The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project titled "Exploring Secure Geo-positioning Relay and Analytics Services." The objective of this project is to design and demonstrate a software architecture capable of securely ingesting trustworthy geo-position data from remote devices into an IL5 environment, thereby enhancing supply chain operations through advanced predictive analytics. This initiative is crucial for improving the tracking and management of physical assets in transit globally, ultimately providing unprecedented insights into supply chain dynamics. Interested parties should note that the solicitation will be released on May 7, 2025, with applications due by June 25, 2025. For more information, please visit the official source link at [DoD SBIR/STTR](https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/).

## Description

This STTR project aims to provide novel software architectures and components that will allow the DoD to receive trustworthy geo-position data from assets in transit worldwide. The data will provide vital insights into supply chain operations within a secure environment.&nbsp;The work proposed to meet these objectives is as follows:Define requirements for a Secure Geo-location Analytics Platform.<ul><li>Conduct a domain analysis through collaboration with domain experts and outline representative use cases that can be used to drive requirements.</li><li>Collaborate with industry experts and the POC to identify and define geo-position sensing capabilities and geolocation algorithms and techniques to support supply chain operations.</li><li>Create a set of requirements with agreement among the stakeholders, including functional requirements, quality requirements, platform requirements, and process requirements.</li><li>Perform a risk assessment of the proposed techniques and processes, including security, flexibility, scalability, and reusability of designs.</li></ul>&nbsp;Define the Architecture and Design<ul><li>Develop a software architecture that focuses on developing the skeleton and high-level infrastructure to meet the defined requirements. Formalize this architecture using a UML/SysML diagram.</li><li>Develop a design plan that sets expectations with customers and stakeholders and defines the different elements of the system, showing how they work together to fulfill the requirements. This will involve defining processes and specific cryptographic techniques, such as steganography, hashcodes, and symmetric key encryption, relevant to each design stage. Formalize this design using a UML/SysML diagram.</li></ul>&nbsp;An initial POC to demonstrate the viability of the approach<ul><li>Define the scope of the POC to demonstrate the viability of the system.</li><li>Create a POC demonstration that conceptually shows how the system works.</li><li>Demonstrate how the architecture and design meet the stakeholders' requirements, applying this to the defined use cases to show how the system would function in practice.</li></ul>

## Objective

The objective of this Phase I STTR project is to design and demonstrate the technical feasibility of a software architecture that is capable of ingesting trustable geoposition from remote devices into an IL5 environment, organizing and storing data in a distributed ledger representation of the asset that it pertains to - whilst maintaining access rights to the data and ancillary data about the asset, and providing mechanisms for existing AI supply chain analytics platforms to utilize the data to perform novel new geolocation-based algorithms, yielding new insights into supply chain operations.&nbsp;Phase I will demonstrate the technical feasibility of solutions in which physical assets, such as shipping containers, are secured with a geoposition-sensing device, which is capable of transmitting position data, and other sensor data, to a relay hosted within a secure IL5 environment. On arrival at the relay, the integrity of the ingested data must be verified and secured on-chain, with an NFT representation of the physical tagged asset acting as a digital twin. Alongside blockchain data, a mirror graph-based data store should represent the tracking data and breach events to support novel predictive analytics algorithms. The capability will enable numerous use cases, in line with the broader DAF mission for providing proactive predictive analytics capabilities - for example, to identify transit bottle-necks, or geographic areas where multiple shipping containers are held or in transit, and to predict arrival times of containers at locations.&nbsp;A successful Phase I project will provide the architecture to show that geoposition data from a sensor device can be ingested into a secured IL5 environment via a relay, indexed on-chain as part of a digital twin, and stored in a graph database. The foundational work provided in Phase I can be further extended and validated in Phase II, and applied to real-world use cases such as the KC-46 platform and its DIB supply chain.&nbsp;In the longer-term this project will be integrated within existing frameworks and underpin a supply chain analytics platform that can ingest, verify and analyze high volumes of geoposition and other sensor data from across the globe, whilst maintaining data integrity, traceability and information security. The adoption of trusted geopositioning data within current platforms will provide unprecedented levels of insight into the physical location of high-value assets.

