Navy FY08.3 SBIR Solicitation Topics

NAVY

SBIR FY08.3 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

The responsibility for the implementation, administration and management of the Navy SBIR Program is with the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Director of the Navy SBIR Program is Mr. John Williams, john.williams6@navy.mil. For general inquiries or problems with electronic submission, contact the DoD Help Desk at 1-866-724-7457 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST). For program and administrative questions, please contact the Program Managers listed in Table 1; do not contact them for technical questions. For technical questions about the topic, contact the Topic Authors listed under each topic on the Web site before 25 August 2008. Beginning 25 August, the SITIS system (http://www.dodsbir.net/Sitis/Default.asp) listed in section 1.5c of the program solicitation must be used for any technical inquiry.

TABLE 1: NAVY ACTIVITY SBIR PROGRAM MANAGERS POINTS OF CONTACT

Topic Numbers

Point of Contact

Activity

E-mail

N08-205 thru N08-207

Mrs. Janet McGovern

NAVAIR

navair.sbir@navy.mil

N08-208 thru N08-221

N08-222 thru N08-226

Mr. Dean Putnam

Mr. Steve Stewart

NAVSEA

SPAWAR

dean.r.putnam@navy.mil

steve.stewart@navy.mil

The Navy’s SBIR Program is a mission‑oriented program that integrates the needs and requirements of the Navy’s Fleet through R&D topics that have dual‑use potential, but primarily address the needs of the Navy. Companies are encouraged to address the manufacturing needs of the Defense Sector in their proposals. Information on the Navy SBIR Program can be found on the Navy SBIR Web site at http://www.onr.navy.mil/sbir. Additional information pertaining to the Department of the Navy’s mission can be obtained by viewing the Web site at http://www.navy.mil.

PHASE I GUIDELINES

Follow the instructions in the DoD Program Solicitation at www.dodsbir.net/solicitation for program requirements and proposal submission. Cost estimates for travel to the sponsoring activity's facility for one day of meetings are recommended for all proposals and required for proposals submitted to NAVSEA, and SPAWAR. The Navy encourages proposers to include, within the 25 page limit, an option which furthers the effort and will bridge the funding gap between Phase I and the Phase II start. Phase I options are typically exercised upon the decision to fund the Phase II. For NAVAIR topics N08-205 thru N08-207 the base amount should not exceed $80,000 and 6 months; the option should not exceed $70,000 and 6 months. For all other Navy topics the base effort should not exceed $70,000 and 6 months; the option should not exceed $30,000 and 3 months. PROPOSALS THAT HAVE A HIGHER DOLLAR AMOUNT THAN ALLOWED FOR THAT TOPIC WILL BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE.

The Navy will evaluate and select Phase I proposals using the evaluation criteria in section 4.2 of the DoD solicitation in descending order of importance with technical merit being most important, followed by the qualifications, and followed by commercialization potential. Due to limited funding, the Navy reserves the right to limit awards under any topic and only proposals considered to be of superior quality will be funded.

One week after solicitation closing, e-mail notifications that proposals have been received and processed for evaluation will be sent. Consequently, e-mail addresses on the proposal coversheets must be correct

The Navy typically awards a firm fixed price contract or a small purchase agreement for Phase I.

PHASE I SUMMARY REPORT

In addition to the final report required in the funding agreement, all awardees must electronically submit a non-proprietary summary of that report (and without any proprietary or data rights markings) through the Navy SBIR Web site. Following the template provided on the site, submit the summary at: http://www.onr.navy.mil/sbir, click on “Submission”, and then click on “Submit a Phase I or II Summary Report”. This summary will be publicly accessible via the Navy’s Search Database.

NAVY FAST TRACK DATES AND REQUIREMENTS

The Fast Track application must be received by the Navy 150 days from the Phase I award start date. Phase II Proposal must be submitted within 180 days of the Phase I award start date. Any Fast Track applications or proposals not meeting these dates may be declined. All Fast Track applications and required information must be sent to the Technical Point of Contact for the contract and to the appropriate Navy Activity SBIR Program Manager listed in Table 1 above. The information required by the Navy, is the same as the information required under the DoD Fast Track described in section 4.5 of this solicitation.

PHASE II GUIDELINES

Phase II proposal submission, other than Fast Track, is by invitation only. If you have been invited, follow the instructions in the invitation. Each of the Navy Activities has different instructions for Phase II submission. Visit the Web site cited in the invitation to get specific guidance before submitting the Phase II proposal.

The Navy will invite, evaluate and select Phase II proposals using the evaluation criteria in section 4.3 of the DoD solicitation in descending order of importance with technical merit being most important, followed by the qualifications, and followed by commercialization potential. Due to limited funding, the Navy reserves the right to limit awards under any topic and only proposals considered to be of superior quality will be funded.

Under the new OSD (AT&L) directed Commercialization Pilot Program (CPP), the Navy SBIR Program will be structuring more of our Phase II contracts in a way that allows for increased funding levels based on the projects transition potential. This will be done through either multiple options that may range from $250K to $1M each, substantial expansions to the existing contract, or a second phase II award. For currently existing phase II contracts, the goals of the CPP will primarily be attained through contract expansions, some of which may significantly exceed the $750K recommended limits for Phase II awards not identified as a CPP project. All projects in the CPP will include notice of such status in their Phase II contract modifications.

