The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking innovative solutions to enhance the resilience of Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The primary objectives include developing advanced technologies in four focus areas: Network Virtualization, Resilient Ground Architecture, Situational Awareness, and Resilient Data Management, all aimed at ensuring continuous and secure operations in contested environments. This initiative is critical for maintaining operational effectiveness against sophisticated electronic warfare and cyber threats, with a focus on improving flexibility, survivability, and efficiency of MILSATCOM systems. Interested parties should prepare to submit proposals by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity to advance technologies to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 during Phase II, following a pre-release on May 28, 2025. For more information, visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

Modern MILSATCOM systems must maintain uninterrupted operational effectiveness despite adversarial interference, degraded networks, and evolving threats. As near-peer adversaries develop increasingly sophisticated electronic warfare (EW) and cyber capabilities, ensuring resilient, secure, and adaptive MILSATCOM has become a critical operational necessity.&nbsp;This effort seeks to enhance MILSATCOM resilience by developing advanced, deployable technologies that align with U.S. Space Force (USSF) mission objectives and operational imperatives. Solutions should improve flexibility, survivability, and efficiency, ensuring MILSATCOM systems remain operationally viable under all conditions, including contested, degraded, and denied environments.&nbsp;FOCUS AREA 1. Network Virtualization&nbsp;Objective: Enhance MILSATCOM agility, scalability, and resilience by reducing dependency on proprietary hardware through software-defined networking (SDN) and virtualized network functions (VNF). This focus area seeks solutions that enable dynamic, adaptable MILSATCOM architectures capable of seamless interoperability, rapid reconfiguration, and automated network resilience in contested and degraded environments.&nbsp;Proposed Solutions May Include:<ul><li>Multi-waveform, software-defined modems to improve gateway flexibility and adaptability across service providers.</li><li>Dynamic resource allocation that optimizes frequency and bandwidth management to maximize network efficiency.</li><li>Virtualized, hardware-agnostic architectures that allow for rapid service provider transitions without dedicated, proprietary hardware.</li></ul>Desired Outcomes &amp; Phase II Expectations:<ul><li>Seamless multi-waveform, multi-vendor interoperability through SDN- and VNF-enabled architectures.</li><li>Automated failover mechanisms ensuring continuous operations in the presence of cyberattacks, jamming, or network disruptions.</li><li>Real-time network orchestration that provides dynamic diagnostics, optimized bandwidth allocation, and automatic service adaptation to mission conditions.</li><li>Operational testing and demonstrations validating:<ul><li>Reduced latency</li><li>Enhanced network agility</li><li>Seamless cross-provider transitions</li></ul></li></ul>Success Metrics<ul><li>Reduction in hardware dependency through software-driven adaptability.</li><li>Faster service reconfiguration under contested or degraded conditions.</li><li>Quantifiable cost efficiencies in MILSATCOM infrastructure deployment and sustainment.</li></ul>FOCUS AREA 2. Resilient Ground Architecture&nbsp;Objective: Enhance the resilience, survivability, and adaptability of MILSATCOM ground infrastructure by developing distributed, software-defined ground networks that ensure mission continuity in degraded, contested, and cyber-threatened environments. This effort seeks fault-tolerant architectures that can withstand disruptions, system failures, and adversarial attacks while maintaining seamless operations across global satellite communication networks.Proposed Solutions May Include:<ul><li>Cloud-native, hardware-agnostic ground station architectures for flexibility, scalability, and rapid deployment.</li><li>Automated failover mechanisms that proactively detect, isolate, and mitigate network disruptions to maintain continuous connectivity.</li><li>Geographically dispersed processing nodes to enhance redundancy, operational survivability, and resilience in the face of physical or cyber threats.</li><li>Distributed Command &amp; Control (C2) architectures that decentralize processing and ensure real-time, failover-ready decision-making.</li></ul>Desired Outcomes &amp; Phase II Expectations:<ul><li>Distributed, automated C2 frameworks that support failover and mission continuity in the event of cyber, kinetic, or natural disruptions.</li><li>Software-defined infrastructure automation that enables rapid recovery, scalability, and adaptable mission execution across global MILSATCOM operations.</li><li>Redundant, geographically dispersed ground networks that mitigate single-node failure risks while ensuring secure, real-time data processing.</li><li>Operational demonstrations in simulated or live environments that validate:<ul><li>Seamless mission continuity during network failures or contested operations.</li><li>Infrastructure resilience against cyberattacks, jamming, or adversarial interference</li><li>Interoperability with multiple MILSATCOM platforms without hardware dependencies.</li></ul></li></ul>Success Metrics:<ul><li>Proven automated failover capabilities and real-time C2 recovery in contested environments.</li><li>Demonstrated ability to maintain operations across multiple satellite platforms despite disruptions.</li><li>Validated infrastructure resilience through field simulations replicating adversarial scenarios.