Tactical Implementation of Quantum Hardening
ID: A244-018Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Tactical Implementation of Quantum Hardening

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Tactical Implementation of Quantum Hardening" as part of its SBIR program. The objective is to develop a tactical implementation of quantum hardening for Army systems on a tactical network to identify vulnerabilities, remove or remediate them, and maintain security against quantum cyber threats. The Army is interested in software that can aid in future-proofing Army networks related to quantum computing vulnerabilities. The performer will prototype a representative software suite at technology readiness level 6, demonstrated in relevant environments. The ideal solution is a holistic suite of quantum-resistant security applications that can help organizations assess their cryptographic security posture, implement quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms, and provide a crypto-agile framework to protect sensitive data from adversarial quantum computer attacks. The project will be conducted in two phases, with the second phase involving the development, building, and demonstration of a prototype. The performer will have access to a lab with tactical network capabilities and associated devices for iteration. A final demonstration will be conducted at NetModX 2025. Awardees may also be eligible for a Phase IIb award after completion of Phase II. The objective of Phase III is for the small business to pursue commercialization objectives through system-level integration and prototype demonstration. The topic is restricted under ITAR and EAR regulations. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the DOD SBIR website.

    Files
    No associated files provided.
    Similar Opportunities
    DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Tactical Implementation of Quantum Hardening
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Tactical Implementation of Quantum Hardening" as part of its SBIR program. The objective is to develop a tactical implementation of quantum hardening for Army systems on a tactical network to identify vulnerabilities, remove or remediate them, and maintain security against quantum cyber threats. The Army is interested in software that can future-proof Army networks related to quantum computing vulnerabilities. The ideal solution is a holistic suite of quantum-resistant security applications that can assess cryptographic security, implement quantum-resistant algorithms, and provide a crypto-agile framework to protect sensitive data. The project will involve analyzing Army networks, prioritizing critical networks, and transitioning to a quantum-safe architecture. The performer will prototype a software suite at technology readiness level 6, demonstrated in relevant environments. The project will have a Phase I and Phase II, with Phase II delivering a prototype for further Army evaluation. The performer will have access to a lab with tactical network capabilities and associated devices for iteration. The project will also include demonstrations at NetModX events in 2024 and 2025. Awardees may be eligible for a Phase IIb award after completing Phase II. Phase III will focus on commercialization objectives. The project is open for proposals until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency URL: link.
    DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Quantum Enhanced RF Components
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Quantum Enhanced RF Components" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to utilize quantum phenomenology to create sensitive Radio Frequency (RF) components that can enhance the performance of current communication systems. By lowering the noise levels of these components, weaker signals can be detected, potentially enabling the radar detection of previously unseen targets. The research will focus on developing quantum-based RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators that can be integrated with existing systems. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will involve delivering a series of reports outlining the feasibility of the RF component using mathematical models for quantum phenomena. Phase II will require the delivery of a working prototype and a report documenting the prototype's capabilities and any necessary control software. The potential applications of this technology include enhancing the efficacy of security systems that rely on RF detection, minimizing disruptions and identifying the source of RF interference in police and first responder communications systems, and improving communication and navigation capabilities in maritime and aviation vehicles. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR website.
    DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Quantum Enhanced RF Components
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Quantum Enhanced RF Components" in their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to utilize quantum phenomenology to create sensitive Radio Frequency (RF) components that can enhance the performance of current communication systems. By lowering the noise levels of these components, weaker signals can be detected, potentially enabling the radar detection of previously unseen targets. The research will focus on developing quantum-based RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators that can be integrated with existing systems. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will involve delivering a series of reports outlining the feasibility of the RF component using mathematical models for quantum phenomena. Phase II will require the delivery of a working prototype and a report documenting the prototype's capabilities and any necessary control software. The potential applications of this technology include enhancing the efficacy of security systems that rely on RF detection, minimizing disruptions in police and first responder communications systems caused by RF interference, and improving communication between maritime and aviation vehicles. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR website.
