Time without limits - Developing tactical-grade clocks for GPS-denied environments in the North

This Challenge notice is issued under the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program Call for Proposals (CFP) Call 006 (W7714-248676/A).

Solicitation Documents reference: See “Bidding details” section.
*For additional general information on the IDEaS Program, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-i…
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This challenge is open to receive proposals for Component 1a, Component 1b and Component 2. Proposed solutions that fall within technology readiness levels (TRL) 1-9 can be submitted to this challenge.
Steps to apply:
Step 1: read this challenge
Step 2: read the Call for Proposals : See “Bidding details” section
Step 3: propose your solution here : https://defence-innovation-portal.my.site.com/
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Maximum Funding and Performance Period

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge.

The individual maximum contract funding available under Component 1a (TRL 1 to 3) is up to $250,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of up to 6 months.
The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 1b (TRL 4 and 5) is up to $1,500,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes) for a maximum performance period of 12 months.
The maximum individual contract funding available under Component 2 (TRL 6 to 9) is up to $5,000,000 CAD (excluding applicable taxes). The period of performance will be determined at the time of contract negotiation.
The maximum individual contractual funding and the maximum performance period offered under Component 3 will be determined by Canada at the time of contract negotiation.
This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to contract for the total approximate funding.
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Challenge Details

Challenge Title: W7714-248676/007 - Time without limits: Developing tactical-grade clocks for GPS-denied environments in the North

The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are seeking innovative tactical-grade solutions that offer precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) in Global Positioning System (GPS)-denied environments and in extreme northern environments. The objective is to develop a tactical-grade clock that can operate with an extremely high level of precision and with exceptional size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics.

Background and context

Clocks based on atomic transitions in the microwave regime, also known as atomic clocks, are among the most developed quantum sensors. These atomic clocks paved the way for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and GPS.
GPS denial remains one of the largest defense timing problems in modern conflicts. GPS can be naturally unavailable such as in subterranean indoor facilities and underwater, or when the access to GPS is forcefully denied by means of GPS’ signal blocking/overriding/altering. A widespread, precise, and compact timing solution is essential in domains including navigation, communications, electronic warfare (EW), as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Currently, defence timing is reliant on the distribution of GPS signals, which synchronizes local clocks to maintain timing between GPS updates.

More recently, clocks based on atomic transitions in the optical regime, also known as quantum clocks, are being developed and investigated for PNT application. Quantum clocks have demonstrated timing errors well below 1 nanosecond (ns) per day. However, these clocks are not tactical grade. A tactical-grade clock is identified as follows:
• enhanced precision;
• reliability;
• durability;
• ruggedness.

These attributes make tactical grade clocks suitable for military applications such as, but not limited to EW, ISR, Secure Communications. This advancement would facilitate reliable signal assurance, extensive communication security, and the realization of high-bandwidth communications (HBC).

Essential outcomes

We are seeking innovative solutions for tactical-grade clocks with the capability to sustain microsecond (μs) precision over 24 hours which would alleviate the dependency on GPS-based timing for several defence operations.
Proposed solutions must:
• Have an operating range of at least -40 to +85°C;
• Have a temperature stability over operating range of at least ±5 parts per billion (ppb);
• Ensure that the time error does not exceed 1 μs over a 24-hour period;
• Have vibration sensitivity below 0.3 ppb/g from 10 Hz to 10 kHz; and
• Be able to survive 30,000 g shock.

Desired outcomes

Proposed solutions should include capabilities and considerations such as, but not limited to, the following:
• Offer a ‘plug-and-play’ solution that is interoperable with existing systems.
• Offer package with a weight <20 g and volume <1,000 mm3.
• Have steady state power consumption below 300 mW.
• Be able to survive a minimum of 70 g vibrations.
• Be suitable for radar applications with low phase-noise, with an Allan deviation of 10-10 in 1s.