AMBIT - Pre-Auctioned SRF

The AMBIT - Pre-Auctioned SRF program is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative funded under the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically within System Development & Demonstration (SDD). The primary objective of this program is to support the transition and relocation of spectrum-dependent military systems from electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) bands that have been reallocated for commercial use. This effort is mandated by federal legislation, including the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (CSEA) and subsequent amendments, which require federal agencies to vacate or share certain spectrum bands following auctions conducted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The central line item within this program element is the AMBIT RDTE Pre-auction Transition Plan. The goal of this plan is to facilitate the relocation and sharing of the 3450-3550 MHz EMS band, which has been targeted for commercial auction. The plan outlines the necessary research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities required to ensure continued military access to critical spectrum resources while accommodating commercial entities. This includes technical studies, engineering assessments, and demonstration projects aimed at developing solutions for spectrum sharing and system relocation.

A key objective of the AMBIT program is to comply with the requirements of the Enhanced 911 Services Act and the Middle-Class Tax Relief Act, which define the legal framework for spectrum reallocation and sharing. The program is designed to ensure that DoD systems can either move to alternative spectrum bands or operate alongside commercial users without compromising mission effectiveness or national security. This involves modifying or replacing equipment, updating software, acquiring new facilities, and providing training to personnel affected by the transition.

Funding for the AMBIT program is provided through the Spectrum Relocation Fund (SRF), which is financed by proceeds from FCC spectrum auctions. The SRF is structured to cover all legitimate costs associated with spectrum relocation or sharing, including engineering, equipment, software, site acquisition, construction, and transaction expenses. The fund also supports the hiring of term-limited federal and contractor staff necessary to execute relocation activities, as well as any reasonable additional costs incurred by the DoD as a result of the transition.

Oversight of the AMBIT program and related spectrum relocation efforts is managed by the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), who is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal regulations and the efficient use of SRF resources. The CIO coordinates with other federal agencies, the FCC, and commercial stakeholders to facilitate the transition and minimize disruption to military operations. The indefinite obligation period of SRF funds allows for flexibility in project execution, ensuring that resources remain available until all relocation and sharing activities are complete.

The justification for the AMBIT program centers on the need to preserve military access to essential spectrum resources while supporting national policy objectives for commercial spectrum utilization. By investing in RDT&E activities, the program aims to develop innovative solutions for spectrum sharing, mitigate operational risks, and maintain the technological superiority of U.S. military systems. The transition plan also seeks to minimize costs and operational impacts by leveraging existing infrastructure and adopting best practices for spectrum management.