SBIR Assuring Autonomy Ethics, Trust, and Safety in DAF Mission Critical Systems with Air Force Research Labs and the Lifecycle Management Center
AI Analysis
The Air Force Research Laboratory awarded Edge Case Research a contract to enhance autonomy ethics, trust, and safety in mission-critical systems using AI/ML technologies. This initiative focuses on integrating ML into defense systems to maintain competitive advantage against adversaries like China and Russia.
Key Takeaways
- Edge Case Research received a $1.25 million contract from AFRL.
- The contract is part of the SBIR Phase II program.
- Focus on AI/ML for autonomous systems like the XQ-58.
- Emphasis on safety and trustworthiness in unmanned systems.
- Contract duration is 1 year and 9 months, starting July 2024.
Why It Matters
This development underscores the strategic importance of AI/ML in maintaining military superiority in contested environments. By enhancing the autonomy and safety of unmanned systems, the U.S. Air Force aims to ensure operational effectiveness and resilience against near-peer threats.
SBIR Assuring Autonomy Ethics, Trust, and Safety in DAF Mission Critical Systems with Air Force Research Labs and the Lifecycle Management Center
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FA864924P0465
Purchase Order
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Overview
Government Description
SBIR direct to phase II F2D-10940 - assuring autonomy ethics, trust, and safety in daf mission critical systems with Air Force research labs and the lifecycle management center
Awardee
Awarding / Funding Agency
[Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) [DoD - USAF - AFMC]]
NAICS
541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
PSC
AC32 - National Defense R&D Services; Defense-Related Activities; Applied Research
Place of Performance
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 United States
Pricing
Fixed Price
Set Aside
Small Business Set Aside - Total (SBA)
Extent Competed
Full And Open Competition After Exclusion Of Sources
Est. Average FTE
3
Related Opportunity
None
Edge Case Research was awarded Purchase Order FA864924P0465 (FA8649-24-P-0465) worth up to $1,249,903 by Air Force Research Laboratory in July 2024. The contract has a duration of 1 year 9 months and was awarded with a Small Business Total set aside with NAICS 541715 and PSC AC32 via direct negotiation acquisition procedures with 198 bids received.
SBIR Details
Research Type
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II
Title
Assuring Autonomy Ethics, Trust, and Safety in DAF Mission Critical Systems with Air Force Research Labs and the Lifecycle Management Center
Abstract
Rapidly developing commercial machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies offer significant capabilities for the U.S. DoD and specifically the U.S. Air Force. The DoD has identified that incorporating ML into both legacy and future defense systems is critical for the U.S. to maintain overmatch among near-peer and peer adversaries including Russia and, most prominently, China. The ability to operate in fast-paced, contested, nonpermissive, force-on-force engagements, particularly under degraded conditions, drives the need for increased autonomy. This, in turn, relies on ML technology for increasingly complex decisions, mission-critical actions, and maintaining trustworthiness and safety. The Air Force and Department of Defense have a critical need for utilizing AI/ML safety assessment and evaluation testing software for unmanned flight-testing systems, particularly for aircraft such as the XQ-58 and other developing autonomous aerial systems.