Air Force approaches industry for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for C4ISR applications
ROME, N.Y. – U.S. Air Force computer scientists are reaching out to industry for help in developing advanced technologies that involve disciplines such as nano-computing, neuromorphic computing, machine learning, and embedded deep learning.
Officials of the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, N.Y., have issued a broad agency announcement (FA875023S7004) for the Extreme Computing program.
White papers for now
For now, Air Force computer researchers are asking industry for white papers on developing technologies in four areas: advancing computing technology and applications; nano-computing; neuromorphic computing and applying machine learning; computers, algorithms, and applications for embedded deep learning; and robust and efficient computing architectures, algorithms, and applications for embedded deep learning.
Companies submitting white papers may be asked to submit formal proposals. The Air Force will accept white papers for the Extreme Computing program until 28 Sept. 2028. The program could be worth as much as $497.9 million, and companies selected will receive contracts worth between $1 million and $100 million.
The program's first technical area, Advancing Computing Technology and Applications, involves developing computers with sophistication, autonomy, intelligence, and assurance for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and cyber applications.
High-performance embedded computing
Researchers are interested in technologies with limited size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP), and that include high-performance embedded computing with advanced machine learning; secure machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI); and non-conventional neuromorphic applications.
The point of contact for this technical area is Nathan Inkawhich, who is available by email at [email protected], or by phone at 315-330-2117.
The second technical area, Nano-Computing, involves for air and space systems operating at the edge, ranging from computer vision and knowledge extraction to autonomous flight and decision-making. This approach cannot rely only on current complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technologies, but involves new CMOS-compatible materials that enhance existing nanoelectronics.
Target applications include bio-inspired computing architectures with ultra-low power consumption. The technical point of contact for this technical area is Joseph Van Nostrand, whose email address is [email protected], and phone number is 315-330-4920 Email:[email protected].
Machine learning
The third technical area, Neuromorphic Computing and Applying Machine Learning, seeks to advance computationally intelligent systems for perception, adaptability, resiliency, and autonomy for energy-efficient air and space systems.
Interest revolves around advancements in computational neuroscience; nanoelectronics; nano photonics; high-performance computing; material science; embedded deep learning; machine learning; pattern recognition and signature analysis; autonomous adaptive operations; human-machine collaboration; neural control of complex- systems; in-situ training of neuromorphic hardware; and online learning in neural networks. The technical point of contract for this area is Clare Thiem, whose email address is [email protected], and phone number is 315-330-4893.
The fourth technical area, Robust and Efficient Computing Architectures, Algorithms, and Applications for Embedded Deep Learning, seeks to develop advanced efficient computing architectures and algorithms for orders of magnitude improvement in SWaP for deploying AI and machine learning for embedded computing in ground, air, and space applications. The technical point of contact is Mark Barnell, whose email address is [email protected].
Email technical questions to the Air Force's Joel Moore, the Extreme Computing program manager, at [email protected]. Email contractual questions to the Air Force's Amber Buckley at [email protected]. More information is online at https://sam.gov/opp/93ef7a03555941dba5e31af557c03093/view.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
