SBIR: Spectrum Monitoring and Awareness in Real-Time (SMART) - Open Topic

OUSD (R&E) critical technology area(s):  Advanced Computing and Software, Integrated Sensing and Cyber

Objective: The objective of the Spectrum Monitoring and Awareness in Real-Time Open SBIR is to develop advanced capabilities that provide military dismounted ground tactical units real-time awareness of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum.

Description: In an increasingly complex operational environment, it is imperative that military dismounted ground tactical units have real-time awareness of the RF spectrum. This awareness is critical to build an actionable picture of the threat environment and adhere to blue force emissions control (EMCON) procedures. To enable this awareness, ground units must have the technical capability to:

1. Detect, separate from background noise, and characterize signals of interest, including identifying the communications protocol for signals within the RF communications band
2. Build a pattern of life (POL) of the RF spectrum over time
3. Localize and/or geolocate emitters

Currently, dismounted tactical ground units are limited in their ability to accomplish all tasks in real-time. Although specialized units may be capable of doing one or more of these tasks, often characterization and identification of signals are done via reach-back organizations, and ground units won’t get feedback for hours or days later, if at all. This greatly reduces survivability and inhibits the unit’s ability to adapt to a complex, agile threat by maneuvering effectively through the RF spectrum.

Dismounted tactical ground units are equipped with man-portable software defined radios (SDRs) like the L3Harris AN/PRC-117G or AN/PRC-152A. Unfortunately, these SDRs are designed for communications and data sharing, and despite many advances in RF processing and management, they have limited ability to contribute to the technical capabilities described above. In addition to SDRs, warfighters are often equipped with Android tablets running the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) [1]. These Android tablets are very flexible for rapid implementation of new capabilities (e.g., incorporating AI/ML into existing plugins, new mission/domain-specific plugins). Unfortunately, the limiting factor is often the use of proprietary hardware (i.e., SDR) which prevents industry and academia from demonstrating novel technological developments that would require the manufacturer to modify/adapt their hardware.

Recently, there have been significant developments in SDR technology that facilitate rapid reconfiguration and/or adaptation for various tasks (e.g., Hedgehog SDR [2]). Additionally, there have been significant enhancements in handheld compute capabilities procured by the DoD. These enhancements include longer battery life; central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), and neural processing unit (NPU) capacity; memory; and improved durability.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) solicits technologies that, leveraging advancements in SDR technology, and handheld or tablet-based compute, optimize warfighter capabilities in one or more of the three technical capability areas described above.

A successful proposal should specify which of the three technical capability areas is being targeted. Proposals should include the RF bandwidth covered by the proposed solution and, if targeting the POL technical capability, the timeframe for POL required to gain specific insights. Solutions can be algorithmic, software, hardware, and/or material in nature; however, hardware/material solutions should not introduce a new physical burden on the warfighter (i.e., modifying or replacing an antenna/SDR is acceptable, but introducing an additional sensor/antenna/radio/tablet is not). Moreover, proposed solutions should not interfere with the primary function of the equipment (i.e., warfighter communication capability must not be degraded). Additionally, information should be presented in an intuitive manner that enhances situational awareness and does not impose an additional cognitive burden on the warfighter who does not have expertise in the field of RF spectrum operations.

An initial white paper describing the technical approach is required and will be evaluated. If DARPA selects a white paper for evaluation, the Government will issue an invitation to submit a full proposal. The technical white paper should include an overview of the proposed concept with details to support feasibility. The overview should address the bullets below listed in order of importance:

• Proposed system: Describe the proposed solution. Outline the design and operation of the main hardware and software components that are being proposed for development. Specify which parts of the solution require modification or replacement of fielded hardware.
• Concept of employment: Identify how the proposed solution could be employed. Provide details about which of the three technical capability areas are being addressed, and the specific capabilities and limitations of the proposed solution. For example, a proposal targeting the POL technical capability area should specify the observation timeframe required to gain specific insights, what insights would be provided, and RF bandwidth of the proposed solution. Also identify potential new tactics, techniques, or procedures that are required for warfighters to employ the system appropriately.
• Interoperability: Provide a brief analysis on how the proposed system will integrate with existing communications equipment fielded to ground tactical units. Identify potential risks that are introduced to the warfighter to include increased cognitive tasks, training requirements, potential degradation of communication, increased weight, etc.
• Scalability: Provide a brief analysis of the viability of scaling the technology across both the DoD and industry. What are the non-DoD uses of the technology? Are the production costs low enough to merit widespread adoption? What are the projected maintenance and storage requirements, operational availabilities, and service lifetimes?

Phase I

During Phase I, the company shall research and develop innovative solutions in one or more of the three technical capability areas described above. The company shall develop novel technology that demonstrates the technical capability to provide real-time RF situational awareness to the dismounted tactical ground user without introducing a new physical or cognitive burden to the warfighter, and without interfering with the primary function of their equipment. Proposers should recommend quarterly technical milestones that will be used to demonstrate their progress to DARPA throughout Phase I. These milestones will also be accompanied by monthly financial and technical summary reports.

At the end of Phase I, the company shall provide a formal written technical report including calculations, test data, analysis, and any relevant details from intermediate milestones. The report should also set the stage for Phase II by detailing the expected performance (i.e., RF bandwidth, timeframe for POL with expected insights, etc.) of the technology and comparing the technology to existing specialized solutions. Documentation must also include refined insights and analysis related to the previously mentioned concept of employment, interoperability, and scalability sections. A commercialization roadmap will also be required to demonstrate a high probability that continued design and development should result in a Phase II mature product.

Phase II

Produce prototype solutions that enable mission essential tasks in more complex field conditions. Products will be provided to select DoD units for further evaluation. In addition, companies will provide a technology transition and commercialization plan for DoD and commercial markets.

Phase III dual use applications

Potential dual-use applications include RF detection, spectrum analysis, and localization of RF interference sources in support of first responder operations as described in the Radio Frequency Detection, Spectrum Analysis, and Direction-Finding Equipment Market Survey Report [3]. These technologies could be used to “detect, identify, and locate RF interference sources that may be disrupting first responder communications systems” [3].

References

[1] Air Force Research Laboratory, “Tactical Assault Kit (TAK).” Accessed: Nov. 12, 2024. Available: https://afresearchlab.com/technology/information-technology/tactical-assault-kit-tak/

[2] BAE Systems, Hedgehog multifunction, multichannel software-defined radio, CS-19-A35-01-Hedgehog. 2019. Available: https://www.baesystems.com/en-media/uploadFile/20210404060814/1434640495846.pdf

[3] H. Shahid, “Radio Frequency Detection, Spectrum Analysis, and Direction Finding Equipment: Market Survey Report,” National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, New York, NY, USA, SAVER-T-MSR-19, April 2019.

Keywords

Radio frequency detection, radio frequency classification, radio frequency spectrum analysis, electronic warfare (EW), electronic support (ES), emitter localization, artificial intelligence, machine learning

TPOC-1

DARPA BAA Help Desk

Email

SBIR_BAA@darpa.mil