Information Technology Development

The Marine Corps IT Development and Modernization (PE 0605013M) program is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative under the Department of the Navy, focused on advancing and sustaining information technology capabilities for the United States Marine Corps. The program's objective is to develop, modernize, and maintain IT services that support the testing, certification, and operational deployment of software applications and Defense Business Systems (DBS) aligned with the Business Capability Acquisition Cycle (BCAC). These efforts are designed to enhance Marine Corps business solutions, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity mandates and data protection policies.

Strategic Management Decision Support (SMDS) is a key line item within this program, aimed at providing high-quality data and robust analytics for strategic-level decision-making. SMDS supports business processes such as global force management, readiness assessment, wargaming, planning, programming, budgeting, and capability solution development. The program's goals include the integration of enterprise data management tools, improvement of data quality, and the development of inference and decision models. SMDS is managed by Program Manager Naval Applications & Business Services and leverages the DoD Software Acquisition Pathway to rapidly design, test, and deploy resilient software solutions. Annual releases are planned to incrementally deliver new capabilities, with development for future releases ongoing.

Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support System (MCRISS) focuses on automating and modernizing recruiting station operations. The system streamlines applicant processing from commitment to accession, enabling efficient information sharing and compliance with electronic data requirements from the Military Entrance Processing Command. The modernization effort involves competitive evaluation of prototype systems, aiming to replace the current platform with a secure, cyber-compliant solution. MCRISS modernization utilizes agile development and an Other Transaction Agreement to collaborate with industry and academia, ensuring the adoption of advanced information warfare technologies.

Command Individual Risk and Resiliency Assessment System (CIRRAS) is designed to support force preservation by enabling commanders to assess and track individual Marine risk and resiliency factors. CIRRAS provides standardized methodologies for risk management, automates resiliency scoring, and sends alerts for at-risk personnel. Development for CIRRAS Version 2.0 is ongoing, with enhancements including automated e-forms, expanded system interfaces, and machine learning analytics for improved data mining and reporting. These upgrades aim to further support suicide prevention and behavioral risk assessment, with integration and delivery of Version 2.0 planned for future fiscal years.

Manpower Operations Systems (MOS) represents the modernization of Marine Corps human resources management, transitioning from inventory-based to talent-based processes. The program's objectives include the deployment of device-agnostic, data-driven HR solutions, talent marketplaces, and analytics for improved retention, recruiting, assignments, and performance evaluation. MOS leverages modern technologies such as cloud-native solutions, artificial intelligence, automation, and cybersecurity best practices. Future plans include initiating agile development teams to modernize performance evaluation, separation, and retirement business processes, with ongoing deployment of talent management tools and digital solutions.

Total Force Structure Management System (TFSMS) underpins combat development and force structure management for the Marine Corps. TFSMS integrates manning, equipping, organizing, and training lifecycle processes, delivering authoritative force structure data to support global force management and strategic planning. Modernization efforts focus on instituting modern data sharing standards, enhancing computing performance, and incorporating machine learning for improved modeling capabilities. Development will continue with new release capabilities to support the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 directive and joint operational planning needs.