DIU seeks commercial remote sensing technology

By Courtney Albon / January 16, 2020 at 10:33 AM

The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking commercial remote sensing technology to perform peacetime indications and warning.

In a Jan. 13 notice, DIU states that it plans to initiate an 18-month competition, and will award other transaction agreements to prototype capabilities in five areas: small-satellite collection capabilities, advanced analytics software that uses cloud-based machine learning algorithms, edge compute capabilities, reduced latency direct downlink, and in-theater data processing.

"Remote sensing technology utilizing (but not limited to) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), hyperspectral imaging, electro-optical imaging, infrared imaging or radio frequency sensing satellite technology will be considered," the notice states. "The size of individual satellite technology should provide the greatest flexibility for launch and replacement."

Imagery provided by the remote-sensing system should be compatible with a cloud-based computing architecture, the notice states. DIU notes that it may award follow-on development contracts following the completion of the prototype competition.

Submissions are due Jan. 26.

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