Low-Cost Innovative Projects (Projects Less Than One Million Dollars Each):
Abstract
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) Mission Prototypes (MP) Office, selects multiple low-cost projects in the areas of Force Application, Force Protection, Force Support, Logistics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Interoperability, and Countering Unmanned Systems. These projects were selected to deliver prototypes for evaluation, assessment, and Service adoption within 12 to 36 months. FY 2021 Projects: -Bacteriophage (Army): Lack of urination and dehydration are primary drivers of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) cases, decreasing readiness of the force specifically the female population. Mitigation strategies include training to avoid dehydration, issuance of Female Urinary Device to allow ease of urination in austere/deployed settings or broad-spectrum antibiotics for UTI treatment, which come with unwanted urogenital side effects. This evaluation tests if phage treated wipes will selectively target the bacteria causing UTIs without unwanted health effects seen with antibiotics. This project will be initiated in the fourth quarter of FY 2021. Test planning and contract awards are scheduled for the second quarter of FY 2022. Bench testing with standard lab protocols to evaluate commercially available phage mixture for effectiveness against the pathogenic bacteria will occur between the second and third quarter of FY 2022. Effectiveness evaluation of phage mixture in a wipe by lab tests will take place in the first quarter of FY 2023, and based on results, will determine the next steps. The project ends with decision maker’s movement to a human study/field trial. -Civil Affairs Solution-Army Analytics (USSOCOM): This project tests intelligence software that fuses imagery from Unmanned Aerial Systems and satellites with other sensor data and uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to rapidly provide actionable analytics. This technology supports Department of Defense Civil Affairs operations by analyzing population migration caused by conflict or natural disasters to enable dynamic planning for large scale operations. This project enhances the DoD capabilities in the AI/ML focus area. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Distributed Common Ground System Program of Record. Test planning occurred in the fourth quarter of FY 2019. Test article contract award completed in the third quarter of FY 2020. Operational testing starts in the fourth quarter of FY 2021, using FY 2021 funding, and completes in the third quarter of FY 2022. -Event-Based Sensing for Moving Target Indication (MTI) (Air Force): The project tests MTI algorithms in the lab for platform feasibility and assess critical sensor performance characteristics to transition prototypes to field simulators and representative environmental tests. Event-Based Sensing has potential for inherently faster cueing with faster detection, less processing, at a lower cost. Potential DoD applications include MTI, air base air defense, missile warning, and etc. This project initiated in the fourth quarter of FY 2021. Test planning and contract award is expected in the second quarter of FY 2022. -Explosive Blast Overpressure Sensor Comparison (Army): This project compares two commercially available explosive blast sensors from foreign vendors, with the U.S.A.-made Black Box Biometrics Blast Gauge System. These systems measure explosive blast overpressure experienced by warfighters from improvised explosive devices, ordnance, and weaponry. These measurements are necessary to maintain joint lethality and optimize long-term brain health. The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 716, directs the DoD to include “career blast exposure history” in medical records of members of the Armed Forces. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army Medical Command to meet the NDAA directive. Contract award occurred in the third quarter of FY 2021. Testing will be completed in the fourth quarter of FY 2021. The project will continue into FY 2022 with FY 2021 funds. This project will conclude in the first quarter of FY 2022 with the close out report expected in the second quarter of FY 2022. -Insensitive Munitions Fuse for the M67 Fragmentation Hand Grenade (Army): Comparatively tests off-the-shelf hand grenade fuses to provide increased safety to the operator while maintaining lethality for the widely used M67 fragmentation hand grenade. The M67 has been in use since the 1960s and does not meet current Insensitive Munitions safety standards. