The U.S. Navy is seeking small-form-factor secure data module for leave-behind applications. To address this Navy need, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop the platform- and host-agnostic Secure Agile Reconfigurable Encryptor (SAFE) system based on the integration of technology readiness level (TRL)-9 chip technology and TRL-9 NSA-approved IP core technology, supporting NSA Type 1 algorithms for both data at rest (DAR) and data in transit (DiT), industry standards-based interfaces, and a novel rugged housing. SAFE will utilize existing industry connectors to offer plug-and-play capabilities. In Phase I, Intellisense will develop a project plan and schedule towards addressing the challenging process of obtaining NSA approval and identification and development of key enabling technologies and data flow methodologies. Intellisenses staff is familiar with the process and challenges in producing NSA Type 1 encryption. After the award we will immediately request the for official use only (FOUO) documents from the NSA and start meeting with them. By working with the Navy and NSA, key enabling technologies, as identified in the proposal, will be verified or modified to support changes or clarification in requirements. We will develop data flow diagrams, showing interconnections and locations of all key components in support of ensuring integrity of sensitive information through all stages of data management. In Phase II, specific key components will be identified, purchased, and integrated into two benchtop prototype solutions. The ruggedness of the designed unit will be confirmed through mechanical modeling. Intellisense will develop a TRL-6/-7 prototype and test its data handling, zeroization, and network management. Successful keying of devices is development and sustainment of the necessary security associations across intermittent communications paths, and appropriate fail-secure mechanisms will be demonstrated.
Benefit: SAFE will bring new low-SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) NSA Type 1 encryption capabilities to the Navy. These unmanned vehicle modular, reconfigurable, and upgradable, capabilities will make SAFE a suitable candidate for any platform that requires DAR or DiT NSA type 1 encryption. A modified SAFE can support commercial applications such as using the encryption in commercial airlines.
Keywords: DAR, DAR, DiT, Tempest, Leave Behind, low SWAP, NSA Type 1 encryption, Cryptography, Platform Agnostic
