Awarded Network Modernisation Agreement in Support of US Army Network Cross-Functional Team
Persistent Systems, LLC recently announced that it has been awarded a Network Modernization Contract on behalf of the US Army Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) in coordination with US Army Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) and PM Tactical Radio (PM-TR).
The contract represents a major step by the US Army to modernise their integrated tactical network. The effort consists of a 12-month-long evaluation of Persistent’s MPU5 Networked Radio, which utilizes WAVE RELAY mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology. The MPU5 is designed to provide an extremely scalable, flat, layer-2 network that delivers a seamless and robust network transport down to the dismounted soldier level.
The contract award represents a key example of the army’s new network modernisation acquisition approach, enabling the army to Buy, Try, and Decide commercial off-the-shelf technologies and determine if they deliver improved capability to our soldiers (or can be adapted to do so). The contract is an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) which enables this acquisition flexibility and speed.
“As a commercial technology company, we are encouraged by the Army’s network modernization approach; specifically, their consideration of commercial technologies and their rapid acquisition strategy,” said Leslie Hulser, Director of Programs for Persistent Systems. “We intend to focus over the next 12 months on delivering a scalable network to connect and empower the soldier with real-time situational awareness. We will also demonstrate automated PACE to provide soldiers with highly reliable communications in contested and congested environments.”
Under this Network Modernisation contract, Persistent will deliver the following:
- MPU5 MANET Radios;
- Dual Push-to-Talk devices;
- Sector antennas;
- Additional accessories for full dismount and vehicle kits, with integrated Radio over IP (RoIP) capabilities and a CLOUD RELAY hub; and
- Field Support Services and User Training
The WAVE RELAY MANET will be deployed across the RF spectrum.
“This demonstration will now give us the opportunity to showcase our tactical networking capabilities to the army and prove that we are a serious contender for future tactical communication programmes,” Hulser said.
