Intelligence Mission Data (IMD)

The Intelligence Mission Data (IMD) program, as outlined in Program Element PE 0307577F, is a key Air Force initiative under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, specifically within Budget Activity 7: Operational Systems Development. The primary objective of IMD is to advance the collection, analysis, and dissemination of mission-critical intelligence data to support air superiority and global strike platforms. This program enables advanced Non-cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR), operational reconnaissance, and traditional Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) capabilities. It ensures that U.S. platforms maintain a technological edge against evolving global threats.

A major component of the IMD program is the Analysis Enterprise (BPAC 675306), which funds RDT&E efforts to develop tools and processes for advanced all-source analysis and production of intelligence mission data. The Analysis Enterprise supports centralized data warehousing and enhances data discoverability, which is crucial for rapid reprogramming and operational flexibility. The program integrates data across Electronic Warfare Integrated Reprogramming Database (EWIRDB), Collection & Processing (C&P), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and signature analysis. These efforts inform acquisition decisions and improve combat identification and survivability.

One of the specific goals for FY 2025 and FY 2026 is the development of IMD Production Tools. These tools automate data processing and improve analysis, production, and dissemination capabilities. Planned accomplishments include the deployment of a cloud-based EWIRDB API, implementation of zero-trust authentication, and the release of a Command & Control (C2) Processes Application MVP. Efforts also focus on automating the ingestion of data from the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) C4ISR repository into various modeling and simulation tools, unifying M&S and signature portals, and incorporating sensor fusion algorithms to optimize weapon system models.

Another significant line item is the ReTi-CIP and JAIMI Development effort, which provides RDT&E processes and tools for the Acquisition Intelligence Community. The objective is to support the acquisition process by helping U.S. platforms stay ahead of threat systems worldwide. In FY 2025, the focus is on finalizing the ReTi-CIP capability proof of concept and expanding the JAIMI environment to include analytics and AI/ML integration. For FY 2026, the program plans to digitize the Intelligence Supportability Assessment (ISA) module and further integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to enhance analytical processes.

The IMD program also supports the Acquisition Intelligence Joint Integration Cell (Acq Intel-JIC), which acts as a catalyst for digital transformation within the acquisition intelligence mission area. The JIC conducts research and development to connect technical intelligence data to acquisition processes, integrating data, software, and technology to facilitate improved lethality and survivability of DoD systems. This integration is essential for supporting acquisition programs and ensuring that intelligence data is effectively leveraged throughout the lifecycle of weapon systems.

Contracting strategies for IMD development are managed primarily through NASIC and the USAF Concepts Development and Management (CDM) Office. Contracts are typically awarded as firm fixed price with a 12-month period of performance for NASIC IMD development, while the JAIMI contract is cost plus fixed fee with a five-year period of performance. These contracts are structured to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to evolving requirements. Full and open competition is planned for future continuance of the JAIMI program after September 2027.