In an effort to develop advanced technologies for military applications, Air Force researchers are seeking industry assistance in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate has issued a broad agency announcement for their Extreme Computing program, which focuses on disciplines like nano-computing, neuromorphic computing, machine learning, and embedded deep learning. Through this program, the researchers are looking for innovative solutions in areas such as advancing computing technology, nano-computing, applying machine learning, and developing efficient computing architectures. The program is estimated to be worth nearly $498 million, and selected companies may receive contracts ranging from $1 million to $100 million. The Air Force will accept white papers for the program until September 28, 2028.
Air Force researchers seek industry assistance for AI and machine learning in military C4ISR
Overview
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, New York, is calling upon industry experts to assist in the development of advanced technologies for military command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Through the Extreme Computing program, Air Force researchers are specifically seeking assistance in the areas of nano-computing, neuromorphic computing, and embedded deep learning. The program aims to enhance computing technology and applications for improved military operations. Interested companies can submit white papers regarding their technological advancements.
Extreme Computing program
The Extreme Computing program is a four-year initiative led by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate. Its objective is to explore and develop advanced computing technologies in the fields of nano-computing, neuromorphic computing, machine learning, and embedded deep learning. By leveraging the power of AI and machine learning, the program aims to enhance the capabilities of military C4ISR systems.
Call for white papers
As part of the Extreme Computing program, the Air Force Research Laboratory is inviting industry experts to submit white papers describing their advancements in the field of AI and machine learning for military applications. The white papers will be used to evaluate and select potential collaborators for the program. Companies that submit exceptional white papers may be approached to submit formal proposals.
Technical areas
The Extreme Computing program focuses on four specific technical areas:
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Advancing Computing Technology and Applications: This area aims to develop computers with advanced capabilities such as autonomy, intelligence, and assurance for C4ISR and cyber applications. Researchers are interested in technologies that are compact, energy-efficient, and incorporate advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence.
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Nano-Computing: This area focuses on developing computing technologies for air and space systems operating at the edge. Applications range from computer vision to autonomous flight and decision-making. The goal is to explore new CMOS-compatible materials that can enhance existing nanoelectronics.
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Neuromorphic Computing and Applying Machine Learning: In this area, researchers aim to advance computationally intelligent systems for energy-efficient air and space systems. The focus is on computational neuroscience, nanoelectronics, high-performance computing, material science, embedded deep learning, and human-machine collaboration.
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Robust and Efficient Computing Architectures, Algorithms, and Applications for Embedded Deep Learning: The objective of this area is to develop advanced computing architectures and algorithms for AI and machine learning in ground, air, and space applications. The emphasis is on achieving significant improvements in size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) for embedded computing.
Advancing Computing Technology and Applications
The first technical area of the Extreme Computing program is dedicated to advancing computing technology and applications. Researchers are looking for innovative solutions that enable computers to have sophistication, autonomy, intelligence, and assurance for C4ISR and cyber applications. Technologies of interest include compact, energy-efficient, and high-performance embedded computing with advanced machine learning capabilities, secure machine learning and AI, and non-conventional neuromorphic applications.
Nano-Computing
Nano-computing is an area of research that focuses on developing computing technologies for air and space systems operating at the edge. The goal is to go beyond the limitations of current complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technologies and explore new CMOS-compatible materials that can enhance nanoelectronics. Potential applications include bio-inspired computing architectures with ultra-low power consumption.
Neuromorphic Computing and Applying Machine Learning
The third technical area of the Extreme Computing program focuses on advancing computationally intelligent systems for energy-efficient air and space systems. Research interests include computational neuroscience, nanoelectronics, nano photonics, high-performance computing, material science, embedded deep learning, machine learning, pattern recognition and signature analysis, autonomous adaptive operations, human-machine collaboration, neural control of complex systems, in-situ training of neuromorphic hardware, and online learning in neural networks.
Robust and Efficient Computing Architectures, Algorithms, and Applications for Embedded Deep Learning
The final technical area of the Extreme Computing program aims to develop robust and efficient computing architectures, algorithms, and applications for embedded deep learning. The goal is to achieve significant improvements in SWaP for deploying AI and machine learning in ground, air, and space applications. The focus is on creating advanced computing solutions that can handle the demands of AI and machine learning while being compact and energy-efficient.
Submission deadlines
Companies interested in participating in the Extreme Computing program can submit their white papers until September 28, 2028. The selected companies will have the opportunity to receive contracts worth between $1 million and $100 million. This program presents a significant opportunity for industry experts to contribute to the advancement of AI and machine learning in military C4ISR systems.
Contractual questions
For any contractual questions related to the Extreme Computing program, industry experts can reach out to Amber Buckley, an official from the Air Force, at [email protected]
The Extreme Computing program by the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate offers an exciting opportunity for industry experts to collaborate with the U.S. Air Force to develop cutting-edge technologies in the field of AI and machine learning. By harnessing the power of these technologies, the military aims to enhance its command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Interested companies are encouraged to submit their white papers showcasing their innovative advancements and potentially secure contracts worth up to $100 million. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to contribute to the future of military technology.
