Next Generation Electronic Surveillance Technology (NGEST)

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the Next Generation Electronic Surveillance Technology (NGEST) program. The goal of NGEST is to develop a new paradigm for advanced radio frequency (RF) sensing systems, which will enable intelligent control of advanced reconfigurable hardware technologies in dynamic environments to support tactical operations.

Work Details
Performers will develop new orchestration techniques for array control and signal processing to manage large decision spaces created by reconfigurable hardware. The program consists of two phases: Phase 1 focuses on modeling and simulation (M&S) within a government-defined testbed, while Phase 2 emphasizes prototyping, testing, and measurements in both laboratory and outdoor environments. Key tasks include:

- Integration of software onto a government-provided M&S testbed.
- Periodic updates to the M&S testbed every three months based on feedback from earlier testing.
- Execution of real-time orchestration software onto prototype hardware developed by the team.
- Conducting multiple laboratory and field test events during Phase 2.
- Two formal design reviews throughout the program.

Period of Performance
The NGEST program is structured over a total of 33 months, with Phase 1 lasting 15 months and Phase 2 lasting 18 months.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at designated government facilities and locations as defined by DARPA.