Company officials say successful performance could position Persistent for larger network modernization contracts
NEW YORK, April 2, 2019 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that it has been awarded a Network Modernization Contract on behalf of the U.S. Army Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) in coordination with U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) and PM Tactical Radio (PM-TR).
The contract represents a major step by the U.S. Army to modernize 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 modernization 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. “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.”
Integrating Persistent’s Wave Relay® MANET into the U.S. Army’s Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) architecture is intended to make the soldier the center of the network. Soldiers in the field will gain improved access to real-time situational awareness enabling informed decision-making and quick action during mission-critical scenarios. “It’s all about empowering the warfighter with robust communication in a fully networked battlefield,” Hulser said.
Under this Network Modernization 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 programs,” Hulser said.
goTenna Pro X extends situational awareness capabilities for the professional sector
BROOKLYN, NY (March. 28, 2019) — goTenna, the world’s leading mobile mesh networking company, today released goTenna Pro X, a tactical-grade device that enables scalable mobile mesh networking and total situational awareness for professionals in the field. goTenna Pro X is designed to be used with the world’s leading situational awareness applications as well as open platform ecosystems.
goTenna Pro X used with situational awareness applications supports the efforts of military, law enforcement, wildland firefighters, and disaster response teams, when no service is not an option. goTenna Pro X builds on the functionality of Pro and enables seamless integration with other Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux applications. Current applications include ATAK and AGIS LifeRing with several more in development.
Today’s release builds on the success of goTenna Pro, the company’s tactical-grade mesh networking device that launched in June 2018. Developed by the Department of Defense, the ATAK app is used to support complex communication and coordination needs of more than 100,000 customers worldwide, including the military, Air Force, Army, Special Operations, National Guard, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. Developed by AGIS Inc., LifeRing allows users to easily and rapidly establish secure ad hoc digital networks that include all within a selected range.
“goTenna Pro X extends the edge of mission-critical connectivity, enabling operators’ phones to create a resilient peer-to-peer mesh mobile network,” said Daniela Perdomo, goTenna’s co-founder and CEO. “Users can more effectively command and control their missions by remaining connected and contextually aware even in comms-denied environments.”
Smartphones with specialized tactical mapping applications are vital equipment for today’s tactical operators to maintain real-time situational awareness. As seen in the recent spike of climate-related natural disasters, however, responders cannot rely on centralized cellular or wifi connectivity to communicate.
“During the 2018 wildfire season, goTenna Pro X units proved invaluable for communications among our crews and the sharing of vital incident information including personnel location, escape routes and temporary refuge areas,” said Ari Delay, La Honda, CA Fire Chief. “goTenna Pro X was easy to integrate with Tablet Command, the application our crews already use, enhancing operational capability, enabling command and control, and improving responder safety.”
From the Camp Fire in California to Hurricane Michael in Florida, vulnerabilities in central communications infrastructure were exposed. In 2018 alone, traditional communications failed tactical teams due to damage cables and fibers and even data throttling by carriers. Critical failures and loss of service for extended periods of time, compounded with the ever-present threat of cyberattacks, make the front lines where first responders operate particularly susceptible to danger.
To combat this vulnerability, experienced tactical teams including the U.S. military, CALFIRE, and the Texas Department of Public Safety have turned to goTenna for its mesh networking devices and software that enable smartphone connectivity independent of traditional communications infrastructure.
Developed for military and public safety applications, goTenna Pro X is packed with a suite of powerful features:
? Mesh Networking: Users can extend signals through other devices to expand network reach
? 5-Watt RF Transmissions: Power to perform in the most extreme environments
? Tunable: Operate on any frequencies in the 142-175 MHz (VHF) & 445-480 MHz (UHF) ranges
? Advanced Encryption: Up to 384 ECC end-to-end Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) encryption
? Extended Battery Life: Lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge
? ATAK Plug-in: compatible with the leading situational awareness mobile app developed by the DoD.
? goTenna Pro Team Awareness App: includes goTenna’s native app for off-grid situational awareness
How goTenna Pro X Works
goTenna Pro X combines long-range burst data transmitted over VHF/UHF with iOS and Android devices. Even when unpaired to a smartphone, goTenna Pro X can serve as a multi-hop mesh node for all other Pro X devices – eliminating or reducing the need for base stations and repeaters.
