Drifted States
Environmental Projection
Agency
EPA/208/K-S3-GG1
May 1993
Office of Admimstratteni anc
Management
RADIO FREQUENCY
and EQUIPMENT
ACQUISITION GUIDE
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CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 BASICS OF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 2
3.0 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS APPLICATIONS OR USES 4
3.1 User Mobility 4
3.2 Emergency Response 4
3.3 Remote Inspection, Monitoring, and Measurement 5
3.4 Real-Time Location Tracking 5
3.5 Wiring Elimination and Backup 5
4.0 PLANNING FOR AND DETERMINING RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
REQUIREMENTS 6
5.0 OBTAINING RADIO FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENTS 8
5.1 Requirements 8
5.2 Procedures 8
6.0 ACQUIRING RADIO COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT 11
GLOSSARY G-l
NDPD RADIO FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENT REQUEST (RFAR)
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Radio communications plays an extremely important role in the overall mission of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Program offices rely upon radio commu-
nications systems to support many daily recurring administrative, maintenance, security,
and operational functions that require rapid, two-way communications. Even more
critical are the radio communications requirements supporting EPA's emergency re-
sponse and environmental monitoring/survey responsibilities. These extremely important
functions are performed by individuals and teams, often operating in remote field sites or
disaster areas where access to fixed landline communications may be limited or, in
worst-case scenarios, non-existent.
This guide has been developed to assist EPA programs nationwide in establishing initial
radio communications capabilities or to improve an existing radio communications
capability. It provides general background information on radio communications tech-
nologies, possible EPA uses or applications, and essential planning considerations. More
importantly, this guide establishes the procedures that must be followed in order to
obtain authorized radio frequency assignments as well as radio communications plan-
ning and technical support.
The Telecommunications Branch (TCB) of the National Data Processing Division
(NDPD) manages and oversees Agency radio communications for the benefit of all EPA
personnel nationwide. NDPD/TCB's Radio Frequency Management (RFM) staff pro-
vides, at no cost to the EPA user, expert advice and assistance in obtaining authorized
radio frequencies required for any EPA radio system. Technical advice and assistance in
planning and acquiring communications systems is also available on a limited no-cost
basis. In addition, major communications systems planning, design, and engineering
assistance maybe obtained at cost on a case-by-case basis through NDPD's Telecommu-
nications Services Contract.
All normal contract costs associated with the acquisition, installation, operation, and
maintenance of radio communications equipment are paid by individual programs from
their own fund sources. It is important to note that radio frequency assignments must
be obtained from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTTA), Department of Commerce, through NDPD/TCB's RFM staff, prior to procuring
or operating any radio equipment or system as specified in this guide.
Any EPA personnel involved in the planning, operation, or acquisition of radio commu-
nications systems and radio'frequencies should read and become familiar with this guide.
It is particularly important for contracting officers to understand the Government radio
frequency restrictions prior to committing any Government funds. Please address any
recommendations or suggestions to improve this guide, as well as overall questions and
concerns, to the EPA RFM Program Analyst (a contractor) at (202) 260-8365. EPARFM
activities are performed in accordance with NDPD Operational Policy 300.12, EPARadio
Frequency Management, and the NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for
Federal Radio Frequency Management.
May 1993
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2.0 BASICS OF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
Radio communications involves the transmission of voice, data, or other signals over the
air by means of radio waves, rather than by copper wires or optical fibers. These
electromagnetic waves, or radio waves, as they are commonly called, are classified
according to the frequency at which they radiate from an antenna. Traveling at the speed
of light (186,000 miles per second), these waves may travel only short distances via the
line-of-sight wave or longer via a ground wave. A radio signal may also travel hundreds
or even thousands of miles with sky waves that are reflected back to earth from the
ionosphere. The distance a radio signal will travel,or its propagation, depends upon many
factors, such as radio transmitter power, antenna type and size, and transmitting fre-
quency.
