Technical Support to the UK Link 16 Frequency Clearance Agreement

This contract Link 16 Frequency Clearance Agreement (FCA) Technical Support is essential to maintain the FCA and includes the requirement to provide technical expertise.

The Situational Awareness and Command and Control Delivery Team (SACC DT) is responsible for maintenance of the UK Frequency Clearance Agreement (FCA). This agreement between the UK MOD and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) defines the acceptable levels of Link 16 transmissions that are permissible in the UK Flight Information Region (FIR). The agreement exists because Link 16 is an unauthorised user in the 960-1215MHz Frequency Band that is allocated to civilian Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) equipment, and as such Link 16 is only permitted to operate on a tolerable interference basis.

The FCA forms part of an overall Frequency Clearance Agreement Safety Management System (FCA SMS) that underpins all Link 16 use. FCA SMS maintenance is fundamental to the continued safe use of Link 16 in the UK FIR and this SOW defines the technical support activities required to maintain and support this.