The pocket-sized device pairs to a smartphone via Bluetooth or USB, and all data is displayed in the smartphone application.
Pro X is priced at $849, which includes one mesh-networking radio, the user’s choice of UHF or VHF antenna, the goTenna Pro Team Awareness App, ATAK plug-in (if required) and unlimited service user accounts for field administration and configuration of the Pro X
Pro X Deployment Kits are also available priced at $24,999 per kit. Deployment Kits come standard with 20 Pro X devices, and can charge and maintain up to 30 all in one rugged tactical briefcase. At 25 pounds, Deployment Kits can be easily be transported and deployed anywhere in the world.
Professional users interested in learning more about goTenna Pro X can request more information by visiting gotennapro.com.
About goTenna:
goTenna is the world’s leading mobile mesh networking company and provider of off-grid connectivity solutions for smartphones and other devices. goTenna’s innovative mesh networking protocol is embedded into low-cost, low-power devices and paired with easy-to-use mobile apps enabling mobile, long-range connectivity even without cell, wifi or satellite. The goTenna vision to create resilient connectivity was ignited during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when approximately a third of cell towers and power stations were knocked out. Based in Brooklyn, goTenna is backed by notable investors including Union Square Ventures, Walden Venture Capital, MentorTech Ventures, BBG Ventures (a subsidiary of Verizon), and Bloomberg Beta. For more information, visit gotenna.com.
About ATAK:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) deployed the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) to support the complex communication and coordination needs of the multi-jurisdictional responders. ATAK is one of those game-changers that dramatically alters the user’s understanding of the action in any given area of operation (AO). A government-off-the-shelf app for Android smartphone, ATAK is available to all government agencies for free. The app uses GPS and maps to give the user a real-time view of the AO. This new situational awareness capability includes “Blue Force Tracking” to see where team members are (which reduces friendly fire incidents and helps with coordinating movements), “Red Force Tracking” to see where the bad guys are (obvious advantages), as well as terrain, weather, and other topographical elements. ATAK gives operators in the field a dramatically enhanced real-time situational awareness. It provides them with enterprise information sharing capabilities that will further increase safety, collaboration and mission successes. For more information or to request a copy, visit atakmap.com.
About LifeRing
LifeRing software enables Smartphone, Tablet and PC users to easily and rapidly establish secure ad hoc digital networks that include all within a selected range. Once the AGIS LifeRing Smartphone Icon is selected, LifeRing appears on screen as a map based display. This display provides all on the network with “a sense of where you are”, allowing all users to easily see their present location while enabling them to view the location and status of all other users. Once the visual is in place, LifeRing then provides the means to collaborate, and communicate via PTT, Text Messaging and Voice. The exchange of information occurs in real-time between the participants. For more information, visit agisinc.com/lifering.
B5 Systems is getting back to their roots as an aerospace company with the Hand-held Electronic Audio Radio interface System.
Developed for the Air Force Research Laboratory, the HEARS family of adapters provide radio transmission recording (3-5 hours) and playback for debriefing. Data downloads via a Bluetooth v3.0 connection. Charging is via micro-USB.
This model connects inline with standard radio cables via 6-pin connection, but both hardwired and Bluetooth variants are also available.
Beez Combat Systems has designed and built a 100% laser cut GRIDLOK radio pouch for all Baofeng models with extended battery options. The Baofeng radio is one of the mostly widely used radios for MilSim, the civilian market and HAM radio operators.
This new pouch allows the operator one handed operations. When the pouch is open it hangs at a forward angle allowing the operator to facilitate radio operations while maintaining forward observations.
The unique design allows full access to user interface, access ports as well as channel and frequency functions. The bungee retention secures the Baofeng radio into place while allowing the operator unobstructed mobility for basic radio operations i.e battery replacements and other Baofeng accessories.
The radio pouch mounts vertically on one channel of GRIDLOK attachment technology. The Beez Combat Systems Baofeng Radio Pouch is manufactured in the United States and is Berry Compliant.
The Baofeng Radio Pouch GRIDLOK by Beez Combat Systems is compatible with these Baofeng HAM Radio models and their extended batteries:
UV-5R-1 UV-5R-2 UV-5R-3 UV-5R-4
UV-5R-5 UV-5R-6 UV-5R-7 UV-5R-L
BF-F8 BF-F8+ BF-F9 UV-5R V2+
Available in Multicam, Coyote, Black, and Ranger Green.
