SDA fields operational software to multiple networks to automate complex workflows and deliver value. Partnered with USSOCOM S&T, SDA matures promising technologies to address capability gaps and fast-track transition into programs of record. SDA partners with others to share best practices and leverage external investments increasing SOF buying power. SDA participates in exercises/experiments to understand complex operational environments. SDA established two new program teams: Unmanned Systems Autonomy and Interoperability (USAI) and Platform. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR EACH PROGRAM: 

DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND/SURFACE SYSTEM (DCGS)-SOF: Deployed several new capabilities in FY23 including ATHENA, a one-stop web portal to find/share intel tools, data sets, and workflows, and Chariot, a machine learning ops app applying low/no code algorithms to large data sets reducing labor-intensive processes. Operationalized the Pedestal capability for AFSOC enhancing AI support to mission operations and cross domain solutions for processing, exploitation, and dissemination operations allowing secure file transfer from Unclassified to Classified networks. 

INTEGRATED SURVEY PROGRAM (ISP): Conducted agile development and testing of a prototype mobile application tool at two OCONUS locations. Enabled the transformation of ISP collection workflows providing end-to-end collection, processing, and dissemination workflows in a geospatial-enabled software environment supporting crisis response. 

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES DIGITAL ECOSYSTEMS (SOF DE): In partnership with the USSOCOM Command Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, provided USSOCOM with 108 Technical Talent personnel across the USSOCOM Enterprise including Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Software Developers, DevSecOps engineers, and Database Administrators. 

GLOBAL ANALYTICS PLATFORM (GAP): GAP leveraged its Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with a proven capability provider developing and delivering software capabilities covering the entire range of GAP requirements. This OTA enables development, enhancement, and sustainment of software capabilities, enabling JSOC data to be accessible, understandable, and insightful. 

MISSION COMMAND SYSTEMS / COMMON OPERATIONAL PICTURE (MCS/COP): Enhanced its diverse ecosystem of vendors implementing a government controlled Modular Open Systems Approach architecture. MCS/COP fielded numerous cloud-based capabilities to the SOF Enterprise including Ops/Intel Fusion, Campaign Management, and the SOF Data Layer. MCS/COP transitioned multiple Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) efforts. Lastly, MCS/COP supported multiple operational INDOPACOM exercises throughout the FY. 

SPECIAL OPERATIONS MISSION PLANNING AND EXECUTION (SOMPE): SOMPE made great progress developing next gen air mission planning software, called Nyx, in support of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR) and AFSOC. SOMPE down selected a single vendor from four prototype OTAs to award a long-term production OTA. SOMPE conducted several user-centered design events for Minimum Viable Produce deliveries with operational pilots. SOMPE remains on track to deliver the Minimum Viable Capability Release to the 160th SOAR by March 2024. 

TACTICAL ASSAULT KIT (TAK): The TAK ecosystem consists of 350K+ users including 15K users of TAK.gov and 3K developers. Three TAK core software releases occurred in 2023 (4.6, 4.8, and 4.9). SOMPE updated 20 special operations-peculiar plug-ins and delivered 5 new plug-ins: Spot Plot Single-Gun, Photo Import, Weapons Engagement, Digital Surface Model, and UAS Tool. 

USAI: USAI is developing collaborative autonomy software and utilizing AI, machine learning, and enterprise architecture to significantly improve SOF manned / unmanned teaming at the tactical edge. 

PLATFORM: The Platform team (code-named Asgard) provides a centralized development environment, deployment pipeline, cloud services, and data access providing SDA software development teams a “Path to Production.”