All awardees, during the second year of the Phase II, must attend a one-day Transition Assistance Program (TAP) meeting. This meeting is typically held in the summer in the Washington, D.C. area. Information can be obtained at http://www.dawnbreaker.com/navytap. Awardees will be contacted separately regarding this program. It is recommended that Phase II cost estimates include travel to Washington, D.C. for this event.

As with the Phase I award, Phase II award winners must electronically submit a Phase II summary (without any proprietary or data rights markings) through the Navy SBIR Web site at the end of their Phase II.

A Navy Activity will not issue a Navy SBIR Phase II award to a company when the elapsed time between the completion of the Phase I award and the actual Phase II award date is eight (8) months or greater; unless the process and the award have been formally reviewed and approved by the Navy SBIR Program Office. Also, any SBIR Phase I contract that has been extended by a no cost extension beyond one year will be ineligible for a Navy SBIR Phase II award using SBIR funds.

The Navy typically awards a cost plus fixed fee contract or an Other Transaction Agreement for Phase II.

PHASE II ENHANCEMENT

The Navy has adopted a Phase II Enhancement Plan to encourage transition of Navy SBIR funded technology to the Fleet. Since the Law (PL102-564) permits Phase III awards during Phase II work, the Navy may match on a one-to-four ratio, SBIR funds to funds that the company obtains from an acquisition program, usually up to $250,000. The SBIR enhancement funds may only be provided to the existing Phase II contract. If you have questions, please contact the Navy Activity SBIR Program Manager.

PHASE III

Public Law 106-554 and the 2002 Small Business Innovation Research Program Policy Directive (Directive) provide for protection of SBIR data rights under SBIR Phase III awards. Per the Directive, a Phase III SBIR award is any work that derives from, extends or logically concludes effort(s) performed under prior SBIR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR Program. Thus, any contract or grant where the technology is the same as, derived from, or evolved from a Phase I or a Phase II SBIR/STTR contract and awarded to the company which was awarded the Phase I/II SBIR is a Phase III SBIR contract. This covers any contract/grant issued as a follow-on Phase III SBIR award or any contract/grant award issued as a result of a competitive process where the awardee was an SBIR firm that developed the technology as a result of a Phase I or Phase II SBIR. The Navy will give SBIR Phase III status to any award that falls within the above-mentioned description, which includes according SBIR Data Rights to any noncommercial technical data and/or noncommercial computer software delivered in Phase III that was developed under SBIR Phase I/II effort(s). The government’s prime contractors and/or their subcontractors shall follow the same guidelines as above and ensure that companies operating on behalf of the Navy protect rights of the SBIR company.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Proposals submitted with Federal Government organizations (including the Naval Academy, Naval Post Graduate School, or any other military academy) as subcontractors will be subject to approval by the Small Business Administration (SBA) after selection and prior to award.

Any contractor proposing research that requires human, animal and recombinant DNA use is advised to view requirements at Web site http://www.onr.navy.mil/sci_tech/ahd_usage.asp. This Web site provides guidance and notes approvals that may be required before contract/work may begin.

PHASE I PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:

All of the following criteria must be met or your proposal will be REJECTED.

____1. Make sure you have added a header with company name, proposal number and topic number to each page of your technical proposal.

____2. Your technical proposal has been uploaded and the DoD Proposal Cover Sheet, the DoD Company Commercialization Report, and the Cost Proposal have been submitted electronically through the DoD submission site by 6:00 a.m. EST 24 September 2008.

____3. After uploading your file and it is saved on the DoD submission site, review it to ensure that it appears correctly.

____4. For NAVAIR topics N08-205 thru N08-207, the base effort does not exceed $80,000 and 6 months and the option does not exceed $70,000 and 6 months. For all other proposals, the Phase I proposed cost for the base effort does not exceed $70,000 and 6 months and for the option $30,000 and 3 months. The costs for the base and option are clearly separate, and identified on the Proposal Cover Sheet, in the cost proposal, and in the work plan section of the proposal.

Navy SBIR 083 Topic Index

N08-205 Radar Detection and Tracking of Small Maritime Targets at High Grazing Angles

N08-206 High Density, Fiber-Optic Sensors, Single Mode/Multi-Mode and High Power Fiber-Optic Rotary Connection Technology

N08-207 Develop Novel Concepts for Continuous Ground Moving Target Surveillance

N08-208 Ultra low-cost integrated laser and SOA modulator switch

N08-209 Embedded Training Techniques for Target Discrimination Systems

N08-210 Portable Multimodal Biometric Devices

N08-211 Rapid Electrical Outfitting For Shipbuilding

N08-212 Vent Waste Recovery System for Ultracapacitors

N08-213 Affordable small diameter heading sensors

N08-214 Develop a Electronics encapsulation or hardening that can survive 40 kG force accelerations and continue operations

N08-215 High Temperature, High Stress GPS Antenna Window

N08-216 Innovative Undersea Sensors Using Relaxor Piezoelectric Single Crystals

N08-217 Low Cost, Low Power, SAASM GPS Receiver with Up Finding Capability for Gun Launched Projectiles

N08-218 Compact, Lightweight Magnetic Sensor for Small Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV)

N08-219 Advanced Communications at Speed and Depth

N08-220 Innovative Deployment & Stowage Technologies

N08-221 Advanced ASW Signal Processing for Towed Vector Sensor Line Arrays (VSTA)

N08-222 MOUS Communication Optimization and Quick Planner

N08-223 Cooling technology for JTRS Ground Mobile Radio (GMR) Communications Systems

N08-224 Universal Radio Frequency (RF) Communications Transceiver

N08-225 Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) Enhancement

N08-226 Efficient Wideband Antenna for JTRS Ground Mobile Radio (GMR) Communications Systems

Navy SBIR 083 Topic Descriptions

N08-205 TITLE: Radar Detection and Tracking of Small Maritime Targets at High Grazing Angles

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Sensors, Battlespace, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-265

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop high-grazing-angle radar signal processing techniques utilizing a long integration time approach with a pulse to pulse agile beam which has control to detect and discriminate small maritime targets and maintain overall situational awareness.

