Rapid Reaction Fund
Abstract
The Quick Reaction Special Projects (QRSP) Program supports four separate project codes that provide rapid funding to expedite development and transition of needed capabilities to the warfighter. The QRSP Program provides the flexibility and agility to mitigate emerging threats and support current operations, including counter terrorism, by addressing needs that arise faster than the two-year budget cycle. The Rapid Reaction Fund (RRF) is fully executed through the Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO). RRTO was established to accelerate the development and transition of high-potential science and technology (S&T) projects through operationally useful virtual and proof-of-principle prototypes within the execution year of an identified need. The RRTO leverages the Department of Defense (DoD) S&T base and those of the other federal agencies, academia, and industry. The office also stimulates interagency coordination and cooperation, expedites delivery of prototype capabilities and concepts to counter anticipated and emerging threats, and provides feedback to the S&T community to guide long term development strategies. RRTO achieves this by anticipating adversaries' exploitation of technology, including available and emerging commercial capabilities, and rapidly responding to new threats and opportunities. Projects support high level Department strategies and objectives, such as the building blocks for the Third Offset Strategy, the Defense Innovation Initiative, and geographic Combatant Command (CCMD) priorities. Prototypes delivered and transitioned to operational users by RRTO demonstrate the feasibility of new technologies, enable integration into larger systems, and increase ‘speed to market’ by providing cost effective capabilities faster than typical acquisition cycles. In prior years, RRTO, through RRF, explored novel methods and new approaches for persistent surveillance for counter-insurgency; developed alternate power sources for sensors and systems; provided low-cost capabilities for small-footprint operations; expanded human, social, and cultural knowledge relevant to military decision making; increased small unit situational awareness; advanced the interface between law enforcement and military operations; developed advanced biometrics and forensics capabilities; performed strategic multi-layer assessments; and, established a prototyping through non-traditional pathways outreach effort that facilitates better interactions with small, non-traditional companies developing emerging technologies. In FY 2017 and FY 2018, RRF will continue to provide a hedge against technology risk by identifying and developing near-term capabilities to support irregular warfare operations. RRF projects support goals from the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics), the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering), and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Emerging Capability & Prototyping). With project selection occurring during the execution year, the RRF’s current focus areas include: open source data analysis; autonomous systems and behaviors; urban characterization; prototypes for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; additive manufacturing to rapidly field prototypes; maritime technologies; and, wargaming for emerging threats and capabilities. The typical length of an RRTO project falls within a 6 to 18 month range to more effectively respond to Warfighter needs. Recent success stories and significant transitions of note include: • Next Generation Sequencing for Personnel Accounting Applications: This project successfully developed, demonstrated, and made operational a new DNA analysis process and supporting analytic software to conduct mitochondrial DNA analysis on highly degraded samples. This process allows familial matching on remains degraded by environmental conditions or contaminants that are recovered in support of the personnel accounting mission, or for the identification of high value individuals. • Biometric Enabled Watchlist (BEWL) Dissemination Management Server (BMDS): This project successfully developed and demonstrated an automated BEWL dissemination prototype that improved the speed of delivering customized biometric watch lists by 38 times, while also significantly reducing errors. The Army Program Manager for Biometrics will incorporate this tool into the Automated Biometric Identification System architecture. • Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) Common Control System (CCS): LDUUV CCS successfully developed and demonstrated initial integration of the common control system software with a representative LDUUV to inform future acquisition activities. This effort demonstrated command and control of LDUUVs from an unmanned air system workstation. The technical data package and final report have been delivered to the Navy’s Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS) Program Office (PMS 406) to inform acquisition activities. • Flume: The final phase of the Flume software project provided assured delivery of data over existing networks used by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The final phase of development consisted of tailoring the software to U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) missions. The system demonstrated automated data transport, accelerated throughput, and high reliability through intermittent connections. Flume has transitioned to AFSOC and other USSOCOM users. • Forward Firing Flare: The Forward Firing Flare project delivered two ALE-47 chaff/flare launchers in the forward firing configuration for nonstandard aircraft. The products transitioned to assets deployed in support of U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM). • Intelligent Materials Sensor System (IMSS): The IMSS prototype uses a unique phosphorescent nanomaterial to provide target identification information when illuminated. Following a successful demonstration of this optically-transparent tagging mechanism USSOCOM and the U.S. Army contracted for procurement of the IMSS tags. • Laser Threat Detection and Defeat: The project completed development of a phase one prototype system and demonstrated the ability to detect and locate indoor threats. Subsequent demonstrations at Trident Spector 16 validated detection outdoors and the system transitioned to defense criminal investigative organizations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- P828_0603826D8Z_3_0400_PB_2018
Related Documents
- Root: Quick Reactions Special Projects (QRSP)
- Child Accomplishment: Low Cost Innovative Projects (Projects Less Than One Million Dollars Each)
- Child Accomplishment: Strategic Multi-Layered Assessment (SMA) Cell
- Child Accomplishment: Biometrics and Forensics Science and Technology for Identity Dominance
- Child Accomplishment: Faster Short Tandem Repeat (FaSTR) Human Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Profiling System
- Child Accomplishment: Prototyping Through Non-Traditional Pathways
- Child Accomplishment: Open Source Data Analysis and Applications Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Autonomous Systems and Behaviors Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Urban Characterization Focus Areas
- Child Accomplishment: Rapid Prototyping for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Additive Manufacturing Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Maritime Dominance Technology Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Wargaming in Support of Emerging Capabilities Focus Area