Alion awarded AFSMO support contract
Alion Science and Technology will work under a $15 million five-year contract to help ensure spectrum access for the US Air Force to critical wireless frequencies. The company announced the contract on 13 January.
The commercial wireless industry is placing ever-increasing pressure on radio frequency bandwidth, and preventing potentially dangerous interference for US Air Force operations is a challenge.
Under this contract Alion will assist the Air Force Spectrum Management Office (AFSMO) in providing spectrum management, including strategic planning and policy recommendations, satellite coordination, and spectrum reallocation.
The company will also conduct research and technical analyses to determine the feasibility of sharing spectrum with commercial wireless providers, identify new spectrum for relocation and implement transition plans for affected spectrum-dependent systems. AFSMO’s participation in national and international regulatory forums will also be supported.
Chris Amos, senior vice president and manager of the technology solutions group, Alion, said: ‘Access to wireless frequencies is essential for national security as well as for commercial uses. Our extensive experience and expertise in broadband communication will provide the air force with a comprehensive approach to securing spectrum for critical operations and training.
‘Alion will support AFSMO’s mission while enabling the commercial use of additional bandwidth, ensuring that all authorised users have the access they need while preventing interference.’