Contract Opportunity for SPF Study on Future Flexible Spectrum Access Mechanisms

30 May 2017 03:28 PM

Invitation to tender for an SPF study on flexible spectrum access mechanisms, and guidelines on project procurement procedures

Licence exempt and spectrum access techniques such as Dynamic Spectrum Access are important parts of the suite of access mechanisms providing a light touch spectrum regime for innovation. As we move into a period of intensifying and diverse uses of connectivity (from broadband applications for traditional communications and entertainment purposes to smart city, intelligent transport, automotive, distributed manufacturing and medical applications,) it is important that efficient access mechanisms are available. This diversity of usage will require a diverse range of spectrum access mechanisms, including access on an increasing subnational and localised basis, and access to spectrum without delays while awaiting frequency coordination of assignments and licence issue. As such, it will be valuable to investigate the applications that might use the spectrum, candidate spectrum tranches and the potential evolution of licence exempt and light licensing approaches, dynamic licensing or self-management of spectrum blocks.

Please find attached details of an invitation to tender for a study on flexible spectrum access mechanisms. The scope of the study is given in the first attachment (document number SPF SB CP(17) 17 rev 1. Also attached are the guidelines that we use on competitive study contract awards.

The deadline for receiving bids is 23 June. Selection will be undertaken via a panel of volunteers from the SPF Steering Board (but unconnected with any bidding candidates). The selection will take place around 30 June. We expect to announce by 3 July the selected contractor to conduct the study the anticipated duration of which is 3 months.

Requests for clarification and final bids should be sent to Raj.Sivalingam@techUK.org and Skye.MacLeod@techUK.org 

The purpose of the UK Spectrum Policy Forum is to be a pro-active industry-led 'sounding board' to UK Government and Ofcom on future policy and approaches on spectrum and a cross-industry 'agent' for promoting the role of spectrum in society and the maximisation of its economic and social value to the UK.