Understand (SDD)

Abstract

The Understand System Development & Demonstration (SDD) Project provides the Joint Force the ability to continually receive information about the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) situation at a desired time and place by detecting, identifying, and quantifying CBRN hazards in air, water, or on land, and on personnel, equipment or facilities. These efforts support the ability to conduct early warning (informing protective posture) and employment of rapid detection, identification, and analysis tools needed to address emerging biological threats. Efforts also keep the Joint Force ahead of emerging chemical threats with portable, reduced size, weight, and power, cost detectors to protect general and specialized forces and to enhance operations on the battlefield by providing early warning and field analytics. Medical diagnostic activities develop U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved products for the warfighter at the point of care to inform far-forward medical and protection decisions. Efforts included in this Project are: (1) Advanced and Emerging Threat Defense (AET DEFENSE) (2) Aerosol Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD) (3) Chemical and Biological Wearables - Enhanced Biological Defense (CB Wearables - ENBD) (4) Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Sensor Integration on Robotics Platforms (CSIRP) (5) Compact Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (CVCAD) (6) Defense Biological Products Assurance Program (DBPAP) (7) Defense Biological Products Assurance Program - Enhanced Biological Defense (DBPAP-ENBD) (8) Far Forward Biological Sequencing (FFBS) (9) Joint Biological Tactical Detection System (JBTDS) (10) Mobile Field Kit (MFK) (11) Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade (NBCRV SSU) (12) Next Generation Diagnostics 2 Chemical Diagnostics (NGDS 2 CHEMDX) (13) Next Generation Diagnostics 2 Man Portable Diagnostic System (NGDS 2 MPDS) (14) Proximate Chemical Agent Detector (PCAD) (15) Physiological Monitoring Sensor Suite (PM2S) (16) Special Purpose Unit Rapid Capability Development and Deployment (SPU RCDD) (17) Wearable All Hazard Remote Monitoring Program (WARP) (18) Multi-Phase Chemical Agent Detector (MPCAD) (19) Surveillance and Pathogen Characterization - Enhanced Biological Defense (SPCHAR-ENBD) The Advanced and Emerging Threat Defense (AET DEFENSE) program continues to address the highest priority CBRN gaps and supports the Chemical Biological Defense Program (CBDP) Strategic Line of Effort to meet current and emerging threats by anticipating CB hazards and identifying capabilities to counter emerging and future threats. The AET DEFENSE program collaborates with the Joint Services and interagency to align RDT&E resources to determine readiness against emerging threats as they are identified across the entire CBDP enterprise portfolio. In FY25 and beyond, AET DEFENSE continues to broaden the data set for emerging threats to better assess detection and decontamination capabilities. Aerosol Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (AVCAD) is a Man-Portable system to detect aerosol and vapor chemical agents. AVCAD fills critical gaps in current Joint Force chemical sensor capabilities, in the areas of liquid, solid and dusty aerosol Chemical Warfare Agent detection, and detection of specific advanced threats/Non-Traditional Agents. The AVCAD will also detect low-level off-gassing, or residual vapors, to prevent/mitigate health effects associated with low concentration exposures, and perform remote alarm warning and reporting. AVCAD will support chemical and biological defense missions, including monitoring, collective protection, base defense, decontamination, unmasking, and reconnaissance. AVCAD will be integrated on the Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV). AVCAD also has a fixed site variant that will be integrated onto ships. In FY25, funding is utilized to finalize MOT&E activities in support of the Full Rate Production (FRP) anticipated in March 2025. CB WEARABLES-ENBD continues to develop interfaces needed to integrate wearable physiological monitoring capabilities directly into service-sponsored decision support and mission command systems. These capabilities detect and alert for CBRN anomalies that may indicate exposure to biological warfare agents (BWA) or other emerging threats across the force. This enables the services to conduct force-wide monitoring to detect the presence or initial onset of CBRN threats and human physiological stressors. Wearables provides commanders with the ability to understand, address, and provide solutions against emerging threats encountered under many operational scenarios, which could deter maneuver and ability to project force. CB Wearables-ENBD will continue to directly interface and integrate with existing joint force computing environments and directly supports the strategic goals of the CBDP's Enhanced Biodefense effort. The Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Sensor Integration on Robotics Platforms (CSIRP) is a prototyping and fielding effort that will focus on repackaging and integrating modular CBRN sensor solutions to enhance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) Programs of Record (PORs). CSIRP will provide situational awareness across the echelons of command in order to enable freedom of maneuver and action on the battlefield. An integrated CSIRP capability will exploit advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and autonomy, sensing and communication capabilities that enable timely and accurate detection, warning and reporting of CBRN hazards. CSIRP will reduce risk at tactical and operational echelons in mounted and dismounted configurations. CSIRP gives the Joint Force an opportunity to enhance capabilities and maintain operational advantage in a lethal and complex operating environment. In FY25, CSIRP will integrate standoff detection and provide upgrades to CBRN autonomy, mapping and obstacle avoidance for denied global positioning system (GPS) operations on UAS's. Compact Vapor Chemical Agent Detector (CVCAD) is an unobtrusive, low-profile chemical detection capability that will continuously, and autonomously, monitor and alert