DARPA NGEST Solicitation Released
Anna Davis08/02/2024
Solicitation Defense Technology
HigherGov
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has released a solicitation seeking innovative proposals for the Next Generation Electronic Surveillance Technology (NGEST) program. The solicitation is available here: DARPA-PS-24-18 and follows a proposer's day held in Arlington on August 2nd, 2024.
The NGEST program aims to develop a new paradigm for advanced radio frequency (RF) sensing systems, enabling intelligent control of advanced reconfigurable hardware technologies in dynamic environments to support tactical operations. Awardees under NGEST will be tasked with developing new orchestration techniques for array control and signal processing to manage large decision spaces created by reconfigurable hardware. Proposers are encouraged to submit abstracts exploring innovative approaches in machine learning, signal processing, and RF hardware properties.
The program consists of two phases. Phase 1 will focus on modeling and simulation (M&S) within a government-defined testbed. This phase includes the integration of software onto a government-provided M&S testbed and periodic updates to the testbed every three months based on feedback from earlier testing. Phase 2 will emphasize prototyping, testing, and measurements in laboratory and outdoor environments. Key tasks in this phase include the execution of real-time orchestration software onto prototype hardware developed by the team, conducting multiple laboratory and field test events, and completing two formal design reviews throughout the program.
DARPA NGEST Timeline
The NGEST program is structured over a total of 33 months, with Phase 1 lasting 15 months and Phase 2 lasting 18 months. The work will be performed at designated government facilities and locations as defined by DARPA.
Due to the sensitive nature of the program, potential applicants must complete a CUI Addendum Request Form to obtain the remainder of the documents. Multiple awardees are anticipated. Responses to the solicitation are due by August 27, 2024.
