The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) initiative titled "Advancing Space Capabilities for Joint Warfighting Opportunities." The objective of this opportunity is to develop affordable, resilient, and interoperable technologies that enhance space capabilities within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), supporting joint warfighting operations and enabling global command and control. This initiative is critical due to the increasing reliance on space infrastructure and aims to address challenges in areas such as advanced space connectivity, enhanced space systems, next-generation hardware, precision timing, and radio frequency space data transport solutions. Proposals are due by October 16, 2024, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the provided links.

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Space Technology The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: To advance affordable, resilient, and interoperable technologies within the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) to enhance space capabilities, support joint warfighting operations, and enable all-domain command and control on a global scale. DESCRIPTION: The proposed D2P2 solution aims to strategically align with key focus areas essential for advancing space capabilities within the PWSA. This effort is driven by the nation's increasing reliance on space infrastructure and the critical need to enhance services provided to joint forces. By focusing on key strategic areas, including advanced space connectivity and integration, enhanced space systems and capabilities, next-generation hardware and security measures, precision timing, and spaceborne clock technologies, as well as radio frequency space data transport solutions, the D2P2 initiative seeks to address challenges and drive innovation. 1. Advanced Space Connectivity and Integration: This encompasses the integration of commercially-sensed data into the transport layer for the benefit of the warfighter at the tactical edge while developing advanced Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) components and technologies to enhance connectivity, time transfer and ranging between satellites and to reduce SWaP-C, mitigate atmospheric effects, and provide all optical routing to enhance connectivity between space vehicles and/or domain agnostic terrestrial users. This area also includes space-processing systems that use OISL and space-to-ground measurements that when fused form an onboard orbit and clock determination (OCDA) application for space-based autonomous navigation. 2. Enhanced Space Systems and Capabilities: This involves advancing the development and application of cyber solutions, networking technologies, in-space processing capabilities, power enhancement for commoditized space vehicle buses, and generic BMC3 hardware and middleware solutions to bolster the overall resilience and capabilities of space systems. Of particular interest are capabilities and technologies whose application would lower the overall data latency associated with moving time critical information from point of creation to point of employment on operationally relevant timelines. 3. Next-Generation Hardware and Security Measures: Implement space-hardened hardware with seamless multi-level security, small SWaP-C cryptography and CPU, affordable cross-domain solutions, and related data and compliant information protection measures that meet NSA certification standards that will safeguard space assets and operations from potential threats and/or compromise. 4. Precision Timing and Spaceborne Clock Technologies: Addressing the crucial need for high-performance, low SWaP-C clocks for space, ensuring precise timekeeping with design updates needed to support operations in the relevant space environment, including thermal, radiation, and vacuum in satellite operations and supporting PNT while avoiding the need for major user terminal recapitalization. This concerted effort aims to leverage previous feasibility demonstrations, driving innovative solutions that significantly augment existing PNT solutions and require minimal user resource application for success. 5. Radio Frequency Space Data Transport Solutions: Advanced hardware, software and/or firmware solutions for commoditized space vehicles across UHF, L, S, and Ka bands with multi-band transceivers for ground, sea, air, high altitude and sub-orbital platforms. Of particular interest are high duty cycle, low SWaP-C transceiver solutions enabling multi-user, multi-band operations from a single vehicle or set of cross-linked interoperable vehicles. 6. Automate on-orbit PNT situational awareness (SA) capability of L-band spectrum capture of GNSS interference or signal abnormalities and create associated ground-based information products to aid in locating these source emitters. 7. Multi-Mission Processing Module: Develop advanced processing hardware, that leverages commercial, or government developed capability, to allow SDA to fly modular in-space processing to meet varying mission capabilities. These modules will be compliant with a defined spacecraft interface. 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 this topic. 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: 1. Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Air Force and/or Space Force need(s). 2. 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. 