January 01, 2024
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Awarding Agency: US Army
Contract Number: W5170125CA232
Project Description: The U.S. Army’s modernization strategy emphasizes decision speed and operational readiness, yet current long-range communication systems are ill-suited to handle the expanding streams of sensor data from advanced vehicles and weapon platforms. Predictive Logistics, which enables commanders and maintainers to anticipate equipment needs, has demonstrated value but remains limited by data transfer constraints outside motorpools.
Forward Edge-AI, in partnership with Verizon, is developing a secure wireless data transfer solution leveraging Isidore Quantum®. Operating at Layer 2 (MACSec), Isidore Quantum® is protocol-agnostic, hardware-agnostic, and compliant with the CNSA Suite 2.0, making it resistant to quantum computing threats today. It is also significantly faster to implement and more cost-effective than alternative encryption methods, while remaining non-CCI, easing adoption and sustainment.
The solution architecture integrates Isidore Quantum® with Verizon’s cellular and satellite backhaul capabilities to transmit vehicle sensor data securely to Army Vantage dashboards in both CONUS and OCONUS environments. Phase I will establish technical feasibility through five objectives: defining data parameters, determining integration feasibility, developing a TRL 5 proof-of-concept prototype, evaluating network performance in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments, and assessing user adoption.
The solution addresses critical gaps in military sustainment by combining quantum-resistant encryption and secure 5G/satellite backhaul with the power of agentic AI. This integration enables predictive logistics systems to shift from reactive monitoring to autonomous, proactive decision-making—automating supply management, optimizing logistics scenarios, performing predictive maintenance, and adapting in degraded communication environments. The result is a resilient, future-proof logistics framework that enhances operational efficiency, reduces human burden, and delivers commanders decision superiority, creating a self-healing, adaptive sustainment network that strengthens mission readiness in an era of global uncertainty.
Moreover, integrating blockchain with Isidore Quantum® encryption and Agentic AI creates a secure, autonomous, and transparent predictive logistics framework that strengthens both military and commercial supply chains. Blockchain provides an immutable, decentralized ledger that guarantees trusted data provenance and traceability, while Isidore Quantum® ensures quantum-resistant, zero-trust security for data in transit. Building on this secure foundation, Agentic AI leverages blockchain-verified records to autonomously forecast needs, optimize logistics, and execute maintenance or resupply through smart contracts with minimal human intervention. Together, these technologies deliver decision superiority, operational resilience, and future-proof protection against emerging threats, ensuring logistics operations remain trustworthy, adaptive, and mission-ready.
This Phase I effort lays the foundation for Phase II, where prototypes will be refined and scaled toward full operational deployment, ensuring the Army remains resilient against emerging cyber and quantum-era threats.
Key Words
Artificial Intelligence, Drones, MRO, Sustainment, Supply, CANBUS, body worn sensors, Post quantum cryptography (PQC), predictive logistics, secure wireless communications, Army Vantage, Isidore Quantum®, Verizon 5G, satellite backhaul, MACSec, CNSA Suite 2.0, DDIL environments, tactical networks, future-proof security, non-CCI cryptography, data integration, military logistics.
Description: Forward Edge‑AI, in collaboration with Verizon Business, has initiated a Phase I SBIR project under Army Topic A254‑P007 to deliver a quantum-resistant, wireless data transfer solution for predictive logistics, enabling real-time vehicle telemetry from digital source collectors (DSCs) on tactical wheeled platforms to the centralized Army Vantage dashboard.
Forward Edge-AI’s A254-P007 project, developed in partnership with Verizon Business, addresses critical gaps in military sustainment by combining quantum-resistant encryption and secure 5G/satellite backhaul with the power of agentic AI. This integration enables predictive logistics systems to shift from reactive monitoring to autonomous, proactive decision-making—automating supply management, optimizing logistics scenarios, performing predictive maintenance, and adapting in degraded communication environments. The result is a resilient, future-proof logistics framework that enhances operational efficiency, reduces human burden, and delivers commanders decision superiority, creating a self-healing, adaptive sustainment network that strengthens mission readiness in an era of global uncertainty.
