Defense Spectrum Organization

The PEO Spectrum program, managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), is a key line item in the Department of Defense (DoD) budget focused on delivering advanced Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) operations management capabilities. Its primary objective is to develop and sustain software, engineering, and analytical services that mitigate harmful EMS interference and enable U.S. and allied forces to maintain operational advantages in contested and congested spectrum environments. The program supports strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making across the DoD, ensuring secure and effective access to the radio frequency portion of the EMS, which is critical for national security.

The Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Program is a foundational component of PEO Spectrum, ensuring the incorporation of E3 control and spectrum supportability in IT and National Security Systems (IT/NSS). The program supports the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development Systems (JCIDS) and other acquisition processes by providing engineering, analysis, and compatibility assessments for spectrum-dependent systems. Key deliverables include the Joint Ordnance E3 Risk Assessment Database (JOERAD), which provides real-time risk assessments for operational safety, and Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) surveys, which inform safe handling and operational restrictions for ordnance in electromagnetic environments. In FY 2026, activities from the E3 program are absorbed by Spectrum Strategic Planning and Engineering to better align resources.

The Global Electromagnetic Spectrum Information System (GEMSIS) portfolio delivers enterprise-level spectrum management software capabilities. Its objectives include providing business process execution, situational awareness of friendly spectrum usage, and deconfliction of competing mission requirements for spectrum use. GEMSIS enables DoD and mission partners to access comprehensive and trusted spectrum data online, supporting planning and execution of EMS operations. The Joint Spectrum Data Repository (JSDR) is a key GEMSIS deliverable, serving as the authoritative repository for millions of EMS records from DoD and coalition partners. Planned activities for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continued software development and version releases to enhance analysis capabilities.

Electromagnetic Battle Management-Joint (EMBM-J) is the DoD's Joint EMS Command and Control (C2) system, supporting the Electronic Warfare (EW) Strategy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy. EMBM-J aims to increase the agility of EMS operations by enabling near-real-time situational awareness, decision support, and automation of joint planning processes. The system integrates and analyzes data across security levels, displays the Electromagnetic Operating Environment (EMOE), and provides tools for situational awareness, decision support, and training. In FY 2026, development continues with a focus on integrating situational awareness and decision support capabilities, with production development ramping down as the Army's Electronic Warfare Planning Management Tool (EWPMT) is leveraged to meet most requirements.

Spectrum Strategic Planning & Engineering encompasses the Emerging Spectrum Technology (EST) program, which researches and evaluates new spectrum-related technologies to improve future warfighter spectrum utilization. The EST program identifies opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, influences technology development, and ensures spectrum policies support DoD mission requirements. There is a particular emphasis on Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA), enabling wireless devices to adapt spectrum use based on policy, availability, and performance criteria. In FY 2026, the program absorbs E3 activities, including JOERAD and HERO surveys, and continues to deliver prototypes, evaluate analysis tools, and revise spectrum management architectures in alignment with the DoD EMS Spectrum Superiority Strategy.

The PEO Spectrum program utilizes a competitive acquisition strategy through Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, with a mix of Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) task orders. Technical engineering services, test and evaluation, and management services are provided by a range of contractors and government entities, including MITRE and the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC). The program's funding profile reflects adjustments based on acquisition strategies, mission alignment, and the integration of Army-developed tools to meet requirements efficiently.