Spectrum Management

Overview

Warfighters use spectrum-dependent systems for communications, sensors (i.e., radar), navigation beacons, jammers, homing devices, anti-Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and other purposes. Often emitters are in close physical proximity to each other and to civilian devices that should not be disrupted by military signals. Spectrum-dependent developers should be aware of the enemy electronic order of battle and countermeasures, and plan accordingly. Devices (including commercial items) that do not account for countermeasures may have vulnerabilities in hostile environments.

Role of the PM and SE

Spectrum management requirements are needed for all spectrum-dependent systems. Any system that uses an antenna or a platform that mounts such systems is a spectrum-dependent system. If a platform obtains a spectrum-dependent system as Government-furnished equipment (GFE), the platform Program Manager (PM) is responsible for ensuring that the GFE PM has obtained the needed permissions. Both programs are required to submit a Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment (SSRA). The platform SSRA can reference the GFE SSRA, but may have to expand upon it regarding host-nation features or other information not contained in the GFE-level SSRA. The Systems Engineer should be aware of the worldwide rules for spectrum management and the need to obtain host-nation permission for each transmitter and frequency assignment.

PMs need to ensure that spectrum access is adequate and that it is granted in the Continental United States (CONUS) and wherever else the equipment is deployed. The Pre-Milestone A Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) should address spectrum needs as part of concept formulation. Both the SSRA and DD-1494 are required for each milestone (see DoDI 4650.01). The SSRA is used within the DoD as the basis for assessing the feasibility of building and fielding equipment that operate within assigned frequency bands and identifying potential de-confliction situations. The DD-1494, Application for Equipment Frequency Allocation, has four stages, which reflect the increasing maturity of available spectrum information during development. The DD-1494 form is submitted to National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval of spectrum allocation, without which emitters cannot operate within CONUS, and to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for satellites. The NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management (Redbook) chapter 3 addresses international treaty aspects of the spectrum, and chapter 4 addresses frequency allocations.

The Systems Engineer has a lead role in defining spectrum needs, throughput and power requirements and other attributes of the signals in space (outside the antenna -- not in the transmission device) and the antenna characteristics and platform mounting details, as well as the safety aspects of emitters with regard to the Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), Personnel (HERP) and Fuel (HERF). The Systems Engineer should be aware that portions of the spectrum previously assigned to DoD or other Federal users are being sold for commercial use. Thus, previously approved DD-1494 can be revoked, requiring modifications to designs and even to fielded equipment. Similarly, host nations can alter prior agreements, as commercial applications encroach upon previously available spectrum.

The Systems Engineer has a lead role in defining spectrum needs, throughput and power requirements and other attributes of the signals in space (outside the antenna -- not in the transmission device) and the antenna characteristics and platform mounting details, as well as the safety aspects of emitters with regard to the Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), Personnel (HERP) and Fuel (HERF). The Systems Engineer should be aware that portions of the spectrum previously assigned to DoD or other Federal users are being sold for commercial use. Thus, previously approved DD-1494 can be revoked, requiring modifications to designs and even to fielded equipment. Similarly, host nations can alter prior agreements, as commercial applications encroach upon previously available spectrum.

Each nation reserves the right to control emitters operating within its territory; thus, host- nation agreements are essential in support of deployment. PMs and Systems Engineers of platforms that mount multiple emitters and receivers need to obtain spectrum access for each emitter and ensure that those emitters and receivers do not produce mutual interference or interact with ordnance (see DoDI 3222.03, MIL-STD-461 (Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment), MIL-STD-464 (Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Requirements for Systems), MIL-HDBK-235-1 (Military Operational Electromagnetic Environment Profiles Part 1D General Guidance), MIL-HDBK-237 (Electromagnetic Environmental Effects and Spectrum Supportability Guidance for the Acquisition Process), MIL-HDBK-240-1 to -7 (Electromagnetic Environmental Effects to Ordnance Parts 1-7), and "Joint Services Guide for Development of a Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment"). The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Defense Spectrum Organization provides spectrum support and planning for DoD. See Figure 5-2. for spectrum activities by acquisition phase. This figure summarizes the requirements of DoDI 4650.01.

