Precise Ensemble Network Communications Allowing PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing)

The Precise Ensemble Network Communications Allowing Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PENCAP) program is a 36-month research and development effort led by the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop a high-integrity network clock ensemble for aircraft platforms, implemented on a modified Commercial-Off-The-Shelf 3U VPX card running pntOS. The system is designed to continuously evaluate and fuse multiple timing sources—both local and remote—to produce a resilient, accurate, and trustworthy time reference in dynamic environments. The ensemble algorithm features dynamic weighting, seamless entry and exit of timing references, and outlier rejection to eliminate unreliable measurements, ensuring continuous operational integrity. A resilient networking method will be developed to disseminate timing and stability data across existing aircraft communication links, supporting flexible topologies such as point-to-point and hub-and-spoke, while also authenticating new nodes to preserve traceability and security. The design must adhere to open standards for both data and physical interfaces to facilitate future integration and upgrades. The project culminates in a series of simulated, laboratory, and flight tests to validate performance under real-world conditions. All deliverables, including the prototype hardware, software, and associated data, are due at the end of the 33-month technical period, with the final report due at the conclusion of the full 36-month period. The effort is structured as a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee contract, with funding for CLIN 0001 yet to be determined. All hardware must be packaged and labeled in accordance with commercial practices, MIL-STD-129 for shipping marks, and MIL-STD-130 for unique identification using enterprise identifiers and serial numbers, with no issuing agency code applied directly to items. Security requirements are extensive and mandatory: contractors must comply with AFRLI 61-113, submitting key personnel profiles, security questionnaires, and signed Privacy Act consents for all covered individuals; all personnel must complete Level I OPSEC training within 30 days of assignment and annual refresher training; any compromise of Critical Technology Elements or Critical Program Information must be reported within 24 hours; and the contractor must maintain current CMMC status in the Supplier Performance Risk System. Technical proposals must follow a two-step submission process: an Intent to Propose is due July 1, 2026, followed by a white paper due July 17, 2026, both submitted via DoD SAFE, with full technical and cost proposals due within 30 business