VADUM INC — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase II: DHS221-001

Description

Vadum will continue improving MATCH (Multimodal AcousTic Characterization of Hoax calls), an innovative machine learning system that automatically monitors maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) VHF channel(s).Vadum showed feasibility for the system and developed key components in a six-month Phase I effort.In Phase II, Vadum will further develop and refine MATCH into a real-time prototype that continuously monitors the VHF distress channel and provides automated call triage to separate out distress traffic and detect hoax calls.MATCH utilizes acoustic, lexical, and contextual features to analyze a call for signs of a hoax.The information is presented to the watchstander in an interpretable manner, pointing them to the specific aspects of a call that could indicate a hoax.In Phase II, Vadum will continue to improve MATCH and bring it closer to maturity, while working with the Coast Guard to ensure that the system integrates into end-user environments.MATCH can be extended to a variety of DHS, DoT, DHHS, DoD, and commercial use cases, such as at first responder communications centers, to provide a level of confidence in the veracity of 9-1-1 calls, 9-8-8 calls, or to detect swatting calls. The technology could also be used by automated border control agents at airports, by DoD Programs of Record, and by the Intelligence Community in support of intel collection.