Low Cost Innovative Projects (Projects less than $1.000 million per phase)
Abstract
Investing in prototypes with the potential to deliver rapid capabilities, QRSP identifies, matures, and transitions innovative technologies. In FY 2022, QRSP selected, executed, and transitioned multiple low-cost projects, including: • Endless Diver: This project developed enhanced capabilities for Unmanned Undersea Vessels (UUVs). The prototype transitioned to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). • Mulligan: This effort developed and tested a low probability of detection radio frequency communication system. The prototype transitioned to USSOCOM for testing and validation. • Hefted Blade: This microelectronics effort developed a prototype antenna system. The prototype system completed testing and demonstration before transitioning to DoD partners. • Perched Mantlet: This effort developed an unattended ground sensor prototype to detect low and medium altitude threats. Additional details are classified. In FY 2023, development of the prototype capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to DoD partners. • Single Tag: This project created a software prototype that leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to drastically reduce analyst time required to label data and identify anomalies over hundreds or thousands of images at once. The software transitioned to the intelligence community. • Advanced Security Tag: This project developed a novel capability to mark, scan, and catalog military components used to track and control inventories while eliminating or mitigating the risks associated with parts tracking, quality control, and security management within maintenance and operational chains. This project transitioned to the U.S. Navy. • Automated Network Inference and Fusion: The tool enabled more robust effects-based analysis and course of action development for selected networks and nodes that allow its customers to carry out national security and military strategies. In FY 2023, development of the software toolset transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to the U.S. Air Force. • Identity Warrior: This project leveraged advances in optics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) to passively capture and analyze human signatures at a distance and screen individuals against known adversaries in real-time on existing Android computing platforms located throughout the Joint Force. In FY 2023, development of the prototype capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to the U.S. Army. • Automated Threat Identification and Classification Module: This project leveraged advances in AI, advanced analytics, and deep learning to automate the analysis of large, diverse data sets from disparate sources to quickly prioritize identified threat information and deliver actionable information across Joint All Domain Operations. This project transitioned to the U.S. Army. • Undersea and Surface Obstacle Avoidance System: This project leveraged an existing autonomous underwater and surface vehicle technology to research, test, develop, and evaluate a revolutionary integrated dual-modality undersea and surface obstacle avoidance system. This system transitioned to the U.S. Navy. • Interpretable Machine Learning: This project developed interpretability algorithms that “bolt on” to existing neural networks and provide explanations of a network’s prediction. These explanations confirm that the network uses reasonable and robust features, building trust in the neural network and mitigating fragility. The algorithms transitioned to the U.S. Navy. • Expeditionary Water Obstacle Crossing: This project designed, built, tested, and demonstrated a waterborne logistics platform prototype capable of transporting materials from ship to shore and in open ocean conditions. The ease of manufacture, low observability, ruggedness, and low cost of the platform provided an innovative logistics solution to enable expeditionary advanced basing operations. A full-scale prototype and accompanying autonomy software transitioned to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Systems Command. • Weapon System Virtual Reality: This project developed a human-machine interface to enhance student training and provide critical feedback to instructors. The project transitioned to the U.S. Air Force for joint and international training of MQ-9, F-16, and F-35 aircrew. • AGES: This project developed and demonstrated a battery storage and tactical generator microgrid capability that meets critical operational requirements in extreme cold weather environments; emphasizing scalable, flexible, and high-power quality for continuous and high energy demands. In FY 2023, development of the prototype transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development and evaluation with final transition to the Joint Services. • ISAAC: This project leveraged small business innovators in the artificial AI/ML space to further develop non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) collection and better understand Diplomatic, Informational, Military, Economic, Financial, Intelligence, and Law Enforcement (DIMEFIL) actions. In FY 2023, development of the prototype capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to multiple Combatant Commands. • Non-Traditional Sensors: This project integrated and demonstrated a novel method of sensor cueing using a payload as a non-traditional sensor. Reports from this weapon system were used to cue various national and theater-level ISR capabilities. The ground components developed by this project transitioned to a DoD partner. • USSOCOM Ignite: This annual program is a low-cost innovation accelerator that combines the ingenuity and out-of-the-box thinking of military students with real-world military problems curated by USSOCOM. Students from multiple universities worked together to develop prototype solutions to relevant challenges like drone autonomy, sensor and data fusion, and casualty care at the tactical edge. In FY 2023, development of prototypes transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition into operational