LOW POWER FM INTERFACE TESTING

Notice Date

November 1, 2001

Contracting Office

Federal Communications Commission, Contracts and Purchasing Center, 445 12th St., SW, Washington, DC 20554

ZIP Code

20554

Description

Low Power FM Interference Tests Request for Proposal In support of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) plans to award a subcontract to conduct an independent experimental program (study and evaluation) to determine the effects of Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations operating on third-adjacent channels on existing FM radio stations. A subcontractor is required to carry out the field testing (to include conducting listener surveys and providing an opportunity for public comment) and economic impact analyses for selected radio markets, and to provide the test results to MITRE. On January 20, 2000 the FCC authorized the licensing of two new classes of Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations -- one operating at a maximum power of 100 watts and one at a maximum power of 10 watts. The FCC imposed separation requirements for LPFM stations with respect to full power stations operating on the same and immediately adjacent two frequencies. The FCC did not, however, impose these separation requirements with respect to full power stations operating on the third adjacent channels. Section 632 (b) of the FY01 Department of Commerce, Justice and State, the Judiciary and Related Agencies Appropriation Law, hereinafter "the Act" requires that the Commission conduct an experimental program to determine whether LPFM radio stations will result in harmful interference to existing FM radio stations within the third-adjacent channel area. The Act also states that the "Commission shall select an independent testing entity to conduct field tests in the markets of the stations in the experimental program." The Act further requires that the field tests include "an opportunity for the public to comment on interference" and "independent audience listening tests to determine what is objectionable and harmful interference to the average radio listener." In addition, the Act requires that such testing be conducted in up to nine FM radio markets, including urban, suburban, and rural. It further stipulates that at least one of the stations shall be selected for the purpose of evaluating whether minimum distance separations for third-adjacent channels are needed for FM translator stations. In addition, the impact of LPFM stations operating on third adjacent channels to FM stations that are using subcarriers to provide reading services for the visually impaired must be evaluated. MITRE will be releasing a Request for Proposal (RFP) at the beginning of December 2001 in support of this requirement. A single subcontract for this effort is desired, therefore teaming is encouraged to satisfy all RFP requirements. Potential contractors or contracting teams must demonstrate capability, expertise, and experience to: o Plan and conduct LPFM field tests (and obtain RF signal measurements) to assess the levels of interference caused by LPFM stations to receivers that are tuned to existing full-power FM stations: o Design and conduct listener surveys to determine what is considered to be an acceptable amount of interference; o Develop and implement an approach to facilitate, collect, and synthesize comments from the public. o Conduct economic analyses to determine the impact of LPFM stations on existing stations. Contractors or contracting teams must have an understanding of RF signal propagation principles, transmitters, amplifiers, receivers, antennas, and equipment calibration as well as the experience and expertise to develop and execute test plans, collect RF technical and public comment data, conduct listener surveys, analyze economic impacts and social costs or benefits and prepare reports. To receive a copy of this RFP please contact: Karen Myers Manager, Subcontracts The MITRE Corporation 7515 Colshire Drive McLean, Va 22102 Email: kamyers@mitre.org Telephone: 703-883-5972 Fax: 703-883-6233

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20011105/SPMSC008.HTM (W-305 SN5120K2)