Net Centricity

The Net Centricity program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense under Program Element PE 0305199D8Z, is designed to advance the Department of Defense's (DoD) command, control, and communications (C3) modernization initiatives. The primary goal is to deter aggression, defend the homeland, and build enduring advantage by ensuring warfighters have an information advantage through resilient and integrated C3 systems. The program is overseen by the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), who provides strategic direction for capabilities including tactical communications, infrastructure, satellite communications (SATCOM), electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) management, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), as well as emerging technologies such as 5G and commercial mobile devices.

A key objective of Net Centricity is to provide technical analysis and systems engineering support for the Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) technology foundation. This includes research, analysis, evaluation, and management of communication networks in contested spectrum environments. The program supports secure information access and services, such as cryptographic modernization, and refines joint protocols to enhance interoperability across the DoD and allied partners. Modernization of the Defense Information Systems Network infrastructure and development of advanced mobile device management guidelines are also central to the program's objectives.

The program's plans for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continued refinement of commercial mobile device certification processes, mobile application management, and personal user-based enforcement guidelines. Efforts are underway to update the approved commercial mobile device product matrix and to assess implementation strategies for mobile applications and devices. Additionally, the program is developing EMS statistical and associative modeling and simulation techniques to modernize spectrum-dependent systems. These efforts aim to achieve a fully integrated information and decision support architecture for all-domain maneuver and fires superiority.

Another significant focus is the modernization of spectrum data, including data collection, databases, storage retrieval, and aggregation. The program is investing in artificial intelligence-enabled spectrum data analytics to improve electromagnetic battle management, situational awareness, and command and control integration. Interoperable land mobile radio (LMR) standards are being developed to support public safety communications, and technical analysis is ongoing to enhance DoD's use of commercial SATCOM capabilities. Network management interoperability, architecture, and data artifacts are also being improved through continued technical analysis.

The GIG Evaluation Facilities (GIG-EF) and GIG Enterprise-Wide Systems Engineering Advisory Activities line item supports the Net Centricity program by providing studies, analysis, technical engineering services, and program management support. These activities are essential for systems engineering and architecture analysis of joint information environment tactical processing nodes, as well as the implementation of tactical radio standards and modernization of mass warning and notification systems. The program also supports the modernization of Next Generation 9-1-1 capabilities.

For FY 2026, the budget request includes mandatory funding for Joint Modular Emitter Interface Standards and System Proliferation (JMEIS) requirements. This funding is intended to support low-cost weapons integration and system proliferation, ensuring that joint modular emitter interface standards are met across DoD platforms. The program's acquisition strategy focuses on leveraging various contract methods and types, including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), to provide engineering, management, and R&D support.