OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Trusted AI and Autonomy; Space Technology; 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. Applicants 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. Applicants 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 to perform system-of-system concept exploration, sub-scale experiments, test, and evaluation of future operational capabilities resulting from developments focused on the operational imperatives of the Air and Space Force. DESCRIPTION: The Air and Space Force must dominate time, space, and complexity in future conflicts across all operating domains to project power and defend the homeland. This means the Air and Space Force must operate at an unrivaled speed. In order to achieve these objectives, the Air and Space Force must have unparalleled global awareness, execute from resilient and flash / pop-up bases with robust and guaranteed logistic supply trains while maintain un-denied communications to support warfighter management systems - all the while being able to transition to a heightened level of execution in a rapid and seamless manner. These objectives have been clearly stated as the operational imperatives for the Air and Space Force and are aimed at modernizing management systems (2), defining next generation system-of-system concepts (3), maintaining custody of a very large number of moving targets (4), utilizing flexible basing that can operate from numerous locations with robust logistic and sustainment all the while being able to transition to a heightened level of execution in a rapid and seamless manor (7). Underpinning all of the operational imperatives is resilient communications (5). The Department of the Air Force is exploring these operational imperatives and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is currently assessing how the commercial vendor base can support bringing the operational imperatives to fruition. Technology developments are paving the way where situational awareness and target tracking do not have to rely on the sensor that is integrated into a platform, such as a tactical fighter or unmanned system, even in challenging operational environments. Commercial sensing capabilities, coupled with national capacities are beginning to demonstrate the capability to aggregate sensing data from multiple sources and maintain track custody. In addition, current and planned commercial communications systems are developing and fielding the technology for space-based communications and the reliance on direct line-of sight may no longer be needed truly enabling a distributed, network centric warfighting capability. AFRL is supporting the operational imperatives and seeks to perform maturation of system-of-systems concepts to support the future operation capabilities. The goal of this effort is to conduct experiments that shorten the kill chain in contested environments by decoupling command from control while aggregating sensing data from platforms and systems via distributed communications, including the use of a space-based data transport layer. A focus of the experiments should be on emerging commercial capabilities that can meet the challenge where targets are reported every couple of minutes over a 24 hour or greater time span. Experimentation should demonstrate that modernization of command and control systems with increased speed of decision-making to support Joint operations. The need for speed is not just in decision-making but also in the ability to mobilize forces, and then supporting those forces with information systems and logistical and industrial infrastructure. All experiments must show a measurable value and operational impact. The main deliverables will be sub-scale experiments, tests, and demonstrations that advance the operational imperatives. PHASE I: This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, a Phase I award is not required. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct to Phase II proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a Phase I-like effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. It must have validated the product-market fit between the proposed solution and a potential AF stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the AF customer. Relevant areas of demonstrated experience and success include: M&;S, cost benefit analysis, risk analysis, concept development, concept demonstration and concept evaluation, laboratory experimentation and field testing. Phase I type efforts should include the assessment of emerging operational imperatives and how they show a measurable value and operational impact. The result of Phase I type efforts is to assess and demonstrate whether commercial systems can support the furtherance of the operational imperatives. PHASE II: Eligibility for a Direct to Phase Two (D2P2) is predicated on the applicant having performed a Phase I-like effort predominantly separate from the SBIR/STTR Programs. These efforts will include M&S, simulation of prototype concepts, cost benefit analysis, system-of-systems studies, experimentation and evaluation of operational imperatives to enable future concepts. Prototypes, M&S and experimentation should explore a wide range of integrating commercial capabilities to support the operational imperatives. These capabilities should consider areas that are unique to military operations, logistics, mission planning, mission execution, base sustainment and logistics. A goal is for Phase II efforts to conduct sub-scale experiments and provide test articles for further test and demonstration. Experiments should address military-unique requirements that may not be otherwise met by commercial capabilities. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III shall include upgrades to the analysis, M&S, T&E results and provide mature prototypes of system concepts. Phase III shall provide a business plan and address the ability to transition technology and system concepts to commercial applications. The adapted non-Defense commercial solutions shall provide expanded mission capability for a broad range of potential Governmental and civilian users and alternate mission applications. Integration and other technical support to operational users may be required. REFERENCES: 1. Kendall details Seven Operational Imperatives' & how they forge the Future Force, https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2953552/kendall-details-seven-operational-imperatives-how-they-forge-the-future-force/ KEYWORDS: Operational Imperatives
