Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Kinetic and Non-Kinetic (K-NK) Missile Defense Battle Management

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Trusted AI and Autonomy; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Directed Energy (DE); Hypersonics; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Human-Machine Interfaces 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 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: This topic seeks proposals that describe appropriate research to develop AI/ML tools necessary to integrate real time information from multiple sensors and available shooters in varying weather conditions. The tools should provide decision aids for Commanders to authorize and oversee weapons selection and fire control in a user-friendly format to defend a defined scenario. The tools in real-time continuously assess the environment, the sensor data and the weapon systems' effectiveness in order to quickly determine potential threat neutralization and determine the next weapon selection requirements. DESCRIPTION: Directed Energy (DE) weapons, also known as Non-Kinetic (NK) weapons (e.g., Radio Frequency, Lasers, etc.), will be introduced into the Missile Defense System, which currently relies on Kinetic (K) kill weapons and supporting sensors (e.g., Electro-Optical (EO), Terrestrial, Airborne). The new NK weapons would add to our defensive capacity. However, the introduction of NK weapons would further complicate the decision process for Combatant Commanders on which weapon should be selected. This decision process would be based upon the type and volume of threats faced and is further complicated by weather conditions would could affect the efficacy of NK weapons. Thus, the Commanders of the future would need new situational awareness and fire control tools for rapid decision-making and weapon selection in a highly complex battlefield environment. PHASE I: Deliver a Concept Design and present the design, trades and design issues to the Government. A Design Reference Mission can be provided by the Government to confine the scenario. This Concept Design should include: 1. A description of the AI/ML tool, the algorithms proposed, and the learning methodology. 2. Descriptions of the Commander's and support staff interface and decision capability for sensor/weapon knowledge, fire control and scenario execution (situational awareness and prosecution). Ability to conduct work at the classified level is desired, but not required. PHASE II: Deliver and test prototype tools and accompanying descriptions based upon the Phase I activities. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition prototype tool. REFERENCES: Battle Management/Command and Control, and Communications (BM/C3), Environmental Assessment https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA213942 Battle Management: DOD and Air Force Continue to Define Joint Command and Control Efforts https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105495 Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) https://missilethreat.csis.org/defsys/c2bmc KEYWORDS: Battle Management; Command and Control; Kinetic and Non-Kinetic; Directed Energy