Open Multi-Sensor Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Software System (Topic A23-010) is sponsored by U.S. Army SBIR Program. This past opportunity sought solutions for the design of a multi-sensor counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability utilizing an open software platform.

The goal was to detect and track unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a variety of methods while minimizing nuisance detections, potentially including acoustic sensors. The emphasis on open platforms allows for integration of various sensors and technologies.

Open Multi-Sensor Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Software System – Army SBIR|STTR Program Open Multi-Sensor Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Software System Application Due Date: 06/14/2023 Amount Up To: Up to $111,500 Develop a solution that addresses the design of a multi-sensor counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability utilizing an open software platform.

A counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) that utilizes multiple sensors would have the ability to detect and track unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a variety of methods while minimizing nuisance detections to near zero. This may include radar, infrared, electro-optical, acoustic, or other sensors. The system would then use this information to identify and classify the UAV, and ultimately neutralize or redirect it if necessary.

The use of multiple sensors would also help to reduce the likelihood of false alarms and improve the overall accuracy of the system. Additionally, utilizing an open platform for counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) is important for several reasons. First, an open platform allows for the integration of multiple sensors and technologies.

Second, an open platform enables third-party developers to create and integrate new capabilities, which can help to keep the system up to date with the latest technologies and threats. Third, an open platform can also lower the system’s cost and increase its flexibility.

Finally, an open platform can foster innovation and collaboration within the C-UAS industry, which can lead to new technologies and capabilities that can benefit everyone. The purpose of this Phase I SBIR is to provide a white paper that addresses the design of an open platform multi-sensor counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities system.

The white paper should contain the following key elements: • An overview of the C-UAS problem: The white paper should provide an overview of the current C-UAS threat landscape and the challenges that organizations face in detecting and neutralizing UAVs.

• A description of the multi-sensor approach: The white paper should describe the advantages of using multiple sensors to detect and track UAVs, including how this approach can improve the system’s overall performance and effectiveness.

• An explanation of the different sensors and technologies used: The white paper should provide a detailed description of the different passive sensors and technologies that should be used and integrated into the system, including passive radar, infrared, electro-optical, acoustic, or other sensors and effectors.

It should also explain how these sensors and technologies work together while minimizing false positives and performing all operations prior to defeating a UAS without user input in a variety of environments, ranging from urban cities and dense forest to remote desert environments, etc. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected.

• An analysis of system performance: The white paper should provide an analysis of the system’s anticipated performance in different and varying environments utilizing a variety of sensors and effectors. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected.

• A description of the system’s capabilities: The white paper should describe the system’s capabilities, including its ability to detect and track UAVs, its ability to neutralize or redirect UAVs, and its ability to integrate with other existing systems. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected.

• A discussion of future developments: The white paper should discuss future developments and enhancements that can be made to the system by third-party developers, including adding new sensors, algorithms, and software updates, etc. Develop and demonstrate the solution to achieve the capabilities outlined in Phase I by developing the software for an open multi sensor C-UAS system that achieves the capabilities outlined in the whitepaper.

Host the software in a government owned full DEVSECOPS environment that allows for the benefits of Open Systems development to be utilized. Integrate and fuse many disparate sensors and effectors of varying quality and types – Additional details will be provided to firm once selected. Integrate the outputs of the open system into existing systems.

Additional details will be provided to firm once selected. Ensure third party developers can build upon the work from this open system with other associated source code repositories they may develop. Expand the capabilities of the solution to allow for integration of additional sensors into the open architecture.

Implement enhanced SWAP capabilities and add additional algorithms that optimize usage of the C-UAS system to operate without user input. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected. Submit in accordance with DoD SBIR BAA 23.

2 J. Wang, Y. Liu and H.

Song, “Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System(s) (C-UAS): State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Trends,” in IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 4-29, 1 March 2021, doi: 10.

1109/MAES. 2020. 3015537.

S. R. Ganti and Y.

Kim, “Implementation of detection and tracking mechanism for small UAS,” 2016 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS), Arlington, VA, USA, 2016, pp. 1254-1260, doi: 10. 1109/ICUAS.

2016. 7502513. D.

Spinellis, “Git,” in IEEE Software, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 100-101, May-June 2012, doi: 10.

1109/MS.2012. 61. Ram, K.

Git can facilitate greater reproducibility and increased transparency in science. Source Code Biol Med 8, 7 (2013). https://doi.

org/10. 1186/1751-0473-8-7 Develop a solution that addresses the design of a multi-sensor counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability utilizing an open software platform. A counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) that utilizes multiple sensors would have the ability to detect and track unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a variety of methods while minimizing nuisance detections to near zero.

This may include radar, infrared, electro-optical, acoustic, or other sensors. The system would then use this information to identify and classify the UAV, and ultimately neutralize or redirect it if necessary. The use of multiple sensors would also help to reduce the likelihood of false alarms and improve the overall accuracy of the system.