By integrating the NSA‑licensed Isidore Quantum® encryption device with Verizon’s resilient cellular and satellite backhaul infrastructure, the solution transforms traditional motorpool data aggregation into secure, on‑the‑move analytics—dramatically enhancing operational agility, decision speed, and maintenance readiness.
Key Words
Artificial Intelligence, Agentic, Secure Wireless Data Transfer, Quantum-Resistant Encryption, Isidore Quantum, Predictive Logistics, Digital Source Collectors, Fleet Management, Army Vantage Dashboard, Real-Time Data Transmission, Military Communications, Dual-Use Technology, Verizon Backhaul, Vehicle Health Monitoring, Predictive Maintenance, Supply Chain Optimization, Secure Communications, DDIL Environments, Tactical Data Security, AI-Driven Logistics, Secure Fleet Operations, Logistics Modernization
Description: SmartBeam QRC™ is a next-generation, AI-driven, quantum-resilient communications platform engineered to provide secure, low-probability-of-detection (LPD), low-probability-of-interception (LPI), and anti-jam (AJ) links for unmanned and crewed systems operating in contested electromagnetic environments. Unlike legacy communications systems that rely on static radio links, PKI chains, or bulky key loaders, SmartBeam QRC™ employs neuromorphic AI-controlled adaptive beamforming and CNSA 2.0–compliant post-quantum encryption (Isidore Quantum®) to autonomously sense, evade, and deceive electronic threats.
Demonstrated in U.S. Navy exercises such as Silent Swarm 2025, the platform delivered a 3× improvement in LPI/LPD performance and 60× bandwidth gains over standard SDRs, while being four times harder to detect than protocol-based radios.
This compact, low-SWaP device enables resilient, protocol-free, covert communications across UAVs, USVs, UUVs, and mobile command posts—even in GPS-denied and SATCOM-limited environments. In contrast to current EW technologies, which often require heavy cryptographic infrastructure and are vulnerable to quantum-era decryption or RF jamming, SmartBeam QRC™ integrates AI-driven RF deception, stealth, self-healing mesh networking, and ephemeral key generation to eliminate COMSEC burdens and future-proof communications. By merging stealth, autonomy, and quantum resilience, SmartBeam QRC™ extends the U.S. military’s ability to maintain secure spectrum dominance, ensuring operational advantage under JADC2, Ghost Fleet Overlord, and distributed maritime operations initiatives.
Key Words
Artificial Intelligence, electronic warfare (EW), AI-driven communications, covert communications, quantum-resilient encryption, post-quantum cryptography, CNSA 2.0, low probability of detection, low probability of interception, LPD/LPI, anti-jam communications, adaptive beamforming, beam agility, RF deception, covert communications, protocol-free communications, neuromorphic processing, FPGA, software-defined radio, SDR, Isidore Quantum, ephemeral key generation, non-CCI device, PKI-free, mesh networking, multi-channel bonding, stealth communications, contested environments, GPS-denied operations, SATCOM-limited environments, unmanned systems, UAV, UUV, USV, mobile command posts, JADC2, Ghost Fleet Overlord, Silent Swarm 2025, resilient datalinks, tactical edge, low-SWaP, autonomous mission execution, and Navy SBIR
Awarding Agency: Department of the Air Force/Secretary of the Air Force/International Affairs
Contract Number: FA7014-25-C-0036
Relevant Phase I/II Award Numbers: AN 1938135, AN 2028451, Award #2327618 | Agency: National Science Foundation
Description: The U.S. Air Force awarded Forward Edge-AI a sole source Phase III SBIR contract to accelerate digital transformation within the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs (SAF/IA), addressing longstanding challenges related to fragmented workflows, manual CIO intake processes, siloed decision-making, and the absence of real-time enterprise visibility. In response, Forward Edge-AI is delivering a fully integrated suite of mission-ready solutions, including Zero Trust Architecture-enabled Key Leader Engagement (KLE) tools, automated intake governance, enterprise architecture mapping, and real-time data dashboards. These solutions align with SAF/IA’s modernization roadmap and support its global engagement mission by enhancing speed, transparency, and resilience across cross-functional operations. Early indicators of success include a 30% reduction in manual steps for the KLE process, 25% reduction in CIO processing time, over 90% user satisfaction with pilot dashboards, and a documented 15% labor and cost savings through automation and analytics—positioning SAF/IA as a digital modernization leader across the Department of the Air Force.