DESCRIPTION: Maritime surface search radars have traditionally been operated at low grazing angles when searching for small maritime targets such as periscopes and small boats. A major reason for this operational choice is that the mean radar sea clutter return drops significantly at low grazing angles (i.e., <10-15 degrees grazing), so target radar returns are readily masked by the large clutter signature. However, operation at higher altitudes will greatly extend the radar horizon, and, with effective signal processing techniques, will yield large search rates and hence enable persistent wide area surveillance. With current and future missions being developed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), it is essential to their success to be able to execute intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions from higher grazing angles than has been routinely done in the past. The feasibility of radar operation in this high altitude (10,000 ft and higher) and high grazing angle regime is dependent in part on the development of methods to discriminate between sea clutter and small targets of interest.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of and define a candidate signal processing approach leveraging the statistical characteristics of sea clutter and hard body radar returns at high grazing angles. Identify radar architectures necessary to support the signal processing approach. Identify how current and emerging radar systems might exploit these techniques with modest enhancements.

PHASE II: Design, build, and test a prototype radar processor that automatically detects and discriminates signatures associated with small maritime targets in near real time.

PHASE III: Transition developed technology to UAV and/or manned systems and platforms.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The signal processing approaches could be applied to a wide range of surveillance applications including large-area search and rescue operations, maritime counter-drug operations, and monitoring activities within the exclusive economic zone. The products of this small business innovative research would also be of significant importance to Homeland Security for coastal and harbor surveillance.

REFERENCES:

1. Ward, K.D., Baker, C.J., and Watts, S. "Maritime Surveillance Radar Part 1: Radar Scattering from the Ocean Surface." IEE Proc. F, Radar & Signal Processing, Vol. 137, 1990, pp. 51-62.

2. “Sea Clutter: Scattering the K-Distribution and Radar Performance.” By Keith D. Ward, Simon Watts, Published 2006, IET.

KEYWORDS: Radar Scattering; Radar Sea Clutter; Maritime Surveillance; Small Maritime Targets; Target Detection; Homeland Security

N08-206 TITLE: High Density, Fiber-Optic Sensors, Single Mode/Multi-Mode and High Power Fiber-

Optic Rotary Connection Technology

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 231

OBJECTIVE: Design and implement a High Performance, High Density, Low Signal Loss, Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ), which offers low weight, minimum working volume, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and reliable fault free rotation.

DESCRIPTION: Electro Optic (EO) technology is rapidly replacing coax based applications. Photonic routing and distribution offer new opportunities for digital and analog RF signal transport over optical fiber networks. Core utilities for adopting optical fiber systems are speed, functionality bandwidth, reliability, and Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) immunity. Current commercial FORJ technology comes with size, weight, packaging, environmental and optical performance limitations which are posing deployment challenges in Naval aviation applications. NAVAIR is looking for innovative technology and product design that will provide robust mechanical performance, environmental toughness and leading edge optical performance, packaged for reliable operation on military fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Aviation fiber based architectures utilize intrinsic and extrinsic sensors positioned in and on airframe structures to perform mission critical functions. Data collected from these sensing operations are analyzed for aircraft health monitoring, threat response, control, command, communication and environmental awareness. To achieve these objectives, sensors are mounted strategically throughout the airframe and require complex routing. For example, many carrier based air vehicle designs include wing folding requirements for below carrier deck stowage. Placement of fiber sensors beyond that boundary is rare due to reliable concerns. FORJ’s provides a vehicle for accessing and utilizing these vantage points, as well as radome protected sensors. Key threshold design goals for the multi-channel Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) modules are:

1. Port Count: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32…

2. Operating Wavelength: 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1530 – 1565 nm

3. Insertion loss (dB): 1.0 /channel

4. Crosstalk (dB): - 50

5. Return Loss (dB): < - 50

6. Power: 1W/channel

7. Operating Environment: - 40C to +100C

8. Fiber Types: Multimode or Single mode

9. Connector Type: MIL-PRF- 29504/4 & /5

10. Number of simultaneous transmit channels: 8

11. Mechanical Reliability: > 10 8 Rotations

12. Rotational Speed: 0 to 100 RPM

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of defining a FORJ technology by taking into account photonic loss budget of existing technology, associated bandwidth, and environmental ruggedness in an aircraft environmental profile.

PHASE II: Develop, build and demonstrate prototype Fiber Optic Rotary Joints for use in next generation phased array radar and electronic warfare systems. Fabricate a FORJ test bed to demonstrate a Low Signal Loss fiber interconnect modules that can survive and reliably operate in harsh military environments. Characterize the packaged test bed fiber-optic hardware prototypes for optical performance using aircraft representative fiber optic cable interconnect technology.

PHASE III: Characterize the packaged test bed over the full –40 C to +100 C temperature range and aircraft environmental profile. Verify and validate first article production fiber-optic hardware prototypes for optical performance in a typical avionics environment, including repeated temperature cycling, altitude immersion, humidity, fluids, shock, vibration, etc. Transition technology to fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The research under this program could extend beyond military systems to commercial ATC radar systems and networks. Further, the effort here to reduce the size and weight even gives a competitive advantage in the commercial telecommunications marketplace.