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army’s Program Executive Office for Ammunition for follow on acquisition. Test article delivery and initial safety testing occurred in the fourth quarter of FY 2019 through the third quarter of FY 2020. Final testing and close out report completed in the second quarter of FY 2021. -Panoramic Infrared Sensor Test (Navy): Comparatively tests foreign naval panoramic infrared sensors with autonomous detection capabilities to enhance shipboard detection and tracking of both surface and air targets to include low, slow, and small Unmanned Aerial Systems. If successful, this technology will transition to the Navy's Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems for insertion into the future Guided Missile Frigate and Supercarrier I-Stalker programs. Test articles received and acceptance testing occurred in FY 2019. Shipboard testing of the sensor was scheduled for the second quarter of FY 2020, but this was delayed due to COVID-19. Transition decision and close out report completed in FY 2021. -Autonomous Aircraft Material Maintenance (Navy): This project tests a trailer-mounted, autonomous cold spray metallization technology for in-situ repair of corrosion damaged areas on aircraft. If successful, the technology will be available for follow-on procurement and fielding by the Navy's Fleet Readiness Centers. The project completed several demonstration events in FY 2020 for the military aviation community. Transition decision and close out report completed in FY 2021. -Night Vision Device Capable Deck Status Display (Navy): This project evaluates a deck status display currently in use with over ten countries that provides landing status to pilots through night vision compatible symbology, instead of colors, enabling safer night landing operations. If successful, this project will transition to the Navy’s Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program of Record. Test articles underwent acceptance testing in 4Q FY 2019. Performance evaluation occurred in FY 2020. Final testing completed in 2Q FY 2021 with FY 2020 funds. Transition decision and close out report completed in FY 2021. -Reserve Battery for Munitions (Army): This project comparatively tests foreign off-the-shelf reserve battery solutions for use with medium-caliber mortar and artillery applications, to enhance the industrial base. If successful, the Army's Armaments Research Development and Engineering Center will pursue acquisition through either direct purchase from a foreign source or licensed production by a U.S. company. This project completed laboratory testing in 2Q FY 2019, initiated live fire testing in 1Q FY 2020, and completed bench testing in 2Q FY 2020. This project completed in FY 2021. -Individual Assault Munition (Army): This project tests a new warhead for existing shoulder-fired weapon systems, to increase lethality by enabling fire from enclosures and by enabling engagement of structures and light armored targets. Performance verification testing occurred in FY 2019. Acceptance and firing tests completed in 3Q FY 2020. An airdrop test occurred in 2Q FY 2021. This project completed in 4Q FY 2021. -Low-Cost Autonomous Target Classification (L-CATC) (Navy): This project conducts at-sea testing of underwater passive acoustic sensors and associated processing software. This technology provides an increased probability of detection and classification for both surface and submerged vessels. A test article engineering change for the underwater acoustic sensor was initiated in FY 2019. The final test evaluation of the sensor was scheduled for 4Q FY 2020, but that was delayed until 1Q FY 2021 due to COVID-19. A close out report completed in 1Q FY 2021. -105 Millimeter Family of Multi-Purpose Munitions (Army): This project tests two variants of a multi-purpose 105 millimeter(MM) munition including high explosive and anti-personnel/anti-material for increased lethality, safety, and reliability. If successful, the technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Mobile Protected Firepower vehicle program. The test article contract was awarded in FY 2019 with the test articles being delivered in 4Q FY 2020. This project completed FY 2021. -Uncooled 120 Hertz Longwave Infrared Focal Plane Arrays for Night Vision Sensors (Army): This project comparatively tests foreign-developed focal plane array technology for next generation night vision devices. Recent advancements in optical technology offer increased resolution and refresh rates for night vision applications, which enable enhanced situational awareness. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Project Manager for Soldier Sensors and Lasers for insertion into programs of record. Test article acquisition and integration occurred in FY 2020. This project completed in FY 2021. -Modular Airdrop Platform (Army): This project tests an innovative airdrop platform system with underside airbags that eliminates the need for energy dissipating material. The technology will increase lethality and readiness by enabling a rapid roll-on/off capability and will significantly reduce logistics costs. