The Hatch Report (Issue #12)

This week's issue is slightly condensed, featuring 16 DoD RFPs/RFIs and 12 industry updates.

Dec 12, 2024

1) TRADOC G-2 Operational Environment Draft RFP

IMO, this one is worth paying attention to / very important, particularly in light of the Army's 2020 decision to disband the Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG). AWG played a pivotal role in rapidly transferring threat-based observations and TTPs to tactical and operational Army commanders.

When AWG was disbanded, the Army stated its mission would transfer to other organizations while TRADOC would preserve lessons learned.

This Draft RFP reflects that intent, stating, “TRADOC has broadened its efforts to include supporting the U.S. Army in combat operations with enhanced, up-to-date training based on current assessments of enemy capabilities and predictions of enemy reactions to a dynamic battlefield.”

To support TRADOC’s expanded mission, this draft RFP seeks a tool that integrates expert analysis, planning, and assessments from an increasingly diverse pool of subject matter experts.

It is also worth noting that the Army disbanded the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) at the same time as AWG. The REF was uniquely empowered with funding and authority to rapidly acquire mature capabilities that required minimal integration. Often informed by AWG's work, the REF aimed to address critical capability gaps for operational units preparing for deployment into combat operations.

I am unaware of any Army organization that has fully assumed the REF’s responsibilities, funding, and authorities. For example, while the CG AFC can quickly approve directed requirements, the associated funding authority remains with ASA(ALT). Both AFC and ASA(ALT) have been working to establish processes for rapidly identifying operational capability gaps, evaluating and testing mature solutions, and initiating the fielding of those solutions within two years. However, to my knowledge, a process map guiding stakeholders through the key steps of this accelerated approach has not been published publicly.

Additionally, for extremely fast-moving technology areas—particularly EW, counter-UAS, cyber, and certain Soldier-borne capabilities—a structure more akin to the AWG/REF model might be worth iterating on.

2) USMC Marine Common Virtual Platform (MCVP)

Led by PdM STS, MCVP will be the primary platform for Marines to access virtual and constructive simulations. MCVP is a Training as a Service (TaaS) initiative aimed at delivering a deployable, laptop-based training environment. It will host a range of COTS and GOTS software, including Virtual Battlespace, Comm Net Radio Simulator Pro, and Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS), to facilitate Joint Fires Training (JFT). This capability will enable interactive training and rehearsal of critical cognitive skills associated with combined arms operations in 2D and immersive 3D environments using Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.

Key features include the ability to connect to various Marine Corps and partner service networks, including classified networks up to the Top Secret level. It will also be scalable to accommodate additional software and peripherals as training requirements evolve. The MCVP is envisioned to be hosted at two locations with 100 laptops at each site for an initial two-year operational capability, allowing for refinement of requirements and approach in future acquisitions. Responses due by 20 Dec.

Thoughts: What tools and approaches are other Services utilizing to fulfill their Joint Fires Training requirements? What level of coordination is occurring to prevent the acquisition of redundant tools and platforms that essentially serve the same purpose?

3) USAF JOINT TARGETING INTELLIGENCE MODERNIZATION ENGINEERING SERVICES RFI

Requires integration support for the Joint Targeting Intelligence Modernization (JTIM) initiative led by OUSD(I&S) and the Joint Staff J2. JTIM will develop a modern, cloud-based capability for the Joint Force targeting the enterprise focusing on:

Creating a Joint Targeting Workflow Manager.
Modernizing existing enterprise tools.
Adopting a common DevSecOps platform for tool and data integration.
Exploring integration opportunities with tools beyond JTIM’s scope.

Responses are due by 13 Dec.

4) RCCTO Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) Prototype Development // Multifunction Precision Radar (MFPR) Block 2 RFWP

The MFPR is a critical element of the MDACS. The MDACS mission is to defend Joint Force fixed and semi-fixed locations against attack by a broad spectrum of UASs, Cruise Missiles, Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, and other advanced air and missile threats and to complement existing air and missile defenses by operating in integrated or stand-along operational scenarios.

MDACS subsystems are the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon (MDAC), MFPR, Hypervelocity Projectile (HVP), and Multi-Domain Battle Manager (MDBM).