One of the most impressive things I saw at this year’s SHOT Show has finally been released for sale. The ComTac 6 may look like previous incarnations, but inside, it’s all new.
It features Mission Audio Profile (MAP) and Natural Interaction Behavior (NIB) that enables natural face to face communication in noisy environment.
This video explains these features.
The MAPs include: Observation, Patrolling, Conversation, Comfort and Mic Off.
They’ve done a great job with the five Mission Audio Profiles, but Natural Interaction Behavior is what sets it apart. Imagine being able to communicate in a vehicle or on an aircraft without having to connect to the Internal Communication System. Normally, only one passenger can connect to an aircraft ICS, making it difficult to communicate with one another while flying. The COMTAC 6 changes all of that. With NIB, the ground force can communicate. They can also use the system while in close proximity to one another (10m), like in a common room, NIB kicks in anytime noise levels are above 72 dB.
They’ve also redesigned the headband and introduced a new boom mic with internal foam to help cancel noise. The boom will also accommodate left or right handed shooters without moving from one side to the other.
INVISIO has been awarded GSA status and a Schedule 84 contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the procurement arm of the federal government. The IDIQ contract allows federal, state and local government entities to quickly and efficiently purchase INVISIO equipment at pre-negotiated terms and conditions.
The contract was effective starting January 25, 2019 and the GSA contract number is 47QSWA19D0031. It is valid for 5 years with potential of three five-year options to follow.
The GSA Multiple Award Schedule 84 is the culmination of a rigorous solicitation process in which the GSA carefully evaluates companies to determine their capability for providing products to the government. The assessment analyzes a variety of a corporation’s capabilities, including organizational structure, performance history, customer satisfaction, and other source selection criteria.
In awarding INVISIO a GSA Schedule 84 contract, the US federal government has determined that the company is recognized as a preferred vendor and is fully authorized to conduct business directly with government agencies.
“We are very pleased to have successfully negotiated an agreement with GSA in the US. As a qualified GSA contract-holder we can now target our hearing protection and tactical communication products directly to all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies” said Ray Clarke, Head of INVISIO Communications Inc. “We will be able to reach even more government organizations by marketing and selling our products though this GSA schedule. I believe this could be a game changer for us in the US market”.
The five-year IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contract, with potential of three five-year options to follow, was officially awarded on January 25 under GSA schedule 84, Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Fire, Rescue, Emergency/Disaster Response – 426 1G-Miscellaneous Non-Personal Law Enforcement Equipment.
“INVISIO Communication and hearing protection systems are world leading and ensures a good hearing protection while allowing the user to communicate in all environments with maintained situational awareness in extreme environments.
Since we opened our own company INVISIO Communications Inc in the US in early 2017, it has been one of our key priorities to have our own GSA schedule so that US government buyers can make purchases easily through our GSA contract.
I congratulate our US team with this great achievement” said Lars Højgård Hansen, CEO of INVISIO.
Marine Corps Systems Command released a Request for Information March 5, to identify a non-developmental solution to provide a complete Line of Sight Optical Communication Transmission System.
A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa performs a radio check during a training event with German soldiers in Seedorf, Germany, Dec. 6, 2018. Marine Corps Systems Command released a Request for Information March 5, to identify a non-developmental solution to provide a complete Line of Sight Optical Communication Transmission System. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Katelyn Hunter)
According to the RFI, released on the Federal Business Opportunities website, the OCTS system must be capable of providing a high-bandwidth transmission path used for voice, video and data communications.
For program officials, this capability will consolidate capabilities into a complete LOS transmission capability.
“The adage, ‘Move, shoot, communicate’ hasn’t changed, but how we communicate is rapidly changing,” said Maj. Eric Holmes, MCSC project officer. “Given the rapid pace of innovation in technology, the Marine Corps is currently evaluating maturing capabilities.”
Optical communications support greater bandwidth, and provide additional relief for frequency allocations in an already constrained spectrum.
“The Marine Corps is turning to industry to help rapidly develop and field this technology to protect vital command and control emissions from advanced adversaries,” Holmes said.
Responses to the RFI must be received by 1 p.m. on March 19.
By Maj Kenneth Kunze, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command
