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Bush School Team Awarded Project to Study Effectiveness of Lie-Detection System That Tracks Eye Behavior

Saturday, February 17th, 2024

Department of Defense Research Project Awarded to Joint International Affairs and Public Service and Administration Research Team – Ocular Methods in Credibility Assessment (IP# 75648)

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Feb. 13, 2024 — A team of researchers from Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service has been selected to study the effectiveness of an ocular deception detection device.

The study, led by Associate Professor Michael Howell will assess Converus Inc.’s EyeDetect system’s ability to assess the credibility of deceptive and non-deceptive individuals. A companion study just concluded at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Both studies evaluate EyeDetect’s performance in potential federal government contexts, such as law enforcement, immigration, and intelligence.

Howell was selected for the role based on his prior work with the High Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG). The two-year study, which started in July, will be conducted along the Texas-Mexico border.

Co-principal investigators for the project are Dr. Danny Davis, Dan Debree, Dr. Trey Marchbanks, and Dr. Jim Nelson.

The contract for the study is through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Texas A&M University is a partner of the ARLIS consortium of universities in the Intelligence and Security University Research Enterprise (INSURE) Academic Consortium, which connects member institutions to government missions in need of applied research resources. ARLIS is sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense of Intelligence and Security and is the only university-affiliated research center focused on the intersection of human behavior and technology.

Texas A&M University, a partner of the ARLIS consortium of universities in the Intelligence and Security University Research Enterprise (INSURE) Academic Consortium, has been awarded a contract by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) for the study of an ocular deception detection device produced by Converus Inc.

INSURE is a consortium connecting member institutions to government missions in need of applied research resources. ARLIS is sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense of Intelligence and Security and the only university-affiliated research center focused on the intersection of human behavior and technology.

This study will be led by Associate Professor of the Practice Michael Howell. Professor Howell, who was first contacted by DCSA regarding this proposed study that will be conducted along the Texas-Mexican border, was selected to fulfill this role based on his prior work with the High Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG).

Co-principal investigators for the project include Dr. Danny Davis, Professor Dan Debree, Dr. Trey Marchbanks, and Dr. Jim Nelson. The Texas A&M University team will conduct a thorough investigation of the Converus EyeDetect system’s ability to assess the credibility of deceptive and non-deceptive individuals. A companion study just concluded at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Both studies evaluate EyeDetect’s performance in potential federal government contexts, such as law enforcement, immigration, and intelligence. The project start date was July 31, 2023. The initial project will run for two years.

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Glow Sticks – Not Just for Parties Anymore

Wednesday, January 10th, 2024

UH Researcher Using Popular Party Favor to Detect Biothreats for U.S. NavyHouston, Jan. 9 — Remember that party where you were swinging glow sticks above your head or wearing them as necklaces? Fun times, right? Science times, too. Turns out those fun party favors are now being used by a University of Houston researcher to identify emerging biothreats for the United States Navy.

It’s not the odd combination it may seem at first glance. Largely due to climate change, the environmental niches that can be occupied by threat-producing species are expanding. As environmental biothreats increase, so does their accessibility and potential concern from a biodefense perspective. Currently, there is a need to detect and diagnose certain emerging biothreats, especially in far-forward settings.

“We are for the first time applying the shelf-stable, low-toxicity, low-cost chemistry of common glow sticks to develop bright and rapid diagnostic tests called lateral flow immunoassays (LFIs) like fluorescent-dyed nanoparticles that, when exposed to glow stick activation chemicals, emit bright visible light that can be readily imaged using a smartphone or simple camera,” said Richard Willson, Huffington-Woestemeyer Professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Houston. “We will adapt the technology of glow sticks widely used in military signaling applications to excite fluorescent LFI particles to increase their detectability.”

The humble glow stick

Here’s how they work: When you bend a common glow stick, it breaks a small glass container inside holding a mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide and another substance. This mix reacts with a chemical stored outside the glass, creating a new substance that is quite reactive. When it collides with special colorful dyes, it gives them energy and makes them light up.

Richard Willson, Huffington-Woestemeyer Professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is adapting technology of glow sticks to excite fluorescent particles to increase their detectability for the U.S. Navy.

That’s usually the time you lose interest in them and toss them away – but not so for Willson, who has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Navy, with the future potential to receive task orders of $1.3 million, to develop improved rapid detection technology for emerging biothreats to support forward deployable testing efforts and develop high affinity reagents for the new technology. High affinity reagents are substances or molecules that exhibit a strong and specific attraction or binding to a particular target.

