C4ISR –
This is the first year Command, Control, Computers Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) is an Eisenhower School Industry Study. The specific focus for academic year 2018-2019 was Air Force C4ISR. The Air Force focused
approach fostered broad insights about how the Department of Defense should engage with industry. This study defines C4ISR as an integrated operational capability supported by a myriad of technologies and industries. The guiding study question was: How does the DoD better enable the defense industrial base to exploit emerging C4ISR technologies in order to maintain a competitive advantage in an era of great power competition? In answer to this question, this report offers four interrelated propositions. First, it argues that four relevant industries: 1) Aerospace and Defense, 2) Information Technology (IT) Hardware, 3) IT Services, and 4) Software are healthy and capable of meeting the Department’s requirements. This leads to the second point; the locus of effort must start with the Department’s uncoordinated and archaic interactions with these industries. Next, the report argues that outdated DoD business practices restrict product innovation, inhibit industrial base growth, and stymie human capital improvement. Finally, this report argues that Air Force and DoD must embrace new modalities, business practices, technologies, and policies to think differently about C4ISR. Based on these four propositions, this report offers the seven key recommendations listed on the next two pages.
Summary of Recommendations
Business Practice Recommendations
Recommendation #1: Execute sweeping requirements and testing reform Much attention is focused on acquisition business reform, but relatively little credence is given to the impact of requirements and testing on a program’s cost, schedule, and performance. Subsequently, this industry study recommends the adoption of flexible requirements and testing practices toward the concept of minimum viable product adoption and warfighter acceptance.
Recommendation #2: Eliminate prescribed intellectual property rights Government prescribed intellectual property rights ensure ease of contracting and government use, but these benefits often come at the expense of new partners and innovations. Subsequently, this industry study recommends elimination of currently mandated intellectual property rights restrictions in favor of program-by-program specifically negotiated rights.
Recommendation #3: Take bold action to attract, grow, and retain tech talent Talent management within the DoD is evolving, but more must be done to ensure the requisite C4ISR skillsets are attracted, grown, and retained. Subsequently, this industry study recommends that the DoD execute public engagement events, implement an internal technical skills identification program, and initiate a special pay incentive program for designated skillsets.
Technology Recommendations
Recommendation #4: Create a DoD level C4ISR standards consortium The Air Force is undertaking C4ISR interoperability standards development, but this work is largely stove-piped from the remainder of the DoD. Subsequently, this industry study recommends that the DoD designate a single service as the Executive Agent for C4ISR standards development with the responsibility to generate DoD-wide interface standards.
Recommendation #5: The Secretary of Defense Must Prioritize the DoD’s Cloud Program as the Highest-Priority Acquisition Program
The DoD is pursuing a DoD-wide cloud computing solution via the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) program, but it cannot be over emphasized how important the cloud is to the C4ISR environment. Subsequently, this industry study recommends direct Secretary of Defense prioritization to ensure acquisition success and access to resources.
Recommendation #6: Focus acquisitions on interoperable, modular, autonomous, disposable, and data centric technologies The Air Force’s Advanced Battlement Management System (ABMS) concept moves the service in the right direction regarding C4ISR acquisition, but the service still suffers from a platform centric mindset. Subsequently, this industry study recommends that the Air Force actively favor the acquisition of interoperable, modular, autonomous, disposable, and data centric technologies to develop a flexibly resilient C4ISR ecosystem.
Policy Recommendation
Recommendation #7: Work to re-classify UAVs under the MTCR The use of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) for C4ISR activities will continue to expand, but partnership capacity growth is limited by restrictive international agreement. Subsequently, this industry study recommends that the DoD pursue reclassification of UAVs under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in a way that supports beneficial export in accordance
with United States policies.