Distributed Common Ground System (MIP)

Abstract

Distributed Common Ground System - Army (DCGS-A) is the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) System of Systems (SoS) for Joint, Interagency, Allied, Coalition, and National data analysis, sharing and collaboration. The core functions of DCGS-A are: the vertical and horizontal synchronization of ISR Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) efforts; operations in a networked environment at multiple security levels; the control of select Army and joint sensor systems; the fusion of all acquired data and information, and distribution of relevant red (threat), gray (non-aligned), and environmental (weather and terrain) information; and providing the Warfighters' early warning, targeting, and sensor ground station capabilities. DCGS-A provides a single integrated ISR ground processing system composed of common components that are interoperable with sensors, other information sources, and all Warfighting Functions. DCGS-A is fielded in Fixed, Mobile, and embedded configurations emphasizing the use of reach and split based operations by improving accessibility of data in order to reduce forward deployed footprint. As enhanced capabilities are developed and tested, a continuing series of software releases will be integrated into Army common/commodity hardware and fielded to units in accordance with the Dynamic Army Resourcing Priority List (DARPL) process. The Army Acquisition Executive designated PEO IEW&S and DCGS-A as the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) Lead. As such, DCGS-A is defining the architecture to fit within the Common Operating Environment (COE) as described by the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology) (ASA(ALT)) COE Implementation Plan. This is in accordance with the G-3/5/7 priority to align all Army networks, procurements, and enhancements under one COE and one vision leveraging intelligence community investments. DCGS-A consolidated, enhanced, and modernized the Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TPED) capabilities formerly found in nine Army intelligence programs of records (Common Ground Station (CGS), Guardrail Common Sensor (GRCS), Counterintelligence & Interrogation Operations Workstation (CI&I OPS WS), All Source Analysis System (ASAS), Enhanced TrackWolf (ETW), Digital Topographic Support System (DTSS), Integrated Meteorological System (IMETS), Tactical Exploitation System (TES), and Prophet Control) and two Quick Reaction Capabilities (Joint Intelligence Operations Center – Iraq (JIOC-I) and Imagery Work Station(IWS)). DCGS-A provides these technologically advanced PED capabilities in tailored and scalable mobile, fixed, and embedded configurations in all maneuver and maneuver support units from Company Intelligence Support Team to Army Service Component Command, and in select maneuver sustainment units battalion and above. The program also develops software packages to be embedded in mission command and other select systems to provide required ISR/analytic capabilities. DCGS-A is one of the Army's top modernization priorities. DCGS-A software is tailored by echelon and scalable to each unit's mission. DCGS-A provides commanders and staffs the ability to maintain an accurate and up to date understanding of the operational environment. The DCGS-A contribution to commanders' visualization and situational awareness, rapid planning, and the synchronization of all warfighting functions, enable Army units to operate within the enemy's decision cycle. This capability enhances tactical and operational maneuver and the conduct of full spectrum operations across the range of military operations from humanitarian to major combat operations and campaigns through all phases of the Joint Continuum of Military Operations. The DCGS-A configurations range from laptops to systems integrated in tactical shelters and mounted on tactical vehicles to large commodity servers operating in a sanctuary based processing environment. The fundamental intent and tenet of this approach is to reduce forward deployed equipment/footprint by co-locating the advanced analytics capabilities within the DCGS-A baseline with the regional data centers, where the data is stored. This infrastructure consolidation simultaneously reduces processor and communications requirements in tactical units by limiting the number of large data files transported across tactical communications systems. Following a successful operational assessment and Milestone C in 2QFY12/Full Deployment Decision in 1QFY13, the program is deploying DCGS-A Increment 1 Release 1 Software Baseline capability throughout the Army. FY16 Base funding in the amount of $8.923 million for 956, will be used for the continued development and testing of the DCGS-A Increment 1 Software Release 2; as well as the continued development and testing of the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE) as it fits into the Army's overarching Common Operating Environment (COE) construct. The COE has been directed by the ASA(ALT) and concurred by the Army G3/5/7 as a priority effort to align all Army networks, procurements, and enhancements under one COE vision. Funds used for efforts associated with the development of the CPCE/COE will include the continued merger/collapse of capabilities across multiple Battlefield Functional Areas (BFAs) and the consolidation of hardware used across the BFAs. Funds used for efforts associated with the development of the software will include continued advancements in the Standard Sharable Geospatial Foundation to support the Tactical Common Operating Picture, as well as further investment into capabilities and widget development supporting All Source Intelligence, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), emerging architectural and infrastructure enhancements, and software integration efforts. The FY16 funding will be used for integration of commercial technologies to the latest version(s) and changes due to Information Assurance updates. Testing activities requiring these funds will include participation in Network Integration Evaluation and Exercises such as: Empire Challenge, ULCHI Freedom Guardian, and Joint Interoperability Certification test(s) for each software release.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2016
• Source ID: 956_0305208A_7_2040_PB_2016

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• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Geospatial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence Analytics