Combat Information Center Conversion

The Combat Information Center Conversion (PE 0604518N) program is a Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing technologies and systems integration for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Theater Undersea Warfare (TUSW) Command and Control (C2) capabilities. The primary objective of this program element is to develop, integrate, and modernize command center systems that support the warfighter by providing enhanced situational awareness, decision support, and interoperability across submarine and surface fleets. The program aligns with the Department of Defense's broader goals to rapidly increase Navy lethality and operational effectiveness in undersea and surface domains.

Project 3094: Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS) is the Navy's Program of Record for net-centric ASW/TUSW C2 systems. Its main goal is to deliver an integrated, near-real-time Common Tactical Picture (CTP) and Common Operational Picture (COP) for Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) and Theater USW Commanders. USW-DSS supports effective planning and execution of undersea warfare operations, optimizes sensor placement, manages resources, and provides vulnerability assessments. The system is designed to prevent mutual interference among submarines and ensure safe operations through Waterspace Management (WSM) tools.

USW-DSS is undergoing continuous improvement via a Continuous Improvement/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) model, leveraging DevSecOps environments to deliver software upgrades twice annually. Key objectives include the development and integration of new capabilities such as advanced data fusion, automated asset allocation, improved track management, and enhanced cybersecurity. The program also aims to virtualize its software for deployment on the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) platform. This enables more frequent updates and reduces hardware dependencies.

The system's architecture is being restructured to address hardware obsolescence, expand processing capacity, and support multi-level security requirements. Future Fleet Capability Releases (FCRs) will focus on achieving commonality between afloat and ashore systems, enhancing interoperability with allied and coalition partners, and supporting the migration of select components to commercial cloud environments. These improvements are responsive to operational requirements identified by Commander U.S. Fleet Forces and are intended to support both current and future Navy missions.

Project 3439: Project NAUTICA Integrated Theater ASW C4I is focused on developing the Theater ASW architecture, systems engineering, and design for a fully integrated battle management suite. NAUTICA's objective is to federate legacy and emerging systems including GCCS-M, USW-DSS, and Maritime Tactical Command & Control-2 (MTC-2) to enable seamless data exchange and machine-to-machine interfaces, thereby reducing manual workload and improving decision-making. The project uses Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to decompose warfighting requirements and allocate them to existing or new programs.

NAUTICA prioritizes investments based on operational requirements and addresses critical capability gaps in Prevention of Mutual Interference (PMI), WSM, and multi-domain interoperability. The architecture will define key data exchanges, common displays, data models, and cross-domain interfaces to support multi-level security and allied interoperability. The project also supports the integration of new technologies such as the Operational Planning Tool (OPT) and Battlespace Management Tactical Decision Aids (TDAs) into the USW-DSS baseline, facilitating the transition of advanced capabilities from research to operational use.

Both projects under PE 0604518N are managed through a combination of Navy Warfare Centers, small business contractors, and partnerships with other Navy Program Executive Offices (PEOs). The acquisition strategy leverages Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Other Transaction Authority (OTA), and integration of Office of Naval Research (ONR) technologies to accelerate development and fielding. Effective FY 2026, both projects transition to PE 0603561N as part of a consolidation effort to streamline management and further enhance Navy lethality in undersea and surface warfare.