Opportunities/JRFA-2026-001

JRFA-2026-001Active

Autonomous Perimeter Security System

JRFA / OUSW-R&E

Posted

Feb 15, 2026

Deadline

Apr 30, 2026

Days

Hours

Autonomous SystemsAI/MLSensorsForce Protection

Description

This is an Open Challenge seeking innovative solutions for autonomous perimeter security at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs). Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Overall Objective

Design and develop an autonomous perimeter security system that reduces manpower requirements while significantly improving threat detection and response time at Forward Operating Bases. The system should integrate with existing C2 infrastructure and operate reliably in austere environments.

Problem Statement

Current perimeter security at FOBs relies heavily on human observation with limited sensor integration. This creates vulnerability gaps, especially during shift transitions and in low-visibility conditions. Existing automated solutions are often too expensive, too complex to deploy, or require significant infrastructure that is not available in expeditionary settings.

Desired Solution

An integrated autonomous security system capable of persistent 360-degree perimeter monitoring, threat detection and classification, and automated alerting to C2 nodes. The system should be rapidly deployable (under 4 hours for a standard FOB perimeter), operate on solar/battery power, and require minimal operator training. TRL 6+ preferred.

Key Attributes

Detection & Classification

Multi-Sensor FusionIntegrates EO/IR, radar, acoustic, and seismic sensors for robust detection across conditions.

AI ClassificationMachine learning-based threat classification to distinguish personnel, vehicles, animals, and environmental false alarms.

RangeMinimum 500m detection range for personnel, 1km for vehicles.

Operational Requirements

Deployment TimeFull perimeter coverage established within 4 hours by a 4-person team.

PowerSolar/battery operation with 72-hour autonomous runtime minimum.

EnvironmentOperational in dust, extreme temperatures (-20°C to 55°C), and rain.

Integration

C2 IntegrationStandard interfaces for integration with existing command and control systems.

CommunicationsMesh networking capability with degraded-comms fallback.

DataLocal data storage with cloud sync when connectivity available.

Submission Scoring Rubric

Technical Approach

40%

Sensor Integration15%

Multi-sensor fusion approach and detection capability

AI/ML Approach15%

Classification accuracy and false-alarm reduction methodology

System Architecture10%

Modularity, scalability, and resilience of overall design

Operational Suitability

25%

Deployability10%

Speed and ease of setup in field conditions

Environmental Performance8%

Reliability across temperature, weather, and terrain

Operator Burden7%

Training requirements and day-to-day operational complexity

Timeline to Fielding

20%

Current TRL10%

Technology readiness level and evidence of maturity

Fielding Plan10%

Realistic timeline from selection to operational deployment

Cost Effectiveness

15%

Unit Cost8%

Per-FOB cost for procurement and installation

Lifecycle Cost7%

Maintenance, power, and sustainment costs over 5 years

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the typical FOB perimeter length we should design for?

2026-02-20

A: Design for a standard FOB perimeter of 2-5 km. Solutions should be scalable to accommodate larger installations.

Q: Is there a preference for specific communication protocols?

2026-02-22

A: No specific protocol mandated. System should support standard military communication interfaces and degrade gracefully in contested RF environments.

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Supporting Documents

JRFA-2026-001 Full Requirements.pdf FOB Reference Architecture.pdf

Have Questions?

Submit questions through the JRFA platform. Answers are posted publicly for all members.