Receive free information research on technical topics
Technical Inquiries (TIs)
The core function of DSIAC is to answer technical questions using our in-house technical personnel, vast DoD information resources, and our extensive network of subject matter experts (SMEs). DSIAC has technical staff available to conduct technical research in order to give you a head start on your analysis or study in any of our technical focus areas. We offer a free 4-hour TI research service or, for slightly larger research efforts, we offer an extended technical inquiry (ETI) service.
Technical Inquiry Features
Our TIs include the following to help you with your research:
Free Technical Inquiry Services
DSIAC's free TI service offers 4 hours of free research per inquiry on any topic within our technical focus areas. Typical TI efforts may include answering technical questions, literature searches, document requests, or referrals to SMEs. Completed responses are compiled and delivered to the inquirer in less than 10 business days. Registered users can submit TIs online through the provided form or by phone.
Extended Technical Inquiry (ETI) Services
ETIs are externally funded research efforts that go slightly beyond 4 research hours. ETIs require between 5 and 160 technical hours of research, with a $50K maximum ceiling and period of performance up to 2 months.
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Notable Inquiries
Notable TIs are findings and/or summaries of responses to the most recent and impactful technical inquiries submitted by DSIAC members under our 4 free hours of information research support.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) for Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
What UASs can carry out an autonomous unmanned maritime ISR mission?
The Defense Systems Information Analysis Center (DSIAC) was asked to search for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) that perform Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) maritime missions. A set of parameters was given to DSIAC staff to limit the results, although this search was non-exhaustive and UASs that do not meet all parameters are included. UASs included in this report have two or more of the following parameters: military use, produced in the U.S., payload capabilities up to 50 pounds, endurance minimum of six hours, range minimum of 230 miles, and use of heavy fuel. UASs used for maritime ISR missions are critical to United States (U.S.) military and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to provide early warnings of enemy threats and to support ongoing U.S. military and DoD missions. ISR missions can provide signals, intelligence and electronic warfare processing, analysis, and reporting capabilities, while also allowing communications between submerged maritime vehicles and a UAS.
Example Inquiries
Example TIs are samples of the wide range of technical inquiries submitted by DSIAC members under our 4 free hours of information research support. They are intended to show the breadth of information requests we receive.
April 15, 2024
April 1, 2024
March 28, 2024
March 18, 2024