Understand (ATD)

- Demonstrate aerosol microsensor for long-range chemical detection that maximizes early warning for maximized decision making lead time for response. - Demonstrate and transition low-burden chemical agent vapor detection technology to inform donning and doffing decisions for individual protection.

- Complete the development of a minimally invasive diagnostic platform that can predict severity of disease which will enable logistical and resource optimization as well as a more prompt return to duty for a majority of patients. - Continue expanding development of molecular and immunological diagnostic and screening tests on a rapid…

- Continue enhancements of the Chemical and Biological (CB) DevSecOps digital environment by advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) based data analytics and automation to increase the efficiency and rate at which modeling capabilities can be developed and enhanced. - Further enhance the performance of Transport…

FY2027 planned work - Continue characterization and development of the organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology and develop high throughput systems for biomarker discovery. Identifying new biomarkers will lead to tests that require less reagents, and are potentially more sensitive and specific than those currently fielded. These biomarkers will aid in pathogen diagnostics and disease severity. - Continue developing prototypes that will supplant current test methodologies. Prototypes will be more sensitive, rely less on supply chain disruption, and can be developed and fielded faster than current technology allows.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase to account for Medical Readiness and Response efforts, such as Medical Enterprise Architecture and Expeditionary Manufacturing, required for an event that will demonstrate these capabilities in a real-world setting.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue characterization and development of the organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology and develop high throughput systems for biomarker discovery. Identifying new biomarkers will lead to tests that require less reagents, and are potentially more sensitive and specific than those currently fielded. - Continue developing prototypes that will supplant current test methodologies. Prototypes will be more sensitive, rely less on supply chain disruption, and can be developed and fielded faster than current technology allows. - Complete development of breath-based biomarkers for bacterial and viral respiratory infections for integration into a future Advanced Differential Diagnostics portable…

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued characterization and development of the organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology and develop high thru put systems for biomarker discovery. Identifying new biomarkers will lead to tests that require less reagents, and are potentially more sensitive and specific than those currently fielded. - Continued developing prototypes that will supplant current test methodologies. New prototypes will be more sensitive, rely less on supply chain disruption, and can be developed and fielded faster than current technology allows. - Completed implementation of breath-based biomarkers for bacterial and viral respiratory infections into a portable prototype device to provide the warfighter with a…

FY2027 planned work - Augment biological detection by fully characterizing potential biological threats in wastewater environments. - Continue development of quicker workflows to monitor and characterize novel or emerging threats. - Demonstrate and transition combined workflows and automated processes that can sample, analyze, and report.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program decrease between FY 2026 and FY 2027 due to downselection of number of demonstrated automated workflows that maximize reliability and accuracy for biosurveillance.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue development of detection solutions to inform of potential biological hazards in wastewater environments. - Continue to refine workflows to monitor and characterize novel or emerging threats. - Continue to develop workflow with automated processes that can sample, analyze, and report. - Continue demonstrations, sprint tests and refinement of detection workflows. - Showcase the detection workflow and demonstrate rapid detection and reporting. Optimize, repeat, and field when successful. - Initiate automated efforts to streamline workflows, accelerate research and empower field analysis.

FY2025 accomplishments - Initiated augmentation of biological detection by leveraging characterization to hasten development of detection solutions to inform of potential biological hazards in wastewater environments. - Continued to develop and refine quicker workflows to monitor and characterize novel or emerging threats. - Continued to develop workflow with automated processes that can sample, analyze, and report.

FY2027 planned work - Demonstrate a portable mass spectrometer detector for field identification and confirmation of presumptive chemical threat detection. - Integrate advanced computational analysis tools for complex chemical data for enhanced detection and identification. - Demonstrate and transition deployable microsensor capabilities for long range chemical threat detection to inform decisions for individual protection.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred to another thrust area. Decrease due to shifting of funds to UN3 Operational Chemical Sensing thrust to support prototype demonstrations.

FY2026 plans — current year - Expand detection prototyping for fast identification of chemical threats and the ability to classify other emerging threats. - Continue the development of sensor technologies against non-traditional threats of concern to develop class-based detection and reduce reliance on known threat libraries. - Initiate development of man-portable instrument with fast identification of known chemical threats and the ability to classify unknown chemical threat analogues, leveraging data fusion and deep learning techniques to detect and characterize novel chemical threats.

