Resilient Precision Time Pilot

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To develop and demonstrate a pilot that is reproducible, scalable, and sustainable for use by end-users, and is resilient to Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) threats. The resulting pilot capability should be replicable and scalable in other states.

• Develop and demonstrate a resilient regional PNT timing network architecture for critical infrastructure end-users.

• The pilot will consist of a master timing node network, traceability to UTC(NIST), and "last mile" timing distribution to critical infrastructure end-users.

• The contractor will work with stakeholder partners for all three components and develop documentation to enable other states to reproduce the capability.

• The conceptual architecture includes Primary, Secondary, and Distribution Nodes, with holdover clocks for resilience.

• The initial pilot may be downscaled due to funding constraints but must demonstrate the overall architecture's reproducibility and usability.

• Master Timing Node Network Accuracy: 100 nanoseconds (or better).

• Holdover (Primary Node): 30 days.

• Holdover (Secondary Node): 1 day (Threshold) / 5 days (Objective).

• "Last Mile" Timing Distribution Accuracy Threshold: 1 microsecond.

• "Last Mile" Timing Distribution Accuracy Objective: 500 nanoseconds or better.

• Timing at both levels must be traceable to UTC(NIST).

• Anticipated Period of Performance: 24 months from date of award.

• Place of Performance: Contractor's facilities, sites for the Master Timing Node Network, and sites for distribution to critical infrastructure end-users. This includes locations in Texas and potentially Boulder, Colorado.

• The contractor must manage cost, schedule, and performance, including monthly status reports, quarterly project reviews, and a final report.

• Security requirements include safeguarding sensitive information and potentially signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

• Section 508 accessibility standards apply to all delivered ICT products and services.

• Travel may be required, with advance cost estimates and COR pre-approval.

• Funding is TBD for a 24-month period.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) Office Science and Engineering (OSE) to conduct market research. The objective is to determine technical capabilities for a pilot project to develop and demonstrate a resilient regional Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) timing network architecture. This pilot aims to provide precise time over long-haul fiber that is reproducible, scalable, sustainable, resilient to PNT threats, and independent of GPS.

• Develop and demonstrate a pilot of a resilient regional PNT timing network.

• Establish a regional network of resilient timing nodes.

• Develop a means of distributing precision timing to critical infrastructure operators.

• The resulting product(s) should be a reproducible and enduring pilot capability that can be replicated and scaled.

• The pilot must include:

  • Master Timing Node Network with accuracy of 100 nanoseconds (or better), 30-day holdover for Primary Nodes, and 1-day (threshold) / 5-day (objective) holdover for Secondary Nodes.
  • "Last Mile" Timing Distribution to End-User with accuracy threshold of 1 microsecond and objective of 500 nanoseconds or better.
  • Timing at both levels must be traceable to UTC(NIST).

• The architecture should illustrate scalability, sustainability, and repeatability, with applicability to the Power Grid and telecommunications service providers.

• Vendors are requested to provide a written response demonstrating their capability to fulfill tasks outlined in the draft Statement of Work.

• Responses should include company information, available ordering vehicles, any teaming/subcontracting plans, and a self-assessment of capabilities and experience in specific areas.

• A rough staffing plan and skill set is also required.

• Vendors should provide questions or feedback on the attached SOW.

• Submissions must not exceed 10 pages and must be legible.

• Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

• Responses are due by 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Saving Time (EDT) on Friday, May 1, 2026.

• Vendors are asked to inform the government of their business size and status, including socioeconomic status.

• Teaming partners' size, status, and socioeconomic status should also be provided.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP).

• The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.

• Respondents are advised that the Government will not receive proprietary data, trade secrets, or business sensitive information.

• The Government reserves the right to hold one-on-one meetings with vendors who provide comprehensive responses.