Direct to Phase II: Radical Improvements in Personnel Performance through Enhanced Development (RIPPED)

TECH FOCUS AREAS: Biotechnology TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Bio Medical ITAR: 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 3.5 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 and demonstrate radical improvements to warfighter cognitive and physical performance through advancements in physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and engineering. The effects should last for a short time period, i.e., 2-3 days, and be reversible with no long-term effects. DESCRIPTION: New advances in physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and engineering now offer a significant potential to prevent (or reduce) the degradation of a warfighters cognitive and physical capabilities during conflict and substantially increase the performance of both combat personnel and the larger systems of which they are part [1]. Warfighters are exposed to, and engage in, environments and activities where degradation of cognitive and physical performance can have grave consequences. Conversely, advantages in speed, strength, surprise, and aggression will help achieve dominance against the enemy. This topic solicits solutions radically improving and providing advantages to speed, strength, surprise, and aggression for warfighters through physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and engineering. The topic is interested in big gains in capability versus minor improvements. These areas of interest include but are not limited to the following examples: Methods to unlock increased human potential to provide increased endurance. New and emerging trends in nutrition and supplementation increasing physical and cognitive performance. Soft-Exo Skeletons powered clothing to reduce fatigue and provide additional capabilities. New equipment and concepts radically improving warfighter performance. The solution's effects, if supplementation or stimulation based, should last for a short time period, i.e., 2-3 days, and be reversible with no long-term effects. Any Human Subjects Research (HSR) must be conducted within the applicable guidelines associated with DoD funded research. Title 32, Code of Federal Regulations Part 219, Protection of Human Subjects , and DoD Instruction 3216.02, Protection of Human Subjects and Adherence to Ethical Standards in DoD Supported Research . It is strongly recommended if proposing HSR, the work be conducted late in the Direct to Phase II performance period to provide sufficient time to prepare and submit human use approval documentation to the Institutional Review Board. PHASE I: Determine, insofar as possible, the scientific, technical, and commercial feasibility of the concept. Include a plan to demonstrate a big gain solution radically improving and providing advantages to speed, strength, surprise, and aggression for warfighters through physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and engineering. PHASE II: The contractor will develop, build, integrate, and demonstrate the proposed solution for cognitive or physical performance improvement or degradation reduction, as well as testing and approval of proposed supplement or augmentation. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Several Government agencies, both military and civil, require this capability to improve human performance through physiology, nutrition, neuroscience, and engineering. This technology will have wide ranging application to all services and Government agencies involved in dismounted operations. REFERENCES: Lewis, M. D., & Bailes, J. (2011). Neuroprotection for the warrior: dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. Military medicine, 176(10), 1120-1127. ; Lovalekar, M., Sharp, M. A., Billing, D. C., Drain, J. R., Nindl, B. C., & Zambraski, E. J. (2018). International consensus on military research priorities and gaps Survey results from the 4th International Congress on Soldiers' Physical Performance. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 21(11), 1125-1130.