Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Technology Demonstration

Solicitation Number: W911QX19R0016 Notice Type: Special Notice Title: Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) Technology Demonstration Synopsis: The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Basic and Applied Scientific Research was recently amended to include a new topic (Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)) under the Information Sciences Campaign. ARL and the Algorithmic Warfare Cross Functional Team (AWCFT) are holding a Technology Demonstration to demonstrate and experiment with capabilities related to this new AI/ML topic. ARL invites all businesses engaged in AI/ML development to submit a technology capability package to be selected. NOTE: This purpose of this special notice is to conduct market research. This notice is being issued for planning and information purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation, nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Overview: The Technology Demonstration provides the opportunity for Special Operations Force (SOF), Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), & Federal Law Enforcement organizations to collaborate and integrate efforts to produce innovative solutions to tactical, operational, and strategic challenges. It is a truly unique venue providing an opportunity to push systems and concepts to failure in a controlled environment. The Technology Demonstration takes place in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 29 April 2019 to 10 May 2019. Technology Focus Areas: ARL and the AWCFT are seeking to demonstrate technologies related to AI/ML in the following focus areas: 1) An artificial-intelligence-based "smart system" that can ingest and display the output from computer vision machine learning models processing Full Motion Video, Wide Area Motion Imagery, or satellite still imagery. Smart system should combine a user interface for intelligence operations, command & control, and targeting functions. Additional artificial intelligence-based analytics for network analysis, reasoning on metadata produced by basic machine learning models (such as object detections, classifications, or tracks), and other data analytics and fusion are also desired to be demonstrated. 2) Machine/deep learning artificial intelligence capabilities to aid in the automation of processing, exploitation, and dissemination of signals and other electronic intelligence (ELINT) or communications intelligence (COMINT) data. This could be tactical, mobile edge form factors or processing capability designed for a larger operations center. Refer to DIA's Needipedia (http://www.dia.mil/Business/Needipedia/) for more information. Requirements: To be considered, technologies should be able to demonstrate system level capabilities prior to the event. Selected contractors will conduct demonstrations. All selected contractors for the event will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to participation. The Government may limit attendance based on the event space and allowable time. Contractors are responsible for all incurred expenses and a selected package does not obligate the government for expenses and/or future contracts. The U.S. Government shall not be liable for any costs or expenses for the attendance of this event. Upon formal notice of selection, further instructions will be provided. Attendees must be US Citizens. A Secret Collateral security clearance level is required to attend the event. Package submissions can be classified. The Government will provide the appropriate data sources and collection platforms during the Technology Demonstration required by the contractor. Submission Instructions: a. Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI if they have a capability they would like to have considered for participation. b. The expected associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences - except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). c. Responses shall be limited to one (1) page executive summary narrative, plus a completed two (2) page power point template (See attachment 1), and submitted via e-mail to osd.pentagon.ousd-intel.mbx.dod-ai@mail.mil. If you plan to submit a classified response please notify via an unclassified message, so it can be tracked appropriately, and you will be provided instructions for submission. The responses shall be in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint compatible format and are due no later than 5:00 PM (local Eastern Time) on Friday, 21 December 2018. e. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED and completely separated. To help aid ARL, please segregate proprietary information. Be advised that no submissions will be returned. All submissions will be disposed of in accordance with the instructions provided in prospective sources response. If no instructions are listed, ARL will dispose of submissions at their discretion. Additionally, ensure all classifications markings are correct on the submitted responses. f. Responses to this RFI may be evaluated by Government technical experts. The program office has contracted for various non-government scientific, engineering, technical and administrative staff support services, some of which require contractors to obtain access to proprietary information submitted by other contractors. All non-government contractor support personnel have signed and are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements and organizational conflict of interest statements. Prospective offerors are advised that only Government Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. g. The Government will provide the appropriate data sources and collection platforms during the Technology Demonstration required by the contractor. Please list required data types and formats in your response to this notice. Data types could include Electro-optical or Infrared Full Motion Video, Wide Area Motion Imagery, Ground Motion Target Indicator, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Electronic Signals data, etc. Upon contractor selection, the government will provide a library of the required data type to the contractor for use in algorithm training or other technology refinement necessary to demonstrate their capability at this Technology Demonstration. h. The submissions will be selected based on their contribution to the AWCFT and the ARL's AI/ML mission as well as the availability of the data sources and collection platforms required by the contractor. i. Upon selection, the company will receive further instructions. No logistical or financial support will be provided to invitees to attend the Technology Demonstration. Note: The Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to the notice, or participation in this event (to include attendees travel costs), nor will the Government accept proposals as a result of this notice. Meals will not be provided at this event. Point of Contact(s): Major Colin Carroll Colin.j.carroll2.mil@mail.mil