The Department of Defense, specifically the Navy, is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program to develop a multi-source data ingestion capability for theater-level command and control systems, such as the AN/UYQ-100 Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW/DSS). The objective is to create a technology that can efficiently mine data from various authoritative sources, reducing the manual workload and potential errors faced by operators during complex wartime operations. This capability is crucial for enhancing decision-making processes by providing timely and accurate information in a user-friendly interface, ultimately improving Fleet operations. The solicitation is set to open on April 23, 2025, with applications due by May 21, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

Operators of theater-level command and control systems, such as the AN/UYQ-100 Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW/DSS), must consider a wide range of sources when forming recommendations for Fleet operations. Operators currently manually access a range of authoritative sources in search of the best information upon which to base Fleet operations decisions. Creating the required range of reports involves significant effort that can take hours to complete. Research must be done, then data collected, and finally uniquely formatted reports generated that are provided to a range of consumers. During complex wartime operations, this reliance on manual means to access information introduces an error-prone environment and creates a heavy sailor workload.Current mission preparation requires operators to spend numerous hours searching Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) websites and various publications. Current information is stored in a variety of different formats, including hardcopy information, websites, platform status information contained in meta-data communicated over USW-DSS, and embedded recording systems. This information is not stored or tagged in a manner that enables operators to perform rapid searches for data analytics. The Navy seeks a technology to mine authoritative data in various stored formats and provide an intuitive user interface for generating accurate reports. This capability will reduce error-prone situations and time involved to make Fleet operations decisions. The desired technology will allow machine learning to search for vital information, allowing the operator to focus on interpretation of data rather than the mechanics of the search process. There is currently no commercial product that will meet the required technological need.The technology sought must rapidly access and parse data types across different authoritative sources to produce results within an intuitive user interface. The data to be accessed includes USW-DSS recordings, operational information, authoritative intelligence, lessons learned, estimated probabilities from prior maneuvers, and historical and projected environmental data. The user interface must enable users access to this data as they need it, and in the standardized formats required by USW-DSS and connected systems. The data mining capability and user interface must operate at multiple security levels (e.g., Unclassified up to TS-SCI), supported by an architecture that could allow information at multiple security levels to be ported up to the highest level of security required for a specific effort. The technology will enable data from previous missions to be easily recalled and overlaid with current data to show history of deployments for contacts of interest and activity levels. The data mining algorithm must provide for authoritative data availability to appropriate access privileges. It must also meet current Information Assurance (IA) specifications for classification security. No known commercial application is capable of meeting the Navy&rsquo;s requirement to mine from authoritative sources across multiple security levels and meet IA specifications.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 32 U.S.C. &sect; 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA 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 during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

## Objective

Develop a capability that mines information from authoritative sources and reduces operator workload and errors.

## Phase I

Develop a concept for a data mining capability and associated user interface that meets the requirements as stated in the Description section above. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and will establish that the concept can be feasibly produced by sample testing, modeling and simulation and or analysis. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

## Phase II

Develop, deliver, and demonstrate a prototype data mining capability and associated user interface. Demonstrate the functionality in a series of user designed sprints with fleet operators to refine the user interface for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals as defined in the Description. System performance would ideally be demonstrated through installation and prototype testing using the cloud-based USW-DSS prototyping infrastructure provided by the government. 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 the Navy in transitioning the data mining capability and user interface to Navy use. Finalize the software design and algorithm prototype, for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment in USW-DSS. Support the Navy for test and validation in accordance with the IWS 5.0 USW-DSS Peer Review Group. The technology will have private sector commercial potential for any secure system such as banking and medical information requiring access and analysis of historical information, reports, and trends analysis.

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