Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS)

The Planning and Decision Aid System (PDAS) is a classified Navy program under Program Element PE 0208043N, focused on providing advanced command and control capabilities for operational planning and coordination of Special Access Programs (SAPs). The primary objective of PDAS is to support the Office of the Secretary of Defense, military services, Unified Combatant Commanders (CCMDs), the Intelligence Community, and coalition partners by enabling secure, integrated planning and execution of sensitive operations. PDAS is specifically designated as the system for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) to facilitate Integrated Joint Special Technical Operations (IJSTO), ensuring that SAPs are effectively incorporated into national security operations from the tactical to the strategic level.

PDAS operates as a worldwide, secure network that meets Intelligence Community Directive 503 security requirements, protecting highly sensitive information. Its goals include providing robust office automation, document and information management, and secure collaboration tools such as voice and video conferencing within a flexible, distributed enterprise architecture. This architecture allows users to access data and participate in planning sessions from various locations, both within and outside the continental United States. These features support geographically dispersed operations and rapid decision-making.

A significant objective of the PDAS program is the continuous modernization and enhancement of its technical infrastructure. In FY 2025 and FY 2026, planned activities include the ongoing deployment of new client hardware and software, finalizing and implementing the design of replacement datacenters to address obsolescence, and integrating cloud datacenter options as appropriate. These efforts are intended to ensure that PDAS remains resilient, scalable, and capable of adapting to evolving operational requirements and emerging threats.

The program also emphasizes research and development to innovate and improve planning and collaboration tools. This includes the development and integration of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Open Source software solutions, as well as the creation of prototypes and modifications to existing systems. The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific is the primary executing agency for engineering and integration activities, supported by various contractors. Management oversight is provided by the Program Executive Officer for Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital), ensuring alignment with Navy and Department of Defense digital transformation objectives.

PDAS provides comprehensive user support, including a Help Desk and remote troubleshooting services, to maintain high system availability and user productivity. The program's distributed enterprise model is designed to facilitate secure data exchange and collaboration among authorized users, regardless of their physical location. This capability is critical for supporting the operational needs of battlefield operators, senior commanders, and coalition partners involved in sensitive or time-critical missions.

Funding for PDAS in FY 2026 is allocated primarily to system development, modernization, and lifecycle support, with a focus on addressing hardware and software obsolescence, enhancing security, and expanding cloud integration. The program's budget reflects a modest increase from FY 2025, driven by inflation and ongoing modernization requirements. There are no major congressional adds or reductions, and the program continues to operate within its established cost profile.