UNSECNAV Memo - December 1, 2020
This memo expands the existing process for the deployment of commercial broadband infrastructure on Navy and Marine Corps property to also include Small Cells and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). Small Cells and DAS are critical components to fifth generation (5G) wireless technology build-out, enabling mobile broadband wireless providers to improve service coverage and increase network capacity. Additional guidance ...
DON CIO Memo - September 28, 2020
This memo establishes Department of the Navy policy that all equipment certification requests for stage 2, 3, and 4 spectrum-dependent systems (SDS) shall include a current Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment (SSRA) as supporting documentation. Stage 1 equipment certifications are exempt from this requirement, as system characteristics and/or parameters are still being determined.
DON CIO Memo - September 23, 2020
This memo describes how the DON CIO has chartered the first Electromagnetic Battle Space Governance Board, responsible for oversight and guidance in developing and implementing DON Electromagnetic Battle Space strategy, policy, and doctrine.
DON CIO Memo - May 7, 2020
This memo gives Navy and Marine Corps Installation Commanders (COs) the ability to accelerate 5G broadband deployment on DON property. COs now have the option of significantly reducing the time for broadband service activation by granting an interim authority to radiate (IATR) if an ongoing electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis is delaying deployment.
SECNAVINST 5710.33 - December 5, 2019
This instruction establishes guidance regarding Department of the Navy compliance with the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations (ITU RR), an international treaty governing the global use of the radio-frequency spectrum. Specifically, this instruction clarifies DON roles and responsibilities concerning compliance with ITU RR and participation in ITU activities for the following organizations: the ...
UNSECNAV Memo - August 8, 2019
This memo clarifies Department of the Navy policy and responsibilities that the research, development, and acquisition of all spectrum-dependent systems (SDS) must assess the risk of electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) fratricide. SDS include electronic warfare, communications, and radar systems. In this context, EMS fratricide is defined as inadvertent self, friendly, or neutral electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by ...
UNSECNAV Memo - August 8, 2019
This memo establishes spectrum supportability policy for mission critical spectrum-dependent unlicensed devices. A mission-critical system is defined as: "A system whose operational effectiveness and operational suitability are essential to successful completion or to aggregate residual combat capability. If this system fails, the mission likely will not be completed. Such a system can be an auxiliary or supporting ...
SECNAVINST 2400.1B - May 20, 2019
SECNAVINST 2400.1B ensures the Department of the Navy's ability to develop and/or acquire Spectrum-Dependent Systems through an enforceable and controlled process that meets mission needs and assesses risks to or of those systems.
SECNAVINST 2400.3 - October 12, 2018
On 5 October 2018, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly signed SECNAV Instruction 2400.3, “Electromagnetic Battle Space,” recognizing the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) environment as a warfighting battle space on par with sea, land, air, space, and cyber. This new SECNAV Instruction establishes Department of the Navy (DON) policy to take an enterprise approach to all activities necessary for DON EMS operations, ...
DON CIO Memo - June 5, 2018
The purpose of this memo, signed by Under Secretary Thomas Modly on June 5, is to establish that it is DON policy that spectrum related government developed source code shall be made available to internal DON organizations and other federal agencies in accordance with OMB M-16-21 ("Federal Source Code Policy: Achieving Efficiency, Transparency, and Innovation through Reusable and Open Source Software").
DON CIO Memo - June 5, 2018
The purpose of this memo, signed by Under Secretary Thomas Modly on June 5, is to establish that it is DON policy to request and record the full operational capabilities of Spectrum-Dependent Systems (SDS) during the spectrum certification process, enabling a full and accurate representation in spectrum certification databases.
SECNAVINST 2400.2A - February 2, 2018
This instruction establishes the Department of the Navy Electromagnetic Environment (EME) policy and management consistent with national and Department of Defense EME policy directives and instructions. It establishes additional related DON policy for Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3), Space Weather Event Preparedness (SWEP), and continuity of operations. It also assigns responsibilities in the DON for ...
DON CIO Memo - June 6, 2017
The purpose of this memo is to establish Department of the Navy policy regarding radio receiver frequency assignments for mission-critical systems. A mission-critical system is defined as: "A system whose operational effectiveness and operational suitability are essential to successful completion or to aggregate residual combat capability. If this system fails, the mission likely will not be completed. Such a system can ...
DON CIO Memo - May 10, 2017
The purpose of this memo is to clarify Department of the Navy policy regarding the reporting of Electromagnetic Spectrum Harmful Interference. National policies require spectrum sharing between industry and the federal government. It is essential that all interference is documented and reported to assist the DON in assessing the potential impact to operations within the national bilateral sharing
framework.
