Next Generation Field Calibration Suite for Radiometric Sensors
ID: AF242-0005Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Next Generation Field Calibration Suite for Radiometric Sensors

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Apr 17, 2024 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open May 15, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Next Generation Field Calibration Suite for Radiometric Sensors" as part of their SBIR 24.2 Annual solicitation. The objective of this topic is to design and construct a mobile trailer outfitted with extended blackbody sources for field reference calibration data for radiometric imagers. The goal is to provide better truth sources with more pixels on source for banded radiometers on the test range. The mobile lab should have an array of six to eight black body source panels, each with an extended area aperture of 24” or greater and a temperature range of ambient to 600° C. The blackbody sources should be controllable from a remote interface and visible by radiometric imagers at a minimum distance of 100 yards. The project will have a Phase I feasibility study, Phase II prototype development, and Phase III dual-use applications. The technology has potential applications in the DoD, academic institutions, and weather organizations. The solicitation is open until June 12, 2024. For more information, visit the solicitation link.

Files
No associated files provided.
Similar Opportunities
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Low-cost Longwave Bolometer Camera Fabrication Techniques
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Low-cost Longwave Bolometer Camera Fabrication Techniques" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this topic is to develop novel technologies and fabrication techniques to reduce the cost of sensor payloads based on resistive microbolometer technology. The focus is on reducing the unit cost of the focal plane array and supporting a low-cost sensor. The solutions should be ready to transition into a camera module development effort by the end of Phase II. The solicitation emphasizes the importance of thermal longwave infrared (LWIR) capabilities in various Army applications and the need for a thermal sensor payload with high-definition array and dramatically reduced unit price. The solutions can involve novel manufacturing techniques, new materials systems, innovative component or module designs, or other approaches. Direct to Phase II contracts will focus on demonstrating enabling developments, and Phase II sequential efforts will deliver a prototype payload meeting the specified requirements for evaluation by Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or other programs. Phase I of the solicitation is only accepting Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals with a cost of up to $2,000,000 for an 18-month period of performance. DP2 proposals are highly encouraged if they meet the requirements. Proposals should demonstrate the estimated cost reduction compared to products made with current fabrication techniques and discuss the impact on size, weight, and power of a complete camera module. Initial ideas on potential paths for integration into a production camera module should also be discussed. Phase II involves designing and fabricating a prototype device that demonstrates the proposed solution to reduce thermal sensor payload unit cost. The impact of the solution on the unit price of a final sensor payload and its incorporation into such a payload should be discussed. Relevant interfaces should be defined and documented, and potential partnerships with integrators or other companies for follow-on efforts should be considered. In Phase III, the solicitation highlights the potential dual-use applications of leveraging bolometer manufacturing methods for low-cost long wave infrared (LWIR) sensors. These applications include smartphone camera augmentation, UAV camera augmentation (specifically via the Office of Naval Research), home security systems, and climate tech via quantum dot (QD) development. Overall, this solicitation seeks innovative solutions to reduce the cost of thermal sensor payloads based on resistive microbolometer technology, with potential applications in various military and commercial sectors.
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Solid-State Scalable/Tileable Imaging Detector for High-Energy Neutron Radiography
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for a solid-state scalable/tileable imaging detector for high-energy neutron radiography. The objective is to deliver a state-of-the-art high-energy neutron radiography imaging/detector. The technology will be used in conjunction with a source of high-energy neutrons to achieve a state-of-the-art neutron radiography system. The project will consist of three phases. In Phase I, the proposer must prove the principle through a white paper study that demonstrates strong evidence that a solid-state neutron detector can be designed and constructed on a chip. In Phase II, the proposer will build and deliver a tiled detector with minimum dimensions of 11" square that is effective for 1 MeV neutrons. The detector should provide short acquisition imaging times, high contrast, high spatial resolution, and high signal-to-noise ratio. In Phase III, the proposer will explore dual-use applications of the technology. Potential applications include accurate and fast inspections of Army ammunition, armaments, and other products for quality, safety, and lethality. The technology could also be used for compact, lightweight, self-contained scalable detectors in the detection of materials that emit gamma/beta rays or sub-atomic particles, such as radioactive isotopes, contamination, and special nuclear material. Commercial applications could include ground stationary check points, aerial applications, and underground/underwater drilling/mining applications. The project duration is not specified, but the proposal submission deadline is March 31, 2025. More information can be found on the DOD SBIR website (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 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 - Thermal Reflex Sight
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a Thermal Reflex Sight (TRS) for use by Special Operations Forces in short to medium range target engagement scenarios. The TRS should be a weapon mounted capability that combines a long wave infrared thermal weapons sight with a reflex day optic sight, allowing for targeted engagements in varied lighting conditions. The TRS should be optimized for short to medium range engagements and should not be a "shoot from the hip" sight. The objective of Phase I is to conduct a feasibility study to assess the possible options that satisfy the requirements. Phase II involves the development, installation, and demonstration of a prototype system. The resulting system could have applications in various military and law enforcement settings. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2484461).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Lightweight AI-enabled image processing for Soldier-borne thermal imagers
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for lightweight AI-enabled image processing for Soldier-borne thermal imagers. The objective of this solicitation is to leverage advances in artificial intelligence and other image processing algorithms to generate higher quality longwave thermal and fused thermal and near-infrared imagery suitable for use on embedded hardware systems for Soldier-borne use. The technology should reduce cognitive burden during long duration missions and improve user acceptance of systems that employ LWIR and NIR sensors. The algorithms should be capable of generating high-quality imagery under various illumination and ambient conditions and provide feedback to the system to adjust camera settings. The proposed processing schema should be capable of running on low size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C) embedded hardware. The project will be conducted in three phases: Phase I involves generating a detailed description of the proposed solution, Phase II focuses on completing the image processing pipeline, and Phase III involves instantiating the image pipeline on relevant low SWAP-C embedded hardware. The project duration is from the release date (October 3, 2023) to the close date (March 31, 2025). For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2651327).