N161-015 TITLE: Collaborative Undersea Warfare Mission Planning for Manned and Unmanned Vehicles

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground/Sea Vehicles, Human Systems, Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 281, Strike Planning & Execution Systems

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

OBJECTIVE: Develop a mission planning software tool that optimizes the Undersea Warfare (USW) mission planning environment across multiple platforms/multiple domains (air, surface, and subsurface) with diverse sensors allowing for USW assets to develop integrated mission solutions that include advanced 3-D visualization techniques and the optimization of existing software algorithm processes.

DESCRIPTION: Increases in stealth and offensive capabilities of today's sophisticated submarines have resulted in increased USW challenges. In the past, a single USW asset would work independently from other platforms, each with their own unique area of responsibility. Given today's challenging targets and environmental conditions, there is a need for increased coordination of various USW assets to achieve a greater probability of detection/interdiction of targets of interest.

In order to gain a better understanding, improve situational awareness, and achieve tactical advantage, advanced visualization techniques and software algorithm processes are desired to aid USW mission planners. An integrated tool, using novel graphical user interfaces (GUI) to assist planners in developing sensor deployments, gain better understanding of other platforms' sensor capabilities, and determining how changing variables (e.g. Target of Interest (TOI) depth, change in sensor depth, water column changes, etc.) will increase or decrease the likelihood of detection is required. Applying advanced visualization techniques will provide mission planners the ability to see the problem space in three-dimensions with the effects of dynamically placing (select, drag, and drop) sensors (position and depth) and display the effected detection areas (based on percent of detection) and gaps in coverage. It is critical that the mission planning of each individual USW asset be displayed in conjunction with other mission planning activities to achieve greater awareness and make recommended sensor deployment options for other platforms. Sensors to be considered include; passive acoustic, active acoustic, electronic support measures (ESM), and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR). USW platforms include aircraft (SH-60R, P-3, P-8) submarines, surface combatants and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

The overall goal is to initially integrate the proposed software tool into the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) environment. Note that in Phase II the contractor will receive a Navy Mission Planning System Style Guide that is currently being drafted.

The prospective contractor(s) may require access to classified information for Phase II. The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and any subcontractors must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advanced phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Design and develop advanced visualization techniques and optimization algorithms for existing sensor and mission planning software processes for manned and unmanned collaborative USW mission planning. Develop novel GUI display concepts that show how dispersed manned and unmanned platforms would plan, distribute and collaborate in the USW environment. Demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing the developed multi-platform, multi-sensor planning and show the sensor coverage areas and gaps that also includes identifying technical risks of the proposed concept. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design layout and a capabilities description to build into Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I efforts, develop prototype of the proposed software processes to address the technical risks of the concept. Develop draft specifications for the different elements (GUI, visualization and algorithms) of the concept. Further develop and apply the advanced visualization techniques and processes for USW mission planning concept from Phase I and sensor/physics models to sensor performance planning. Demonstrate a prototype of the optimized dispersed planning system and the ability to achieve an acceptable mission plan that allows for greatest detection probability.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning and integrate the software functionality into JMPS and other Navy use. Develop specifications and first articles for concept unique elements and specifications for other concept elements which must have specific functionality to implement the end product. Finalize the product for test and integration into JMPS for effective USW mission planning capability. This software tool capability would be highly suitable for government agencies - that includes Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and commercial maritime operations.

REFERENCES:

1. Undersea Warfare Chief Technology Office, (2013). Enabling Strategic Innovation for Undersea Force. Retrieved from http://www.ndia.org/Divisions/Divisions/UnderseaWarfare/Documents/USW%20-%202013%20USW%20STOs.pdf

2. Commander Submarine Forces. Design for Undersea Warfare- Update One (2012). Commander's Guidance for the United States Submarine Force and Supporting Undersea Forces. Retrieved from https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=726701

3. Menner, W. A. (1997). The Navy's Tactical Aircraft Strike Planning Process. Johns Hopkins APL Technical Digest, 18(1), 90-104

4. Button, R.W, Kamp, J. Curtin, T.B., Dryden, J., (2009). A Survey of Missions for Unmanned Undersea Vehicles,. Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG808.html

5. Clark, B., (2015). The Emerging Era in Undersea Warfare. Retrieved from http://csbaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/CSBA6117-New-Era-Undersea-Warfare-Reportweb.pdf

KEYWORDS: Collaborative Mission Planning; Unmanned; Undersea; Manned; Vehicles; Mulit-platform

TPOC-1: 301-757-1006

TPOC-2: 301-757-5147

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