Robust Infrastructure and Access

The Robust Infrastructure program, managed by United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), is a key research and development initiative under the Department of Defense's (DoD) Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P) budget activity. The primary objective of this program is to enhance and secure the cyber operational environment for DoD missions, ensuring the resilience and effectiveness of cyber operations in support of national security. The program is structured to deter or defeat strategic threats to U.S. interests and infrastructure, provide mission assurance for the defense of the DoD information environment, and support the objectives of Joint Force Commanders.

A central component of the Robust Infrastructure program is the Joint Common Access Platform (JCAP). JCAP is designed to provide a protected, managed, and orchestrated environment that serves as a common firing platform for the coordination and execution of cyber effects against approved targets. This platform enables Cyber Mission Forces (CMF) to conduct operations while managing detection and attribution, which is critical for both offensive and defensive cyber missions. JCAP leverages and integrates existing service access platform programs, with the goal of evolving these into a solution that consolidates and enhances current capabilities.

JCAP's specific goals include combining and improving existing cyber infrastructure to create a unified, robust platform that supports the full spectrum of cyber operations. By providing a standardized environment for mission execution, JCAP aims to increase operational efficiency, reduce duplication of effort, and enable rapid adaptation to emerging cyber threats. The program also focuses on ensuring that cyber operators have the necessary tools and authorities to deliver effects in a timely and secure manner.

Another major element within the Robust Infrastructure line item is Other Cyber Operations Infrastructure. This portfolio provides targeted resources to support Defensive Cyberspace Operations, including the managed unclassified infrastructure that offers virtual tenant spaces for the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF). These resources are essential for enabling CNMF's Hunt Forward Operations (HFO) missions, which involve deploying teams to support foreign allies and partners in strengthening their cyber defenses. CNMF conducted multiple HFO deployments, highlighting the operational tempo and importance of this capability.

Within the Other Cyber Operations Infrastructure, the CENTURION effort stands out as a significant initiative. CENTURION is focused on developing and advancing state-of-the-art non-kinetic capabilities, which are delivered to operators with the appropriate authorities to achieve designated USCYBERCOM and DoD missions. This includes research and development of new cyber tools and techniques that can be employed in a variety of operational contexts, ensuring that the U.S. maintains a technological edge in cyberspace.

The justification for the Robust Infrastructure program is rooted in the growing complexity and scale of cyber threats facing the United States and its allies. By investing in advanced cyber infrastructure and capabilities, USCYBERCOM seeks to ensure mission assurance, operational security, and the ability to rapidly respond to evolving threats. The program's structure and funding have been realigned in recent years to better match project activities with budgetary requirements, as reflected in the transition to new project codes for FY 2025 and beyond.