Operational System Development - Hq USAF Only

This activity builds upon the deployment and connectivity of solutions being delivered under the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) Program Element 64003F. The DAF executed Task Force Sentinel Stand (TFSS) to assess cyber command relations (COMREL) at the tactical edge. TFSS proved warfighters have a critical need to take their endpoint devices to austere locations and still access needed classified data without High Assurance IP Encryptor devices. Connectivity will allow relevant mission data requirements to the edge and through space with diverse access paths to deter adversary intrusions. This will include the Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) routing layer to transport content across nodes through both government and commercial communication paths. Through this effort the DAF will deploy, connect, and test SD-WAN solutions in direct support of USAFE, Air Force Forces Generation (AFFORGEN), and Agile Combat Employment (ACE) initiatives, to allow Combat Air Forces to connect, move and maneuver, and recover safely, reducing risk to mission and life. The DAF, Chief Information Officer's (CIO) vision is to provide resilient, software-defined, transport and portable end points that create efficiencies and resiliency in transport by creating a "Black Fabric" that allows multiple providers to transport multiple classifications, rather than the historic and vulnerable approach of 1 fiber, 1 network, 1 classification. In FY2024, funding was allocated for activities to support deployment, connection and testing of an Operational Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) SD-WAN network in an "operational prototype" configuration, to demonstrate distributed edge intelligence and C2 "on-the-move" focusing on the PACAF region. Funding initiated deployment of network capability that could be scaled for employment across any DAF (or Department of War (DoW)) installation or weapon system. In FY2025 funds were allocated to further Operational SD-WAN activities to design, install, and configure hardware/software solutions focusing on the USAFE region. This is to provide Global Teleport (voice) services and alternate connectivity capabilities. In FY 2026, Project 673100, (Operational System Development) was terminated/completed.