N254-P02 TITLE: NAVSEA Open Topic for Modular Mine Warfare Components
OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Computing and Software
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.
OBJECTIVE: Develop modular mine components to facilitate configurable mining capability adaptable for various environmental and operational conditions.
DESCRIPTION: NOTE: A small business concern may only submit one (1) proposal to each Open Topic. If more than one proposal from a small business concern is received for a single Open Topic, only the most recent proposal to be certified and submitted in DSIP prior to the submission deadline will receive an evaluation. All prior proposals submitted by the small business concern for the same Open Topic will be marked as nonresponsive and will not receive an evaluation.
Develop innovative hardware, software, firmware, or a combination to enhance modularity in naval mines across five categories (listed below). The Navy seeks mature (Technology Readiness Level [TRL] 5 or higher) technologies that, when integrated, will enhance mine capability and adaptability. Proposed solutions must adhere to specified cylindrical form factors, support interoperability via standard interfaces, and be watertight. This modular mine technology aims to modernize maritime mining, facilitate mission capability, and enhance maintenance and sustainability.
The overall system level architecture consists of a set of Modules. The Space, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWAP-C) for the modules is provided below.
1. Sensing Module
2. Core Computing and Processing Module
3. Power and Data Bus Module
4. Energy Supply Module
5. Electronic Safe and Arming Device (ESAD) Module
Note: The dimensions and power figures listed for each of the modules are objectives for the system. If a small business concern assesses that more physical space and/or power draw is required, that assessment will be entertained if the combined size of the Sensing Module, Support Module, Core Computing and Processing Module, and ESAD does not exceed a cylindrical form factor of 2.8 inches in diameter and 6.0 inches in height.
1. Sensing Module: This SBIR topic seeks an innovative and modular Sensing Module for naval mines, capable of identifying, locating and ranging potential targets. The module should integrate one or more subsurface sensors, can include but are not limited to: magnetometers, Underwater Electric Potential (UEP) devices, passive/active acoustic sensors, and seismic sensors, or other novel sensor technologies that address current mine warfare challenges. Sensors must be low-cost, low-power, compact, and highly dependable, with standard, non-proprietary interfaces. The Sensing Module must adhere to a cylindrical form factor (less than or equal to 2.8 inches diameter, less than or equal to 6 inches length), operate within a power budget of less than or equal to 20 Watts peak and less than or equal to 1 Watt average, and provide data to other modules through shared interfaces. Proposals should emphasize the modularity of the design and the potential for incorporating future sensor technologies. Please note: The Navy is interested in novel and innovative solutions that might exceed the provided form factor limitations. Companies with novel and innovative sensor module solutions may propose a larger form factor (up to 20 inch diameter and 6 inch height) however, only groundbreaking and high-impact capabilities will be considered for this larger size.
2. Energy Supply Module: This SBIR topic seeks innovative approaches that would be able to provide a minimum of 250 Watt-Hours of power and serve as the power source for other modules defined within this SBIR topic. This module must be designed for prolonged underwater operation and packaged in a cylindrical form factor no larger than 2.8 inches in diameter and 6.0 inches in height. For battery-based energy solutions, the Navy seeks to leverage and optimize existing, shipboard approved battery technologies.
3. Power and Data Bus Module: This SBIR topic seeks an innovative and modular Power and Data Bus Module able to efficiently manage power distribution within the mine, optimizing overall power consumption. This module will route power from the Energy Supply Module to other system components and condition/distribute power from external 28VDC and 48VDC sources. Proposers are also encouraged to suggest an additional, optimized voltage level. The module must provide robust power and data support to other modules via shared interfaces and conform to a compact cylindrical form factor (less than or equal to 2.8 inches diameter, less than or equal to 1.0 inch height).
