The Prototyping Research and Operations for Tactical Electromagnetic Warfare and Advanced Networking (PROTEAN) is a project led by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E). This project is part of the S²MARTS initiative, a collaborative effort to enhance technological capabilities in tactical electromagnetic warfare (EW) and advanced networking, primarily focused on unmanned platforms. The PROTEAN project aims to develop and prototype advanced solutions for electronic warfare (EW) and seeker framework operations within the electromagnetic spectrum, addressing significant gaps in current technology.

The project addresses several key technical challenges in the integration and effectiveness of EW solutions. One of the critical issues is the lack of a standardized framework that allows vendors to bring their solutions for testing and evaluation. This makes it difficult to assess their effectiveness and feasibility for deployment on unmanned platforms. Additionally, the project will tackle technical integration difficulties, a lack of standardized processes, insufficient testing and evaluation mechanisms, inadequate transition paths, and operational effectiveness concerns. The goal is to foster innovation by addressing these challenges, leading to more effective and standardized systems for future electromagnetic spectrum operations.

The PROTEAN project operates under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, and the project period of performance will be defined upon the release of the Request For Solutions (RFS) document. The exact timeline and schedule for this project will be aligned with the performer’s proposed schedule, allowing flexibility for all parties involved. The primary objective is to engage vendors in the development of prototype solutions for technical evaluation, with a focus on ensuring these solutions can be integrated into unmanned platforms for operational use.

An important event related to the PROTEAN project is the Innovator NETWORX, a virtual teaming event scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET. During this event, organizations interested in the PROTEAN opportunity will have the chance to present their capabilities to other interested parties. Those wishing to participate as presenters should submit their slides by February 21, 2025, before 5:00 PM ET. There is also an option for interested organizations to join a teaming list, which will allow them to connect with other companies for collaborative efforts on the project.

The project’s "Coming Soon" notice was posted on February 12, 2025, and the Innovator NETWORX event is a key milestone in engaging with potential collaborators. Those who wish to access further project details or participate in the teaming process can fill out forms to receive access to additional documents and team lists. By submitting the team request form, participants agree to share their information with other interested companies, facilitating networking and potential partnerships for the development of innovative solutions.