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Description
ARMY SBIR 2021.4 Topic: A214-036
OBJECTIVE
Develop, demonstrate, and deliver a solution for computer-controlled virtual human entities as well as intelligent tutoring systems to simulate realistic behavior and scenarios, evaluate Soldier training performance, provide feedback, and tailor training scenarios to optimize Soldier performance.
ITAR
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 section 3.5 of 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.
DESCRIPTION
Soldiers are constantly training, and the Army is always looking for ways to make them more effective. The creation of a synthetic training environment that will interact with users, and enhance live training, is a critical Army modernization priority. The goal is to create a system that can train skills to multiple Soldiers simultaneously, using realistic and dynamic virtual reality/augmented reality scenarios. This type of training will enable our Soldiers to train together, even when geographically separated, and help them make better decisions faster. The ultimate end state: improved outcomes on the battlefield.
Current synthetic training environments are constrained by intelligent entities that are not as realistic or responsive as desired. The U.S. Army is looking for the implementation of virtual humans with natural behaviors as well as intelligent entities to act as Subject Matter Experts (SME) to tutor the Soldiers by providing feedback, guidance, and if necessary demonstrate a defined skill for the Soldier. Simulations should focus on interfacing synthetic entities with intelligent tutoring functionality to support coaching and feedback functions. Systems should provide dynamic simulation adjustments, reinforce decision making, identify performance gaps, and determine the appropriate level of interaction/challenge for the next training event based on previous interactions. The intelligent tutoring / adaptive training solution will occur in a Virtual Reality (VR) environment to use realistic training scenarios and will be accessible remotely to Soldiers. Improving intelligent entities to be more responsive, fluid and adaptable will enable identification of individualized end user performance struggles and learning gaps. This will allow the intelligent tutoring entities to adjust scenarios and modify the difficulty level as required for each training iteration.
Capabilities of this solution could include (but are not limited to):
- Ability to interact with multi-user training audiences to provide realistic interactions in the way of standard speech patterns, defined work actions, emotional reactions, and reactivity
- Training scenarios should allow the Soldier to rehearse and run multiple engagements to prepare them for future activity in a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) environment
- Dynamic behaviors that react to users' decision processes with fluidity and account for group behavior
- Customizable and scalable Patterns of Life (POL) activities to include cultural activities and norms
- Applicable with the Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT)
- Designed with an open architecture format to facilitate integration into the Army's Training Management Tool (TMT) and the Training Simulation System (TSS)
- Software solution that can be integrated with future hardware
PHASE I
Design proof of concept solution for monitoring and providing feedback for Soldier performance, and modify training scenarios. Solutions will be evaluated based on a holistic view of factors including: the ability to integrate with existing government software such as STE TMT or TSS, cost of development, ability to adapt based on individual Soldiers needs or scenarios, and any additional factors proposed. Final deliverable will be a concept design presentation, proof of technology demonstration, and plans for follow-on Phase 2 work.
DIRECT-TO-PHASE-II proposals must provide documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described in the Phase I section of this topic has been met and describes the potential commercial applications of the solution. This could be accomplished through the use of GIFT or other intelligent tutoring system technology.
Soldier touchpoint will be provided free of charge. Proposers that plan to participate in the Soldier touchpoint (if awarded a Phase II) are encouraged to include travel costs for three touchpoints, within the continental US, of 1-2 days each for in-person event. In-person events may be substituted for virtual events depending on COVID-19 travel restrictions. Details will be provided to awardees under this topic at Phase I award.
PHASE II
Design a prototype demonstration of virtual human entities simulation for future integration into the Army's Synthetic Training Environment. Solution shall contain all capabilities listed above, as well as any additional features proposed by the vendor, and will be evaluated on a holistic basis including: the ability to integrate with existing government software such as TMT or TSS, cost of development, ability to adapt based on individual Soldiers needs or scenarios, and any additional factors proposed. Confirmation of training effectiveness through product verification shall be demonstrated. Accurate models for measuring performance, valid feedback and scenario adaptation logic, and experiments to determine type of intervention shall confirm that technology is viable and meaningful within the environment.
Phase II deliverables include a demonstration and delivery of a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 prototype for further Army evaluation, as well as quarterly and final reports detailing design and performance analysis of the prototype.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS
The objective of Phase III, where appropriate, is for the small business to pursue commercialization objectives through the effort. Companies may develop a manufacturing-ready product design, capable of integration with the existing or future platform, and demonstrate technology integration. Companies will engage in laboratory or operational testing as required. Potential commercial uses include video game design, AR/VR industries, realistic video game environments.
Phase III deliverables include system-level integration technical data package, installation documentation, and system-level prototype for demonstration and government-sponsored testing
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