Air Force Defensive Cyber Systems (AFDCS) - Software Pilot Program

Abstract

This effort is not a new start. The FY 2018 NDAA Sections 873/874 directed OSD to streamline software development. The Air Force Defensive Cyber Systems (AFDCS) effort is an OSD pilot initiative in which all lifecycle funding will be tracked under BA08, Software and Digital Technology Pilot Programs. Pilot programs will allow the DAF to execute modern software development practices encompassing development, procurement, modification and maintenance activities within a single appropriation. Air Force Defensive Cyber Systems (AFDCS) sustains, enhances, and integrates three defensive cyber weapon systems: Cyberspace Vulnerability Assessment/Hunter (CVA/H); Cyber Defense Analysis (CDA); and AFCERT (ACD). AFDCS provides and equips USAF operational units, predominantly Cyber Protection Teams, Mission Defense Teams, and network defenders with the capabilities required to protect USAF networks and systems. End users comprise over 2,000 operators across the country from across the Total Force - Active Duty (AD), Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve Command(AFRC). AFDCS coordinates and executes resources needed to assess, analyze, and respond to Air Force network security incidents, intrusive activity, malicious logic (i.e., viruses) and vulnerabilities. AFDCS provides continuous monitoring and defense of Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) assigned to the Department of Defense (DoD), AF classified, and unclassified computer networks. AFDCS conducts defensive cyberspace operations by monitoring, collecting, analyzing, and reporting on sensitive information released from friendly unclassified systems, such as computer networks, telephones, email, and USAF websites. AFDCS conducts vulnerability assessments, network intrusion analysis, systems vulnerability analysis, and protects against the advanced persistent threat through fielded Hunter teams. Hunter teams provide worldwide defensive cyberspace operations on AF classified and unclassified networks. The systems within AFDCS are managed through an Agile software development procurement and sustainment process that includes working from a prioritized backlog managed by the Program Management Office (PMO) according to priorities provided by MAJCOM and operational users. Priorities are updated at least every 3-months . Priorities can be adjusted, and usable capability produced after every iteration. This approach allows the program to focus on current operational priorities, achieve early return on investment of taxpayer dollars, mitigate risk, reduce waste, effectively respond to change, and continuously improve processes. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In PY $0.103M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in CY $0.228M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 8, Software and Digital Technology Pilot Program because this budget activity includes funding provided for expenses necessary for agile development, test and evaluation, procurement, production and modification, and the operation and maintenance of these programs.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2023
Source ID
0308605F_8_3600_PB_2023
Change Summary Explanation
In FY23, the DAF realigned $240.9M from Program Element (PE) 0208088F AF Defensive Cyberspace Operations (AFDCO) to PE 0308605F AF Defensive Cyber Systems (AFDCS) in order to consolidate efforts under a single Budget Activity 8 (BA08) Software and Digital Technology Pilot Program. Prior to FY23, funding was contained in PE 0208088F Projects 677821; 677822; 677823; Operations & Maintenance (O&M) AG/SAGs 12D/11V, and Other Procurement Line Item 834320. Respective FY22 funding totaled $232.13M. FY23 increased to $240.93M due to economic adjustments prior to realignment to Budget Activity 8, PE 0308605F for participation in the DoD's Software & Digital Technology Pilot Program.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agile Software Development
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Computer Network Security
  • Computer Networks
  • Cyber Defense Techniques
  • Cyber Protection
  • Cyber Threats
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Data Analysis
  • Deployment
  • Insider Threats
  • Logistics
  • Procurement
  • Software Development
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management

Technology Areas

  • Cyber

Related Documents