The Hatch Report (Issue #5)
This week's issue includes 18 "Industry Activity" updates, summarizes 11 RFIs/RFPs, and highlights 7 events that might be of interest.
Top Stories
1) How Project Maven and the 18th Airborne Corps Operationalized Software and AI
Great report from Georgetown’s CSET on the Maven Smart System (MSS), an AI-powered decision-support tool for streamlining joint fires. Worth reading in full, but particularly intrigued by the program structure/contracting approach.
ECS Federal served as the systems integrator, distributing work tasks to over 21 different AI/software companies based on their ability to rapidly address challenges/problems pushed out by the PMs under the Maven BAA. An extremely tight feedback loop existed between end-users from the 18th Airborne, PMs, and embedded industry reps.
Importantly, a 90-day dev cycle was synchronized with military exercises to quickly reveal success or failure in simulated or operational environments. This enabled unit operations and technical capabilities to evolve concurrently.
To support this approach, ECS leveraged its Secure Unclassified Network (SUNet) to create virtual enclaves, enabling secure collaboration, acquisition, development, and deployment of mission-specific datasets and analytics. These datasets and analytics could be shared across multiple enclaves or restricted based on specific mission requirements.
Key conclusion - DoD needs a rapid and repeatable approach to agile development and deployment of software/algorithms. To this point, CDAO establishing an Open Data and Applications Government-owned Interoperable Repositories (Open DAGIR) multi-vendor ecosystem.
NOTE - On 18 SEP, Palantir was awarded a $99M IDIQ “to provide greater access to the MSS platform to include ancillary software support and ancillary hardware. For additional context, you can reference the original Algorithmic Warfare Cross-Functional Team (AWCFT) Support Services RFI.
Fantastic job by Dealroom aggregating and categorizing European defense startups. Great resource worth checking out! Easy to dive into specific companies to get a dashboard-style layout of trends and key data points.
3) DoD Breaks Ground on Project Pele: A Mobile Nuclear Reactor for Energy Resiliency
Led by DoD’s SCO / manufactured by BWXT out of Lynchburg VA. Final assembly begins in FEB 2025 / transport to Idaho National Laboratory in 2026. First-Gen-IV nuclear reactor in the US. Major implications for DoD installations!
NOTE - Growing concerns that PRC will export nuke reactors to create energy dependencies amongst African and South American coastal countries. Currently, PRC offers significantly cheaper options vs U.S. (purported $2B per GW vs. $12B per GW). PRC moving out aggressively / could achieve dominant market position.
4) Ryan McCarthy Joins AE Industrial as Operating Partner
AE Industrial Partners is a private investment firm with $6.3B of AUM focused on national security, aerospace, and industrial services.
5) Bill Sweetman (renowned aerospace journalist) on the CCA program
Emerging requirement is to operate CCAs within the First Island Chain. Necessitates distributed employment concepts + co-located passive/active protection to withstand PRC attacks. New, more capable/affordable turbofan engines are another critical component. GE/Kratos teaming up to target the CCA engine market.
NOTE - Sweetman contributed to this excellent Mitchell Institute Report on the need for CCAs. Very much worth checking out!
6) New Dutch Navy Support Vessels Will Be Missile-Toting Wingmen To Frigates (FFG)
Will be around 174 feet/600-ton displacement/crew of 8. For context, USN’s new Constellation Class FFGs measure 496 feet/7,000-ton displacement/crew of 190. The new support ships will be armed with IAI Barak-ER SAMs to augment the FFG’s magazine depth, IAI Harop long-range loitering munitions (9-hr endurance/can autonomously scan/attack targets in a designated area), and also serve as a mother ship for UUVs. Will also use IAI EW systems to jam radars/perform non-kinetic c-UAS.
Hot Takes - Might be a good foreign comparative testing opportunity? Particularly interested in their use of AI/automation to get the crew size down to 8. Important given USN’s personnel shortfalls.
Integrating autonomous support vessels with existing and future crewed ships could present significant challenges depending on how the requirements were written, how open/modular the system architectures are, and how data rights/IP contracting language was negotiated.
Lastly, given the Dutch Navy's smaller geographic area of concern, range, speed, and endurance may be less of an issue compared to the USN's INDO-PACOM focus. However, this potentially less expensive approach could be more suitable for CENTCOM/EUCOM AoRs, freeing up capacity for INDO-PACOM. Could also just forward deploy them.
7) Marines planning to use large language models to help mine information repositories
Intent is for LLMs to analyze USMC’s vast repository of AARs to make it easier to extract relevant information for current missions/improving decision-making.
8) The Army’s Next Generation Howitzer (NGH) Program
Great update from CRS. Key section on potential issues for Congress. Army issued a NGH RFI back in AUG. Big focus on existing domestic/foreign designs. Congress should ask what the Army plans to do if RFI responses do not meet the Army’s requirements for an M-109 replacement. Congress should push for the early establishment of a preliminary estimated total program cost for NGH and associated ammunition.
NOTE - Back in APR, PM SPHS / PD ERCA hosted an industry day related to the NGH program. Check out my brief summary of the industry day’s Q&A/thoughts by clicking the hyperlink. It was stated at the time that the vendor shoot-off demonstrations were expected to occur no earlier than AUG 2024.
9) Projected $17B cost overrun for Virginia SSN program
Porgram’s total cost now projected to be $184B. Estimated delays between 24 to 36 months. Contractors not expected to hit the two-a-year delivery rate by 2028.
NOTE - Important to understand and articulate the impact of these cost overruns on DoD buying power, especially if topline continues to stagnate in real terms. Reminded of Sentinel’s recent Nunn-McCurdy breach.
10) Lithuania to deliver thousands of FPV drones to its army, Ukraine
LTU MoD announced a $1M contract with Vilnius-based drone company Granta Autonomy, founded in 2015, for its new GA-10-FPV-AI quadcopter platform. Overall, 2,300 drones will be delivered to the Lithuanian military and 5,000 units will be donated to Ukraine. GA-10-FPV-AI is advertised as being able to operate autonomously in GPS-denied environments, customizable for different video transmission frequencies and camera types.
11) USN Oiler Runs Aground, Forcing CVN Strike Group to Scramble for Fuel - USN currently has assured access to 10 oilers / CSBA says USN needs 100. USN addressing shortages through new John Lewis class oiler. Program facing delays and order numbers still seems too small (5 delivered / 8 on contract). Given these shortfalls, access to commercial oilers seems critical, but they require significant modification to support faster Naval vessels.
Industry Activity
12) Sierra Space Corp - Wins $980K (TCV) AFRL contract related to the Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program. The REGAL program will explore commercially-advertised rocket launch systems for rapid point-to-point space transportation of DoD cargo anywhere in the world in under one hour, through potential service contracts.
13) CapZone Group - A national Opportunity Zone investment firm, launched the United Submarine Alliance (USA) Qualified Opportunity Fund LP to enhance the capacity of the Submarine Industrial Base. Will serve as a platform between the U.S. Navy, investors, suppliers, contractors and local leaders. Just closed on the purchase of Alabama Shipyard in Mobile, AL, renamed the Mobile Naval Yard. CapZone CEO Al Puchala.."We developed this platform to activate institutional and private American capital to support government priorities…”
14) Salesforce - Considering a new pricing model for its upcoming Einstein 1 Agentforce Platform, a low-code/no-code solution for building autonomous AI agents. The platform promises significant productivity gains, potentially deflecting up to 90% of calls from human agents. This has raised concerns among investors that fewer customer service seats may be needed. CEO Marc Benioff noted that pricing will likely be consumption-based, with a potential cost of around $2 per conversation. Salesforce may adopt either a per-conversation fee or sell consumption credits, similar to its Data Cloud pricing model.
15) Saab - Opening a munitions production facility in Grayling, MI (targeting 2026 work start date). Part of a global manufacturing push by the company to quadruple its global capacity. Saab has nine other U.S. facilities, including West Lafayette, Indiana, for aerospace advanced manufacturing; Syracuse, New York, for radar and sensor systems; and Cranston, Rhode Island, and Quincy, Massachusetts, for autonomous and undersea systems.
16) METAMAGNETICS INC - $1.8M (TCV) Army BAA award for Auto-tune Filters (AtF) for UAV Communications Protection.
17) Westinghouse - Cleared a preliminary hurdle to have a 5-megawatt microreactor tested in two years. The eVinci nuclear microreactor needs only 2 acres to produce a wide range of power, from several kilowatts to 5 megawatts, and can operate for over eight years without refueling.
18) Production Systems Automation LLC - Army awarded $16.8M (TCV) for “Integrated Advanced Payloads (IAP) and Capabilities for Loitering Munitions (CLM).” No other info, but an intriguing title. KO PoC info listed in the award announcement.
19) Parasanti Inc - Completes Airfield Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Mitigation project in support of NAVAIR and DIU. Parasanti is now fine-tuning AI models for greater accuracy and expanding sensor integration. Plans underway to transition the current prototype into a fully operational production system for use across U.S. military airfields.
20) Arctop - Wins $1.25M AFWERX D2P2 SBIR. MetaTeq and BigBear.ai will serve as subcontractors. Will deliver a closed-loop system for dynamic training simulation to help optimize cadet training. MetaTeq's software will create and provide training simulations with scenarios and training goals. While cadets are running through the simulations, Arctop's BCI tech will decode their brain activity in real time. BigBear.ai's AI will then adjust the training content based on the real-time cognition data provided by Arctop.
21) Viasat - $34M AFRL award (TCV) for commercial space internet experimentation. This contract seeks multi-band satellite communications antennas capable of use on military aircraft. Developed antennas will be capable of communications with multiple commercial space internet (CSI) constellations in various orbital regimes, such as LEO, MEO, and GEO, across both Ku and Ka bands while interfacing with modems and transceivers being matured as a result of contracts/agreements awarded under DEUCSI Call 3.
22) Epirus - $5.5 million ONR contract to deliver their new HPW Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm (ExDECS) system to USMC Warfighting Lab by end of 2024. Will involve initial integration with the USMC' Common Aviation C2 System (CAC2S), along with field experimentation and multi-platform testing in expeditionary scenarios.
23) Riverside Research Institute - USAF contract to design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy an intelligence-driven collection enterprise that increases the speed of information and provide awareness of new activities, behaviors, and patterns important to protecting critical assets and operations. $40K obligated, $27M TCV, 2027 = end of PoP.
24) Ondas - $8.0M purchase order from an undisclosed military customer to supply multiple Iron Drone Raider systems. The Raider drone launches from a designated protected storage pod. This pod can host 1 - 3 drones, keeping the Raider drones "hot" and ready for a quick deployment. During the flight, the Raider uses integrated on-board sensors to locate, track and hunt the hostile drone supported by the integration of on-drone advanced AI-based intelligence.
25) Raytheon - Working on a new Multi-Mission Launcher for various weapons and drones. Will be integrated into the Lynx XM30 prototype led by American Rheinmetall. Key advantages: compatibility with multiple missile designs, the ability to target adversaries BLOS, and software that can process data collected by missiles in flight. Can fire Coyote Block 3, UAS, and Javelin missiles, with future integration planned for the TOW.
26) Astranis - Won a $13.2M USSF STRATFI contract to make its communications satellites compatible with military terminals. The funding will enable Astranis to add military Ka frequency compatibility to its next-generation Omega satellites.
27) Mendaera - secured $73 million in new venture capital to use robotics in biopsies and other common medical procedures
28) Rx Bandz Inc - USAF contract for developing an FDA-approved auto-injector device that can deliver a pre-measured dose of ketamine for mild sedation at the point of injury in austere environments and/or during patient transport. $1.9M obligated, $12.3M TCV, 2029 = end of PoP.
29) UES Inc - USAF contract for power, energy, thermal, integration, and controls research technologies for advanced military aircraft applications. $410K obligated, $8.9M TCV, 2026 = end of PoP.
Government Opportunities
30) Guam Defense System (GDS) Integrated Battle Management (IBM)
Army RCCTO RFI // Responses due by 4 OCT // Industry Q&A just posted
GDS Joint Program Office (JPO), which is led by RCCTO, wants to improve/enhance IAMD systems integration across weapon fire control boundaries (coordinating and collaborating on defense planning and engagement operations).
This will be achieved by developing an application layer that overlays existing IAMD C2 functions to effectively design defenses and manage engagements.
The GDS JPO plans to establish a Government-owned Government Reference Architecture (GRA) to define and manage interfaces and interoperability.
A GDS ICD is currently under review, with JROC approval expected this week.
The funding profile is still TBD but will fall under the Software Pathway (SWP)
While a detailed IBM acquisition strategy is pending, development is anticipated to begin in FY26, informed by industry feedback and market research.
The long-term goal is to integrate with Coalition and Allied systems.
The IBM is focused on fire direction to minimize interference with existing fire control systems.
IBM will be a joint services solution, integrating existing C2 systems from different services, such as TOC-L, IBCS, Aegis, and C2BMC.
The relationship between IBM and USINDOPACOM’s Joint Fires Network (JFN) is still being determined, but integration and interoperability with the JFN could be a design objective.
31) Runway Independent Mobility / Next Generation Intra-theater Airlift (NGIA)
AFRL RFI // Responses due by 1 NOV
DAF is looking for an aircraft that can land and take off on short or damaged runways to support Agile Combat Employment (ACE). This aircraft would be used for cargo and personnel transport, refueling, and other missions.
Enumerate the key tradeoffs between survivability and performance vs. development and procurement costs in the provided aircraft design.
AFRL is also interested in how companies would team up to build this aircraft and what kind of testing facilities would be needed. Additionally, AFRL is seeking information on how digital engineering can be applied to the design and development process to reduce timelines and overall development costs and develop derivative configurations.
Targeting first prototype delivery in the early 2030’s. Wants to see substantiated plans/strategies to meet this target date.
32) Thunderstorm 24-4: Industry Observers
OSD R&E’s Innovation & Modernization (IM) Office RFI // Responses due by 11 OCT.
Thunderstorm is a DoD-sponsored technology discovery event series where developers showcase solutions in a field environment for government attendees. Thunderstorm 24-4, sponsored by I&M and supported by Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory, will be held near Fredericksburg, VA, from NOV 7-8, in coordination with the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Lab and other DoD stakeholders.
IM is seeking a limited number of industry observers, including venture capitalists and small business advisors. This invitation is not extended to third-party technology developers.
Army C5ISR Center RFI // Responses due by 19 OCT
The primary objective is to support the 2nd MDTF Mission by enhancing situational awareness and providing real-time intelligence for multi-domain operations (MDO).
Key technical areas of interest include launched effects, high-altitude platforms such as balloons and micro HABs, data backhaul, cloud capabilities, JADC2, mesh networks, electromagnetic warfare payloads, space and cyber capabilities, AI/ML, long-range or over-the-horizon UAS platforms, counter-UAS, and signature reduction for personnel, vehicles, and equipment.
AT25 will be carried out in two phases: (1) a CONUS-based COMMEX involving validation, training events, military participation, red teaming, and multi-domain mission execution; and (2) an OCONUS demonstration and partner engagement with select technologies from the CONUS iteration. Selection for the JELC event will not be performance-based but rather based on classification, country considerations, and applicability to the CONOP.
DARPA Special Notice // Responses due by 20 DEC
Seeks innovative and revolutionary concepts for heavy lift Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) that are capable of lifting a 70,000lb payload utilizing current Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) engines and drive train technology. Responses to this RFI may be used to inform and explore future programs that will seek to build and test such concepts at scale.
UK MoD Tender / Idsutry response due by 2 OCT
Seeking a solution capable of delivering a 440-660 lb payload (similar to the Mk 82) over a range of 373 miles at a speed of 373 mph. This system must be ground-launched from a mobile platform, operating in high-threat environments with a low probability of detection and high survivability. The launch system should be mobile and able to be fitted to or towed by a vehicle.
Delivery methods could include ballistic or low-level cruise trajectories, utilizing technologies such as missiles, drones, or other innovative systems. In the case of a low-level cruise, the system should navigate in GNSS-denied environments and employ end-stage guidance with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) accuracy of 98 feet.
The cost per delivery platform should not exceed approximately $488,000 (excluding VAT) and should exclude the launcher system and certain GFX items.
The MOD is looking for technologies that can be demonstrated quickly, with the potential for future performance improvements. Additionally, the design must not be subject to external government trade restrictions. Industry participants offering full or partial solutions are encouraged to engage with the MOD and clearly define their contributions.
The Authority will hold a Project Brakestop industry day on Tuesday, 8 OCT, in London, UK.
36) Enhanced Situational Awareness Solutions Meeting: Industry Observers
OSD R&E’s Innovation & Modernization (IM) Office RFI // Responses due by 9 OCT.
Solutions Meetings are DoD-sponsored events showcasing promising technologies to address military challenges. These meetings feature technical presentations by small businesses and innovators, followed by discussions and Government briefings from U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and OUSD R&E. The "Enhanced Situational Awareness" meeting will focus on AI/ML-driven solutions for object recognition, change detection, and information processing in complex battlespaces.
IM seeking a limited number of industry observers, such as venture capitalists and small business advisors, to attend. Third-party technology developers are not eligible. The meeting will take place in San Diego, California, on October 29-30 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.
37) Platform One Solutions Marketplace (P1SM)
USAF Solicitation // Respones due by 22 SEP 2025
Platform One, in collaboration with The Applied Research Institute (ARI), has launched a long-term open call for innovative solutions to enhance the DoD's ability to deliver secure, high-quality software quickly. The initiative, titled the "Platform One Solutions Marketplace" (P1SM), seeks technologies, processes, or methods that close capability gaps and provide technological advancements. It will collect, assess, and curate these solutions, offering them through rapid acquisition pathways to ensure the DoD can integrate cutting-edge technologies and remain agile in addressing emerging threats.
38) Hypersonic Booster Development and Integration
AFRL Muniton Direcotre SSN // Responses due by 4 OCT
The purpose of the effort is for the provision of an advanced booster capable of delivering a variety of payloads across different ranges at hypersonic speeds to include development and procurement. Effort objectives include the development of the booster, the interface between the main vehicle and the booster, integration equipment, test equipment, and any support equipment needed before, during, and after the flight test. The booster will be matured to a test capacity and then integrated into a flight vehicle for an experimental flight test.
39) SEQUOIA (Formerly known as AI/ML Data Labeling)
NGA Solicitation // Respones due by 15 OCT
The RFP is posted to the CLASSIFIED Intelligence-Community-Acquisition Research Center (IC-ARC) website at https://acq-ui.ace.proj.nrp.ic.gov.
PEO EIS Presoclication // Responses due by 16 OCT
Seeks a flexible data integration solution that seamlessly combines, analyzes, and visualizes data from various sources. Should provide access to data through the KTR's tools or enable integration with third-party platforms. Should present information in a clear and actionable manner, supporting existing workflows and applications. Must handle current, future, and historical structured/unstructured data, offering predictive analytics and forecasting capabilities. The product(s) should be commercially available without requiring custom code.
41) IFMC Passive Identification Friend
Army Sources Sought // Responses due by 25 OCT
Market research to identify potential sources having an interest and industry technologies available to provide hardware solutions that support Air Missile Defense Planning and Control Systems (AMDPCS) and Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) requirements for Passive Identification Friend or Foe (PIFF) systems.
The PIFF system will be capable of providing air track data on a Local Area Network (LAN) via Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) into the fire control weapon systems for both AMDPCS and IBCS. These capabilities support the air picture and situational awareness for Commanders and Staff thereby enhancing survivability and reducing the risk of fratricide.
Events
42) SOCOM/SOFWERX Private Capital Investor Cohort Assessment Event
Apps were due 27 SEP / actual event 22 - 24 OCT. Investors in the cohort will be expected to provide objective and useful business advice and mentorship to companies about their best path to scale. Investors are not expected to invest in these companies if it doesn't make sense for the investor. The key focus here is on mentorship. Operators, acquisition personnel, and investors are put in the same room as companies to get an unvarnished opinion on the utility and operational requirements.
43) civtak24
Conference & Exhibition OCT 1- 3 at the Hilton Washington Dulles Hotel. Focused on Civilian Deployments and Applications of the Team Awareness Kit. TAK is the non-proprietary software suite that provides an interoperable Common Operating Picture for teams working in the field. CIVTAK24 is the first conference bringing together the agencies and organizations applying the Team Awareness Kit with ATAK, iTAK, WinTAK, and WebTAK to manage complex, dispersed team operations in the civilian sector.
44) Switchable Reactives and Energetics (SeREne) Disruption Opportunity (DO) Information Session
DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is sponsoring an Information Session webcast to provide information to potential proposers on the objectives of the anticipated SeREne DO. The Information Session will be held via Microsoft Teams on October 7, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Advance registration is required to attend the webcast. All times listed in this announcement and on the registration website are Eastern time.
DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is sponsoring an Information Session webcast to provide information to potential proposers on the objectives of the anticipated CODORD DO. The Information Session will be held via prerecorded webcast on October 8, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Advance registration is required to attend the webcast. All times listed in this announcement and on the registration website are Eastern time.
46) IWRP Quarterly Industry Day
Taking place on 22 OCT. The Information Warfare Research Project (IWRP) Consortium Virtual Industry Day is being hosted by Advanced Technology International (ATI), the IWRP consortium management firm. Lots of interesting topics, including: “Passive RFID Tech for Inventory Tracking” and “Networked Edge Warfighting Terminal (NEWT), a body-worn system that aims to enable edge-to-enterprise information sharing across an array of different communication devices in military and tactical environments”.
47) Export Compliance and U.S. Sanctions Training Webinar
OCT 31 (Virtual) from 9-12:30pm EDT. During the workshop, compliance experts will discuss a variety of topics, including what items and activities are subject to the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), export licensing requirements, export clearance requirements, and how to determine your Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). We will also discuss key issues in arms exporting through the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
48) Aligning Risk Management Framework With Zero Trust
Hosted by DAU on 17 OCT (virtual) at 12pm EDT. Ms. Farhat Shah shares information on how the U.S. Army extended the DoD Zero Trust Security Control Overlay, published June 2024, to align Risk Management Framework Processes and Zero Trust to benefit system owners.
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