Accessibility of technology

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for rapid, inexpensive and ultrasensitive immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostic applications. Lateral flow immunoassays such as the home pregnancy test and COVID-19 rapid antigen test are successfully used by untrained persons to detect medically important chemicals but have limited analytical sensitivity and typically detect only a single chemical.

“Our novel Glow LFIs are very sensitive; preliminary results for Glow LFI detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein spiked in nasal swab extract show an unoptimized limit of detection of 100 picograms per milliliter, already better than typical LFIs,” said Willson, whose research with the glow stick method also shows detection of other known biothreats.

As part of the ongoing research Willson will also develop a pipeline to produce new high-affinity reagents to be employed in these new detection assays.

University of Houston

Posted in CBRNE, Guest Post, Navy, Research | Comments Off on Glow Sticks – Not Just for Parties Anymore

USSOCOM Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 24.4 Release 1 Pre-Release

Friday, November 24th, 2023

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will soon be accepting submissions for the following technology areas of interest:

PHASE I:
SOCOM244-001: Small Unmanned Ground Robotic Systems
SOCOM244-002: Thermal Reflex Sight

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program stimulates a partnership of ideas and technologies between innovative SBCs and non-profit Research Institutions. By providing awards to SBCs for cooperative R/R&D efforts with Research Institutions, the SBIR and STTR programs assist the U.S. small business and research communities by supporting the commercialization of innovative technologies.

On 28 November, SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the area of interest. RSVP to the Q&A session on the event webpage.

Submissions Open 05 December 2023.

events.sofwerx.org/sbir24-4r1

Posted in Optics, Research, Robotics, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 24.4 Release 1 Pre-Release

Corvid Technologies Teams with Jankel Tactical Systems to Deliver Results on US DoD SBIR Seating Program

Tuesday, November 7th, 2023

Corvid Technologies, a US-based provider of end-to-end engineering solutions, has teamed with Jankel Tactical Systems, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defense, security, and NGO protection systems, to deliver results on a US Department of Defense (DoD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The SBIR program aims to develop new vehicle seating system technologies that provide protection from a variety of high-energy threats with dynamics that are multi-directional. The Corvid/Jankel solution combines proven Jankel seating technologies with new innovations produced using the computational analysis and design expertise of Corvid and its Velodyne high-fidelity computational physics solver.

The DoD customer has awarded Jankel and Corvid Phase I and Phase II SBIR funding to develop their protective seating system solution. In the successful execution of these contracts, the Jankel/Corvid team has leveraged the respective skills of both companies to deliver innovation, fresh thinking, and a science-led approach. While vehicle seating systems that protect against underbody blast threats are a matured technology and a core existing product group for Jankel, the threat environment for an armored vehicle consists of more than just underbody blast, and seating technologies must evolve to provide protection against a greater variety of threats, including those which come from multiple directions. This joint project will deliver a technology demonstrator seating system that protects against diverse and multi-directional threats. Due to the sensitivities involved, the team is unable to reveal any further technical details.

David Robinson, President and CEO at Corvid Technologies said: “We selected Jankel Tactical Systems as a partner given their established position in the Defense vehicle seating market. Jankel’s quick-response capabilities in combination with Corvid’s particular engineering analysis skillset allows our team to deliver prototype engineering solutions that are both innovative and compliant – exactly what a project like this requires. We are confident that the team we have formed here will be able to solve the unique challenges set by our customer.”

John Kyler, President at Jankel Tactical Systems said: “We’re really pleased to have teamed with Corvid Technologies on this SBIR project. Protected vehicle seating system technology is something that we’ve been successfully developing for many years and our seating systems are in service across multiple defense platforms, globally. Taking our existing protection systems and evolving them to meet emerging threats is an exciting proposition and adding our skill set to that of Corvid has created a project team that combines our respective strengths in exactly the right way. I’m looking forward to seeing the results!”

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release, Research | 5 Comments »

S2MARTS Research OTA Releases Inaugural Project Aimed at Advancing Materials Research

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

Aug 16, 2023 – The Department of the Navy (DoN) has embarked on a groundbreaking research endeavor under the S2MARTS Research OTA (Other Transaction Authority), with the announcement of the OTs inaugural project: Characterization and Improvement of Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Their Composites.

