Next Generation Undersea Security Initiative — Technology Prototypes

Synopsis : This is a solicitation for parties interested in participating in projects sought by the Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) for state-of-the-art technologies and capabilities for the Next Generation Undersea Security Initiative (NG-USI). NG-USI is established to meet requirements in the following Focus Areas of Interest: Focus Area #1: Signal Mitigation – OPNAV/N975 Prototype technologies that may mitigate the generation, radiation, propagation, and scatter of a variety of signal types (acoustic, chemical, optical, electromagnetic, radiological, hydrodynamic, and cyber) associated with submarine and unmanned system operations, to include both peacetime and wartime operations. Focus Area #2: Comprehensive Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UXS) – Nuclear Weapons Surety (NWS) & OPNAV/N975 Prototype technologies to detect, track, identify, deny, and defeat unmanned systems across all domains (aerial, surface, underwater, and ground). This area seeks scalable solutions for shore-based installations and afloat operations in Port, Harbor, Littoral, and Waterways (PHLW) and open ocean environments. (Examples include: kinetic/non-kinetic effectors, electronic warfare/jamming, and physical denial systems such as advanced netting or modular infrastructure shielding). Focus Area #3: Defeating Adversarial Autonomy & AI – NWS Prototype technologies to effectively counter hostile Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities. Solutions should focus on defeating autonomous swarms, disrupting AI-enabled Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) directed at nuclear facilities, and hardening strategic security networks against AI-driven cyber-physical attacks or spoofing. Focus Area #4: Next-Generation Electronic Security Systems (ESS) & Sensor Fusion - NWS Prototype and integrate novel Electronic Security Systems (ESS) to modernize perimeter and interior defense for strategic weapons facilities. Solutions must provide multi-layered intrusion detection, perform reliably in all weather conditions, significantly reduce false alarm rates, and seamlessly integrate into existing command and control nodes to automate alerts for response forces. Focus Area #5: Enhanced Access Control & Security Screening - NWS Prototype technologies for advanced personnel and vehicle screening to ensure rapid, zero-failure access control at strategic facility perimeters. This area calls for high-fidelity detection of contraband, explosives, radiological threats, and unauthorized surveillance devices without impeding operational flow and logistical requirements. Focus Area #6: Strategic Maritime Transit & Escort Security - NWS Prototype technologies to ensure the zero-failure secure movement of strategic maritime assets. This area seeks advanced maritime situational awareness, physical security enhancements for escorting SSBNs, and the detection, avoidance, and mitigation of maritime mines, and the defeat of direct-fire kinetic threats (e.g., shore-launched ATGMs/RPGs) during transit through PHLW to and from dive points. Focus Area #7: Strategic Ground Convoy & Land Transit Security - NWS Prototype technologies to ensure the zero-failure secure movement of strategic land-based assets. This encompasses advanced ground surveillance, secure tactical communications, vehicle tracking multi-layered physical security protocols, and Active Protection Systems (APS) to defeat direct-fire threats (e.g., ATGMs/RPGs) for ground transport and convoy operations of strategic weapons and equipment. Focus Area #8: Next-Generation Harbor & Expeditionary Surveillance - NWS Prototype technologies to establish persistent Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) for strategic ports and harbors. This area seeks advanced sensor networks tailored for the waterside environment. (Examples include: mobile/expeditionary surveillance kits, unattended surface and underwater sensors, and smart camera systems with automated threat recognition tailored to maritime conditions). Focus Area #9: Autonomous Security & Response Platforms - NWS Prototype technologies that leverage commercial robotics to enhance security force operations. This area seeks autonomous platforms capable of persistent patrol, automated inspection, and rapid response integration. (Examples include: Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for waterside patrol, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for perimeter screening, and robotic inspection platforms that seamlessly integrate with existing response forces). Focus Area #10 Novel Manufacturing Methods Launcher Single-Source or Critical Components – SP22&SP28 Develop and qualify alternate manufacturing methods for single-source, or hard-to-manufacture parts (e.g. cables, thermal panels) to build industrial base resiliency. Focus Area #11: Alternate Materials Obsolete, Hazardous, or Single-Source Launcher Components – SP22&SP28 Develop and qualify alternate materials to replace legac