Acoustic Watermarking for Air ASW Systems
ID: N241-018Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Acoustic Watermarking for Air ASW Systems

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2479711

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Nov 29, 2023 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open Jan 3, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Feb 21, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Acoustic Watermarking for Air ASW Systems" as part of the SBIR 24.1 BAA. The objective of this solicitation is to develop an active sonar watermarking capability for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sonobuoy systems. The technology aims to improve wide area search timelines, sonar track localization, and enable communication with other platforms such as Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). The technology will embed a digital message into an active sonar transmission, allowing the receiver to recover information from the transmitter and conduct echo detection and ranging. The technology will reduce sonar search times by at least 25% against fast targets and improve the target Area of Uncertainty (AOU) by at least 15%. The watermarking technology should degrade detection probabilities by less than 1 dB and range accuracy by less than 10% in realistic ocean channels. The same technology can also be used to embed short acoustic communication messages in active sonar transmissions for authentication and transmission assurance. The project will be conducted in three phases: Phase I involves developing a digital watermarking technology, Phase II focuses on developing a prototype and testing the technology, and Phase III involves making recommendations for integration into production systems. The technology will primarily benefit military applications, but it also has potential commercial applications in audio file authentication and protection. The solicitation is open until February 21, 2024. For more information, visit the SBIR topic link or the solicitation agency website.