REFERENCES:

1. R.C. Hansen, "Phased Array Antennas”; ISBN: 978-0-471-53076-3 January 1998.

2. Sophocles J. Orfanidis, “Electromagnetic Waves and Antennas”; November 2002.

3. MIL-STD-29504, Termini, Fiber Optic Connector, General Specification 12 November 2002.

4. MIL-STD 810F, Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests.

KEYWORDS: Fiber Optics,; Packaging; Interconnect Solutions for Future Airborne Phased Array Radar Antennas; EMI; Fiber Optic Rotary Joint

N08-207 TITLE: Develop Novel Concepts for Continuous Ground Moving Target Surveillance

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-265

OBJECTIVE: Develop novel techniques for the simultaneous detection, track, geo-location and automated target recognition of move-stop-move ground targets.

DESCRIPTION: The requirement for multidimensional situation awareness is increasing for both military and commercial sensors. Dominance in the military theater demands systems that can perform multiple functions such as ground moving target indication (GMTI), and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that maintain continuous track and surveillance of specific move-stop-move targets. State of the art solutions to solve this problem revolve around the incorporation of shared aperture techniques or multiple radar systems. Limitations in physical implementation of the shared apertures, prime power availability, and basic phenomenology associated with the multiple functions must be balanced against command situational awareness constraints. Innovative methods to integrate these modes need to be developed.

PHASE I: Identify, define and model the necessary radar technologies required to accomplish radar detection, track, geo-location and automated target recognition of move-stop-move ground targets either simultaneously or in a manner that appears simultaneous to the radar operator. Computer simulation should be utilized to bound the problem by providing performance envelops under various prime power, update rate and field of regard conditions. Measures of effectiveness will be developed and used to assess the techniques developed.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate the prototype technology through either unclassified hardware demonstration of selected techniques or computer analysis of data cubes representative of the stressing technologies being reduced to practice.

PHASE III: Finalize the technology and transition to the fleet.

REFERENCES:

1. The improvement of the conventional GMTI method with single-channel SAR, Wei Song; Wang Hongyuan, Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, 2004. IGARSS apos; 04. Proceedings. 2004 IEEE International, Volume 4, Issue, 20-24 Sept. 2004 Page(s): 2626 - 2628 vol. 4.

2. Real time simultaneous SAR/GMTI in a tactical airborne environment "EUSAR'96, Konigswinter, Germany," M Tobin 1996, P 63-66.

3. Battlefield awareness via synergistic SAR and MTI exploitation, "IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems," MT Fennel 1998, 13, 02 P 39-45.

KEYWORDS: Multi-mission Radar; Radar Scheduling; Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI); Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR); Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR); Multifunction Waveforms

N08-208 TITLE: Ultra low-cost integrated laser and SOA modulator switch

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS450 - VIRGINIA CLASS PROGRAM ACAT I

OBJECTIVE: OBJECTIVE: To develop an inexpensive and compact semiconductor distributed-feedback laser (DFB) laser with a linewidth of 1 MHz, with a phase noise performance typical of other commercial DFB lasers without an external cavity [1]. The desired output power is 10 mWatts, with an integrated high-speed switch for generating 1 nsec wide pulses. The laser should consume very little electrical power, operate mode-hop-free without the need for a thermo-electric (TE) cooler from 0 C to 20 C. The switch needs to not introduce chirp and can be either an integrated traveling wave semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) or a reflective SOA. At the end of the program, the cost of such an integrated package should be less than $150 in large volumes (> 5000). The laser should have a rugged design, be fiber coupled, and be insensitive to modest levels of vibration.

DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: Optoelectronic (OE) component cost is one limitation in the use of fiber optic acoustic sensors for Navy systems. The Navy seeks innovative approaches to reducing the cost of two key OE components, the laser source and the high-speed switch. The 1550 nm laser source can be an edge emitting DFB laser or vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) with a 1 MHz linewidth. The SOA switch needs to have very low light leakage in the off state (< 80 dB). An integrated DFB laser / SOA switch would be the ideal

solution.

PHASE I: PHASE I: Demonstrate an ultra-low-cost, fiber-coupled, DFB laser with 10 mWatts of output power at 1550 nm, which requires no TE cooler, has a 1 MHz linewidth with low frequency noise consistent with other DFB lasers per refernce [1]. Demonstrate an SOA switch with a saturation power of 10 dBm, a noise figure of 7, 1 nsec pulse width, and a gain factor of 20 in a compact package for ultra-low-cost.

PHASE II: Phase II: Develop an integrated DFB laser, high speed switch with the above specifications and very low light leakage (<80 dB) and low chirp level in a compact fiber-coupled package.

PHASE III: Phase III: After detailed component testing, provide an integrated ultra-low-cost DFB laser with an integrated nsec switch to NavSea for integration into fiber optic acoustic sensing systems.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL. DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: An ultra-low-cost integrated DFB with an external switch will have applications in commercial fiber optic sensing technology in addition to telcom

applications in the area of passive optical networks.

REFERENCES: [1]. "Achieving narrow linewidth low-phase noise external cavity semiconductor lasers through the reduction of 1/f noise," Robert E. Bartolo, Clay K. Kirkendall, Vladimir Kupershmidt, and Sabeur Siala, Proc. of SPIE, Vol. 6133, 1 (2006).