## Phase I

DAF requires a robust geopositioning data architecture, to enable secure share tracking of physical assets in transit across the globe, and to support supply chain operations through advanced predictive analytics based on geolocation algorithms that aligns with the overarching goals of the DAF.&nbsp;The primary focus of the Phase I efforts will be to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of providing a secure geoposition data relay and ingestion framework, which will become an essential component of a viable future AI-based supply chain predictive analytics platform operating in an ecosystem with the DIB.&nbsp;The Phase I project will lay the groundwork by thoroughly assessing current systems, identifying gaps, evaluating technological solutions, and developing a preliminary design and architecture to feed into a focused roadmap for implementation in Phase II. The analysis provided in Phase I will identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement and will engage with stakeholders to gather specific requirements and align the program's objectives with operational goals. Conducting small-scale tests during Phase I will help to test the feasibility and scalability of the proposed solutions. It is vital to identify and address technological and operational challenges early. An initial security assessment is vital to ensure that data permissions and compliance are met. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis will provide insights into the potential efficiency gains, cost savings, and return on investment.&nbsp;To this end, this Phase 1 project is designed to deliver an architecture that provides accurate and timely geoposition data for tracked physical assets within a secured IL5 operating environment, enabling graph-based data models, AI and other algorithms to be used to gain valuable insights and perform analysis based on the locations of tracked assets. To accomplish this, Phase I focuses on four main tasks:&nbsp;Secure Geoposition data: Design an architecture for the development of a secure and trustworthy corpus of geoposition data from sensors on tracked physical assets.&nbsp;Design architecture for Geoposition Relay Service: Develop the architecture to support the ingestion of geolocation data into a secured environment.&nbsp;Model Tracked Assets on-chain: Design a representation of tracked assets on a blockchain, using a non-fungible token to represent each asset. Demonstrate how this approach can be used to model and transfer custody and ownership of physical assets, and to control access to associated data as part of a digital twin representation of each asset.&nbsp;Design Data Models and Algorithms: Design a graph-based data model, and identify predictive analytics algorithms that can leverage geolocation data to provide new insights into goods in transit.&nbsp;The expected outcome of Phase I is a solution that is ready to develop to provide the underlying infrastructural requirement needed to provide trusted geoposition data into a secure IL5 environment. Phase I deliverables shall include:Comprehensive system design documentation for a geopositioning data relay.Architecture and design documentation in UML demonstrating how ingested data can be indexed on-chain and stored in a graph database for geolocation analytics.Regular progress reports and technical documentation.Final architecture to include the following features: (1) remote geoposition data sensors; (2) relay into secure IL5 platform, graph-based storage and analytics algorithms; (3) on-chain modeling of assets as digital twins, with protection of associated data.Phase II Planning: A detailed roadmap for the Phase II research and development effort Identifying key milestones, deliverables, and resource requirements for Phase II.&nbsp;Throughout the duration of the project, the provider will work in close partnership with the USAF technical point of contact (TPOC), ensuring regular communication through scheduled meetings and comprehensive technical reports. These collective efforts will result in a robust, scalable, and secure geopositioning data archival and intelligence system, poised to revolutionize global supply chain operational analytics.&nbsp;The success criteria for Phase I are:<ul><li>Demonstrated approach to geoposition data ingestion into a secure IL5 environment</li><li>Documented data models for graph-based storage of geoposition data to support geolocation algorithms.</li><li>Documentation of the approach to on-chain indexing of data, and manifestation of a digital twin for assets, with data protected by appropriate access controls.</li><li>Positive feedback from USAF stakeholders on proposed designs and concepts</li><li>Delivery of a comprehensive and actionable plan for Phase II development</li></ul>

## Phase II

Building upon a successful architecture outcome of Phase I, Phase II will implement the architecture and design, advancing the capabilities of geolocation based analysis and intelligence across the USAF supply chain. Phase II will build on the current state of the art to advance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in all technology areas by delivering designs and physical prototypes that demonstrate the concept. Phase II will focus on research, development, Quality Assurance and Testing, along with refinement based on regular meetings and technical reports coordinated with the technical point of contact (TPOC). The outcome will be a well-defined prototype that meets the specified requirements and expectations, and that is ready to integrate within existing systems. Period of performance is 18 months to achieve key tasks, milestones and tangible results. The objectives are as follows:&nbsp;Objective 1: Trustworthy Geoposition Data Feed: Performers shall design and develop a solution for the development of a secure and trustworthy data feed of geoposition data from sensors on tracked physical assets and demonstrate that geoposition data from sensors is accurate and timely, genuinely derives from its declared source, and has not been tampered with in transit.&nbsp;Objective 2: Geoposition Relay Service in IL5 Environment: Performers will demonstrate how geoposition data arriving from remote sensors can be automatically ingested into a secure IL5 environment.&nbsp;Objective 3: Data Models and Algorithms: Performers will demonstrate how data can be efficiently stored in a graph database and use graph-based geolocation algorithms to demonstrate the insights that can be derived from such data across a number of use cases.&nbsp;Objective 4: On-chain Digital Twins: Performers will demonstrate how tracked assets can be uniquely represented on a blockchain, using an NFT for each asset. The performer will demonstrate how this can assure the provenance of geopositional data, to model and transfer custody and ownership of physical assets, and to control access to associated data e.g. Technical Data Packages, when a customer receives the asset, using a credential to unlock the data. This approach should help automate data transfer for FMS and act as a digital receipt of the transfer of ownership to the recipient.&nbsp;Objective 5: User Training and Support. Performers shall develop comprehensive training materials to equip users with the skills to use these new capabilities and provide hands-on training sessions, and workshops.&nbsp;Objective 6: QA Testing and Evaluation. Performers should implement a comprehensive test plan and build QA tools to automate testing, along with UI/UX feedback from stakeholders to ensure pilot results meet success criteria.&nbsp;Objective 7: Ongoing Performance Metrics. Performers should define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and impact of the system.&nbsp;A successful Phase II effort will deliver the development of the secure geoposition data architecture and design, ensuring they meet the scientific, technical, and commercial merits required for successful deployment. This phase aims to deliver a well-defined, operational prototype that offers the DAF innovative new capabilities. A successful Phase II effort will deliver the following:<ul><li>Trustworthy Geoposition Data Feed</li><li>A verifiable data feed of geopositional data from tracked physical assets</li><li>Cryptographic proofs of data origination and integrity</li></ul>Geoposition Relay Service:<ul><li>A relay to support ingestion of trusted geoposition data into a secure IL5 environment</li><li>The relay should operate in DoD Cloud platform, and support the existing systems</li></ul>Data Models and Algorithms:<ul><li>A graph datastore will hold ingested geoposition data</li><li>Data will be used to support geolocation-based algorithms for existing systems</li></ul>Model Tracked Assets on-chain<ul><li>Ingested data will be secured and index on-chain</li><li>An on-chain digital twin will represent each asset</li><li>Attribute based verifiable credentials will ensure that only authorized parties can access data</li><li>Asset ownership and custody changes can be modeled on-chain</li></ul>Evaluation:<ul><li>Automated QA testing</li><li>Customer feedback should be addressed in the final prototype</li><li>The system must meet the requirements of the TPOC</li></ul>Example Project Timeline and Milestones&nbsp;Months 1-2: Requirement refinements and Updated Architecture and Design DocumentsMonths 2-9: Implement the trusted geoposition data feed and the relay to ingest data into an IL5 environment. Design the graph-based data model and the on-chain digital twinMonths 10-12: Comprehensive QA Testing of initial system implementation and gather customer feedback about approach and gaps in the approachMonths 13-17: Full-Scale Development and Deployment of final system, along with user training and support, and performance evaluationMonths 18-20: QA testing of final system, demonstration of final system capabilities and project

