Tunable, Integrated Electro-optic Frequency Comb for Space-based Communications and Precision, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Applications

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Quantum Science;Microelectronics 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 customizable Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) suite that will conduct 360-degree detection of air-based threats from a safe stand-off distance that enables targeting of air-based threats to include: Rockets, Artillery, Mortars and Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). Demonstrate the extensibility for future payloads and missions. DESCRIPTION: The Air Force Security Forces Center is seeking an autonomous, economical UAS. The UAS must be an economical solution meant to be deployed and retrieved multiple times, however, should be inexpensive to maintain, use, and replace. The operator must be able to carry the UAS on their person with the ability to retrieve and deploy within five minutes over a distance of at least 2 miles. The UAS must demonstrate autonomous abilities and awareness of its surroundings. Autonomy must include collision avoidance, course and restricted sites (no fly zones) avoidance, autonomous take off, autonomous recovery, and autonomous flight to its destination and back, with the ability of command signal change while in flight. The UAS must be lightweight. Lightweight is specified in being 4lbs or lighter including payload. The UAS must not require a special license to operate. The UAS must be able to go from out of the box to flight with little to no training for the average 18 24-year-old, high school educated Airman. The UAS must have the ability to be used both indoor and outdoor during the same mission set. PHASE I: As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, the Government expects the applicant to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior Phase I-type effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Evaluate vendor solutions to proposed requirements and ensure key requirements are met: autonomous software, TAK integration, and customizable platform(s)/payload mounting system. Capabilities/issues identified but not address in previous phase can be resolved, added or remove as needed. PHASE II: Develop and test autonomous Blue UAS suite for emergency response. Capabilities/issues identified but not address in previous phase can be resolved, added or remove as needed. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Expand capability to additional mission sets and tie into base network. Fully operational capability requires seamless integration onto the Air Force Information Networks (AFIN) for network transport and Air Forces Network (AFNET) for software utilization. The system will utilize these networks for software application usage (both for on premises and remote access), security practices and procedures, and data transport requirements. Prior to inclusion on Air Force Installation Base Enclaves, all hardware components must comply with DoD Unified Capabilities Requirements (UCR), and be listed on the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) Approved Products List (APL). All software components must adhere to UCR and be certified per the Air Force Evaluated Products List (EPL). In the event components are not currently authorized, authorization will be completed with support of government sponsorship prior to capability delivery to enable immediate operational usage. Request solution use current common criteria certified components when/where possible. REFERENCES: 1. DoD C-sUAS Strategy 2021; 2. AFMAN 11-502; 3. DAFMAN 17-1301 KEYWORDS: UAS; Autonomous; sUAS, Defense