This effort seeks to eventually provide up to four complete MFPRs integrated onto a Government-furnished property wheeled-vehicle platform no later than 4QFY27. The MFPR will participate in live range testing against operationally relevant targets. RCCTO intends to eventually award one or more Prototype OTA. Responses due by 10 Jan.

5) Army A254-005 Automated Course of Action (CoA) Generation SBIR Phase 1

Currently, it takes units at the Battalion echelon several hours to use the MDMP to generate and vet CoA options. Leveraging state-of-the-art AI/ML algorithms will speed up this process by an order of magnitude, allowing systematic replanning during the execution phase of operations. This will improve mission success and reduce risk to force in combat operations. It will also enable the mobile, distributed command post concept. Proposals due by Jan 8.

6) Army A254-P007 Secure Wireless Data Transfer Solutions for Predictive Logistics SBIR PI & D2P2

Develop and implement a secure wireless data transfer solution for Predictive Logistics. This data transport capability will enable Unit Commanders and Maintainers to monitor the health status, fuel and ammunition of their platforms in near real-time, facilitating tactical adjustments and prompt responses to critical maintenance issues. Solutions should focus on movement of High Priority critical fault and fuel/ammo status notifications. Proposals due by Jan 8.

7) DARPA HR0011SB20254-02: Language Models for Veteran Suicide Prevention (LM4VSP) SBIR P1

The objective is to develop a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) clinical co-pilot, based on Language Models, to augment the ability of mental health care professionals to care for and interact with patients at risk of suicide.

8) DARPA Geoeconomic Modeling for National Security RFI

DARPA seeks insights into the strengths and gaps of current modeling methods, how these models can be integrated into broader analytical ecosystems, and innovative ideas to advance geoeconomic modeling for national security. The goal is to enhance predictive capabilities and decision support in addressing complex economic and geopolitical challenges. Responses due by 18 Dec.

9) Security Forces Assistance Command (SFAC) Operation Combined Victory Information Environment RFI

Looking for contractor support to replicate the Information Environment for Operation Combined Victory (OCV) 25-2 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. The intent is to provide SFAB teams with a realistic training experience to validate their capabilities prior to global deployments. The key deliverable is the replication of a real-world information environment mirroring the Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts. Responses due by 17 Dec.

10) DEVCOM SC Prototype Helmet / Helmet Accessories RFI

The Integrated Multi-threat Headborne System (IMHS) Program is looking for vendors capable of producing helmet prototypes and accessories based on detailed design documents, which will be shared after vendors sign a Non-Disclosure and Non-Use Agreement. Responses due by 20 Dec.

The program focuses on four key areas: headborne technology architecture, enhanced threat protection, improved eye protection, and integrated hearing protection with wireless communication. These efforts aim to create a next-generation helmet system that boosts Soldier protection, effectiveness, and situational awareness.

11) AFRFL / RYW Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST) RFI

The objective is to investigate and develop methodologies, tools, and techniques to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in avionics systems while protecting them against cyberattacks. Additionally, the focus extends to expanding open system architecture standards for current and future Air Force and DoD weapon systems in multi-domain environments, exploring new concepts related to cybersecurity, OSA, novel avionics, and sensor technologies.

12) AFRL Advanced Robotics and Automation for Manufacturing & Sustainment (ARAMS) Updated Call for Proposals

Seeks to establish a consortium to develop and commercialize advanced robotics and automation technologies for defense manufacturing. Defense manufacturing faces unique challenges, such as low-volume production, high-mix production, and frequent changes, making traditional automation solutions impractical. The consortium will focus on developing "dual-use" robotics and automation technologies—flexible and adaptable systems that can efficiently handle diverse manufacturing tasks. Q&A just posted. Responses due by 6 Jan.

13) DISA Joint Operational Planning and Execution System (JOPES) Software Sustainment and Maintenance RFI

Seeks information from potential sources for sustaining the legacy JOPES system. JOPES, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's joint planning system, supports the Joint Operation Planning Process (JOPP) and Global Force Management (GFM) processes. It enables joint planning and execution across all levels of command, from the NCA, CCMDs, and JTFs. Key functionalities include planning documentation (OPLANS, CONPLANs, functional plans, campaign plans, OPORDs), and Time-Phased Force Deployment TPFDD management. The anticipated PoP is Aug 2025 through Aug 2026. Reponses due 19 Dec.

