Contact: U.S. Army Communications-Electronic Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC), Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD). For submission of white papers email responses to [email protected]. Description: This is a Request for Information (RFI) synopsis. Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD) is interested in receiving information about existing time difference of arrival (TDOA) geolocation technologies that can be leveraged as a hardware/software platform for hosting an algorithm developed under a US Army R&D program for TDOA Geolocation in Multipath Environments. I2WD is seeking detailed technical information on current TDOA ground-based geolocation systems, and how these s ystems can be leveraged for hosting a coherent TDOA based geolocation algorithm. The system must consist of highly coherent sensors, for hosting an algorithm sensitive to timing errors and phase errors. It is pertinent that the geolocation system have th e required hardware and processing power for hosting such algorithms, and also the ability to transfer data between nodes or to a single node, while preserving the timing and phase coherency of the signals received at the nodes. Proposals shall describe w hat technology can be leveraged from the current system, and what needs to be developed further if necessary for the prototype system design to host coherent TDOA geolocation algorithms. Background: The overall objective is to develop a geolocation system utilizing coherent processing between widely dispersed sensors. Exploiting phase measurements between sensors has the potential to dramatically improve source location resolution by an order of magnitude compared to non-coherent, conventional TDOA measurements. It is imperative that the prototype design solution maintain time and phase synchronization amongst sensors for optimum coherent TDOA geolocation performance. The goal is to dem onstrate a successful coherent TDOA geolocation system that integrates the algorithms developed under a separate US Army R&D program into a proposed prototype design solution. It is expected that the prototype system design will begin during FY08 and be c ompleted by the end of FY09 or sooner that demonstrates the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 criteria. TRL 6 is defined as sensor systems, signal processing algorithms, and data fusion algorithms that have been successfully field tested in a realistic e nvironment on functional prototype hardware. In addition to the technological details provided in the description and background, I2WD seeks responses about the following major system components of the proposed prototype system: 1. Software defined RF receiver solutions capable of receiving a variet y of signals of interest. 2. Digital signal processing solutions capable of performing the complex tasks of geolocation in real-time or near real-time. 3. Synchronization techniques to enable the phase and time synchronization between distributed sensors. 4. Technologies/methodologies for relaying geolocation information to the user. 5. Wireless networking and data link technologies to enable rapid exchange of information between sensors, and between sensors and a central processor. 6. Antennas for interc epting signals of interest. Submission Information: Responses shall be emailed to the address listed in the contact information, and not exceed 30 pages in 12 pt, Times New Roman font. Supplemental materials, such as brochures, briefings, spec sheets, etc., are welcome as long as t hey accompany a response. When preparing your responses, be specific, and make sure you answer the following questions: What technology, by name, fits this background and how does it address the major technical components. Describe the technology in det ail, and how it meets the objectives of the project description. What is the status of the technology? Is it available now? If not, when will it be availabl e? How extensively has it been tested? If the system does not currently meet all technical requirements such as phase and time coherency between sensors, are potential system hardware upgrades available? This RFI does not constitute a commitment on the part of Government to purchase systems or services. US Army CERDEC does not intend to pay for the preparation of any information submitted nor guarantee any awards will be made. All proprietary information shall be marked accordingly. All responses are due by December 17, 2007.

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