The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Small Business Innovation Research Office is scouting for small businesses that can provide unique technologies to Special Operations Forces. The current research and development pursuits are described in the FY09.1 Department of Defense Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) solicitation and can be found at http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/solicitations/index.htm. The five USSOCOM topics included in the solicitation are summarized below for your convenience:

1. Novel Nanomaterials for Environmental protection of Special Operations Divers: Develop novel environmental protection for Special Operations divers utilizing nanomaterial to provide enhanced diver comfort, effectiveness, and expanded ability to operate in extreme cold environments.
2. Low Visibility Decoy Flare: Assess and identify innovative technologies, and/or advanced materials that emit an effective infrared (IR) countermeasure in the desired IR spectrum range while minimizing detectable signatures in the visible light spectrum. This topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR).
3. Geo and Ortho Rectified Video With Fused 3d Mapping, Light Detection and ranging (LIDAR), and Live Video Overlays: Develop a net centric, open architecture, operating system independent video system capable of geo/ortho-rectifying Airborne Full Motion Video with Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) and Intelligence overlays using Commercial and Government off the Shelf (COTTS/GOTS) navigational aids and three dimensional mapping applications in near real-time. This topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR).
4. Man Portable Hand Held Survey Device: Develop a single handheld wireless network survey tool to support measurements on WiMax, WCDMA, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, CDMAOne and GSM networks. This topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR).
5. Compact, Efficient Motor Controllers with Active Noise Cancellation: Develop and test an active noise cancellation system capable of being installed in light-weight compact, low-power, and efficient motor controller systems. The systems must meet safety requirements applicable for use by operators in a closed atmosphere. This topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR).

During the pre-release period of the FY09.1 DoD Solicitation (ends 7 December 2008), any technical inquiries must be submitted in writing through SOCOMSBIR@brtrc.com. Questions and answers received during this period will not be disclosed to the general public. During the solicitation open period (8 December 2008 thru 6 AM EST on 14 January 2009), all questions must be submitted through the SBIR Interactive Topic Information System at www.dodsbir.net/SITIS . Questions and answers received during this period will be made available to the general public. Please read the USSOCOM specific solicitation instructions prior to submitting a question.

Additional information on USSOCOM’s SBIR process is located at www.socomsbir.com. Additional information on the overall DoD SBIR process is described at http://www.dodsbir.net/. Information on a particular State’s SBIR program is included at http://www.sbir.gov/state/.

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research Office highly encourages all firms to submit meaningful Phase I proposals that can satisfy the technology needs described in the FY09.1 DoD SBIR Solicitation.