television transmit- ter and related products. The buyer intends to use this document to 7 SPECIFYING EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES support design and planning activities necessary to upgrade analog television transmission systems to digital transmission capability. The specifications will be used to define hardware, software, services, and performance in procurement actions and accepting deliverable items as outlined in contracts, service agreements, and purchase orders. Nothing in this document is intended to commit the buyer to accept technical parameters or levels of performance. The buyer will not pay or commit to pay for any products or services unless and until a valid written contract or purchase order has been executed. Information provided in response to any request is deemed to be representative of products, services, and pricing available from carriers, manufactur- ers, service providers, software developers, or their authorized rep- resentatives. Unless otherwise noted, items quoted in response to this RFQ are to be products designed and manufactured by the respondent and generally available to a wide range of end-users. The respondent is requested to review the specifications included in this request and propose products that meet or exceed the requirements outlined. It is expected that a respondent will demonstrate competence by providing a list of current users of products being quoted; user configuration and maintenance manuals; design, manufacturing, and test documentation under controlled release; and finally, proving acceptable through the buyers test and acceptance processes. Asser- tions of ISO Certification are welcome but not considered substitutes. Manufacturer-Supplier Qualifications Transmitter useful life expectancy of more than 10 years, perhaps as long as 20 years is anticipated and based on past experience with older generation equipment. Preference will be given manufacturers or suppliers of Transmitter Equipment (as defined in this document) deemed in possession of the following attribut