Multi-Domain Joint Operations (MDJO)

The Multi-Domain Joint Operations (MDJO) program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on identifying, developing, and transitioning priority joint capabilities across the Department of Defense (DoD). The program is funded under Appropriation/Budget Activity 0400: Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P) and is designed to address critical capability gaps in multi-domain operations, aligning with interim National Defense Strategy priorities. The program places significant emphasis on technology modernization and transition activities.

Project Identification Activities are a core component of MDJO. These activities focus on systematically identifying technologies, systems, and system-of-systems that can close time-critical joint gaps in high-priority missions spanning multiple domains. The identification process leverages capability gap assessments, science and technology (S&T) innovation harvesting, modeling and simulation, and continuous engagement with the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands (COCOMs), and Military Services. MDJO also facilitates the selection process for the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) program, ensuring that promising solutions are considered for accelerated prototyping and experimentation.

Project Transition Activities are aimed at accelerating the fielding of successfully demonstrated joint capabilities. MDJO maintains proactive stakeholder engagement and continuous transition risk assessment for all active prototyping efforts. Upon successful development, MDJO collaborates with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), leveraging the Competitive Advantage Pathfinders (CAP) program and the Agile Transition Procurement Pilot established by the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These efforts ensure that new technologies are effectively transitioned into operational use by the Services and COCOMs.

Technology Modernization Transition Reviews (TMTRs) and Senior Governance Forum Support are important elements of the MDJO program. MDJO chairs and conducts TMTRs to assess the health and readiness of research and development portfolios, considering factors such as warfighter impact, cost, schedule, performance, technology readiness, and manufacturing readiness. TMTRs are integrated with Joint Staff Capability Portfolio Management Reviews (CPMRs), OUSD(A&S) Integrated Acquisition Portfolio Reviews (IAPRs), and Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) reviews. These reviews inform investment decisions, acquisition strategies, and the annual President's Budget Request, ensuring that technology development is synchronized with transition planning and strategic objectives.

MDJO also plays a critical role in supporting Senior Governance Forums (SGF) as directed by DoD Directive 5105.79. Through its chairing and support of these forums, MDJO helps synchronize technology development and transition activities across the Department, providing technical expertise to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) Functional Capability Boards (FCBs) in areas such as Force Development, Force Application, Protection, C4/Cyber, Battlespace Awareness, and Logistics and Sustainment. This coordination ensures that innovative technologies are incorporated into decision-making processes at the highest levels.

The acquisition strategy for MDJO emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness, utilizing Other Transaction Authority (OTA), Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and various contract vehicles. Support contracts reflect the program's reliance on external technical expertise for systems engineering and technical assistance.