3. Describe if and how the solution can be used by other DoD or Governmental customers. PHASE II: The proposed D2P2 solution strategically aligns with key focus areas aimed at advancing affordable, resilient, interoperable technologies inherent or required within the PWSA. This effort to enhance space capabilities comes in response to the nation's growing reliance on space infrastructure while advancing critical services provided to joint forces, enabling truly global joint warfighting operations and all domain command and control. The D2P2 initiative is designed to address these challenges by focusing on key strategic areas: 1. Advanced Space Connectivity and Integration: This encompasses the integration of commercially-sensed data into the transport layer for the benefit of the warfighter at the tactical edge while developing advanced Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) components and technologies to enhance connectivity, time transfer and ranging between satellites and to reduce SWaP-C, mitigate atmospheric effects, and provide all optical routing to enhance connectivity between space vehicles and/or domain agnostic terrestrial users. This area also includes space-processing systems that use OISL and space-to-ground measurements that when fused form an onboard orbit and clock determination (OCDA) application for space-based autonomous navigation. 2. Enhanced Space Systems and Capabilities: This involves advancing the development and application of cyber solutions, networking technologies, in-space processing capabilities, power enhancement for commoditized space vehicle buses, and generic BMC3 hardware and middleware solutions to bolster the overall resilience and capabilities of space systems. Of particular interest are capabilities and technologies whose application would lower the overall data latency associated with moving time critical information from point of creation to point of employment on operationally relevant timelines. 3. Next-Generation Hardware and Security Measures: Implement space-hardened hardware with seamless multi-level security, small SWaP-C cryptography and CPU, affordable cross-domain solutions, and related data and compliant information protection measures that meet NSA certification standards that will safeguard space assets and operations from potential threats and/or compromise. 4. Precision Timing and Spaceborne Clock Technologies: Addressing the crucial need for high-performance, low SWaP-C clocks for space, ensuring precise timekeeping with design updates needed to support operations in the relevant space environment, including thermal, radiation, and vacuum in satellite operations and supporting PNT while avoiding the need for major user terminal recapitalization. This concerted effort aims to leverage previous feasibility demonstrations, driving innovative solutions that significantly augment existing PNT solutions and require minimal user resource application for success. 5. Radio Frequency Space Data Transport Solutions: Advanced hardware, software and/or firmware solutions for commoditized space vehicles across UHF, L, S, and Ka bands with multi-band transceivers for ground, sea, air, high altitude and sub-orbital platforms. Of particular interest are high duty cycle, low SWaP-C transceiver solutions enabling multi-user, multi-band operations from a single vehicle or set of cross-linked interoperable vehicles. 6. Automate on-orbit PNT situational awareness (SA) capability of L-band spectrum capture of GNSS interference or signal abnormalities and create associated ground-based information products to aid in locating these source emitters. 7. Multi-Mission Processing Module: Develop advanced processing hardware, that leverages commercial, or government developed capability, to allow SDA to fly modular in-space processing to meet varying mission capabilities. These modules will be compliant with a defined spacecraft interface. Research and Development (R&D) efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established. Further, proposed efforts must be judged to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or less, but greater than TRL 3 to receive funding consideration. Proposers are asked to estimate the current TRL for their technology at the time of submission as well as the TRL at the conclusion of the D2P2 project. If the TRL is less than 6 at the conclusion of the D2P2 project, proposers are asked to explain in the Commercialization Strategy what further development is required to achieve TRL 6. TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept) TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment) Successful Phase-II proposals within these strategic areas will culminate in comprehensive end-to-end capability demonstrations in relevant operational laboratory environments. Such demonstrations should substantially improve the Technical Readiness Level(s) of any developing technologies. Subsequently, initial field testing may be conducted to confirm the readiness of proposed capabilities for limited production and operational deployment, aligning with the imperative to enhance the warfighting capability of the joint force. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The Phase III transition plan for this initiative involves advancing the technology developed in Phase II towards operational integration, emphasizing its dual-use potential for both military and commercial applications. Building on the proven capabilities and advancements achieved in Phase II, Phase III focuses on refining the technology for seamless integration into operational environments within the Space Force while exploring its applications in commercial sectors. Rigorous testing, validation, and evaluations are conducted to ensure the technology's readiness for integration into established Space Force systems while simultaneously identifying commercial use cases and potential markets. Engagement with government transition programs and commercial stakeholders is pivotal to facilitate the technology's seamless integration across both defense and civilian domains. The overarching objective of Phase III is to transition the technology into operational use within the Space Force, ensuring enhanced security, resilience, and operational efficiency for space-based architectures while exploring its potential for broader commercial utilization. REFERENCES: 1. *https://www.sda.mil/home/work-with-us/small-business/.; KEYWORDS: Joint Warfighting Operations, PWSA, Space Capabilities Enhancement, In-Space Processing, Radio Frequency Space Data Transport, Precision Timing and Spaceborne Clock Technologies, Optical Inter-Satellite Link, on-orbit PNT (Position Navigation and Timing)

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