Automated Analytics
Virtual Tech Sprint
04 November-04 December 2020
Submissions Closed 25 September 11:59 PM ET
Purpose
SOFWERX, in concert with the USSOCOM Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), will host a series of events to identify technologies that are relevant to assist with automated analytics during Phase 0 Irregular Warfare (IW) operations.
Synopsis
Operators at the tactical edge require a wide range of relevant information to make sound tactical decisions. Although the Operators themselves frequently collect the raw data from which this information is derived, actually integrating, analyzing, and interpreting the data to produce usable information is frequently the job of analysts who sit far from the tactical edge. This distillation of useful information is laborious and time consuming. The results and intelligence products are often stale and cannot be easily actioned after-the-fact. Ultimately, this information exchange is also dependent on reliable communications between the analysts and the Operator. As data sources proliferate, the amount of data to be analyzed will grow exponentially. Moreover, in the contested and denied environments that will characterize SOF’s future operating environment, Operators will not be able to readily communicate outside of the tactical bubble and will be forced to make more decisions rapidly and organically in order to effectively contend with peer and near-peer competitors. To meet these challenges, USSOCOM seeks to take advantage of the capabilities of artificial intelligence running on edge computing platforms to provide SOF teams with the organic capacity to distill mission-relevant information from operator-born sensor data. The process must provide the Operator with the same familiar products, only without reliance on specialized analysts and consistent communications outside the tactical bubble. In short, we seek to automate analytics at the tactical edge.
As part of the continuum of military operations, phase zero shapes the environment both globally and in theater. This phase involves those joint, interagency and multinational activities conducted in an ongoing, routine basis to assure or solidify friendly relationships and alliances and/or deter potential adversaries. Employment of cyber, irregular capability, space capability, and information operations are activities that are initiated in Phase 0 and continue up through all phases of conflict. This phase relies heavily on collecting and assessing information at the edge.
Event Overview
Completed Phase 1 – 04 June 2020 Virtual Government Only Collaboration Event (CE): Government Stakeholders will participate in a collaboration event designed to develop problem statements that can be released to Industry, Academia, and National Lab partners in order for them to identify technologies or capabilities that are relevant to resolve the problem statements.
**Notice to all participants: There is >$250K of funding associated with this four-week effort (total for the entire project), but the award amounts for each participant will vary based on the final capabilities that are selected, and their associated work loads and business models. For example, participants who already have a demonstrated capability and can simply sell a license, will require less funding than a participant who requires extensive development and integration work. Subsequently, the amounts cannot be specified until selection and attendance of the kickoff meeting on 27 October.
Completed Phase 2 – 24 August 2020 to 25 September 2020 Submissions Open: Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of the Government Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their solutions per the instructions below NLT 25 September.
Completed Phase 2b: 08 September 2020 Q&A Telecon: Interested offerors may participate in a virtual Q&A session to better understand the intent of the Automated Analytics Virtual Tech Sprint by JATF. The telecon will take place on 08 September from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET. Click Here to RSVP and Submit Questions (NLT 07 September)
Completed Phase 3 – 28 September 2020 to 23 October 2020 Downselects: USSOCOM will downselect those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Companies with favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to the Tech Sprint (Phase 4) o/a 23 October.
Completed Phase 4 – 27 October 2020 Kickoff: Selected participants will engage in a kickoff meeting to discuss the 04 November to 04 December Tech Sprint. During this meeting, the various participants will discuss the most optimal ways to integrate/combine their technologies (as required). Based on the outcomes of this exchange, the participants may enter into B2B agreements (as required) with SOFWERX to mature and/or integrate their technologies to potentially satisfy USSOCOM needs. Agreements will be made according to the amount of work required and/or the associated business models of the various participants.
Completed Phase 5 – 04 November 2020 to 04 December 2020 Virtual Tech Sprint: During the Tech Sprint, selected participants will virtually collaborate to further develop and integrate their technologies and concepts into an automated analytics system-of-system.
Completed Phase 6 – 08 December 2020 to 09 December 2020 Deliverables/Demos: Respective capabilities will be demonstrated to Government Stakeholders for assessment and evaluation. TBD whether virtual or in-person.
Questions?
For event-related questions, please contact Claire Hawley claire.hawley@sofwerx.org