KEYWORDS: distributed feedback laser; coherent laser; semiconductor laser; fiber coupled; semiconductor optical amplifier

N08-209 TITLE: Embedded Training Techniques for Target Discrimination Systems

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 2/5 SPS-74 CVN Periscope Detection Radar

OBJECTIVE: Develop embedded training technology which will enhance and maintain operator proficiency for sensor systems with human-assisted automatic target discrimination capability.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is deploying high resolution sensor systems, SPS-74(V) for example, with unique capabilities to extract target feature information and classify targets using a combination of automated algorithms and operator discrimination. These sensors systems provide detail-rich visual signatures which require operators to develop human pattern recognition capability as part of their watchstation training. They also require operators to interpret results of automation processes to supplement manual pattern recognition. This human-machine collaboration presents difficult challenges for operator proficiency training. An effective training approach must provide realistic data fidelity for automation algorithms and operator analysis simultaneously, while implementing an affordable stimulation approach. Stimulation with raw sensor data is nearly prohibitive due to high data rates. Emulation of complex and evolving automation is problematic and expensive. Any effective implementation must have efficient, testable interfaces with the tactical system software to facilitate integration and spiral development. An embedded training approach that addresses these challenges is preferable to a stand-alone trainer.

The Navy seeks an affordable embedded training technical approach that can provide the fidelity to support effective operator proficiency training. It is also desired that the architecture support basic operator functional training and limited maintenance training. Other functions of interest include qualification management and operator performance analysis. An ideal training architecture would support commonality across multiple sensor systems. Proposed approaches should be compatible with current Navy training standards for reusable content such as Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) and the Integrated Learning Environment (ILE).

PHASE I: Design an embedded training concept for an advanced target discrimination system. Identify technologies that can support the functions of the notional system. Assess the readiness of these technologies and estimate required resources to implement the embedded training concept. Determine quantitatively the capabilities provided by the embedded trainer and methods/metrics for assessing the effectiveness of the training system

PHASE II: Produce an embedded trainer design, which could include prototype software or hardware components. Demonstrate the feasibility of the training concept and determine the effectiveness of the system against the metrics created in Phase I.

PHASE III: Integrate successful technology into existing Navy radar systems.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: These embedded training technologies could be readily transitioned to many deployed Department of Defense systems which use pattern recognition, require operator qualification management, and an innovative means of implementing existing US Navy and/or DOD training content standards. Some examples include land mine detection and classification, passive sonar automation, radar target recognition, automated mechanical fault detection. Any system which requires proficiency of operating personnel, such as power plants, process controllers, automated assembly systems, will benefit from technologies providing embedded training and quality assurance.

REFERENCES:

1. SCORM 2004 (3rd Ed) Sharable Content Object Reference Model Overview (www.adlnet.gov ).

2. Navy Integrated Learning Environment (ILE) Introduction (https://ile-help.nko.navy.mil/ile/contentItems/Navy%20ILE%20An%20Introduction_20070815.pdf).

3. US Navy PQS Program (https://pqs.cnet.navy.mil/).

4. Army Training Support Center (http://www.atsc.army.mil/TSAID/IntegrationDiv/embeddedTrg.asp).

5. Embedded Training Solution for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2001technology/bernard.pdf).

6. Mutch, K.M. and Fox, V.T., “Embedded training for the joint surveillance and target attack radar system ground station module,” 1995 IEEE Aerospace and Electronics Conference.

KEYWORDS: Surveillance, Radar, Pattern Recognition, Embedded Training, Qualification Management, Learning Management, Distributed Learning, Sustainment Training

N08-210 TITLE: Portable Multimodal Biometric Devices

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Sensors, Electronics, Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 480 Anti Terrorism Afloat Identity Dominance System

OBJECTIVE: Develop a compact, lightweight, rugged, portable device that integrates currently utilized biometric modalities to facilitate mobile identification/verification/enrollment of individuals encountered in an austere maritime environment and remote location.

DESCRIPTION: As stated in Ref 1, “Saltwater, dirt and rough handling are tough on electronics…which is why the Navy/Marine Corps team is developing the System for Intelligence and Identity Management Operations (SIIMON) to enable the use of biometrics in Navy and Marine Corps applications and environments.” Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure (VBSS) teams performing Expanded Maritime Interception Operations (EMIO) and USMC units on patrol require the ability to positively identify individuals encountered. The Identity Dominance System Capability Development Document (CDD) has established a need for a maritime expeditionary portable multimodal biometric enrollment and identification device that can withstand rough handling in austere environments (i.e. saltwater, sand, mechanical shock, etc.). The IDS CDD is not for public release, but References 2 through 4 below contain pertinent information. The innovative challenge and technical risk consists of miniaturizing current biometric devices and integrating them into one ruggedized multimodal unit that meets the requirements of the SIIMON performance specification (Ref 5). The target unit will be capable, in a maritime environment, of capturing iris images and rolled/slap fingerprints for local matching/identification against watch lists. It must also be capable of collecting facial images. Additionally, the device needs to be interoperable with systems/radios utilized to provide wireless transmission of the data back to authoritative databases. Collected biometric data will meet the standards for the Department of Defense as well as U.S. law enforcement agencies. The IDS CDD also recognizes that identification is solely supported by biometrics and calls for the enrollment of contextual data either through direct data entry or collection from electronic/smart media. It is assumed that the device proposed will have a robust computing platform at its core and be able to host the media exploitation application. Evaluation of the commercialization criterion at each Phase of the project will include the soundness of the plan to coordinate as needed with biometric technology vendors to ensure manufacture at a reasonable unit cost. The unit will be used at remote locations in the field and is intended to be unclassified.

