Advanced Concepts and Performance Assessment

The Advanced Concepts and Performance Assessment (ACPA) program, managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is a research and development initiative under Program Element (PE) 0603176C. Its primary goal is to centralize the definition, simulation, analysis, and testbed capability for advanced missile defense concepts. The program aims to explore and assess novel and emerging technologies that could enhance the Missile Defense System (MDS), focusing on both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions to address evolving threats such as ballistic and cruise missiles, and hypersonic vehicles.

MD71: Advanced Concepts and Performance Assessments is the largest component of this program element. Its objectives include integrating disruptive technical solutions into system-level simulations, enabling data-driven acquisition and technology investment decisions. The MD71 line funds quantitative assessments of technologies, including electro-optical infrared sensors, directed energy systems, and advanced interceptors. It supports modeling, simulation, and performance analysis to inform requirements and acquisition strategies.

Specific efforts within MD71 include environmental experimentation for new sensor concepts, lethality and effectiveness evaluations, hypersonic threat testing, and the maturation of advanced technologies through laboratory, ground, and flight demonstrations. MD71 also facilitates collaboration with national laboratories, industry, universities, and small businesses to leverage a broad range of expertise. The program uses a technology development testbed approach to characterize and assess disruptive and incremental technology improvements, enabling the MDA to evaluate the readiness of new concepts for transition into future missile defense architectures.

Congressional adds in FY 2024 supported projects such as long-lived power sources for directed energy weapon satellite systems, hypersonic hardware-in-the-loop upgrades, and quantum computing threat modeling, reflecting a focus on both hardware and advanced computational methods.

MD40: Program-Wide Support provides essential management and operational support for the Missile Defense Agency's activities. This line item covers non-headquarters management costs, including government civilian personnel and contract support services. It ensures the integrity and oversight of the Missile Defense System, supports global deployments, and funds facility capabilities for MDA locations worldwide. Other covered expenses include physical and technical security, audit readiness, STEM programs, legal services, travel, training, leases, utilities, and compliance with statutory environmental requirements. The allocation for Program-Wide Support fluctuates annually based on the total agency budget.

MC71: Cyber Operations focuses on cybersecurity and information assurance for MDA mission, test, and administrative systems. The primary goal is to implement and sustain the Department of Defense's Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements, including controls validation testing, risk assessments, and documentation of accreditation decisions. MC71 funds hardware and software upgrades to meet DoD cybersecurity standards and supports independent verification and validation activities to ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of MDA systems. This line item is essential for compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act and supports annual reviews to maintain information assurance controls.

The acquisition strategy for PE 0603176C emphasizes flexibility and responsiveness to rapidly evolving technical requirements. The MDA leverages industry partnerships, competitive procurements, and collaborations with research centers and other government agencies to drive innovation and deliver advanced technology solutions. For cyber operations, the strategy enables rapid adaptation to emerging threats and ensures the deployment of secure and resilient information systems. For program-wide support, the MDA uses contract actions for engineering, technical support, studies, analyses, and management services, with a focus on achieving small business participation goals.