OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Technology, Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing 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 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: Develop a shipment tracking capability that can utilize both terrestrial and satellite IoT network on a global roaming basis. DESCRIPTION: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is looking to increase trans-shipment cargo tracking capability from contiguous United States (CONUS) to outside contiguous United States (OCONUS). Shipment tracking devices generally communicate via cellular IoT protocols using terrestrial communications network for persistent tracking from original point of departure to end destination. However, there are global locations where terrestrial networks are not available. With the upcoming new generation of satellite based IoT communications networks, DLA is looking to execute an SBIR program to attempt to analyze a way forward in establishing an IoT device that may roam either on a terrestrial or satellite network on a global roaming basis. TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept) TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment) PROJECT DURATION and COST: Proposals exceeding these limits will not be evaluated. PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and cost of $100,000. (Firm Fixed Price) PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and cost of $1,000,000. (Firm Fixed Price/Level Of Effort) PHASE I: The research and development goals of Phase I are to provide eligible Small Business firms the opportunity to successfully evaluate upcoming satellite based IoT networks and demonstrate the feasibility of current IoT tracking to utilize both terrestrial and satellite IoT networks on a global roaming basis. The main effort will be to conduct preliminary studies to propose details of design and manufacture of tracking devices that can utilize both terrestrial and satellite IoT network, showing feasibility and benefit to the Department of Defense (DoD). A plan to demonstrate the manufacture of these tracking device must also address implementation approaches for near term insertion into DoD. Relationships with potential customers such as the DLA Troop Support Class IV Construction and Equipment Major Subordinate Command will be included in the Phase I effort to aid in component identification, guide design efforts, and support the impact and insertion analyses. The deliverables for this project will include a final report describing the results from these analyses. PHASE II: Based on the results of PHASE I, the research and development goals of PHASE II will demonstrate commercial viability by successfully producing a cost-effective tracking device that can utilize both terrestrial and satellite IoT networks on a global roaming basis. Tasks to be accomplished include material design and formulation, development of wire drawing schedules to manage manufacturing processes, and meet the specifications and standards, provided by the industrial base. Sufficient validation trials will be conducted to support analyses of manufacturing at commercial scale, including cost, cycle time and commercial benefit of the innovation. Remaining technical gaps will be identified. Innovative processes should be developed with the intent to readily transition to production in support of DoD needs. A partnership with a current or potential DoD supplier, Original Equipment Manufacturer, or other suitable partners is highly desirable. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III is any proposal that derives from, extends or completes a transition from a Phase I or II project. Phase III proposals will be accepted after the completion of Phase I and or Phase II projects. There is no specific funding associated with Phase III, except Phase III is not allowed to use SBIR/STTR coded funding. Any other type of funding is allowed. Phase III proposal Submission. Phase III proposals are emailed directly to DLA SBIR2@dla.mil. The PMO team will set up evaluations and coordinate the funding and contracting actions depending on the outcome of the evaluations. A Phase III proposal should follow the same format as Phase II for the content and format. There are, however, no limitations to the amount of funding requested, or the period of performance. All other guidelines apply. Transition Plan 1. Period of Performance: TBD 2. Budget: $ TBD This Phase of the project should include: 1. Delivery of a production level product to J68 ready for integration into the overall DLA Enterprise system. 2. Develop a sustainment plan to support the delivered system for the lifetime of the program. COMMERCIALIZATION: The vendor will pursue commercialization of cost-effective scalable shipment tracking device that can utilize both terrestrial and satellite IoT network on a global roaming basis developed in prior phases, as well as potential commercial sales of any parts or other items. REFERENCES: (PDF) A Survey on Technologies, Standards and Open Challenges in Satellite IoT (researchgate.net) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351889574_A_Survey_on_Technologies_Standards_and_Open_Challenges_in_Satellite_IoT A Survey on Technologies, Standards and Open Challenges in Satellite IoT | IEEE Journals & Magazine | IEEE Xplore https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9442378 KEYWORDS: Terrestrial Tracking Device, Satellite Enabled Tracking Device, Trans-shipment cargo Tracking Terrestrial Communication Network, Global Roaming, Satellite based IoT Communications Network
