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

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army selected three small businesses to develop automated data platforms to improve the speed and quality of Soldier decision-making via artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Ever-changing battlefield conditions require the Army to rapidly adapt its operations, planning and communications strategies. Through the delivery of Knowledge-Level Distributed Active Data Platforms for Operations and Logistics Synchronization, the Army will use AI-driven analytical reasoning to understand and distribute information, guiding the coordination and execution of tactical decisions across operations.

“An advanced and robust automated data platform enabled by AI and ML will deliver critical logistical value across all services, supporting a digital, data-driven Army outlined in the Army Digital Transformation Strategy,” said Blaise Zandoli, the Army Applied SBIR Program’s portfolio manager for artificial intelligence/machine learning, and climate and clean tech. “By investing in this effort, we aim to develop a solution that offers scalability within the military and across commercial markets.”

The Army will invest up to $1.9 million each in small businesses via Direct to Phase II contracts. Throughout a 24-month performance period, technical experts within the Army science and technology ecosystem will assess the companies’ solutions based on demonstrated use of data curation technologies, knowledge graphs and information-sharing capabilities.

Automated Data Platform selectees

• Charles River Analytics Inc.; Cambridge, Mass.
• Cougaar Software, Inc.; Vienna, Va.
• Next Tier Concepts, Inc.; Vienna, Va.

The Army SBIR Program awards Phase I contracts to small and nontraditional businesses with solutions exhibiting technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential. The program awards Phase II and Direct to Phase II contracts to businesses with technologies capable of supporting federal interests and tackling key Army needs.

The Army SBIR Program provides these companies opportunities to coordinate with technical, acquisition and operational subject-matter experts. These specialists provide information regarding the Army’s technological needs and guidance from the Army research and development ecosystem. Businesses capitalize on this connection by engaging with technical points of contact that serve as essential resources as they develop their technologies for insertion into Army acquisition programs.

The Army SBIR Program releases contract opportunities on an ad-hoc and rolling basis to respond to current and projected warfighting technology needs. For eligibility information and a list of open topics, please visit armysbir.army.mil.

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 army.mil/asaalt and follow @ArmyASAALT.