DOD releases second tranche of draft 5G proposal requests

The National Spectrum Consortium today released a second pair of draft requests for prototype proposals detailing how the Defense Department wants to collaborate with industry on fifth-generation telecommunications technologies.

The draft RPPs released today include an effort to use 5G technologies at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, for augmented reality and virtual reality "to allow combat-like training in combat training locations enhanced by 5G communications technologies," according to a special notice by DOD. The actual draft RPP documents are only available to NSC members.

"The purpose of this effort is to demonstrate how 5G communications technologies can support realistic distributed training and develop fieldable equipment and systems to integrate these technologies into ongoing training operations," the notice states.

The technology is of particular interest to the Army, according to the notice. The Army's First Corps is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where the three-star command is especially focused on the Indo-Pacific region.

The other draft RPP released today is for "smart warehouse and asset management" at the Naval Supply Systems Command's Fleet Logistics Center in San Diego, CA, according to the notice.

"This project will leverage 5G networking in a Naval Base warehouse environment to identify, test, validate, and transition into operational use the 5G enabled warehouse and logistics improvements that improve the efficiency, accuracy, security, and safety of materiel and supply handling, management, storage, and distribution (delivery or shipping)," the notice states.

The project is intended to support a "Warehouse Management System" capable of interfacing with the existing Navy Enterprise Resource Planning Accountable Property System of Record, the notice continues. "The warehouse management system will optimize warehouse operation for receipt, putaway, replenishment, pick, pack, and ship operations," according to the notice.

The NSC is accepting responses to these latest draft RPPs from its members through Dec. 23, according to the notice. Late last month, the NSC released the first two draft 5G RPPs. Responses to those drafts are due by Dec. 16.