ARMY AL&T ACQUISITION TENT


THE LONG POLES IN THE


The Next Generation Load Device – Small program used an innovative, tailored acquisition approach to rapidly deliver capability to Soldiers of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.


by Wayne Rush and Robin Schumacher T CAPABILITY BRIEF


The Tactical Key Loader that PEO C3T acquired creates a modern, reliable and secure system to handle the generation and use of encryption keys. The device makes it so that the key to an encrypted system does not have to be sent over the network, where it could be stolen. (Images courtesy of L3Harris Technologies Inc.)


hose familiar with the Army acquisition world know firsthand the challenges and complexities in quickly fulfilling Soldier needs. It is an uphill battle that has been put in the spotlight in recent years with the Army Tactical Network Modernization Strategy and the estab-


lishment of organizations like the U.S. Army Futures Command. Developing compatible systems and products that use modern technology and can easily and rapidly integrate into the tactical field network is as important as the speed at which we can deliver capability to the field.


Terefore, when the U.S. Army Special Operations Command identified a requirement for a modern, small, lightweight and easy-to-operate device to load encryption keys onto equipment—a key fill device—the Product Lead for Communications Security (COMSEC), part of the Project Lead for Network Enablers, used innovative acquisition methods and collaborative partnerships to fulfill the requirement in record time with a solution that will provide interop- erability across services and with coalition systems.


So, how did we do it? Essentially, we attacked the four longest “tent poles” of the Army acquisition process—funding, requirements, contracting and testing. Tese components are critical, but traditionally involve lengthy processes. To save time and money, we used allocated program resources for staffing and procurement and achieved an Acquisition Category (ACAT) IV program of record with full- rate production in less than six months.


THE REQUIREMENT In 2013, a capability production document was developed for the Next Gener- ation Load Device (NGLD) – Small in support of urgent special operations missions. Tis required a simple, small and light device that could be used in the field to load encryption keys onto equipment. Loading encryption keys onto equipment is how the Army ensures that the communication being transmitted


https://asc.ar my.mil


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