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The program is designed for teams to develop communications solutions that facilitate data transmission in contested communications environments, using both legacy and emerging transmission capabilities.
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DARPA has shortlisted three teams to develop mission-integrated network control (MINC) solutions that ensure the accurate transmission of data in contested environments across both legacy and future systems.
According to DARPA, it is expected that the new MINC program will take the place of “manual, static configuration of individual, tactical networks and the associated limited internetworking capabilities”.
The importance of this program has been expounded by the growing requirement for integrated communications networks necessitated by all-domain warfare.
The new project hopes to integrate the critical characteristics of optionality, diversity and rapid adaptability.
As noted on the DARPA website, the following teams have been selected to develop solutions for the MINC program:
- CACI Federal, teaming with Nokia Bell Labs, Network Centric Solutions, and Phoel Technology Solutions;
- BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, teaming with AIMdyn, Apogee Research, RAM Laboratories, and the Regents of the University of California, Santa Barbara;
- Peraton Labs, teaming with Charles River Analytics, Scientific Systems Company, and the University of Memphis.
The program will focus on the delivery of “on-demand” connectivity by creating an “always-on” network, employing a cross-network framework for information flows and developing a mission-driven method for determining information flows in warfighting environments.
“MINC performers are re-imagining the state-of-the-art in commercial networking to develop approaches that will translate mission objectives into network management policies,” Mary Schurgot, MINC program manager in DARPA’s Strategic Technology Office, said.
“These mission-driven networking approaches will enable self-healing networks to adapt as the mission and operational conditions evolve, while reducing the overall burden on network operators in manually configuring tactical networks.”
The program is expected to run over three phases.
Phase 1 will see partners work towards a minimum viable product, phase 2 will see the product tested in live, virtual, and constructive environments, before phase 3, which will prioritise development, security and operations for the development of the program.
[Related: DARPA launches ‘Liberty Lifter’ program]