RADIO WAVE PROPAGATJQN
May 1993
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For example, amateur radio operators and commercial AM (amplitude modulated)
broadcast radio stations operating in the Medium Frequency (MF) and High Frequency
(HF) radio spectrum bands employ high-power transmitters and relatively large antenna
systems, and they routinely communicate hundreds or even thousands of miles. Con-
versely, commercial FM (frequency modulated) broadcast radio and television stations
operating in the Very High Frequency (VHP) band are usually limited to operating ranges
of less than 50 kilometers because of their line-of-sight waves. Satellites provide the
greatest communications capability, and they operate in the Ultra High Frequency
(UHF), Super High Frequency (SHF), and Extremely High Frequency (EHF) bands.
Propagation of radio signals through satellite networks is somewhat different than other
terrestrial systems; thus, some of the general limitations or characteristics discussed may
not always apply.
Although EPA radio communications requirements may fall into any of the above
categories, the majority of requirements are for low power and short ranges (between 1
and 25 kilometers). More specifically, many requirements are for very short distances,
such as within and immediately between office buildings. These portable systems will
normally operate at less than 5 watts of power in the VHP and UHF bands of the radio
frequency spectrum. The ranges are 30 MHz to 300 MHz and 300 MHz to 3000 MHz,
respectively. The Federal Government allocates certain portions of these two bands for
specific uses. As an example, Government allocations for Land Mobile Radio (LMR) in
the VHP band fall in the range between 162 MHz and 174 MHz. UHF allocations for
Government LMR are between 406.1 MHzand 420 MHz. The electromagnetic spectrum
shown below illustrates the frequency bands currently utilized for radio communications.
THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM
RADIO SPECTRUM
AUDIO FREQUENCY
MICROWAVES
(b
u.
so
ED
ISIBLE
LIGHT
UL
1
COSMIC
*" GAMMA
RAYS
N N N
VLF: VERY LOW FREQUENCY
LF: LOW FREQUENCY
MF: MEDIUM FREQUENCY
HF: HIGH FREQUENCY
VHF: VERY HIGH FREQUENCY
UHF: ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY
SHF: SUPER HIGH FREQUENCY
EHF: EXTREMELY HIGH FREQUENCY
May 1993
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3.0 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS APPLICATIONS OR USES
Radio communications, as a family of technologies, could have many applications at
EPA. Mobility is most often associated with radio communications. This application, as
well as others that can be considered, are discussed in the following sections.
3.1 User Mobility
n Land Mobile Radio: Vehicular mobile and hand-held portable two-way
voice radios operating in the HF/VHF/UHF frequency bands. Includes
base stations to control radio nets as well as radio repeaters and amplifiers
to extend operating ranges.
n Marine Transportable Radio: Two-way ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore
communications and navigational systems.
° Air/Ground/Air Radio: Communications to and from Agency-owned and
leased aircraft.
° Satellite: Portable suitcase-sized satellite terminals as well as shipboard
satellite earth stations. Reliable long-range communications, including
data capability. International Marine Satellite (INMARSAT) and Very
Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT).
n Cellular Telephony: Vehicular and hand-held telephones and facsimile
provide tremendous mobility. These "network services" are provided by
private carriers/vendors utilizing network radio frequencies obtained from
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and are not "user
owned". The emerging "Personal Communications System/Network"
technology utilizing the cellular concept may also have applications within
EPA. This application is still in its infancy; therefore, policy and radio
frequency requirements are not firmly established. However, services will
likely be provided under a "network" concept.
3.2 Emergency Response
Quick, flexible response to environmental emergencies over a wide geographic area.
On-site communications within the local area, as well as longer range communications
throughHF systems,are established. Coordination with local,state,and Federal agencies,
such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is essential. Sharing of
radio frequencies and radio nets maybe accomplished through Memoranda of Under-
standing (MOUs) and established Federal programs such as the HF Radio SHAred
RE Sources (SHARES) Program.
May 1993
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3.3 Remote Inspection, Monitoring, and Measurement
Day-to-day environmental research, mapping, monitoring, investigation, and assessment
in the field. Radio communications systems must support field operations in all EPA
environmental jurisdictions—land, air, lakes, rivers, estuaries, and near coastal waters.
