Spectrum Supportability Process (SSP)

Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment

"The purpose of the Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment is "to affect design and procurement decisions" because the early identification of regulatory, technical and operational spectrum supportability risks minimizes the possibility that the spectrum-dependent (S-D) equipment cannot be employed to support Navy and Marine Corps requirements. Identified risks should be reviewed during acquisition milestones for programs of record and throughout a system’s life cycle." [CHIPS, Assessing Spectrum Supportability, March 2010]

Click here for more information on the SSRA Guidance and information.

MCEB Frequency Panel Working Group Duties and Responsibilities

Military Communications-Electronics Board (MCEB) Frequency Panel Charter

Mission. The mission of the Frequency Panel (FP) is to provide expert technical advice to the MCEB and to provide guidance and, when appropriate, direction to the acquisition, spectrum, and operational communities in the areas of radio frequency engineering and electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) management.

Functions. The FP shall be responsible to perform the following functions:

• Review and recommend spectrum management (SM) principles, policies, and procedures with the goal to increase spectrum access and ensure interoperability of spectrum-dependent (S-D) systems and equipment.•Review and recommend improvements as necessary to existing SM plans, methods, business practices. identify requirements, and recommend changes to spectrum management systems and engineering tools..
• Conduct reviews and recommend changes to non-cryptographic communication publications (or when necessary develop new publications) concerning access, management, and use of the radio frequency spectrum.
• Review S-D systems being developed and make recommendations for obtaining spectrum supportability, passing subsequent operational tests and evaluations, which includes the consideration of all equipment risks and mitigation strategies, eventually allowing successful deployment in support of DOD operations.
• Review and recommend methods and procedures for the prevention or elimination of harmful EMS interference. Provide advice and assistance, when requested by the MCEB Senior Leadership, regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility Program matters.
• Review, evaluate, coordinate, and recommend changes to SM training supporting, or potentially supporting, National, Allied, DOD, Service, and Joint SM Operations.
• Prepare guidance for coordination for U.S. members of spectrum-related sub-committees, technical panels, working groups, and allied bodies as outlined in CJCSI 6010.01, “Coordination of United States Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems Positions in International Forums.”
• Prepare recommended positions, alternatives, and negotiation strategies for use by DOD Senior Leadership in National, International Telecommunication Union, regional, and other SM-related forums. When appropriate provide representatives to such forums.
• Provide guidance, procedures and requirements for the management, operation, and system enhancements of the Frequency Resource Record System and other DOD SM related databases.
• Maintain awareness of new S-D related technology developments and prepare recommendations and draft policies to facilitate incorporation into the DOD inventory; exert influence as appropriate and applicable to ensure the coordination of research and development efforts with a view to eliminating duplication or increasing efficiency in spectrum usage.
• Prepare EMS guidance for issue by the MCEB to DOD Components concerning the procurement and/or development of (S-D) communication-electronics equipment.
• Coordinate and assign frequencies for Joint use, as required, to meet military requirements other than those of an individual Service nature.
• Develop, coordinate, and promulgate radio frequency allotments, as required, to meet military requirements.
• Review, evaluate, coordinate, and recommend specific requirements to SM software (from all sources) adopted for or supporting DOD-wide or Joint SM operations.
• Guide development of DOD spectrum management architecture(s) and maintain partnerships with external organizations to ensure spectrum management functions, processes, activities and related information are accurate and consistent with approved doctrine and policy.
• Perform other functions as directed by the MCEB.
• To accomplish assigned functions the FP shall establish Permanent Working Groups (PWGs) or Ad-Hoc Working Groups, as required, and develop, review, and approve their Terms of Reference on an annual basis.
• Coordinate or collaborate with other MCEB Panels on matters of mutual interest

Allotment Plan Management Permanent Working Group (APM PWG)

Mission: The Allotment Plan Management Permanent Working Group (APM PWG) is established under the cognizance of the Frequency Panel (FP) to provide spectrum related guidance for DoD fixed and mobile operations. The primary bands for these operations in DoD are 138-144 MHz; 148-150.8 MHz; 162-174 MHz; 225-399.9 MHz; 406.1-420 MHz. Spectrum guidance includes the development, review, and recommendations to appropriate channeling plans.