Key Words:
Air Force, SAF/IA, SBIR Phase III, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Architecture, Automation, Key Leader Engagement, CIO Intake, Zero Trust Architecture, Data Visualization, Analytics, Modernization Roadmap, ATO, ROI, Reinvestment, Agile Delivery, Cybersecurity, Dashboard, Integration, Intelligent Automation, Strategic Assessment, Final Technical Report, NIST 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, Performance Metrics, Digital Modernization Strategy, Mission Readiness, data lineage and provenance of data sources.
Awarding Agency: Space Development Agency
Contract Number: FA254125CB024
Description: This SBIR Direct to Phase II Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) project aims to produce a Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8), low Size, Weight, and Power-Cost (SWaP-C) quantum-resistant encryption device and achieve National Security Agency (NSA) CNSA 2.0 Compliance. The new encryption device is based on Isidore Quantum® and will enable point-to-multipoint encryption and facilitate cross-domain operations, ensuring that classified military networks can operate securely alongside unclassified commercial networks.
Isidore Quantum® will ensure robust protection against cyber threats while maintaining high network performance and efficiency. The autonomous key management and zero-trust architecture inherent in Isidore reduces vulnerabilities and streamline security operations, making it an ideal solution for the demanding requirements of modern space communication networks, which require both high security and operational efficiency. The anticipated results of the D2P2 R/R&D project is a TRL-8 space encryptor.
Key Words
High-Throughput Space Crptography, Networking Equipment, Communications Equipment, Space Internet, Space Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (Anomaly Detector, Deep Reinforcement Learning Agent), Counter Adversarial AI, Encryption, cybersecurity, neuromorphic processor, pRadio Frequency, SATCOM, Zero Trust, Hybrid Space Infrastructure, Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA)
Awarding Agency: US Space Force/Space Development Agency
Contract Number: FA24012490044
Description: Leverage the Coherent Logix’s leading C-programmable, low power, high-performance, software-defined System on Chip (SOC) optimized to reduce the latency enabling packet forwarding delay of less than 10us, while enabling data frames to be transmitted in multi-channels concurrently. The throughput of the space router will exceed 1PB/s.
Key Words
High Performance or High-Throughput Space Router, Networking Equipment, Communications Equipment, Space Internet, Space Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (Anomaly Detector, Deep Reinforcement Learning Agent), Counter Adversarial AI, Encryption, cybersecurity, neuromorphic processor, pRadio Frequency, SATCOM, Zero Trust, Hybrid Space Infrastructure, Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA)
Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation
Award Number: 2327618
Description: Develop a blockchain/DLT to ensure the provenance, integrity and quality of space-based Machine Learning algorithms and associated training data (counter adversarial Artificial Intelligence).
The CASI-D project focuses on the development of a Blockchain solution to manage the governance and provenance of ML/AI algorithms and associated training data for CubeSats and other space infrastructure. Phase I addresses the growing concerns around adversarial AI. At the core of the CASI-D project is the development of an advanced a Blockchain to support its governance framework, including automated auditing, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring. By integrating these technologies, the project enhances the ability to detect and address potential issues in real-time, ensuring the security of ML/AI models developed for on-orbit systems.
The CASI-D project complements the Space COMSEC project by establishing robust AI governance frameworks ensure the lineage and provenance of Isidore Quantum’s ML models and training data. Together, Isidore Quantum® and CASI-D creates a secure, transparent, and sound environment for space communications, balancing technological innovation with governance.
