MCEB Spectrum Certification and Supportability Process Transitional Work Flow

Below is a chart that indicates the process flow to obtain a spectrum certification within the DoD. Adherence to this process flow is critical if your program is to be successful in obtaining the required Spectrum Certifications. This is the DD Form 1494 Application process and it is vital that strict consideration be given to the Milestone timeline for your particular program, also vital that the application be complete and accurate. Contact your supporting Service Spectrum Agency for further guidance on this process.

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The process is initiated by the Military Service acquisition program office or radio frequency (RF) equipment procuring unit initiating an “Application for Equipment Frequency Allocation” (via ELCID, Stepstone,  SCS, PDF or Word depending on organization preference).  Since the data in the application is critical to the subsequent review by RF support determination authorities, the MILDEP SMOs review the applications to ensure data accuracy, and adequacy.  In addition, the MILDEP SMOs assess compliance with known US and DoD RF standards and with the National and International Tables of Frequency Allocation.  The MILDEP SMOs also initiate Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) studies (as necessary) and analysis of the desired equipment with existing or planned system of the MILDEP.  If the data is deemed sufficiently adequate, the application is assigned a J-12 tracking number obtained from the MCEB Secretariat, through the MILDEP SMO.  The MILDEP SMOs officially submits the application to the National US authorities as required and to the ESG PWG.  In addition, the MILDEP SMOs submit a Host Nation Coordination Package (releasable DD1494 and Foreign Release letter) to the COCOMs and Defense Attache’ Offices (DAO) to initiate foreign coordination as required.  The submission for foreign coordination can be made at anytime in the lifecycle of a J/F 12 application.

When the NTIA, MILDEPS, or other authorities respond to the application request, the response is sent to the MILDEP that submitted the application.  The MILDEP consolidates the EMC studies, RF standards analysis, and comments received into a draft MCEB Guidance and submits it to the ESG PWG.   Spectrum supportability comments from Host Nations, COCOMs or DAOs is recorded only in HNSWDO. If a study, analysis or comment is questionable or needs to be re-addressed, the MILDEP SMO takes action as appropriate prior to submitting the draft MCEB Guidance to the ESG PWG.  The ESG PWG reviews the MCEB Guidance and the associated application (or changes to the Guidance or application called a Note-to-Holder), then  the ESG PWG steering member signs it and provides to the JSC for loading the electronic file into the database and for distribution of hardcopy to J-12 holders.  Once approved by the ESG PWG, the user must submit and receive approval for frequency assignment requests prior to radiating the equipment.   It is important to note that the equipment must not operate until a frequency assignment is granted.