</li></ul>FOCUS AREA 3. Situational Awareness for MILSATCOM&nbsp;Objective: Enhance real-time electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) awareness to improve threat detection, interference mitigation, and operational decision-making. MILSATCOM networks require advanced situational awareness capabilities to detect, analyze, and respond to spectrum interference, jamming, and adversarial activity in contested environments.Proposed Solutions May Include:<ul><li>AI-driven spectrum analysis for real-time detection, classification, and mitigation of signal interference and cyber-electromagnetic threats.</li><li>Multi-source EMS fusion integrating ground, airborne, and space-based sensors to provide a comprehensive RF operating picture.</li><li>Automated spectrum planning and resource allocation that adapts dynamically to mission needs, detected threats, and real-time conditions.</li><li>Machine learning and predictive analytics to forecast adversarial spectrum behaviors, optimize communications pathways, and improve decision-making for MILSATCOM operators.</li></ul>Desired Outcomes &amp; Phase II Expectations:<ul><li>AI-enhanced RF spectrum monitoring to detect, localize, and characterize hostile jamming, interference, and anomalous signals in real time.</li><li>Automated spectrum deconfliction and interference mitigation tools that dynamically re-route communications and optimize EMS resource allocation.</li><li>Predictive analytics and machine learning that provide proactive interference mitigation strategies and battlefield spectrum awareness.</li><li>Integration testing in simulated or live environments to validate multi-source EMS fusion, automated signal detection, and real-time operator decision-support tools.</li></ul>Success Metrics:<ul><li>Real-time visualization of EMS threats and anomalies with actionable insights for operators.</li><li>Reduction in manual spectrum allocation efforts through automation and AI-based tools.</li><li>Increased accuracy in detecting and classifying RF threats, with demonstrated success in contested spectrum environments.</li><li>Successful fusion of multiple spectrum data sources, improving overall situational awareness for MILSATCOM networks.</li></ul>FOCUS AREA 4. Resilient Data Management&nbsp;Objective: Ensure secure, adaptable, and efficient data transmission, storage, and processing in MILSATCOM systems to maintain mission-critical operations despite network disruptions, cyber threats, and contested environments. Effective data resilience is essential to ensuring real-time decision-making, operational continuity, and secure communication across MILSATCOM platforms.&nbsp;Proposed Solutions May Include:<ul><li>Forward Error Correction (FEC) and adaptive pathing algorithms to improve packet recovery and network efficiency under degraded conditions.</li><li>Data compression and optimization techniques to maximize bandwidth efficiency, particularly in low-latency and high-interference environments.</li><li>Zero-trust cybersecurity architectures that harden MILSATCOM data storage, transmission, and processing against cyber and electronic warfare threats.</li><li>AI-powered network monitoring and diagnostics to identify anomalous data flow patterns, optimize routing, and ensure resilient data distribution.</li></ul>Desired Outcomes &amp; Phase II Expectations:<ul><li>Dynamic network orchestration and real-time diagnostics optimizing MILSATCOM data flow, bandwidth allocation, and adaptive transmission techniques.</li><li>Resilient packet recovery and Forward Error Correction (FEC) ensuring data integrity, loss prevention, and efficient retransmission in contested environments.</li><li>Implementation of zero-trust cybersecurity frameworks to protect mission-critical data, secure storage environments, and enhance network integrity.</li><li>Field validation and live-environment testing proving secure, scalable, and high-performance MILSATCOM data transport under operationally relevant conditions.</li></ul>Success Metrics:<ul><li>Quantifiable improvements in data integrity, transmission efficiency, and packet recovery rates in degraded and contested SATCOM environments.</li><li>Reduction in latency for mission-critical data transmission, supporting faster decision-making and enhanced operational effectiveness.</li><li>Increased cybersecurity resilience through zero-trust protocols, AI-driven threat detection, and proactive anomaly detection.</li><li>Successful integration with existing and next-generation MILSATCOM architectures, ensuring cross-platform interoperability.</li></ul>Full list of keywords:&nbsp;Game Theory; Nonlinear Dynamics; Network Virtualization; Military Satellite Communication (MILSATCOM); Software-Defined Networking (SDN); Virtualized Network Functions (VNF); Digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) Transport; Digital Radio Frequency (RF) Transport; Multi-Waveform Modem; IF Converter; Virtualized Computing Resources; Waveform Processing Efficiency; Software-Defined Components; Distributed Aperture Architecture; Gateway Flexibility; Resilient Communication Systems; Adaptable architecture; Distributed data processing; Configuration management; Diversified ground architecture; Hardware-agnostic; Geographic dispersal; Satellite Control Network (SCN); Data path diversity; Agile communication systems; Open/nonproprietary capabilities; Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS); RF Environment Monitoring; Spectrum Ingestion &amp; Fusion; Signals Characterization; Real-Time Spectrum Analysis; Battlefield Planning &amp; Decision-Making; Spectrum Insights Distillation; Predictive Analytics; Spectrum Utilization Optimization; Communications Resilience; Automated Spectrum Monitoring; Space Data network (SDN); Data Management; Dynamic Network Orchestration; Real-time Diagnostics; Application-Aware Quality of Service (QoS); Guaranteed Packet Recovery; Transmit Path Diversity; Forward Error Correction (FEC); Latency Tolerance; Data Compression; Secure Data Transport; Resilient Data Management; Network Resilience; Fault-Tolerant Communications; Cybersecurity in Satellite Communications; Adaptive Network Protocols; Degraded Communication Environments; Mission-Critical Data Transfer; Command and Control (C2) Data Resilience; Reliable Storage and Retrieval; Operational Continuity

