N251-036 TITLE: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Advanced Networking Interoperability

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems

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 software tools that seamlessly integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) platforms with AEGIS Combat System (ACS) to optimize mission effectiveness and situational awareness.

DESCRIPTION: The ACS currently does not fully take advantage of recent upgrades in technical advancements and lacks full utilization of UAS capabilities, due to a lack of integrated routing protocols, controllers, and security. Resulting inefficiencies in speed and quality of information limit fast and accurate understanding of the battlespace from the "unmanned" perspective. Providing speed and quality information is necessary for modern surface Navy operations.

The Navy is seeking an innovative software tool to improve the "unmanned" battlespace and provide the needed integration and interoperability improvements to align existing UAS communication platforms within the broader ACS. This will also provide improved cost benefits to the Navy through improved maintenance and reduced manning. A commercial solution does not currently exist for these improvements.

Potential gaps with interoperability and integration of UAS platforms into the ACS that may be specifically targeted for improvement include adherence to communication standards, sensor fusion and data integration, and command and control interfaces. Development of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions, unified communication gateways, and secure protocol translators tailored specifically to UAS communications are needed to facilitate seamless communication and coordination between UAS and other components within the ACS. Through dynamic configuration and flexible routing capabilities, SDN controllers and agents will optimize network resources based on mission requirements (i.e. real-time situational awareness, mission flexibility, interoperability with Allied Forces, etc.) and operational conditions (i.e. electromagnetic interference, harsh weather conditions, mission-critical data security, etc.), providing real-time adaptability and scalability within complex combat environments. The optimized network will efficiently allocate and manage network resources, such as bandwidth, latency, and routing paths, to meet mission requirements and adapt to operational conditions effectively and can also involve dynamically adjusting network configurations in real-time to maximize performance, reliability, and scalability. The creation of unified communication gateways that serve as centralized hubs for integrating diverse UAS communication protocols with standard combat system interfaces will also be needed. These gateways will bridge the gap between UAS-specific protocols (i.e. MAVLink, STANAG 4586, etc.) and legacy communication standards (i.e. Link-16, Cooperative Engagement Capability, Link 11/22, etc.), facilitating seamless interoperability and data exchange across the entire combat system architecture. The development of secure protocol translators and adapters must ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted between UAS and combat system nodes. By implementing encryption, authentication, and access control mechanisms, these modules will mitigate potential security vulnerabilities and safeguard sensitive information in transit. Interoperability and integration performance improvements of 10% or higher should be targeted.

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 NAVSEA 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 a concept for a software tool that meets the Description requirements. Demonstrate feasibility through comparative evaluation and integration capability into the ACS. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a prototype software tool based on the results of Phase I. Demonstrate the prototype meets the requirements in the Description. The prototype will be tested by government Subject Matter Experts in a government environment.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the prototype application to ACS use in the baseline testing modernization process. Integrate the prototype into a baseline definition, incorporate the baselines’ existing and new sensor capabilities, conduct validation testing, and obtain combat system certification.

In the commercial world, this technology can be utilized to enhance the coordination and connectivity of autonomous vehicles within smart transportation systems, improving traffic management and safety. This technology can be applied by professionals specializing in transportation engineering or autonomous vehicle development, particularly in roles focused on software development, system integration, and traffic optimization.

REFERENCES:

1. Anon. "OpenFlow-enabled Transport SDN." Open Networking Foundation, 2014. https://opennetworking.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sb-of-enabled-transport-sdn.pdf

2. Hasharon, H. "System and method for routing-based internet security." United States Patent No. US10652214B2, 2017.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US10652214B2/en. 2017.

3. Ciolponea, C. "The Integration of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) in Current Combat Operations." Sciendo, 2022. https://intapi.sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/raft-2022-0042

4. 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: Unmanned Aircraft Systems; UAS; AEGIS Combat System; ACS; Software-defined networking; Unified communication gateways; Secure protocol translators; communication standards; UAS communications

TPOC 1: Robert Lee
(540) 653-3052
Email: [email protected]

TPOC 2: Gerald Lawrence
(202) 781-056
Email: [email protected]

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