DISA posts RFP for electromagnetic spectrum engineering support

By Loren Blinde November 25, 2015

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On November 25, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) posted the following RFP for solicitation number HC1047-15-R-4012. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 pm Eastern on January 4.

The DSO, which is a part of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), is a recognized center of excellence for DoD spectrum matters. One of DSO’s missions is to provide spectrum and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) engineering and analysis support services on a reimbursable, customer-funded basis to DoD Components, federal agencies, non-federal government organizations, and to foreign entities when authorized by the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), or the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

Engineering support related to spectrum operations are an integral part of the overall information battlespace. In future operational environments it is essential that electromagnetic systems perform as expected to help achieve mission objectives. The challenges faced in meeting our objectives include:

Rapidly changing technologies associated with spectrum systems
• Competing demands for spectrum access
• Adversaries utilizing advanced technologies
• Coordinating and collaborating with all pertinent stakeholders (e.g., services, intelligence community, commercial, academia)
• Providing timely and accurate information for decision makers at the appropriate level
• Working efficiently across multiple mission areas and organizations

A thorough understanding of the physics and technologies related to spectrum-dependent systems and how tactical operations are affected, is essential in supporting this effort. This would include:

Spectrum related technologies (e.g., electromagnetic propagation, non-linear effects, antennas, near field conditions, Electromagnetic Pulse, etc.) across the electromagnetic spectrum
• System performance considerations (e.g., digital signal processing, Software Defined Radios, encryption technologies, system vulnerabilities, etc.)
• Software tools (e.g., engineering, scenario) applications and limitations
• Testing and measurement tools and processes and limitations
• The integrated operational, technical, and policy (e.g., regulations generated by the World Radiocommunications Conference) aspects of the EMS Applied Engineering Support tasking

This contract will provide technical support to DSO for the following tasks:

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and E3 Analyses EMC and E3 Analyses in support of DoD Components, Federal Agencies, and FMS countries to ensure that spectrum-dependent (S-D) systems being developed or fielded are spectrum supportable in their intended training, test, and operational environments.
Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessments (SSRAs). SSRAs in accordance with DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4650, the Joint Services Guide, and service specific regulations.
Equipment Spectrum Certification (ESC) and Supportability. ESC in support of DoD Components to ensure that S-D systems being developed will able to obtain the spectrum necessary to accomplish their mission both nationally, as well as host nation (HN) coordination internationally.
Spectrum Measurement Support. Measurement support to DoD Components, Federal Agencies, and FMS countries to ensure that S-D systems can operate compatible with intended operational and test environments.
Protection of International Usage of the Spectrum. Support for program developers of S-D systems that are intended for worldwide deployment by monitoring spectrum allocation changes that are being proposed at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).