Alion awarded $137 million DISA spectrum contract

As military forces continue to rely on spectrum capabilities in modern warfare, the DoD must have reliable access to wireless frequencies even as commercial demands are on the rise. To ensure optimal use of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) domain, the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA) Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) has named McLean, VA-based Alion Science and Technology an awardee of a five-year multiple-award contract, valued up to $137 million, Alion announced June 15.

Alion will work in tandem with DISA DSO to drive spectrum research and development initiatives, in addition to providing operational spectrum management support. Alion will also offer its EMS technical services, strategic spectrum planning and analysis, joint spectrum enterprise capabilities and spectrum advocacy in support of federal regulatory bodies.

“Securing the EMS domain is critical to our national defense and modern warfare systems; however, radio frequency interference poses a major threat to this goal, as it can impact the military’s access to wireless frequencies,” said Sean Pender, Alion senior vice president and manager of the Technology Solutions Group. “Alion has more than 50 years of experience providing spectrum engineering support to the Department of Defense, and we’re ready to work with DSO to identify solutions that could mitigate or eliminate radio frequency interference.”

Pender gave the example of new technologies, currently under development at federal research centers, which could improve spectrum efficiency and allow increased sharing between commercial and government users. Under the contract, Alion could be tasked with assessing the impact of these technologies on already-fielded devices and weapons systems.

Alion’s cross-trained team of technical experts will use its extensive spectrum knowledge to assist DSO in utilizing a wide range of EMS services and capabilities, which includes short notice on-the-ground operational support at the forward edge, as well as long range spectrum planning and policy support that are compliant with national strategic objectives.

Source: Alion Science and Technology