## Objective

The resilience of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) is critical in modern contested environments where electronic warfare, cyber threats, and physical disruptions pose persistent challenges. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) seeks advanced, deployable technologies that enhance resilience, flexibility, and efficiency within MILSATCOM networks, ensuring secure and continuous operations under all conditions.&nbsp;Offerors are encouraged to propose solutions aligned with one or more of the identified focus areas. Proposals must clearly define how their technology contributes to MILSATCOM resilience, integrates within existing or future architectures, and enhances warfighter capability in contested environments. This topic is focused on developing solutions in four key areas:<ol><li>Network Virtualization: Enable software-defined, adaptable MILSATCOM architectures to improve scalability, efficiency, and interoperability.</li><li>Resilient Ground Architecture: Develop fault-tolerant, distributed ground architectures to ensure continuity of operations in cyber-contested and degraded environments.</li><li>Situational Awareness: Provide real-time spectrum monitoring, signal intelligence, and predictive analytics to enhance electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) operations.</li><li>Resilient Data Management: Improve secure, adaptive, and efficient data transmission and storage to ensure mission-critical information remains available despite disruptions.</li></ol>Key Outcomes:- Increased MILSATCOM survivability through enhanced anti-jam, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS), and multi-path communication techniques.- Seamless integration of commercial, allied, and partner SATCOM capabilities to disaggregate vulnerabilities.- Reduction in hardware dependencies using virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN).- Enhanced data management and operational continuity across contested environments.&nbsp;Proposed technologies should align with U.S. Space Force mission priorities, Space Data Network (SDN), Agile Combat Employment (ACE), and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). Innovative solutions that address any of these focus areas—individually or in combination—are encouraged. Offerors must clearly define how their proposed technology supports MILSATCOM resilience, integrates within existing architectures, and meets operational needs.

