The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Advanced Technology Office (ATO) will be hosting an Industry Day Workshop on the topic of Dynamic Optical Tags (DOTs). The goal of the DARPA DOTs program is to develop a small, thin, environmentally robust, long lived, modulated optical retro-reflecting tag and a long range interrogation system. These devices will enable highly precise tag location and reliable and efficient information flow. The tags will be passive (i.e. in the sleep mode) for most of its operation and activate only when properly interrogated. The tags will then begin to modulate the illuminating beam to transmit coded information on the retro-reflecting path. DOTs will have a wide range of applications in numerous military, logistical, and law enforcement situations. The DOTs program will be in three phases: Phase 1: Develop Optical Tag Technologies: Phase I will last 18 months and focus on the development and demonstration of the optical elements required to support the objectives of the DOTs program. Phase 2: Design DOTs System: Phase II will last 15 months, continue the development of the tag, develop the handheld interrogator, and design an advantaged, i.e. airborne system. At the end of Phase II; the tag will be demonstrated with integrated electronics and all of the features from Phase I. Phase 3: Build and Demonstrate DOTs System: Phase III will last 15 months and concentrate on building and demonstrating the complete DOTs systems. This will include building the advantaged, i.e. airborne system, and support the transition of the DOTs system to the military. The Industry Day Workshop will be held at the George Mason University, Arlington Campus Professional Center, Ste 244, 3401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201 on 12 March 2003 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The objectives of this workshop are to: (1) release detailed technical information regarding the DOTs program, (2) present current work and future needs related to DOTs, and (3) to promote technical exchange among government, commercial, academic, and other interested parties. It is anticipated that successful proposals will involve teaming between different organizations that bring different skill sets to the table to enable integrated solutions to this problem. The workshop will be unclassified and open. This workshop will be the primary forum for exploring teaming relationships. Time will be allocated for invited presentations on Optical Tagging capability and performer background; expect 10 minute speaking blocks. If interested in presenting, indicate your desire to present and submit your presentation via the workshop registration web page. Neither proprietary nor unclassified-but-sensitive information may be included in the workshop presentations. DARPA reserves the right to screen and edit the material before it is presented at the workshop or posting it to the website. There will be an opportunity at the workshop to sign up for short one-on-one meetings with the PM on the following day. Points of contact for technical questions can be addressed to Stephen Griggs, DARPA Advanced Technology Office, Email
[email protected] . Alternate Technical POCs: Vic Jaroch (
[email protected]), 703-967-9435. Pre-registration is required by COB 11 March 03 for workshop attendance. A web site has been established at http://www.darpa.mil/ato/solicit/CN/index.htm that provides registration information, agenda, and information to be presented during the Industry Day. Due to limited seating, attendance may be limited to two representatives per organization, preferably one business and one technical representative, where applicable. Please register for the workshop at http://www.darpa.mil/ato/solicit/DOTS/index.htm. Pre-registration for US citizens is required by 11 March 03 for workshop attendance. Please declare your citizenship in the remarks block. Foreign nationals must complete and return a DARPA Foreign National Visitor Request (DARPA Form 60) not later than 7 March 2003 if they wish to attend the workshop. Foreign nationals must declare their citizenship in the remarks section of the registration page to prompt the DARPA Form 60 to be sent. Attendees at the workshop are responsible for providing registration cost fees of $35, travel arrangements, and hotel reservations. The Government will not reimburse the attendees for any costs associated with its participation and is under no obligation to award any related contract associated with this event. Participation in Industry Day is totally voluntary. Attendance at the workshop is not required to resulting Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation, or Amendment to BAA03-06 that might occur. Questions on the workshop may be directed to Maureen Mangar, Adroit C4ISR Center, SRA International, Inc., at
[email protected], 703-647-1178.