Next-Gen Smart Contracts: PCN Wins Navy SBIR
- Daisy Johnson
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
The Provenance Chain™ Network (PCN) is proud to announce that it was awarded a Navy SBIR N251-068 to define next-generation smart contracts for Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain risk management—a milestone that disrupts legacy blockchain approaches to deliver strategic weapons systems capabilities to DoD by delivering both technological innovation and strategic alignment with modern SCRM and acquisition needs.
Why PCN? True Protocol Intelligence.
While many blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) solutions are siloed or focus only on specific ledgers, PCN's Commercial Trust™ Protocol (CTP) stands out thanks to the RICE™ Engine (Requirements, Incentives, Claims, Evidence). This engine serves as a protocol-level orchestration layer, capable of deploying and coordinating multiple smart contracts—even across various blockchains or DLTs—in direct response to the Navy’s need for comprehensive, multi-tier supply chain risk management (SCRM) and adaptation to complex acquisition and sustainment requirements.
Key Differentiator: Most blockchain approaches are "stuck" in single ledger architectures with generic smart contract templates. In contrast, the RICE™ Engine allows the Navy and DoD contractors to:
Define requirements at each tier of the supply chain and codify them as enforceable smart contracts.
Link incentives and compliance checks directly to operational and acquisition milestones.
Capture supplier claims, certifications, and credentials—while allowing selective disclosure to protect IP and competitive details.
Record evidence—every time a part changes hands, is tested, or is integrated—building a trustworthy, immutable audit trail.
Patent-Powered: A Tokenized Supply Chain
Backing this up is PCN’s patented Tokenized Twin™ Digital Object Story framework. This technology enables the creation of a live, traceable digital twin for every asset, part, or credential in the supply chain. With every event (origin, custody, conversion, consumption) captured as a digital record, DoD program managers gain holistic, n-tier supply chain visibility—essential for oversight and rapid risk assessment—while data owners retain granular control over what is shared.
Pilot Focus: Navy SSP
For this Phase 1 SBIR with the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), PCN is exploring how CTP can automate and strengthen SCRM for complex, mission-critical programs. This may include:
Enforce smart contract–driven compliance across all tiers—prime to sub-supplier.
Capture continuous SCRM data while safeguarding supplier IP and competitive advantage.
Automate auditability for security, provenance, and sustainment—supporting both acquisition and real-world DLA workflows
A New Era for Defense Supply Chain Management
PCN's award signals a shift from generic blockchain pilots to a protocol-oriented, standards-driven approach: one where smart contracts and digital twins converge to create robust, verifiable, and DoD-grade SCRM. We welcome the opportunity to interview any supplier that is working with DoD. Please reach out to charlie.mcgillis@pcnfederal.com.
Stay tuned as we deliver outcomes that will inform not just the Navy, but the future of trusted defense acquisition and sustainment.
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