DON26BZ02-NV050 TITLE: Low-Cost Bottoming Seabed Nodes for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Support

OUSW (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Contested Logistics Technologies (LOG)

COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY PRIORITY AREA(S): Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems;Sustainment;Trusted AI and Autonomy

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 modular, low-cost, high endurance seabed nodes to support integration of diverse subsea payloads.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy is seeking low-cost, modular seabed nodes with standardized mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces to accommodate diverse payload options, including acoustic communications modems, undersea sensors, navigation, and data transfer and storage. The commercial market lacks seabed nodes appropriate for Navy use. The nodes should be capable of operating independently or operating as part of a larger node network and support interoperability with other underwater acoustic platforms, networks, and a wide range of underwater vehicles.

The nodes must have a cylindrical form factor of 19 inches in diameter and 51 inches in length, with a maximum dry weight is 1,000 lbs and able to withstand maritime deployment while maintaining and controlling descent to the seabed.

The nodes must function regardless of their orientation on the seafloor and must be operational on the seabed for a minimum of 12 months (Threshold), 24 months (Objective). The nodes must be pressure tolerant up to a depth of 300 meters and able to anchor in differing bottom types, currents, sea growth, and corrosion without performance degradation, as well as in currents up to 2 knots. Each node must manage its power usage to maximize operational lifespan and utilize power management strategies when possible.

While the focus of the effort is the design and development of payload agnostic subsea nodes, the desired initial payload of this effort will be acoustic communications nodes with the ability to expand development. Acoustic communication nodes should support two interfaces. The first acoustic communications interface shall enable long range, low data rate horizontal communications in the frequency band of 1kHz to 5kHz. The second communications interface shall enable short range, high data rate communications with Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUVs). The acoustic communications modem used must leverage Commercial off-the-shelf products, to include software-defined acoustic modems, to allow flexibility in the definition waveforms, modulation schemes, transmission power levels, and the use of Low Probability of Detection and Low Probability of Intercept (LPD/LPI) acoustic waveforms. The mesh network must support persistent data storage and distribution services for small data payloads (less than 1KB in size), and data storage only for larger payloads (less than 100KB in size). To maximize range on the sea floor and enable connectivity with other nodes, the node can deploy an undersea beacon or other methods to adjust the altitude of its acoustic transducer.

A detailed Interface Control Document (ICD) will be provided as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) upon entering Phase II. This ICD will specify the physical attachment points, as well as describe the umbilical and electronic communications to be received from the vehicle.

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: Develop a concept design for low-cost, modular seabed nodes with standardized mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces that meet the form factor and operational requirements described above. The concept design feasibility should include any modeling and simulation and studies in support of concept risk reduction. Establish feasibility by developing system diagrams that show the design concept and provide estimated weight, dimensions, cost estimate, and manufacturability of the concept.

Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build a prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver a minimum of two prototype nodes for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in the Phase I and the Navy requirements. Demonstrate performance with a 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. Prepare a Phase III development plan to transition this technology for Navy use.

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

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. Support further refinement and testing of the functionality following successful prototype development and demonstration.

If successful, potential applications include integration with other government agencies depending on the capability provided that supports subsea warfare, increasing the Navy’s capability to perform a variety of Subsea Seabed Warfare and Undersea Warfare missions.

In addition to such DOW applications, these payloads could be used in commercial oil, gas, and oceanographic applications to improve communication between undersea vehicles.

REFERENCES:

1. Awan, Khalid Mahmood et al. "Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks: A Review of Recent Issues and Challenges." Wiley Online Library, 01 January 2019. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/6470359?msockid=1366eb92424f6f823636fe5d43ab6e35
2. Morozs, Nils et al. "Network Protocols for Simultaneous Underwater Acoustic Communications and Target Detection." HAL Open Science, 31 Aug 2023. https://hal.science/hal-04192220/file/COUSIN_Networking_UACE_2023%20%282%29.pdf
3. Zhang, Y.; Liu, Z. and Bi, Y. "Node deployment optimization of underwater wireless sensor networks using intelligent optimization algorithm and robot collaboration." Sci Rep 13, 15920, 23 September 2023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-43272-x
4. Martin, Sebastian Z. "Allocation of Surveillance and Search Assets in Undersea Warfare." Trident Scholar Project Report, May 2024. https://www.usna.edu/TridentProgram/Trident_Scholar_Abstracts/Abstracts_2024.php
5. Chu, Thuan D. "Undersea Logistics: Routing Optimization in Gray Zone Environments." Naval Postgraduate School Thesis, September 2023. https://calhoun.nps.edu/bitstreams/e61f757c-8be1-4393-b34d-fc9a9f103d75/download
6. National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual (NISP), 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq. (1993). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/subtitle-B/chapter-XX/part-2004

KEYWORDS: Seafloor and Bottom Nodes; Seafloor Logistics; Undersea Communications Networks; Undersea Constellation; Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Communications; Clandestine Delivered Mine (CDM)

TPOC 1
Eric Bandstra
(202) 781-4920
eric.r.bandstra.civ@us.navy.mil

TPOC 2
Ryan Hilger
(202) 781-4336
ryan.p.hilger.mil@us.navy.mil