Figure 5-2. Spectrum-Related Activities by Life Cycle Phase

Tip: Hover over term for definition

MSA icon MSB icon MSC icon FRPT FD icon
Defense Acquisition Life Cycle Phase Materiel Solution Analysis Technology Maturation & Risk Reduction Engineering & Manufacturing Development Production & Deployment Operations & Support
Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment (SSRA) Prepare SSRA Update SSRA Update SSRA Update SSRA Update SSRA for Mission & technical changes
DD-1494, Application for Equipment Frequency Allocation Stage 1 (Conceptual) Stage 2 (Experimental) Stage 3 (Developmental) NTIA approval needed before transmission tests Stage 4 (Operational) NTIA approval needed before deployment or when changes occur
Program Management, Systems Engineering, and Testers Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Tasks E3 assessment for SSRA Update E3 assessment for SSRA Update E3 assessment for SSRA Update E3 assessment for SSRA Resolve interference
Define EME & E3 requirements (i.e., frequency bands, throughput, power, operational areas, etc.) Update EME; Prepare E3 inputs to ISP, TEMP and acquisition documents; Address at PDR E3 & EME inputs to TEMP & ISP; HERO, HERP, HERF, TEMPEST, & EMI address at CDR; DT&E transmission tests after Stage 3 approval Conduct OT&E tests including E3 tests IAW TEMP; E3 assessment report Deployed support
Consider host nation (HN) constraints Obtain HN comments via SMO Begin HN discussions via SMO Obtain HN approval before deployment Maintain HN approval

Terms

  • CDR - Critical Design Review
  • DT&E - developmental test and evaluation
  • E3 - electromagnetic environmental effects
  • EME - electromagnetic environment
  • EMI - electromagnetic interference
  • ISP - Information Support Plan
  • HERF - hazard of electromagnetic radiation on fuel
  • HERO - hazard of electromagnetic radiation on ordinance
  • HERP - hazard of electromagnetic radiation on personnel
  • HN - host nation
  • IAW - in accordance with
  • NTIA - National Telecommunications and Information Administration
  • OT&E - operational test and evaluation
  • PDR - Preliminary Design Review
  • SMO - spectrum management office
  • SSRA - spectrum supportability risk assessment
  • T&E - test and evaluation
  • TEMP - Test and Evaluation Master Plan

Products and Tasks

Product Tasks
10-20-1: Develop electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) control and spectrum supportability (SS) inputs to contract documents
  1. Write performance requirements and associated verification requirements to ensure the system will be electromagnetically compatible among all subsystems and equipment within the system and with environments caused by electromagnetic effects external to the system.
  2. Write interface requirements and associated verification requirements for the control of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission and susceptibility characteristics of electronic, electrical, and electromechanical equipment and subsystems.
  3. Write work statements for design consideration of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) hazards.
  4. Write work statements to develop system documentation needed to produce or update the application for equipment frequency allocation (DD form 1494).
  5. Write data requirements for delivery of documentation needed to produce the application for equipment frequency allocation (DD form 1494).
  6. Write work statements to develop system documentation needed to update the program information support plan (ISP).
  7. Provide performance and interface requirements and associated verification methods to the decision maker for inclusion in the program???s system performance specification, and item performance specifications (as applicable).
  8. Provide work statements for EMR hazards design consideration, and system documentation to produce / update DD form 1494, to the decision maker for inclusion in the ISP and the statement of work in the program contract.
  9. Provide data requirements for the DD form 1494 to the decision maker for inclusion in the contract data requirements list in the program contract.
10-20-2: Generate application for equipment frequency allocation (DD form 1494)
  1. Identify appropriate stage of development for the program???s DD form 1494 in accordance with current guidance.
  2. Collect system data to support DD form 1494 application.
  3. Generate the program???s DD form 1494.
  4. Submit the program???s DD form 1494 for approval by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in accordance with current guidance.
10-20-3: Generate program spectrum supportability risk assessment (SSRA)
  1. Identify stage of development for the program???s SSRA in accordance with current guidance.
  2. Collect system data to assess the program???s spectrum supportability.
  3. Generate the SSRA.
  4. Provide the SSRA to the chief information officer (CIO) (or other office designated by the component head) in accordance with current guidance.
10-20-4: Develop electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) testing
  1. Identify information technology (IT) and national security system (NSS) interoperability test requirements.
  2. Identify resources required for electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) testing.
  3. Develop E3 testing strategy for inclusion in the program???s test and evaluation master plan (TEMP).
  4. Provide E3 testing strategy and resources required to the decision maker for inclusion in the program???s TEMP.

Source: AWQI eWorkbook

Resources

Key Terms

Policy and Guidance

DAU Training Courses

Media

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On this page

  1. Overview
  2. Role of the PM and SE
  3. Spectrum-Related Activities by Life-Cycle Phase
  4. Resources
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