HEIGHT (High-altitude Enhanced Information GatHering Technology)

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Microelectronics; Advanced Materials 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: This topic seeks to investigate innovative concepts that leverage high altitudes to further advance the DoD mission capabilities. DESCRIPTION: Traditional DAF operations have consisted of air operations conducted below 100k ft, and space operations generally above 100km. This topic is investigating novel concepts to operate air platforms at higher than ever altitudes. This topic aims to innovate technology for payloads and the environment for High Altitude Balloons (HAB). Balloon technologies are not of interest. Payloads of highest interest are ISR and material transport, but proposers are encouraged to consider any innovative payload that enhances tactical DOD capability. However, payloads focused on Communications or PNT augmentation are discouraged unless they offer a truly game-changing capability. Communications and PNT are important missions, but many solutions already exist that are compatible with high-altitude operations. Proposals that offer experimentation approaches that create an immediate and affordable impact on capabilities in other regimes are highly receptive to this solicitation. Also of interest are proposals that offer lower-cost, more-responsive approaches to delivering the payloads to >100k ft for operational use. Improvements to high-altitude balloon operations and experimentation are of interest, but other approaches to achieving a platform/payload at these altitudes is also of high interest. 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 offeror 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 offeror 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 I efforts should include sub-scale prototypes or demonstration of built hardware which requires additional maturity or further integration for overall system development. PHASE II: Eligibility for a Direct to Phase Two (D2P2) is predicated on the offeror 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 integrated development campaigns to enable future concepts. Prototypes, M&S and experimentation should explore a wide range of integrating commercial capabilities to support the integrated development campaigns. 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. Depending on selected proposal technology and concepts, these will determine appropriate PEO/TEO, funding, and/or integration plans. 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/ 2. Kendal memo titled "Transition from Operational Imperatives to Integrated Development Campaigns", dated Oct 29, 2024 KEYWORDS: High Altitude; sub-scale experiments