A -- NETWORKING IN THE EXTREME (NETEX)

Notice Date

August 21, 2001

Contracting Office

Other Defense Agencies, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Contracts Management Office, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA, 22203-1714

ZIP Code

22203-1714

Solicitation Number

BAA01-46

Response Due

August 27, 2002

Point of Contact

Mari Maeda, DARPA Program Manager, Phone 703-522-7161, Fax 703-522-7161, Email none

Description

NETWORKING IN THE EXTREME (NETEX), SOL BAA 01-46, DUE: 08/27/02; POC: DR. MARI MAEDA, DARPA/ITO; FAX: (703) 522-7161. PROGRAM OBJECTIVE: With the steady advances in processing technologies, military system designers have come to realize the advantages of distributed systems. In particular, inexpensive processing power makes it possible to spread intelligence throughout a system rather than relying on a more centralized architecture. Distributed platforms generally offer increased fault tolerance, cover a greater geographic area, and support enhanced resolution coverage. Platforms such as Future Combat Systems, for example, have taken the concept of a tank and replaced it with a more capable, and more survivable and more maneuverable distributed system for land battle. This trend is expected to continue in many future systems. The promised potency of decentralized system intelligence, however, cannot be realized without a robust interconnection network tying the nodes together. To enable applications such as the deployment of distributed unattended sensors, military users are faced with the challenges of: 1. Rapidly creating robust networks in complex and hostile environments. Such networks must operate in complex and harsh physical locations including dense urban terrain, which represents the single most hazardous setting for engagement that US military forces are likely to encounter. The system must also operate in a hostile electromagnetic environment where jamming and interception attempts are assumed. 2. Coordinating the assignment of available spectrum. The problem of spectral allocation is compounded by the trend of decreasing domestic military bandwidths and by the inconsistencies of the international spectrum allocation environments. The goal of NETEX program is to create a new wireless networking technologies that address these challenges. The central focus of the program will be to advance capabilities based on ultra-wideband (UWB) radios and to exploit its unique physical layer properties to form robust, scalable networks. UWB radios, otherwise known as "carrier-free" or "impulse" radios, are characterized by transmission and reception of short bursts of radio frequency (RF) energy (typically of order or fraction of nanosecond in duration) and by the resultant broad spectral bandwidth. Operating in a low power regime, some of the potential advantages of UWB include: immunity to multipath cancellation, low probability of detection with low energy density transmissions, enhanced penetration capability with the presence of low frequency spectral content, and minimized hardware complexity with removal of analog RF components. UWB radios are also expected to offer a rich set of software-controllable parameters that can be exploited to create highly resilient and scalable networks. This program will advance design and implementation of UWB radios and develop a new suite of networking and medium access control (MAC) layer protocols and algorithms for creating robust networks in extreme environments. Some of the applications that will be enabled include rapid deployment of distributed unattended sensors for urban monitoring and surveillance, and network-based precision geo-localization systems for tracking personnel, vehicles, and sensors in environments where Global Positioning System (GPS) is ineffective. TECHNICAL AREAS: Through this solicitation, DARPA seeks new research proposals in the following topic areas: 1. Design and Implementation of UWB Radio Networks; 2. Precision Geo-Localization; 3. Measurement, Analysis and Modeling of Extreme Environments; 4. Compatibility and Robustness; 5. Interoperability Research; 6. Applications. OTHER INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO THE NETEX PROBLEM: This solicitation seeks other innovative approaches -- both in the protocols software and in the hardware or the physical layer -- to the problem of robust networking in harsh environment. For example, techniques for enhancing robustness for a narrowband RF network may be proposed if the approach is highly innovative. Also, an alternative physical layer mechanism to ultra-wideband and narrowband RF may be investigated -- for example using ultraviolet or infrared -- but such approach must meet the applications needs in terms of power, size, robustness, and the potential for non-line of sight operations. PROGRAM SCOPE: DARPA anticipates the NETEX program to be five years in duration. The program is divided into two phases. Phase 1 will focus on base technologies development and support multiple teams to implement a variety of different UWB network strategies. At the conclusion of Phase 1 (~2Q FY04), assessments will be made to answer the following questions: 1. Can UWB networks be designed to co-exist with other military radios, radars, sensors and GPS receivers? 2. Can we clearly identify operational regimes where UWB performance is superior to narrowband RF systems? 3. Which hardware design and implementation as well as protocols offer the maximum robustness for scalable operation in complex environments? Phase 2 will be launched after the candidate UWB implementations are narrowed down. The goal of Phase 2 is to demonstrate a scalable network with significantly greater coverage as well as interoperability between multiple co-existing UWB sub-networks. NOTE: Phase 2 will be handled under a separate BAA. Proposals should describe measurable milestones and deliverables at approximately 12 month and 24 month from the start of the project. Proposals for all areas and topics should have duration of no more than 24 months of base funding, and may include additional 12 month options. This should include a discussion how Phase 1 path progression complements and addresses future Phase 2 effort. Teaming of experts with diverse backgrounds in relevant areas (networking and MAC layer protocols, applications research, digital circuit design, antenna design etc.) is strongly encouraged. Cost sharing is also strongly encouraged for projects involving industrial research laboratories. This BAA shall remain open and proposals received up to one year following this BAA's release. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches and techniques that lead to or enable revolutionary advances in the state-of-the-art. Proposals are not limited to the specific strategies listed above, and alternative visions will be considered. However, proposals should be for research that substantially contributes towards the goals stated. Research should result in prototype hardware and/or software demonstrating integrated concepts and approaches. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvement to the existing state of practice or focuses on a specific system or solution. Integrated solution sets embodying significant technological advances are strongly encouraged over narrowly defined research endeavors. INDUSTRY DAY: PROPOSER INFORMATION AND TEAM FORMING MEETING DARPA will hold a one-day informational meeting on September 10, 2001 in McLean, Virginia. This Industry Day meeting will include briefings from potential military users as well as from researchers working on exploratory UWB projects. Poster sessions will be held for potential bidders to describe their expertise and interests. Attendance at this meeting is OPTIONAL. Access the following website for the meeting details: http://www.eventmakeronline.com/sta/View/index.asp?MeetingID=3D9. GENERAL INFORMATION: The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/Information Technology Office (DARPA/ITO) requires completion of a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Cover Sheet Submission for each Abstract/Proposal, by accessing the URL below: http://www.dyncorp-is.com/BAA/index.asp?BAAid=3D01-46. After finalizing the BAA Cover Sheet Submission, the proposer must submit the BAA Confirmation Sheet that will automatically appear on the web page. Each proposer is responsible for printing the BAA Confirmation Sheet and submitting it attached to the "original" and each designated number of copies. The Confirmation Sheet should be the first page of your Abstract/Proposal. Failure to comply with these submission procedures may result in the submission not being evaluated. NEW REQUIREMENTS/PROCEDURES: The Award Document for each proposal selected and funded will contain a mandatory requirement for submission of DARPA/ITO Quarterly Status Reports and an Annual Project Summary Report. These reports will be electronically submitted via the DARPA/ITO Technical-Financial Information Management System (T-FIMS), utilizing the government furnished Uniform Resource Locator (URL) on the World Wide Web (WWW). Details in Proposer Information Pamphlet (PIP). ABSTRACT FORMAT: In order to minimize unnecessary effort in proposal preparation and review, proposers are strongly encouraged to submit brief proposal abstracts in advance of full proposals. An original and 4 copies of the proposal abstract and 2 electronic copies (i.e., 2 separate disks) of the abstract (in Microsoft Word '97 for IBM-compatible, PDF, Postscript, or ASCII format on one 3.5-inch floppy disk or one 100 MB Iomega Zip disk). Each disk must be clearly labeled with BAA 01-46, proposer organization, proposal title (short title recommended) and Copy (Number) of 2. The proposal abstract (original and designated number of hard and electronic copies) must be submitted to DARPA/ITO, ATTN: BAA 01-46, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714, in time to reach DARPA by 4:00 PM (ET) Monday, September 24, 2001, to guarantee review. Upon review, DARPA will make a recommendation to offerors either encouraging or discouraging submission of full proposals. PROPOSAL FORMAT: Proposers must submit an original and 4 copies of the full proposal and 2 electronic copies (i.e., 2 separate disks) of the full proposal (in Microsoft Word ?97 for IBM-compatible, PDF, Postscript, or ASCII format on one 3.5-inch floppy disk or one 100 MB Iomega Zip disk). Each disk must be clearly labeled with BAA 01-46, proposer organization, proposal title (short title recommended) and Copy (Number) of 2. The full proposal (original and designated number of hard and electronic copies) must be submitted in time to reach DARPA by 4:00 PM (ET) Tuesday, November 13, 2001, in order to be considered. However, BAA 01-46, Networking in the Extreme (NETEX), will remain open until 4:00 PM (ET) Tuesday, August 27, 2002. Thus, proposals may be submitted at any time from issuance of this BAA through Tuesday, August 27, 2002. While the proposals submitted after the Tuesday, November 13, 2001 deadline above will be evaluated by the Government, proposers should keep in mind that the likelihood of funding such proposals is less than for those proposals submitted in connection with the initial evaluation and award schedule. Proposers must obtain the BAA 01-46 Proposer Information Pamphlet (PIP), which provides further information on the areas of interest, submission, evaluation, funding processes, proposal abstracts, and full proposal formats. This pamphlet may be obtained by fax, electronic mail, mail request to the administrative contact address given below, or at URL address http://www.darpa.mil/ito/Solicitations.html. Proposals not meeting the format described in the pamphlet may not be reviewed. This notice, in conjunction with the BAA 01-46 PIP and all references, constitutes the total BAA. No additional information is available, nor will a formal RFP or other solicitation regarding this announcement be issued. Requests for same will be disregarded. The Government reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals received. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit a proposal that shall be considered by DARPA. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged to submit proposals and join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or severable areas of this research for exclusive competition among these entities. Evaluation of proposals will be accomplished through a scientific review of each proposal, using the following criteria which are explained in detail in the PIP and listed below in descending order of relative importance: (1) Overall Scientific and Technical Merit. (2) Innovative Technical Solution to the Problem. (3) Potential Contribution and Relevance to DARPA Mission. (4) Offeror's Capabilities and Related Experience. (5) Plans and Capability to Accomplish Technology Transition. (6) Cost Realism. All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation, including requests for information on how to submit a proposal abstract or proposal to this BAA, must be received at one of the administrative addresses below by 4:00 PM (ET) Tuesday, November 6, 2001; e-mail or fax is preferred. DARPA intends to use electronic mail and fax for some of the correspondence regarding BAA 01-46. Proposals and proposal abstracts MUST NOT be submitted by fax or e-mail; any so sent will be disregarded. The administrative addresses for this BAA are: Fax: 703-522-7161 Addressed to: DARPA/ITO, BAA 01-46; Electronic Mail: baa01-46@darpa.mil; Electronic File Retrieval: http://www.darpa.mil/ito/Solicitations.html; Mail to: DARPA/ITO, ATTN: BAA 01-46, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203-1714.

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA01-46/listing.html)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010823/ASOL007.HTM (D-233 SN50V5T9)