    DOD STTR 24.D Annual - Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration (OASIC)
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration (OASIC)" as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to create a user facility for an atom-based quantum testbed that can prototype, validate, and benchmark nanophotonic, optoelectronic, and electronic components and sub-systems. The goal is to enable the development of scalable, low-SWaP atom-based quantum sensors, clocks, computing architectures, and other integrated or chip-scale quantum technologies. The solicitation emphasizes the need for rigorous testing and evaluation procedures compatible with the performance requirements of atom-based quantum devices. The Phase I of the project will focus on designing and analyzing the performance and operation of the proposed testbed user facility, as well as developing an operation and business plan. The Phase II will involve constructing and demonstrating the quantum testbed based on the Phase I design. The project duration for Phase I is 4 months, and for Phase II is 24 months. The solicitation encourages the development of integrated, low-SWaP quantum systems for applications in defense and commercial markets. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link.
    DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - xTechScalable AI
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "xTechScalable AI" as part of the SBIR program. The Army branch is specifically interested in novel and disruptive concepts and technology solutions that can address the vulnerabilities of current machine learning pipelines and models. The goal is to develop comprehensive security models that can defend against universal AI threat vectors and are scalable to rapidly evolving threats. The Army is particularly interested in proposals that focus on systematic testing and evaluation methods, trusted and secure validation and verification strategies, continuous monitoring capabilities, improved transparency and assurance of code and data, and improved telemetry capabilities. The Army will prioritize submissions from winners of the xTechScalable AI prize competition. The project will involve a Direct to Phase II submission, followed by the production of prototype solutions that are easy to operate by soldiers. Phase III will focus on maturing the technology to TRL 6/7 and producing prototypes for further development and commercialization. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the solicitation agency's website at [solicitationagencyurl].
    DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - xTechScalable AI
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "xTechScalable AI" as part of the SBIR program. The Army branch is specifically interested in novel and disruptive concepts and technology solutions that can address the vulnerabilities of current machine learning pipelines and models. The goal is to develop comprehensive security models capable of defending against universal AI threat vectors. The Army is prioritizing proposals that focus on systematic testing and evaluation methods, trusted and secure validation and verification strategies, continuous monitoring capabilities, improved transparency and assurance of code and data, and improved telemetry capabilities. The Army will use the xTechScalable AI prize competition to identify small businesses that meet the criteria for award, and only winners of the competition will be eligible to submit a proposal under this topic. The project will have three phases: Phase I involves submitting a Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposal, Phase II involves producing prototype solutions for evaluation by soldiers, and Phase III involves completing the maturation of the technology and producing prototypes for further development and commercialization. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the solicitation agency's website at [solicitationagencyurl].
    DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Ensuring Sensor Data Security and Integrity
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Ensuring Sensor Data Security and Integrity" as part of its SBIR program. The objective of this topic is to develop a platform that secures sensor data at the individual record level and supports experimentation to advance technology for DoD and Army Data Strategy VAULTIS goals. The platform should be cost-effective, flexible, and implemented through an Application Programming Interface (API) with no data size limitation. It should also ensure the integrity of sensor data throughout its lifecycle and incorporate attributes such as encryption, immutable data storage, audit and logging, and tamper-proof chain of custody. The Army aims to become more data-centric and capable of conducting operations in contested environments. The project will be conducted in two phases, with Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals accepted for a cost of up to $2,000,000 for an 18-month period of performance. The contractor will be responsible for integrating, testing, demonstrating, and delivering a lightweight and scalable prototype data provenance solution. The solution should secure all sensor data at the individual record level and include database, replication, data audit, and encryption in a single integrated solution. It should also incorporate knowledge graphs, analytic visualization tools, and support data analysis. The use of blockchain technology is highlighted as a potential dual-use application for protecting sensor data fidelity in various sectors such as healthcare, critical infrastructure, smart homes, and autonomous vehicles. The project references the Army's data plan and strategic goals for 2040. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link provided: DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual.