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to the Product Manager, Force Sustainment Systems - Cargo Air Delivery for insertion into the Advanced Low Velocity Airdrop System Program of Record. Ground testing was completed 3Q FY 2019. Platform and static drop tests were completed in 1Q FY 2020. Air drop testing completed in FY 2021. -Magnetic Signature Duplicator System (Army): This project evaluates the performance of a foreign magnetic signature duplicator and against known landmine threats. If successful, the technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Mounted Detection System Program of Record for follow- on acquisition. Test planning and contract award occurred in FY 2019. The test article was received in 2Q FY 2020. This project completed in FY 2021. -Nanostructured Graphene Composites for Microwave Attenuation (Army): This project evaluates the performance of graphene composites that allow for integration into the exterior compound of any munition, unmanned aerial vehicle or manned platform. The deliverable is a report detailing material property results and recommendations on the suitability of the material for implementation in radio frequency solutions for munitions falling under the Long Range Precision Fires. The intent of the project is to determine if the new amalgamated exterior provides beneficial characteristics. This project was initiated out-of-cycle in 4Q FY 2021. Initial test planning and contract preparation is expected in 1Q FY 2022. Operational testing is scheduled for 4Q FY 2022 with operational evaluations in 1Q FY 2023. Additional tests to evaluate mechanical and thermal properties will occur in 2Q – 3Q FY 2023. -Personal Dosimeter as an Emergency Response System (Army): This project tests foreign Dosimeter technology along with an automated field analytics system for rapid identification and triage of individuals exposed to radiological or nuclear substances. This technology will be evaluated alongside the current Joint Personal Dosimeter, to determine capabilities in an operational environment. If successful, this technology will transition to the Joint Program Manger Guardian Program of Record. This project was initiated out-of-cycle in 4Q FY 2019. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in 4Q FY 2019. Operational testing scheduled for 4Q FY 2020 was delayed due to COVID-19. This project continued in FY 2021 and into FY 2022. -Artificial Intelligence (AI) Neuromorphic Chip (Army): This project evaluates a low-cost neuromorphic chip to replace the current paper and pencils method for counting 120-millimeter mortar rounds, to more accurately determine weapon system life cycle maintenance. This effort demonstrates a tactical application of AI, will increase readiness, and could save millions of dollars in maintenance cost. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to the Army’s Stryker Program Office for acquisition. This project was initiated out-of-cycle in 4Q FY 2019. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in 4Q FY 2019. The test article was received in 1Q FY 2020. Acceptance tests were completed in 2Q FY 2020. Operational testing with a live-fire evaluation will occur in 2Q FY 2022 with a closeout report produced upon project completion in 3Q FY 2022. -Vector Engine Processor for Use with Legacy Hypersonic Codes (Navy): This project evaluates a high-performance vector processor to significantly reduce time required to evaluate hypersonic designs. If successful, the technology will transition to the High-Performance Computing Modernization Program. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in FY 2019. Test articles were received in 2Q FY 2020. Evaluation with legacy hypersonic codes began in 3Q FY 2020. This project continues in FY 2021. -High Powered Microwave (HPM) Electro-Optic Electromagnetic Field Sensors (Air Force): This project tests various foreign electro-optic electromagnetic field sensors for use at Department of Defense test ranges to enhance directed-energy research, development, test and evaluation efforts. Current radio frequency antennas are too large to embed within HPM targets and thus, are unable to accurately measure HPM effects. If successful, the technology will transition to the Air Force Research Laboratory for follow on procurement as a test asset in support of future HPM test and evaluation efforts. This project was initiated out-of-cycle in 4Q FY 2019. Initial test planning and contract preparation occurred in 4Q FY 2019. Test articles received in FY 2020. Test and evaluation continues in FY 2022 with FY 2021 funds. -Enhancing DoD Infrastructure Repair (Army): This project evaluates a rapid-setting polymer-based mortar for repair of damaged airfield runways and critical infrastructure. This will increase readiness and significantly