DON CIO Memo - January 11, 2017
This memo establishes the process for the approval and subsequent programmatic requirements of Department of the Navy Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessments (SSRAs) using the Spectrum Supportability Integrated Process Portal (SSIPP).
DUSN(M) Memo - June 30, 2016
This guidance streamlines the process for deployment and expansion of commercial broadband services on Navy and Marine Corps property.
DON CIO Memo - October 30, 2015
This memo provides information concerning execution of the Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF) and guidance to organizations participating in the reallocation or sharing of the 1755-1780 MHz and 1695-1710 MHz bands resulting from the Advance Wireless Services 3 (AWS-3) auction.
Joint DON Memo - April 30, 2014
This memo establishes the Department of the Navy Spectrum Supportability (SS) Integrated Product Team to improve lifecycle continuity and integration of all SS processes.
May 4, 2021
The USN-USMC Electromagnetic Spectrum Workforce Excellence Awards program recognizes recent efforts of individuals and teams within the Navy and Marine Corps electromagnetic spectrum (ESM) communities for exceptional achievement in spectrum supportability, with the Lussier award also recognizing strategic leadership.
Congratulations to the 2021 award winners!
April 16, 2021
Mark your calendar for April 22, when DON CIO Aaron Weis, and top leaders and decision-makers from DISA, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Space Force, and others from the public-sector IT community discuss IT innovation in areas such as Edge, AI, 5G, and more. Leaders will also discuss the importance of private-public partnerships in this 2021 HPE Public Sector Summit.
February 23, 2021
Nominations for the 2021 DON IT Excellence Awards and the USN-USMC Electromagnetic Spectrum Workforce Excellence Awards are both due Friday, February 26.
by Aaron Weis - February 5, 2021
It was one year ago that we published the Department of the Navy's Information Superiority Vision (ISV) which detailed the challenges that we, as a Navy and Marine Corps, faced and the vision that was required to achieve Information Superiority. In the past year I have enjoyed taking every opportunity I can to promote the ISV and share with you its objectives.
January 28, 2021
The USN-USMC Electromagnetic Spectrum Workforce Excellence Awards program recognizes the efforts of individuals and teams within the USN-USMC spectrum communities for exceptional achievement in spectrum supportability. Nominations, due by Feb. 26, 2021, are now being accepted.
December 17, 2020
To provide a comprehensive listing of available spectrum analysis and simulation tools in one location and reduce duplication of effort in software development, the Department of Navy Chief Information Officer Spectrum Team has compiled a comprehensive listing of products available across the Department of Defense.
December 4, 2020
The Department of the Navy has issued the memorandum "Updated Streamlined Process for Commercial Broadband Deployment." This memorandum expands the existing process for the deployment of commercial broadband infrastructure on Navy and Marine Corps property to also include Small Cells and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
October 8, 2020
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) announced the awards of the Tranche 1 5G prototypes, on October 8, to be hosted at Naval Base San Diego, California and at
October 2, 2020
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer has chartered the first Electromagnetic Battle Space Governance Board, responsible for oversight and guidance in developing and implementing DON Electromagnetic Battle Space strategy, policy, and doctrine. This Governance Board will ensure accountability, responsibility, and proper management of the Department's Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise requirements and ...
September 30, 2020
DON CIO memo, "Spectrum Supportability Requirements for Spectrum-Dependent Equipment Certification" requires all DON equipment certification requests for stage 2, 3, and 4 spectrum-dependent systems to include a current Spectrum Supportability Risk Assessment (SSRA). Spectrum data must be consistent throughout the equipment certification and SSRA processes to ensure success in the Frequency Assignment and Host Nation ...
May 14, 2020
Mr. Aaron Weis, Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer, has signed a memorandum giving Navy and Marine Corps Installation Commanders (COs) the ability to accelerate 5G broadband deployment on DON property. COs now have the option of significantly reducing the time for broadband service activation by granting an interim authority to radiate (IATR) if an ongoing electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis is ...
April 3, 2020
Due to the threat of Coronavirus, and under guidelines and restrictions released by the Federal Government and the Governor of Virginia, theNavy-Marine Corps Spectrum Summit East 2020, planned to be held in Little Creek, VA, has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled this year.
February 11, 2020
The Navy-Marine Corps Spectrum Summit will be held Feb. 11-13, 2020, at the Admiral Kidd Catering & Conference Center, in San Diego, Ca. The agenda is now available for download.
