MOVE_IT - Moving Operations for Vertical lift Integration Technology -- STTR

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Battlespace 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 perform system engineering, concept exploration, analysis, and modeling and simulation to help USSF determine what infrastructure needs are for Initial Operating Capability (IOC). DESCRIPTION: The Department of the Air Force and Space Force are exploring the rocket transportation capabilities for DoD logistics and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is currently assessing emerging rocket capabilities across the commercial vendor base, and its potential use for quickly transporting DoD materiel across the globe. The Air and Space Forces need to be prepared to ship DoD cargo via rocket once this mode of transport is operational. The recent advances in the U.S. commercial launch market are presenting the need for assessment and maturation of system-of-systems concepts in rocket transportation for DoD logistics by the United States Air Force and Space Force (USAF/USSF). The goal of this effort is to assist USSF in understanding all the steps needed from the time a Rocket Cargo request is generated all the way to delivery. This includes payload storage, new mobility focused payload processing & validation, CONOPS, and required infrastructure therein, etc. Help identifying estimated short-falls hindering them from rapidly achieving IOC for the emerging rocket transportation mode. The focus is on infrastructure and payload processing. An infrastructure example might be to use existing modeling tools to show how the tool can allow the USSF to set up a fuel supply network, with production, fuel storage points, and launch sites as the nodes, all connected by pipelines, roads, or rails. Capacity for throughput and storage is tracked to answer questions like, if this pipeline is cut, how many days can this space port operate using only truck-delivered fuel? Or if there is a mishap on a launch pad, what is the minimum safe distant and how can traffic be re-routed? This effort should NOT be looking to build new modeling software but take advantage of existing modeling tools identify steps needed from call-up to delivery that can optimize logistics flow for both support at the Space Port and the overall system. Payload processing examples could be new ideas for payload storage and the CONOPS to get this cargo loaded onto the rocket or developing new methods and cutting-edge tools to rapidly validate existing payloads and/or materiel against the rigors of space flight (such as re-entry) and survivability of landing. Traditionally, the strenuous qualification and certification process for space hardware has been a lengthy affair, often spanning months or even years. This extended timeline poses a significant stumbling block for cargo and materiel transported by rocket. AFRL is supporting the Operational Imperatives and Great Power Competition by seeking to help identify, develop, and deliver processes, workflows, models, simulations, and documentation for rocket transportation to be effective, competitive, and affordable. This analysis is critical to optimally design efficient processes, CONOPS, and a space port that can provide the required launch readiness in the presence of possible adversary interdiction attempts. As new processes and workflows are generated, they will need to be integrated into existing space port systems. The main deliverables will be analysis, simulations, process definitions, workflows, documentation, sub-scale experiments, prototypes, tests, and demonstrations that advance the operational imperatives. PHASE I: This topic is intended to develop methodology and feasibility for Initial Operating Capability (IOC) conditions in order to help USSF determine current infrastructure gaps. Methodology should be model-based and employ system engineering fundamental concepts. Design parameters and timelines should be specified that show how to obtain the USSF's IOC requirements. PHASE II: The awardee shall sufficiently develop concepts and/or processes and perform analysis in order to conduct multiple modeling and simulation experiments. These M&S efforts will include cost benefit analysis, system-of-systems studies, experimentation, and evaluation of operational imperatives to enable future concepts. 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, and base sustainment. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III shall include upgrades to the analysis, M&S, T&E results and provide mature simulations 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. Rabelo, L., Major, C., Elkamel, M., Shepherd, J., Gutierrez, J., Ruiz, B., & Abuzayed, Y. (2024). Harnessing Rocket Technology for Strategic Humanitarian Logistics: A Simulation Perspective. IISE 2024 Conference . KEYWORDS: Agent-based Simulation, GIS, Logistics, Rockets, Discrete-Event Simulation,