Command, Control, Communications Systems - Eng Dev

The Program Element PE 0604805A: Command, Control, Communications Systems Engineering Development supports the Army's research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts to modernize and enhance command, control, and communications capabilities. The overarching objective is to deliver advanced, resilient, and interoperable systems that enable effective mission command and situational awareness for Army units across all operational domains.

The FY 2026 budget reflects a realignment of resources to support the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative, focusing on the modernization of data and application layers within command and control (C2) systems. Funding for Joint Battle Command Platform (JBC-P) and Mounted Mission Command (MMC) in FY 2026 and beyond is transitioned to Army Tactical Command & Control Hardware & Software, specifically supporting NGC2 initiatives. The MMC Family of Systems (FoS), including MMC-Transport (MMC-T) and MMC-Software (MMC-S), aims to replace legacy Blue Force Tracking (BFT) hardware and software with next-generation transceivers, encryption devices, and satellite communication waveforms.

MMC-T enhances network resiliency by enabling smart routing across multiple network paths and provides improved protections against electronic warfare and cyber threats. MMC-S leverages the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) and agile software development to converge warfighting functions and deliver intuitive, robust C2/SA applications for vehicles and command posts.

The DH4: CMOSS Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) Radio Cards program supports the NGC2 Transport Layer by developing modular, open-architecture tactical radio communication components. The objective is to prototype and mature Software Defined Radio (SDR) cards, Cryptographic Subsystem (CSS) cards, Digital Radio Heads (DRH), and Victory Audio Adapters (VAX) for integration into the CMFF chassis. The program follows a blocking strategy, incrementally adding support for legacy and advanced waveforms, and is structured for rapid prototyping and competitive acquisition using Other Transaction Authorities (OTA). FY 2026 funds support program management, hardware/software development, and extensive test and evaluation activities to demonstrate interoperability and product maturation.

DH5: CMOSS Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) Chassis focuses on developing the Mounted Common Infrastructure (MCI) Chassis, which serves as the physical and logical backbone for integrating capability cards and peripheral devices. The goal is to reduce system size, weight, and power-cooling (SWaP-C) while ensuring hardware and software commonality across multiple vehicle and aviation platforms. The program supports prototype development, integration, and NSA evaluation activities, moving away from costly, proprietary solutions. FY 2026 funding enables continued hardware and software development, platform integration, and ramped-up testing, including environmental and safety assessments and soldier touch point events.

DL9: APNT Cards C5ISR Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) funds the development of Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) capability cards for the CMFF chassis. The APNT cards are designed to provide trusted PNT data by leveraging multiple sources and open architectures, ensuring plug-and-play interoperability for both internal and external systems. The program follows the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and complies with the Army's PNT Reference Architecture. FY 2026 resources support prototype integration engineering, hardware/software development, and developmental and operational testing to validate the APNT solution within the CMFF ecosystem.

Each of these projects is managed through a mix of competitive OTA and Federal Acquisition Regulation contracts, with a focus on rapid prototyping, user assessments, and technical trade-offs to balance capability and cost. The acquisition strategies emphasize open standards and modularity to facilitate future upgrades, reduce integration complexity, and encourage industry competition. Program management, technical oversight, and test/evaluation activities are coordinated with Army Futures Command, DEVCOM C5ISR Center, and other relevant agencies to ensure alignment with validated requirements and operational needs.