ONR Open Topic for Low-Cost Heads Up Displays (HUDs) for Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

ONR requests proposals for existing technology demonstration platforms, prototypes, and commercial products that provide domestically-sourced, low-cost HUDs) for first-person view (FPV) drone pilots, and augmented reality (AR) capabilities for Forward Observers (FOs) and Joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTACs). For Phase I awardees, ONR will provide operational context and technical thresholds against which technologies will be assessed and provide feedback and guidance on enhancements to align with warfighting objectives.

The proposing small business should have an existing hardware solution that meets one or both technical areas listed below:

- HUD for FPV pilot operations including integrated display, signal inputs, and locations for mounting organic FPV equipment including antennas, transmitters, and power supplies

- Integrated HUD with native 6DOF tracking, using on-board sensors and modalities (cameras, Inertial Measurement or Measuring Units [IMUs], magnetometers), compute, and power (battery)

Objective

Develop a commercial technology to address Navy and USMC gaps regarding low-cost, NDAA-compliant heads-up displays (HUDs) with on-board 6 degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) tracking.

Phase I

The DON is planning to issue multiple Phase I awards for this topic but reserves the right to issue no awards. Each Phase I proposal must include a Base and Option period of performance. The Phase I Base must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $200,000. The Phase I Option must have a period of performance of six (6) months at a cost not to exceed $115,000. Phase I feasibility will describe the existing proposed technology, existing DON system(s) to improve/replace, expected improvements to existing capabilities, and a transition approach to both the DON system and commercial sector. Phase I results will be detailed in a final technical report (Final Report) and presented during the project outbrief one month prior to Final Report submission.

Phase I deliverables include:

- Kick-Off Briefing, due 15 days from start of Base award

- Progress Report, due 90 days from start of Base award

- Final Report, due 180 days from start of Base award

- Quad Chart, due 180 days from start of Base award

- Initial Phase II Proposal, due 180 days from start of Base award

The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and capabilities description to build and deliver a prototype solution in Phase II.

Phase II

All Phase I awardees may submit an Initial Phase II proposal for evaluation and selection. The evaluation criteria for Phase II are the same as Phase I (as stated in this CSO). The Phase I Final Report and Initial Phase II Proposal will be used to evaluate the small business's potential to fill a capability gap, improve performance, or modernize an existing capability for DON and transition the technology to Phase III. Details on the due date, content, and submission requirements of the Initial Phase II Proposal will be provided by the awarding SYSCOM either in the Phase I contract or by subsequent notification.

The scope of the Phase II effort will be specific to each project but is generally expected to include development of a functional prototype to demonstrate the capability, development of a transition plan addressing production and the fielding approach (including updated logistics and safety consideration) and further commercialization (non-DoW).

Phase III

Support incorporation of low-cost HUDs into the Fires programs of record within the USMC for FOs, JTACs, and FPV drone attack operators.

Since the Navy is seeking commercial technologies (e.g., FPV), these technologies already have existing commercial applications.

Keywords: Heads Up Display, Augmented Reality, Human-Machine Interface, First Person Drone, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality

Technology areas: None

Focus areas: Human-Machine Interfaces, Integrated Sensing and Cyber

CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)