14) USAF Foundational Logistics Information Technology Enterprise Systems (FLITES)

FLITES is a government-developed web application that simplifies complex item cataloging and provisioning. It ensures accurate and reliable item-specific data management across the USAF logistics enterprise. The intent is to continue developing and integrating new FLITES requirements/capabilities.

FLITES is built on COTS software from One Network, NEO, and DoD Core. Interested parties must have experience with One Network’s COTS products and the CloudOne environment, as no alternative solutions will be considered. Responses are due by January 3.

15) Fleet Forces Command Electronic Recruitment Platform RFP

Seeks an eRecruitment platform. Must offer comprehensive job posting and management capabilities, including 40 monthly job slots with easy posting functionality and the ability to rotate postings. A key component is the searchable resume repository for all applicants, which must include specific filters for identifying veterans and military spouses. The system should implement distinct user roles, allowing recruiters to search resumes while administrators manage job postings and accounts. The platform must incorporate robust collaboration tools to facilitate team-based candidate evaluations and communication. Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities are required to track recruitment metrics and diversity data, with individual dashboards provided for each FLTHRO.

16) DHA Joint Operational Medicine Medical Logistics Capabilities RFP

Seeking modernized Operational Medicine (OpMed) Medical Logistics (MEDLOG) solutions that can be configured for full joint interoperability. This joint MEDLOG capability must satisfy baseline requirements for survivability, patient safety, and quality of care through responsive, agile, and survivable MEDLOG functions that are integrated with a jointly interoperable health service system. The capability should provide a globally integrated network of theater health service support nodes operating with common standards and procedures that are supported by adaptive, jointly interoperable Defense Medical Logistics (DML) capabilities and MEDLOG organizations. DML capabilities must be rapidly and globally aligned and/or reconfigured to respond to the changing operational requirements of Combatant Commanders.

Industry Activity

17) REI Systems Wins $35.7M Recompete for DoD's SBIR/STTR* Innovation Portal (DSIP)

This portal was derived from a SBIR program and was awarded under the Phase III SBIR authority. REI helped redesign the portal into a cloud-based framework with an intuitive user interface and microservices architecture, which simplifies the application process, making it easier for 16 DoD components to find and support innovative ideas more efficiently. Over the next five years, REI will continue to innovate and improve the DSIP platform. The company will explore new, AI-based technologies for enhancing the platform's capabilities, such as intelligent search, risk management, and customer service.

18) 5WPR Announces Dedicated Defense Vertical

The large PR firm has received increased interest from defense and aerospace companies seeking communications support in response to ongoing advancements within the industry, including increased attention to the space on a global scale as well as introductions and approvals of bills impacting the industry nationally. The agency also has extensive experience working in Israel, Ukraine and other regions facing conflict. The new vertical is led by a team of experts who possess a long history of leading successful campaigns for defense and aerospace clients including Shield AI.

19) Safran Defense & Space, Inc. Launches Ambitious US Growth Strategy

The newly established U.S. subsidiary of global aerospace leader Safran will soon be opening its new HQ in Arlington, VA.

Safran DSI is expanding its digital design, MBSE, MOSA, and advanced manufacturing capabilities with significant growth at its facility for electro-optics and infrared systems in Bedford, N.H.; its newest facility for small satellite propulsion in Denver, Colorado; and at the Safran Federal Systems facility for Assured PNT in Rochester, N.Y. These investments, along with testing and telemetry operations in Norcross, Georgia, will boost Safran DSI's production capacity and strengthen domestic supply chains.

20) PhysicsX introduces free-to-use 'AI for advanced engineering' to transform aerospace development

The London-based start-up launched the first Large Geometry Model (LGM) for aerospace engineering, LGM-Aero, and a publicly accessible reference application, Ai.rplane, which allows engineers to generate innovative aircraft designs in an infinitely wide design space and instantaneously assess the designed aircraft's potential performance.