reduce shipping costs by providing a qualified material source, in theater, that meets performance requirements. If successful, the Army’s Engineering Research & Development Center will include this product as an approved rapid airfield damage repair capping material. Contract preparation and test planning was initiated in 4Q FY 2020. Test and evaluation continues in FY 2022 with FY 2021 funds. -Rapid Response Fentanyl Test Strips (Army): This project evaluates the efficacy of commercially available rapid immunoassay test strips to detect the presence of fentanyl and its analogs. This provides an easy to use, small, low-cost detection method that does not require powerful chemicals. If successful, the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical Biological Defense will transition this technology into Reactive-Chemistry Orthogonal Surface and Environmental Threat Ticket Array (ROSETTA) Program of Record. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. In FY 2021 bench testing and initial chamber testing of chemical reactions occurred. The operational testing of the strips is awaiting range availability in 2Q FY 2022. See FY 2022 Plans section for subsequent project activities. -Extended Reality (XR) Helmet Mounted Display (Navy): This project comparatively tests emerging XR technologies for T-6B operational flight trainers. This will increase training effectiveness while significantly reducing costs and footprint versus legacy flight-training systems. If successful, this technology will transition to the Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges Program Office for follow on acquisition. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. Test articles received in FY 2021. See FY 2022 Plans section for subsequent project activities. -Space Qualification Testing of Event-Based Sensors (Air Force): This project comparatively tests neuromorphic imaging sensor technology under simulated space conditions. This technology offers advantages in performance, size, weight, power, and signal processing that are suitable for space-based applications. If successful, this technology will transition to follow-on high altitude testing. Contract preparation completed in 4Q FY 2020. Testing and transition completed in FY 2021. See FY 2022 Plans section for subsequent project activities. -Precision Vertical Take-off Unmanned Aerial System (VTUAS) (Navy): This project evaluates an ultrasound navigation aid to autonomously guide the landing of VTUAS on moving platforms in all weather conditions. This increases survivability by reducing operator exposure to threats while conducting VTUAS recovery. If successful, this will transition to Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office. The test article contract was awarded in 3Q FY 2020 and the test articles were received in 4Q FY 2020. Test and evaluation at bench level occurred in 3Q FY 2021. See FY 2022 Plans section for subsequent project activities. -Accelerating Human Performance Discovery (Army): This project evaluates an advanced fluorescence microscope with live-cell imaging and analysis against existing capabilities. This technology greatly reduces analysis time from weeks to hours of live-cell imaging and streamlines the development of human performance optimization products. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army’s Combat Feeding Directorate and other Service laboratories for continued human performance research & development activity. The contract was awarded and test articles received in 4Q FY 2020. Multiple case use scenarios ran in FY 2021 and analysis of results reviewed 4Q FY 2021. Project is expected to close in 2Q FY 2022. -Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) for Vehicle Protection Systems (Army): This project evaluates an autonomous system that combines passive UAS detect, locate, identify and intercept for potential application to ground combat vehicles. This technology eliminates the need to integrate separate C-UAS detect and defeat systems. If successful, this technology will transition to the Army’s Product Manager for Vehicle Protection Systems for follow-on acquisition. