Next Generation Field Computing Device- Wearable

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS AREA(S): Biotechnology Space; Network Command, Control and Communications; Cybersecurity; General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): INFORMATION SYSTEMS; MATERIALS; SENSORS; ELECTRONICS; HUMAN SYSTEMS; BIOMEDICAL ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Specific Acquisition Program(s) this effort transitions to is directly related to the Tactical Local Area Network program. The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the solicitation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop applied research toward an innovative capability to replace the current Field Computing Device Wearable (FCD-W) with open system architecture. Specific focus of this topic investigates improving human factors as a result of excessive cabling, developing a smart hub for plug and play use of peripheral devices, integrating a secure personal area network on the smart hub capable of being certified for processing higher levels of classification, and integrating additional processing capabilities into the smart hub. DESCRIPTION: The FCD-W variant was adopted in the TACLAN program back in 2016 in response to a Combat Mission Needs Statement. Since the inception of the FCD-W, several incremental changes have been made to replace the End User Device and upgrade versions of the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) but the overall functionality of the system has remained the same. USSOCOM is seeking a direct to phase II SBIR to advance the FCD-W capability while meeting the following high level objectives: Design a rugged tactical USB cabled solution Develop a tactical hub and prove feasibility of smart hub features Implement power and data management Develop connections to tactical radios, peripheral equipment, and tactical batteries for system power PHASE I: The Offerors shall conduct requirements analysis and perform design trade-offs, feature feasibility risk reduction, design validation prototyping, and developmental testing to achieve the stated development objectives. The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study ( Technology Readiness Level 3 ) to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II. PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype system determined to be the most feasible solution. In addition, as a system intended for comparative operational evaluation, the Phase II prototype may be required to satisfy security requirements that will allow its implementation and use on the SOF information enterprise. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be used in a broad range of military and private sector applications to enhance mission planning and execution. REFERENCES: https://ndiastorage.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/ndia/2018/sofic/PEOC4Woods.pdf https://www.militaryaerospace.com/unmanned/article/16707347/military-wearable-computing-hits-the-mainstream