Files
No associated files provided.
Similar Opportunities
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Dual Band Focal Plane Array in High Definition Format
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a small energy-efficient self-contained transceiver capable of wireless communication without using traditional radio frequency (RF) transport. The goal is to utilize a non-standard means of signal communication, such as magnetic, acoustic, or infrared, that is difficult to detect and report in covert activities. The transceiver should be highly resistant to interference, detection, and exploitation, and be self-contained, man-portable, easily concealable, and field programmable. The project duration is divided into two phases: Phase I involves creating a design and rationale supporting the solution, while Phase II focuses on developing and testing a prototype. The final product should be fully documented and include operating instructions, interface control documents, and programmability commands. The potential impacts of this technology include new mission deployment possibilities for remote sensor operation and control, as well as applications in areas such as home security, healthcare, additive manufacturing, and automotive safety. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website [here](https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Dual Band Focal Plane Array in High Definition Format
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a small energy-efficient self-contained transceiver capable of wireless communication without using traditional radio frequency (RF) transport. The goal is to utilize a non-standard means of signal communication, such as magnetic, acoustic, or infrared, that is difficult to detect and report in covert activities. The transceiver should be highly resistant to interference, detection, and exploitation, and be self-contained, man-portable, easily concealable, and field programmable. The project duration is divided into two phases: Phase I involves creating a plausible design and rationale supporting the solution, while Phase II focuses on developing and testing a prototype that demonstrates the desired capabilities. The project aligns with the Army's smart sensing initiatives and aims to provide an innovative alternate means of low probability of detection (LPD) and low probability of interception (LPI) communications. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2496863).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - NAVSEA Open Topic for Sustainment and Obsolescence
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the NAVSEA Open Topic for Sustainment and Obsolescence. The objective is to address Navy needs regarding sustainment and obsolescence. NAVSEA is looking for existing technology demonstration platforms, prototypes, and commercial products that can quickly and reliably get Navy assets back in the field. The focus areas for potential projects include material quality, AI/ML generated work instructions, additive manufacturing advancements, cold spray technology advancements, shipyard and maintenance operational logistics improvements, rapid manufacturing for urgent part obsolescence needs, and digital twins for system lifecycle sustainability and design evolution. The Phase I awards for this topic will have a period of performance of four months and a cost not to exceed $75,000. Phase I feasibility will describe the proposed technology, improvements to existing capabilities, and impacts to current logistics. Phase II will involve developing a functional prototype, a transition plan, and further commercialization. The Phase II effort will be specific to each project. The technology developed through this program will have dual-use applications and can be applied commercially. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2652283).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - xTechSpecial Forces
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The specific topic of the solicitation is "xTechSpecial Forces" and it is being conducted by the Army branch. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. The first topic of the solicitation is "GPS Denied ATAK Compatible Self Location Application." The US Army 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) is looking for a software solution that can obtain self-location data in GPS-denied situations and integrate it into the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) software platform. The software should enable self-location without the use of GPS, other networks, or additional hardware. The goal is to allow ground operators to take a picture of the sky to obtain images including celestial objects and/or passing satellites, resulting in operationally suitable self-location. The second topic is "SWARM Tracker – Counter UxS Warning System." The Army Special Operations Command is seeking an automated tool that can provide early warning of swarmed sensors and effects similar to the National Weather System's severe weather warning systems. The tool should integrate with existing and emerging systems, provide multi-modal awareness, and deliver timely notifications to tactical units and base defense operating centers. The focus is on reducing cognitive load and building user-centric notification systems. The third topic is "PSYOP Product Air Delivery Vehicle." The Army Special Operations Command requires a self-guided aerial delivery system for disseminating Psychological Operations products. The Air Delivery Vehicle (ADV) should be interchangeable depending on payload and mission requirements, resistant to electronic attack, and capable of accommodating payloads ranging from 8 ounces to 50 pounds. The ADV should have self-navigation capabilities, accurate release points, and the ability to operate in day and night conditions. The fourth topic is "Non-Attributable Mobile Mesh Network Radio." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in a small form factor, non-attributable mesh network radio system for position location information (PLI), voice, sensor integration, and data transmission. The system should enable continuous communication outside of cellular/internet coverage, have a low physical and RF signature, and integrate with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). The fifth topic is "Distributed Electromagnetic Sensing, Automated Characterization, and Simple Reporting systems." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in technological solutions to enhance Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The focus is on scalable, cost-effective, software-based innovations that address core need areas such as AI/ML-enabled edge processing, automated signal detection and characterization, near-real-time data availability, and integration with tactical situational awareness systems. The Phase I proposals for this solicitation can receive funding up to $250,000 for a 6-month period, while Direct to Phase II proposals can receive funding up to $2,000,000 for an 18-month period. Phase I involves completing a feasibility study and developing concept plans, while Phase II focuses on producing prototype solutions. Phase III involves maturing the technology to TRL 6/7, producing prototypes for further evaluation, and updating prototypes based on soldier feedback. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the solicitation agency's website: [link](https://www
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Atmospheric Water Extraction Plus (AWE+)
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Atmospheric Water Extraction Plus (AWE+)" as part of its SBIR program. The objective of this solicitation is to develop novel atmospheric water extraction technology with potential for energy use below 100Wh electric per liter of water generated across a wide range of environments. The technology should be integrated into a proof-of-concept prototype producing potable water with a clear path to full-size implementation. The DOD has a critical need to reduce water resupply requirements for mobile and self-sufficient operations. The development of AWE+ technology will have important tactical implications, reducing casualties and costs in forward operating environments. The goal is to provide potable water for a range of military needs by developing low-power, distributable systems that can provide water anywhere, anytime, and without the need for any external liquid water source. DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is specifically seeking teams with innovative means of releasing water from sorbents which is cyclically stable and has very low energy requirements. The technology should be able to produce water with not more than 100Wh electricity per liter of water produced, and not more than 100Wh thermal energy per liter of water produced. Proposals should outline a plan for reaching these energy metrics and provide an estimate for the range of environmental conditions at which the devices could operate. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I is a six-month effort focusing on proof-of-concept material and release mechanism development. Phase II is a 24-month effort with a base period of nine months, followed by two option periods. The performers will be expected to demonstrate functionality of their water capture and release mechanisms in a laboratory environment, producing at least 100mL of potable liquid water over a six-hour period with minimal loss in performance. The ultimate goal of this effort is to demonstrate AWE capable of meeting potable water needs for expeditionary scenarios with extremely high efficiency. Phase III will focus on transition within the DoD/military and further commercialization of the technology. Potential applications include satisfying military expeditionary water needs, reducing logistical footprint and vulnerability of supply lines, and developing next-generation dehumidification systems for residential and commercial HVAC. Keywords: Atmospheric water extraction, atmospheric water capture, atmospheric water harvesting, sorbent materials, advanced manufacturing. For more information and to submit proposals, visit the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation notice on grants.gov or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities website. The open date for proposals is October 3, 2023, and the close date is March 31, 2025.