Chemical-Free Robotic Vegetation Control for Base Facilities and Runways
ID: AF242-D006Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Chemical-Free Robotic Vegetation Control for Base Facilities and Runways

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2608885

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
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 a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program with a focus on the topic of "Chemical-Free Robotic Vegetation Control for Base Facilities and Runways". The objective of this research is to explore and develop innovative technology solutions that automate base maintenance equipment, reduce manpower, maintain high readiness, and minimize the environmental impact of toxic chemicals used in maintenance operations. The research aims to address the critical issue of foreign object debris (FOD) prevention caused by weeds and invasive vegetation, which costs the aviation industry $13 billion per year. The DOD is specifically looking for solutions that provide autonomous, chemical-free control of vegetation in hard-to-reach areas such as fence lines and building foundations. The research will also focus on enabling increased adoption of regenerative agriculture practices to mitigate input scarcity and ensure a safe and reliable food supply for warfighters and the general population. The project will be conducted in two phases, with Phase I focusing on feasibility and Phase II on system design, prototype development, and validation. The research has both military and commercial applications, including supporting sustainable vegetation management practices in military operations and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in various agricultural conditions. The deadline for proposal submission is June 12, 2024. For more information, visit the solicitation link: SBIR Topic Link.

Files
No associated files provided.
Similar Opportunities
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Deep Terrain Shaping
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Deep Terrain Shaping" as part of its SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The Army branch is specifically interested in solutions or components of solutions that can delay, deter, and deny enemy forces freedom of movement 70-150km+ beyond the forward line of troops (FLOT). The current systems used by the Army for terrain shaping operations are aging and resource-intensive, and there are restrictions on their use outside of the Korean peninsula. The Army is looking for deep terrain shaping obstacles (DTSO) that can impede enemy movement and operations. This can include uncrewed systems capable of forming obstacles, positioning explosive loitering munitions, or activating when a threat is identified. The integration of remote sensing and lethal effectors at machine speed with human-in-the-loop is also of interest. The solutions should allow Soldiers to conduct terrain-shaping operations 70km+ beyond the FLOT and should be scalable for different desired effects on enemy maneuver. The solicitation is currently open, with a close date of March 31, 2025. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I involves designing a proof-of-concept solution or component(s) of a solution for terrain shaping in the deep fight. Phase II focuses on developing, building, and demonstrating a prototype of the concept advanced during Phase I. Awardees may also be eligible for a Phase IIb award to extend the period of performance with additional funding. Phase III aims to pursue commercialization objectives and may involve developing a manufacturing-ready product design and engaging in laboratory or operational testing. The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), and offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals. The full solicitation can be found at the following link: [SBIR Topic Link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2484463).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Deep Terrain Shaping
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Deep Terrain Shaping" as part of its SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The Army branch is specifically interested in solutions or components of solutions that can delay, deter, and deny enemy forces freedom of movement 70-150km+ beyond the forward line of troops (FLOT). Currently, the Army uses cannon-fired or air-dropped anti-tank mines for terrain shaping, but these systems are aging and resource-intensive. The Army is looking for innovative technology solutions that can shape existing terrain, position explosive loitering munitions, activate when a threat is identified, and initiate lethal or non-lethal effectors from behind the front line. Integration of remote sensing and lethal effectors with human-in-the-loop is also of interest. The objective of Phase I is to design a proof-of-concept solution or component(s) for terrain shaping in the deep fight. Phase II involves developing and demonstrating a prototype, while Phase III focuses on commercialization objectives. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. More details can be found on the DOD SBIR website (https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Automated and Modular Forward Deployed Biomanufacturing Unit for Warfighter Field Feeding at Point of Need
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for an Automated and Modular Forward Deployed Biomanufacturing Unit for Warfighter Field Feeding at Point of Need. The objective is to advance research in biotechnology to safely produce nutritious food at the point of need, overcoming contested logistics and ensuring food security. The research aims to utilize synthetic biology to yield fermented foods that meet warfighter nutrition standards. The goal is to develop a fully integrated system capable of producing enough biomass to meet the nutritional needs of 14 male warfighters for 24 hours within a maximum 5-day startup period. The system should be scalable, tunable, and capable of semi-continuous operation while maintaining food safety and security. The technology will provide high-quality nutrition, decrease logistical burden, reduce the risk of food and water contamination, and provide palatable foodstuffs. The project will be conducted in three phases, starting with a proof-of-concept prototype in Phase I, advancing to an optimized design and full-scale prototype in Phase II, and transitioning to military and commercial applications in Phase III. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2651337).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Development of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Passive Detection, Tracking, and Identification System for Ground Vehicles.
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Passive Detection, Tracking, and Identification System for Ground Vehicles. The goal of this Army Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) topic is to develop a passive sensor system capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying single and multiple drones threatening ground vehicles. The system should have a range of up to 2km and provide full hemispherical coverage. It should also include a soldier user interface control panel and the ability to alert at least one operator. The system should be able to operate in wooded/dense environments or large metropolitan areas and be installable on tactical and combat ground vehicles, including Army watercraft. In Phase I, the technical feasibility of passive sensors for drone detection will be determined through computer simulations. The possibility of using passive electromagnetic acoustic, optical, and other innovative sensing for processing multiple drone signatures will be demonstrated. The classification of drone signatures using these passive sensor systems will also be explored. In Phase II, the solution to achieve the capabilities outlined in Phase I will be developed. Optimum materials for the development of passive low-power consumption sensors for UAS detection, tracking, and identification will be identified. Principles of building networks of passive sensors that utilize fast processing capabilities will be developed, along with learning algorithms for drone identification. The system will be evaluated for compliance with the GVSC owned vehicle base kit in the GVSC Vehicle Protection Integration Lab (VPIL). A prototype system will be delivered to GVSC for evaluation and demonstration. Phase III will focus on expanding the capabilities of the solution to simulate different environments and conditions, demonstrating its applicability for municipal security, law enforcement, and commercial vehicles. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the DOD SBIR website at [solicitation_agency_url].
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Small Unmanned Ground Robotic Systems
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a cyber-hardened small unmanned ground robotic system. The system should be capable of being operated using both a vendor-developed .apk TAK GOV software controller and a Tomahawk Robotics Grip S20 universal controller. It should integrate the best C2/data link components and be operable with Silvus Technologies and Persistent Systems radios. The system should be designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes and be able to operate in all-weather conditions within rural and urban environments. The system should have a minimum battery life of 60-90 minutes and a ground control station line-of-sight range capability of 100 meters. The integrated sensors should be able to identify moving armed personnel at specified distances. The system should also have cyber survivability attributes and be capable of carrying various payloads. The Phase I of the project involves conducting a feasibility study to assess the options that satisfy the requirements. The Phase II includes developing, installing, and demonstrating a prototype system. The system has potential applications in a broad range of military operations, enhancing operational situational awareness, reducing cognitive and physical workload, and reducing risk to the user. The project is open for proposals until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).