Across the Spectrum Pond: How the US Military can Procure Tested Solutions from Europe

The US military establishment is playing catchup inside the EW sector, with large defense contractors and military test centers scrambling to test and field the best sensor systems to fight against near-peer competitors. While US defense companies develop products against a hypothetical contested spectrum (Baltics, South China Sea), companies in Europe deploy solutions that must work immediately in contested civil/military spectrums, everyday. Not only is the stereotype of Europeans living onto of one another true, but this ""crowding"" also occurs everyday inside the electromagnetic spectrum. Take for example the city of Basel, Switzerland, where the borders of both Germany and France run right outside the urban limits. Now while land borders are easily to see and protect, spectrum borders are not, forcing European militaries and civilian spectrum managers to invest, test, and deploy the best commercial RF sensor systems. They must find, fix, and mitigate interference fast, or face critical impacts to seaport, airport, or public safety operations. No wonder the best radio receiver companies come from Europe, including the German juggernaut Rohde & Schwarz.

Now, why wouldn't Americans want to take software and sensors that are tested everyday in contested spectrums, vice depend of those developed on controlled training ranges? The main reason is lack of knowledge about TAA-compliant procurement for spectrum solutions vice thinking it must all come from within the United States. DFAR and FAR regulations allow foreign equipment, however many Americans might be scared because they dont want to violate any regulations. Yet, that means on missing out on over 40+ nations that can supply top quality equipment and software, taking the best from around the world NOW vice waiting on the slow trudge of US acquisitions and R&D. Americans can close the gap against Russia and China, but it will mean looking across the pond to do so. In this discussion, Zac George, an American working for the Swiss firm Decodio AG, will:

• Explain the European commercial spectrum environment and what clients require
• Show how European companies take commercial lessons and input them into defense products daily.
• Highlight Trade Act Agreement (TAA) clauses inside the Federal Procurement Regulations and explain how to take advantage of them.
• Show why investing and including European EW companies can help the US defense establishment gain a competitive edge.