ONHS Report: FA875024S7004

ADVANCED RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (ARA) TITLE: ADVANCED TRACKING ARCHITECTURE USING AI (ATA-AI)

Solicitation ID: FA875024S7004

Agency: AFRL/RIED

Type: Presolicitation

Deadline: 2029-07-12T17:00:00 ET

Eligibility: Maybe (Dual Approval Required)

Funding: Total funding of approximately $99M. Individual awards will normally range from $1M to $10M, with a potential for awards up to the total ARA ceiling amount.

Doc Type: BAA

Clearance: Top Secret

Program Manager: Carolyn Sheaff

Last Updated: 2025-11-24 13:14

Analyzed File: 24-04 Amend 3 first repub.docx

Eligibility Reasoning

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government entities... cannot propose to this ARA in any capacity unless they meet the following conditions: FFRDCs must clearly demonstrate that the proposed work is not otherwise available from the private sector; and FFRDCs must provide a letter on official letterhead from their sponsoring organization citing the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to Government solicitations and compete with industry... This information is required for FFRDCs proposing to be prime contractors or sub-awardees.

Note: This is an AI-generated summary...

Summary

The Department of the Air Force, AFRL/Information Directorate, has issued an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA FA8750-24-S-7004) titled "ADVANCED TRACKING ARCHITECTURE USING AI (ATA-AI)". The program seeks research to design, develop, and deliver technologies for next-generation target tracking architectures. This involves using a wide array of data sources and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Machine Inferencing (MI) algorithms within a High-Performance Computing (HPC) framework. Key technical areas of interest include 3D data processing, AI/ML for multi-modal data fusion, and processing GPS/non-GPS/telematic data for traffic and location tracking. The total estimated funding is approximately $99M, open until July 12, 2029, with individual awards typically ranging from $1M to $10M over 48 months. It is a two-step process, starting with white paper submissions, followed by invited formal proposals. Awards may be FAR-based contracts or Other Transactions. The opportunity is generally closed to foreign participation, with some exceptions.

Overall Technical Areas

Target Tracking ArchitecturesArtificial Intelligence / Machine LearningMachine Inferencing AlgorithmsHigh Performance Computing (HPC)Multi-Modal Data Fusion3D Point Cloud ProcessingGeospatial Information Systems (GIS)GPS and Non-GPS Data ProcessingInertial Navigation Systems (INS)Object Identification & ClassificationPattern Learning AlgorithmsMobile Sensor Data AnalysisTraffic Track Analysis

Probable LBNL Areas

BSACSAEESA

Focus Areas

Example Priorities:

3D pixel, vector, and point cloud processing and accelerations. Implementations on a High Performance Computing (HPC) system may be considered.
Development of methods utilizing AI/ML for identification, classification and pattern learning that inference over information from multiple data modalities (OSINT, SIGINT, Imagery, GEOINT…).
Ingestion and processing of Geographical Positioning System (GPS), non-GPS, Inertial Navigation System (INS), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) trackers, or telematic based data into traffic tracks that can measure utilization of lines of communication.
Processing of cellphone Geographical Positioning System (GPS) and non-GPS data (Inertial Navigation System (INS), accelerometers, altimeters, personal fit devices, etc.) into and display Graphical Information System (GIS) data that can assist first responders in identifying the location of individuals in disaster areas based on last known location from their personal devices.

Specific Technical Skills:

3D pixel, vector, and point cloud processing and accelerations. Implementations on a High Performance Computing (HPC) system may be considered.Development of methods utilizing AI/ML for identification, classification and pattern learning that inference over information from multiple data modalities (OSINT, SIGINT, Imagery, GEOINT…).Ingestion and processing of Geographical Positioning System (GPS), non-GPS, Inertial Navigation System (INS), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) trackers, or telematic based data into traffic tracks that can measure utilization of lines of communication.Processing of cellphone Geographical Positioning System (GPS) and non-GPS data (Inertial Navigation System (INS), accelerometers, altimeters, personal fit devices, etc.) into and display Graphical Information System (GIS) data that can assist first responders in identifying the location of individuals in disaster areas based on last known location from their personal devices.

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Gazi Mahmud	0.71	BSA \| Environmental Genomics & Systems Biology \| Molecular Ecosystems Bio
Jean Luca Bez	0.70	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Research
Edward Bethel	0.70	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Research
Samuel Williams	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Hasita Veluri	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Alexander Sim	0.69	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Research
Muaaz Gul Awan	0.69	CSA \| NERSC \| Sci Eng & Workflows Department
Aydin Buluc	0.69	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Nicola Falco	0.69	EESA \| CESD \| Integrated Ecosystem Sciences
Alan Di Vittorio	0.69	EESA \| CESD \| Earth System Sciences

Potential LBNL PIs (Overall)

Note on PI Matching: These suggestions are generated through an AI-driven semantic analysis of LBNL staff profiles.

Name	Score	Organization
Erich Strohmaier	0.76	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science · High Performance Computing (HPC)
Talita Perciano Costa Leite	0.75	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Research · Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
Anna Giannakou	0.74	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Applications · Machine Inferencing Algorithms
Alexandre Bayen	0.74	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis · Traffic Track Analysis
Marta Gonzalez	0.74	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis · Mobile Sensor Data Analysis
Luisa Gonzalez	0.73	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science · Target Tracking Architectures
Satyarth Praveen	0.73	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Applications · Pattern Learning Algorithms
Sylvain Fiolleau	0.72	EESA \| EG \| Geophysics Dept · Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)
Yuankun Xu	0.72	EESA \| EG \| Geophysics Dept · GPS and Non-GPS Data Processing
Gunther Weber	0.72	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Applications · 3D Point Cloud Processing

Fundamental Research Exemption (FRE)

As of the date of publication of this ARA, the Government does not anticipate work proposed under this ARA to be considered fundamental research. Proposers should indicate in their proposal whether they believe the scope of the research included in their proposal is fundamental or not. While proposers should clearly explain the intended results of their research, the Government shall have sole discretion to select award instrument type and to negotiate all instrument terms and conditions with selectees. Appropriate clauses will be included in resultant awards for non-fundamental research to prescribe publication requirements and other restrictions, as appropriate.