FY2025 accomplishments - Transitioned hand-held, non-contact (1-2 meters standoff) detector prototypes that identify and alert to trace chemical hazards on surfaces to the Proximal Chemical Agent Detector (PCAD) Program. - Demonstrated detection prototype with fast identification of pharmaceutical based agents (PBA) and the ability to classify other emerging threats to advanced development. - Continued development of sensor technologies against non-traditional threats of concern to develop class-based detection and reduce reliance on known threat libraries.

FY2027 planned work - Continue the enhancement and deployment of new decision support plug-ins for integration with Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), including the Android, web, Windows Operating System (OS), and virtual and augmented reality versions, to further enhance the TAK infrastructure and cross-community tools and develop a rapid and iterative software capability. - Continue to automate and expand chemical and biological (CB) Decision Aids to provide the warfighter at the tactical edge with actionable information. - Enhance decision aids based on user feedback and increased End User Device (EUD) computational resources. - Continue to automate data collection, fusion and utilization of EUDs to reduce the…

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred from another funding line. Increase due to funding shift from UN2 CBRN Decision Aids to UN3 CBRN Decision Aids to accelerate science and technology efforts for transitions.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue the enhancement and deployment of new decision support plug-ins for integration with Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), including the Android, web, Windows Operating System (OS), and virtual and augmented reality versions, to further enhance the TAK infrastructure and cross-community tools and develop a rapid and iterative software capability.

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued the development and deployment of new decision support plug-ins for integration with Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), including the Android, web, Windows Operating System (OS), and virtual and augmented reality versions, to further enhance the TAK infrastructure and cross-community tools and develop a rapid and iterative software capability. - Initiated the competitive prototype development of medical planning decision aids.

FY2027 planned work - Demonstrate and transition biological threat identification system that can identify multiple biological threats in a field forward environment in 15 minutes. - Demonstrate autonomous sampling system for biological threat identification system that standardizes sampling procedures and reduces the labor burden of identification for the Soldier. - Demonstrate algorithms and software for biological threat identification that recognizes threat signatures of emerging potential biothreats.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred from another thrust area. Increase due to demonstration and transition of a biological threat identification system that can rapidly identify multiple biological threats. Funding moved from Operational Biological Sensing and Unconventional Detection Modalities to support increased effort.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue to augmenting machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) application to data processing algorithms and workflows for strategic assessment of agnostic threat signatures toward enhanced detection capabilities of emerging biothreats. - Continue to develop portable technologies that can process, sequence and analyze samples in the field to detect emerging pathogens and engineered microorganisms. - Continue to develop additional Assays on Demand (AoD) solutions applied research component of far-forward pathogen agnostic sensing. - Continue AoD development of rapidly fieldable, high-performance biothreat identification assays. - Continue AoD development of point-of-need assay…

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued to augmenting machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) application to data processing algorithms and workflows for strategic assessment of agnostic threat signatures toward enhanced detection capabilities of emerging biothreats. - Developed portable technologies that can process, sequence and analyze samples in the field to detect emerging pathogens and engineered microorganisms. - Completed testing and transition of a prototype for the Far Forward Biological Sequencing program Increment 1. - Continued Assays on Demand (AoD) development and transition rapidly fieldable, high-performance biothreat identification assay.

FY2027 planned work - Enhance a cloud-based data and artificial intelligence (AI) platform for access to harmonized physiological status monitoring data and development and validation of models to continue to enhance predictive algorithms for the rapid response to emerging threats. - Continue the integration of physiological-based modeling capabilities into a digital human representation. - Continue the development of noninvasive physiological-based early exposure algorithms for chemical agent exposures. - Complete enhancements to sensor algorithms to optimally support connected, semi-connected, and disconnected environments.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Minor change due to routine program adjustments.

FY2026 plans — current year - Expand the isolation and identification of indicators for various types of infections that can be used in determining the severity of infection and predict the return to mission readiness after exposure. - Continue to advance and enhance a cloud-based data and artificial intelligence (AI) platform that supports access to harmonized physiological status monitoring data and development and validation of models to continue to enhance predictive algorithms for the rapid response to emerging threats. - Complete competitive prototyping and evaluation of alternative concepts for providing remote sensing and/or minimally and non-invasive techniques to enhance the ability to rapidly identify…

