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2012 Gold Medal for Scientific/Engineering Achievement
2012 Gold Medal for Scientific/Engineering Achievement
An interdepartmental team
from ITS and the NTIA Office of Spectrum Management (OSM) received
a Gold Medal Award in the category of Scientific/Engineering
Achievement for work performed in FY 2012. Acting Department of
Commerce Secretary Rebecca M. Blank (far left) and Assistant
Secretary for Communications and Information Larry Strickling (far
right) presented the Gold Medal Award to Robert Sole of the Office
of Spectrum Management and Frank Sanders and John Carroll of
ITS.
The team was recognized
for identifying nationwide WiMAX radio interference to National
Weather Service (NWS) NEXRAD safety-of-life weather radars by
providing interference diagnostics to NWS, and providing solutions
for the problem. The affected radars warn U.S. citizens and
airports of severe weather events; the group worked with NWS and
industry to identify the problem and find technical solutions to
it. The group's accomplishment ensures that NEXRADs across the
country will function without interference while allowing continued
deployment of new broadband services across America.
The U. S. Department of
Commerce Gold Medal award is the highest honorary award given by
the Department. The award is granted by the Secretary for
distinguished performance characterized by extraordinary, notable,
or prestigious contributions that impact the mission of the
Department and/or one operating unit and that reflect favorably on
the Department. The awards were preented by ITS Director Al
Vincent.