Duties: The APM PWG in accomplishing its mission shall:

• Manage and update allotment/channeling plans in the frequency bands 138-144 MHz, 148-150.8 MHz, 225-399.9 MHz; review channeling plans in other DoD used bands as appropriate.
• Recommend spectrum guidance to assist the user community in completing operational implementation of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) “Narrowband Mandate” (138-150.8, 162-174, 406.1-420 MHz bands), and applying the requirements stated the OSD policy memorandum, dated 1 Aug 2001.
• Coordinate spectrum policy guidance involving the frequency bands 138-144 MHz, 148-150.8 MHz, 162-174 MHz, 406.1-420.1 MHz, and 225-399.9 MHz with the Service members of the NTIA’s Frequency Assignment Subcommittee, Ad Hoc 170, Ad Hoc 181 and Ad Hoc 214.
• Maintain a liaison with appropriate committees and working groups, and address issues regarding frequency planning in the affected bands, as needed.
• Review documentation and perform necessary analysis for the FP on APM related issues, as needed.
• Prepare papers, reports and recommendations to the FP as issues are identified that could potentially impact DoD fixed and mobile operations in the bands described in this TOR.
• Provide minutes of all APM PWG meetings to the FP Chair, Secretary, and Members.

Waiver and Exception to Policy Requests: Waiver and exception to policy requests for fixed and mobile operations within the 138-14, 148-150.8 MHz, 162-174 MHz, 225-399.9 MHz, and 406.1-420 MHz bands will be processed as follows:

• Requestor/User submits to Lead Service or Agency.
• Lead Service or Agency validates requirement and submits to APM PWG with all supporting documentation.
• APM PWG evaluates and determines disposition.
• APM PWG concurs/non-concurs on the request.
• APM PWG forwards request to MCEB-FP members with concurrence/non-concurrence comments and requests approval or disapproval.
• Requestor/User receives MCEB-FP final determination through the APM PWG.

Equipment Spectrum Guidance Permanent Working Group (ESG PWG)

Mission.

The Military Communications-Electronics Board (MCEB) Frequency Panel (FP) Equipment Spectrum Guidance Permanent Working Group (ESG PWG) is established under the cognizance of the MCEB FP to provide coordinated military guidance to DOD components on spectrum dependent systems/equipment in accordance with DoD Directives, Allied, U.S. National, and International rules, regulations, and standards on spectrum management.

Duties.

The ESG PWG shall:

• Prepare, review, evaluate, and coordinate Applications for Equipment Frequency Allocation (J/F 12) and recommend revisions when appropriate.
• Prepare, review, approve and sign MCEB Equipment Frequency Allocation Guidance, host nation coordination requests, note to holders, and distribution packages.
• Process changes to the ESG PWG distribution list.
• Serve as the MCEB FP focal point for spectrum supportability referrals.
• Provide copies of ESG PWG approved records to Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) to maintain the Archival Database.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the development and implementation of all Spectrum Management tools/databases used by DOD and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), procedures and other issues affecting ESG PWG functions.
• Recommend, as necessary, that the Joint Spectrum Center (JSC) perform a limited number of general technical reviews of specific systems.
• Recommend, as necessary, that cognizant Program Office conduct further Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) analyses and/or tests for proposed spectrum dependent equipment that might have significant adverse impact upon existing equipment operating in accordance with established regulatory requirements
• Recommend, as necessary, compliance with the appropriate Allocations, Channeling Plans and Military Standards for operational use; to include recommendations for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Systems and devices (1030/1090 MHz) to DOD AIMS Standards compliance.
• Review NTIA Spectrum Certifications and incorporate the recommendations of the NTIA Inter-department Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) Spectrum Planning Subcommittee (SPS) in the MCEB Guidance document.
• Review Foreign Coordination applications provided by the MCEB Military Secretary and provide appropriate responses for MCEB FP approval.
• Approve and release for coordination ESG PWG members Foreign Coordination Requests.
• Review proposed technical revisions to the NTIA Manual and provide recommendations to the MCEB FP
• Establish or modify the ESG PWG business procedures as appropriate.
• Provide minutes of all ESG PWG meetings to the FP Chair, Secretary, and Members and post copies of the minutes to the MCEB FP Web Site.

