Electromagnetic Spectrum Services Applied Engineering, Spectrum and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Engineering

This synopsis is in accordance with FAR 5.2 to satisfy the requirement to issue a 15-day public notification prior to the issuance of the solicitation (# HC104720R0013) for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Defense Spectrum Organization's (DSO) Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Services Applied Engineering, Spectrum and Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Engineering (E3), Single-Award Indefinite-Delivery / Indefinite-Quantity (ID/IQ) Contract.

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A SOLICITATION (RFP, RFQ, IFB, etc.). As such, proposals will not be accepted in response to this posting. No questions or telephonic inquiries will be entertained at this time.

The acquisition strategy determined for this requirement is a full and open competition. 

Background and Description:

The Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO), which is a part of DISA, is a recognized center of excellence for Department of Defense (DoD) spectrum matters.  One of DSO’s missions is to provide Spectrum, 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.  DSO also provides E3 engineering support services on a reimbursable basis prior to the installation of new or substantially upgraded commercial telecommunications services (CTS) on federal property when requested by the DoD Components or federal agencies.  This requirement is required in order to execute DoD spectrum policy as delineated in DoDI 4650 and DoDI 3222.

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

• Rapidly changing technologies associated with S-D systems
• Competing demands for spectrum access
• Adversaries utilizing advanced technologies and computer hacking
• 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 S-D systems and ramifications to operations is essential in supporting this effort.  This would include the following:

• Spectrum related phenomenology (e.g., electromagnetic propagation, non-linear effects, antennas, near field conditions, Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), etc.) across the electromagnetic spectrum  and 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, processes and limitations

There are integrated operational, technical and policy (e.g., regulations generated by the World Radiocommunication Conference) aspects of the tasking. The following DSO mission elements will be addressed:

1. Provide technical support in the planning, design acquisition, and testing of spectrum-dependent systems in the operational electromagnetic environment (EME).
2. Provide spectrum supportability and E3 risk assessments for developmental and operational platforms, systems, and equipment.
3. Provide spectrum certification support including spectrum certification and supportability planning nationally and internationally, frequency band selection, host nation compatibility support, and performance of Military Standards (MIL-STD) testing.
4. Provide test and measurement support to evaluate system performance in the operational EME including MIL-STD, E3, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and hazards of electromagnetic radiation to ordnance (HERO) testing.
5. Provide comprehensive management support in the areas of project planning, scheduling, monitoring, reporting and other resources as required.

To achieve the objectives of this requirement, it is imperative that an integrated approach across the DSO and its customer base be taken that considers technical, operational, policy, and acquisition factors, especially close communications with all stakeholders to ensure requirements and expectations are met.  This would include:

•    Promoting and leveraging a multi-disciplinary, highly skilled workforce having technical, analytical, and operational expertise

•    Encouraging collaboration to strengthen partnerships across diverse domains

•    Aligning business processes, management practices, and tools to best serve the broader community

•    Applying consistent and repeatable quality management practices (e.g., ISO 9001) to ensure that value added products and services that are requested are delivered within schedule.  Management of elements include:

•    Planning

•    Execution

•    Communications and Monitoring (e.g., periodic reviews, testing)

•    Adjustments

•    Delivery and acceptance criteria

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

a.   E3 and Spectrum Engineering – analyzing equipment and systems for potential E3 problems and recommending solutions; performing radio frequency (RF) measurements; assisting the acquisition community by assessing E3; determining and evaluating operational frequency bands; and providing assistance in acquiring host nation (HN) approval for equipment operation.

b.   Technical Advice – analyzing national and international electromagnetic spectrum issues and advising executive decision-makers on the technical viability of policy and implementation options.