Modernized Low Visibility RF Radio Capability

RT&L FOCUS AREA(S): Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning; 5G, General Warfighting Requirements (GWR); Cybersecurity; Network Command, Control and Communications TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Information Systems; Sensors; Electronics 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: To develop a low visibility, jamming resistant, RF radio that is compatible with NE-CO sensors and operates on the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) ecosystem. It will facilitate low-visibility CBRN Search Operations by the Technical Support Groups. DESCRIPTION: TSG's are tasked with providing the Geographic Combatant Commanders (GCC) with a tactical, low-visibility CBRN search capability. The TSG's currently use Slingshot RF radios, and GSM/cellular to provide commanders the ability to command and control teams during search operations. Presently, the RF radios used by TSGs do not have the ability to pass spectral data and is limited to a 900MHz ISM band, which is restricted in certain COCOMs, thus limiting tactical commanders in their communication PACE plans. Large area CBRN search operations require the deployment of a multitude of sensors, both statically and dynamically, throughout the defined mission space. This requires the simultaneous transmission of dozens of data streams in environments that are RF congested. The utilization of novel AI/ML algorithms to optimize RF waveforms in real time will improve the TSG's ability to locate and detect material of concern during search operations. This novel approach to waveform generation will allow TSGs to operate in all publically available ISM bands at 1 watt power levels which require little or no spectrum coordination with the host country, minimize the RF footprint, and are resistant to detection and countermeasure by technologically advanced adversaries. To solve this challenge, TSGs require a new RF radio system which is interoperable with current and future NE-CO sensors and CBRN TAK plugins, providing TSG's with a flexible communications pathway, capable of relaying 300 kbps or higher for spectral analysis. Additionally, the new RF radio option should have 3 ISM band options, use minimal power, maintain a similar size or smaller than the current RF radio systems, incorporate waveforms purpose built to avoid detection, and are resistant to jamming. This would allow TSG's to adjust their communications PACE plan with minimal effort or host nation clearances, while maintaining operational effectiveness in a low visibility environment. If successful, this RF radio system would provide TSG's and their supported forces with greater communications interoperability, allowing for better C3, faster identification and spectral analysis, and better allocation of operational resources. PHASE I: Identify possible RF radio solutions. Requirements will include biweekly project updates, a final technical report, and successful live CONOP demonstration to include TAK functionality, sensor integration, and communications capabilities. Should include user interface for TAK a radio and network configuration as well as ML/AI capabilities to prevent jamming. PHASE II: After identifying possible solutions, developer will be required to continue biweekly project updates and compile a final technical report. Additionally, developer will provide 1 prototype low visibility system for internal testing and demonstration as well as a live CONOP demonstration. Developer will demonstrate inclusion of AI capabilities and bandwidth for spectral analysis, as well as for jamming resistance during preliminary testing. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: REFERENCES: 1. ATAK CBRNE Central Staff, Tactical Assault Kit Plugins for Decision Support in CBRNE Environments.https://cbrnecentral.com/tactical-assault-kit-plugins-for-decision-support-in-cbrne-environments/19499/; 2. Department of Defense. (2004). Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Program: Report to Congress. Washington, D. C.: DoD.; 3. Department of Defense. (2008). DoD CBRN Defense: Doctrine, Training, Leadership, and Education Strategic Plan. Washington, D. C.: CBDP.; 4. Department of Defense. (2018). Joint Electronic Library. Washington, D.C.: DoD. Accessed at: http://www.jcs.mil/Doctrine/; 5. Joint Acquisition CBRNE Knowledge System (2018). JACKS: News and Application Console. Retrieved from JACKS: https://pki.jacks.jpeocbd.army.mil; 6. Joint Publication 3-41, CBRNE Response Joint publication 3-11, Operations in CBRNE Environments Low, Cherlynn. What do made for AI processors really do? (2017) Accessed at: https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/15/ai-processor-cpu-explainer-bionic-neural-npu/; 7. National Academy of Sciences. (1999). Philosophy, Doctrine, and Training for Chemical and Biological Warfare. Retrieved from Strategies to Protect the Health of Deployed U.S. Forces: Force Protection and Decontamination: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225131/; 8. US Army (2018). CBRN Force Modernization Strategy. ;