4. Core Computing and Processing Module: This SBIR topic seeks an innovative and modular Core Computing and Processing Module that is able to provide the mine's core computing, processing, logic, and data storage capabilities, utilizing hardware, software, firmware, and algorithms. To ensure future adaptability, the module must support Central Processing Units (CPUs), Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The module must fit within a cylindrical form factor no greater than 2.8 inches in diameter and 1.0 inch in height, and its power draw must not exceed 40 Watts.
5. ESAD: This SBIR topic seeks to explore the development of a next-generation ESAD for naval mines, emphasizing modularity, low cost, compact size, and exceptional dependability. The ESAD must process inputs from environmental sensors and command signals to generate the necessary output for lead explosive initiation. Proposed design(s) must incorporate multiple independent safety features and comply fully with relevant portions of MIL-STD-1316F, MIL-STD-331C, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) Technical Publication 8431, and Weapon System Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB) Technical Guidance for ESADs with non-interrupted explosive trains. Critical design constraints include a cylindrical form factor (less than or equal to 2.8 inches diameter, less than or equal to 0.7 inches height) and ultra-low power consumption. The ESAD's quiescent power draw must be less than or equal to 0.1 mWatts, with an objective of approaching 0 Watts. Power draw after sensing arming conditions must not exceed 50 Watts.
Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVSEA 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 during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
PHASE I: The DON is planning to issue multiple Phase I awards for this topic but reserves the right to issue no awards. Each Phase I proposal must include a Base and Option period of performance. The Phase I Base must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $140,000. The Phase I Option must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $100,000.
Develop a concept for a module that meet the requirements described above. Establish feasibility by developing system diagrams, as well as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models that illustrate the module concept and provide the estimated weight, dimensions, and power of the conceptual system. Feasibility will be established by either or both testing and analytical modeling.
The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.
Phase I deliverables include:
- Kick-Off Briefing, due 15 days from start of Base award
- Progress Report, due 90 days from start of Base award
- Final Report, due 180 days from start of Base award
- Quad Chart, due 180 days from start of Base award
- Initial Phase II Proposal, due 180 days from start of Base award
PHASE II: All Phase I awardees may submit an Initial Phase II proposal for evaluation and selection. The evaluation criteria for Phase II are the same as Phase I (as stated in this BAA). The Phase I Final Report and Initial Phase II Proposal will be used to evaluate the small business concern’s potential to adapt commercial products to fill a capability gap, improve performance, or modernize an existing capability for DON and transition the technology to Phase III. Details on the due date, content, and submission requirements of the Initial Phase II Proposal will be provided by the awarding SYSCOM either in the Phase I contract or by subsequent notification.
The scope of the Phase II effort will be specific to each project but is generally expected to develop and deliver a prototype system for in-water testing and measurement/validation of the Phase I performance attributes. Perform detailed analysis and live demonstration in a test environment as part of the evaluation. Provide detailed technical documentation of the design, including an interface control drawing and interface specification, to allow successful transition of the product.
Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description section.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use.
Although a fully operational module is initially targeted for use in maritime mining, technology(ies) proposed should have the ability to support additional Navy applications and be suitable for shipboard use. Application of this product could provide commercial Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUVs) a longer duration to explore, map, survey (pipelines, cables, piers, bridges), and perform work (repair, salvage) in underwater.
REFERENCES:
KEYWORDS: Modular naval mine; mining modernization; underwater sensor technology; cylindrical form factor; low-power electronics; electronic safe and arming device (ESAD)
** TOPIC NOTICE ** |
The Navy Topic above is an "unofficial" copy from the Navy Topics in the DoD 25.4 Release 11 SBIR BAA. Please see the official DoD Topic website at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/solicitation-documents/active-solicitations for any updates. The DoD issued its Navy 25.4 Release 11 SBIR Topics pre-release on August 6, 2025 which opens to receive proposals on August 27, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025 (12:00pm ET). Direct Contact with Topic Authors: During the pre-release period (August 6, 2025, through August 26, 2025) proposing firms have an opportunity to directly contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to ask technical questions about the specific BAA topic. The TPOC contact information is listed in each topic description. Once DoD begins accepting proposals on August 27, 2025 no further direct contact between proposers and topic authors is allowed unless the Topic Author is responding to a question submitted during the Pre-release period. DoD On-line Q&A System: After the pre-release period, until September 10, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET, proposers may submit written questions through the DoD On-line Topic Q&A at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login/ by logging in and following instructions. In the Topic Q&A system, the questioner and respondent remain anonymous but all questions and answers are posted for general viewing. DoD Topics Search Tool: Visit the DoD Topic Search Tool at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/ to find topics by keyword across all DoD Components participating in this BAA.