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

In Phase III, the trusted geo-position data project will focus on scaling and fully deploying the technology across DAF environments, ensuring it meets operational requirements and integrates with existing systems. Key elements of the Phase III effort will include:<ul><li>System Integration: Integrating the geo-position data solution with existing DAF command and control (C2) systems, cybersecurity infrastructures, and communication networks to ensure interoperability with other defense IT systems.</li><li>Scalability and Performance Optimization: Enhancing the solution’s scalability to support varied mission demands and optimizing the performance of remote sensors, relays, datastore and blockchain elements to handle high volumes of classified data in real-time, to scale to tens of thousands of containers.</li><li>Training and Documentation: Providing comprehensive training programs and detailed documentation to enable DAF personnel to effectively manage, access, and operate within the trusted geo-position data environment.</li><li>Cybersecurity Stress Testing and Evaluation: Conduct extensive cybersecurity assessments and penetration testing to validate the trusted geo-position data platform’s resilience and security against advanced adversarial threats.</li><li>Predictive Analytics: As the number of containers being tracked increases, so do the possibilities for predictive analytics. We anticipate a significant component of Phase III will involve using this collected data to gain insights into the supply chain, identify bottlenecks, and identify opportunities for greater efficiency.</li></ul>This Phase III plan will ensure that the geo-positioning data platform is fully operational, secure, and strategically valuable to the DAF. It will support modernization efforts and boost mission insight, readiness, and flexibility.&nbsp;Expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at Phase III Entry&nbsp;The expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at the start of Phase III is TRL 7. This indicates that the secure geo-positioning data platform will have been demonstrated in an operational environment, proving its effectiveness in controlled DAF field tests and supporting real-time operations.&nbsp;Transition Planning and Known Government Approvals&nbsp;The trusted geo-position data platform project will require the following approvals and transition planning steps:<ul><li>DAF Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Approval: Compliance with the DAF cybersecurity division’s requirements, including completing assessments under the DoD’s Risk Management Framework (RMF).</li><li>DoD Authority to Operate (ATO): The project must secure an ATO with existing systems for operational deployment and demonstrate compliance with DoD cybersecurity policies and controls.</li><li>Coordination with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL): Close collaboration with AFRL to ensure alignment with ongoing DAF modernization initiatives and technology goals.</li><li>Interagency and Cross-Department Communication: Coordination with other DoD branches, including Army and Navy cybersecurity and intelligence programs, to prepare for cross-departmental collaboration in future joint operations.&nbsp;</li></ul>Additional DAF Customer Opportunities&nbsp;Further applications of the geo-positioning data platform solution within the DAF include:<ul><li>Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS): As a secure data-sharing platform for ABMS, enhancing real-time command and control across joint forces.</li><li>Agile Combat Employment (ACE): Supporting rapid deployment and secure data access in dispersed and contested environments critical to ACE initiatives.</li><li>DAF Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Enabling secure, distributed access to classified ISR data for mission planning and operational decision-making.</li><li>Additional Stakeholders: the geo-positioning data platform solution will be designed for use by any other DOD division and/or program.</li><li>Collaboration with Coalition Partners: Facilitating secure, blockchain-based data sharing with trusted coalition partners, enhancing multi-national defense operations</li></ul>

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