DASA(DES)

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Data, Engineering and Software)

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

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OUR MISSION

We engineer pathways for digital transformation, so programs can deliver overmatch capabilities.

In today’s world, a military’s ability to keep pace with digital change decides battlefield outcomes. We envision a data-centric Army; leveraging data and software to make better, faster decisions in the face of uncertainty.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DASA(DES)

WHAT WE DO

DASA(DES) operates across the digital landscape. We ensure that data is used effectively, and our systems stay at the cutting edge of technology. In this work, we are always looking for partners who can join us to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and cultivate innovation.

SOFTWARE MODERNIZATION: Enhancing performance, scalability, and efficiency of systems
MODULAR OPEN SYSTEMS APPROACH (MOSA): Driving towards open architecture and interoperable solutions
DATA CENTRICITY: Embracing a data mesh approach to enable access to accurate, up-to-date data to drive decision-making
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) & MACHINE LEARNING (ML): Building scalable AI and ML Operations solutions for the most relevant insights
CYBERSECURITY & RESILIENCE: Developing robust cyber engineering practices and processes to ensure safety and security

COLLABORATE WITH US

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER WITH DASA(DES)

Tomorrow’s military is being created by the brightest minds of today.

We are looking for both civilian and military talent to chart the Army’s course into the future. Whether you are a developer, engineer, or strategist, you can make a difference in the Army. Think you have what it takes?

VIEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

DASA(DES) IN ACTION

DASA(DES) supports the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) to drive the digital transformation of the U.S. Army.

We're elevating our digital foundation to implement changes that will accelerate our technology solutions. Through collaboration, we are bringing best practices to help ensure we provide warfighters with the data, engineering, and software to help build the Army of the future.

OUR MISSION: We engineer pathways for digital transformation, so programs can deliver overmatch capabilities.
OUR VISION: We envision a data-centric Army; leveraging data for decision dominance and software-enabled change for competitive advantage.

SUPPORTING ARMY ACROSS DOMAINS

  • Software Modernization

    ·      Workforce Upskilling Pilot Program

    ·      Modernize Software Practices via Agile/DevSecOps Implementation

    ·      Software Agile Engagement with PEOs

    ·      Modernize Software Contract Language

    ·      Reducing Software Supply Chain Risk

    Digital Engineering

    ·      ASA(ALT) Digital Engineering Policy and Implementation Guidance

    ·      ASA(ALT) Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Style Guide

    ·      Army Network Basis of Issue (NBOI)

    ·      Army Digital Engineering Body of Knowledge (BoK)

    Data Centricity

    ·      ASA(ALT) Unified Data Reference Architecture (UDRA)

    ·      Army Data Plan Technology Governance

    ·      POR Gap / Overlap Analysis

    ·      Industry Partnership

    ·      Inform Investment Decisions

  • Cyber Resilience

    ·      Army Cyber Acquisition Discipline (ACAD)

    ·      Army Priority Vulnerability Management (APVM)

    ·      Cyberspace Operational Resilience Assessment – Platforms (CORA-P)

    ·      Cyber Readiness Framework (CRF)

    Cybersecurity

    ·      Cybersecurity Program for ASA(ALT) HQ

    ·      Major Cyber Incident Response

    ·      Actionable Continuous Monitoring (ACM)

LEADERSHIP

  • Ms. Jennifer A. Swanson
    DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE ARMY FOR DATA, ENGINEERING AND SOFTWARE
    Ms. Jennifer A. Swanson
  • Ms. Rocio (Rosie) Bauer
    DEPUTY DIRECTOR
    Ms. Rocio (Rosie) Bauer
  • Mr. Chad Claussen
    DIRECTOR, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
    Mr. Chad Claussen
  • Mr. Matthew Picerno
    CHIEF CYBER ACQUISITION OFFICER AND DIRECTOR, CYBER FOCAL
    Mr. Matthew Picerno

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact DASA(DES) at dasades@army.mil

Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)

The U.S. Army is ushering in a new era of software transparency and security by mandating the inclusion of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) in nearly all new software acquisitions by February 2025. This significant policy shift aims to enhance the security of the Army's software supply chain, reduce cyber vulnerabilities, and comply with federal directives on cybersecurity.

Download ASAALT_Software_Bill_of_Materials_Policy_Signed.pdf [PDF - 276.4 KB]

UNIFIED DATA REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE (UDRA) 1.0 RELEASED!

