N251-004 TITLE: Kill Web Conceptual Modeling for Wargaming

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Computing and Software;Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems;Integrated Sensing and Cyber

OBJECTIVE: Develop C4ISRT (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting) Network and Kill Web models for wargaming that are sufficient to withstand review board scrutiny to support model verification, validation, and accreditation, as required. The focus is on developing and implementing the models referenced herein, not on the underlying mechanics of the PM WGC (Program Manager Wargaming Capability) materiel solution simulation framework.

DESCRIPTION: This SBIR topic addresses several parametrics of interest related to C4ISRT Networks and Kill Web models for future inclusion in the General Robert B. Neller Center for Wargaming and Analysis, formerly the Marine Corps Wargaming and Analysis Center (MCWAC). The parametrics address the procedural and physical information and decision flow through the C4ISRT networks to effectively model the coordination between the various warfighting functions to achieve effects on targets. The relevant processes include aspects of planning, directing, tasking, collecting, processing, producing, and disseminating information, including network transmission. Network transmission modeling should account for node locations and links, information size, data/error rates, bandwidth, and latency. Network nodes can be fixed sites or mobile and should be susceptible to damage states and degraded performance.

Previous efforts within the Neller Center simulation system development focused primarily on physics-based models of communication transmission. In typical kinetic-focused wargaming, the kill web sense-decide-effect process constraints and realities are not always highlighted. This effort involves a novel approach for including rigorous kill web considerations within wargames alongside the other types of typically employed models.

In the table linked below, the major parametrics considered are listed, along with a description of the parametric and the pertinent specific conceptual model requirements for each parametric topic.

https://navysbir.com/n25_1/N251-004-Kill_Web_Conceptual_Modeling.pdf

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and MCSC in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

PHASE I: Develop concepts for an improved representation of C4ISRT Networks/Kill Webs in wargaming Modeling and Simulation (M&S) that meet the requirements described above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concepts in meeting Marine Corps needs. Establish that the concepts can be developed into a useful product for the Marine Corps. Feasibility will be established by evaluation of the plan of attack for the development effort including data availability. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones, and that will address technical risk reduction.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I concepts and the Phase II development plan, the small business will develop prototype conceptual models. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase II development plan and the Marine Corps requirements for C4ISRT Network/Kill Web M&S. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation over the required range of parameters. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Marine Corps requirements. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Marine Corps use.

It is anticipated that the Phase II prototype development may require the gathering, storing, and processing of classified data at the SECRET level or higher (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Marine Corps in transitioning the technology for Marine Corps use. Integrate C4ISRT Network/Kill Web conceptual models into the Neller Center wargaming software to demonstrate their effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment within the Neller Center. Support the Marine Corps for M&S Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) to certify and qualify the system for Marine Corps use.

The conceptual models described herein are not only a high priority within the Marine Corps [Refs 1,3], but are equally applicable across the Services, to support not only wargaming, but also analysis, training, and experimentation. Successfully developed conceptual models would likely be of great interest across these communities. DoD components and prime contractors are in need of accurate C4ISRT Network/Kill Web simulation representation to support gap analysis and solution assessment. Commercial game developers for DoD use cases would benefit from augmenting their software offerings with these kill web models, adding to the realism and real-world complexity afforded the wargame participants.

REFERENCES:

1. "Commandants’ Planning Guidance 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, v2019." http://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/Commandant's%20Planning%20Guidance_2019.pdf?ver=2019-07-17-090732-937

2. "IEEE Recommended Practice for Distributed Simulation Engineering and Execution Process (DSEEP), IEEE Standard 1730-2022." C/SI - Simulation Interoperability Stds Organization/Stds Activity Committee. https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/1730/10715/

3. "Force Design 2030 Annual Update 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, June 2023.", https://www.marines.mil/Force-Design-2030/

4. "Marine wargames offer a look at the future — and fuel dissent." Marine Corps Times, March 2024. https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/03/21/marine-wargames-offer-a-look-at-the-future-and-fuel-dissent/

5. Kackley, Tyson C. "Future Force Modeling and Simulation: Innovation in Wargaming Capability Development." , Marine Corps Gazette, May 2022. https://www.mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/Future-Force-Modeling-and-Simulation.pdf

6. "National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual (NISP), 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq. (1993)." https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-B/chapter-XX/part-2004

KEYWORDS: General Robert B. Neller Wargaming and Analysis Center; Marine Corps Wargaming and Analysis Center; MCWAC; United States Marine Corps; USMC; M&S; Modeling and Simulation; conceptual model; analysis; Neller Center; wargaming; Force Design; kill chain; kill web

TPOC 1: Tyson Kackley
Email: [email protected]

TPOC 2: Brian Gregg
Email: [email protected]

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