Author: rjb
DoD Communities of Interest: R&D Research and Development
Subject: VISION AIDED NAVIGATION PROTOTYPES (W911NF-19-S-0004 SPECIAL NOTICE 2)
Due Date: Jul 02, 2020 11:59 pm CDT
Government Organization: Army Applications Laboratory
Description:
Vision Aided Navigation Prototype(s)
AAL is interested in Vision Aided Navigation solutions & associated technologies that will enable U.S. Army Soldiers operating in dismounted operations to continue to obtain Position, Navigation, and Timing in areas with limited or no GPS signal. Because dismounted operations include operating without immediate access to vehicle support, devices carried by a Soldier should be small, lightweight, and capable of operating with low power consumption.
The intent of this special topic is to develop Vision Aided Navigation capabilities, including component, sub-component, and associated technologies, to allow dismounted Soldiers to continue to operate utilizing limited or no GPS signals, which will enhance dismounted capabilities while reducing the need to overpower jamming systems.
AAL is interested in the following, non-exhaustive, list of Vision Aided Navigation solutions, though, submitters may submit proposed Vision Aided Navigation solutions that do not meet the following:
- Enhancements to commercial technologies to reduce the size, weight, power consumption and reduce cost (SWAP-C) of Vision Aided Navigation technology.
- Options that improve performance and efficiency and/or which can reduce overall cost, through software development.
- Proposed Vision Aided Navigation solutions must meet the following Performance Requirements for Vision Aided Navigation Capabilities:
Soldier navigation: <2% error as a function of total distance traveled (dismounted), real-time positioning using Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), Loop Closure, Visual Odometry techniques, or equivalent.
Imaging sensors: uncooled microbolometer, consumer mobile device, and thermal cameras, or equivalent.
Wavelengths (imaging sensor): visible (400-800 nm), LWIR (7.5-13.5um) Frame rates: up to 60Hz Compatible/Integrated with available GNSS signals, MEMS IMUs
SWAP-C:
Size, Not to exceed - 6.5 in x 3.5 in x 1.5in (approximate size of DAGR, or less)
Weight: Not to exceed 3lbs with batteries
Power: Not to exceed 10W (processor, imaging, IMU)
Cost: <$2000 per unit, complete system (approximate cost of DAGR)
*Complete component solutions that do not exceed 6.5 in x 3.5 in x 1.4 in (Approximate size of the DAGR); do not exceed 3lbs with batteries, and do not exceed 5W (average) and a peak of 10W power consumption may be submitted.
Scope of the Call
This Special Notice invites white papers on the topic of “Vision Aided Navigation solutions for dismounted Soldiers,” as part of the AAL BAA Disruptive Applications, Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (APNT). From the white papers submitted, a limited number of submitters will be selected to submit a full proposal after undergoing a technical Q&A with Army officials.
There is an increasing prospect for future Vision Aided Navigation solutions to ensure the United States maintains Assured Position Navigation and Timing for dismounted soldiers. This call invites applications on the topic of Vision Aided Navigation solutions for dismounted soldiers.
It is not fully known at this time what the quantities or dollar values will be, or which exact program office or agency may produce follow-on product however the solution may be applicable to various military application.
White papers should be for cutting-edge innovations that could produce discoveries with the potential for significant impacts to enable new and improved Army operational capabilities in regards to Vision Aided Navigation for dismounted soldiers.
Website: https://beta.sam.gov/opp/0335515caf4a480892927070fc3e47bd/view
Questions or assistance, contact:
North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH)
Dennis Lewis
703-217-3127
Bob Burton
910-824-9609
