques. Research, design, development and testing of advanced exploitation and signal processing for use with monostatic, bistatic, multi-laterated radar. This may include, but is not limited to enhanced angle estimation, low-velocity target detection, target tracking algorithms, multi-dimensional imaging, aided/automatic target detection/classification/recognition/ identification, terrain characterization geospatial data, image enhancement, feature aided tracking, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, change detection, impact location, weapon location, automated system resource management/control, and clutter cancellation. Key efforts are to automate exploitation products and radar control as much as possible to minimize operator workload and training requirements. The maturity of the proposed technology should be at TRL 3-7

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFB-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Bistatic, Multistatic, and Passive Radar

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Advanced ID & Sensing Branch is interested in white papers for developing technologies for the advancement of advanced exploitation and signal processing techniques for use with bistatic, multistatic and passive radar. This may include, but is not limited to enhanced angle estimation, low-velocity target detection, target tracking algorithms, multi-dimensional imaging, aided/automatic target detection/classification/recognition/ identification, terrain characterization geospatial data, image enhancement, feature aided tracking, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, change detection, impact location, weapon location, automated system resource management/control, and clutter cancellation. Key efforts are to automate exploitation products and radar control as much as possible to minimize operator workload and training requirements.

(U) Increasingly, the need to geo-locate or, at a minimum, have very accurate direction of arrival of threat emitter signal(s) in the battlefield and multipath environments has been recognized as necessary to target and cue weapons. Design and evaluate prototype plug and play modules that will evaluate either multipath signals and/or the free energy from battlefield emitters in a bistatic mode of operation to locate threat targets with sufficient accuracy to target or, at a minimum, cue other weapon systems to target the threat. The TRL for the proposed technology should be 4-6.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFB-02

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Sense Through the Wall (STTW)

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Advanced Identification (ID) & Sensing Branch is interested in white papers for developing Sense-Through-The-Wall (STTW) radar capabilities for decreasing Soldier lethality. It should provide the user with awareness of hidden threats before occupying a building in order to maximize survivability. Particular emphasis is placed on small size, low power consumption, and increased standoff distance from the wall. This may include but not limited to detect, locate, and discriminate hidden chambers and people; ability to operate both against a wall and at a standoff distance; or (U)have a way of communicating to operators via another device at a standoff distance if wall contact is required; operate with various common building materials (including brick, cinder block, concrete, wood, sheet rock, etc.); have low false alarm rate due to complex clutter environments and multipath; be immune to interference from simple jammers and other Army radar systems in the area; not interfere with the operation of other Army radar systems in the area

(U) STTW radars should also be developed to meet the following design objectives:

man-portable; small size (i.e., handheld when used) or, if larger than handheld, mountable for usage (e.g., tripod mount, NGCV integration, UAS mount, etc.); low power consumption; Be automated, easy to operate, and not require specialized technical training to interpret. In the case of a STTW radar being designed for integration on a vehicle of any kind, it must be scaled appropriately as space and power may be extremely limited depending on the platform. Other critical systems and sensors will be competing for resources The TRL for the proposed technology should be 3-6.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFB-03

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Radar Technology for Lethality, Maneuverability and Survivability

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Advanced ID & Sensing Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the advancement of radar technologies, radar system development and radar modeling and analysis to enable lethality, maneuverability, and survivability.

Technologies that can provide multiple functions for ground combat vehicles are desired as space on the platforms is limited. These active or passive RF sensors can be utilized to provide search, track, fire control, and battle damage assessment for active protection systems. In addition, these active or passive sensors can aid maneuverability and autonomy through degraded visual environment conditions, as well as provide awareness of potential threats and provide point of origin, impact, or interception of threats.