Key Words
Adversarial AI AAI), AI, Blockchain/DLT, Counter Adversarial Artificial Intelligence, CubeSat, Cybersecurity, Data Drift, Deep Learning, DevSecOps, Electronic Discovery, Forensics, Internet, Physics-Based Models, Model Drift, Space, Space-Based Manufacturing, Training Data Provenance, Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, Identity Management (ICAM), IPV6, Poison Data
Awarding Agency: Department of the Navy
Contract Number: Phase I - N6833524C0170, Phase II - N6833525C0170
Description: The proposed capability will address Commercial technology (TRL 8/9) to enhance mission capabilities of unmanned surface and subsurface vessels (USV/UUV) and systems. Global Positioning System (GPS) denied navigation, small unmanned underwater vehicles and bottom crawlers, improved C3 (Command, Control and Communications), resilient communications paths, high throughput data exfiltration/infiltration paths, replenishment, and monitoring, sustainment, repair and maintenance of unmanned systems.
Artificial Intelligence-based sense and avoid systems for small UUVs. Increased autonomy for unmanned resupply USV. Alternative Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems, including optical ship-relative navigation. Reduced data-exchange requirements. Low Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/D) communications methods.
Key Words
Artificial Intelligence (Anomaly Detector, Deep Reinforcement Learning Agent), beam steering antenna, Counter Electronic Warfare, Encryption, cybersecurity, Frequency Hopping, 5G, Low Probability of Detection/Low Probability of Interception (LPD/LPI), neuromorphic processor, physics-based models, phased array antenna, quantum resistant, Radio Frequency (RF), SATCOM, Software Defined Radio, Zero Trust, USV/UUV
Autonomy, Command, Control, Communications (C3), C4ISR, Contested Logistics, Cyber Security, Distributed Sensing and Communications (DSaC), Telecommunications. Includes testing for Electromagnetic Compatibility EMC/Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) with NATO and coalition partner systems
Awarding Agency: Air Force
Contract Number: FA864921P1006
Description: In the Phase I SBIR, Forward Edge-AI, Inc. augmented a miniature, Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Raman instrument with Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI), new signal processing techniques, and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for quick stand-off identification of trace chemicals and microbes (e.g., COVID) in a field setting, thereby bringing laboratory grade science to the edge.
Key Words:
Artificial Intelligence (CNN/RNN), Android ATAK, Federated Learning Marketplace, Machine Learning, Microsoft Azure, signal processing (Wavelet and Fourier transformation), Raman Spectroscopy
Contested logistics (fuel and water quality testing), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) detection, explosives detection, Expeditionary Environments
Direct to Phase II - An Artificially Intelligent Raman Spectrometer for Aviation Jet Fuel Quality Testing in a Field Setting
Awarding Agency: Air Force
Contract Number: FA810024C0003
Description: In the Phase I SBIR, Forward Edge-AI, Inc. augmented a miniature, Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Raman instrument with Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI), new signal processing techniques, and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) for quick stand-off identification of trace chemicals and microbes (e.g., COVID) in a field setting, thereby bringing laboratory grade science to the edge.
Key Words:
Artificial Intelligence (CNN/RNN), Android ATAK, Federated Learning Marketplace, Machine Learning, Microsoft Azure, signal processing (Wavelet and Fourier transformation), Raman Spectroscopy
Contested logistics (fuel and water quality testing), Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) detection, explosives detection, Expeditionary Environments
Awarding Agency: US Army
Contract Number: W519TC-23-G-0021
Description: The BOA is for Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity related, not-traditional program and technical management support services and work products to Department of Defense (DOD) programs, cyber community and customers under individual task orders. Specific task order scope is identified at the task order level.
