DON26BZ01-NV007 TITLE: Test and Alert System for Type 1 Encryption Device Hold-up Batteries (HUB)

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY PRIORITY AREA(S): Sustainment

PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT: Level 2 (Self)

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 a common Type 1 encryption device Hold-Up Battery (HUB) tester and accompanying low battery alert device.

DESCRIPTION: Develop a universal Hold-Up Battery (HUB) tester and integrated low-voltage alert system for Type 1 encryption devices. These devices rely on HUB batteries to retain mission-critical software. Failure to replace depleted batteries within specified intervals often renders them inoperable, necessitating costly returns to depots or vendors for software recovery.

The proposed solution must provide:

• A non-invasive HUB battery tester compatible across multiple device types

• A low-battery alert mechanism to signal impending voltage failure

• A streamlined method for monitoring and managing battery replacement intervals

This capability will significantly reduce lifecycle costs, improve operational readiness, and mitigate the risks associated with device storage in long-term vault conditions.

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 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 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: Investigate and propose design approaches for a universal HUB testing device compatible with a range of Type 1 encryption devices Emphasis will be placed on a non-invasive testing methodology to assess battery health without compromising device security or data integrity.

Evaluate the technical feasibility of developing a compact, attachable low-battery alert module capable of operating within storage conditions and security constraints typical of Type 1 encryption devices.

Identify common HUB battery characteristics across platforms and establish baseline voltage thresholds for end-of-life alerts.

The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.

PHASE II: Based on Phase I modeling, design and develop a prototype HUB testing device for Type 1 encryption devices. Execute Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) activities to identify the system’s capabilities, limitations and deficiencies. Provide DT&E data for cost, performance and schedule tradeoffs.

It is probable that the work under this effort will be classified under Phase II (see the Description for details).

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop the prototype(s) generated in Phase II for use in COMSEC facilities and Fleet activities that store and maintain Type 1 encryption devices with HUBs.

By identifying and developing devices that test and alert to HUB status, this research benefits the private sector by enabling reliable and robust commercial solutions for testing, tracking and replacing batteries that may be failing. This could potentially lead to improved performance, reduced downtimes and replacement/recovery cost associated with these devices when the batteries fail.

REFERENCES:

1. "DoD Instruction 8523.01, Communications Security (COMSEC), January 6, 2021." Office of the DoD Chief Information Officer. Cleared for public release. https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/
2. Vassilev, A.; Feldman, L. and Witte, G. "ITL Bulletin for 2014: Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP)." Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=917620

KEYWORDS: Type 1 Encryptor; Hold-Up Battery; HUB; COMSEC; Vault Storage; Bricked Encryptor; Battery Testing

TPOC:
NAVAIR SBIR/STTR POC
navair-sbir@us.navy.mil