December 10, 2019
On Dec. 5, 2019, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly signed SECNAV Instruction 5710.33, "Compliance with International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations." This instruction establishes guidance regarding Department of the Navy compliance with the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations (ITU RR), an international treaty governing the global use of the radio-frequency spectrum. Specifically, ...
November 14, 2019
The USN-USMC Electromagnetic Spectrum Workforce Excellence Awards program recognizes the efforts of individuals and teams within the USN-USMC spectrum communities for exceptional achievement in spectrum supportability. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Dec. 17.
NOTE: If you have submitted a nomination but it has not been acknowledged, please resubmit to joanne.wills@navy.mil. Any questions can be ...
August 12, 2019
On August 8, 2019, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly signed "Reducing Electromagnetic Spectrum Fratricide," a memorandum clarifying Department of the Navy policy that the research, development, and acquisition of all Spectrum-Dependent Systems (SDS) -- including electronic warfare, communications, and radar systems -- must assess the risk of Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) fratricide.
August 12, 2019
On Aug. 8, 2019, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly signed "Spectrum Supportability Policy for Mission-Critical Unlicensed Devices," establishing Department of the Navy policy regarding the use of unlicensed Spectrum-Dependent Systems (SDS) or devices in mission critical applications/systems. If such use is pursued, certain spectrum supportability requirements must first be met.
August 6, 2019
This quarter's column expresses the views of Ruth A. Youngs Lew, Program Executive Officer for PEO EIS.
Develop and maintain an engaged and capable workforce; Deliver an enhanced and positive customer experience; Enhance data-driven decision-making; Increase agility and drive affordability.
Those four goals are the basis of the Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems' (PEO EIS) recently ...
June 10, 2019
On May 20, 2019, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly signed SECNAV Instruction 2400.1B, "Electromagnetic Spectrum Policy and Management." This update to SECNAVINST 2400.1A implements several recent policy innovations, including: Full Operational Capability Certification of Spectrum-Dependent Systems; Ensuring Efficiencies in Spectrum Supportability Software Source Code Development; Radio Receiver Frequency ...
October 12, 2018
On 5 October 2018, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly signed SECNAV Instruction 2400.3, “Electromagnetic Battle Space,” recognizing the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) environment as a warfighting battle space on par with sea, land, air, space, and cyber. This new SECNAV Instruction establishes Department of the Navy (DON) policy to take an enterprise approach to all activities necessary for DON EMS operations, ...
by Capt. Damen Hofheinz - July 13, 2018
It is my pleasure to be selected to serve as Director, Office of the CIO (OCIO). The DON CIO recently consolidated and reorganized. Certain functions not statutorily required to be done by the CIO were delegated to the Navy and Marine Corps. This is resulting in streamlined processes, workflow efficiency, and a leaner CIO organization. Mr. Thomas Modly, Under Secretary of the Navy, is also both the Chief Management ...
June 8, 2018
On June 5, 2018, Under Secretary Thomas Modly signed a memo establishing DON policy that spectrum related government developed source code shall be made available to internal DON organizations and other federal agencies in accordance with OMB M-16-21 ("Federal Source Code Policy: Achieving Efficiency, Transparency, and Innovation through Reusable and Open Source Software").
June 8, 2018
On June 5, 2018, Under Secretary Modly signed a memo establishing that it is DON policy to request and record the full operational capabilities of Spectrum-Dependent Systems (SDS) during the spectrum certification process, enabling a full and accurate representation in spectrum certification databases.
April 30, 2018
Presentations given during the DON IT conference sessions held in Norfolk, VA, April 23-25, are available by request to government civilian, military personnel, and DoD support contractors. Please submit your request by using the "Contact Us" link located in the DON CIO Information section
by Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Yarborough, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - April 27, 2018
Rear Adm. Danelle Barrett, Navy Cyber Security Division Director, and senior leaders from the Office of the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (DON CIO) awarded eight recipients for their work, drive and innovation that advanced the Navy and Marine Corps Information Technology (IT) communities during the DON IT Conference at The Main Hilton, April 24.
February 15, 2018
On 2 February 2018, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly signed SECNAV Instruction 2400.2A, "Electromagnetic Environmental Effects and Space Weather Event Preparedness Policy and Management." This update to SECNAV Instruction 2400.2 expands upon the original 2011 version in establishing additional related Department of the Navy policy for electromagnetic environmental effects, space weather event preparedness, and ...
December 11, 2017
The DON Cyber Glossary was developed by OPNAV N2N6 and coordinated with the DON CIO and US Marine Corps C4 Cybersecurity directorates. This useful glossary provides valuable information and defines significant cybersecurity terminology.
