The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Navy, is seeking innovative solutions to delay and deny access to its assets from unauthorized Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). The objective is to develop a system capable of neutralizing small and medium-sized UUVs, defined as having a diameter of no more than 21 inches, at depths of up to 800 feet, ensuring they can only travel a limited distance before being rendered ineffective. This initiative is critical for enhancing naval security and protecting sensitive underwater areas from potential threats. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on April 23, 2025, with a closing date of May 21, 2025, and can find more information at the provided source link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

The proliferation of UUVs has created a need for the U.S. Navy to increase its ability to delay trespassers and deny access to its assets. Permanent underwater barriers are not considered a viable option due to the interference with our own port operations. Therefore, a more operationally supportable approach is required to achieve the U.S. Navy&rsquo;s aims. The Navy is searching for the capability to block, capture, redirect, destroy, or in any other manner neutralize the threat of an unauthorized UUV that is trespassing into sensitive underwater areas.The innovative solution will be capable of delaying and denying small and medium sized UUVs travelling at sprint speeds [Ref 2]. The U.S. Navy defines small and medium UUVs as having a diameter no greater than 21 inches. The solution will be capable of or denying these UUV classes at depths up to 800 feet below the surface. Once the solution is deployed, it will allow the UUV to travel no more than 200 m, and ideally no more than 100 m, before being rendered ineffective.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 to delay trespassers or deny access to naval assets by Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

## Phase I

Define and develop a method to deny an UUV access to our assets once it has been identified that meets the requirements in the Description. Define the proposed components of the system, including power sources, electronics, denial tactics, interfaces, and any other design components deemed necessary by the developer. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept through modelling and simulation.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 Delay and Denial system that meets the requirements listed in the Description. Demonstrate the efficacy of the system in an appropriate environment. 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 while transitioning the technology to Navy use through production, integration, and maintenance. Ensure that the final product includes any systems required for interception and subsequent denial or destruction of unauthorized UUVs. A user-friendly interface for ease of use should also be part of the final product.Prepare a strategy to utilize the technology for commercial use. Possible uses include protection of commercial ports and shipping, or research into marine life.

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