International Permanent Working Group (I PWG)

Mission.

The IPWG is established under the cognizance of the Frequency Panel (FP) to develop and execute a cohesive Department of Defense (DoD) spectrum management strategy for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), regional and/or allied forums that address matters related to the policy, management and use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Coordination of United States command, control, communications, and computer systems positions in international forums are delineated in Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 6010.01 (current version). Duties of the MCEB Secretariat related to the representation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB) are delineated in MCEB Pub 1. Joint Staff representation in the CCEB is directed by DoDD 5100.35 and further guidance on U.S. participation in the CCEB is delineated in CCEB Pub 1. DoD representation to the federal government, foreign governments and international organizations, on telecommunications and radio frequency policy and management, is addressed in DoD Directive 5144.1.

Duties.

• The IPWG will plan, coordinate, track, and participate in national, regional, and international level meetings addressing spectrum management matters related to the ITU, NATO, and the CCEB.
• The I PWG shall perform duties to include, but is not limited to, the functions listed below as they apply to DoD communications-electronics/spectrum management matters in ITU, NATO, and CCEB related forums. Functions and activities performed by the I PWG shall be in accordance with (and to the extent consistent with the MCEB’s delegated authorities) policies and limitations contained in MCEB Pub 1, MCEB Pub 2, CJCSI 6010.01 (current version), DoD Directive 5100.35, DoD Directive 5137.1, DoD Directive 5144.1, DoD Directive 5530.3, and in coordination with the DoD CIO Spectrum Policy and Programs Directorate as delegated by the DoD CIO, other policy proponents in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and other affected DoD Components.
• The I PWG shall:
  1. Review agendas and related materials of NATO, CCEB, and ITU-related international and federal government meetings, identify potential impacts to DoD, and plan and coordinate appropriate actions. Coordinate DoD positions for, and provide input (proposed documents, briefings, information papers, etc.) to such meetings.
  2. Review other U.S. and foreign documents, views, and proposals related to national and international meetings that address communications-electronics/spectrum management matters, identify potential impacts to DoD, and plan and coordinate appropriate actions. Coordinate DoD positions for, and prepare draft inputs (proposed documents, briefings, information papers, etc.) for such meetings.
• Develop recommended DoD positions and actions (including the identification of responsible organizations and due dates for each action) for issues impacting DoD at ITU related meetings. Coordinate these through the DoD CIO Spectrum Policy and Programs Directorate prior to release as official DoD positions. DoD positions for the NATO Consultative, Command and Control Board (NC3B) Spectrum Capability Panel (SCP/3) and its Capability Teams (CaT), and the CCEB Spectrum Working Group (SWG) will be developed by the meeting Representative or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in coordination with the I PWG Allied Team.
• Assist the designated representatives in coordinating after-action and/or trip reports detailing the outcomes of meetings, recommendations, and actions required for future meetings under the I PWG mission area.
• Establish an Allied Team to assist the NATO CaP/3 Representative and CaT SMEs, and the CCEB SWG Representative with non-ITU related NATO and CCEB activities. Specific non-ITU allied activities include:        
  • Monitor and coordinate the Representatives and SMEs’ inputs or responses to issues raised on the NC3B CaP/3 web portal discussion threads
  • Coordinate guidance packages and trip reports for NATO and CCEB meetings
  • Coordinate NATO and CCEB document reviews
  • Assist Representatives and SMEs with preparation for NATO meetings
• CaP/3 Representative and CaT SMEs will:        
  • Monitor their groups’ discussion thread and advise the Allied Team Lead when issues need to be coordinated with the I PWG Allied Team
  • Prepare Guidance Packages/Trip Reports for all NATO meetings
  • Coordinate NATO Visit Requests with U.S. Military Delegation to NATO for themselves and individuals they are sponsoring to NATO meetings. All U.S. guests attending a CaP/3 or CaT meeting must be approved by the Military CaP/3 Representative and, if attending a CaT meeting, the appropriate CaT SME
• Coordinate as required, via the I PWG Steering Member, with other FP Permanent Working Groups (PWGs) when I PWG issues may affect other PWG respective areas.
• Prepare status and progress reports for submission to the FP, and provide periodic briefings to the MCEB as directed by the Frequency Panel.
• Provide minutes of all I PWG meetings to the FP Chair, Secretary and Members and post copies of the minutes to the MCEB FP Web Site. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) related forums consist of the Council and Plenipotentiary Conferences, the ITU Radiocommunication Sector and related U.S. Study Groups, ITU Task Groups and Working Parties, the U.S. ITAC-R (National Committee), the Radio Conference Subcommittee (RCS) of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), the European Conference of Postal and Communications Administrations (CEPT), the Organization of American States/Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (OAS/CITEL), the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and others.

