Rapid Cyber Acquisition

The Rapid Cyber Acquisition (RCA) initiative is a strategic effort by the Air Force to develop and deliver new cyber capabilities that align with the fast-paced demands of modern warfare. This program focuses on both material and non-material solutions, including hardware, software, and technical support. Its goal is to ensure that Combatant and Joint Force Commanders have access to the most current and tailored cyber tools necessary for success in the cyberspace domain. The RCA initiative emphasizes rapid prototyping, integration, and transition activities to expedite the development of USAF cyber capabilities.

A key objective of the Rapid Cyber Acquisition is to facilitate collaboration with other service branches and government agencies. It leverages Air Force-developed technologies to enhance operational capabilities. This involves developing software and hardware systems, integrating lab-developed cyber capabilities, conducting developmental testing, operational evaluations, and risk reduction efforts for emerging technologies. The program also supports manpower studies, analysis, pilots, demonstrations, and other activities essential for advancing cyber warfare capabilities.

In FY 2024, the program plans to continue maintaining multidisciplinary targeting and developmental planning capabilities in support of the USAF cyber mission. It aims to enhance standardized environments and deploy hardware-in-the-loop capabilities to meet cyber operator requirements. Additionally, RCA will host skilled development teams focused on prototyping and delivering new features for existing cyber warfare systems. However, in FY 2025, efforts under this initiative were transferred to consolidate Air Force Offensive Cyber development under a different project.

The acquisition strategy for Rapid Cyber Acquisition is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing solutions to enter the acquisition process at any phase of their lifecycle. This approach ensures that urgent operational needs are met swiftly through a secure DevOps environment tailored for rapid development. The strategy underscores the importance of meeting immediate operational requirements while maintaining a focus on long-term technological advancements in cyber warfare.