The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program for the development of autonomous precision timing systems in contested and congested RF environments. The objective is to create a reliable, independent timing source, such as an atomic clock, that can integrate with existing systems and mobility platforms, ensuring mission success where GPS is unavailable. This technology is crucial for enhancing positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities across various military applications, including airborne and ground tactical systems. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is open from September 26, 2024, to October 29, 2024, with proposals due by the latter date. For more information, visit the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

Existing systems depend on the Global Positioning System (GPS) for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. In environments where GPS is unavailable, RF communication systems relying on precision timing are impacted. The proposed technology should address how autonomous precision timing sources can integrate into current systems and mobility platforms, including chip-scale, modular, and fixed-based timing sources. The aim is to provide a reliable autonomous precision timing source to support mission success in contested and congested environments. PROGRAM OFFICE: Tactical Information Systems (TIS)Technology Areas of Interest: <ol><li>&emsp;Mobility Applications: Technology for &ldquo;advantaged&rdquo; user applications</li><li>&emsp;Disadvantaged Applications: Timing update technology for ground users</li><li>&emsp;Enterprise Timing: Source and distribution technology</li></ol>Performance Requirements:<ul><li>&emsp;General:</li></ul>o&emsp;Interface Requirements: Ethernet, RS-232, 1 Pulse per Second (PPS) output, 1 Have Quick Timing output, L1/L2 SAASM GPS Input.o&emsp;Objective Requirement: Maintain a drift of 1 microsecond in 24 hours.o&emsp;Threshold Requirement: Maintain a drift of 1 microsecond in 4 hours.<ul><li>&emsp;Mobility Platform:</li></ul>o&emsp;Size: Approximately 150 cubic inches (in&sup3;)o&emsp;Weight: Less than 5 pounds (lbs.)o&emsp;Power: Must operate on 28DCo&emsp;Application: Intended for aircraft, vehicular, and maritime subsystems.<ul><li>&emsp;Dismounted:</li></ul>o&emsp;Size: Approximately 20 in&sup3;o&emsp;Weight: Less than 1 lb.o&emsp;Power: Runs on a rechargeable batteryo&emsp;Application: Intended for handheld and manpack radios, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), etc.

## Objective

The objective of this SBIR Open Topic is to develop applied research towards the development of an independent, autonomous precision timing source, such as an Atomic Clock, to enable precision timing in Radio Frequency (RF) contested and congested environments.

## Phase I

Conduct a feasibility study to assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraphs entitled &ldquo;Objective&rdquo; and &ldquo;Description.&rdquo; The objective of this USSOCOM Phase I SBIR effort is to conduct and document the results of a thorough feasibility study (&ldquo;Technology Readiness Level 3&rdquo;) to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit. The funds obligated on the resulting Phase I SBIR contracts are to be used for the sole purpose of conducting a thorough feasibility study using scientific experiments and laboratory studies as necessary. Operational prototypes will not be developed with USSOCOM SBIR funds during Phase I feasibility studies. Operational prototypes developed with other than SBIR funds that are provided at the end of Phase I feasibility studies will not be considered in deciding what firm(s) will be selected for Phase II.

## Phase II

Develop, install, and demonstrate a prototype system based on the most feasible solution identified in Phase I. The focus will be on an atomic clock for precision timing with a Next Generation Tactical Communications and/or MTUAS system. 

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

The developed system could have broad applications in military environments requiring independent timing for RF communications and navigation systems. Potential uses range from airborne platforms to small ground tactical systems.

1729929011748.pdf

The SOCOM244-P009 initiative aims to develop an independent and autonomous precision timing source capable of functioning effectively in contested and congested RF environments, addressing the limitations of traditional GPS-based systems. The project will follow a two-phase approach: initially conducting a feasibility study in Phase I and, subsequently, developing and demonstrating a prototype based on the most viable solution in Phase II. The resulting technology has potential applications across a range of military settings, enhancing RF communications and navigation capabilities in diverse platforms.

Topic

Agency

Program

Topic Link

Additional Information