Challenge

Background and Context

The CAF has access to large sets of military high-resolution satellite imagery and unclassified imagery sparked by the proliferation of commercial satellites, and the ability to use such high-resolution Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (SB-ISR) imagery to monitor current, high priority areas of interest. However, existing capability does not usually include detecting concealed human activities via topographical changes (e.g. human-made features such as soiled piles, airstrips, underground facilities, etc.), particularly outside of developed urban environments. Countries are well aware of the Five Eyes Intelligence Partnership imagery sharing amongst the partner nations, satellite reconnaissance activities and the many open source imagery products readily available. Knowing so, adversaries are taking steps to evade Western intelligence, commercial satellites and aerial reconnaissance sensors. Some are applying detection evasion techniques using camouflage and deception when building underground facilities.

To enhance military strategic planning and decision-making, the CAF needs means by which it can anticipate emerging threats/challenges to improve its ability to provide timely information to decision-makers. This will allow the planners to identify and understand crises and emerging events for provision of an appropriate response when requested.

Essential Outcomes

Proposed solutions must demonstrate:

• The ability to enhance the SB-ISR monitoring in order to improve detection of human activities. This outcome must include:
  • Monitoring large swaths of land for changes such as the construction of underground facilities.
  • Means to trigger high-resolution space-based assets towards new features in areas not regularly covered.
  • Means to trigger cueing of other high-resolution assets for detection of additional changes after the data is automatically downloaded and reviewed.

Desired Outcomes

Proposed solutions should include capabilities such as, but not limited to, the following:

• An array of sensors types, spanning electro-optical to synthetic aperture radar (SAR);
• Ability to reprogram the algorithms to minimize false-positives;
• Automation to enable the tasking of high-resolution sensors to look for new features detected instead of requiring a new tasking mission;
• Reducing/removing the analysts’ cognitive burden of data processing.

Supplemental Information

DND/CAF are not looking for a solution with the following aspects:

• Exploitation of high-resolution imagery regularly collected (i.e. imagery that already exists);
• Detection, recognition, and identification of persons or objects (e.g. cars, trucks, etc.);
• Information in complex, human-developed environments, such as urban settings.

Canada will not provide government furnished property (GFP), including but not limited to materiel, equipment, access, information, and personnel to enable the Contractor to conduct the work during Component 1a.