Technical Support and Operational Analysis (TSOA) Defense-in-Depth Experiment (DiDEX) 2 Request for Information (RFI) A. INTRODUCTION This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to gain information leading to Government/Industry collaboration at TSOA DiDEX 2 to accelerate the development of technologies that will enable the Warfighter to be more effective, efficient and lethal when countering small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) threats (i.e., Groups 1 and 2). The Technical Support and Operational Analysis (TSOA) DiDEX invites industry, academia, individuals, and laboratories to submit technology white papers addressing innovative technologies and capabilities that can be used in challenging environments: Physical (Terrain -Natural & Urban) Electronic (Frequency Congestion & Overload) Contested (Electronic Interference, Cyber Attacks, & CBRNE) Low Visibility (Tactical Effects without the Overt Tactical Signature) TSOA DiDEX 2 event is executed to improve operational security, force protection and survivability. The TSOA team identifies potential vulnerabilities in emerging technologies including performance degradation in contested environments, interoperability, adaptability and training/ease of use through live experiment venues. The TSOA DiDEX 2 will focus on challenges presented by (1) detecting, tracking and defeating sUAS in an actual urban environment and (2) integrating counter-UAS (c-UAS) systems into a single common operating picture (COP). After reviewing the technology submissions, the Government may invite select candidates to participate in a TSOA field experiment/assessment venue in which we evaluate the capability as applied to the Warfighter, its technical limitations and vulnerabilities through an enemy perspective. These assessments will provide the submitter an opportunity to interact with the Warfighter, the DoD Science and Technology community, academia, Combatant Commands (COCOMs), Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) and other federal agencies for the purpose of assessing potential impact of emerging technology solutions on missions and capabilities. Submissions and Verification of Submission will be made through Vulcan. B. OBJECTIVE (1) Background: The Army’s C5ISR Center Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) Unique Mission Cell (UMC) conducts field experiments/assessments to support the vulnerability identification and system limitation in contested environments for emerging capabilities in an operationally relevant venue. These assessments are conducted with representatives from Government Research and Development (R&D) organizations, academia, and industry. TSOA events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with operational personnel and determine how their efforts might support military capability gaps and high priority mission deficiencies. The environment facilitates a collaborative working relationship between academia, Government, and industry and supports identification, assessment, and dissemination of emerging and mature technology information and the acceleration of delivering capabilities to the Warfighters and those they support. The assessment results are reported back to the program director. (2) Assessment Focus and Submission Timeline: TSOA DiDEX 2 will be conducted: 8-12 June 2020 at New Orleans, LA and Camp Shelby, MS. TSOA DiDEX 2 Focus: Integration of c-UAS systems and modalities in a dense urban environment. Single system integration with a tactical common operating picture (COP; Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) primary) – allow maneuver elements and command elements to view blue force tracking and alerts on the same operational picture. If integration is successful, team with participating technologies to integrate together and send data to the COP together. Layered multi-system integration with a tactical COP – allow maneuver elements and command elements to view multiple systems at the same time on the same operational picture. Layered Integrated Operations (LIO) with semi-autonomous target handoff – systems of systems fully integrated into a tactical COP utilizing machine learning algorithms for data fusion and alert prioritization. Conduct EW defense Conduct kinetic defense Location: Training areas include a dense urban environment with with access to local waterways (i.e., New Orleans, LA) as well as an open live-fire range adjacent to wooded terrain (i.e., Camp Shelby, MS). RFI Submission Deadline: 31 January 2020 – All respondents will be notified of Government decision NLT 14 February 2020 Objective Definitions: Single System Integration: Provide real-time capability technologies to detect, identify, characterize, locate and warn against all known or validated UAS threats, in addition to other asymmetric threats. The LIO concept requires a solution that reduces the operational risk to maneuver forces by delivering effects across the operating area and providing commanders with information in a more proactive manner. Ideally, with systems layered across the operating environment, this information allows commanders at multiple echelons to make decisions wherever they are on the battlefield, with the definitive goal of providing the maximum amount of decision space to enable operations. Detection and Identification – the ability to recognize UAS threats in a contested environment. Utilizing specific and non-specific C-UAS capabilities for recognition. Characterize, Deter, and Defeat – the ability to assist in the positive identification (PID) of the UAS and utilize appropriate action against it. Integrate system data – the ability to deliver alerts to friendly forces near the estimated point-of-contact and provide near-real time understanding of the contested environment is essential to expand our sources of information beyond traditional means. Integrating system data into a tactical COP enables proactive risk-based decision making at multiple echelons. Layered Multi-System Integration: Environment in which systems can defend with depth and integrate with each other to provide commanders in the operations center and elements on the ground near-real time information on a tactical COP. Layered Integrated Operations: Utilizing an integrated systems of systems approach, incorporating several nodes spread throughout an operating environment (OE) allowing friendly forces freedom of movement throughout that OE. Inherently, the concept relies on both static and mobile based systems layered throughout the OE in order to be most effective and provide deep security and awareness. Utilize machine learning algorithms to