C4I Interoperability

The PE 0208045K: C4I Interoperability program, managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), focuses on enhancing the interoperability of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems across the Department of Defense (DoD). The primary agency responsible for executing this program is the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), which serves as the DoD's only joint element within the Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) dedicated to Test and Evaluation (T&E) of Information Technology (IT) and National Security Systems (NSS). The overarching goal is to ensure that DoD systems are interoperable, operationally effective, suitable, and cyber survivable, thereby supporting the DoD's objective of information superiority.

The Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) is tasked with evaluating DoD IT/NSS for joint and coalition interoperability, issuing certifications and assessments, and conducting operational evaluations under realistic conditions. JITC's T&E activities address system effectiveness in combat-like environments and provide independent assessments to inform decision makers about risks and capabilities before fielding systems to warfighters. The command also maintains a federated IT infrastructure, serving as a national test asset for DoD and other organizations. It provides direct mission support to warfighters to enable effective communication and collaboration between U.S. military services and allied partners.

Major Range Test Facility Base Operations consolidates the missions previously under T-30 and T-40, streamlining the management of joint interoperability T&E processes. JITC ensures that test, evaluation, and certification practices adhere to DoD policy, manages the scheduling and execution of interoperability test events, and reviews key documentation to maintain compliance with interoperability requirements. As the executive agent for the DoD's Interoperability Steering Group, JITC coordinates policy, adjudicates issues, and processes interim certificates to operate, supporting the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Joint Staff.

Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) efforts involve conducting operational testing of IT/NSS under realistic conditions to determine operational effectiveness, suitability, interoperability, and cyber survivability. JITC supports DISA-managed programs and, upon request, provides OTA services to other agencies such as the Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Health Agency, and National Security Agency. Key OT&E initiatives include testing support for electronic health records, enhanced cryptography, identity management, and continuous vetting for security agencies, as well as assessments for the Joint Cyber Warfighting Area.

Warfighter support is a critical objective, with JITC providing pre- and post-production evaluations, rapid response contingency support to Combatant Commands, and maintaining a 24x7 interoperability hotline. The command deploys test teams for multinational operational test events and supports exercises by evaluating interoperability and cybersecurity across coalition and mission partner systems. These efforts are designed to identify and resolve real-world interoperability challenges, improve joint and coalition warfighting capabilities, and ensure the secure sharing of information and services.

Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) operations maintain and modernize IT/NSS infrastructure at key locations, including Fort Huachuca, AZ, and Fort Meade, MD, supporting a large number of programs annually. The MRTFB incorporates advanced technologies such as virtualization, cloud services, and cyber resources to expand test infrastructure and enable rapid, on-demand provisioning. The test labs provide operationally representative environments for development, certification, and fielding of capabilities, and support a broad spectrum of DoD information environments through numerous annual testing events.

Planned improvements for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include adopting digital engineering methods, increasing modeling and simulation, integrating artificial intelligence for test product development, and expanding automated test capabilities. Infrastructure modernization efforts will focus on cloud technology, improved knowledge management, and enhanced data analytics. The program also aims to streamline business processes, develop workforce training programs, and maintain technical support at both test facility locations. These initiatives are driven by the need to support evolving DoD requirements, improve efficiency, and ensure the rapid delivery of interoperable and secure capabilities to the warfighter.