Interoperability Certification and Assessment
Abstract
This warfare critical project funds interoperability assessments via the Distributed Integration & Interoperability Assessment Capability (DIIAC), the technical assessment of interoperable systems to meet mission requirements, the updating of Strike Group Capabilities and Limitations (C&L) and the updating of the Tactical Information Coordinator Technical Aids (TIC TECHAIDs). The project ensures NAVSEA/PEOs are delivering mature and interoperable warfare systems at the platform and Strike Group levels to the warfighter, with NAVSEA providing Strike Force interoperability certification and assessments. This project focuses on force-level impact of new systems and platforms under development. Interoperability Assessments of deploying ships in Strike Force configurations are accomplished through the utilization of the Navy's DIIAC, located at multiple Navy land-based sites located across the country and connected via networking technology, and that provides operational configurations for all naval combat systems. It is a U.S. Fleet Forces Command requirement that all Strike Forces undergo Interoperability Assessment Testing in the DIIAC prior to deployment. The DIIAC provides the only opportunity for comprehensive interoperability testing of combat system and C5I configuration items prior to shipboard delivery for operational use in surface combatant platforms and Strike Groups. DIIAC, with its ability to test systems in a Strike Group environment, is funded to support the warfare system's acquisition community to test their developmental items for interoperability. However, in this instance, while funds are provided to test the item in a Strike Group environment, funds are not provided for subsequent data analysis and risk assessment, as this is the cognizant acquisition program's responsibility. When the acquisition development is complete and corrections are made, DIIAC will then fund for the full interoperability characterization testing of the baseline to include the requisite warfare system interoperability analysis and risk assessments needed to support the Warfare Systems Certification Decision (WSCD). Note, this effort also supports and feeds into the development of Fleet Products Tactical Tools such as Capabilities & Limitations (C&L) and Tactical Information Coordinator Technical Aids (TIC TECHAIDs), which are relied on daily to ensure that operators/warfighters understand the interoperability capabilities and limitations of their combat and C5I systems. C&Ls are published for all Strike Groups, Independent Deployers, and (when funded) their Coalition and Joint partners. TIC TECHAIDS are delivered to deploying Carrier Strike Groups (CSG's), Amphibious Ready Group (ARG's) and Independent Deployers prior to workups and then a final copy is provided prior to deployment. C&L and TIC TECHAIDS are the final report-out to Fleet operators/warfighters of the acquisition community's efforts. They are used on a daily basis and relied upon in every operational theater, as well as in every Navy and Joint Schoolhouse. Note, the DIIAC infrastructure is available, but not funded to support the surface Navy's participation in the Joint Testing Environments as well as the Maritime Theater Missile Defense (MTMD) Coalition Forces interoperability testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- d531230fb32999fda884fd3ff12ac1c2