S²MARTS Research is uniquely situated under The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) 10 U.S.C. 4021 agreement created by The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division to effectively bridge the gap between research and prototyping. By expanding the Navy’s capabilities in material design, processing, characterization, and testing, Boron Nitride will provide a solid foundation for future innovations in defense technologies.

This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in designing, processing, characterizing, and testing materials for research and development. This materials research opportunity ensures that the Navy remains at the cutting edge of material science, fostering advancements that can enhance mission success and bolster national security.

With a particular focus on boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), this project seeks to delve into the unique properties of this emerging material. Leaning into the opportunity a research OT provides, this project encourages exploration of other materials with similar properties and their synergistic combinations to optimize performance and expand the Navy’s material portfolio.

Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs): A Promising Material

BNNTs are continuously gaining attention in the scientific community. These nanotubes exhibit exotic properties of thermal conductivity, high strength, and electrical resistivity, making them attractive for further exploration. As manufacturing techniques continue to advance, BNNTs are becoming more accessible, necessitating further research to characterize, enhance, and optimize their properties. The DoN recognizes the importance of staying at the forefront of material science, which is why this project focuses on BNNTs as a key area of exploration.

Characterization, Form Factors, and Processing Methods

The challenge statement extends beyond the characterization of BNNTs alone, encompassing a comprehensive study of their potential form factors and processing methods. By investigating various form factors, such as films, fibers, and composites, researchers can uncover the full spectrum of BNNT applications. Additionally, understanding the most effective processing techniques will enable the Navy to harness the full potential of BNNTs in diverse environments and scenarios.

Expanding the Research Scope

While BNNTs serve as the primary focus, it is important to note that the project does not limit its exploration to this material alone. Instead, this research opportunity encourages the inclusion of materials with similar properties and those that can synergistically enhance the performance of BNNTs or enable novel use cases. By adopting a broader perspective, the Navy aims to capitalize on the collective potential of multiple materials systems, promoting innovation and addressing a wider array of research challenges.

Get Involved with S2MARTS Research

The announcement of this project further positions the Navy at the forefront of research and development, ensuring its readiness to leverage cutting-edge materials for future defense applications. The project’s anticipated duration of 12 months, with the possibility of a 24-month extension, aims to yield significant advancements in material science.

S²MARTS Research was designed to open the door for new innovators who previously would not have been able to support projects in an academic or research-focused capacity. Under NSTXL’s open consortium model, current members already have immediate access to this opportunity. Innovators who wish to only operate under the S²MARTS Research program will be offered free membership.

Posted in Materials, Press Release, Research | Comments Off on S2MARTS Research OTA Releases Inaugural Project Aimed at Advancing Materials Research

NFM Tailoring the Future of Combat Clothing in EU Development Program

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

NFM Group AS has been selected with partners within the European Defense Fund (EDF) to deliver on the ARMETISS smart textile development program. The project, a €20 million EU-funded project, will develop innovative textile technologies to create smart clothing for soldiers, improving their performance, safety, and well-being.

ARMETISS (Smart Multifunction Textiles for integrated Soldier Systems) aims to develop a set of smart clothes and equipment integrating complementary functions based on EU end-users’ needs and textile-based advanced technologies. The project output will provide the necessary functionality to enhance soldiers’ capacity to perform their demanding tasks while increasing their safety and well-being during military operations.

The ARMETISS project will initiate the development of innovative textile technologies, tailored to cater to the varied needs of the modern soldier by integrating smart functionalities.

“Being selected for the ARMETISS project emphasises our position as forerunners in military textile technology development. This venture reaffirms our commitment to enhancing soldier safety and marks a significant milestone for NFM’s innovation,” says Walter Øverland, CEO of NFM Group AS.

The ARMETISS consortium comprises a total of 18 selected members and spans nine countries.

This powerful union of partners strengthens the program’s potential for successful implementation and promises profound advancements in the realm of multifunctional smart textiles for soldiers.

