Adaptable Interface - Innovation Challenge at Dahlgren

The Adaptable Interface - Innovation Challenge at Dahlgren is a call to action from the NSWCDD. They are seeking solutions that can support the constantly evolving system of systems environment found on Navy ships. As it stands, Navy Combat Systems (CSs) have to interface with numerous other systems such as sensors, effectors, communication systems, navigation systems, and timing systems. These interactions are made more complex by the various manufacturers and rapid development of new systems. Streamlining this process can enhance the synergy of these systems and improve mission success. While this challenge is focused on radar systems, the expectation is that the solutions could be applicable to other Navy CSs systems as well.

This challenge arises from the need for tactical Navy warfighting systems to stay ahead of adversaries by quickly adapting to changes in sensors, weapons, and tactics. This has led to the development of a new Navy CS called the Integrated Combat System (ICS), which will utilize modern software principles and enable faster integration of new systems. The ICS's interfaces with external sensors and weapons are crucial components that need to be easily adaptable without necessarily requiring costly redesign and lengthy system testing.

The contestants' task in this challenge is to develop software that can convert the unencrypted output of multiple navigation radars to a specified format, while also enabling quick adaptation for an extra radar. The goal is to maintain streamlined conversion of radar output from original radars even when adding new ones. Importantly, the solution should ideally be based on Application Programing Interface (API). The developed solution must comply with the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) guides and must work smoothly in an unclassified environment.

Contestants will be provided with navigation radar interface specifications, sample output data sets, message scripts, and a single data format for the solution's output. The software should be developed in the contestant's environment and handed over to the Government.

The challenge involves three phases: Phase I - evaluation of technical white papers submitted by participating entities; Phase II - an in-person demonstration/presentation by selected participants to verify the solutions, and; Phase III - a timed challenge wherein participants have to adapt their solution for a new radar interface specification within 24 hours or less. It's important to note, however, that the Government will not provide funding for the development or travel cost for participation in this challenge.