General Support to OUSD(Intelligence and Security)

General Support to OUSD(Intelligence and Security) is a Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) program element managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Its primary objective is to provide technical, analytic, and policy support to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (USD(I&S)), with a focus on advancing intelligence and security innovation. The program aligns with Department of Defense (DoD) priorities such as Defending the Homeland, Building Sustainable and Long-Term Advantage, and Taking Care of People, as outlined in the National Defense Strategy (NDS).

The program's goals include oversight and modernization of the Defense Intelligence & Security Enterprise (DISE), with particular emphasis on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Activities under this line item involve conducting research and evaluation of global ISR topics to improve strategic sufficiency and effectiveness. The program supports expedited delivery of ISR systems, technologies, policies, and processes to enhance warfighter operations worldwide. It also provides guidance and options to national leaders for improving ISR efficiency and effectiveness.

A significant objective of this program is the development and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The Machine Assisted Disclosure (MAD) initiative aims to facilitate the secure release of information to foreign partners by leveraging AI within Combatant Commands' workflows, thereby supporting coalition operations while maintaining operational security. The Reimagining Polygraph initiative seeks to identify, develop, and enhance technologies for credibility assessments, with the goal of integrating these advancements into DoD operations.

Security activities funded by this program focus on technology development and concept evaluation for applications in Personnel Vetting, Physical Security, Industrial Security, Critical Technology Protection, and Law Enforcement. These efforts are designed to secure the Department and the Defense Industrial Base by advancing process improvements, efficiencies, and innovation. The program also supports proof-of-concept and application development to enable these security enhancements.

The budget line includes research into the implications and applications of classified cloud computing and cloud-based technologies, as well as the use of DoD grant data to support research protection efforts. These initiatives are intended to address emerging security and intelligence challenges associated with new technologies and data management practices. Expert engineering and technical assessments are provided on classified ISR operational capabilities, supporting senior-level education and informed decision-making regarding ISR platforms, sensors, and force structure.

Congressional Add - Unauthorized Disclosure is a specific budget line within this program that received additional funding in FY 2024 and FY 2025. This funding supports the implementation of findings and recommendations related to security programs, policies, and procedures. In FY 2025, an increase was allocated for a Congressionally mandated study focused on Secure Development Technical Assessment within the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), addressing the Deputy Secretary of Defense's priority for secure development.

The acquisition strategy for this program follows the DoD 5000 series directives, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR), ensuring compliance with federal procurement standards. The General Support to OUSD(Intelligence and Security) program is designed to sustain and modernize intelligence and security capabilities across the DoD, promote technological innovation, and address evolving threats through targeted research, development, and policy initiatives.