TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Human Systems, Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 281 (UAS) Strike Planning and 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 Announcement. 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 tool capable of providing dynamic interactive 4D (3D+time) geographically referenced overlays of multiple data formats in support of situational awareness to make dynamic tactical decisions and to re-evaluate decisions.

DESCRIPTION: Currently, several commercial off-the-shelf/government off-the-shelf (COTS/GOTS) tools have the capability to dynamically generate various types of data overlays.� These overlays relate to various planning activities, including threat tracking, jamming, and operating area information, as well as blue force tracking and weather data.� However, there is a lack of capability for the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) multi-vehicle planner to visualize routes and plans using these various data/information sources.� The ability to directly interact with the source programs allowing for course of action analysis is also lacking.

The software tool is envisioned to allow these various data/information sources, as outlined in the beginning of this section, in different formats to geo-rectify data and additionally be able to manually/automatically control data/information source applications to significantly improve situational awareness in visualizing mission plans and facilitating mission rehearsals.

One of the more critical parts of this effort is the ability for the software tool to be able to connect dynamically to the various data sources, either local or remote, in order to (re)calculate position and/or effects based on changes (e.g., (re)position jammers, release weapons, reposition ships within the battle group).� The overall goal is to increase the availability of unique, tactical decision aids, and facilitate the visualization of plans and dynamically show the effects of changes to the plans�effectively providing enhanced battle space situational awareness, resulting in a more realistic multi-domain mission management.

Developers may consider Keyhole Markup Language (KML) and/or other suitable formats for overlays.� It is also anticipated that the tool will have an easy-to-use, intuitive human-computer interface.� Again, this 4D overlay planning tool should have the capability to visually review and optimize routes.

The basic JMPS Software and detail description will be provided to contractors awarded a Phase I contract.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: 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/or subcontractor 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: Develop a dynamic interactive information overlay concept suitable for the basic JMPS single vehicle planner.� The Phase I effort will include the development of prototype plans for Phase II.

PHASE II: Expand the capability developed in Phase I and create a prototype tool suitable for the JMPS Multi-Vehicle Multi-Domain Mission Planning software.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Based on successful prototype development, further refine if necessary and test the tool�s functionality.� Upon successful demonstration and test results, the focus will be directed toward the transition and integration of the tool into the JMPS Multi-Vehicle, Multi-Domain Mission Planning software.� This 4D overlay planning tool with the capability to visually review and optimize delivery routes will benefit any company that deals with multiple unmanned systems�both air and ground (e.g., delivery companies such as Amazon, United Parcel Service, etc.).

REFERENCES:

1. Bailey, C. �Department of Defense Usage of FalconView�.�� https://www.nifc.gov/aviation/BLMairspace/FalconView.pdf

2. Blasch, E., Al-Nashif, Y., and Hariri S. "Static versus Dynamic Data Information Fusion." Procedia Computer Science, Vol 29, 2014, pp 1299-1313, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050914002944

3. Phister, P., Plonisch, I., and Humiston, T. "The Combined Aerospace Operations Center (CAOC) of the Future." http://www.dodccrp.org/events/6th_ICCRTS/Tracks/Papers/Track7/062_tr7.pdf

KEYWORDS: Data/Information Overlay; Geo-rectified; Mission-Planning; Multi-Vehicle; Interactive; Mission Management