Numerica Corporation was recently awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract by the Navy to optimize sensor data collection and processing.
The Navy uses signals intelligence (SIGINT) sensors onboard ships, aircraft and other intelligence-gathering platforms to detect, identify and locate targets of interest. Performing these intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) functions in an efficient and effective manner is necessary for Navy forces to achieve operational objectives.
In ISR missions, SIGINT receivers are used to scan radar frequency (RF) bands in search of signal emissions of interest from ground, surface and airborne platforms. With the rapid proliferation of RF technology, the RF spectrum has become increasingly more complex and congested, which burdens SIGINT receivers as they try to keep up with ever-growing surveillance and data processing requirements.
Numerica’s solution will maximize SIGINT receiver collection performance without requiring any modifications
to existing hardware. During Phase I, Numerica will develop an optimization algorithm that enables Navy mission planners to efficiently collect signals on high-priority emitters by tailoring the RF band receiver scan schedule for specific missions. SIGINT mission planners, who typically select individual scan schedules using manual methods, would benefit greatly from this automated optimization solution. Upon successful completion of the Phase I contract, Numerica would be eligible to apply for a two-year, $1 million Phase II award to demonstrate and test a software prototype for this capability.
“In the face of current budget challenges, the Navy is working diligently to optimize the performance of existing systems and to leverage current resources,” said Numerica President Jeff Poore. “Numerica is dedicated to supporting this endeavor by helping Navy SIGINT planners realize greater efficiencies, while still achieving mission success.”