Cyberspace Operations Forces and Force Support

The CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS FORCES & FORCE SUPPORT program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0305251N in the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is designed to advance the Navy's capabilities in cyberspace operations. The primary goal of this program is to develop both foundational and specialized cyber tools to support the Cyber Mission Force (CMF), aligning with requirements from the Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (JFHQ-C) Navy and broader Department of Defense (DoD) guidance. The program addresses evolving threats in the cyber domain by focusing on research, development, and operational support for Navy cyber forces.

A key project under this program element is focused on the development of additional support facilities and infrastructure for cyberspace operations, as well as program management, engineering, administrative, and security support. The project emphasizes expanding the development network and network support, enabling remote and distributed cyber tool development. It also includes hardware and software reverse engineering, which is critical for identifying vulnerabilities and opportunities in both friendly and adversary systems.

Within this project, research and development activities are prioritized to identify and exploit cyber tool opportunities and vulnerabilities. The project aims to produce both foundational and reserve toolkits, which are essential for operational flexibility and readiness. Logistics support for cyberspace activities is also included, ensuring that developed tools and capabilities can be deployed and maintained effectively. The acquisition strategy for this project is designated as non-Acquisition Category (ACAT), allowing for streamlined development and rapid adaptation to changing operational requirements.

Another major project within PE 0305251N focuses on the development of offensive cyber tools, including vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and the creation of foundational and specialized toolkits. This project supports the expansion and maintenance of development networks and provides coaching for development operations, enhancing the Navy's ability to conduct and sustain cyber missions.

This project also supports joint efforts, such as the study of the Joint Common Access Platform for off-net access, in coordination with U.S. CYBERCOM and the Air Force. Product development activities include support development, hardware and software engineering, and the creation of cyber tool enablers. Management services within this project provide program management, study support, and prototype development, leveraging expertise from organizations such as NIWC LANT (Charleston, SC) and NSMA (Suitland, MD).

Both projects under PE 0305251N are structured to address classified requirements, with many details held at higher classification levels. The strategy is to ensure that Navy cyber forces have the technical capabilities, infrastructure, and management support needed to operate effectively in contested cyberspace environments. By investing in research, development, and operational support, the program aims to maintain technological superiority and operational readiness in the face of rapidly evolving cyber threats.