Notice of Contract Action - Precise Ensemble Network Communications Allowing PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing)

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Sensors Directorate, Spectrum Warfare Division (AFRL/RYW) is anticipating a requirement for the development of a network clock ensemble and the implementation of it on a VPX card capable of running pntOS. The objective is to develop a prototype card, networking methods, and an ensemble algorithm that can provide accurate time in dynamic environments. The algorithm will be designed to be robust, continuously evaluating local and remote timing references, and will incorporate a weighting system and outlier rejection to ensure accuracy. The project will involve modifying a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) 3U VPX card to function with pntOS and will culminate in a series of simulated, lab, and flight tests to demonstrate the card's full capabilities. Key features of the project include: • Development of a network clock ensemble and implementation on a VPX card • Design of a resilient network method to disseminate timing and stability information • Implementation of an ensemble algorithm that can evaluate local and remote timing references • Modification of a COTS 3U VPX card to function with pntOS • Simulated, lab, and flight tests to demonstrate the card's full capabilities