    DOD STTR 24.D Annual - Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration (OASIC)
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration (OASIC)" as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The objective is to create a user facility for an atom-based quantum testbed that can prototype, validate, and benchmark nanophotonic, optoelectronic, and electronic components and sub-systems. The goal is to enable the development of scalable, low-SWaP atom-based quantum sensors, clocks, computing architectures, and other integrated or chip-scale quantum technologies. The solicitation emphasizes the need for rigorous testing and evaluation procedures compatible with the performance requirements of atom-based quantum devices. The Phase I of the project will involve designing and analyzing the performance and operation of the proposed quantum testbed user facility, as well as developing an operation and business plan. The Phase II will focus on constructing and demonstrating the quantum testbed based on the Phase I design. The project duration for Phase II is 24 months. The development of integrated, low-SWaP quantum systems has applications in defense, communications, logistics, exploration, pharmaceuticals, and scientific research. The solicitation encourages the facility to be located at an academic site with a commercial entity responsible for operation and management. The Phase II milestones include reports on component acquisition and fabrication, interim progress reports, and a final report describing the construction and benchmarking of the quantum testbed. The Phase III of the project involves the dual-use applications of the developed quantum systems in both defense and commercial sectors.
    DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - xTechSpecial Forces
    Active
    Department of Defense
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The specific topic of the solicitation is "xTechSpecial Forces" and it is being conducted by the Army branch. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. The first topic of the solicitation is "GPS Denied ATAK Compatible Self Location Application." The US Army 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) is looking for a software solution that can obtain self-location data in GPS-denied situations and integrate it into the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) software platform. The software should enable self-location without the use of GPS, other networks, or additional hardware. The goal is to allow ground operators to take a picture of the sky to obtain images including celestial objects and/or passing satellites, resulting in operationally suitable self-location. The second topic is "SWARM Tracker – Counter UxS Warning System." The Army Special Operations Command is seeking an automated tool that can provide early warning of swarmed sensors and effects similar to the National Weather System's severe weather warning systems. The tool should integrate with existing and emerging systems, provide multi-modal awareness, and deliver timely notifications to tactical units and base defense operating centers. The focus is on reducing cognitive load and building user-centric notification systems. The third topic is "PSYOP Product Air Delivery Vehicle." The Army Special Operations Command requires a self-guided aerial delivery system for disseminating Psychological Operations products. The Air Delivery Vehicle (ADV) should be interchangeable depending on payload and mission requirements, resistant to electronic attack, and capable of accommodating payloads ranging from 8 ounces to 50 pounds. The ADV should have self-navigation capabilities, accurate release points, and the ability to operate in day and night conditions. The fourth topic is "Non-Attributable Mobile Mesh Network Radio." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in a small form factor, non-attributable mesh network radio system for position location information (PLI), voice, sensor integration, and data transmission. The system should enable continuous communication outside of cellular/internet coverage, have a low physical and RF signature, and integrate with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). The fifth topic is "Distributed Electromagnetic Sensing, Automated Characterization, and Simple Reporting systems." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in technological solutions to enhance Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The focus is on scalable, cost-effective, software-based innovations that address core need areas such as AI/ML-enabled edge processing, automated signal detection and characterization, near-real-time data availability, and integration with tactical situational awareness systems. The Phase I proposals for this solicitation can receive funding up to $250,000 for a 6-month period, while Direct to Phase II proposals can receive funding up to $2,000,000 for an 18-month period. Phase I involves completing a feasibility study and developing concept plans, while Phase II focuses on producing prototype solutions. Phase III involves maturing the technology to TRL 6/7, producing prototypes for further evaluation, and updating prototypes based on soldier feedback. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the solicitation agency's website: [link](https://www
    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.