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goTenna STRATFI with AFSOC: Next Generation Mesh Network Radio Technology

AFWERX · AFWERX STRATFI · AFWERX

AI-Readiness Score
18/25
Pathway Speed
5/5
Timeline Realism
3/5
Problem Framing
3/5
AI / ML Fit
2/5
Award + Transition
5/5

Award

$14,996,830
Award ceiling
Gotenna, Inc.
Awardee
Posted July 25, 2024

Description

goTenna is the world’s leader in low SWaP-C, mobile mesh networking technologies, providing inexpensive, lightweight, off-grid connectivity with an easy-to-use interface for long-range communications. goTenna is a registered SBC and its’ Pro X product line has achieved Technology Readiness Level 9 in six Combatant Commands.  Among current low SWaP-C radios, goTenna Pro X is the only actively deployed product in its class that provides scalable mobile ad hoc networking, or MANET capabilities for tactical and emergency operations, supporting over 200 defense and non-defense organizations, with existing COTS devices at a Manufacturing Readiness Level of 10.  The opportunity with this goTenna STRATFI is to provide AFSOC operators and combat support Airmen with next-generation commercial communication technologies that are not limited and restricted by traditional means.  Design and build a next-generation, low SWaP-C radio capability (Pro X3) to expand overall Pro X series capability, including an emphasis on low-profile, scalable, interoperable missions across multiple end-user groups and geographies. Design and develop a next-generation, low SWaP-C embedded radio capability to provide an integration kit to extend mesh network connectivity to sensors, sUAS, networking tools, and more. Research, define, and develop advanced network relay capabilities to provide critical infrastructure to extend network coverage. The advanced relay capability will provide a platform for sensor integration, network monitoring, backhaul, EW tools, and more. Design and deliver a modular form of Aspen Grove protocol to support a diversity of integration types (Aspen Grove Networking Module) to allow Aspen Grove mesh network protocol suite to be integrated in third-party connectivity solutions, expanding the scalable, resilient, low-profile mesh networking capability into a variety of new mission sets. Develop and integrate a network management toolkit that will promote reliable, secure, scalable operations to utilize goTenna’s existing mesh technology, and develop a suite of tools to manage, monitor, and integrate networks. This may include real-time and after-action network diagnostics, load-balancing integrations with external networks, and more. Develop enhanced application capabilities for forward-deployed and command elements to support rapidly deployable, intuitive, and secure situational awareness over scaled mesh networks (Advanced Mesh Network Application Suite) to empower mesh network users in specific operations. Research and develop radio for defensive capabilities against adversarial EW to support contested or EMS congested operations (Advanced Electronic Warfare Network Capabilities) to increase security in future missions with near-peer adversaries will have an enhanced focus on low visibility and spectrum-based conflicts. Emphasizing enhanced design of low visibility waveforms, autotuning of power, and enhanced network analytics.

Score Rationale

This is a legitimate AFWERX STRATFI at ~$15M with a named end-user (AFSOC) and a TRL-9/MRL-10 incumbent product, scoring maximum on pathway speed and award/transition ceiling. However, AI/ML fit is weak — the core work is hardware radio design, MANET protocol engineering, and EW waveform development; 'network analytics' and 'autotuning' are minor AI-adjacent features grafted onto what is fundamentally a communications hardware and firmware program. Problem framing scores mid-range because the scope is broad and multi-threaded (six distinct workstreams from new radio HW to EW to apps), creating ambiguity about success criteria, and the unknown response deadline prevents a higher timeline realism score.

Source

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