## Phase I

This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, Phase I awards will not be made for these focus areas. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the D2P2 proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a “Phase I-type” effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. It must have validated the product-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential Air Force and/or Space Force stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the DAF customer and end-user. The feasibility study should have:<ol><li>Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Air Force and/or Space Force need(s).</li><li>Described the pathway to integrating with DAF operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant systems and/or processes.</li><li>Describe if and how the solution can be used by other DoD or Governmental customers.</li></ol>

## Phase II

Phase II efforts will focus on the development, integration, and demonstration of prototype technologies that enhance MILSATCOM resilience across the four key focus areas: Network Virtualization, Resilient Ground Architecture, Situational Awareness, and Resilient Data Management. Offerors must clearly align their deliverables with their selected focus area(s) while ensuring interoperability with broader MILSATCOM systems. The goal is to mature technologies to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7, demonstrating their effectiveness in operationally relevant environments.&nbsp;General Phase II Deliverables (Applicable to All Focus Areas)&nbsp;Offerors must propose a technology maturation plan with clear milestones and tailored deliverables based on their focus area(s). General requirements include:<ul><li>Prototype Development: Develop a functional prototype capable of operating in contested, degraded, or cyber-threatened environments.</li><li>Operational Demonstrations: Validate system performance through live or simulated testing in MILSATCOM-relevant conditions.</li><li>Performance Metrics &amp; Validation: Quantify improvements over existing solutions in key areas, such as:&nbsp;<ul><li>Reduced latency and improved network agility (Network Virtualization).</li><li>Increased infrastructure redundancy and failover capabilities (Resilient Ground Architecture).</li><li>Enhanced spectrum awareness and automated interference mitigation (Situational Awareness).</li><li>Improved secure data transmission and storage under adversarial conditions (Resilient Data Management).</li></ul></li><li>Interoperability &amp; Scalability Testing: Ensure compatibility with current and future MILSATCOM architectures, including software-defined networking (SDN), cloud-based ground infrastructure, and multi-waveform communications.</li><li>Automated &amp; Adaptive Features: Demonstrate AI-driven automation, self-healing capabilities, or intelligent network adaptation that enhance resilience and reduce manual operator workload.</li><li>Cybersecurity &amp; Compliance: Implement zero-trust architectures, secure data transport, and real-time threat mitigation aligned with DoD cybersecurity frameworks and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements.</li><li>Transition Planning: Develop a clear integration strategy outlining how the technology will transition into operational DoD use, aligning with existing programs of record, USSF initiatives, or future MILSATCOM investments.</li></ul>Success Criteria for Phase II<ul><li>Technical Feasibility: The prototype must demonstrate measurable improvements in resilience, efficiency, and security compared to current capabilities.</li><li>Operational Validation: Successful testing in a relevant DoD or MILSATCOM environment, proving real-world applicability.</li><li>Path to Phase III &amp; Commercialization: A well-defined transition plan showing how the solution can scale to full deployment within MILSATCOM systems and commercial applications.</li></ul>By the end of Phase II, selected technologies should be ready for Phase III follow-on funding, including Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI), Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI), or direct integration into DoD programs of record.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Beyond military applications, solutions should be scalable for commercial markets, such as:<ul><li>Next-generation SATCOM networks (e.g., 5G, software-defined satellites).</li><li>Emergency and disaster response communications for first responders and humanitarian efforts.</li><li>Critical infrastructure and secure enterprise networking and government communication.</li><li>Cloud-based defense applications supporting AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems.</li></ul>Solutions that demonstrate strong transition potential may qualify for follow-on contracts, including STRATFI, TACFI, or direct integration into major DoD programs.

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Resilient Military Communications (MilCom) – Enhancing MILSATCOM Resilience through Virtualization, Ground Architecture, Situational Awareness, and Data Management

Resilient Military Communications (MilCom) – Enhancing MILSATCOM Resilience through Virtualization, Ground Architecture, Situational Awareness, and Data Management

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