DAFI17-220 — Spectrum Management

DAFI17-220 governs Department of the Air Force responsibilities and requirements for electromagnetic spectrum management and use.

Search DAFI17-220

  • Publication number: DAFI17-220
  • Title: SPECTRUM MANAGEMENT
  • Date: 2021-06-08

View DAFI17-220 on armypubs.army.mil


DAFI17-220 addresses spectrum operations, spectrum certification, frequency assignments, and spectrum supportability risk assessments. It requires reviews, coordination, certifications, and risk assessments for applicable spectrum-dependent systems.

Topics covered

  • Electromagnetic spectrum management
  • Spectrum operations
  • Spectrum certification
  • Frequency assignments
  • Host nation coordination
  • Spectrum supportability risk assessments
  • Out-of-band operations

Questions and answers

What is spectrum certification?

Spectrum certification is the statutory process whereby national regulatory bodies, NTIA and Federal Communications Commission review telecommunications systems for compliance with national spectrum standards and determine electromagnetic compatibility. (paragraph 2)

When must local purchases of spectrum-dependent systems be reviewed?

Local purchases of spectrum-dependent systems will be reviewed by the installation spectrum manager to evaluate spectrum supportability prior to the obligation of funds.

What is required for systems deployed outside the United States?

If the system will be deployed outside the United States, DAF policy is that host nation coordination is required in accordance with the DoDI 4650.01.

How are out-of-band operations conducted?

Out-of-band operations are operated on a strict non-interference basis.

When are spectrum supportability risk assessments performed?

An assessment must be performed by the Department of the Air Force acquisition programs and materiel developers to identify risk as early as possible and affect design and procurement decisions for all spectrum-dependent systems.

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