Key Management Infrastructure Development
This funding enables the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative to modernize Command and Control (C2) systems. This Program Element (PE) is a critical enabler of the Army Modernization Priorities including Cryptographic Modernization 2 (CM2) addressing current and emerging cyber security threats. This PE funds the development and test of the Next Generation Load Device - Medium (NGLD-M). This product issues, fills, and manages cryptographic key and mission planning products from the National Security Agency (NSA) Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) and End-Cryptographic Units (ECUs). The NGLD-M enhances the capabilities of the legacy product, the Simple Key Loader (SKL), by providing secure, Over-the-Network Keying (OTNK), reducing the logistics burden of touching all ECUs across the force and addresses advanced cryptographic cyber security threats. This effort is an Acquisition Category III (ACAT III) Program of Record (POR) and has multi-service and multi-national stakeholder interest. The acquisition strategy leverages multiple product development vendors with a Government developed User Application Software (UAS) providing a common user experience across individual vendor hardware solutions. The program is progressing towards Milestone C and will fully replace the SKL following an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and Full-Rate Production (FRP) decision. FY2027 funding supports meeting the NSA Security Evaluation Requirements Document (SERD) 2.0 requirements in a follow-on development and fielding post Full Rate Production (FRP).
FY2027 planned work NGLD-M software and hardware development and testing to obtain NSA Certification, requirements and specifications for IAW NSA IASRD. Address emerging threats through NSA mandated Security Evaluation Requirement Document 2.0 (SERD2.0) and assess cost, schedule, performance impact to the program baseline.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Requirement decrease consistent with FY 2026 Milestone C decision and program transition to procurement.
FY2026 plans — current year Complete NGLD-M development and testing to obtain NSA Certification for both vendors. Operational testing to include IOT&E, Full Rate Production (FRP), Security Verification Test (SVT) and Physical Configuration Audits (PCA) will be used to verify that products meet cryptographic and protective alarms requirements and specifications IAW NSA Information Assurance Security Requirement Document (IASRD). Address emerging threats through NSA mandated Security Evaluation Requirement Document 2.0 (SERD2.0) and assess cost, schedule, performance impact to the program baseline.
FY2025 accomplishments Continue NGLD-M development and testing to obtain NSA Certification for both vendors. Security Verification Test (SVT) and Physical Configuration Audits (PCA) will be used with both vendors to verify that products meet cryptographic and protective alarms requirements and specifications IAW NSA IASRD.
FY2027 planned work FY 2027 funds testing related travel funding for Assistant Program Manager (APM), and Software Engineer Program Management support from Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center to assist with the NGLD-M development, testing, and certification effort.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Requirement decrease consistent with FY 2026 Milestone C decision and program transition to procurement.
FY2026 plans — current year FY 2026 funds matrixed support to include funding for Assistant Program Manager (APM), and Software Engineer Program Management support from Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center to assist with the NGLD-M development, testing, and certification effort.
FY2025 accomplishments FY 2025 funds matrixed support to include partial funding for Software Engineer Program Management support from Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center to assist with the NGLD-M development effort. Remaining funds required for support will be paid with procurement funds.
FY2027 planned work Conduct development and follow-on test activities associated with meeting NSA SERD 2.0 requirements.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Requirement decrease consistent with FY 2026 Milestone C decision and program transition to procurement.
FY2026 plans — current year Conduct remaining developmental and initial operational test and evaluation operational testing in support of Full-Rate Production activities. Support NSA high-assurance certification testing.
FY2025 accomplishments FY 2025 funds developmental test and evaluation support efforts to include any follow-on testing or assessments post IOT&E.