general and specialized units to an unsafe environment without further burdening the warfighters payload or interfering with the primary mission. The CVCAD will warn CBRN and non-CBRN forces of Chemical Weapon Agent (CWA), Toxic Industrial Chemical (TIC), or confined space hazards to inform immediate force protection decisions. The small form factor (less than 2 pounds) is amenable to both man-worn and unmanned aerial or ground system operations to enable timely personnel protective action and other force protection decisions. FY25 funding supports engineering and development tasks to include military standard environmental and false alarm testing, as well as conduct an operational assessment to measure system performance and assess risk to support Milestone C (MS C) Decision in 4QFY26. The Defense Biological Product Assurance Program (DBPAP) serves as the principal resource of high quality, validated, and standardized biological detection assays and reagents that meet the requirements of the warfighter and Joint biological defense systems. The DBPAP pursues an array of analytical tools to verify assay performance and predict effective medical countermeasure solutions that are critical to preparedness. The DBPAP enables online ordering system for assays, reagents, and biological reference materials , where multiple government agencies and customers can place orders, track order status, and monitor ordering history. In FY25 DBPAP will continue to support optimization and expansion of biological threat agents reference materials and assays to known and emerging threats. The Defense Biological Product Assurance Program - Enhanced Biodefense (DBPAP-ENBD) efforts increase the capabilities above DBPAP baseline levels specifically through enhancements to biological threat agent reference materials, analytical tools portfolios, increased sequencing capabilities, expanded analytical tool capabilities, increased repository of collected biothreat genomic information, and additional biorepository of targeted biothreats and toxins against emerging diseases and potential pandemics. In FY25 DBPAP-ENBD continues to support expanded enhancements to biological threat agent reference materials, and analytical tools portfolios, increased sequencing capabilities, expanding on analytical tools, additional repository of collected biothreat genomic information, and increased biorepository of targeted biothreats and toxins against emerging diseases and potential pandemics. Far Forward Biological Sequencing (FFBS) system is a rapid handheld biological sequencing device that will provide far-forward Special Operations Forces (SOF) the detect-to-inform capability on or near the objective, with a reduction in Commanders' tactical decision timeline from weeks to hours, increasing tactical flexibility and fighting strength, and it will save lives. FY25 funds will focus on the completion of prototype testing and preparations to enter the Production & Deployment (P&D) phase. The Joint Biological Tactical Detection System (JBTDS) is the first tactical lightweight, low-cost biological surveillance system to detect, collect, and identify Biological Warfare Agent (BWA) aerosols. JBTDS components are man-portable, battery operable and easy to employ by any military user. JBTDS provides notification of a hazard and enhances battle-space awareness to protect and preserve the forces and can archive a sample for follow up analysis. When networked, JBTDS augments existing biological detection systems providing a theater-wide array capable of biological detection, identification and warning to support time sensitive force protection decisions. The JBTDS provides surface sampling capability which interfaces with the JBTDS identifier to support sensitive site exploitation missions. In FY25, JBTDS will conduct testing on the full JBTDS system (Detector/Collector, Identifier, Base Station). The production lead time for Identifiers is much shorter than the Detector/Collector/Base Station. The Program Manager is leveraging this as an opportunity to conduct testing on the Identifier in one of its intended use cases to identify biological material present in environmental surface samples. FY25 testing will involve the full system interrogating aerosol samples for the presence of biological agents of concern. MFK effort is the modernization, development, and continuous engineering of Mobile Field Kit (MFK), which is the National Guard Bureau's (NGBs) interim CBRN Awareness & Understanding capability for the Homeland Defense Mission. MFK is a suite of software applications, platforms, and architecture residing on the National Guard CBRN Response Enterprise (CRE) Information Management System (NG-CIMS) operationally deployed in support of NGB missions. MFK provides the NGB real-time visualization and mapping of CBRN threats, personnel location and health, and other sensor data to support the Homeland mission. FY25 funds will begin the time-phased transition of specific capabilities from MFK to CSC2. Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade (NBCRV SSU) provides maneuver formations the ability to conduct mounted Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance and surveillance. The NBCRV SSU will answer the commander’s priority intelligence requirements & facilitate proactive risk-based decisions, to ensure freedom of action and maintain maneuver momentum in Large Scale Combat Operations. NBCRV SSU is an Acquisition Category (ACAT) II modification work order (MWO) effort to modernize the current NBCRV Sensor Suite to increase maintainability, reliability, maneuverability of the force, and standoff distance from the threat, via enhanced CBRN standoff capabilities & integrating onto robotics for Human-Machine Integration (HMI). In FY25, plans include completing CBRN sensor integration for the next capability set (CS2.2) and begin test and evaluation activities. The NGDS 2 ChemDx program will provide a rapid, hand-held, point-of-care device, for the quantitative detection of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) levels in blood samples, an indicator of possible Nerve Agent exposure in individuals. NGDS 2 ChemDx will be employed by Services at multiple echelons of healthcare. NGDS 2 ChemDx test results are to