capabilities. • JUNU: This project developed and demonstrated an innovative electronic-warfare capability extensible to existing ground and air platforms to address modern challenges. In FY 2023, development of the capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. • Dark Skies: This is a classified program. Additional information is available upon request. In FY 2023, development of the prototype capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development. • Project 2106: This is a classified program. Additional information is available upon request. • DRAGON: This project delivered a cost-effective solution for incoming threat detection by incorporating advancements across multiple technology focus areas including improved sensors, machine learning, and edge processing. In FY 2023, development of the technology transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development and evaluation with final transition to U.S. Navy. • Aircrew Alert: This project developed the first wearable personal communicator for aircrew alerting. This capability enables a new set of communication services built to address the challenges of ensuring resilient communications in all environments. This capability transitioned to the U.S. Air Force and is expected to have a variety of applications across the DoD. • Golden Apple: This spiral development effort leveraged the success of a previous Capability Prototypes project to ensure ISR sensors continue to perform threat detection and tracking in future scenarios. Additional details of this program are classified. Golden Apple transitioned to the U.S. Navy. • AJME: This project designed and developed a prototype software that automates the exchange of specific messages across joint systems, improving the clarity and speed of communications necessary for coordinated fires support. In FY 2023, development of the technology transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to the U.S. Air Force. • SDT: This is a classified program. Additional information is available upon request. In FY 2023, development of the prototype capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development. • Future Technology Threat Understanding: This project established a metric-based analysis methodology and rapid prototyping approach developed to scope, prioritize, and empirically evaluate how the confluence of a wide range of advancing technologies may lead to future threats. In FY 2023, development of the threat prototype transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to USSOCOM. • SQUAAD: This project developed a measurement system to determine the ground strength of a geographical area. This system will allow deployed forces to characterize the state of the ground accurately and rapidly. The SQUAAD capability transitioned to the U.S. Air Force. • High-Performance Micropropulsion System for Picosatellites: This project developed a cost-effective, high-thrust propulsion system. The system was incorporated into a flight unit for an on-orbit demonstration as part of the transition to an interagency partner. • PhASP: This project demonstrated and delivered a novel laser protection capability for sensors. The capability transitioned to the U.S. Navy for testing and integration. • Project 6312: This is a classified program. Additional information is available upon request. • 3D Printed Radiation Shielding of Electronic Components: This project investigated and developed a novel approach to mitigate radiation damage in extreme environments to microelectronic systems using unique additive manufacturing techniques. In FY 2023, development of the prototype capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to DoD and interagency partners. • Activated Aluminum Fuel for Dismounted Troops: This project developed a novel energy solution that is safer and more cost-effective than existing alternatives while remaining compatible with existing fuel cells. The capability transitioned to the USMC for testing and integration. • DLOFTS: This project delivered an innovative transportable refueling system to transfer fuel to shore-based units rapidly. In FY 2023, development of the capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. • TMS ECU: This project developed a tactical microgrid standard-compliant controller for environmental conditioning units enabling networked capability to optimally operate heating and cooling equipment, reducing power demand and fuel consumption. In FY 2023, development of the capability transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for continued development with final transition to the U.S. Army. • JADOTS: This project is developing a new software capability to enable analysis and planning of kinetic and non-kinetic fires for multi-domain effects. Prototype development was initiated in FY 2022. In FY 2023, JADOTS transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for further development. • El Camino: This project is developing a novel capability to enhance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) navigation in adverse conditions. Prototype development was initiated in FY 2022. Additional details are classified. In FY 2023, El Camino transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for further development. • Kestrel: This project is developing, testing, and demonstrating several technologies that will improve the Warfighter’s ability to execute undersea missions, bringing immediate benefit to the operational force. In FY 2022, the project-initiated design and manufacturing of select components. In FY 2023, Kestrel transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for further development. • MeTRA: This small business-led effort is developing a model-based systems engineering environment and knowledge management collaboration platform to reduce cyber knowledge gaps and support agile analysis for data-driven security decisions. In FY 2022, MeTRA initiated modeling and process assessments. In FY 2023, MeTRA transitions to Program Element 0603838D8Z Defense Innovation Acceleration for further development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 47800c4dd94068c456efc8bc08fa78e8