N101-048 TITLE: Environmentally Constrained Naval Search Planning Algorithms

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 5 USW/DSS

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: To modify existing Navy Strike Group Route Planning and Asset Allocation Algorithms to automatically constrain naval search plans to avoid environmentally sensitive areas whenever possible.

DESCRIPTION: Modern mission planning tools output a) environmental characterization, b) the division of the search area among assets and c) search route alternatives based upon cumulative probability of detection (CPD). It is well known that asset allocation and search route definition are not unique, i.e. that there may be many routes and asset allocation plans that yield the same CPD. The goal of this work is to introduce environmental constraints into the mission planning process that allow naval platforms to avoid sensitive areas whenever possible. The plans output by the planning system would automatically select the route / asset alllocation plan which minimizes marine mammal impact without putting high value units at risk during search and transit.

PHASE I: Identify the environmental/protected species data bases and the search planning / asset allocation tool to be employed in tools like the UnderSea Warfare Decision Support System. Formulate the mathematical framework to be used in introducing environmental constraints.

PHASE II: Using the Advanced Processor Build (APB) concept, fully develop an interactive prototype of a standalone tactical decision aid to demonstrate proof of concept for environmentally constrained mission planning. Conduct lab testing and evaluation to ensure the tool works.

PHASE III: Deploy this prototype on an operational platform, support the at-sea testing, identify operational constraints and obtain end user feedback which can be used to improve the overall tool using the build-test-build concept. Fully integrate the tactical decision aid into the mission planning module of the Undersea Warfare Decision Support Software (USW-DSS). This fully integrated product should comply with USW-DSS protocols and user interfaces.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This software system has a direct application and is usable for the commercial fishery, oil and gas exploration (seismic), and marine construction industries where environmental compliance and determination of risk to protected species from their activities is necessary.

REFERENCES:
1. Letter of Authorization, Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Services, January 22, 2009.

2. Eddy, M.F., H Kribs, M. Cowen, Cognitive and Behavioral Task Implications for Three-Dimensional Displays Used in Combat Information/Direction Centers, Technical Report, March 1999.

3. Compliance Guide for Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule (50 CFR 224.105), OMB Control #0648-0580.

KEYWORDS: Environmental compliance, Protected species, Marine Mammals, Protective measures, Risk assessment, Anthropogenic sources, Marine sanctuaries, Route Planning, Asset Allocation

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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