PHASE I: Develop a design for multimodal biometric device IAW Ref 5 including hardware and software. Identify the high risk technical challenges and provide evidence of the ability to meet them. Develop an initial plan for the development of the required capability including cost, schedule, and required support.

PHASE II: Fabricate prototype device and test. Finalize the concept design and make recommendations for Phase III production-oriented designs. Refine the plan for development of the required capability provided in Phase I.

PHASE III: Produce and conduct testing of close-to-production model. Transition the technology to the Identity Dominance System program.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Private Industry uses biometric technology for commercial products and can benefit from this research in applying resulting concepts to develop smaller/lighter biometric products. Much of the technology developed under this effort will be applicable to homeland defense, law enforcement, and private sector security.

REFERENCES:

1. “New Handheld Device Meets Maritime Challenge”, Biometric Scan – Newsletter of the DoD Biometric Task Force, Jan 2008. http://www.biometrics.dod.mil/Newsletter/issues/2008/Jan/v4issue1_pm.html

2. www.biometrics.org, A Journal of the International Biometric Society.

3. "Expeditionary Biometrics Capability," September 20, 2006. http://www.biometrics.org/bc2006/presentations/Wed_Sep_20/Session_I/20_Boyd_task-force.pdf

4. “US Navy Biometrics: An Overview,” September 13, 2007.

http://www.biometrics.org/bc2007/presentations/Thu_Sep_13/Session_I/13_Duong_DOD.pdf

5. DoN Identity Dominance System: System for Intelligence and Identity Management Operations (SIIMON) Performance Specification.; and Appendix A, System Description Document for SIIMON (Note: PDF uploaded for review).

6. Additional Information from TPOC in response to FAQs from prospective proposers. (Includes 7 sets of Q&A.)

KEYWORDS: Biometrics; latent prints; iris imaging; watchlist; palm prints

N08-211 TITLE: Rapid Electrical Outfitting For Shipbuilding

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 317, LPD 17 Program, ACAT 1

OBJECTIVE: Develop a quick connect technology for distributive power wires that will help to reduce wire run lengths, reduce the number of multiple connector types aboard ship, and work with various wire types and sizes. The solutions should be focused on reducing the cost and time compared to current power distribution installation, modernization and repair.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy's Program Executive Office for Ships is leveraging the National Research Program (NSRP) to effect change across the surface shipbuilding, modernization and repair enterprise by coordinating with U.S. shipbuilders to adapt and implement "World Class" commercial best manufacturing practices. The U.S. shipbuilding industry lags behind the global shipbuilding market significantly in adapting new technologies to long-standing inefficient manufacturing processes and improvement is this area is key to closing this gap.

The US Navy currently manually installs long runs of power distribution wires on board ships. The type, size and lengths of these wire runs vary as do the types and sizes of the connectors that are utilized. The length of wire runs, uncertainty of wire location, and complexity of wire connections also make it difficult to modernize and repair Navy ships. Currently, many of the power distribution wires are installed once the ship modules are assembled. Installing this complex system of power distribution wires requires specially trained individuals which are difficult for shipyards to retain. Overall, the installation of power distribution wires is time and manpower intensive resulting in a substantial cost burden to the shipyards during the ship construction process.

The Navy seeks innovative and alternative material system solutions to reduce the cost and time required to install, modernize, and repair a ships power distribution network. The objective for this solicitation is to develop a quick connect technology for distributive power that will help to reduce wire run lengths, reduce the number of multiple connector types aboard ship, and work with various wire types and sizes. The solutions should be focused on reducing the cost and time compared to current power distribution installation, modernization and repair. The solution must be able to withstand marine environments for the life of the Navy vessel (20-50 year), be water tight, be externally non-conductive and require little training to install. The solution should also consider how ship modules are assembled and be adaptable to this process. The innovation should be able to be implemented in shipyard applications and be compatible with traditional shipyard practices and processes.

This topic seeks innovative scientific and engineering solutions to inefficiencies in long-standing business, design, engineering, and production planning and construction methods. This topic offers an opportunity to infuse new ideas/innovations into the domestic shipbuilding industry. Of particular interest are initiatives with a clear business case. Proposals should specifically describe the technology that will be applied to solve the problem, how it will be developed, what the estimated benefits will be and how it might be transitioned into the shipbuilding industry. NSRP members are available to provide guidance and assistance in the identification of common issues and needs.

PHASE I: Demonstrate feasibility for improvements being developed and also identify impact upon affordability. Include a first order Return-On-Investment (ROI) analysis for implementation and estimate potential Total Ownership Cost (TOC) reduction. Establish Phase II performance goals and key developmental milestones.

PHASE II: Finalize the design, as appropriate, and demonstrate a working prototype of the proposed system. Perform laboratory tests to validate the performance characteristics established in Phase I. Develop a detailed plan and method of implementation into a full-scale application.

PHASE III: Implement the Phase III plan developed in Phase II in coordination with the shipbuilding and repair industry.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The technology developed under this topic shall be directly applicable to current military and commercial shipbuilding operations and repair practices. The products developed should find wide use in most heavy industrial plant/processing facilities such as the power industry and will be marketable to the shipbuilding and repair industry.