Developed and provisioned on AWS, LGM-Aero was trained on more than 25 million meshes, representing more than 10 billion vertices, and a corpus of tens of thousands of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations generated with Siemens Digital Industries tools. This technology creates geometry and assesses performance results in less than a second, compared to the several hours required for traditional numerical simulations.

21) SimX Receives $1.25M Phase II STTR Grant from AFWERX to Advance VR Training for Perioperative Expeditionary Medical Support

The focus is on building adaptations to SimX's Virtual Reality Medical Simulation System (VRMSS) to support perioperative expeditionary medical support training for surgical teams. Through this grant, SimX is collaborating with simulation training experts at the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS).

22) U.S. Navy Selects X-Bow Systems to Modernize and Automate Energetics Industrial Base

Part of a broader $2.7 billion, 15-year modernization plan. X-Bow will help automate and upgrade various facilities for rocket motor production, including propellant casting and processing operations.

Additionally, X-Bow has secured contracts to develop solid rocket motors (SRMs) for the Navy's Standard Missile program and boost propulsion systems for the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic program. The company is also completing what it describes as the world's most cost-effective SRM production facility, scheduled to open in early 2025.

23) Sonoran Desert Institute Launches Associate of Science in Uncrewed Technology Program

Building on the success of its Certificate in Uncrewed Technology – Aerial Systems (CUTAS), SDI developed this comprehensive degree program to combine specialized coursework and immersive hands-on training, preparing students for careers in various UAS roles, including commercial, public service, and military applications.

The program is approved for the use of GI Bill® and other Veterans Assistance benefits, as well as Federal Student Aid, for qualifying students. Graduates will emerge with a strong foundation in UAS technology, equipped with skills for roles like remote pilots, sensor operators, and data analysts. They will be prepared to plan UAS missions, analyze data, navigate U.S. National Air Space regulations, and communicate technical concepts effectively to stakeholders.

24) Altair and Auburn University to Collaborate on $1.25 Million AFWERX Contract to Advance Vortex Rocket Engines

Within the project, the Auburn University team – led by Dr. Joe Majdalani, the university's Hugh and Loeda Francis Chair of Excellence in the Department of Aerospace Engineering – will use FlightStream to identify optimal conditions within vortex engines. FlightStream will help the team predict cyclonic flow performance and acoustic signature characteristics at a fraction of the time compared to previous methods. These models will enable users to rapidly predict the stability performance of thrust engines earlier in the design cycle over a range of operating conditions.

25) Yurts Secures $40M In Series B Funding To Accelerate Growth for Mission-Critical Defense, Government, and Enterprise Systems

Yurts helps DoD and A&D enterprises safely integrate AI into their systems of record and mission-critical applications. The round was led by XYZ Venture Capital, with participation from Glynn Capital, Nava Ventures, Bloomberg Beta, and Mango Capital. The Series B funding brings Yurts's total investment to $58 million. Recently delivered the first AI platform for DoD on a secret-level network. Nearly 25% of Yurts's workforce holds active security clearances.

26) Umbra Selected for NRO's Strategic Commercial Enhancements Stage III, Strengthening U.S. SAR Capabilities

This contract, part of the NRO's Strategic Commercial Enhancements (SCE) initiative, evaluates and leverages innovative commercial ISR to strengthen the U.S. Government's overhead intelligence architecture. Umbra purportedly operates the world's highest-resolution commercial SAR satellites

27) Zen Technologies Targets U.S. Expansion with Strategic Partnership with AVT Simulation

The partnership combines Zen's advanced defense simulation technology, including recently patented training systems and AI-powered robotics, with AVT's expertise in customized training systems to develop next-generation solutions for military, emergency response, and commercial applications in the United States.

28) Dynepic® Launches New Air-Gapped MOTAR® Designed For Enterprise and Defense Organizations

MOTAR Ghost allows organizations to take control of their multidimensional digital workflows, asset storage, and immersive application creation process for training and operations. With MOTAR, they will instantly have a scalable XR infrastructure and a permissions-based collaborative ecosystem across departments and external partners.