Precision Radiating Optimum Power High Emitting Transmitter (PROPHET)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details requirements for the Precision Radiating Optimum Power High Emitting Transmitter (PROPHET) project, continuing research for the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Code 8140. The primary goal is to support space research through the development of hardware and software for signal research using a large antenna system.

• Antenna Access: Contractor must own, lease, or have rights to use a 30-meter or larger antenna, available solely to NRL for 24/7 research. Government pre-award inspection is required.

• Research & Development: Focuses on developing hardware and software for signal research, implementing designs from previous phases, conducting formal experiments, and refining designs based on results.

• Technical Requirements:

  • Antenna must operate at 1 degree/second with 0.01-degree accuracy, minimum 30M diameter (single dish).
  • Feed must be at least 20.7 meters above ground.
  • Obscura around the antenna no more than 20 degrees elevation.
  • Ability to accommodate custom NRL equipment and transmit/receive across varying frequencies and power levels.
  • Facility requires an FCC Experimental License for transmission.
  • Antenna location within an 80,467-meter radius of 36.597564 N, -121.897631 W for low-noise environment.
  • Development of hardware and software for precise pulse generation (picosecond accuracy) and RF energy transmission.
  • Targeting centimeter-sized objects with narrow-beam, high-power RF signals to ensure zero signal spillage.
  • Design and implementation of instrument control systems, antenna performance analysis, and targeting for satellite architectures.
  • Integration with other NRL assets for space communications resiliency and anomaly characterization.
  • Development of pulse-generating algorithms for custom Navy equipment, producing Navy Time Ordered Acquisition Signal Table (TOAST) waveforms.
  • Design of hardware for precise pulse generation (custom or COTS boxes).
  • Development of algorithms for high EiRP levels (~150dBm) across 1 Hz to 120 GHz, 40 dBm to 140 dBm power levels, including atmospheric loss calculations.
  • Photogrammetry and LIDAR analysis of the antenna system.
  • Compliance with DoD, Navy, and sponsor security policies (ICD 501, 503, NIST SP 800-37).
  • Compliance with Navy RF Safety policies and environmental RF obscura requirements.
  • Determination and correction of antenna pointing drifts, RF path propagation delays, and timing drifts.
  • Characterization of the dish, EIRP, and system calibration for precise timing (1 pps).

• Exclusions: This SOW is NOT for satellite command and control or SATCOM.

• Technical Data & Documentation (CDRL A004): Delivered within 15 days of relevant milestones (Design Reviews, Tests, Exercises, Upgrades) or contract end. DoD/NRL policies take precedence over CDRL dates.

• Patent Report (CDRL A005): Quarterly internal reviews and reports on potential patent opportunities.

• System Safety Hazard Analysis Report (CDRL A006): Identifies potential safety hazards.

• Accident Incident Report (CDRL A007): Reports personnel injury, property damage, or security violations, including corrective actions.

• Financial Program Management Report (CDRL A003): Monthly reports on contract financials, funding, expenditures, and balances by ACRN, WBS, and CLIN.

• Contract Status and Labor Report (CDRL A002): Monthly reports on contract status, labor hours (by name and category), problems, and resolutions.

• Final Report (CDRL A008): Comprehensive summary of objectives, findings, R&D, results, and GFE inventory at contract end. Includes status of incomplete work.

• Performance anticipated at the specified antenna facility and other NRL facilities.

• Travel to CONUS and OCONUS antenna sites is required.

• Security: Access to Top Secret/SCI data may be required. Specific clearances (Top Secret with SCI eligibility) and investigations (DoD Tier 5) are detailed in the DD254. Personnel with elevated system privileges need IAT Level II/III certification.

• Materials: Contractor is responsible for purchasing components per FAR clauses and NRL regulations.

• Networks: Must comply with DoD/Navy security and accreditation policies. RF over fiber transport required.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the personnel requirements for the PROPHET (Precision Radiating Optimum Power High Emitter Transmitter) program. It details the types of personnel needed, their roles, responsibilities, and the minimum educational and experiential qualifications. It also specifies clearance requirements for all positions.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the human resource capabilities required for the opportunity. Bidders must ensure they can provide personnel meeting these specific criteria, including:

• Key Personnel Requirements: Specific qualifications and a Top Secret/SCI clearance are mandatory for identified key roles.
• Non-Key Personnel Requirements: U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain at least a SECRET clearance are necessary.
• Specific Roles and Qualifications: Detailed requirements are provided for:
  • Senior Systems Engineers (7 total: 2 Key, 5 Non-Key)
  • Project Specialists (7 total: 1 Key, 6 Non-Key)
  • Electrical/RF Engineers (7 total: 1 Key, 6 Non-Key)
  • Field Engineers (6 total)
  • Computer Scientists (10 total)
  • Integration and Test Engineers (8 total)
  • Electronics Technicians (8 total)
  • Network Engineers (9 total)
• Clearance Levels: All positions require the ability to obtain and maintain at least a SECRET clearance, with specific roles demanding TOP SECRET and SCI clearances. The DD254 form, referenced for detailed clearance information, is critical.
• Experience: Significant experience in RF calibration, satellite systems, signal transmission, anomaly detection, and related engineering fields is consistently required across multiple roles.
• Education: Bachelor's degrees in relevant engineering, science, or technical fields are generally required, with equivalent experience often accepted.
• Travel: Considerable CONUS and OCONUS travel may be required for several positions.