Joint Planning and Execution Services

Joint Planning and Execution Services (JPES) is a program managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) that aims to modernize and sustain critical information technology capabilities supporting the Department of Defense's Joint Planning Process (JPP). The primary goal of JPES is to enable efficient force planning, deployment, and execution of Global Force Management (GFM) activities, which are essential for military operations and the Joint Command & Control (JC2) mission. JPES is structured into two main phases: the modernization of the Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES) in Phase I, and the modernization of the Joint Capabilities Requirements Manager (JCRM) in Phase II. These efforts are justified by the need to replace legacy systems that are increasingly costly to maintain and are composed of components that have reached end-of-life or end-of-support status, posing significant risks to mission success.

Phase I: Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES) Modernization focuses on replacing the legacy JOPES system, which is the cornerstone of automated force planning and execution for joint military operations. JOPES supports thousands of operational users globally and is relied upon by numerous external systems across Combatant Commands (CCMDs), Military Services, and Defense Agencies. The objectives for this phase include delivering new JPES software, conducting interoperability and operational testing, and transitioning from JOPES to JPES. Due to vendor delays, the schedule for Phase I has been re-baselined, with development expected to extend into FY 2025. Once operational, JPES will address new functional requirements and enhancements to improve monitoring, planning, and execution activities for military operations.

Phase II: Joint Capabilities Requirements Manager (JCRM) Modernization will begin in FY 2025, with full engagement expected in FY 2027. JCRM is a web-based application that enables the Global Force Management Allocation Process (GFMAP), allowing CCMDs to draft, staff, store, and submit force requirements for ongoing and emerging military operations, contingency plans, and exercises worldwide. The modernization of JCRM is critical for managing complex global force requirements and tracking the distribution of U.S. military forces. There is no alternate capability to replace JCRM, making its continued development and modernization essential for the Department of Defense.

Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC) Collaboration Tool (JCT) serves as a secure messaging system that facilitates collaboration among CCMDs, Military Services, and Lift Providers. The tool supports the sourcing, validation, and support of requirements, enhancing communication and coordination for force planning and execution. JCT is an integral part of the JPES suite, supporting the overall objective of improving joint operational effectiveness through enhanced information sharing and collaboration.

The acquisition strategy for JPES emphasizes the use of performance-based contract awards and minimizes reliance on Time and Material contracts, except for programmatic support. Development, integration, and migration efforts are primarily supported through Cost Reimbursable Task Orders issued under competitively awarded contracts. Firm-Fixed Priced contracts are used for systems in sustainment with stable requirements. Contractors are required to manage earned value data, and monthly Contract Performance Reviews (CPRs) are conducted to mitigate risk and incentivize performance. This approach ensures that contractors meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives, and that formal acquisition rigor is applied throughout the program lifecycle.

FY 2025 and FY 2026 planned activities include continuing the development of JPES functional requirements, analyzing new requirements beyond the replacement of JOPES, and initiating the modernization of JCRM. Specific efforts will involve requirements analysis, initial systems design, and development of new JPES functionalities. The funding increase in FY 2026 is primarily due to the commencement of JCRM modernization, which will be a key focus in subsequent years. These activities are essential for sustaining and enhancing the Department of Defense's ability to plan, execute, and manage global military operations in support of the National Military Strategy and National Security Strategy.