N234-P07 TITLE: NAVWAR Open Topic for Holistic Common Operational Picture (COP): PMW 170

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Computing and Software; Trusted AI and Autonomy

OBJECTIVE: DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY OPEN TOPIC - The resultant capability will provide a DEVSECOPS environment to mature efforts that feed the Maritime Tactical Command and Control production. It will also provide an AI tool that will sift data and identify potential Global Positioning System (GPS) threats in near real-time.

DESCRIPTION: The Department of Navy is seeking proposals to improve the quality and speed of decision making for operational and tactical commanders through advanced technology. These technologies may include, but not limited to, solutions that support force maneuver, effects and data synchronization, and course of action (COA) decision making. Specifically, PEO C4I (PMW 170) requires a software (SW)-based Navigation Warfare Situational Awareness (SA) tool that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sift data and identify potential GPS threats in near real-time. The solution should go beyond training neural networks or other machine learning (ML) methodologies.

The benefit to the warfighter will be a solution to provide real-time GPS threats and can integrate into the Navigation Warfare COP, which can be used by operational commanders at the Combatant Command (COCOM) level down to individual platform/units to make informed decisions with a better understanding of warfighting capability.

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. 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 have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain an appropriate security-level facility and Personnel Security Clearances to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVWAR to gain access to classified information about 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: The DON is planning to issue multiple Phase I awards for this topic but reserves the right to issue no awards. Each Phase I proposal must include a Base and Option period of performance. The Phase I Base must have a period of performance of four (4) months at a cost not to exceed $75,000. The Phase I Option must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $100,000.

Phase I feasibility will describe the existing proposed technology, existing DON system(s) to improve, modifications required, anticipated improvements to existing capabilities, impacts to current logistics if any (i.e., transportation, storage, maintenance, safety, etc.) and transition approach to the DON system. Results of Phase I will be detailed in a final technical report (Final Report).

Phase I deliverables include:

• Kick-Off Briefing, due 15 days from start of Base award
• Final Report, due 120 days from start of Base award
• Initial Phase II Proposal, due 120 days from start of Base award

Deliverables specific to this topic and in addition to those listed above: A study describing research and results of potential algorithms, taking into account the GPS-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Services (GPNTS) architecture and interfaces. Phase I should also include Modeling & Simulation (M&S) to support outcome/recommendations.

PHASE II: All Phase I awardees may submit an Initial Phase II proposal for evaluation and selection. The evaluation criteria for Phase II is the same as Phase I (as stated in this BAA). The Phase I Final Report and Initial Phase II Proposal will be used to evaluate the small business concern�s potential to adapt commercial products to fill a capability gap, improve performance, or modernize an existing capability for DON and transition the technology to Phase III. Details on the due date, content, and submission requirements of the Initial Phase II Proposal will be provided by the awarding SYSCOM either in the Phase I contract or by subsequent notification.

Develop software that will be integrated into GPNTS and performance validation in a fleet experimentation/demonstration, or relevant environment. Develop transition plan including production and fielding approach (including updated logistics and safety consideration) and further commercialization (non-DoD).

It is highly likely that the work, prototyping, test, simulation, and validation may become classified in Phase II (see Description for details). However, the proposal for Phase II will be UNCLASSIFIED.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Field capability and logistics support.

REFERENCES:

1. P. Bethi, S. Pathipati and A. P, "Stealthy GPS Spoofing: Spoofer Systems, Spoofing Techniques and Strategies," 2020 IEEE 17th India Council International Conference (INDICON), New Delhi, India, 2020, pp. 1-7, doi:10.1109/INDICON49873.2020.9342317.
2. Keller, John, "The growing problem of jamming and spoofing of GPS satellite navigation signals just keeps getting worse." Military Aerospace Electronics, July 20, 2021 https://www.militaryaerospace.com/rf-analog/article/14207023/gps-signals-jamming

 

KEYWORDS: Maritime; Tactical; Command; Control; Positioning; Navigation; Timing

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