Rapid Delivery of Cyber Capabilities: Evaluation of the Requirement for a Rapid Cyber Acquisition Process

Abstract

The Department of Defense has a standardized acquisition construct for delivering capabilities in the land, air, sea and space domains. Recently, cyberspace was identified as a warfighting domain; however, the unique attributes of the cyberspace domain require a more rapid process to deliver capabilities to the warfighter. Indeed, from initial requirements to fielding of the F/A-22 aircraft was approximately 20 years; this timeframe is not acceptable for cyberspace capabilities. To address requirements associated with the quickly evolving technology, senior leaders have called for a rapid cyber acquisition strategy. In response, methodologies have been proposed to enable quick response acquisition programs. On the surface, this notion appears viable. Examination, however, reveals that there has yet to be an Air Force program within the cyberspace domain that necessitates a rapid acquisition process. Rather, findings demonstrate that requirement for rapid delivery of cyberspace capabilities is more aptly associated with fielding tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP). This research examines the rapid delivery of cyberspace capabilities and challenges the paradigm associated with the need for rapid cyber acquisition. Results of the research demonstrate a need to shift focus from rapid acquisition to rapid TTP delivery.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA563244

Entities

People

  • Matt J. Butler

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Computer Networks
  • Cyber Warfare
  • Cyberspace
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Governments
  • Information Systems
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Space