Objective

The purpose of an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning focused Open Topic is to bring potentially valuable small business innovations to the Army and create an opportunity to expand the relevance of the Army SBIR program to businesses that do not normally compete for SBIR awards.

Description

This Open Topic is a Phase I submission only. The period of performance is a maximum of 3 months and a maximum funding of $150,000 per award. While the AI/ML Open Topic will accept proposals on any technical challenge requiring an AI/ML application, submissions addressing the following six out of eleven AI/ML TBT core priorities will be prioritized for award:

• Synthetic data generation – production data applicable to a given situation that are not obtained by direct measurement.
• Automated detection and prevention – automated systemic-based controls where they can stop threats automatically as well as predict the next attack for better future prevention.
• Automated data label – quickly curate and label data for an AI model.
• Biometrics – authentication is used in computer science as a form of identification and access control
• Natural language technology – focused on programming computers to process and analyze large amounts of natural language data.
• Supply chain resilience – automating risks and vulnerabilities within the supply chains to prevent major impacts.

Phase I

The Phase 1 period of performance will be 3 months. Small businesses shall deliver a proof of technical feasibility at the end of the Period of Performance.

Phase 1 submission materials:

• 5-page technical volume for down-select
• 8-slide commercialization plan; template provided in announcement.
• A Statement of Work” is required outlining intermediate and final anticipated deliverables during the Phase 1 award period

Post-Phase 1 Deliverables:

• Small Business: A feasibility study to demonstrate the technical and commercial practicality of the concept to include an assessment of its technical readiness and potential applicability to military and commercial markets.
• TPOC and Transition Partner: Commitment secured from TPOC and Transition Partner to associate with potential P2 work.

Phase II

Produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army units for further evaluation by the soldiers. In addition, companies will provide a technology transition and commercialization plan for DOD and commercial markets.

Phase III

Complete the maturation of the company’s technology developed in Phase II to TRL 6/7 and produce prototypes to support further development and commercialization. The Army will evaluate each product in a realistic field environment and provide small solutions to stakeholders for further evaluation. Based on soldier evaluations in the field, companies will be requested to update the previously delivered prototypes to meet final design configuration.

For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.