Topic Objective 

Develop a Device-to-Device (D2D) squad-level communication platform that uses direct communications without network assistance of a radio access network (RAN). The D2D platform shall implement a cognitive agent controlling jamming mitigation strategies in contested electronic contested environments to provide increased resiliency and lethality for dismounted soldiers. 

Description  

The current state of the art for dismounted soldier communications is the adoption of commercial wireless waveforms (e.g., IEEE 802.11x, LTE) or existing tactical radios. In the case of commercial wireless waveforms, the waveform provides high bandwidth throughput and scalability. However commercial wireless waveforms are not developed to operate in electronic contested environments (i.e., Electronic Warfare). In the case of tactical radio waveforms, bandwidth throughput is minimal in comparison to commercial bandwidth speed. It does not support high bandwidth services or electronic warfare resiliency at the dismounted soldier level. In both cases, commercial and tactical radios, neither supports an evolving threat matrix or information-driven decision-making. Therefore, a solution is required that combines high-speed bandwidth throughput (i.e., commercial waveform) and resiliency in electronically contested environments. 

The Offeror is required to provide an innovative solution that encompasses commercial high bandwidth and scalability. Some of these innovative solutions could be LTE-A, an intelligent cognitive agent, power-efficiency, and jamming mitigation electronics in a lightweight form-factor for dismounted operations. The following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the said solution is below: 

1. The Dismounted D2D Node shall provide voice and data communications. Data communications are defined as Situational Awareness (SA), Command & Control (C2), and Video. 
2. The Dismounted D2D Node shall support Push-to-Talk (PTT) voice communications 
3. The Dismounted D2D Node shall use direct communications without RAN coordination 
4. The Dismounted D2D Node shall use discovery without RAN coordination 
5. The Dismounted D2D Node shall use a UMTS Subscriber Identify Module (USIM) for 
6. The Dismounted D2D Node shall use Cryptographic Algorithms for Bearer Channel Security 
7. The Dismounted D2D Node shall use Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) for Media Channel Security 
8. The Dismounted D2D Node shall use licensed or unlicensed frequency bands 
9. The Dismounted D2D Node shall support multicast for one-to-many (Group) communications 
10. The Dismounted D2D Node shall support broadcast for one-to-many (Group) communications 
11. The Dismounted D2D Node shall automatically establish direct communications up to 1000 D2D Nodes within range 
12. The Dismounted D2D Node communication range shall be no less than 500 meters 
13. The Dismounted D2D Node communication throughput shall be no less than 300 Mbps 
14. The Dismounted D2D Node communications shall operate in degraded mode in contested environments 
15. The Dismounted D2D Node shall be Low Probability of Intercept & Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD )  
16. The Dismounted D2D Node shall be Jam Resistant 
17. The Dismounted D2D Node shall implement Frequency Agility 
18. The Dismounted D2D Node shall implement Machine Learning for Signal Feature Extraction 
19. The Dismounted D2D Node shall implement Machine Learning to direct and control Jammer Mitigation Strategies 
20. The Dismounted D2D Node shall implement Decoy Signal(s) outside of the frequency band of operation(s) 
21. The Dismounted D2D Node shall implement Adaptive Antenna Technology 
22. The Dismounted D2D Node shall not exceed 6″ x 2” x 3” in volume 
23. The Dismounted D2D Node shall not exceed 0.5 lbs 
24. The Dismounted D2D Node shall not exceed 2W budget 
25. The Dismounted D2D shall not exceed $500 
26. The Dismounted D2D Node shall use USB for external communications 

Phase I 

The Offeror shall prepare and deliver a feasibility study at the end of phase 1. The feasibility study shall contain a proposed design concept, and implementation of a dismounted D2D communication platform based on system description and KPIs discussed and outlined in the description section. The proposed design concept and implementation shall be substantiated through modeling/simulation or other analytic means. When presenting modeling/simulation or analytic outcomes in the feasibility study, the offer shall include assumptions, caveats, and test data used substantiate conclusion(s) in the feasibility study. 

Phase II 

The Offeror shall provide 8-10 operational prototypes and demonstrate functionality at the end of phase 2. The network communication test scenarios shall consist of the following: 

• 8-10 node network where voice quality and data throughput rates will be scrutinized. 
• Verification and Validation of the 1-26 KPIs outlined in the description section above. 

Phase III 

The Offeror shall demonstrate the Dismounted D2D Communication Platform with a limited number of nodes that autonomously forms a network, processes Voice, C2, SA, and Video data traffic in support of dismounted soldiers. In terms of commercialization, the communications technology developed through this SBIR can be readily used in the IoT (Internet of Things) commercial market space. Several areas of the IoT include sensor networking and management, data off-loading for LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, and Smart Grid Communications. 

Submission Information  

To submit full proposal packages, and for more information, visit the DSIP Portal.