Additionally, utilizing an open platform for counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) is important for several reasons. First, an open platform allows for the integration of multiple sensors and technologies. Second, an open platform enables third-party developers to create and integrate new capabilities, which can help to keep the system up to date with the latest technologies and threats.

Third, an open platform can also lower the system’s cost and increase its flexibility. Finally, an open platform can foster innovation and collaboration within the C-UAS industry, which can lead to new technologies and capabilities that can benefit everyone. The purpose of this Phase I SBIR is to provide a white paper that addresses the design of an open platform multi-sensor counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities system.

The white paper should contain the following key elements: • An overview of the C-UAS problem: The white paper should provide an overview of the current C-UAS threat landscape and the challenges that organizations face in detecting and neutralizing UAVs.

• A description of the multi-sensor approach: The white paper should describe the advantages of using multiple sensors to detect and track UAVs, including how this approach can improve the system’s overall performance and effectiveness.

• An explanation of the different sensors and technologies used: The white paper should provide a detailed description of the different passive sensors and technologies that should be used and integrated into the system, including passive radar, infrared, electro-optical, acoustic, or other sensors and effectors.

It should also explain how these sensors and technologies work together while minimizing false positives and performing all operations prior to defeating a UAS without user input in a variety of environments, ranging from urban cities and dense forest to remote desert environments, etc. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected.

• An analysis of system performance: The white paper should provide an analysis of the system’s anticipated performance in different and varying environments utilizing a variety of sensors and effectors. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected.

• A description of the system’s capabilities: The white paper should describe the system’s capabilities, including its ability to detect and track UAVs, its ability to neutralize or redirect UAVs, and its ability to integrate with other existing systems. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected.

• A discussion of future developments: The white paper should discuss future developments and enhancements that can be made to the system by third-party developers, including adding new sensors, algorithms, and software updates, etc. Develop and demonstrate the solution to achieve the capabilities outlined in Phase I by developing the software for an open multi sensor C-UAS system that achieves the capabilities outlined in the whitepaper.

Host the software in a government owned full DEVSECOPS environment that allows for the benefits of Open Systems development to be utilized. Integrate and fuse many disparate sensors and effectors of varying quality and types – Additional details will be provided to firm once selected. Integrate the outputs of the open system into existing systems.

Additional details will be provided to firm once selected. Ensure third party developers can build upon the work from this open system with other associated source code repositories they may develop. Expand the capabilities of the solution to allow for integration of additional sensors into the open architecture.

Implement enhanced SWAP capabilities and add additional algorithms that optimize usage of the C-UAS system to operate without user input. Additional details will be provided to firm once selected. Submit in accordance with DoD SBIR BAA 23.

2 J. Wang, Y. Liu and H.

Song, “Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System(s) (C-UAS): State of the Art, Challenges, and Future Trends,” in IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 4-29, 1 March 2021, doi: 10.

1109/MAES. 2020. 3015537.

S. R. Ganti and Y.

Kim, “Implementation of detection and tracking mechanism for small UAS,” 2016 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS), Arlington, VA, USA, 2016, pp. 1254-1260, doi: 10. 1109/ICUAS.

2016. 7502513. D.

Spinellis, “Git,” in IEEE Software, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 100-101, May-June 2012, doi: 10.

1109/MS.2012. 61. Ram, K.

Git can facilitate greater reproducibility and increased transparency in science. Source Code Biol Med 8, 7 (2013). https://doi.

org/10. 1186/1751-0473-8-7 Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology ASA(ALT) releases contract opportunities on an ad-hoc basis to meet Army research and development needs. Army Futures Command (AFC) releases topics during three specific solicitation periods throughout the fiscal year to address the Army’s current and anticipated war-fighting technology needs.

Army STTR follows AFC’s topic release schedule but partners with a university, federally funded research and development center, or a qualified non-profit research institution as part of their contract. Is the opportunity to establish the scientific, technical, commercial merit and feasibility of your proposed innovation. Is focused on the development, demonstration and delivery of your innovation from Phase I.

Represents the commercialization phase of the program in which the company can market their products or services developed in Phase II, either to the government or in the commercial sector. Allows small businesses to submit to Direct to Phase II applications if they performed the Phase I research through other funding sources. Provides funding to projects that require additional funding during their open Phase II contract.

A Phase II Awardee may receive one additional, sequential Phase II award to continue the work of an initial Phase II award. The sequential Phase II award has the same guideline amounts and limits as an initial Phase II award.

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (supply chain management, logistics coordination, target identifications and simulation) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (additive manufacturing) Autonomy (unmanned systems, drones, ground vehicle capabilities) Chemical and Biological (detection, defense) Cyber (biometric authentication, secure communications) Electronics (microelectronics, Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI)) Electronic Warfare (jamming, spoofing) Human Performance (wearables) Immersive (augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality) Network Technologies (antennas, radio frequency, communications systems) Position, Navigation, and Timing (GPS) Power (batteries, generators) Software Modernization (high performance computing, data management and visualization) Sensors (infrared sensing) Weapons Systems (hypersonics, munitions and projectiles, directed energy)