TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Electronics; Air Platform 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: The primary objective of this solicitation is to develop a resilient, flexible, and cost-effective private communications network that shall operate at the edge, supporting both military and civilian applications in remote and contested environments. The proposed network shall establish a continuous, secure communication link between nodes, enabling instantaneous collaboration, on-the-fly mission planning, and Over The Air (OTA) updates. The system shall have the capability to interface with larger networks, including potential integration with Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives, ensuring seamless communication between various platforms and systems. To meet the requirements of such environments, a Perpetual Flight UAV platform shall be utilized as a centralized router and communications node, providing the necessary hardware and computational power near the Edge. The UAV platform shall maintain a persistent presence in remote or challenging environments, ensuring continuous communication availability for critical operations. Furthermore, the proposed network shall utilize an affordable 3G/4G/5G waveform for connectivity, with the potential for future upgrades to other waveforms as technology advances. This approach ensures that the network remains cost-effective while still maintaining a high level of flexibility and adaptability. The use of a cloud-native integration platform shall enable seamless integration and deployment of different communication systems on the centralized router, facilitating easy and verifiable creation of interfaces between various communication vehicles. DESCRIPTION: I. Introduction This proposal aims to address the challenge of maintaining robust and secure communication networks in remote and contested environments for diverse military and civilian applications. With the inevitability of Networked, Collaborative, and Autonomous (NCA) weapons, the need for continuous, secure communication networks has become a cornerstone for their successful integration. These networks are essential for enabling instantaneous collaboration and on-the-fly mission planning, as well as supporting Over The Air (OTA) updates. To meet these requirements, this proposal suggests using existing technologies, such as Windriver's private cloud solutions, StarlingX, and Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN). StarlingX is a cloud-native, Kubernetes, container-based infrastructure project, while O-RAN is a concept focused on transforming traditional radio access network (RAN) architectures to create a more flexible, interoperable, and cost-effective network infrastructure. To provide the necessary hardware and computational power near the Edge, a Perpetual Flight UAV platform will be used as a centralized router and communication node. The proposal also includes the use of a cloud-native integration platform to enable easy and verifiable creation of interfaces between various communication vehicles, ensuring seamless integration and deployment of communication systems. The primary objective of this solicitation is to demonstrate the development of a security-assured, resilient private communications network capable of being deployed at the Edge. II. Technical Approach The proposed solution will harness the capabilities of Windriver's private cloud technologies, StarlingX, and O-RAN to provide a unified, open-source edge platform capable of supporting critical infrastructure applications and services. Key elements of the technical approach include: A. StarlingX Infrastructure: As a cloud-native, Kubernetes, container-based project, StarlingX offers a fully featured open-source distributed cloud platform that is well-suited for supporting edge applications. The integration of StarlingX will provide a flexible, reliable, and easily scalable foundation for the proposed private communications network. B. Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN): O-RAN is aimed at transforming traditional RAN architectures to create a more flexible and interoperable network infrastructure. By leveraging O-RAN, the proposed solution will enable seamless integration of existing wireless technologies like 4G and 5G with traditional radio communications used in weapon-to-weapon communications. Moreover, O-RAN's emphasis on interoperability is essential in creating a robust network that can operate effectively in contested environments. C. Perpetual Flight UAV: To facilitate and route communications from various sources, additional hardware and computational power are needed near the edge. The Perpetual Flight UAV, an uncrewed solar-powered aircraft capable of perpetual flight and supporting a payload of up to 800 pounds, is proposed as a centralized router and communications node to meet this requirement. The UAV can maintain a persistent presence in remote or challenging environments, ensuring continuous communication availability for critical operations. D. Edge Device to UAV Router Integration: A cloud-native integration platform with a plug-and-play approach will enable the easy and verifiable creation of interfaces between various communication vehicles. This platform will allow for seamless integration and deployment of different