The Defense Department put out a notice today requesting private industry, government research and development organizations and academia to identify innovative technologies that could be included in Thunderstorm 24-2.
The Thunderstorm series of events are collaboration efforts between DOD and interagency partners to unearth new technologies and supply feedback quickly to developers for faster technology maturation.
“Thunderstorm 24-2 focuses on innovative solutions for persistent sensors and supporting technologies,” a special notice from the under secretary of defense for research and engineering office said today.
The notice said that these technologies can “enhance situations awareness” and aid in more advantageous battlefield decision-making.
“The ability to persistently sense and gather data allows the DOD to detect threats early, monitor troop movements and assess the evolving dynamics of the battlespace,” the notice said. “This collected information is vital for formulating effective military strategies, ensuring the safety of personnel, and maintaining a strategic advantage in unpredictable operational environments.”
Thunderstorm 24-2 is a collaboration between DOD and the Army’s intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance task force and the Marine Corps warfighting laboratory.
Thunderstorm 24-2 will occur in June 2024 with a tentative location of Fort Huachuca, AZ.
Because the RFI is not a solicitation for procurement or a similar acquisition proposal, DOD does not intend to award a contract or to pay for the information garnered.
However, DOD noted that participation in Thunderstorm 24-2, which is by invitation only, could lead to more collaboration opportunities, support for future development and fielding matured capabilities.
Thunderstorm 24-2 will only focus on persistent sensors innovative capabilities.
“Persistent sensing technologies play a critical role in Department of Defense operations by enabling the continuous and real-time monitoring of various environments,” the notice said.