be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suspected of having exposure to chemical nerve agents. In FY25, the NGDS 2 ChemDx program will finish clinical trials and submit application for FDA clearance, to complete EMD, achieve MS C and award a production contract. The Next Generation Diagnostics System 2 - Man Portable Diagnostics System (NGDS 2 - MPDS) program will provide a simple-to-use, portable diagnostic device capability that can be used in austere battlefield environments to assist in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and biological warfare agents. The MPDS will enable earlier patient diagnosis improve decision support for treatment, evacuation, and command situational awareness, and mitigate the effects of exposure to unknown infectious disease and biological agents. In FY25, NGDS 2 MPDS will continue testing required for FDA clearance of two assays, initiate testing required for FDA clearance of a third assay, and conduct Developmental Testing. The Proximate Chemical Agent Detector (PCAD) is developing a Non-Trace and Trace capabilities. Non-Trace will provide the services with a handheld point and interrogate device that identifies visible liquid and solid chemical threats on surfaces at standoff (non-contact) distances. The PCAD Trace will provide the services with a handheld device that will rapidly scan an area to locate, detect, and identify non-visible solid and liquid threats on surfaces at standoff (non-contact) distances. In FY25 Non-Trace capability transitions to BA5 and the PCAD program will be conducting Early Manufacturing Development (EMD) testing, operational testing, user events and acquisition documentation in support of a Milestone C (MS C) decision in FY26. The Physiological Monitoring Sensor Suite (PM2S) is a new start program in FY24. It develops CBRN exposure software algorithms that analyze physiological data collected from wearable sensors. These algorithms provide commanders with actionable information to maximize warfighter readiness, performance, and enhance resiliency before, during, and after CBRN operations. BA5 efforts conduct software hardening, verification/validation, and integration on algorithms transitioned from DTRA JSTO and service wearables S&T partners. Capabilities developed will integrate with the hardware-focused Chemical and Biological Wearables - Enhanced Biodefense (CB WEARABLES-ENBD) solution set, which will provide an additional layer of sensing to rapidly detect CBRN threats across the joint forces, decrease risk to mission, and risk to force. Special Purpose Unit Rapid Capability Development and Deployment (SPU RCDD) facilitates United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) rapid response requirements, through the classified special category (SPECAT) process, for near-term and emergent chemical-biological defensive capabilities. SPU RCDD mitigates risk across the Enterprise by creating a portfolio of operationally relevant CBRND capabilities that can be quickly transitioned in response to the articulated, developing capability needs of the geographic combatant commanders. These objectives are met by the early transitioning of promising S&T; the focused conduct of combat evaluations and mission-oriented operational assessments to assess technological and mission suitability; and leveraging existing Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government-Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) products along with novel redesign approaches to optimize existing solutions to new challenges supported by adaptive acquisition strategies. Wearable All-hazard Remote-monitoring Project (WARP) is a family of wearable and attachable sensors to collect, transmit, and integrate information about the CBRND operational environment, disposition of warfighters, and key mission equipment status to optimize actions on the objective, provide real-time tactical data for decision makers, and facilitate unit readiness post mission. This network of sensors may be accessed by ground-force command for operational decisions for more timely and accurate situational awareness resulting in increased force protection. WARP has gone through the classified special category (SPECAT) requirements validation via United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Defense Programs (ASD(NCB)). Multi-Phase Chemical Agent Detector (MPCAD) is a two-person portable system that will conduct near real-time, near-laboratory grade analysis of solid, liquid, and vapor samples collected by the operator in a presumptively contaminated area. The MPCAD results will support the Commander's tactical and operational decisions regarding maneuver, protection, decontamination, and treatment measures. The Army will employ MPCAD in Dismounted Reconnaissance and Site Assessment missions to substantiate presumptive detector results. The Air Force will employ the MPCAD to support Post-Event Reconnaissance in support of Reconnaissance and Surveillance missions by monitoring the environment at airbases after a chemical release. The Air Force will continuously monitor contaminated areas for chronic health effects levels through analysis of samples from collectors deployed at the contamination site and brought back to the analyzer for identification and quantification. This information will support commander decisions to determine Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) levels and eventual termination of cordon restrictions. SPCHAR-ENBD (contact tracing) integrates innovative and emerging contact tracing capabilities into the pre-symptomatic exposure wearable system outlined in CB Wearables-ENBD. This effort will leverage on-going COVID-19 investments in contact tracing stemming from the joint service response to Joint Emergent Operational Needs Statement (JEONS) JS-0003. It will include person-worn digital proximity tools for logging close contacts with the infected. SPCHAR-ENBD directly supports the strategic goals of the Chemical Biological Defense Program's (CBDP's) Enhanced Biodefense effort.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: UN5_0604384BP_5_0400_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.

Technology Areas

• AI & ML
• AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space