October 30, 2017
The deadline to submit nominations for the DON Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) Excellence Awards has been extended to Nov. 27, 2017. The awards recognize the superior efforts of IM/IT projects, teams, and individuals in helping to transform DON information technology.
July 11, 2016
In a June 30, 2016 memo, "Streamlined Process for Commercial Broadband Deployment," Mr. Thomas W. Hicks, Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy (DUSN) for Management, issued guidance that streamlines the process for deployment and expansion of commercial broadband services on Navy and Marine Corps property. "Improving the process by which DON installations are provided the best possible access to commercial broadband systems ...
by Navy News Service - April 20, 2016
Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (DON CIO) Robert Foster recognized more than 10 individuals and teams for transforming the Navy and Marine Corps through information technology during a ceremony at the Washington E. Walter Convention Center April 20.
March 16, 2016
On February 8, 2016, Fumie Wingo, the DON CIO Lead for International Spectrum Policy, was named as a 2016 Federal 100 Award winner for her outstanding performance in international spectrum policy negotiations and diplomacy. As the DON’s senior international electromagnetic spectrum strategist, Ms. Wingo is responsible for influencing international treaties, U.S. Government policy, and DoD spectrum governance to ensure ...
March 4, 2016
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer is pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 DON IM/IT Excellence Awards. The awards recognize teams and individuals for various categories of awards related to information management and information technology. The following were selected as the 2016 winners.
February 20, 2015
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer is pleased to announce the winners of the 2015 DON IT Awards. ...
February 19, 2014
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer is pleased to announce the winners of the 2014 DON IM/IT Excellence Awards, the John J. Lussier Electromagnetic Spectrum Leadership Award, and the new DON Cyberspace/IT Rising Star and DON Cyberspace/IT Person of the Year Awards. There were also seven information technology leaders from the DON among this year's Federal 100 Award winners.
In addition, the DON CIO ...
May 1, 2013
The Department of the Navy's senior spectrum manager was named Agency Vice Chairman of the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) April 23.
May 1, 2013
Recent changes in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations governing signal boosters enable the sale of certain types of these boosters within the United States. Signal boosters are devices that can improve cell phone coverage in areas where they do not get a good signal.
January 31, 2013
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 DON IM/IT Excellence Awards and the John J. Lussier Electromagnetic Spectrum Leadership Award.
by Thomas Kidd - August 13, 2012
The final step in the dynamic federal agency spectrum access process within the United States is receiving a radio frequency assignment from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This notification from the assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information is required for federal spectrum-dependent systems to operate within the United States. The Code of Federal Regulations Title ...
by Thomas Kidd - April 20, 2012
Emerging technology has always compelled traditional spectrum management processes to adapt and evolve. The 2012 International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conference issued new international radio regulation treaty language regarding software defined radio and cognitive radio systems.
February 3, 2012
Robert Marcial received the John J. Lussier Electromagnetic Spectrum Leadership Award in recognition of his superior performance as chief, Pacific Joint Frequency Management Office, Pacific Command (PACOM), during the Department of the Navy Information Technology Conference, Jan. 24, in San Diego. DON Chief Information Officer Terry Halvorsen and DON Deputy CIO Navy Janice Haith presented the award.
by Thomas Kidd and Mark Rossow - January 17, 2012
To achieve the most efficient use of communications-electronics (C-E) resources, the required capabilities of systems and equipment should be met during the procurement phase — rather than investing in equipment that may require redesign or retrofitting after development. Therefore, it is more critical than ever in these budget constrained times that program offices and procuring officials take advantage of processes ...
by Thomas Kidd and Mark Rossow - October 27, 2011
The electromagnetic spectrum is a unique resource. While in some ways it is similar to other resources, like oil or water, in other ways, it is very different. The electromagnetic spectrum is typically defined as the set of all non-ionizing radiation electromagnetic frequencies.
by Thomas Kidd & Mark Rossow - July 25, 2011
Naval installations have long been good neighbors with their surrounding communities. In fact, in many cases, Navy and Marine Corps bases, posts and training ranges limit some operations to preserve friendly relationships.
by Tom Kidd - February 25, 2011
Our atmosphere is filled with electromagnetic energy from many sources. These include manmade emissions from sensors and communications equipment, electrical power lines and generators, as well as natural emissions from lightning, the sun, cosmic radiation and other sources. The electromagnetic environment is all around us every day. For example, electromagnetic energy from the sun reflects off the moon and refracts ...