(U) Technologies include but are not limited to multi mission capabilities, obstacle avoidance, resource management; signature management; monostatic, bistatic and multistatic system concepts; integrated system concepts; threat signature simulation and measuring techniques; transmit/receive modules; RF-system on a chip; signal processing; data visualization; data compression; operation in stressing environments;

multi-sensor fusion; mmW solutions; passive radio-frequency systems; technologies that enhance target detection, tracking, and discrimination reliability; and systems to enable communications. The TRL for the proposed technology should be 3-6.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFC-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Next Generation Fires Radar Technologies

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Radar Technologies and Analysis Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the advancement of radar technologies, radar system development and radar modeling and analysis in support of counterfire target acquisition and multi-mission (for example: counterfire target acquisition plus air surveillance) radar systems. Focal areas for counterfire radar research include extended range and accuracy performance, survivability of radar systems in a contested radio frequency environment and enabling counterfire radar systems to be employed for more purposes in the battlespace. Technologies include but are not limited to multi-mission techniques;

dynamic/adaptive radar resource management; radar aided navigation; next generation (U)wide/multi-band digital arrays; bistatic and multistatic system concepts; counterfire accuracy improvement techniques/architectures; integrated system of systems concepts;

distributed multi-sensor fusion; signal processing techniques; radar survivability techniques/architectures and advanced tracking/discrimination/classification techniques.

The maturity of the proposed technology should be TRL 3 to 6.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GFC-02

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Multi-function Radar Technologies

(U) DESCRIPTION: RTI’s Radar Technologies and Analysis Branch is interested in receiving white papers for the advancement of technologies, system development and modeling and analysis to enable multi-function radar. Multi-function radar is defined as the combination of radar, communications, and electronic warfare (EW) within a single system, with the primary mission being radar. Technologies that support multiple functions within the same system are desired for (1) increased performance for auxiliary functions (non-radar functions), (2) reduced size, weight, and power for constrained platforms, and (3) greater situational awareness and capability within a single system.

As examples, this system would be used for search, track, identification, geo-location, (U)defeat, fire control, battle damage assessment, etc. for a variety of military applications. Technologies include but are not limited to multi-mission capabilities; multi-function resource management; signature management; counter-unmanned aerial systems, monostatic, bistatic and multistatic system concepts; integrated system concepts; transmit/receive modules; RF-system on a chip; dual-wide/band hardware and software (Specifically low band width and high bandwidth multi-function front end apertures); signal processing; data visualization; data compression; operation in stressing environments; multi-sensor fusion; and passive radio-frequency systems and multi-function third party mode or CDK development. The maturity of the proposed technology should be TRL 2 to 6.

(U) Intel Division

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GGB-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - Modeling and Simulation

(U) DESCRIPTION: The Modeling and Simulation (M&S) efforts focus on the development of tools of forecasting / decision aid and automated situation awareness / understanding for intelligence analysis, influence operations and planning in all aspects of Intelligence Preparation of Battlefield, Intel Collection Planning, near real time Intel analysis and persistent surveillance and automated scenario generation for red, blue, green side experimentation. These include the integrated modeling of strategic / operational / tactical planning and operation and development of a near real-time operational capability to provide the users a set of scalable, portable and interoperable planning tools and methodologies to support the diversified planning and visualization and significantly enhance the performance of simulations, scenario generation process and modeling. The typical effort may include research and advanced technology development of innovative application tools and processes for integration with command capabilities to aid military commanders and planners in plan formulation and assessment of the effects and the progress of an operation. Areas of consideration may include Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), operational ontology, data / knowledge generation, data management and collection / dissemination / visualization of data.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBB-02

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - Multi-Intelligence Analysts Functions

(U) DESCRIPTION: This topic is concerned with providing an initial/improved operational capability in the following areas: Research and development (R&D) of unattended systems/subsystems that utilize Software Agent technology to provide analysis of intelligence databases with the goal of automating the processes performed by intelligence analysts, planners and data base administrators. This effort would include testing and integration of developed items.