Telemetric devices (unattended sensor and radio transmitters) take measurements such
as toxin levels and temperatures and transmit them back to a base station.
3.4 Real-Time Location Tracking
Radio location systems can provide pinpoint real-time tracking of the latitude, longitude,
and movement ofpeople, vehicles, or any other object to which a specialized radio receiver
can be attached. Signals from multiple satellites are used to calculate precise position and
direction.
3.5 Wiring Elimination and Backup
° Radio communications systems may be appropriate substitutes or supple-
ments to existing wiredrterrestrial communications networks in cases where
wireline connections are unavailable, inadequate, or too expensive.
n Radio communications can function as redundant,, backup links to ensure
continued communications availability when wireline connections are im-
paired or out of service.
NOTE; Cellular telephones and radio paging services are radio communications appli-
cations; however, these "network services" are normally obtained without specific user-
assigned frequencies. In most cases, radio frequency applications to NTIA are not
required for these systems. However, some paging services that are "user-owned and
operated" will require NTIA-assigned frequencies. If users are unsure as to require-
ments, they should consult the NDPD/TCB RFM Analyst.
May 1993
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4.0 PLANNING FOR AND DETERMINING RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
Initial planning and needs analysis are done considering the following:
SERVICE
TYPE
EQUIPMENT
FUNCTION
FIELD
OPERATING
ENVIRONMENT
What type of traffic will be transmitted (e.g.,
two-way voice, data, facsimile, graphics/im-
aging, video)?
What type of connections will be established
(e.g., point-to-point, simplex, duplex, broad-
cast)?
What frequencies will be required (e.g., HF,
VHF,UHF,SHF)?
Will coded squelch techniques be employed
to reduce unwanted radio traffic and noise?
What radio system components will the pro-
gram office have to acquire and operate (e.g.,
end terminals, base stations, repeaters, am-
plifiers)?
Will connectivity to wireline local or wide
area networks be required?
Will wireless links be used to back up or
supplement wireline networks?
Will users be mobile or stationary?
If users are mobile, what is their geographic
range of operations (e.g., within a single
building or group of buildings, metropolitan,
in trastate, interstate)?
If users are mobile, what means of transpor-
tation will they use (e.g., on foot, vehicle,
ship, airplane)? How many mobiles or port-
ables?
Will unattended radio transmitter/receivers
be installed in a remote site for an extended
period (e.g., for telemetric data collection,
meteorological monitoring)?
May 1993
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Planning should also address the following considerations:
n Will radio communications enhance operations and efficiency?
n Will an existing capability within the organization satisfy the requirement?
n Is there a communications capability in a related program within another
Federal, state, or local agency that could be shared through a Memoran-
dum of Understanding that would negate this requirement?
n Who will be designated the program's principal and alternate Radio Com-
munications Contact (RCC)?
n When is the radio capability required? Radio frequencies are engineered
for each application, and assignments can take anywhere from 3 to 12
months. Is the need immediate?
Initial requirements should be discussed with a radio communications vendor to obtain
specific information on capabilities and costs associated with your communications re-
quirements. Concurrently, it is suggested that the NDPD/TCB RFM Analyst be advised
of your tentative plans. The RFM Analyst can assist you in your initial planning, make
suggestions on types of equipment you should acquire, suggest vendors, and most impor-
tantly, ensure that you understand the radio frequency application procedures.
May 1993
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5.0 OBTAINING RADIO FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENTS
This section explains the procedures that must be followed in order to obtain an
authorized assignment as established in NDPD Operational Policies Manual No. 300.12
and discusses some of the conditions and restrictions that apply to these assignments.
5.1 Requirements
It should be emphasized that radio frequency assignments must be obtained prior to
acquiring radio communications equipment. These frequencies—usually expressed in
thousands or millions of cycles per second (otherwise known as KiloHertz and Mega-
Hertz)—are the channels over which users are authorized to transmit and receive com-
munications.
