STRENGTH IN (SMALL) NUMBERS
The high- tech Army is creating opportunities as small businesses play an increasingly pivotal role in the evolution of the tactical network, and sensible use of the SBIR program is a strong reason why.
by Ms. Nancy Jones-Bonbrest I
t’s no secret that big business dominates the battle- field. Yet, as the Army turns its focus to an agile force, able to deploy on short notice to locations anywhere in the world—all while staying con-
nected with uninterrupted mission command and situational awareness—small businesses are playing a pivotal role in the evolution of the tactical network.
Tey may not be as big as some of today’s industry giants, but in an ever-evolving high-tech Army, their strength lies in their dexterity.
To help give small business a fair shake and increase competition,
thus providing better products at more
competitive prices, the government is empowering them through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Tis effort funds viable solutions to develop a capability in stages, often resulting in a targeted effort to meet a niche need that can be filled by small business.
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE While developing radios and testing them in the field, the Army’s Project Manager for Tactical Radios (PM TR) in the Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications – Tactical (PEO C3T) saw issues in radio performance, requirements, logistics and networking. PM TR worked to come up with new design ideas and to gain funding that was in line with the program schedule and maintenance. Tis proactive engagement, guidance and support in design and testing, along with identifying vendors who were up for the task, resulted in successful partnerships with small businesses.
Take the Army’s Rifleman Radio, a lightweight, rugged, handheld radio that allows dismounted Soldiers to com- municate through voice and data beyond line of sight. Today, the fielded Rifleman Radios used by Soldiers require one antenna, but performance can vary depend- ing on where the antenna is placed. Te antenna works best when positioned high on the body. However, with
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ACQUISITION
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