Invisible Headlights (IH)

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency seeks proposals through a Broad Agency Announcement to develop invisible headlight technology that enables three-dimensional vision using only ambient thermal emissions. Proposals are due by June 24, 2020 and should address research in two technical areas: modifying existing sensors for near-term applications of up to 75 mph, or developing novel hyperdiversity sensors. Awards will fund research through multiple phases demonstrating stationary and mobile 3D sensing capabilities. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to the defense mission, and cost realism.

There is no set-aside designation. The solicitation involves research in areas such as optics, sensors, imaging algorithms and autonomous systems. Estimated budgets range from $1-5M per year over three to five years for multiple awards in each technical area. Proposals are due by June 24, 2020 and must address the full three-phase, 57-month program to develop performance models, generate experimental data and explore virtual tradespaces of 3D vision capabilities for autonomous navigation without active illumination.