Defense Exportability Features (DEF) Program
Abstract
The Defense Exportability Features (DEF) Pilot Program is a result of a USD (AT&L) sponsored legislative proposal for authorities to better prepare warfighting systems for non-US use. This program funds activities to support identification of major defense acquisition programs for possible export, and the planning for design and incorporation of exportability features during the research and development phases of these programs. Features include, but are not limited to, technology and engineering design activity such as capability differentials, anti-tamper, system assurance, and software assurance. Activities include the development of program protection strategies for the program; the design and incorporation of exportability features into the system; implementation of exportability requirements onto contracts; and research, development, test, and evaluation activities. Defense exportability features play a critically important role in United States Government/DoD efforts to build partnership capacity. Funds support building joint and coalition environments by enabling the export of DoD systems to a wide range of partner nations, resulting in improved security and interoperability. In addition to the operational benefits, by providing these resources up front, the United States and partner nations will save significant resources by more efficiently designing and producing exportable U.S. systems. A number of designated systems participating in the DEF Pilot Program in FY18 will continue defining and implementing DEF ‘best practices’ related to designing and developing technology protection in the areas of program management, system engineering, and technology protection measures in the DoD acquisition process. Failure to consider export variant designs early in the acquisition process results in increased costs, delayed delivery, and higher risk of sensitive technology compromise due to ad-hoc sales later in production. Early development of export variants, including systems design approaches to integrate adequate domestic and exportable anti-tamper protection and differential capability requirements to lower production costs, makes it possible to improve quality and timely deliveries to allies and friends, and may enhance US industry share of the global marketplace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- P013_0605022D8Z_5_0400_PB_2018
Related Documents
- Root: Defense Exportability Program
- Child Accomplishment: Defense Exportability Features (DEF) Program