communication systems on the centralized router. The solution will also provide the necessary tools for integration between the Edge device and the UAV router to ensure a reliable and secure connection. PHASE I: This topic is a Direct-to-Phase Two (D2P2) topic. Proposers interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project has been met. Proposers for the DP2 solicitation must, at a minimum, exhibit competence in three of the following ten capabilities to be considered, with preference given to those demonstrating proficiency in four or more through previous projects or work experience. These capabilities may encompass, but are not restricted to: 1. Proven experience in developing and implementing radio communication systems 2. Proven experience in creating and integrating modular software for communication systems 3. Proven experience in designing and implementing communication interfaces for various vehicles or nodes 4. Proven experience in developing cloud-native integration platforms for designing, developing, and verifying systems 5. Proven experience in creating seamless and verifiable interfaces between various communication vehicles using a plug-and-play approach 6. Proven experience in using and integrating StarlingX infrastructure for supporting critical infrastructure applications at the network edge 7. Proven experience in leveraging Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technologies for building flexible, interoperable, and cost-effective network infrastructure 8. Proven experience in utilizing Perpetual Flight UAV platforms for maintaining a persistent presence in remote or challenging environments and providing continuous communication availability for critical operations 9. Proven experience in integrating communication systems with larger networks 10. Proven experience in utilizing affordable 3G/4G/5G waveforms for connectivity PHASE II: Secure, Private, Pop-up Conductivity at the Edge Objective 1: Develop a ground-based prototype of the mobile private network leveraging Wind River/StarlingX and Tangram for integration and management of a system at the Edge. Objective 2: Conduct laboratory testing to validate network reliability, security, and interoperability from private cloud to embedded device at the Edge. Objective 3: Plan and execute a flight test demonstration on the Perpetual Flight UAV platform to assess the system's performance in a real-world environment. Long-kill Chain Multi-Connection Router Objective 4: Integrate prototype with existing communication methods such as Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Objective: Following the successful completion of Phase II, the developed system is expected to be field-tested and integrated with existing communication methods, such as Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives. At the Phase III entry, the technology is anticipated to reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7-8. While the primary focus of this SBIR/STTR-funded R&D project is the development of solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD), the technology also has significant potential for commercial applications. Commercial Applications: 1. Augmenting Cellular Coverage: With the growing demand for mobile connectivity and the need for high-quality communication services, the technology can be adapted to augment cellular coverage in densely populated areas during peak usage events, such as concerts, sporting events, or large public gatherings. Additionally, the technology can provide temporary support in the event of natural disasters or emergency situations where existing infrastructure may be damaged or overwhelmed. 2. Providing Services to Remote Locations: The system can be deployed for various communication and data exchange purposes in remote locations where traditional infrastructure may be inadequate or uneconomical. This includes rural areas, offshore platforms, or remote industrial facilities, where the absence of reliable, secure, and resilient communication can hinder operations and productivity. 3. Temporary or Portable Solutions: In areas with difficult terrain, where the construction of permanent infrastructure is challenging or not practical, the system can be deployed as a temporary or portable solution. This could include mountainous regions, forests, or desert environments. Additionally, the system could provide connectivity services for temporary construction sites or short-term events. 4. Rapid Deployment Solutions: The technology also has the potential for rapid deployment in emergency situations or for disaster relief efforts, where time is critical, and communication capabilities are required to coordinate rescue and recovery operations effectively. REFERENCES: 1. DARPA HR0011-24-S-0053: Tactical Technology Office (TTO) - Advanced Autonomous Systems. 2. DARPA HR0011-24-S-0054: Strategic Technology Office (STO) - Networked Autonomy. 3. AF242-0003: Dynamic Spectrum Utilization ([Defense.gov](https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2376743/dod-announces-600-million-for-5g-experimentation-and-testing-at-five-installati/)) 4. AF242-0002: Modeling and simulation of large scale deployments of autonomous systems. KEYWORDS: 5G; Radio; Communications; Edge Node; Over The Air Updates; Private Cloud; Networked Collaborative Autonomous (NCA)