Joint Communications-electronics Operating Instructions Ad-hoc Working Group (JCEOI Ad-Hoc WG)

Mission: The Joint Communications-Electronics Operating Instructions Ad-Hoc Working Group (JCEOI Ad-Hoc WG) is established under the cognizance of the Military Communications-Electronic Board (MCEB) Frequency Panel (FP) to provide coordinated Military Guidance to DoD components and Combatant Commanders on the development and use of the JCEOI.

Duties: The JCEOI Ad-Hoc WG shall:

• Review, evaluate, approve and coordinate recommended capabilities and changes to software/hardware relating to production of JCEOIs.
• Refer to the MCEB FP those action items requiring coordination with other MCEB panels and FP PWGs relating to the production of JCEOIs.
• Serve as MCEB FP focal point to coordinate Combined Communications- Electronics Board (CCEB) and other Coalition JCEOI requirements.
• Prepare status and progress reports for submission to the MCEB FP as necessary.
• Provide minutes of all JCEOI Ad-Hoc WG meetings to the MCEB FP Chair, Secretary and Members.
• Periodically review, update and approve changes to the Joint Automated Communications Electronics Operating Instructions System Guide.

Spectrum Operations Permanent Working Group (SO PWG)

Mission: The Spectrum Operations Permanent Working Group (SO PWG) is established under the cognizance of the Military Communications Electronic Board (MCEB) Frequency Panel (FP) to provide guidance and procedures for the management and system enhancements of the Department of Defense Radio Frequency Record keeping system.

Duties: The SO PWG, in accomplishing its mission, shall:

• Function as the MCEB FP Spectrum Operations subject matter experts providing guidance and procedures to system, program and software developers to ensure the effective and expeditious operation, management and further automation enhancements of the DoD radio frequency records keeping system.
• Assist in the development of requirements for operational improvement efforts to the DoD radio frequency record keeping system and associated automation tools. Analyze data element requirements and initiate the development of MCEB-FP recommendations for standardization and improvement in the processing, storage, retrieval and exchange of spectrum data.
• Review DoD spectrum management doctrinal issuances while under scheduled review and/or rewrite procedures, providing collective SO PWG comments to the MCEB FP for final validation.
• Be the MCEB FP primary representative to appropriate committees and working groups of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC to address compatibility and interoperability in the operation of the DoD and National automated spectrum management systems.
• Be the MCEB FP representative to DoD, national, international and alliance activities chartered with defining, developing and maintaining enhanced spectrum data and the requisite data exchange formats to ensure MCEB FP is properly engaged in activities required for existing data to be properly prepared for migration into future spectrum data systems and their repositories.
• Work with NTIA to ensure the exchange of DoD Pub 8 compliant spectrum management data which will be resident in the Joint Spectrum Data Repository (JSDR) will be compliant with the NTIA Federal Spectrum Management System (FSMS) repository, enabling the Military Services and other Government agencies to have accurate automated tracking of data passed between the DoD and NTIA spectrum management systems.
• Provide guidance to the U.S. DoD representative to the Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for all matters addressing compatibility and interoperability in the operation of the DoD and International/Alliance automated spectrum management systems.
• Prepare status and progress reports for submission to the MCEB FP semiannually, when requested by the MCEB FP, and as necessary.
• Provide minutes of all SO PWG meetings to the MCEB FP Chair, Secretary and Members.

Space Systems Permanent Working Group (SS PWG)

Mission: The Space Systems Permanent Working Group (SS PWG) is established under the cognizance of the Frequency Panel (FP) to provide guidance and procedures on space system frequency matters.

