What project EK9 buys
This funding line supports the NGC2 initiative to modernize C2 systems. NGC2 is one of the Army's highest modernization priorities and will enhance the ability to conduct multi-domain operations by integrating advanced technologies, improving interoperability, and increasing the speed and accuracy of decision-making processes. This funding line specifically supports the Applications Layer efforts within NGC2. The Applications Layer supports the delivery of warfighting function (WfF) applications and Unified Network Operations. WfF applications (e.g. Command and Control, Information Advantage, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Protection, Sustainment and Network Operations) will be delivered to the specifications defined by the Data Layer (Project EJ6). Project EK9 also consolidates and further refines Network Operations (NetOps) tools that are key to enabling applications in a data-centric network with increased efficiency in overall network management. Warfighting function applications will operate in conjunction with the Data Layer to provide seamless mission command from the enterprise to the tactical edge, leveraging cutting edge available commercial technologies. This unified approach will dramatically improve the user experience for warfighters, enabling faster decision-making and ultimately increasing lethality.
- Management Services
- Product Development
- Support
- Test and Evaluation
Project EK9 funding, FY2025–FY2026
Prior years are actuals, the budget year is the request, and the outyears are the FYDP plan. Estimate types are colored and never summed into one figure. Projects carry the full five-year plan; the activities inside them stop at the budget year.
| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 59.7 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 200.4 |
7 accomplishments / planned programs
The R-2A exhibit — the only level of the budget that describes work that has not happened yet. Activities carry the prior, current and budget year only, no five-year plan. Coverage is partial across the corpus, so count activities, never total them.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to funding realignment to PE 0605331A / C2 Applications, Projects C2C and C2D, in support of Army-prioritized Next Generation Command and Control Application Layer efforts under a new funding structure.
FY2026 plans — current year Funding will be used to deliver a modernized C2 Applications Layer that includes critical warfighting function (WfF) applications. Continuous competition via future Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO) will onboard new technologies through integration of innovative and iterative capabilities while maintaining momentum from the Project Convergence Capstone 5 exercise, with a division-scaled prototype capability to be demonstrated at Project Convergence Capstone 6 in FY 2026. Efforts include transition and integration of existing mission command system efforts into new NGC2 capabilities.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to funding realignment to PE 0605331A / C2 Applications, Projects C2C and C2D, in support of Army-prioritized Next Generation Command and Control Application Layer efforts under a new funding structure.
FY2026 plans — current year Ramp up testing processes and capabilities and execute a variety of TEVV activities, including Logistics, Limited User Assessment(s), Cyber Tabletop Exercise (CTTX), Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessment (CVA), Adversarial Cybersecurity Developmental Test (ACDT), Cooperative Vulnerability and Penetration Test (CVPA), and After Actions.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to funding realignment to PE 0605331A / C2 Applications, Projects C2C and C2D, in support of Army-prioritized Next Generation Command and Control Application Layer efforts under a new funding structure.
FY2026 plans — current year Funds personnel labor to support program management and execution for the C2 Applications Layer, including facilitation of continuous competition via future Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO). Includes assessment of cybersecurity compliance, research, program oversight, risk management and documentation.
FY2025 accomplishments Product Development funds the competitive prototype development of Unified Network Operations (UNO) solutions. Prototype development of Lower-Tier Tactical (LTT) and Upper-Tier Tactical (UTT) capabilities serve as the foundational components of UNO including a Simplified User Interface (SUI), open network architectures, Application Program Interfaces (APIs) that enable access to core NetOps tools (e.g., planning, management, monitoring, security), core NetOps tools, operations and maintenance functions which enable plan/design, model and simulation, install, operate, maintain, sustain, and security of the network for tactical users. These capabilities are intended to be interoperable and…
FY2025 accomplishments Training Development funds will provide for development of training materials in FY 2025 to support UNO IS-ICD requirements. Training development will support the iterative software development process and Development, Security, Operations (DevSecOps) activities, including Soldier Touch Points (STPs) and Operational User Assessments (OUAs) throughout the development cycle.
FY2025 accomplishments Test & Evaluation funds will provide for the continuous integration, test, and evaluation of UNO capabilities, acquiring the necessary certifications to operate UNO capabilities across Army networks and Department of Defense Information Networks (DODIN) operations, and will ensure UNO capabilities are integrated and interoperable across the Army's Unified Network. This includes the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) and Army Test and Evaluation Center (ATEC) support, test lab and equipment (hardware / software), continuous developmental test activities, operational Soldier Touch Points (STPs) / Operational User Assessments (OUAs), cybersecurity and penetration…
FY2025 accomplishments Management Services funds will provide for Program Management Office (PMO) support activities to the Unified Network Operations (UNO) program, to include contracts management, logistical support, program and business management functions.