B-2 CSS SOW.docx

Statement of Work

Hybrid Wired/Wireless Communications for Time-Sensitive Critical Applications

I. BACKGROUND

The Advanced Network Technology Division (ANTD) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been developing a deterministic network for wide area measurement in power grid monitoring systems, most recently intra-vehicle communications under the auspices of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). A deterministic communication, Time-triggered Ethernet (TT-E), has been developed that is capable of achieving constant latency and minimum jitter. This is mainly due to the fact that TT-E compensates transmission jitter that is introduced during traffic propagation and operation in TT-E switches. A remaining challenge, however, is how to provide wireless communications where wired access is not available. To meet this challenge, NIST is working to develop a low-delay, high reliability hybrid wired/wireless architecture supported by a combination of TT-E and 5G networks. 5G supports different types of services, including enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), massive Machine Type communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC). To meet the strict low latency requirements of synchrophasor communications, the URLLC is the 5G option of choice for the NIST testbed.

II. PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this acquisition is to procure contractor services in support of implementing a hybrid wired/wireless access technology using a combination of high-speed TT-E and ultra-high reliability and 5G ultra-low latency (URLLC) networks. The main objective is to expand the existing ANTD deterministic communication network in order to provide a scalable integration of wired and wireless protocols while ensuring safety and reliability.

III. SCOPE OF WORK:

The Contractor shall expand the NIST TT-E network by designing a gateway mechanism that can provide wireless access based on the 5G uRLLC standard. The Contractor shall develop and evaluate the performance of the testbed by exploiting its important features, such as high reliability and low latency for synchrophasor communications. This requirement shall expand upon previously developed IoV networks; please see NIST sponsored publication: H. Gharavi and B. Hu, “Deterministic Intra-Vehicle Communications: Timing and Synchronization,” https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2003/2003.00059.pdf.

IV. SPECIFIC TASKS:

The Contractor shall be responsible for project oversight, equipment, administration, and technical execution of this contract. The Contractor shall deliver a fully functional time-triggered communication network testbed based on the following specific tasks:

1. Review detailed specifications of the 5G uRLLC standard and provide a report on findings, then design a network architecture that uses TT-E as its backbone network and 5G URLLC as its wireless access for remote terminals.

2. Develop a simulation-based 5G network model that can operate in real-time using synchrophasor data. This task shall include designing a gateway node capable of processing wireless data generated at remote sites for wide area monitoring in distributed communication systems.

3. Implement a network testbed that consists of TT-E switches with multiple gateways. Each gateway shall provide wireless access via URLLC that can connect the network to at least one hundred Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). Each gateway node shall provide interworking between TT-E and uRLLC. The integrated TT-E and uRLLC networks shall be fully operational in real-time with low jitter and high reliability. For the integrated network the jitter requirement shall be less than 0.00001 seconds with a reliability requirement of 99.999%.

4. The contractor shall verify the impact of the timing and synchronization on the end-to-end network performances in terms of latency and reliability. The contractor shall provide a final report summarizing the overall system developed, impacts, and performance. The report shall include technical details of gateway design, as well as over-the-air timing and synchronization between the TT-E switches and uRLLC wireless access. The contractor shall also provide the overall network performance in terms of latency and jitter.

5. The contractor shall provide monthly status reports. The monthly status reports shall detail activities accomplished, findings established, deliverables completed, outstanding deliverables, any delays, reasons for delays and proposed resolutions, and recommendations.

V. DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERABLE DUE DATES

The following deliverables shall be completed during the period of performance. All deliverables are subject to FAR Clause 52.227-17, Rights in Data—Special Works.

Test and evaluate the impact of timing and synchronization on the wired/wireless integrated network.

Standards for Acceptance of Deliverables:

The NIST Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) will provide comments on each deliverable within fourteen (14) calendars days from receipt of a given deliverable. The contractor shall make any needed changes to the deliverables within fourteen (14) calendar days from receipt of electronic or written comments from the TPOC.

VI. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be April 28, 2021 through April 27, 2022.

VII. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work shall be performed on-site at the NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. The contractor is required to go through NIST security procedures for badge/ID.

However, if the NIST campus is closed due to a public health concern, the contractor will be authorized to work remotely until the campus is reopened and NIST ANTD returns to campus. In such a circumstance, the contractor shall make brief visit(s) to the campus to pick up necessary equipment for remote work. NIST will coordinate any such arrangements with the Contractor.

VIII. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, DATA AND/OR INFORMATION

NIST will provide the Contractor with on-site office space at the NIST Gaithersburg, MD location, workstation, PC, email and Internet access, telephone, routine office supplies, and access to all facilities needed for the project. The Contractor shall only access low risk general-purpose IT equipment and common network services available to NIST associates.

In the event remote work is authorized due to a public health concern, NIST will provide the contractor with a computer and any other equipment necessary to continue task order efforts. Government furnished equipment will be provided in an as is condition and working condition. The Contractor is responsible for the safety and protection of any equipment provided for remote work. NIST will not be responsible for internet or telephone costs associated with any remote work. All equipment provided shall be returned to the Government at the end of the task order in the condition it was received in.

All property, data and information provided by the Government in the performance of this requirement remains the property of the Government and shall be surrendered to the government upon completion or termination of this requirement. Likewise all deliverables remain property of the Government.

IX. RISK ASSESSMENT

The HSPD-12 Security Risk Level assigned to this contract is IT service low risk.

X. KEY PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

This work will require the contractor to assign one individual as Key Personnel. Key personnel requirements are detailed below.

One (1) Senior Software Engineer

· At least 10 years of experience in wireless network research, software defined testbed implantation for smart grid applications.

· At least 10 years of experience working with wireless communications, wireless ad hoc networks, and in particular, synchrophasor networks with load balancing capability when the network has multiple wireless access gateways

· Five (5) years of experience using the EMTP (software tool: https://www.emtp-software.com/Software_for_power_systems_transients?q=Software_for_power_systems_transients ) modeling tools and developing codes for the EMTP.