TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Battlespace, Electronics, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare System (PEO IWS) 1.0 – AEGIS Combat System.

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 section 5.4.c.(8) of 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 tracking software algorithm(s) that instantly and accurately predict the highest probability of kill intercept points for multiple simultaneous and/or staggered threats.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking a tracking software application that can instantaneously address targets in raiding or swarming configurations and provide optimal engagement options to the Sailor. The AEGIS Combat System (ACS) utilizes the predicted intercept point (PIP) of the interceptor to the target to determine weapons engagement sequencing.  A PIP is the intersection of two moving or one stationary object by an interceptor(s) and is calculated using tracking data collected from multiple systems within the ACS.  Commercially developed software algorithms concentrate on single point intersections and do not necessarily account for environmental factors, or engagement clutter and debris associated with military applications.  Evolving threats, and the prolific manner in which they are deployed, necessitate the calculation of multiple PIPs to: (1) maintain the highest probability of kill for a single threat and (2) successfully eliminate multiple threats.  Hundreds of data sets comprise a single predicted intercept point and the calculation of a PIP requires the use of hundreds of thousands of algorithmic calculations.  Tracking software algorithms are needed that can instantly calculate the highest probability of kill for numerous simultaneous intercept points to improve engagement sequencing (scheduling performance) of AEGIS Weapons Systems (AWS).

The Navy seeks an innovative tracking software algorithm(s) that accurately and reliably provides the increased capability to determine the highest probability of kill for numerous simultaneous intercept points while accounting for variations in threat types, the number of threats, operational and test environment conditions, clutter and debris.  A solution will not increase combat system processing time to achieve its primary objective.  It will integrate with all elements of the ACS.  This includes track managers, weapons, and missile systems.  Because of the planned implementation in both operational and testing environments, the software will permit realistic testing of interceptor versus evolving threat types and configurations in a dynamic test environment.  Track visualization will be delivered through existing ACS console Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to support operator track management and decision-making.  It shall also be able to integrate with the AEGIS Test Bed (ATB) to facilitate system evaluation against more advanced and prolific threats.  This will enable shortening of testing and certification timelines for new AEGIS baselines as compared to current timelines. This will also help in maintaining or improving product quality through the early detection of deficiencies in the product. The speed and accuracy of the solution must exceed existing ACS performance attributes resonant in the ATB by 10% or better.

The tracking software application developed under this effort will provide an enhanced capability to address targets in raiding or swarming configurations and provide optimal engagement options to the Sailor.  This will increase mission capability and effectiveness against the latest threats.  Because of the planned implementation in both operational and testing environments, the software will permit realistic testing of interceptor versus evolving threat types and configurations in a dynamic test environment.  The modeling and simulation will optimize weapon system testing; thereby reducing test costs associated with fielding new ACS baselines.

The Phase II effort will likely require secure access, and NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access.  The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information.  If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work.

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 DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS 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 IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for tracking software algorithm(s) for instant and accurate prediction of the highest probability of kill intercept points for multiple simultaneous and/or staggered threats. The concept must show that it will feasibly support the test and operational environments identified in the description. Feasibility will be established through assessment of the logic in mathematical algorithms developed to accurately represent the highest probability of kill PIPs and the approach to integrate the capability into the ATB environment.  The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype in Phase II. Develop a Phase II plan.

PHASE II: Based upon the results of Phase I and the Phase II Statement of Work (SOW), design, develop, and deliver a prototype tracking software application for PIPs. Implement the application into an existing Government-approved modeling and simulation environment to validate performance.  The prototype must be capable of demonstrating the implementation and integration of the tracking software as described in the description. The demonstration will be conducted in a Government-provided facility. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology for Navy use and Program of Record.

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 PEO IWS 1.0 in transitioning the prototype tracking software applications to allow for further experimentation and refinement.  The prototype tracking software application will be incorporated into the AEGIS baseline testing modernization process. This will consist of integration into a baseline definition, incorporation of the baselines existing and new threat capabilities, validation testing, and combat system certification.

Tracking algorithms could provide assistance to air traffic controllers in monitoring potential collisions.

REFERENCES:

1. Pulford, Graham. “Taxonomy of Multiple target tracking methods.”  IEE Proceedings - Radar Sonar and Navigation, November 2005.     https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Graham_Pulford/publication/3357875_Taxonomy_of_multiple_target_tracking_methods/links/54b6dbaf0cf2bd04be337d08/Taxonomy-of-multiple-target-tracking-methods.pdf?origin=publication_detail
 
2. Gokhan, Soysal and Efe, Murat.  “Performance Comparison of Tracking Algorithms for a Ground Based Radar.”  Ankara University, Communications Faculty Sciences, Series A2-A3, V.51(1) pp 1-16 (2007). http://acikarsiv.ankara.edu.tr/browse/4015/3733.pdf

KEYWORDS: Tracking Software Algorithm(s); Highest Probability of Kill; Numerous Simultaneous Intercept Points; Operator Track Management and Decision-making; Advanced and Prolific Threats; Predicted Intercept Point