NDPD/TCB staff is responsible for submitting authorized radio frequency assignment
applications for all EPA programs to NTIA, Department of Commerce, which manages
and polices all Federal use of the radio frequency spectrum. The NTIA establishes
Federal agency requirements and application procedures and disseminates this informa-
tion through the NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Fre-
quency Management. All Federal radio frequency assignments are listed in the NTIA
Government Master File (GMF), which is updated monthly. The NDPD/TCB RFM
Analyst also maintains an NDPD/TCB-developed database called the Radio Frequency
Management Tracking System (RFMTS). EPA-pertinent GMF data is reconciled with
the RFMTS on a monthly basis.
It is important to note that only NTIA can make radio frequency assignments to Federal
users. The FCC manages the radio frequency spectrum only for non-Government U.S.
commercial organizations. However, radio call signs for Federal users are provided by
the FCC through the NTIA. Government-allocated frequency bands may be different
from those allocated by the FCC; therefore, radio equipment purchased by EPA pro-
grams must be tunable to Government-allocated frequency bands.
5.2 Procedures
STEP 1: Submit the radio frequency assignment request in a standard EPA memoran-
dum format under the signature of the cognizant EPA program manager at that particu-
lar location, with a copy provided to the program Senior Information Resources Man-
agement official (SIRMO). The request memorandum should state the basic require-
ment, who will use the equipment and how, and a brief statement as to the program
benefits derived from using radio communications.
The following attachments must be included with the memorandum:
n A completed Radio Frequency Assignment Request (RFAR)
(a blank NDPD RFAR is included at the end of this document)
8 May 1993
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n A drawing/sketch showing the desired network configuration
Q Specifications for each model of radio communications equipment to be
acquired (manufacturers' brochures are recommended)
Please mail the memorandum and attachments to the following NDPD official:
Deputy Chief, Telecommunications Branch (PM-211T)
U.S. EPA Washington Telecommunications Center
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
STEP 2: The NDPD RFM Analyst acknowledges receipt of the memorandum and
attachments in a telephone call to the submitting program Radio Communications Con-
tact (RCC). In that call, the Analyst will review the documents with the program RCC.
The NDPD RFM Analyst will then prepare a radio frequency assignment application
request and letter in accordance with the NTIA Manual. This application will be entered
hi the Radio Frequency Management Tracking System (RFMTS).
STEP 3: The NDPD RFM Analyst obtains approval and signature of the NDPD Deputy
Chief, Telecommunications Branch, and submits the radio frequency application re-
quest to NTIA. The RFM Analyst will coordinate any follow-up actions, if required by
NTIA frequency engineers, and provide status updates to the program RCC. The program
RCC may also contact the RFM Analyst to determine the status of a frequency assignment
application as desired. Note that assignments will usually take three to six months, with
some special requirements taking even longer.
STEP 4: NTIA notifies the NDPD RFM Analyst of its decision regarding the radio
frequency assignment application. Formal NTIA correspondence, including an extract
of the pertinent GMF entry, is provided to NDPD/TCB within several weeks of the initial
notification.
STEP 5: The NDPD RFM Analyst will notify the requester by phone of NTIA's decision
on the frequency assignment application. In this call, the Analyst will discuss operating
restrictions on the assignment. A follow-up confirmation memorandum, including copies
of assignment file documents, will be sent to the RCC under the signature of the Deputy
Chief, Telecommunications Branch. RCCs should keep this documentation on file at all
times, since it represents the official license to operate on assigned frequencies.
NOTE: Procedures for obtaining satellite frequency access are different from those
addressed here. Specific requirements for Government operations are outlined in the
NTIA Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management.
The NDPD/TCB RFM Analyst can provide guidance as required for these requirements.
Satellite terminals are expensive, and justification by EPA programs for such equipment
must be detailed and thorough.
May 1993
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These are some of the operating restrictions and conditions associated with radio fre-
quency assignments:
ANTENNAS
Antennas must radiate only on assigned frequencies.
Assignments specify the allowable number, locations, dimensions,
orientations, polarizations, and spectral power densities of the
associated antennas.
FREQUENCY
USAGE
On two-way, mobile radio frequencies, users may be required to
identify themselves with short, alphanumeric "call signs" articu-
lated in the phonetic alphabet (ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE).
