Objective 

The objectives for this effort are to enhance and refine various payload types and integrate them using a modular specification for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Experimentation, testing, and evaluation for this effort will use a Soldier-centered iterative design process. 

Description 

Current UAS and payloads are often proprietary and designed to be mission-specific. Some systems offer swappable payloads; however, these payloads aren’t interchangeable across UAS manufacturers, and additional capabilities depend on the same manufacturer developing new payloads. To maximize battlefield usability, the Army needs the ability to swap payloads using common connections.   

This solicitation supports a directed requirement for brigade-level UAS by developing payload technologies that will inform future UAS requirements and unit-level tactics, techniques, and procedures. The intent is to explore, test, refine, and advance modular payload technologies as an industry-government team, experimenting iteratively through Soldier touchpoints.

The selected vendor will deliver a modular payload and integrate the payload with one or more government-provided UAS platforms. Desired types of modular payloads include the following:  

• Electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) laser rangefinder and designator  
• Communications relay (voice and data)  
• Electronic warfare (EW)  
• Signals intelligence  
• Cargo resupply up to 20lb  
• Other novel payloads that can provide Soldiers an offensive or defensive advantage  

In this effort, awardees are asked to adapt their payload technology for compatibility with the Picatinny Common Lethality Interface Kit (CLIK) specification developed by DEVCOM Armaments Center. The Picatinny CLIK specification defines a physical interface, electrical connection, and signals to enable the integration of lethal and nonlethal payloads with small UAS. The references section of this solicitation contains a link to the Army Applications Laboratory topic page that links to the Picatinny CLIK specification. Vendors will also have the option to collaborate with DEVCOM Armaments Center to continue to refine the Picatinny CLIK specification.

Awardees will collaborate with UAS vendors to integrate their payloads with one or more government-provided UAS and demonstrate interoperability. The UAS platform provided by the government will have capabilities of upper Group 2 or lower Group 3 UAS, with payload capacity of at least 20 lb. Once awardees have integrated their payloads using Picatinny CLIK, they will provide their payloads for unit field experimentation and further refine their payload technology. The vendor should specify in their proposal how they intend to enhance their technology throughout the period of performance using the feedback provided through the Soldier-centered iterative design process.

Examples of desirable technology improvements include, but are not limited to:  

• Reducing size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) of the payload  
• Working toward compliance with relevant standards, airworthiness, and packaging requirements  
• Improving user interface and autonomous behaviors  
• Compatibility with a broader variety of UAS and controllers, including common controllers such as UVC (Uncrewed Vehicle Control) 

Phase I 

This topic is for Phase I submission only. The Department of the Army will accept Phase I proposals for a cost of up to $150,000 for a 3-month period of performance. In Phase I, awardees will collaborate with government stakeholders and UAS vendors to plan for the integration of their payloads using Picatinny CLIK, along with developing plans for technology improvements to their payloads.

Phase I deliverables will include:  

• Technical designs for integration of the awardee’s payload with one or more government-provided UAS and for technology improvements to the payload  
• Initial Safety Assessment Report (SAR), technical documentation, test plans, and other information required to obtain approval for hands-on Soldier touchpoints and experimentation  
• Participation in a virtual kickoff and in-person final presentation, along with virtual touchpoints  
• Monthly reports that document technical progress  
• A Phase II proposal, if desired by the vendor 

Phase II 

Phase II is anticipated to have a 12-month period of performance. In Phase II, awardees will deliver prototypes of their modular payloads adapted to use the Picatinny CLIK specification and will support hands-on experimentation to make iterative improvements to their technology.  

Phase II deliverables will include:  

• A quantity of at least 2 of the modular payloads, to be left behind with units at the conclusion of the period of performance  
• Integration of the modular payload with one or more government-provided UAS using the Picatinny CLIK specification  
• Support for Soldier experimentation touchpoints at unit locations to perform Soldier-centered iterative design. Proposers should budget for a total of 5 trips with a duration of 1 week per trip to unit locations or experiment sites within the continental U.S. Proposals should include all anticipated personnel, travel costs, and support equipment  
• Integration of experimentation results into technology improvements to the payload  
• Monthly reports that document lessons learned from experimentation and their application to technology development  
• Proposal for a sequential award, if desired by the vendor, to continue technology development based on lessons learned from experimentation

The following timeline illustrates the concept of execution during the Phase II period of performance. Awardees should anticipate timeline changes during execution due to technology development risk, unit availability for experimentation, and scheduled experimentation events. Applicants may propose timelines that follow the general model below.  

• Month 1-2: Adapt the payload to use the Picatinny CLIK specification based on plans developed during Phase I. Collaborate with UAS vendors to integrate the payload with government-provided UAS. Continue touchpoints with Soldiers and Army organizations. Deliver an updated Safety Assessment Report (SAR) and other documentation to support safety releases for Soldier testing.   
• Month 3-10: Deliver quantity 2 of the modular payload adapted to use the Picatinny CLIK specification. Train Soldiers to use the modular connection and payload. Support experimentation touchpoints and use Soldier-centered iterative design to improve the payload technology.   
• Month 11-12: Deliver the final payload prototypes to the unit. Attend a culminating training event or experiment with the unit to further experiment with and develop the payload technology. Demonstrate interoperability of the payload with government-provided UAS using the Picatinny CLIK specification. Finalize and document payload technology improvements and lessons learned.   

Phase III 

• Cargo delivery  
• Law enforcement sensing and surveillance  
• UAS-based communications 

Submission Instructions 

Submit full proposals via the DSIP Portal. For assistance, contact the SBIR|STTR Help Desk at usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil.