SBIR-STTR Award

SSN C4I interoperability will be modeled using a scenario driven multi-axis array of factors related to SSN missions, SSN systems, and Information Management and Movement (IM&M) functions. This model will allow iterative evaluation of SSN C4I interoperability with other Navy and Joint C4I system, using scenarios for new mission areas, new systems, and improvements in IM&M techniques. The model array (database) will be populated with objects derived from functional and then object oriented analysis methods. SSN missions, systems, and IM&M techniques will be analyzed down to a level of entities, relations, methods, and rules, then encapsulated as object classes within the model array. Population statistics of the model array will be compiled for the various scenarios and then candidate subsets of objects will be analyzed and evaluated for their contribution to improvements to SSN C4I interoperability. Subsets related to external communications, decision support systems, and information distribution systems will be of particular interest.

The Darlington Incorporated SBIR Phase II effort will address the insertion of information movement and management (IM&M) improvements into ongoing design and development initiatives of the Command, Control, Communications & Intelligence System (C3IS) for the New Attack Submarine (NSSN). This effort will use the analytical structures developed during the SBIR Phase I model of the NSSN C3IS to advance the concept of Intelligence Brokers of information in and among C3IS systems and subsystems. These Intelligent Brokers will exploit the use of inter-and intra-system data, thereby increasing data interoperability and maximizing data sharing opportunities. With information mapped via IM&M techniques, the potential of advanced system diagnostics and onboard training in near real-time becomes possible. The Intelligent Brokers will operate in the realm of "middleware", interacting with new design information requirements and data from legacy systems. The decision logic for these devices, established through innovative investigative techniques and system analysis, will form a taxonomy of the information characteristics of the NSSN C3IS permitting open access of interpretable raw and comparative data to each system and subsystem. A secondary objective of this effort will address the use of Intelligent Brokers as an advanced system diagnostician and portable controller for interactive information queries.