MTM project seeks to develop networked sensors and signal processing to attack high-priority enemy targets

ARLINGTON, Va. – U.S. military researchers are launching a secretive networked sensors and signal-processing project to speed the detection and targeting of enemy high-priority targets.

Officials of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, Va., issued a broad agency announcement (HR001119S0045) on Tuesday for the Military Tactical Means (MTM) project. Details and specifications of the MTM project are classified, but it seeks to design advanced sensing and automated signal processing of remotely sensed data for detection, classification, and geolocation of adversary military equipment on the battlefield. The project is a vital part of the DARPA Mosaic Warfare vision, which seeks to create rapidly reconfigurable military forces that are fast, unpredictable, flexible, and adaptable -- more like the pieces in a mosaic piece of art, rather than a collection of rigidly designed pieces of a puzzle.

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Mosaic warfare involves military forces that move quickly, adapt to changing circumstances, and continue to function efficiently even though some segments may disappear or be called away to higher-priority missions. The MTM project seeks to develop multi-mode electro-optics, sensors, and exploitation techniques for wide-area searches to detect high-value targets and destroy or disable these targets quickly using networked weapon systems. DARPA will conduct classified briefings for industry on the MTM project from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time on Monday 7 Oct. 2019 at the DARPA Conference Center, 675 North Randolph St., in Arlington, Va. Briefings will be at the secret level. Briefings will provide information on the MTM program; promote additional discussion on this topic; address questions from potential proposers; and, provide a forum for potential proposers to discuss teaming opportunities.

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Companies interested in attending these briefings must register online no later than Thursday 26 Sept. 2019 at www.cvent.com/events/mtm-proposer-s-day/registration-2e7bc0d851944510bca3e69548f70e71.aspx?fqp=true. More information on the MTM industry briefings are online at www.cvent.com/events/mtm-proposer-s-day/event-summary-2e7bc0d851944510bca3e69548f70e71.aspx. The MTM project will consist of two 24-month phases. The first phase, which this solicitation concerns, consists of two technical areas to be completed in parallel over two years. The second phase, not included in this solicitation, consists of one technical area. Proposers are required to bid to both technical areas for phase one, and must include a rough order of magnitude cost estimate for phase two. Phase-one participants will receive detailed proposal instructions for phase two. The MTM project is one example of programs that are part of the DARPA Mosaic Warfare vision. Another example is the DARPA Timely Information for Maritime Engagements (TIMEly) project, which kicked-off last June. TIMEly mosaic warfare into the maritime realm, and involves assets like manned submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to provide options on the fly for carrying out different missions.

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TIMEly seeks to develop a heterogeneous maritime communications architecture, and the demonstrate a prototype during sample missions at sea. The project emphasizes undersea communications, as well as communications among manned and unmanned submarines, surface vessels, aircraft, and satellites. TIMEly networks must be able to work together with established military networks to be effective, DARPA researchers say. The undersea domain imposes well-known limits on communications and on the ability to transfer the right information to warfighters. Companies interested in the MTM project should send full proposals to DARPA no later than 7 Nov. 2019, by submitting three hard copies of their proposals and two .PDF copies of the proposals on CD-ROM by post or courier to DARPA/STO, 675 North Randolph St., Arlington, VA 22203-2114 (Attn.: HR001119S0045). Email questions or concerns to DARPA at [email protected]. More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/HR001119S0045/listing.html.