Joint Systems Architecture Development

The Joint Systems Architecture Development (JSAD) program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is designed to support the National Defense Strategy's objectives of building enduring advantages and providing integrated deterrence. The program focuses on two main areas: Portfolio Systems Acquisition (PSA) and the Electronic Warfare Executive Committee (EW EXCOM).

The PSA aims to enhance air, land, sea, and undersea warfare capabilities through integrated acquisition portfolio management and Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). This involves developing roadmaps for acquisition investment decisions and assessing MDAPs in a capability area context. Portfolio Systems Acquisition emphasizes integrated acquisition portfolio analysis, roadmaps, and decision support to guide the development of systems that achieve joint mission capabilities.

The program seeks to identify synergies across portfolios, reduce duplication, and find cost-saving opportunities while providing technical expertise in warfare area portfolios. Efforts include supporting Mission Engineering principles to integrate technology and systems affordably for warfighters. Additionally, PSA supports senior leadership decisions through acquisition review meetings and collaborates on programming and review activities.

The Electronic Warfare Executive Committee focuses on providing oversight and coordination for electromagnetic warfare matters within the Department of Defense. It conducts technical analyses, technology assessments, and capability gap identification to inform EW requirements and investment decisions. The program also advances EW needs through modeling, simulation, testing, exercises, experimentation, and training.

Key objectives include enhancing cross-service collaboration on EW solutions and developing international partnerships with allies like Australia and the UK. Both components of JSAD aim to implement enterprise-wide approaches that emphasize horizontal integration within the Department of Defense. This includes fostering interagency collaboration, adopting a coordinated approach to planning and execution, and pursuing significant reforms at governance levels.

By shifting from systems acquisition to portfolio systems acquisition, JSAD seeks to deliver optimal equipment and systems aligned with national security strategies.