DON26BX03-NP002 TITLE: NAVAIR & NAVSEA Open Topic for Counter Unmanned Air Systems (C-UAS)

OUSW (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY PRIORITY AREA(S): Trusted AI and Autonomy

PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT: Level 2 (Self)

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: The DON is seeking proposals for enhancing existing prototypes or concepts to improve C-UAS operations and demonstrate a novel, highly effective, and scalable capability to counter the rapidly proliferating threat of hostile UAS. Adversaries are increasingly leveraging low-cost, autonomous, and often numerous UAS to gain an asymmetric advantage, conduct surveillance, and execute kinetic attacks, posing a significant risk to U.S. and allied forces, critical infrastructure, and mission success. This SBIR Open Topic seeks innovative solutions that can detect, track, identify, and neutralize single and multiple UAS threats in complex operational environments, ultimately providing the warfighter with a decisive overmatch capability to ensure freedom of maneuver and protection of assets.

DESCRIPTION: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) present a complex, multi-dimensional challenge that affects everything from individual ship protection to broad strategic operations in the U.S. Navy. The proliferation of cheap, easily accessible, and increasingly sophisticated unmanned systems by both state adversaries and non-state actors has created an urgent and evolving threat landscape. Events in the Middle East, where Navy vessels have been actively engaging drones, have transformed these threats from a theoretical problem into a daily operational reality. The nature of the UAS threat for Naval installations, Naval aircraft, and Naval ships is diverse and rapidly changing, creating a significant challenge for Naval defenses. C-UAS is enabled by secure communication and information technology and includes technologies to Detect, Track, Identify, Assess, and Neutralize single and swarms of UAS from Air, Sea, or Ground leveraging Manned or Unmanned platforms. Primary technology areas of interest are listed below; however, solutions outside these areas will be considered. Please indicate the technology area of interest within the Technical Abstract section of the online proposal Cover Sheet Volume, Volume 1.

• AI-Powered Target Recognition for C-UAS: Develop and train machine learning object detection algorithms for the real-time classification and identification of UAS threats from various sensor inputs, including imagery and RF signatures.

• AI/ML-Enhanced Swarm Detection, Tracking, and Anomalies: Develop an AI/ML-enhanced monitoring framework that integrates advanced object detection with behavioral analysis to detect, track, and predict the collective intent of diverse drone swarms in real time. The framework should evaluate potential risks by establishing behavioral baselines and assessing factors such as flight paths, payloads, and proximity to sensitive areas. By identifying real-time anomalies, such as deviations in trajectory or formation, the framework will serve as a primary trigger for risk escalation and the deployment of protective measures, providing a sophisticated solution for managing the complexities of coordinated swarm behavior.

• Non-Kinetic / Low Kinetic Defeat System for Small UAS: Develop a lightweight system with a focus on minimizing size, weight, and power requirements for integration on Naval platforms for the non-kinetic/low kinetic defeat of Group 1 and 2 UAS at tactically relevant ranges.

• AI/ML for Countering Adaptive Programmable Camouflage: Develop an AI/ML framework to specifically detect threats employing programmable camouflage. This framework will overcome the "target novelty" problem by continuously adapting to previously unseen camouflage patterns during a mission. The core requirement is for the system to increase its detection accuracy against these evolving threats, providing a decisive countermeasure to adversaries attempting to visually cloak their assets to evade traditional sensors.

PHASE I: The DON is planning to issue multiple Phase I awards for this topic but reserves the right to issue no awards. Each Phase I proposal must include a Base and Option period of performance. The Phase I Base must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $200,000. The Phase I Option, if exercised, must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $115,000.

Phase I feasibility will describe the existing proposed technology, existing DON system(s) to improve, modifications required, anticipated improvements to existing capabilities, and impacts to current C-UAS recognition, detection, tracking, low-cost non kinetic defeat of Group 2 and below UAS. Results of Phase I will be detailed in a final technical report (Final Report).

Phase I Base deliverables include:

Kick-Off Briefing

Progress Report

Final Report

Initial Phase II Proposal

PHASE II: All Phase I awardees may submit an Initial Phase II proposal for evaluation and selection. The evaluation criteria for Phase II are the same as Phase I (as stated in this CSO). The Phase I Final Report and Initial Phase II Proposal will be used to evaluate the small business concern’s potential to develop new products or adapt commercial products to fill a capability gap, improve performance, or modernize an existing capability for DON, and transition the technology to Phase III. Details on the due date, content, and submission requirements of the Initial Phase II Proposal will be provided by the awarding SYSCOM either in the Phase I contract or by subsequent notification.

The scope of the Phase II effort will be specific to each project but is generally expected to harden, ruggedize, and/or marinize the technology for integration into an operational environment. The outcome is to be a demonstration of a working prototype that can be tested and/or certified. The final report should include a fielding approach (including updated logistics and safety considerations) and a plan for further commercialization (non-DoW).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: C-UAS technologies possess significant dual-use potential for commercial and civil sectors. The same core capabilities for detecting, tracking, identifying, and mitigating drone threats can be adapted to safeguard critical infrastructure such as airports, power grids, and data centers from unauthorized drone incursions. Furthermore, these systems can provide security for large public gatherings at stadiums and arenas, prevent the use of drones for smuggling contraband into correctional facilities, and protect sensitive industrial sites from corporate espionage.

REFERENCES:

1. "How Civilian Dual-Use Technologies Are Reshaping Global Security Policies" - Global Security Review (https://globalsecurityreview.com/how-civilian-dual-use-technologies-are-reshaping-global-security-policies/)
2. "Nation's Defense: A Comprehensive Review of Anti-Drone Systems and Strategies" - IEEE Access (https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10924170)
3. "Dual-Use Drone Technology: Closing the Gap Between Military and Commercial Applications" – DroneLife (https://dronelife.com/2021/09/30/dual-use-drone-technology-closing-the-gap-between-military-and-commercial-applications/)
4. "Anti-Drone Market in Defense and Homeland Security: Trends & Growth" – MarketsandMarkets (https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/industry-analysis-anti-drone-market-defense-homeland-security.asp)

KEYWORDS: counter-UXS or C-UXS, counter-UAS or C-UAS; counter-drone; Anti-Drone; Drone Defense; Drone Security; UAS Mitigation & Neutralization; Air Domain Awareness; AI Powered C2 for C-UAS; AI Sensor Fusion; AI/ML Enhanced Detection & Tracking; Swarm Tracking

TPOC: NAVAIR SBIR/ STTR Program Office
navair-sbir@us.navy.mil