Key Words:
Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Ethical AI, Governance, Trustworthy AI, Responsible AI, Data Engineering, Data Governance, Training Data, Zero Trust
Validity and Reliability, Safety, Security and Resiliency, Accountability and Transparency, Explainability and Interpretability, Privacy, Fairness with Mitigation of Harmful Bias, Model Drift, Data Drift
Awarding Agency: US Air Force
Contract Number: FA864923P1259
Description: Isidore also incorporates a patent pending Deep Reinforcement Learning, and physics-based models as an auto immune response system for cyber events that follows the human immune system to learn the patterns of life, detects anomalies, and mimic operator real-time analysis and problem solving.
Key Words:
Artificial Intelligence, Ethical AI, Governance, Trustworthy AI, Responsible AI, Data Engineering, Data Governance, Training Data
Validity and Reliability, Safety, Security and Resiliency, Accountability and Transparency, Explainability and Interpretability, Privacy, Fairness with Mitigation of Harmful Bias, Model Drift, Data Drift
Awarding Agency: US Air Force
Contract Number: FA864923P0006
Description: Incorporates a patent pending Deep Learning-based Anomaly Detector to learn the patterns of life, detects anomalies, and execute an immune system response when under attack.
Key Words:
Artificial Intelligence (Anomaly Detector), Counter Adversarial AI, Encryption, cybersecurity, ICS/SCADA, IoT, IIoT, Military IoT, physics-based models, quantum resistant, Zero Trust
Operational Technologies, Industry 4.0, Utilities (power, water, energy), Expeditionary Environments
Awarding Agency: US Air Force
Contract Number: FA864923P0345
Description: Incorporates a patent pending AI-based alarm discriminator that learns the patterns of life, detects anomalies, and mimics operator real-time analysis and problem solving.
Key Words
Artificial Intelligence (Anomaly Detector), Counter Adversarial AI, Encryption, cybersecurity, 5G, quantum resistant, Zero Trust, WIFI
Command, Control, Communications (C3), Distributed Sensing and Communications, Expeditionary Environments, Contested, Executive Communications, Denied Operationally Limited (CDO-L), Telecommunications
Awarding Agency: Public Democracy, Inc.
Award Numbers: Commercial
Description: The Kindness Bot leverages our NSF SBIR-derived Enterprise Knowledge Graph (US Patent 11, 689,660 B2), Large Language Model/Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), and ChatBots in support of Public Democracy's work to counter online hate speech. This advanced system maps intricate connections between entities and sentiments, enhancing Public Democracy's ability to identify and counteract malign narratives.
Key Words:
Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing (NLP), ChatBots, Enterprise Knowledge Graph, Generative AI (GAI), Large Language Models (LLM)
Mitigation of online hate speech
Awarding Agency: US Army, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC)
Contract Number: W52P1J-22-A-0040
Description: Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Test and Evaluation. Specific task order scope is identified at the task order level.
Key Words:
Artificial Intelligence, Ethical AI, Governance, Trustworthy AI, Responsible AI, Data Engineering, Data Governance, Training Data
Validity and Reliability, Safety, Security and Resiliency, Accountability and Transparency, Explainability and Interpretability, Privacy, Fairness with Mitigation of Harmful Bias, Model Drift, Data Drift
Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation
Award Numbers: AN 1938135, AN 2028451
Description: In Phase II, we developed a method for storing data in a blockchain in a high-performing manner, to ensure quality training of ML/AI models, training data (data governance) and production level inference. The innovation addressed the challenge of data drift and adversarial AI attacks where the provenance of the data is unknown. The blockchain also facilitates electronic discovery throughout the complaint filing and litigation process.
Phase II leveraged a Large Language Model (LLM/Generative AI (GAI)), Enterprise Knowledge Graph, and semantic reasoning to counter scams, misinformation, and disinformation. The detection and counter malign influence technology works in 28 different languages. A honeypot was developed that interacts autonomously with bots and malign influence actors.
Key Words:
Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Ethical AI, Governance, Trustworthy AI, Responsible AI, Data Engineering, Data Governance, Training Data, Taxonomy
Validity and Reliability, Safety, Security and Resiliency, Accountability and Transparency, Explainability and Interpretability, Predictive Analytics, Privacy, Fairness with Mitigation of Harmful Bias, Model Drift, Data Drift
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