REFERENCES:

1. NSRP ASE Strategic Investment Plan, available on line at http://www.nsrp.org/

2. US Naval Shipyard information is available at http://www.shipyards.navy.mil

3. GTR No. 28, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND GENERAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

KEYWORDS: shipbuilding; affordability; materials; electrical systems; quick connect; NSRP

N08-212 TITLE: Vent Waste Recovery System for Ultracapacitors

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Ground/Sea Vehicles, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Cross Platform Systems Development

OBJECTIVE: Establish approaches to vent and process toxic and flammable gases resulting from use of acetonitrile as an ultracapacitor electrolyte.

DESCRIPTION: We seek novel concepts able to (1) handle the erratic pressure venting of ultracapacitors and (2) inject vented gases into an existing combustion process. The resultant system should efficiently recover enough waste energy to meet its own power requirements without risking destructive corrosion of the combustion engine.

Preliminary testing has revealed erratic pressure venting in ultracapacitors. Large differentials between mild and high pressure relief inhibits efficient evacuation of gases and threatens the release of toxic, flammable and corrosive gases into habitable spaces. Injection of these gases into a combustion engine will recover lost energy and breakdown chemical toxicity.

Acetonitrile is commonly used – in combination with other solvents and salts – as the electrolyte in ultracapacitors. In some instances pressure has built rapidly resulting in a sudden release of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. A significant amount of residual acetonitrile could be flammable in certain conditions. While being highly toxic, the released gases are also highly flammable, containing energy that could be recovered. The resultant risks include the release of the hazardous gas into the surrounding environment, damage to the ultracapacitor, damage to the cost-effective vent system and energy loss.

PHASE I: Investigate processes to remove and harvest energy from the toxic and combustible gases associated with ultracapacitors, specifically those using acetonitrile solvent. The process should yield non-toxic byproducts. Perform an analysis on the efficiency of harvesting energy from the toxic gases emitted by ultracapacitors. The energy required to power the process to acquire the energy stored in the gas should not exceed the energy extracted from the gas.

PHASE II: Develop and evaluate the best approach from Phase I while considering retrofit capability into existing platforms.

PHASE III: Develop, test and demonstrate system for use on multiple Naval platforms.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Reducing the toxicity of ultracapacitors while simultaneously recycling hazardous waste as power has far-reaching applications in both military and commercial transportation. Ultracapacitors have the potential to replace modern automobile batteries, and this project is a step towards achieving that end. Additionally, the excess power retrieved could be used to power auxiliary systems such as emergency lighting or to provide backup resources in a crisis or when regular systems fail.

REFERENCES:

1. Electricity storage Ne plus ultra. Jan 31st 2008. Web site: http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10601407 From The Economist print edition.

2. H. M. DeJarnette, C. S. Winchester, T. N. Tran, C. J. Govar, J. A. Banner. Preliminary Abuse Tolerance Assessment of Acetonitrile Based Super-Capacitors for Navy Power Applications. Systems and Materials for Power and Protection Branch, Code 6160.

KEYWORDS: Ultracapacitor, acetonitrile, battery, flammable gas, vent systems, venturi effect, waste fuel injection

N08-213 TITLE: Affordable small diameter heading sensors

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS

OBJECTIVE: Develop an affordable, small diameter heading sensor for use in thin line towed array applications. Sensor dimensions should not exceed 0.5 inch in diameter and 5.0 inch in length (3.0 inch maximum length is preferred). Power consumption should not exceed 500 mW. The rms accuracy of magnetic heading should be 0.5 degrees or less for vertical to horizontal ratios of magnetic field strength up to 10:1. The sensor should support sample rates up to 20 hertz. An industry standard digital data interface is preferred.

Heading accuracy should be maintained through roll angles of 360 degrees and for pitch angles of +/- 5 degrees. Heading resolution should be at least 0.01 degrees. Sensors should have an operating pressure range of 0 to 1000 psia, a survival pressure of 2500 psia, an operating temperature range of -2 to +40 degrees C and a storage temperature range of -30 to +60 degrees C. Sensors will be expected to survive at least 7 years in isoparaffinic hydrocarbons. Roll measurement shall be provided and shall have accuracy better than 1.0 degrees rms.

DESCRIPTION: Acoustic Thin Line Towed array performance is dependent upon precise knowledge of the location of the acoustic sensors within the array. One technique used to estimate the shape of a line array is to instrument the line array with heading sensors. The performance of line arrays increases with length subject to environmental constraints. If the volume for stowing the array is fixed, the diameter of the line array must decrease as the length is increased to maintain the same volume. Current commercially available heading sensors that have the requisite resolution are too large for application in a small diameter line array. In addition, at approximately $25,000 each, the current heading sensors that meet the resolution and accuracy requirements are too expensive. Therefore an affordable small diameter heading sensor is needed for thin line towed array applications.

PHASE I: Conduct design studies and analysis to determine whether an innovative heading sensor approach can meet requirements.

PHASE II: Design, develop, build, and test a breadboard prototype sensor that could meet Navy requirements.

PHASE III: Develop, fabricate, and test prototype in Navy approved heading sensor calibration facility. Fabricate ADM sensors for installation into a thin line towed array that would be tested at a government approved facility to assess if the sensors meet system performance requirements

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Small diameter, low cost heading sensors would also have application in unmanned autonomous surface and undersea vehicles as well as autonomous Distributed Network Sensor programs.

