Integrated Communications System-Next Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-047 Topic Title: Integrated Communications System-Next Proposal No.: N101-047-0857 Firm: Progeny Systems Corporation 9500 Innovation Drive Manassas, Virginia 20110 Contact: Will Farnham Phone: (202) 479-0300 Web Site: www.progeny.net Abstract: The existing VA class submarine internal communications system (ICS) while functional is a closed system. The system is difficult and expensive to upgrade, lacks technical innovation, and is nearly impossible to upgrade with the submarine force's technical insertion program. Breaking the larger "ICS" problem up in to smaller portions and attacking each individually will eliminate these issues. Specifically, utilizing open source software readily available under GNU public license to reduce cost and provide innovation; utilizing the TI/APB tech refresh program for hardware purchasing, common hardware troubleshooting methodologies; integrate well understood information assurance components available to the submarine community; expand non traditional communications methods (text, picture messaging) not yet available on any naval vessel, and finally expand the core ICS functionalities (voice communications, alarms, etc) in to the other on-board submarine enclaves. Additionally, breaking up the ICS in to smaller functional groups enables the program office to give multiple companies/groups the ability to revolutionize different aspects of the ICS without affect its overall availability/operability requirements. Benefits: Anywhere within DoD a computer network exists; this solution would be applicable. The use of VOIP telephony is expanding by leaps and bounds every year, the cost reduction associated with only running CAT 5E/6 cabling to a workstation to encompass both data and voice is significant. The further benefits of providing naval vessels non traditional communication methods have yet to be fully explored, but the potential is great. Reduced voice traffic in hull, radiated noise through water, dynamically updated status boards, automatically generated status messages, engineering plant status on a PDA/cell phone, etc all are enabled by this technology. Return