January 31, 2011
Gunnery Sergeant Brian Bond was recognized for his superior performance as the Spectrum Management Chief for Marine Corps Systems Command during the Department of the Navy Information Technology Conference, Jan. 25, in San Diego.
by Tom Kidd, Mikel Ryan and Antonio Siordia - May 19, 2010
The growth and diversity of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the first decade of the 21st century has been unprecedented. To say that UAVs: "continue to be the most dynamic growth sector of the world aerospace industry" understates the obvious. "An insatiable demand for UAVs is fueling massive growth within this market," said Larry Dickerson, senior unmanned systems analyst for Forecast International. "No ...
by Tom Kidd - March 10, 2010
The DON CIO represented the DON at the first International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) joint seminar in September 2009. It was organized as an open forum for discussion of the ITU and WMO roles in the use of radio spectrum, space orbits and radio-based meteorological tools and systems for monitoring, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
by Tom Kidd - March 10, 2010
While the range between 540 – 610 in terahertz (THz) is (literally) the "green" portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, that isn't what we are going to discuss here. This article introduces the concept of the electromagnetic spectrum as a critical resource in the study of climate change. The Department of the Navy electromagnetic spectrum community supports many different radio and telecommunication technologies ...
by Tom Kidd - March 10, 2010
It can be embarrassing to attempt to predict technology beyond its current development horizon. This is especially challenging when the technology has begun to accelerate exponentially. To predict the future of radio into the second half of the 21st century, we will need to look back at its development from a 19th century oddity, to a 20th century necessity, and into the early years of the 21st century.
by Tom Kidd - February 26, 2010
The electromagnetic spectrum is a critical enabler of the Department of the Navy's ability to communicate and operate in a global environment. Now more than ever before, deployed Sailors and Marines depend on the electromagnetic spectrum because it enables nearly all Navy and Marine Corps capabilities, including strategic command and control; tactical communications (airborne and ground); intelligence, surveillance and ...
February 17, 2010
Ten information technology leaders from the Department of the Navy were among this year's Federal 100 Award winners. Federal Computer Week magazine presents the award to 100 professionals from government, industry and academia for their efforts in effecting change, progress and efficiency in determining how the Federal Government acquires, develops and manages IT.
February 3, 2010
Mikel R. Ryan, head of the Mid-Atlantic Area Frequency Management Office, Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, is the first winner of the John J. Lussier Electromagnetic Spectrum Leadership Award.
by Tom Kidd - November 17, 2009
We are all familiar with overcrowding and traffic congestion. Most people in the United States experience long work commutes, jammed shopping malls, as well as long lines at restaurants, train stations and other locations where people frequently congregate. However, congestion in these occurrences usually has peaks and valleys, and many times, people can arrange their schedules to avoid peak times. Some people living in ...
by Tom Kidd - August 19, 2009
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) recently approved an addition to the Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management. The new paragraph, 8.2.47, enables federal and non-federal agencies to share radio systems. Navy and Marine Corps first responders may have an opportunity to dramatically expand their ...
by Tom Kidd - April 22, 2009
Interoperable communications between Federal first responders and non-federal first responders is a vital capability that must be pursued by the Department of the Navy because Navy and Marine Corps installations have a close, cooperative relationship with adjacent federal, state and local first responders. Ensuring interoperable communications for police, fire, emergency medical services, and other first responder ...
by Tom Kidd - April 22, 2009
The report, "Enterprise Mobility 2008," released by the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer describes the process the DON would use to leverage the advantages that commercially available wireless technologies can deliver.
by Tom Kidd - February 20, 2009
In less than two years, nearly 150 distinguished ambassadors and more than 2,000 delegates from across the globe will gather for the United Nations International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference. During this four-week marathon, committed delegations will scrutinize, debate, create and revise the international treaties that govern the regional and global use of electromagnetic spectrum ...
by Tom Kidd - October 29, 2008
Evolution and revolution are very different processes ...
Adm. Vern Clark wrote about "revolution" while serving as Chief of Naval Operations. Today, the retired CNO still refers to revolution when publicly speaking about his efforts to change and improve business processes within the Navy. He confessed that, even as the second longest serving CNO, he didn't have time for "evolution," which is why he unapologetically ...
by Thomas Kidd - May 14, 2008
Federal regulation and Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Navy (DON) policy require that spectrum supportability must be addressed before acquiring communications-electronics (CE) systems and equipment that require use of the electromagnetic spectrum (radio frequencies).
by The DON CIO Spectrum Team - February 8, 2008
The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) 2007, held from mid-October to mid-November in Geneva, Switzerland, was a great success for the Department of the Navy (DON) and the Department of Defense (DoD).