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued to isolate and identify indicators of respiratory infection that can be used in determining severity of infection, and predicting return to mission readiness after exposure. - Continued to expand and enhance a cloud-based data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform to support the access to harmonized physiological status monitoring data and development and validation of models to continue to develop predictive algorithms for the rapid response to Emerging Threats. - Continued competitive prototyping to evaluate alternative concepts for providing remote sensing and/or minimally and noninvasive techniques to enhance our ability to quickly identify afflicted personnel and inform…

FY2027 planned work - Continue development of novel platforms for field forward biological agent identification devices into light, deployable, and easy to use technologies for rapid diagnosis and characterization of biological agent exposure. - Continue development of a portable assay capable of performing multiple detection assays against a panel of biological agents and pharmaceutical- based agents to be compatible with advanced development Program of Record (POR) for Next Generation Diagnostics System (NGDS) Increment 2 system to rapidly and comprehensively characterize traditional and emerging threat agents in field-forward settings.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred to another funding line. Funding transferred to Project UN2 Diagnostics Building Blocks and Operational Diagnostics thrust areas.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue development of novel platforms for field forward biological agent identification devices into light, deployable, and easy to use technologies for rapid diagnosis and characterization of biological agent exposure. - Continue development of a portable assay capable of performing multiple detection assays against a panel of biological agents and pharmaceutical- based agents to be compatible with advanced development Program of Record (POR) for Next Generation Diagnostics System (NGDS) Increment 2 system to rapidly and comprehensively characterize traditional and emerging threat agents in field-forward settings.

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued development of novel platforms for field forward biological agent identification devices into light, deployable, and easy to use technologies for rapid diagnosis and characterization of biological agent exposure. - Initiated development of a portable assay capable of performing multiple detection assays against a panel of biological agents and pharmaceutical- based agents to be compatible with advanced development Program of Record (POR) for Next Generation Diagnostics System (NGDS) Increment 2 system to rapidly and comprehensively characterize traditional and emerging threat agents in field-forward settings.

FY2027 planned work - Transition a biological threat sensor for airborne particles that supports rapid decision making for individual protection needs on the battlefield. - Demonstrate low burden biological toxin sensor systems to users at the tactical level and incorporate feedback for sensor optimization.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred to another thrust area. Decrease due to transition of a biological threat sensor for airborne particles in 1Q FY 2027. Funding moved to Emerging and Enhanced Biothreat Sensing thrust area.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue to develop prototype of novel and innovative detectors to identify airborne biological threats. - Continue to integrate computational tools (e.g. machine learning) into detector/identifier technologies to further reduce false reporting. - Continue to develop automated, hands-free biosample collection systems to optimize collection efficiencies and reduce end-user interaction and potential exposure. - Continue rapid sample collection for unmanned platform operations. - Continue development of enhanced sensing capabilities, particle classifiers, and sampling systems for unmanned vehicles and mobile platforms.

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued to develop prototype of novel and innovative detectors to identify airborne biological threats. - Continued to integrate computational tools (e.g. machine learning) into detector/identifier technologies to further reduce false reporting. - Completed evaluation for HEPA filtration purification systems aboard US Navy hospital ship sample collection for detection and drafted report for submission to DTIC. - Continued to develop automated, hands-free biosample collection systems to optimize collection efficiencies and reduce end-user interaction and potential exposure. - Began rapid sample collection for either perimeter defense or unmanned platform operation. - Continue development…

FY2027 planned work - Continue to exploit quantum properties to enable ultrafast, highly-sensitive detection and identification of threats.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred to another thrust area. Decrease due to internal transition of projects to other Operational Chemical Sensing for technology prototyping and demonstration.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue to develop library-less chemical detection capabilities to provide class-based detection or detection of unknown chemical and small molecule toxin threats. - Continue development of commercial telecommunication radiofrequency bands for networked and integrated chemical sensing. - Continue the development of chip-sized, manufacture-ready optical detectors based on recent advances in photonic technologies. - Initiate development of low size, weight, and power photonics-based sensors for vapor-phase chemical agent detection.

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued to develop library-less chemical detection capabilities to surmount sustainment limitations of library-based or analyte specific chemical sensor to detect emerging threats. - Continued to exploit quantum properties to enable ultrafast, highly-sensitive detection and identification of chemical threats. - Continued the development of chip-sized, manufacture-ready optical detectors based on recent advances in photonic technologies.

