Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

Qubitekk proposes a Phase I effort to accomplish a feasibility study for a quantum key distribution (QKD) system to protect industrial control systems communication at Air Force Depot facilities. This effort will build on Qubitekk’s research and development (R&D) for QKD including the California Energy Systems for the 21st Century Cybersecurity R&D Program, Department of Energy utility research and testing, and Qubitekk’s internally funded R&D. The Phase I tasks proposed are required to understand the feasibility of implementing a quantum key distribution (QKD) solution for securing communications associated with critical Air Force depots and associated industrial control system (ICS) networks. The feasibility and plan for a Phase II implementation will be detailed with input from Air Force subject matter experts who will be interviewed during Phase I. The SMEs who will be interviewed will need to have expertise in the areas of networks, SCADA communications, and Air Force specific depot applications that communicate on the SCADA and ICS networks. Because this technology integrates with Air Force operations and protocols, the effort includes the study of the interoperability requirements that will be required for selected USAF network, applications and installation at Air Force smart depot facilities.