The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Navy, is seeking innovative solutions for detecting Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to develop detection technologies that extend beyond traditional active and passive sonar systems, capable of identifying small and medium-sized UUVs at distances of up to 1,000 yards and depths of 800 feet. This initiative is crucial as the proliferation of UUVs necessitates enhanced capabilities to protect U.S. Navy assets from unauthorized underwater incursions. Proposals are due by May 21, 2025, with the opportunity set to open on April 23, 2025, and further details can be found at the official SBIR website.

## Description

UUVs are a rapidly advancing technology, with their future progression likely following a similar path to that of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Over the past decade, UAVs have significantly improved in navigation and maneuverability, and nations around the world have supported these developments for their own purposes [Ref 1]. Events in recent global conflicts indicate that similar technological advances are well on their way for UUVs. Therefore, an ideal solution should allow flexibility for future enhancements, particularly in detecting emerging threats. The proliferation of UUVs has increased the need for the U.S. Navy to have the capability to detect unauthorized entry into controlled areas. Traditional sonar systems are well-established. Active sonar systems have proven to be our most effective means of locating objects underwater, since they generate their own sound waves and energy source. However, this same wave generation can disclose their position to an observer, and they have been less effective against the smaller vehicles that have proliferated in recent years. Furthermore, active sonar can be very disruptive to marine life when emitting high levels of energy [Ref 2]. Passive sonar systems do not generate their own waves, which keeps their location hidden, but also makes them reliant on an unknown object being noisy enough to stand out from the background. Essentially, passive sonar systems do not emit any sound themselves; instead they listen to the sounds naturally present in the environment. Alternatives to sonar technologies remain in their infancy. Numerous options have been proposed to improve current capabilities, including co-opting sounds from marine life, high-quality imaging and identification algorithms, and magnetic field sensors [Refs 3,4,5]. Despite their potential, none has yet proved capable of improving our detection capabilities. The U.S. Navy wishes to further investigate the use of novel underwater detection technologies (which may or may not include the aforementioned) for the purpose of protecting its assets.Proposals for this SBIR topic should present technologies that incorporate principles beyond those of active and passive sonar systems. The innovative solution will be capable of detecting small and medium sized UUVs travelling at sprint speeds. The U.S. Navy defines small and medium UUVs as having a diameter no greater than 21 inches. The system will be capable of detecting these UUV classes up to at least 500, and ideally 1000, yards away. It will also be capable of detecting them at depths up to 800 feet below the surface. Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. &sect; 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and SSP in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

## Objective

Develop an innovative solution beyond the traditional active and passive sonar technologies to detect Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

## Phase I

Define and develop a concept that will utilizes a technology that has UUV detection capabilities beyond active or passive sonar systems and meets the requirements in the Description. It. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept through simulation and modelling. Define the proposed components of the system, including power sources, electronics, detection methods, interfaces, and any other design components deemed necessary by the developer.The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

## Phase II

Develop and deliver a prototype UUV detection system. Demonstrate, in an appropriate environment, that the prototype system meets the requirements listed in the Description. The prototype shall be delivered by the end of Phase II.It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see Description section for details).

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Support the U.S. Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use through production, integration, and maintenance. The final product should include any systems required for detection of unknown underwater vehicles. A user-friendly interface for ease of use should also be part of the final product.Prepare a strategy to utilize the technology it has developed for commercial use. Possible uses include monitoring of commercial ports and shipping lanes, the oil and gas industries, or research into marine life.

Novel Detection Methods for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle

SBIR Opportunity Analysis

SBIR Documents

Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities

Opportunity Snapshot

Key Dates