FY2027 planned work - Continue to maintain capability to access clinical samples for a variety of biological threats of interest and expand collaboration with sites around the world where diseases of concern are circulating performing clinical evaluations of various prototype platforms to validate transition readiness. - Continue independent third-party evaluation of lab-based clinical and performance parameters to test diagnostic platforms in real world, austere environments prior to transition.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred to another funding line. Funding transfers to Project UN2 Diagnostics Building Blocks and Operational Diagnostics thrust areas and completion of minimally invasive capability evaluation.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue to maintain capability to access clinical samples for a variety of biological threats of interest and expand collaboration with sites around the world where diseases of concern are circulating performing clinical evaluations of various prototype platforms to validate transition readiness. - Continue independent third-party evaluation of lab-based clinical and performance parameters to test diagnostic platforms in real world, austere environments prior to transition.

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued to maintain capability to access clinical samples for a variety of biological threats of interest and expand collaboration with sites around the world where diseases of concern are circulating performing clinical evaluations of various prototype platforms to validate transition readiness. - Expanded independent third-party evaluation of lab-based clinical and performance parameters to test diagnostic platforms in real world, austere environments prior to transition. - Completed operational assessments and third-party validation of a point of care (POC) diagnostic platform capable of pre-symptomatically diagnosing infection within minutes.

FY2027 planned work - Enhance non-invasive physiological based early warning detection algorithms for biological agent exposures to enable the identification of exposed personnel, inform course of action prior to onset of symptoms, and mitigate impacts.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to funding shift from CBRN Battlespace Sensing, Alerting, and Response – ENBD to CBRN Situational Awareness – ENBD thrust area to support the development of data analytics for biological threat agent modeling, forecasting, and prediction.

FY2026 plans — current year - Finish the evaluation of competitive prototyping initiatives for alternate approaches to remote sensing and/or minimally non-invasive techniques that enhance the ability to quickly identify exposed personnel, inform course of action prior to onset of symptoms, and mitigate the impacts of chemical and biological (CB) agent exposure. - Complete the expansion of an advanced, integrated cloud-based data environment to store a dynamic knowledge base of biothreat characteristics which will be used to support automated data ingestion, collection, curation, search, and advances analytics of data for the rapid response to CB threats.

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued to evaluate competitive prototyping initiatives for alternative approaches to remote sensing and/or minimally and non-invasive techniques to enhance our ability to quickly identify afflicted personnel, inform courses of action prior to the onset of symptoms, and mitigate impacts for chemical and biological (CB) agent exposure. - Continued the development and expansion of an advanced, integrated cloud-based data environment to store a dynamic knowledge base of biothreat characteristics; this capability will support automated data ingestion, collection, curation, search, and advanced analytics of data for rapid response to CB threats.

FY2027 planned work - Utilize the integrated cloud-based data environment of dynamic knowledge base of biothreat characteristics to develop machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) analytical tools for biological threat agent modeling.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred from another funding line. Increase due to funding transferred from CBRN Battlespace Sensing, Alerting and Response – ENBD and CBRN Decision Aids – ENBD to the CBRN Situational Awareness – ENBD thrust area to support the development of data analytics for biological threat agent modeling, forecasting, and prediction.

FY2027 planned work - Utilize data streams from the enhanced cloud-based data environment to enhance decision aids on End User Devices.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred to another funding line. Decrease due to funding transferred from CBRN Decision Aids – ENBD to CBRN Situational Awareness – ENBD thrust area to support the development of data analytics for biological threat agent modeling, forecasting, and prediction.

FY2026 plans — current year - Complete efforts utilizing data streams from the enhanced cloud-based data environment to provide actionable information about biological threats and exposures on End User Devices (EUDs).

FY2025 accomplishments -Continued efforts that utilize data streams from the enhanced cloud-based data environment to provide actionable information about biological threats and exposures on End User Devices (EUDs).

FY2026 to FY2027 change Program/project funding transferred to another thrust area. Decrease due to internal project transitions to Enhanced and Emerging Biothreat Sensing thrust area.

FY2026 plans — current year - Continue development of low size, weight, and power collection system on unmanned platforms. - Continue maturation of electrochemical sensors for biological detection. - Continue machine learning/AI analysis of sequence data to identify intentional manipulation of pathogen sequence to increase pathogenicity (REWORD). - Continue to develop cutting edge technology to quickly create molecular detection assays with quicker run times, are lightweight, and can go after more targets. - Demonstrate the ability to develop assays in the field.

FY2025 accomplishments - Continued development of low size, weight, and power enhancements for microsensors. - Continued maturation of electrochemical sensors for biological detection.