prioritize data received from the systems of systems data. Kinetic Defense (3) Field Experiment/Assessment Focus: The following technical areas are of particular interest: TSOA DiDEX additional focus areas (considered after primary focus technologies selected) a. Timely Mission Command and Tactical Intelligence: b. Reduce Warfighter Overburden: c. Enhance Lethality and/or Capability to Temporarily Incapacitate Threats d. Increase Force Protection (Soldier/Vehicle/Base) (4) Security Requirements: The submittal process under this RFI is intended to be as streamlined as possible in order to allow the Government to leverage technology solutions capable of meeting urgent service member needs. Respondents should not submit classified information in the technology assessment papers and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions should be clearly listed. (5) Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS. SUBMIT TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PAPERS ONLY. Instructions and templates can be found at the Vulcan submission page (https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/submission?collectionUuid=cc41bbf0-41b2-4db3-9a6e-7e2d137588ba). No contracts will be awarded based on this announcement. C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS – Vulcan input RFI Submission Deadline: 31 January 2020 If you wish to submit a technology for consideration for TSOA DiDEX 2, Respondent must be registered with the Vulcan website ( https://www.vulcan-sof.com ).A complete submission includes a scout card and quad chart for each technology. Respondent are required to submit all information prior to the submission deadline to be considered for the event. Should Respondent wish to submit multiple technologies for consideration, separate submissions are required for each technology. General Event Information: https://vulcan-sof.com/event/event/4cb0e0ad-549c-415b-99e6-6c52586171e7 Required Documents Vulcan Scout Card Quad Chart (template provided on submission page) Vulcan Registration Instructions -- please give yourself enough time to create and be verified for a Vulcan account before creating your Scout Card. Visit https://www.vulcan-sof.com and click Request Access Follow the on-screen instructions Vulcan access questions, please email
[email protected] TSOA DiDEX 2 Submission Instructions (Scout card can be created on the submissions) Navigate to the TSOA DiDEX 2 Submission Page: https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/submission?collectionUuid=cc41bbf0-41b2-4db3-9a6e-7e2d137588ba For new Scout Cards: Fill in all areas of the card and include as much detail as possible. At the bottom of the page, select Tab 3 (Submit a New Card). Follow the instructions to include watching the video to complete your Scout Card submission. The aforementioned Quad chart should be attached to the last page of the Scout Card submission. For existing Scout Cards: At the bottom of the page, select Tab 2 (Submit Existing Card). You will see a list of your organizations previously submitted Scout Cards for inclusion in this submission. The aforementioned Quad chart should be attached to the last page of the Scout Card submission. For already submitted Scout Cards: At the bottom of the page, select Tab 1 (Already Submitted) to see a list of Scout Cards your organization has previously submitted to this call. If you experience issues with the Vulcan website, contact the Vulcan Help Desk at
[email protected]. You will receive on screen confirmation of a successful submission Quick Tips: • If your organization has already submitted to this RFI, you will be able to see it under "Submitted". • If your technology already has a Scout Card in Vulcan but has not yet submitted to TSOA DiDEX 2, you may click "Select Existing" to quickly add it. • If you are submitting a new technology into Vulcan, then click "Create New Scout Card". Please watch the tutorial video and proceed. D. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE: Selection of Respondents to participate will be based on the extent to which the technology represents a particular class or level of capability that can be provided to the forces. Other considerations include: Relevance of or adaptability to military operations/missions Relevance to current operational needs Breadth of application Technical maturity Available time Government funding Integration into a Common Operating Picture Selected Respondents will be notified in writing prior to event execution for the selected Technology Assessment events specified in paragraph B.(2). E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All Respondents shall clearly identify and mark in writing all proprietary information provided on all documents. Technical lessons learned by TSOA assessments may be broadly disseminated within the Government and Government support contractors. Respondents must provide information that clearly asserts rights in technical data if developed exclusively or partially at private expense in order to claim any restrictions. Developed exclusively at private expense means development was accomplished entirely with costs charged to indirect cost pools, cost not allocated to a government contract, or any combination thereof. Identification of the data or software must have enough specificity to support the respondent's assertion is important for the parties to avoid misunderstanding during the information gathering assessment activities. F. USE OF INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to gain information on possible Government/Industry collaboration for development of TSOA technologies and capabilities, and to accelerate the delivery of these capabilities to the warfighter. All proprietary information contained in the response shall be separately identified and marked. Any proprietary information contained in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. G. All data transmitted, received and stored during the conduct of TSOA DiDEX 2 is the property of the US Government. All press releases and public announcements based on TSOA attendance are not permitted unless permission is obtained in writing. H. The Government does NOT intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI Notice or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. H. POINTS OF CONTACT: Questions on the objectives or preparation of technical documents should be addressed to:
[email protected], and the Subject Line must be titled: QUESTION(s) for TSOA DiDEX 2. Contracting Office Address: 800 Park Office Drive Frontier Building RTP Durham, North Carolina 27709-3048 United States Primary Point of Contact.: TBD