SBIR-STTR Award

EvITE is a trade-space evaluation framework, being built by Securboration with Raytheon/BBN. It will address tradeoffs in adaptable network configurations for optimized information delivery to tactical edges, in a futuristic manned/unmanned combat cloud environment, guided by prioritized mission Information Exchange Requirements (IERs). The key innovation in EvITE is evaluating how well content-based ad hoc networks, can adapt its software defined network overlays for addressing various information exchange requirements, extracted manually or automatically at run time, for meeting security, resiliency, interoperability, expediency, goals that fulfill multi-and-cross-domain mission critical needs. In Phase I effort we will layout various NAVY-specific JADC2-based mission scenarios to be run on an emulation network, mimicking various futuristic network configurations on a kill web. EvITE will evaluate the mission outcomes from an operational kill effect chain perspective, especially on the tactical edges, as network topologies vary.

Benefit:
For the commercial world EvITE will be targeted as a micro-service in the critical component layer of autonomous system domains that use clouds for data discovery and data fusion. During Phase I we plan to explore how EvITE can be applied to drones, vehicle autonomy, etc. where it is critical to discover activities of critical interest and react quickly, in the face of bandwidth limitations. EvITE will ensure that missions can proceed regardless of network problems by routing information optimally by forming content-driven ad-hoc networks.

Keywords:
Content-Based Networking, Content-Based Networking, Futuristic battlespace, Information Exchange Requirements, dynamic prioritization, Disruption Tolerant Networking, Ad hoc networks, tactical engagements

Intelligent information dissemination will be a critical weapon in future warfare, since it will enable warfighters to reduce sensor-to-shooter information delivery time, quickening the kill chain execution as a result. The future combat cloud mesh network must be agile and able to adapt to dynamic information delivery methods, formats, sources, languages and media to ensure tight coordination of assets across service boundaries, control boundaries, coalition forces and security domains. The US Navy has made significant progress developing a Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)-enabling Battle Network on Theodore Roosevelt CSG through its Project Overmatch efforts. In addition, other recent programs are addressing the highly challenging task of ensuring the highest priority messages are delivered through the Combat Cloud to impacted systems in the shortest possible time to provide, with the objective of producing a comprehensive, reliable common operational picture (COP). In Phase I, the Securboration team developed relevant mission scenarios based on a futuristic battlespace, and metrics to demonstrate and evaluate DyNAMITE (Dynamic Network Assessment for Mission Information in Tactical Engagements) capabilities. The team also designed an advanced machine learning algorithm for testing and evaluation. In Phase II, the Securboration team proposes to build, demonstrate, and fully test the novel DyNAMITE framework that offers significant innovations for the future tactical airborne mesh networks and other agile communications architectures. The DyNAMITE machine learning algorithms combined with Raytheon BBN and Securborations existing work through the DyNAMO, ACK, DISTRICT, and DIPCE programs will contribute significantly to the successful deployment of the future tactical mesh network in the 2025-30 timeframe.

Benefit:
The central theme of our commercialization strategy is to focus on the transition of the technology to DoD through Securborations proven technology transition approach including customer identification and buy-in during the Phase II effort to ensure the product being developed fulfills current or future requirements. The Navys Project Overmatch efforts and related programs are the primary transition targets for DyNAMITE. Project Overmatch and other JADC2-related effort requirements and potential future test events are well documented in articles, think tank papers, and some open source military publications. DARPAs DyNAMO program, AFRLs DISTRICT program, Army Futures Commands Project Convergence, and the AFLCMC ABMS program are additional transition targets outside of the Navy. In addition, federal, state, and local law enforcement and disaster relief agencies and the supporting industry and non-profit partners are potential customers. The DyNAMITE approach has the potential to greatly enhance the viability of tactical and operational cloud, mesh networks used for various purposes, so the potential market size includes the DoD, DHS, and other federal, state, and local government agencies as well as non-profit and commercial entities. Due to its wide applicability and ability to create information advantage, DyNAMITE is a technology with significant commercialization potential.

Keywords:
AI/ML, Project Overmatch, Combat Cloud, Mesh Network, Information Advantage, Communications, Machine Learning, JADC2