R&D of unattended systems/subsystems that automate Intelligence (INTEL) analyst’s tasks: Systems/subsystems would include means to update and/or retrain the system so it could analyze new threats. This effort would include the testing and integration of any system or subsystem.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBB-03

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - INTEL & Battle Command Collaboration

(U) DESCRIPTION: Knowledge management includes horizontal and vertical integration of information from sensors, analytic centers, and decision-makers. Given that the nature of information is both synergistic and contextual, it is critical that analysts and agents be able to access past information to derive maximum benefit from the current findings. Effective knowledge management is critical to understanding the OE to enhance maneuver support (MS).

Objectives:

(U) Development of algorithms that dynamically manage INTEL requirements and plans in support of Battle Command. This shall include the automated/semi-automated processing of CCIR / PIR data, Intelligent Preparation of Battle (IPB), Course of Action development, and Combat Assessment. Research shall address the dynamic nature and OPTEMPO of the battlefield environment and the collaboration required with Battle Command.

(U) Development of algorithms to assist the analyst in the refinement of the Enemy Situational Awareness (i.e., Red Picture) via the utilization of Blue Force Tracking data.

This shall include the ability to maintain track ID given varying rates of target track updates and establish track ID confidence levels.

(U) Development of Collaboration services between INTEL and Battle Command for rapid decision making support.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBB-05

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - Collection & Sensor Management

(U) DESCRIPTION: • Development of algorithms and Services that support Sensor and Collection Management. This shall address the organic / non-organic assets and collection plans, prioritization of information requirements, dynamic tasking / re-tasking of assets and tracking of requirements status. Areas of interest are in semi-automated and automated tools, data ontology for Sensor / Collection management, and organic /non-organic asset tracking.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBB-06

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - INTEL Exploitation and Analysis

(U) DESCRIPTION: Processing, Analysis and Reporting of Intelligence Information.

Analysis of Intelligence Information is the ability to use open and protected methods to discern patterns, opportunities, and vulnerabilities, and characterize information concerning an adversary and the operating environment in order to facilitate superior decision-making. This capability is a combination of both ability to conduct detailed, in-depth analysis of very specific phenomenology and the ability to fuse information from a wide variety of sources in order to create valuable insights and actionable, relevant information.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBB-07

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - ISR Exploitation Supporting Fusion

(U) DESCRIPTION: Fusion is the critical technology that underpins these components and in many circles has become synonymous with BA functions. Fusion, by definition, is a series of processes to transform observable data into more detailed and refined information, knowledge, and understanding. These processes, by their very nature, involve a mixture of automation and human cognition. All of the capstone capabilities required and outlined above have one or more aspects of fusion embedded within their constructs.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GBB-08

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - Predictive Analysis and Estimation

(U) DESCRIPTION: The Ability to Model, Simulate, and Forecast Modeling, simulation and forecasting is the ability to utilize BA information to create an environment that allows for modeling, simulating, and forecasting in order to increase understanding, increase confidence, improve the planning (and execution) of COAs, and decrease risk for commanders and analysts. Modeling, simulation, and forecasting activities range from accurate and timely weather predictions through support of operational rehearsals, training exercises, and military education. The following contributing capabilities are critical for modeling, simulation, and forecasting: auto-populate models and simulations;

identify enemy courses of action; and integrate cultural, social and other nonmilitary issues into predictive forecasts.

(U) TOPIC NUMBER: GGC-01

(U) TOPIC TITLE: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Technologies - Biometric INTEL Processing

(U) DESCRIPTION: Development of Multi-modal Biometric analysis tools to improve categorization and identification of individuals. This shall include the storage, data mining and linkage / Association of Biometric data to other Intelligence events. Areas of interest are Facial recognition, Voice pattern analysis and physiological phenomena.

(U) Development of High performance computing / rapid processing of Biometric data.

This shall include methods to quickly categorize individuals that can’t be accurately identified.

(U) uncooperative standoff surveillance, tracking and exploitation

(U) identification methods without pre-enrollment

(U) TOPIC NUMBER:…