Enhanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training Capability

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Computing and Software; Advanced Materials; Human- Machine Interfaces OBJECTIVE: This topic seeks to provide Joint Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians the capability to conduct a comprehensive, interactive training to enable identification and clearance of explosive and other hazards from friendly and adversary major weapons platforms currently unavailable to the institutional training base or operational force due to physical location, low density, or higher priority physical system testing requirements. DESCRIPTION: We are seeking innovative proposals from small businesses for the development, demonstration, and delivery of a high-fidelity Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) module, initially fully immersive VR environment that transitions to AR experiences to train using equipment in the real world. Based on the open Extended Reality (XR) software framework to ensure compatibility with various AR/VR platforms and supporting scalability for integration into multi-module platforms such as the Synthetic Training Environment. The development use case can be targeted to any of the following: 1. Combat Vehicles: Training on ordnance management in tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. 2. Aircraft: Specialized training for ordnance management in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, emphasizing emergency evacuation procedures. 3. Artillery Systems: Addressing the safe handling and operational protocols of air defense and field artillery units. 4. Precision Fire Platforms: Covering procedures for managing ordnance in environments involving short-range and long-range precision fire systems. PHASE I: This topic is only accepting Phase I proposals for a cost up to $250,000 for a 6-month period of performance. Milestone 1: Define project requirements and specifications (Month 1-2). Milestone 2: Develop initial AR and or VR scenario(s) (Month 3-5). Milestone 3: Demonstrate scenarios and gather user feedback (Month 6). PHASE II: Milestone 1: Define project requirements and specifications (Month 1-2). Refine developed Phase I AR and or VR scenarios and hardware functionality (Month 3-6). Milestone 2: Conduct wide scale beta testing and integrate feedback (Month 9-12). Milestone 3: Continue refining AR and or VR scenarios, conduct user testing, receive and integrate feedback (Month 13-15). Milestone 4: Finalize product and prepare for training integration and deployment at training facilities (Month 16-18) PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Proposals must detail technical feasibility, innovation, scalability, and compatibility with existing and future AR/VR platforms. Effective proposals will also demonstrate the feasibility of adapting the technology for dual-use training applications in the private sector, such as: 1. Healthcare: Surgical training and patient treatment simulations 2. Aerospace and Aviation: Training of pilots and maintenance crews 3. Manufacturing and Engineering: Assembly process training, equipment maintenance 4. Automotive: Design and prototyping of vehicles, and assembly line and maintenance training 5. Construction and Architecture: Training workers on safety measures, and equipment usage This dual-use approach ensures that the solution is not limited to military applications but can be tailored for broader commercial use cases. REFERENCES: 1. Enhancing Military Training Using Extended Reality: A Study of Military Tactics Comprehension, July 2022, Frontiers in Virtual Reality 3:754627 2. Military Applications of Augmented Reality, 2007, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington, DC, 20375 KEYWORDS: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Extended Reality, EOD, Platforms, Software