REFERENCES:

1. Tutorial introduction and historical overview of the need for heading sensors in sonar applications Atkins, P.

2. IEE Colloquium on Heading Sensors for Sonar and Marine Applications, 12 Jan 1994.

KEYWORDS: sonar towed array, heading sensor, small diameter, affordable

N08-214 TITLE: Develop a Electronics encapsulation or hardening that can survive 40 kG force

accelerations and continue operations

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes, Sensors, Electronics, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 405

OBJECTIVE: Investigate cost effective alternative electronics hardening (such as for a Global Positioning System (GPS)) that can reliably survive high acceleration forces approaching 40 kG.

DESCRIPTION: New smart munitions designed for the electromagnetic or rocket assisted launch and general electronics are having difficulties developing electronics that can survive the high acceleration forces and explosive forces. A cost effective hardened GPS is needed for accurate targeting. The ability to reliability survive the launch forces is the critical need being addressed. Additionally if the electronics encapsulation or hardening technologies prove effective, then the same process could be used to harden Navy systems to improve survivability and reliability.

The selected solution will need to be manufactured and evaluated in conjunction with other constraints (power, time delay, G-forces, excessive range of temperatures, high velocity time phase compensation, and limited operating space) within smart munitions. The final solution will also need to be successfully integrated into a smart munitions guidance system.

PHASE I: Research and develop a electronics hardening solution that will survive a high acceleration event and provide the responsiveness as part of a real time embedded guidance and targeting system.

PHASE II: For phase two, the performer will need to develop and build a hardened prototype GPS component for lab based testing. Additional units for further reliability testing will need to be created to ensure production and design repeatability and affordability.

PHASE III: Finalize procedures for cost-effectively mass producing the hardened munitions GPS system and for investigating integration requirements into the munitions guidance system.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The Research and Development product can be used in the development and manufacturing of the GPS and any hardened electronics to increase product reliability across a wide range of electronics and sensors. The process will also enable improved reliability of safety and critical systems.

If the process works, the navy could implement component and system hardening across a wide range of ship board systems, eliminating or reducing the need for mechanical hardening of electronic systems which will save weight and increase reliability across a range of systems.

REFERENCES:

1. GPS Sensor design, http://assets.zarlink.com/AN/an4855.pdf

2. Precision Guided Weapons Aim for Increased War Impact, http://www.aciusa.org/randd/randd_mems.htm

Alternative location: Precision Guided Weapons Aim for Increased War Impact, http://www.empf.org/empfasis/apr04/guided.htm

3. The Investigation of Basic Mechanisms of Radiation Effects on SemiConducter Devices, http://stinet.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=A076940&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

4. Laser microprocessing for nanosatellite microthruster applications, http://www.riken.go.jp/lab-

5. www/library/publication/review/pdf/No_32/32_057.pdf

KEYWORDS: manufacturing; control electronics; power electronics; GPS; sensors

N08-215 TITLE: High Temperature, High Stress GPS Antenna Window

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS, Naval Surface Fire Support Program (IWS 3C)

OBJECTIVE: Develop a low-cost, high-strength GPS antenna window assembly for a high acceleration (40kGee) and thermally stressed flight environment.

DESCRIPTION: Challenging aerothermal and high stress environments coupled with the necessity for stable dielectric properties creates a unique systems level challenge in the design and development of GPS antenna windows. The thermal environment in question can range in maximum temperature from 700 - 1100 K. The material will reach 80% of this maximum temperature from ambient conditions in seconds and remain above that temperature for as long as 6 minutes. This introduces not only a severe thermal shock issue, but also thermal soak. Launch environments will subject the flight mass to as much as 20 - 40 kG. The GPS system will have two bands of operation (1.227 Ghz and 1.575 GHz). Expected window size is approximately 1" x 1.5" and must be conformable to axisymetric bodies (such as munitions) and/or aerodynamic surfaces.

PHASE I: Develop or demonstrate the viability of a GPS antenna window material that is inexpensive to produce, launch survivable, thermally viable, and of relatively low density. Specifically, the material and assembly must survive launch accelerations of up to 40 kG in set back and 12.5 kG in both balloting and set forward at ambient conditions. It must also survive accelerations of up to 30 G at maximum temperature. The material and assembly must remain fully functional at temperatures of up to 1100 K, able to withstand thermal shock of 500 K/s, and maintain the GPS antenna temperature below 100 °C. The contractor shall fabricate samples and test material properties.

PHASE II: Fabricate GPS antenna window prototypes and demonstrate system level integration as well as gun-launch survivability via air- or chemical-gun launches. The contractor shall test instrumented prototypes to ensure thermal objectives have been successfully met.

PHASE III: The Navy is currently involved in multiple programs that involve hypersonic flight; transition programs will be identified in earlier phases to include Railgun, HyFly, or others. The contractor will provide integrated GPS antenna windows throughout a flight test series. Successful demonstrations will facilitate transition into a follow-on System Development & Demonstration Acquisition Program.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Low-cost, light-weight, high-strength and high-temperature components are always in demand by the aerospace and transportation industries.

REFERENCES:

1. http://www.darpa.mil/dso/thrusts/materials/index.htm

2. http://www.darpa.mil/dso/thrusts/materials/novelmat/nanocomp/index.htm

3. http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?Action=29&Page=183

KEYWORDS: GPS, GPS antenna, antenna window, aerothermal, thermal protection, thermal shock, thermal soak

N08-216 TITLE: Innovative Undersea Sensors Using Relaxor Piezoelectric Single Crystals

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS