N093-167 TITLE: Automated Marine Mammal Mitigation Sensor for Multi-Static Active ASW

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 264 Advanced Extended Echo Ranging (AEER) ACAT IV

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: Design and develop automated, low power active sonar or other technology for detection, location and inbound or outbound tracking of proximate marine mammals.

DESCRIPTION: Multi-static active (MSA) sonar systems are entering the pipeline as key components in the Navy�s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) toolkit. Use of these systems in increasing numbers will impact marine mammals. Innovative solutions are sought to develop an acoustic (or nonacoustic) sensor capable of detecting, and tracking marine mammals within a specified target test range of approximately 300 meters. The final version of the sensor needs to fit within the size, weight, power and processing constraints of the AN/SSQ-125 source buoy. For acoustic sensors, using or modifying the main transducer is an acceptable approach, as is adding a small self-contained hydrophone/transducer. In addition the acoustic source power level should be no greater than 190 dB, with a goal of not exceeding 173 dB.

Currently, passive marine mammal mitigation techniques are used that rely on visual whole field monitoring or vocalization detection at the receiver sonobuoy. This approach is very manpower intensive. An automated processing technique that reduces operator workload and that is contained in the source buoy is therefore desired. The technique should be able to search the environment in three dimensions at the estimated range of about 300 meters, and alert the operator if detection occurs.

Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DOD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVAIR in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material In Accordance With DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of developing automated low power active sonar or other technology to detect and track marine mammals within a specified range of approximately 300meters. Provide analysis to show that technique will provide a high probability of detecting and tracking marine mammals in various sea states or other ocean effects and show that source power levels will not exceed 190 dB.

PHASE II: Based upon Phase I results develop prototype of sensor and demonstrate using modeling and simulation. If funding permits, test sensor in over the side lake tests.

PHASE III: Develop sensor and integrate with the AN/SSQ 125. Conduct over the side ocean environment tests. Transition technology to the fleet and commercial applications.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Marine mammal avoidance techniques could translate directly to commercial fishing and oil exploration industries as well as scientific processes for marine mammal studies.

REFERENCES:
1. Urick, Robert J. "Principles of Underwater Sound." Peninsula Publishing, California, 1983, 423 pages.

2. Richardson, W.J., Greene Jr., C.R., Malme, C.I., Thomson, D.H. "Marine Mammals and Noise." Academic Press, San Diego, California, 1995, 453 pages.

KEYWORDS: Anti-submarine warfare; Multi-static active; Automated recognition and controls; Marine mammal mitigation; Sonobuoy; Advanced Extended Echo Ranging

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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