After a lot of collaboration internal to the Army and industry, we completed the first official UDRA version, co-signed by ASA(ALT) and the CIO. UDRA will soon be a requirement for our programs, so download today! The Innovation Exchange Lab (IXL) contains the first Army implementation of UDRA 1.0. Whether you're interested in learning more before you decide to engage with the IXL or you're interested in following the progress and updates of how we are developing the UDRA to enable data mesh, read the latest implementation and stay up to speed.

Download UDRA v1.0 Document [PDF - 3.3 MB]

JOIN THE INNOVATION EXCHANGE

DASA(DES) and ASA(ALT) invite innovators to bridge the gaps and help shape the future of our early-stage reference architectures. Acknowledging the intrinsic nature of our evolving frameworks—they are architectures, not products—our Innovation Exchange serves as a hub for collaboration, experimentation, and excellence. Together, we fill identified gaps, propelling us toward a future where innovation shapes the Army’s architecture. Join us in shaping tomorrow’s Army through the power of experimentation.

GET STARTED 

FORGING LASTING PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATIONS

Think you or your company can contribute to Army's digital transformation? With expertise in areas like software modernization, data management, or cybersecurity, you can help us shape the Army's future. Working with our partners in industry is critical to maintaining the military’s edge on and off the battlefield.

Want to request a meeting?

Click the link below to request a meeting. Upon approval, one of our representatives will reach out to schedule a meeting.

MEETING REQUEST FORM

JOIN DASA(DES)

At DASA(DES), we value innovation and the power of a diverse, collaborative team. Join us on our journey to make a positive impact on the Army’s future. We are dynamic and adaptable, continually seeking talented individuals with a passion for innovation.

Want to see the latest job postings?

VIEW POSTINGS ON USAJobs

UPCOMING EVENTS

Learn about upcoming DASA(DES) events and view materials from recent presentations.

  • 10/8/24

    ASA(ALT) Principal Deputy Young Bang will be speaking at the event.

    Scaling GenAI for Success: Strategic Insights from Public Sector Leaders at the Forefront of Implementation.
  • 10/15/24

    ASA(ALT) Principal Deputy Young Bang and DASA(DES) Jennifer Swanson will be speaking at the event.

    1330 – 1430       Accelerating Through our Digital Transformation

    Mr. Bang and Ms. Swanson are kicking off our programming with a message about our progress on our epic journey and will include key highlights and next steps in AI, DE, Software Modernization, Data Mesh and more. There will be a few surprises along the way!

    1500 – 1600 – Deep Dive Session

    Join our AI experts and get your questions answered as you collaborate with us on our RFIs around on #DefendAI and Project Linchpin.
  • 10/16/24

    ASA(ALT) Principal Deputy Young Bang and DASA(DES) Jennifer Swanson will be speaking at the event.

    Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS) and Modernization update provides the opportunity to personally network and share technical research to approximately 2000

    0800 – 0845       Innovative Contracting for Digital Capabilities

    In support of the Army’s Software Directive, 2024-02, we are refreshing the way we contract for our capabilities. We’re working with programs on finding the best ways to leverage new approaches like the Modern Software Development IDIQ, by itself or with other contract-types to bring the best solutions from Industry to our Soldiers.

    0900 – 0945       Army Software Programs in Action

    We are implementing the Software Directive on many levels and gaining momentum on providing the right software solutions for our Soldiers, faster than ever before, and providing priority capabilities more frequently – at the speed of need. 

    1000 – 1045       Digital Engineering: Partnering for Progress

    As we execute the Digital Engineering Directive, we continue to serve and partner with our stakeholders across the Army. Together, we are areas where we can focus and are asking Industry to prioritize those areas with us. We’re increasing our Digital Engineering efforts and that includes a need for stronger points of integration with the Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), higher levels of DE skillsets across the workforce and with interoperability across tools and data.

    1100 – 1145       UDRA: Momentum Towards the Mesh

    Building out the Army’s data mesh services is well underway and we’re going to continue: 
    • 100-day plan & video demo
    • AIDP working is operating in a mesh patter and working to become UDRA conformant
    • Planning for FY26 programs of record (UDRA Policy)

PAST EVENTS

1/11/24: AFCEA ARMY IT Day VIEW PRESENTATION

1/18/24: Govini Panel VIEW VIDEO

NEWS

Keep up with news about digital transformation from across the Army.