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| 9/18/25 | Q. | What are already approved shipboard batteries? Or where can we find those? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. | There are various batteries that have been approved for shipboard operations, based on chemistry, energy, power, voltage, and these are typically optimized for the application, using lead-acid, Ni-Metal Hydride, and lithium. Lithium batteries pose specific hazards and have very restricted certification for specific applications, locations, and concept of employment. Dependent on the proposal, a list of Navy certified batteries may be given to the awardees. The government wants to see what companies provide that are or could be applicable to this BAA topic. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/16/25 | Q. | For the energy supply module, are there other key drivers for this module? Temperature range, peak power, etc? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Yes, but they are at a higher level of classification than is allowed for release in this BAA. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/16/25 | Q. | Does voltage flexibility matter in the energy supply module for this energy storage system? Or is there a target voltage for the system? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. | The ideal supply voltage may vary depending on what particular mining system the module is used in. Having said that, since we are looking for a modular design that can be used across many systems, the energy supply module proposed for this SBIR should be at one supply voltage. Regarding the value of that supply voltage we are looking for input in a company's proposal, based on the entirety of the information provided in the BAA, including that for all five module. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/16/25 | Q. | For the sensing module - what output do you expect to be passed from the sensor? Can you speak to discriminators? Detection - classification - targeting? Is it purely detection - bearing range, or is there expected to be some level of classification of the target? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. | We want to see what capabilities companies provide based on the entirety of the information provided in the BAA, including that for all five modules. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9/9/25 | Q. | Could the sensing module be split into say two 1-in sections at the top and bottom of the cylinder? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Yes. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/27/25 | Q. | Will the sensing module potentially be used in the VSW/surf zone? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/20/25 | Q. | For the energy supply module, is energy storage the only acceptable solution or are power generation solutions also acceptable? If power generation is acceptable (i.e. for at-sea energy replenishment), what is the estimated continuous power usage of the system in watts? How long is the energy module intended to last in hours? What is the depth range these modules are intended to operate in meters? This will help us determine the amount of power generation required to produce an effective energy capacity of 250 Wh for the duration of the module's deployment. | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. |
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| 8/12/25 | Q. | Could you please clarify whether the Navy intends for each small business proposal to focus on developing only one module from the list provided, or if the expectation is to propose all five modules as part of a single submission? Can a proposal include more than one module if the proposer has capabilities in multiple areas? Could you please clarify whether the Navy intends for each small business proposal to focus on developing only one module from the list provided, or if the expectation is to propose all five modules as part of a single submission?
Can a proposal include more than one module if the proposer has capabilities in multiple areas? |
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| A. | A proposal may include more than one module. A single small business may submit a single proposal that addresses one module, all five modules, or a subset of the five modules. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 8/6/25 | Q. | The topic note states “The dimensions and power figures listed for each of the modules are objectives for the system. If a small business concern assesses that more physical space and/or power draw is required, that assessment will be entertained if the combined size of the Sensing Module, Support Module, Core Computing and Processing Module, and ESAD does not exceed a cylindrical form factor of 2.8 inches in diameter and 6.0 inches in height.”, i.e., the maximum device height is 6.0" The total height obtained by adding the height allocated to each of the submodules is 14.7". What is the total allowable length for the device? | ||||||||||||||||||
| A. | The total allowable length for all of the combined modules is 6.0 inches. Please use the following dimensional constraints for each of the five modules:
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