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. Articles received and mounted on vehicles for operational testing 3Q FY 2021. Range testing continues in 2Q FY 2022. See FY 2022 Plans section for subsequent project activities. -High Power Phased Array Radar (HPAR) (Air Force): This project demonstrates an expeditionary S-band active electronically steered array radar with digital beamforming. This technology provides long range surveillance, detection, and tracking of aerial targets in complex electromagnetic and operational environments. This project enhances DoD capabilities in the Air and Missile Defense focus area. If successful, this technology will transition to the Air Force’s Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar Program of Record. Contract preparation and test planning occurred in 4Q FY 2020. Comparative demonstration occurred in 1Q FY 2021. -Nano-Clay Seals for Long Service Life (Air Force): This project evaluates the service life of emerging nano-clay enhanced compression O-ring seal materials against existing nitrile rubber. This technology significantly reduces aircraft engine life cycle costs. If successful, the Air Force Research Laboratory will modify current military specifications and the technology will be available for purchase through the Defense Logistics Agency. Contract awarded in 3Q FY 2020. Acceptance occurred in 2Q FY 2021. Operational test of seals occurred from 3Q FY 2021 until 1Q FY 2022. Analysis of data and presentation to decision makers expected 2Q FY 2022. -Accurate Tracking & Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Navigation (Navy): This project tests sensors that enable accurate real-time tracking of unmanned underwater systems without the need for high-cost Inertial Navigation Systems. If successful, this technology will be available for transition to Navy Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) and Remotely Operated Vehicles programs of record. The operational demonstration occurred in 2Q FY 2021. Transition decision and a close out report completed by 4Q FY 2021. -Comparative Real-Time Air Quality Sensing (Air Force): Phase 1 Initial standard unit test to be completed 3Q FY21. Phase 2 Mock flight tests of standard unit test to be completed 4Q FY 2021. Phase 4 testing to be completed in 2Q FY 2022. Phase 5 testing to be completed in 3Q FY 2022. Technology demonstration to occur in 4Q FY 2022. A procurement decision will be made and a close out report will be submitted in 4Q FY 2022. -Non-kinetic Defeat of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (Army): Evaluates a non-kinetic counter-unmanned aerial system for vehicles and fixed site configurations to increase probability of defeat while reducing collateral damage. Funds placed on contract for the purchase of test articles, Cueing sensor integration begins 1Q FY 2022. -Vehicle Mounted Camouflage (Army): Comparative testing vehicles coverings that reduce detection across multiple spectrum bands including infrared, microwave, and radar to increase survivability in contested environments. FY 2021 test plan development, material specification reviews. FY 2022 Plans: Lab validation of vendor claims utilizing environmental and material testing Field testing of the camouflage will take place in 1Q FY 2022. Test report and procurement decision will be made in 2Q FY 2022. -Water Free Chemical Decontaminant System (Army): Comparatively test efficacy of water free decontaminant, GD-6 for residual agent contamination and contact transfer hazard effectiveness. This would increase survivability in contested environments. FY 2021 contracting for acquisition of test articles and test planning. FY 2022 Limited efficacy testing and equipment compatibility testing of the decontaminant agent will took place between 1Q FY 2022 and continues until 3Q FY 2022. Test report will be completed by 4Q FY 2022, which will used by the Program of Record to support follow-on demonstrations and a procurement decision. -Water/Land Initiated Sensing Aerial Disconnect (USSOCOM): Evaluates an airdrop system enhancement that automatically disconnects restraints once it has reached its destination. This enables fully autonomous delivery and derigging of unmanned systems and vehicles. FY 2021 acquisition of test articles bench testing and airdrop safety certification. User evaluation will take place in 1Q FY 2022. Project will close out and evaluation report completed in 2Q FY 2022. -Active Protection Systems for Light Armored Vehicles (Navy/USMC): FY 2021 acquisition of test articles. FY 2022: Live fire testing will take place in 1Q FY 2022. Project will close out and procurement decision made by Program Executive Office (PEO) Land Systems in 3Q FY 2022. -Organic Precision Fires – Infantry, Light (Navy/USMC): FY 2021 teat article acquisition. FY 2022: Phase one flight testing will take place in 1Q FY 2022 with a down select to one vendor. Phase two evaluation testing will take place in 2Q FY 2022. Project will complete and procurement decision made by the program manager to be included in the Aerial Loitering Munitions program in 2Q FY 2022. -Portable High Power Directed-Energy Systems for Aviation Support (Navy): FY 2021 Test article acquisition. FY 2022: Phase one validation testing will complete in 2Q FY 2022. Field trials will take place in 3Q-4Q FY 2022. Project will complete and, if successful, this technology will be added to the Authorized Equipment Lists for Naval and Marine squadrons in 4Q FY 2022.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 253bc09928045556d67e41a654ca4b0c