By deploying modular defensive cyber operations kits to Soldiers, PM DCO delivers cyber warfighting capabilities that protect against cyber threats. (Photo by Brian Cooper, CPE ISW)
by Katherine Morgan
Cyber networks that are imperative for national security are probed by adversaries every day. These threats can lay dormant and undetected, waiting for the perfect time to strike. Since missions can materialize at a moment’s notice, cyber protection teams must be able to quickly respond and deploy fast, flexible and efficient defensive cyber measures.
To meet the need, cyber protection teams are leveraging commercial technology to bolster cyber defense as advances in the commercial technology industry continue to accelerate. Project Manager Defensive Cyber Operations (PM DCO), the Army entity under Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare (CPE ISW), collaborates with industry partners and embraces commercial technology to rapidly deploy and field critical defensive cyber operations capabilities. One of PM DCO’s most critical defensive cyber operations solutions is the Deployable Defensive Cyberspace Operations System–Modular (DDS-M). The DDS-M is a highly mobile, compact kit that enables the Army to conduct integrated, full-spectrum cyberspace operations locally, regionally and globally. The DDS-M kit fits directly in the overhead compartment of an aircraft and contains highly adaptive defensive cyber operations tools that cyber defenders need to complete cyber missions.
Once on target, teams can assemble the DDS-M kit and tap into networks in under 20 minutes. After being assembled, teams can quickly confirm any adversarial presence, gather as much intelligence as possible, assess the network’s weaknesses and defend against future intrusions—all while actively stopping the ongoing attack. The DDS-M contains a powerful suite of software tools specifically developed and curated based on unique requirements of each mission. These versatile tools allow the Army to easily update the kit’s software and constantly enhance its cyber defense capability.
“To support Army Cyber Command’s mission of rapidly deploying extensive cyber defense tools to the warfighter, the first-generation DDS-M kit was introduced to cyber protection teams at Fort Gordon in 2019,” said Wayne Sok, product manager of the Cyber Platforms and Systems Product Office under PM DCO. “For each new iteration, Soldiers provided critical user feedback on what they needed, with the latest version of the DDS-M rolling out in 2024 with more computing and easier mobility. Currently, DDS-M kits are being utilized by cyber protection teams around the world, as newly updated versions continue to be fielded—allowing for rapid response to unexpected and dynamic cyber threats.”
As commercial technologies continue to advance, so do the Army’s cyber defense measures. The DDS-M kit, a powerful, foundational Army and commercial technology industry co-creation, is already paving the way for next-generation cyber defense technologies that are in development. PM DCO, in collaboration with other Army entities, is leveraging the DDS-M kit’s most critical capabilities into future technology needs already anticipated by the Army—ensuring the warfighter continues to maintain a decisive edge and remain ahead of any potential cyber threats.
The Army is reforming its acquisition processes to accelerate the delivery of new warfighting capabilities. The DDS-M procurement pathway, which existed before these recent fundamental changes were announced, is a powerful example of how the Army best benefits from modern acquisition practices across its entirety to quickly roll out commercial technology solutions that benefit the warfighter—moving from older, time-consuming processes, to ones that prioritize speed and flexibility.
In lieu of more traditional, bureaucratic Army acquisition methods, PM DCO utilizes innovative and flexible contracting to rapidly deliver the DDS-M kit to cyber defenders. Specifically, PM DCO used the other transaction authority (OTA) process to quickly obtain the first iteration of DDS-M kits.PM DCO also utilized Budget Activity 8 (BA-08) to make critical updates to newer versions. The BA-08 funding pilot enables the execution of what is done traditionally through three distinct appropriations—research, development, test and evaluation; other procurement Army; and operations and maintenance—into a single funding type. This significantly accelerates development timelines, potentially saving programs up to two years, because it removes the requirement for congressional or Army Budget Office approval when missions pivot or requirements shift rapidly, but remain in scope of the overall Army cyber requirements.
“Maintaining an advantage in cyber operations depends on our ability to rapidly innovate and field defensive systems to counter ever-evolving threats,” said Robert Zoppa, project manager, Defensive Cyber Operations. “Executing Other Transaction Agreements and Budget Activity 8 (BA-08) lets us quickly acquire technology advancements for the cyber defender at a pace that massively exceeds traditional procurement routes. Our actions significantly support the Army’s modernization efforts by ‘shaving years, in some cases, off the clock’ of acquisition timelines.”
Flexible procurement processes also open doors for industry partners whose business models do not necessarily revolve around working for the government—let alone the complex defense market. For an industry partner to best employ the OTA pathway to do business with the Army, it is essential to be proactive, collaborative and strategic.The Army is currently the largest user of OTA agreements within the Department of War, leveraging them with the immense ability to accelerate modernization and get access to cutting-edge technology.
By deploying modular defensive cyber operations kits to Soldiers, PM DCO delivers cyber warfighting capabilities that protect against cyber threats. (Photo by Brian Cooper, CPE ISW)
As the Army continues to battle relentless cyber attackers, the need for robust defensive capabilities has never been a higher priority. The Army is heavily leveraging commercial technology solutions and partnering with industry to rapidly modernize, maintain a competitive edge and reduce costs through accelerated procurement. The DDS-M is a powerful commercial technology solution and textbook example of how industry-led innovation and easy procurement pathways are imperative to continuously advancing the most advanced capabilities for cyber defense.
For more information about PM DCO, go tohttps://cpeisw.army.mil/pm-dco/. For information about industry opportunities under CPE ISW, go to https://cpeisw.army.mil/industry.
KATHERINE MORGAN leads the strategy and execution of PM DCO’s public affairs priorities as a strategic communications specialist. She holds a B.A. in communications from Mississippi State University and specializes in public affairs, strategic communications, digital marketing, media relations, content creation, branding and client services.