Duties: The SS PWG in accomplishing its mission shall:

• Develop recommended policy on space frequency matters for FP approval.
• Ensure that proper and timely actions are taken with respect to the National and International Radio Regulations procedures for waiver, advance publication, coordination, and notification of frequency assignments for satellite networks to support DOD space systems. With agreement of the voting SS PWG members, submit advance publication, coordination, notification information and routine technical and administrative comments directly to DOD/MOD organizations and/or to the Space Systems Subcommittee of the Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee. Issues of a policy nature shall be referred to the FP.
• Coordinate and schedule bilateral satellite coordination meetings with foreign administrations and perform satellite interference analyses as required.
• Submit summary records of bilateral satellite coordination meetings for approval by MCEB FP and Joint Staff and ratification by the US administration per the attached process.
• Prepare status and progress reports for submission to the FP, as necessary.
• Provide minutes of all SS PWG meetings to the FP Chair, Secretary and Members and post copies of the minutes to the MCEB FP Web Site.

Dynamic Spectrum Access Ad-Hoc Working Group (DSA Ad-Hoc WG)

Mission: The Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) Ad-Hoc Working Group (Ad-Hoc WG) is established under the cognizance of the Frequency Panel (FP) to identify, study, and advise on spectrum policy...standardization, and architectural issues concerning Department of Defense (DOD) deployment of radio frequency (RF) systems employing DSA. The DSA PWG shall interface with the Action Officer Group of the DSA Executive Steering Group to facilitate exchange of information, synchronize actions, and avoid duplication of effort.

Duties: The DSA Ad-Hoc WG in accomplishing its mission shall:

• Support the FP as coordinator for spectrum issues, policy, and procedural matters for DSA.
• Work with Program Offices seeking to employ DSA to maintain focus on current issues under discussion.
• Participate and coordinate with agencies, committees, and working groups at the DOD, national, and coalition levels that have responsibility for DSA spectrum policy...and in-system DSA policy authoring, validation, and distribution.
• Support, inform and provide recommendations to the FP on policy, procedures, requirements, processes.
• Represent MCEB FP prescribed policies and procedures in forums on management systems and associated tools that are developed for DSA-enabled system.
• Prepare draft spectrum guidance for possible issue by the MCEB to DoD Components concerning the procurement and/or development of DSA-enabled RF systems.

Allied Communications Publication Ad-Hoc Working Group (ACP Ad-Hoc WG)

Mission. The Allied Communications Publication Ad-Hoc Working Group (ACP AD-HOC WG) is established under the cognizance of the Frequency Panel (FP) to provide coordinated Military Guidance to DoD components and Combatant Commanders on the development and use of ACPs.

Duties. The ACP AD-HOC WG shall:

• Develop a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to manage and update ACPs, as required.
• Review, evaluate and coordinate, recommended changes relating to ACPs.
• Notify the FP of actions items requiring coordination with other MCEB panels and FP PWGs relating to the publication of ACPs.
• Serve as FP focal point to coordinate with the State Department as well as Coalition partners, as required.
• Develop, define, and maintain ACPs. These documents shall be reviewed 2 years from the publication date and presented to the FP for review and approval.
• Provide minutes of all ACP AD-HOC WG meetings to the FP Chair, Secretary and Members.

The Spectrum Supportability Process will be applicable to all equipment or systems that require utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum, and will be composed of:

• Equipment Spectrum Certification
• Host Nation Supportability Assessment
• Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Assessment.

Spectrum Management for the 21st Century - The President's Spectrum Policy Initiative - Federal Strategic Spectrum Plan - March 2008

NTIA Office of Spectrum Management:  Federal Long-Range Spectrum Plan (September 2000):  Describes the NTIAs long-range plan for the use of the RF Spectrum. The planned allocations are in accordance with the Report of the IRAC's Ad Hoc Group 206, implementing IRAC-approved revisions to the National Table as a result of the Final Acts of the 1992 World Administrative Radio Conference and the 1995 and 1997 World Radiocommunication Conferences.

Spectrum Summits

DoD 2009 Spectrum Summit

DoD 2010 Spectrum Summit

DoD 2011 Spectrum Summit

Spectrum Tools

DD Form 1494 Process

Spectrum Technical Articles

JSC E3 Document Library

JSC E3/SS Awareness Training Schedule and Class List