The Department of Defense, specifically the Navy, is seeking innovative solutions for the modernization of the Ship's Mission Center (SMC) large screen display system through the SBIR Direct to Phase II opportunity titled "Mission Center Large Screen Display Modernization." The objective is to develop and demonstrate advanced technologies that enhance mission viewing capabilities, improve operational availability, and meet specific requirements for the Navigation Electronic Chart Display and Information System – Navy (ECDIS-N). This modernization is critical for maintaining an efficient and responsive combat environment aboard Navy combatant ships, particularly the DDG 1000 class. Interested small businesses must submit their proposals by February 5, 2025, with the opportunity opening on January 8, 2025, and further details available at the official SBIR website.

## Description

Improvement to the operational picture within the SMC is needed to modernize key capabilities by replacing the currently obsolete system. The Navy seeks an innovative large screen display with improved access for maintenance, improved operational availability (Ao) and minimal Mean-Time-To-Repair. The proposer should develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that upgrade the display system in the SMC to improve mission viewing, introduce advanced mounting methodologies, and enhance viewing specifications to meet Navigation Electronic Chart Display and Information System &ndash; Navy (ECDIS-N) requirements. The Ship&rsquo;s display system requires an upgrade that will promote and support an efficient and rapidly responsive combat environment. The current configuration consists of four (4) projectors displaying an image on one (1) large display. Any proposed modular display should not exceed the dimensions of 280&rdquo;x50&rdquo; and must meet all environmental qualification requirements. Proposed technology must be capable of displaying high resolution content using computer inputs as well as a Jumbotron fine pixel pitch. Solutions must provide an acceptable viewing distance/range from 6ft to 30ft. The upgraded display system must be modular, facilitate ease of repair, and have a display and mounting structure no thicker than 6&rdquo; from the bulkhead. Technology must fit within the existing interior of the SMC. Solution should utilize advanced mounting methodologies that incorporate shock and vibration mitigation. Any repairs should be quickly implemented to allow for continued operations and testing. Minimal training should be required for this process. The improved display should reduce maintenance and improve safety with a secured system by allowing for accessible maintenance. Ship integration of selected panel technology must incorporate Navy specific data inputs as determined by a review of existing system discrepancies and limitations. Develop display upgrades to bring available wall display technologies up to Navy standards for current Navy Combatant ships, starting with the DDG 1000 class. Supporting documents to be developed will include updates of drawing packages and Ship Change Documents submission. Leveraging existing commercial wall display technologies, potential solutions should advance system capabilities to meet or exceed all Navy ship specific requirements.

## Objective

Develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that upgrade the large screen display system in Ship&rsquo;s Mission Center (SMC) to improve mission viewing, introduce advanced mounting methodologies, and enhance viewing specifications to meet Navigation Electronic Chart Display and Information System &ndash; Navy (ECDIS-N) requirements.

## Phase I

For a Direct to Phase II topic, the Government expects that the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-type effort and developed a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic requirements of the stated objective above. The below actions would be required in order to satisfy the requirements of Phase I: Display viewing area as large as feasible to fit within the SMC not to exceed 280&rdquo; wide x 50&rdquo; high. Provide resolution appropriate for viewing distance/range from 6ft to 30ft. Display must meet color, brightness, and resolution requirements of ECDIS-N and other conventional ship console displayed systems. Display system must be modular, easy to repair, and hatchable at the lowest replaceable unit level. FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their response to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met (i.e., the small business must have performed Phase I-type research and development related to the topic NOT solely based on work performed under prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR/STTR work) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology as stated in Phase I above. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the offeror and/or the principal investigator (PI). Read and follow all of the DoN SBIR 25.1 Direct to Phase II Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructions. Phase I proposals will NOT be accepted for this topic.

## Phase II

Develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that upgrade the large screen display system in the SMC to improve mission viewing, introduce advanced mounting methodologies, and enhance viewing specifications to meet ECDIS-N requirements. Continue to develop the large screen display prototype through specified analysis and qualification testing to Navy requirements. Utilize mock-ups and customized application testing to validate the prototype hardware performance and that the above requirements are met and propose necessary modifications. Provide specific design and hardware plan for a DDG 1000 SMC large screen display to meet or exceed the threshold performance objectives. Manufacture a prototype display to scale appropriate for evaluation. Develop a qualification test plan to include environmental requirements. Ensure the system design accommodates all shipboard input formats and meets Navy cyber protection standards. Execute test plan to fully qualify display and mounting system for a DDG 1000 SMC. Work with a Program Office to develop a final packaging design that meets the platform&rsquo;s Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). Produce qualified first article at full scale suitable for installation in a DDG 1000 class ship. Demonstrate system performance in a military-relevant environment and ensure production readiness.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Support the DoD in transitioning large format displays to other operational environments. Commercial applications for such technology could include outdoor venues, cruise ships, fishing boats, golf courses, and sporting events.

DIRECT TO PHASE II: Mission Center Large Screen Display Modernization

SBIR Opportunity Analysis

SBIR Documents

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Opportunity Snapshot

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