This solicitation is now closed
Interoperability and compatibility techniques for Counter Radio controlled IED Electronic Warfare (CREW) and other Radio Frequency Communication
Navy SBIR 2008.2 - Topic N08-174
NAVSEA - Mr. Dean Putnam - dean.r.putnam@navy.mil
Opens: May 19, 2008 - Closes: June 18, 2008

N08-174 TITLE: Interoperability and compatibility techniques for Counter Radio controlled IED Electronic Warfare (CREW) and other Radio Frequency Communication

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 408 Counter Radio Controlled IED Electronic Warfare

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop novel solutions to make CREW and other RF spectrum users such as Blue Force Communications seamlessly compatible and interoperable.

DESCRIPTION: DOD's demand for spectrum use and associated interference deconfliction has increased. CREW and other radio frequency systems such as Blue Force RF related equipment may operate in close proximity to one another. Transmissions from CREW may cause inadvertent impact to Blue Force RF related equipment, and Blue Force RF related equipment may cause inadvertent impact to CREW. Multiple CREW systems operating in close proximity to one another may have inadvertent impact on each other. Techniques are needed to mitigate the risk of inadvertent interference and to optimize CREW and Blue Force RF related equipment systems interoperability and compatibility for end users.

PHASE I: Investigate and analyze candidate techniques and technologies that will maximize interoperability and compatibility and minimize mutual interference between surrogate CREW and other blue force RF related equipment systems. Develop conceptual designs and specifications that can reduce or eliminate interference from single and multiple sources, including statistical analyses to enable identification of most promising approaches. The conceptual designs should include cost benefit analysis and identify the risks and risk mitigation strategies associated with the proposed solutions.

PHASE II: Apply one or more of the most promising concept(s), develop prototype software and/or hardware that can be integrated with a surrogate CREW hardware platform and tested with CREW surrogate and communications radio systems. Testing includes laboratory/bench testing using closed loop methods, as well as limited field demonstration of the prototype hardware, software and/or firmware in over-the-air tests.

PHASE III: Based upon test results and lessons learned, refine the most successful concept(s) into a more final form and integrate the refined capability into actual CREW hardware. Conduct field tests to establish baseline capability of the implementation.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This technology may be applicable to commercial RF systems that experience interference when operating in close proximity to one another.

REFERENCES:
1. MIL-STD-461E Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment.

2. DODI 6055.11 protection of DoD Personnel from Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation and Military Exempt lasers.

3. IEEE C95.1-91 Safety Levels with respect to Human Exposure to radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 300 kHz to 100 GHz.

4. JCREW S&T Program Category D01 Blue Force COMMS Data and Video Compatibility.

KEYWORDS: RF interference, RFI, electromagnetic interference, EMI, system compatibility, radio interference.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **
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