Overview
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) invites proposals for the development and demonstration of an installation access control technology pilot system for Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Once operational, this will be a tool for the installation commander and the installation operations center.
The system should include the following aspects as a minimum:
- Incorporate physical security requirements of military installations
- Integrate biometric sensors
- Capable of multi-factor authentication
- Near real-time capability
- Validate both entry and exit of personnel and vehicles from installation
- Integrate or enhance current capabilities for appropriate Army programs of record for Force Protection Systems and specifically for Automated Installation Entry
The installation access control technology system demonstration should accomplish the following:
- Integrate with the existing priorities and smart system initiatives at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama and the surrounding area
- Deploy and integrate additional smart sensors on the installation and in the community to prove functionality of the pilot system
- Establish a wireless communications network capable of enabling secure real-time data analytics and pilot system functionality and assessment at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama
- Propose technology transition way forward
Proposed solutions can be new or build on existing technology. All potential options will be considered.
Estimated Government Funding Profile
$7,500,000 total (RDT&E funds) for a total solution
Estimated Period of Performance
To be completed within 24 months from the date of award
Project Manager
Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Project Security Classification
☒ UNCLASSIFIED
☐ SECRET
☐ TS/SCI
Background and Problem Statement
The Army requires the ability to modernize Army facilities and access control points at the pace of technological change to ensure efficient, safe, secure, and connected data-driven innovation for improved quality of life, installation modernization, and mission readiness. Future installations must modernize with commercial technologies that leverage biometrics and integrate with smart installations, the “internet of things” (IOT), and connected infrastructure. This project addresses gap requirements outlined in the 2019 Army Modernization Strategy (AMS), the 2020 Army Installation Strategy (AIS), and the March 2020 report to Congress by ASA IE&E, “Army Report on Creating an Army Installations Test and Demonstration Program Using Commercial Technologies”. It also addresses Army research priorities for robotics and automated systems.
The 2019 AMS states “the Army will plan for upgrades to maintenance facilities, motor pools, (ranges), network infrastructure, administrative facilities, housing, barracks, secure facilities, and utilities upgrades to keep pace with other modernization efforts.” The 2020 AIS identifies a key feature of the operational environment (OE) as the accelerating rate of technological change and the need for safe and secure installations. Installations must keep pace with modernization efforts. Future Soldiers will expect installations to modernize at pace with civilian sector smart cities initiatives, but installations are often lagging behind or disconnected from emerging innovations. Key enablers of the four strategic outcomes in the AIS include data analytics and partnerships. Opportunities that leverage technology through creation of data-informed, smart installations will allow the Army to pivot from an industrial-age paradigm, characterized by rigidity and purpose-built specialization, to a data-rich, reconfigurable, and technology-enhanced information-age construct.
The AIS end state envisions modern, resilient, sustainable installations, enhancing strategic readiness in a contested battlespace, while providing quality facilities, services, and support to our Soldiers, families, and civilians. The Total Army expects safe activities and operations on installations, with installation access control playing a critical role. The Army must holistically address the need to operationalize installations. To meet the AMS and AIS end state, continual improvement of installation access control technology is required to modernize Army facilities and access control points at the pace of technological change and ensure efficient, safe, secure, and connected data-driven innovation.
A current gap exists in the ability of a military installation to incorporate smart access control technologies including biometric sensors coupled with data analytics, data fusion, and artificial intelligence to provide improved protection, faster awareness, and decision options for the installation. Improvements over current technology are desired for reduced traffic queuing at access points, increased situational awareness of personnel and visitors at entry and while on the installation, improved overall installation safety, enhanced security of mission-critical assets and infrastructure, reduced risk of insider threats, and processes for future automated vehicle and commuter bus access to installations that are safe and secure.
The primary agency requiring this is the U.S. Army Materiel Command, the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, and Army Garrison Commands supported by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment; Army Office of the Provost Marshal General; and respective Program Executive Offices including PM Force Protection and PM Biometrics. This technology addresses Army priorities related to improved quality of life, modernization, and mission readiness.
Desired End State
The expected outcome of this research project is the development and demonstration of an installation access control technology pilot system for Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This project will incorporate smart technologies including biometric sensors coupled with data analytics, data fusion, and artificial intelligence to provide improved protection, faster awareness, and decision options for the installation. Expected benefits include reduced bottlenecks at access points, increased situational awareness of personnel and visitors at entry and while on the installation, improved overall installation safety, enhanced security of mission-critical assets and infrastructure, reduced risk of insider threats, and processes for future automated vehicle and commuter bus access to installations that are safe and secure.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the criteria described in ERDC’s CSO Solicitation document. Evaluations will be conducted by a project team comprised of nationally-recognized government experts.
Submissions for this project may be shared with other ERDC teams when there appears to be a fit with other projects being undertaken or planned by ERDC researchers.
Notional Project Schedule
Proposed project milestones include:
04 Aug 2021 Project Announced, Submissions Open
24 Aug 2021 Submissions Close
03 Sep 2021 ERDC Completes Evaluation of Submissions
07 Sep 2021 Virtual Pitch Hosted by ERDCWERX (optional)*
09 Sep 2021 ERDC Selects Final Candidates, ERDC Initiates Negotiation with Selected Parties
*If needed, dates may vary to accommodate project team and participant availability.
How to Participate
Qualified parties may submit by completing a submission form and uploading required documentation as defined in the CSO Solicitation document.
1. Develop proposal in solution brief format (download solution brief template)
2. Review FAQ
3. Complete the submission form; attach solution brief and pitch deck PDF(s)
Questions:
Interested parties may submit questions using this form until 17 August 2021.
Submission Instructions: This solicitation is issued consistent with the authority granted to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) through the establishment of its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) with a focus on “Installations of the Future” solutions. Submissions must follow the requirements as detailed in the CSO Solicitation document.