Restrictions on operating hours and geographic coverage must be
observed.
Restrictions on traffic types (e.g.,public safety,navigation) that may
be transmitted must be observed.
Restrictions on frequency usage, except in emergencies when no
other means of communication is available, must be observed.
INTERAGENCY Shared frequencies will require interagency coordination via writ-
COORDINATION ten agreement prior to usage, if long term.
FIVE-YEAR
REVIEWS
Permanent assignments made by NTIA are subject to periodic
reviews. These reviews are mandatory and must be conducted as
directed by NTIA, normally at five-year intervals.
10
May 1993
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6.0 ACQUIRING RADIO COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
After a radio frequency assignment has been obtained from NDPD, procurement of radio
communications equipment may be initiated. Procurements should not, under any
circumstances, be enacted prior to confirmation by EPA RFM staff of the NTIA fre-
quency assignment. This requirement is clearly stated in NDPD Operational Policies
Manual No. 300.12.
Radio equipment specifications are submitted through the appropriate EPA Contracting
Officer. Contracting Officers must ensure that appropriate frequency assignments have
been obtained and SIRMO coordination has been completed. NDPD/TCB staff ap-
proval of Purchase Requests (PRs) for any radio communications equipment must also
be obtained. This approval will ensure that not only have authorized radio frequency
authorizations be en obtained, but that the radio equipment will meet EPA interoperabil-
ity and user needs. A possible consequence of acquiring radio equipment that will not
tune to authorized Government-allocated radio frequency bands is inability to operate
the equipment because of FCC restrictions. Requests for approval of equipment pur-
chases should be sent to NDPD/TCB at the address given previously for radio frequency
requests.
Programs should make no commitments to radio equipment vendors prior to approval
of radio frequency assignments. Vendors may be consulted during the planning phase.
However, any dialogue should be non-binding or contingent upon obtaining authorized
frequencies. Note that vendors are not authorized to obtain and sell Government users
radio frequencies that can be used with their equipment. Exceptions are cellular services
which do not utilize "user-owned"radio frequencies. Please note that any contract written
for the purchase of radio communications equipment should specify that operation in
radio frequency bands allocated for Government use is mandatory. This statement will
serve as a reminder to the contracts office that Government radio frequency assignments
must be obtained, and it can prevent possible vendor misunderstandings.
The NDPD RFM Analyst can assist you in developing radio communications equipment
specifications to be used in the acquisition process. Generally, information contained hi
the RFAR will be used in developing equipment specifications.
Equipment procurements should begin well in advance of the required operation date.
As stated previously in this document, radio frequency approvals require three to six
months to complete. In some cases approvals may take even longer, depending upon the
type of frequency requested and the type of equipment required. Last-minute, end-of-
fiscal-year procurements are at risk, if funding cannot be carried to the following year.
Implementation of radio communications systems is generally the responsibility of pro-
gram RCCs through the appropriate vendor. However, guidance and vendor coordina-
tion assistance is available from the EPA RFM staff, if required.
11 May 1993
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RCCs have the following ongoing responsibilities for operational coordination with EPA
RFM staff:
D
Report any changes in equipment number, ownership, functions, geo-
graphic coverage, program usage, and any shared frequency use with the
Federal, state, or local entities to RFM staff for review and approval.
Assist RFM staff in updating a current, Agency-wide inventory of all radio
communications equipment and frequency assignments.
Notify RFM staff of changes in EPA program interagency Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU).
Report and provide copies of any newly implemented MOUs for radio
communications shared access to frequencies, networks, and/or equipment.
Report any joint Federal/state interagency program mission participation
to ensure appropriate interference resolution actions are taken if required.
THE NDPD/TCB RFM STAFF IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST
YOU!
n Telephone FTS (202) 260-8365
Leave a voice mail message if required
Q Email All-in-1 message to:
"TCBRFM.ANALYST"
n Letter RFM Staff (PM-211T)
U.S. EPA Washington Telecommunications Center
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
n Facsimile FTS (202) 260-7869
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May 1993
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GLOSSARY
ALLOCATION (of a radio frequency) - The designation of a particular band of frequen-
cies for use by a particular radio communications service, such as non-Government
Aeronautical Radionavigation or Government Land Mobile Radio (LMR). This desig-
nation provides only the range within which a specific frequency assignment may then be
made.
