U.S. Army CECOM, CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5008

A -- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SOURCES SOUGHT SOL DAAB07-00-R-J483 DUE 042800 POC Dr. Robert Ferra, 732-427-6913 or Mr. Jay Nemeroff, 732-427-2879 E-MAIL: click here to contact Dr. Robert Ferra, ferrarc@mail1.monmouth.army.mil. CECOM's Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate is performing a market survey of potential technologies for use in Smart Networked Communications Systems For Unattended Ground Sensors. Objective: The US Army envisions the widespread proliferation of unattended ground based battlefield sensors, smart munitions and Robotic systems, supporting dynamic, self healing communication networks. Typically, sensor deployments will consist of clusters of sensors linked together by communication networks and/or emplaced radio frequency communication and information relay systems. Inherent in these communication networks will be the ability to collect, fuse and transport this sensor information within networks, to designated controllers, Command TOCs, the tactical theater, or strategic command center in a timely and effective manner. Sensor communication equipment in this environment must remain reliable for sustained operational periods, sometimes in severe climatic, terrain, and in hostile areas where Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD), EMI/EMC, low profile antenna technology, effective utilization of radio power, and size and weight become critical design perimeters. New and emerging technologies, customized for unattended sensor-networking communication devices, will ultimately be developed into a common communications architecture, and equipment suite to support this forward deployment of unattended smart munitions, sensor, and robotic systems. The objective of this survey to is to identify promising technologies leading to networks described above and to initiate an architecture and demonstration phase. Information Sought: Specifically information is sought leading to the implementation of a smart sensor radio network, utilizing improved robust and adaptable routing protocols, fusion and networking algorithms. A proposed communications network architectural commonality that will have the ability to reconfigure sensor, robotics or smart munition systems for maximum survivability; and that will support Local Hostile Situational Awareness, and sensor/smart munitions/Robotic information dispersal. Critical factors to be considered in the developmental cycle of these networks will include near ground connectivity, spectrum utilization, required bandwidths, interoperability security requirements between tactical and unattended communicators, low profile efficient antennas, size weight and power constraints, covertness (LPI/LPD), data fusion effects/tradeoffs, and interference (self-induced or external). Information and approaches which will allow tradeoff analysis to identify operation in optimum in communication bands is part of this effort. CECOM is interested in evaluating any type of commercial off-the-shelf communication/network products which can be used in initial demonstrations and a concept validation testbed that will lead to further development meeting the objectives and goals of the program. Interested parties are invited to submit proposals for possible solutions relevant to smart sensor networking/communications systems. Request all responses be submitted by 31 March 2000 to the U.S. Army CECOM, ATTN: AMSEL-RD-ST-PC (Ferra), Bldg. 2700, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5000. Points of contact are Dr. Robert Ferra or Mr. Jay Nemeroff (732) 532-0462. EMAILADD: ferrarc@mail1.monmouth.army.mil Nemeroff@mail1.monmouth.army.mil Posted 04/06/00 (W-SN442130). (0097)

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