Salient Characteristics Letter - Time Zone Clocks.pdf

Salient Characteristics Letter

Subject: Programmable Multi-Zone Digital Time Display System

The 86th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Plans and Integration section, is seeking a high-quality, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) multi-zone digital time display system that meets the following salient characteristics:

• Time Digit Size: The primary time display digits shall have a minimum height of 4.0 inches.

This is a critical requirement to ensure clear visibility from a minimum distance of 125 feet across the Deployment Control Center (DCC) and operations floor.

• Programmable Digital Location Fields: The system must utilize programmable digital character fields (e.g., dot-matrix LED) to display the name of each time zone. This capability is essential to allow personnel to change location names dynamically to support evolving mission requirements. Systems that use static, non-changeable labels (such as vinyl lettering or printed plates) are not acceptable.

• Minimum Number of Zones: The display system shall be capable of showing a minimum of six (6) independent time zones simultaneously.

• Standalone Timekeeping Accuracy: The clock shall maintain high accuracy without reliance on an external network (NTP) connection. It must feature a high-precision internal timekeeping mechanism, such as a Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO), ensuring it does not deviate more than a few seconds per year.

• Power-Loss Memory Retention: The system must be equipped with an internal battery backup that retains all time, date, and programmed location settings during a power outage.

This memory retention must last for a minimum of five years without external power.

These salient characteristics are considered essential to meeting the operational needs of the Plans and Integration section for synchronizing global deployment and logistics efforts. Any proposed solution shall be evaluated based on its ability to meet these mandatory requirements.

Key Performance Parameters:

• The time display must be easily readable under standard office lighting conditions without significant glare.

• The system must be configurable via a non-networked, standalone interface (e.g., an infrared remote keyboard).

• The system’s frame shall be constructed of durable material (e.g., aluminum) suitable for standard wall mounting in an office environment.

• The system must be compliant with the Trade Agreements Act (TAA).

By meeting these salient characteristics and key performance parameters, the time display system shall provide Plans and Integration personnel with a reliable, synchronized, and adaptable common operating picture for time-critical global operations, enhancing their operational effectiveness and contributing to overall mission success.