By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Prize Competitions and Army Applied SBIR Program

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army’s ability to map and assess infrastructure is at the center of its solicitation for the building of information models – an effort seeking three-dimensional modeling software to increase Soldiers’ situational awareness.

The Army Applied SBIR Program requests small businesses develop technologies for the Dynamic Enhanced Environment Perception – Building Information Models contract opportunity. With the rise of complex operational environments, the Army aims to utilize real-time 3D mapping and modelling capabilities to observe and orient Soldiers in remote and underground locations.

“The proposed DEEP-BIM solution will integrate existing technologies and apply them to subterranean counter-WMD operations performed by the Army, U.S. Special Operations Command and other mission stakeholders,” said Dr. Matt Willis, director of Army Prize Competitions and the Army Applied SBIR Program. “The technology also clearly has dual-use capabilities that expand beyond Army use and into the commercial construction sector.”

For the DEEP-BIM solicitation, the Army will assess the solution’s ability to generate two- and three-dimensional maps of GPS-denied spaces, and the integration of sensor and object-identification data.

Awards up to $3.8 million

Up to two businesses that submit proposals can each receive an Army Small Business Innovation Research Direct to Phase II contract award worth up to $1.9 million to develop novel, DEEP-BIM solutions. Over the expected 24-month period of performance, awardees will engage with Soldiers for technical feedback during prototyping.

The solicitation enters pre-release on June 21 and concludes on July 5. Qualified small businesses can submit proposals between July 6 and August 8, noon Eastern time. Applicants must submit proposal packages via the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal.

The Army Applied SBIR Program awards Phase I contracts to small businesses and nontraditional vendors whose solutions offer technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential. The program awards Phase II and Direct to Phase II contracts to companies that can address Army needs, giving them federal support to mature technologies ready for demonstration.

Small business awardees gain access to technical, acquisition and operational subject-matter experts. These specialists offer information on the Army’s technological needs and guidance from the Army research and development ecosystem. Companies capitalize on this by collaborating with technical points of contact who serve as a resource for businesses while they mature their technologies for eventual insertion into Army acquisition programs.

The Army Applied SBIR Program releases contract opportunities ad hoc to respond to current and anticipated warfighting technology needs. For eligibility information and a list of open topics, please visit the Army SBIR|STTR website.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology leverages technologies and capabilities to provide U.S. Soldiers a decisive advantage in any environment by developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world’s finest equipment and services. For more information, visit the ASA(ALT) web page and follow @ArmyASAALT.