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SAN DIEGO - Leaders from across Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command joined with nearly 300 San Diego defense industry partners, Dec. 6, to discuss the command’s role in several top Navy initiatives at the quarterly SPAWAR Industry Executive Network event.
With a focus on areas that align to the Navy’s future and core to the SPAWAR mission, topics included delivering Information Dominance to the fleet with the establishment of the Fleet Readiness Directorate, the Navy-wide data center consolidation effort and assuming the role of single information technology technical authority.
SPAWAR’s first priority remains keeping the fleet ready to fight. With a renewed focus on command, control, communications, computers and intelligence installations and fleet maintenance support, SPAWAR established the FRD led by Rear Adm. Chuck Rainey, deputy commander for fleet readiness, Oct. 1. The FRD will be a key component in providing the same level of accountability, technical rigor and time-tested, combat-proven readiness standards for C4I systems.
With any initiative, SPAWAR is keeping the current operating environment in mind.
“We are facing austere financial realities and with that we need to look at areas where we can fundamentally change the way we do business,” said SPAWAR Commander, Rear Adm. Patrick H. Brady. “We are implementing rigorous oversight of spending at the enterprise level, using common processes throughout the Navy, increasing accountability for all money decisions and mapping our money to support larger Navy priorities.”
One such priority is the Navy-wide DCC effort. SPAWAR was tasked by Secretary Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, to take the lead and coordinate closely with Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems, the resource sponsors and Navy chief information officer to build a plan that addresses architecture, resources, schedule, basis of estimates, technical feasibility, risks/opportunities, contract strategy and governance for data center consolidation.
The DCC Task Force will assess all Navy data centers and consolidate at least 58 legacy data centers between fiscal year 2012 and fiscal year 2017 in an effort to realize the target of $1.4 billion net savings for the Navy.
“The task force will gain control of Navy IT assets, capabilities and metrics needed to transition to a private cloud or its equivalent in the future,” said Rob Wolborsky, SPAWAR science and technology national competency and task force lead. “We need industry to be ready to support with input on how we can meet all Navy requirements as best we can.”
In addition to industry feedback on lessons learned in the private sector, the task force will look at the “gold standard” data centers that are in place today. A gold standard data center exhibits a number of features, including adherence to a variety of engineering standards, security-in-depth information assurance controls for all hosted systems, and continuity of operations and disaster recovery for delivered computing capabilities.
Another priority discussed at the SIEN was the Navy’s directive for a single technical authority for IT systems, communications, space and enterprise networks. In support of Department of Defense and Navy efficiency initiatives, modifications are underway to convert multiple Navy command IT approval and procurement processes to a single Navy enterprise workflow with SPAWAR as the technical authority. This approach will support effective expenditure of funding to acquire IT and provide visibility of all Navy IT purchases.
“Technical authority ensures practical and complete solutions to programmatic technical needs – while meeting required standards and, more importantly – fitting into the bigger picture. This implies a ‘system of systems’ approach,” said Mike Spencer, SPAWAR deputy chief engineer. “It’s a single framework for driving integration, interoperability and standards into and across the enterprise.”
The purpose of the collaborative event, hosted in partnership with the San Diego chapter of the National Defense Industry Association, is to facilitate an open and strong dialog between SPAWAR personnel and the San Diego defense industry. Brady encouraged industry partners to ask tough questions and assured them that all SPAWAR leaders would do their best to answer.
As the Navy's Information Dominance systems command, SPAWAR designs, develops and deploys advanced communications and information capabilities. With more than 8,900 active duty military and civil service professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, SPAWAR is at the forefront of research, engineering, acquisition and support services that provide vital decision superiority to our forces at the right time and for the right cost.
| Date Taken: | 12.07.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.07.2011 11:28 |
| Story ID: | 81011 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 932 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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