Posted in Clothing, Contracts, International, Press Release, Research | Comments Off on NFM Tailoring the Future of Combat Clothing in EU Development Program

U.S. Air Force And Archer Enter Into Contracts Worth Up To $142 Million Representing Landmark Investment In EVTOL Technology By U.S. Military

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023

• Archer has been partnering with the Department of Defense (DoD) since 2021 on a series of projects through the Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes

• This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to 6 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which the Air Force is targeting for use in personnel transport and logistics support, rescue operations and more

• This expansion of Archer’s partnership with the DoD represents a significant investment in the future of the country and will help ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership position in aviation

• The other military branches have the opportunity to leverage these contracts as a platform for additional projects, which could increase the total value of Archer’s DoD partnership

SANTA CLARA, CA, – Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced that it has significantly expanded its partnership with the DoD by signing new contracts with the U.S. Air Force with a total value of up to $142 million. The new contracts signal the U.S. military’s recognition of the transformative potential Archer’s innovative eVTOL aircraft brings to our country’s Armed Forces. This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to six of Archer’s Midnight aircraft to the Air Force, the sharing of additional flight test data and certification related test reports, pilot training, and the development of maintenance and repair operations. As a result of these contracts, Archer will create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

Archer has been partnering with the DoD since 2021 on a series of projects through the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes. Now, with Archer recently completing the manufacturing of its first Midnight aircraft, the DoD recognizes that with its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, target payload of approximately 1,000lbs, proprietary electric powertrain system, and low noise profile, Archer’s aircraft represents a potential paradigm shift in military aviation and operations. These aircraft hold the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility, and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles, from personnel transport and logistics support to rescue operations and more. Archer’s Midnight aircraft are expected to provide a much safer and quieter alternative to helicopters while being more cost-effective for the U.S. military to transport, operate and maintain in the field.

“This historic agreement reflects the steadfast commitment by our Armed Forces to embrace the cutting-edge technology our eVTOL aircraft offer,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “It’s clear that the development and commercialization of eVTOL technology continues to remain a national priority. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force to integrate Midnight into their operational fleet with a focus on transport, logistics and rescue operations.”

“It is our mission to ensure the U.S. continues to lead the world in developing and deploying emerging aerospace technology,” said Colonel Tom Meagher, the lead for AFWERX Agility Prime programs. “eVTOL aircraft represent the cusp of the third revolution in aerospace, and these aircraft and their descendents will drive advances in capabilities and efficiency. Our contracts with Archer Aviation provide the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force the opportunity to play a role in ensuring from the onset, and as the technology evolves, that we unlock the many benefits these aircraft have to offer the U.S. military.”

“As a retired senior military leader who was responsible for U.S. forces, operations and activities throughout the continent of Africa, I’m thrilled with this agreement and its potential impact on the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” said Retired 4-Star General and Archer Government Services Advisory Board Member, Steve Townsend. “The United States has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and this partnership demonstrates our nation’s commitment to maintain that position. I commend the visionary leadership at DoD which led to this contract and Archer’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Archer announcing the formation of the company’s Government Services Advisory Board in May. The goal of the advisory board is to allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore opportunities to commercialize its eVTOL aircraft. The members of this advisory board are assisting and facilitating Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft and related technologies. The board includes Retired 4-star General Steve Townsend, Retired 3-star Lieutenant General David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star General Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star General Bill Gayler, and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Industry, Press Release, Research | 3 Comments »

Plumb Precision Announces the Submission of the P3-M110 PGS into PEO Soldier’s xTechSoldier Lethality Program

Thursday, July 13th, 2023

Plumb Precision Products is excited to announce its submission into the xTechSolider Lethality Precision Grenadier System.

The Plumb Precision M110 Precision Grenadier System (P3-M110 PGS) is a SDVOSB effort for a M110 rifle-based system. The P3 M110-PGS receivers are M110 pattern, re-designed to accept 17.5mm Ammunition. This developmental ammunition is a 17.5mm projectile fired from 12-gauge shotgun sized cases.

P3-M110 PGS Ammunition is low- or high-pressure rated. The Counter-Defilade ammunition is pre-programmed time of flight detonating (based on range) or point detonating. P3 will include Training, CQB/SUB-T, Breaching, Anti-Armor (SABOT/HEAT types), and Counter UAS (Flechette / EM discharge) ammunition types.

The P3-M110 PGS uses SR25 type magazines and has M4 type ambidextrous controls. The P3 M110-PGS is 8 lbs. empty (target of 11.5 lbs. loaded). The P3-M110 PGS is less than 34” long (target 28” long with suppressor).

The P3-M110 PGS has a Variable Power Direct View Optic. The DVO has a patented self-ranging etched reticle. It is ammo BDC matched including blast radius.

Targeting information is shown via Heads-Up Display with aiming reference points and numerical data. The targeting system has patent pending wind reading and sound locating (counter UAS) features. This data is transmitted via a patented encrypted network.

Plumb Precision Products will leverage existing technologies and industry partnerships to provide a system with unprecedented flexibility and lethality.

Posted in Press Release, Research, weapons | 4 Comments »