Resilient Precision Time Pilot

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Directorate of Science and Technology is seeking capabilities to develop and demonstrate a resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) pilot program that can transfer precise time over long-haul fiber independent of GPS and resistant to PNT threats. This pre-solicitation notice is part of market research to identify contractors with the technical capability to establish a reproducible, scalable, and sustainable regional timing network with traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. Key contract requirements include establishing a master timing node network achieving 100-nanosecond accuracy with specified holdover capabilities, developing last-mile distribution to critical infrastructure end-users at 1-microsecond threshold accuracy (500-nanosecond objective), and coordinating with multiple stakeholder partners including NIST, fiber optic carriers, utility companies, and emergency services. Interested vendors must submit written responses to a Request for Information (RFI) by May 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Saving Time, addressing eight technical competency areas and demonstrating capability across fiber communications, DHS/NIST guidance knowledge, critical infrastructure experience, and cyber risk assessment. The RFI submissions should be limited to 10 pages and directed to Jennifer.Koons@hq.dhs.gov and John.Whipple@hq.dhs.gov, with the understanding that this is market research and does not constitute a commitment to contract.

This opportunity has no set-aside designation and identifies no incumbent contractors at this pre-solicitation stage. The anticipated contract duration is 24 months from award, with the pilot program to be developed and demonstrated primarily within Texas, though coordination with NIST Boulder may be required for UTC traceability work. Key project milestones include architecture completion by month 4, master timing node network completion by month 10, internal integration by month 12, and a high-level demonstration event at month 16 designed to inform Texas State Legislature decision-making for potential statewide expansion. The specific funding amount and contract award type are marked as TBD in the draft Statement of Work. Contractors may submit teaming arrangements if they cannot fulfill all identified tasks independently, and respondents should self-assess their capabilities across the eight technical areas specified in the RFI while providing rough staffing plans and feedback on the draft SOW.