AMPLIFIER - A device that increases the strength of the input signals.
AMPLITUDE MODULATION (AM) - A process in which the amplitude (height) of the
radio carrier wave is varied above and below its normal value in accordance with the
intelligence being transmitted.
ANTENNA - A device used to radiate or receive electromagnetic waves.
ASSIGNMENT (of a radio frequency) - Authorization for an Agency or station to use a
specific radio frequency at a specific location or area under other specified conditions.
BASE STATION - A fixed radio station which normally controls other mobile and
portable radios in a radio net.
CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS - A mobile radio technology which divides the local
calling area into a network of "cells," each having a separate radio frequency. Users
passing through the network are automatically handed off to adjacent "cells" at appropri-
ate times by a computerized switch.
DUPLEX OPERATION - Operating method in which transmission is possible simulta-
neously in both directions of a telecommunications circuit.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE - Any wave associated with the transmission of electro-
magnetic energy, including radio waves, heat waves, light waves, x-rays, etc., depending
upon the frequency.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) - The regulatory agency that
provides radio frequency assignments to commercial/non-Federal users in the United
States.
FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM) - The process of varying the frequency of the
radio carrier wave in order to convey intelligence.
GOVERNMENT MASTER FILE (GMF) - A complete listing of all Federal radio
frequency assignments maintained by the NTIA.
G-l May 1993
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HIGH FREQUENCY - The band of radio frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum
from 3 MHz to 30 MHz. Normally associated with longer distance radio communications
than other two-way radios operating in the VHF/UHF bands.
IONOSPHERE - An outer belt of the earth's atmosphere (approximately 60 kilometers
from the earth's surface) comprised of several regions which contain ionized particles
capable of reflecting certain radio waves.
MOBILE RADIO - A radio normally mounted in a conveyance, capable of transmitting
and/or receiving while in motion or during brief halts at unspecified locations. Power is
normally higher and communications range is greater than that of portable stations.
NATIONAL DATA PROCESSING DIVISION (NDPD) - The EPA program responsi-
ble for defining, acquiring, and implementing automation and telecommunications tech-
nologies for the Agency.
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRA-
TION (NTIA) - Operating unit of the Department of Commerce that is responsible for
the development of radio frequency management policy and overall management of the
radio frequency spectrum for Federal agencies.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK/SYSTEM (PCN/PCS) - An emerging,
radio spectrum-efficient technology, similar to cellular communications, which will offer
greater services to individual users.
PORTABLE RADIO - A-battery operated radio designed to be carried by a person and
capable of transmitting and/or receiving while in motion or during brief halts at unspeci-
fied locations.
POWER - The rate of energy expended, measured in watts.
PROPAGATION - The travel of electromagnetic waves through space.
RADIO/RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - The art of communications in which electro-
magnetic waves carrying information are sent through the air and received at some distant
point.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT (RCC) - An individual within an EPA
program office designated as the point of contact for radio communications planning and,
particularly, for radio frequency assignment requests.
RADIO DETERMINATION/LOCATION - The determination ofthe position,velocity,
and /or other characteristics of an object, or the obtaining of information relating to these
parameters, by means ofthe propagation properties of radio waves.
G-2 May 1993
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RADIO FREQUENCY - Any frequency of electrical energy capable of propagation into
space that is useful for transmission of intelligence.
RADIO FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENT REQUEST (RFAR) - An NDPD/TCB-devel-
oped form which contains radio frequency planning data. EPA program offices are
required to submit this form to NDPD/TCB RFM Analyst, who, in turn, utilizes the data
to prepare NTIA radio frequency applications.
RADIO FREQUENCY MANAGEMENT TRACKING SYSTEM (RFMTS) - An
NDPD/TCB-developed database that allows the EPA RFM staff to manage all EPA radio
frequency assets.
RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM - The range of frequencies in the electromagnetic
spectrum from approximately 20 KHz to 300 GHz, usable for radio communications.
RADIO STATION - A station location combining both transmitter and receiver for
sending and receiving messages via radio.
RADIO WAVE - Radio frequency energy transferred by radiation via electromagnetic
wave.
RECEIVER - An apparatus that converts radio frequency signals into audible form.
REPEATER - A fixed or mobile device that boosts, regenerates, and automatically re lays
signals transmitted from one radio station to another, utilizing two radio frequencies. A
repeater is used to overcome radio line-of-sight distance limitations and terrain obstruc-
tions.
SENIOR INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL (SIRMO) -
The EPA official responsible for directing and managing office-wide information re-
sources planning. Responsibilities include ensuring that information systems acquisitions
within their organizations comply with Federal and EPA policies and regulations.
SIMPLEX OPERATION - Operating method in which transmission is made possible
alternately in each direction of a telecommunications channel.
SQUELCH - A circuit function that acts to suppress the audio output of a receiver.
TELEMETERING, MONITORING, AND SURVEILLANCE - Automatic radio com-
munications intended to indicate or record a measurable, variable quantity at a distance.
TRANSCEIVER - A radio transmitter and receiver combined into a single unit, generally
used for portable or mobile applications.
TRANSMITTER - A piece of radio equipment that generates and amplifies a radio
frequency signal, adds intelligence to the signal, and sends it out in the air as a radio wave.
G-3 May 1993
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ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY (UHF) - The band of radio frequencies in the electro-
magnetic spectrum from 300 MHz to 3000 MHz (3 GHz).
VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHP) - The band of radio frequencies in the electromag-
netic spectrum from 30 MHz to 300 MHz.
G-4 May 1993
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NATIONAL DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
RADIO FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENT REQUEST (RFAR)
Date
Requestor/Primary Point of Contact: Name Title
Address
Telephone Facsimile
Program Affiliation
Alternate Point of Contact: Name Title
Address
Telephone Facsimile
Description of requirement: Number of frequencies required, in what tuning range; i.e., between 162 MHz and 174 MHz, or specific
frequency, if required; primary users, i.e., security/admin/emergency response, etc; inter- or intra-building, and describe i.e., 9 floors
Type of equipment to be installed/procured (Base/mobile/portable/repeater)
Base Station? (yes/no) If yes, complete items marked with *.
* Antenna and transmitter location: Latitude/Longitude
_(degrees,minutes, seconds)
* Site Elevation (In meters above sea level):
* Antenna Height (In meters above surrounding terrain/ground):_
* Antenna Type: Gain:
* Transmitter Name/manufacturer: Power: (watts)
* Radius of operations required from base station (kilometers)
Mobile Equipment? (yes/no) Equipment name, manufacturer and quantity:
Portable Equipment? (yes/no) Equipment name, manufacturer and quantity:
Repeater required? (yes/no) Equipment name, manufacturer and quantity:
Receive frequencies known to be associated with repeater .
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REAR page 2
Special Applications/or Remarks: (Marine or air use; coded squelch or other special features to be employed)
Estimated time of usage:
1. Regularly-not limited to work week.
2. Regularly-limited to work week.
3. Occasionally-not limited to work week.
4. Occasionally-limited to work week.
Will the assignment be permanent or temporary?
Is this a new requirement or a modification to a previous assignment? If a modification, list original GMF serial number and
date of assignment:
Is there a requirement to access or use other Federal, state, or local agency radio frequencies? If yes, please explain:
Will this equipment be EPA- or contractor-owned? List contractor if applicable:
Will this equipment be EPA- or contractor-operated? List contractor if applicable:_
•
Name, address, and telephone/facsimile numbers of Vendor Representative:
State-owned and operated Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) used? If yes, name of SMR provider:
Telephone Facsimile
Number of Units to be operated on system/Type and Model of Equipment used:_
General Remarks/Comments:
Program Office Program Office Authorizing
Authorizing Official Official Signature
SIRMO Name and Title SIRMO Signature
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NOTES
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