Multi-Signal Scene Analyzer (MSSA) software

The contractor must improve the function of the existing MSSA software so that the software correctly detects and characterizes LPI signals in channels that are currently occupied by other manmade signals. Specifically, cyclostationary theory must be applied to enhance the MSSA software detection and characterization algorithms to reduce false detection and characterization as well as reduce processing time in a variety of spectral scenarios. These scenarios, to be specified by NRL Code 8124, are mission driven and not necessarily known in advance, but will involve multiple co-channel and adjacent channel interferers. The scenarios will require the contractor to develop and generate a simulated signal suite that includes DSSS, FH, OFDM, a variety of PSK, MSK, and interfering signals. These signals must be combined with a recorded signal environment, as collected by NRL Code 8124, to generate spectral scenarios that fully exercise the performance of the MSSA software.

The contractor must enhance existing software modules or develop new ones, within the existing MSSA software structure, to provide NRL Code 8124 mission specific tools for the detection and classification of LPI signals in certain environments where a priori knowledge is known.

The contractor must improve the function of the existing MSSA software so that the software most efficiently utilizes multi-core processors to minimize processing time and maximize signal detection and characterization accuracy of LPI signals in spectrally congested channels. Specifically, cyclostationary theory must be applied to the MSSA software function to determine which detection and characterization functions are most appropriately assigned to specific processing hardware to leverage additional processing cores, improving signal detection accuracy. The contractor shall confirm multi-core processing improvements through processing timing in addition to signal detection and characterization measurements that have been established for MSSA performance.

The contractor must improve the function of the existing MSSA software graphical user interface (GUI). Specifically, the MSSA software GUI requires improvement to allow non-technical users or users not familiar with cyclostationarity to most efficiently use the Whisper system. The GUI must provide the user with intuitive access to the most appropriate system software tools, as determined by NRL Code 8124, and also improve the technical value of the displayed information, based on the dynamic mission requirements of NRL Code 8124. The GUI development will be directed by NRL Code 8124 and implemented such that it does not interfere with current use of the MSSA software or existing Whisper systems.

During the PoP, the internal PCIe based digitizer (analog to digital and digital to analog functions) will be replaced with external digitizers including a software defined radio and digitizer units manufactured by Midwest Microwave Solutions. The contractor will be expected to implement, test, and develop this hardware upgrade using GFE specified and purchased by NRL Code 8124. Performance of the external digitizers should at least meet, if not exceed, the existing internal PCIe based digitizer.

During the PoP, at least one NVIDIA A100 GPU with 80GB of memory, of which will be GFE, shall be integrated by the contractor into existing Whisper system hardware so as to optimize the system processing performance, minimizing processing time for given parameters. The contractor shall confirm processing improvements from the addition of the GPU through processing timing and signal detection and characterization measurements that have been established for MSSA performance.

The contractor must perform the planned hardware upgrade implementation and testing so as to minimize impact on the Pomonkey Facility’s mission. The contractor will be responsible for all software modification and hardware integration and testing. The deliverable will be software and hardware modifications that reduce the Whisper system’s signal detection and characterization processing time, improve signal detection and characterization accuracy, and provide a GUI that allows non-technical users, as determined by NRL Code 8124, to operate the Whisper system.

The dynamics of the NRL Code 8124 mission for which the Whisper system is used, can significantly add required development time with the scope of this SOW. The proposed man hours, per period of performance, are based on the current mission requirements. Additional hours may be required, as determined by NRL Code 8124, for the PoP. Any required additional hours will be funded as necessary.