NGA Looks to Commercial RF Emitter Data for Non-traditional Approach (Image Credit: SNN)
SPRINGFIELD, Va. (NGA PR) – The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency will begin offering its analysts non-traditional data and services related to commercial radio frequency data to address a wide range of key intelligence topics.
The services are provided by HawkEye 360 through the Radio Frequency Emitter Data contract, which was awarded in July for a total of up to $10 million. The services will augment collection by national assets and provide NGA with a means to produce and deliver global datasets that utilize automated techniques to detect, characterize and geolocate emitters of radio frequency energy. This energy output is typically associated with communication and navigation equipment. The resulting datasets will support NGA’s research and analysis of national intelligence issues and address a wide range of key intelligence topics such as military, non-state and transnational criminal activity.
“This data offers our analysts a new dimension that’s important for understanding our world and informing the effective tip and cue of imaging satellites based on a highly-dynamic threat environment,” said David Gauthier, director of NGA’s Commercial and Business Operations Group. “Commercial RF GEOINT makes it easy to share these insights with our allies and partners to increase collaboration and jointly drive outcome success.”
The contract is based on the results of a 2020 National Reconnaissance Office commercial integration study contract that NGA leveraged to access commercial radio frequency data. The access provided NGA with insight into the commercial GEOINT market for detecting and characterizing radio frequency emitters, and enabled analysts to develop requirements and understand mission utility of the data.
“Non-traditional data and services that are not pixel-based, such as RF geolocations, are becoming very useful tools for maintaining timely and relevant intelligence,” Gauthier said.
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