DASA(DES)
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Data, Engineering and Software)
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Data, Engineering and Software)
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.
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
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?
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.
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)
Contact DASA(DES) at dasades@army.mil
To protect the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), as part of the 2023 DoD Cyber Strategy, ASA (ALT) has developed a pilot program called Next-Gen Commercial Operations in Defended Enclaves (N-CODE) to improve the cybersecurity posture while lowering the barrier for small-sized businesses to engage with DoD programs. N-CODE will assist small businesses in meeting the complexities associated with cybersecurity policies and regulations, lowering the barrier to participate in government contracts and improve secure collaboration and communication. The cloud environment will cover many of the controls necessary for the processing and storage of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The pilot program will offer a low-to-no-cost option for small businesses interested in participating.
Interested in taking part in the N-CODE Pilot Program? Click here to let us know.
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 ASA(ALT) SBOM Policy.pdf [PDF - 276.4 KB]
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.pdf [PDF - 3.3 MB]
Download UDRA Conformance Policy [PDF - 139.8 KB]
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.
Click the link below to request a meeting. Upon approval, one of our representatives will reach out to schedule a meeting.
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.
Stay tuned to learn about upcoming DASA(DES) events and see below to view materials from recent presentations.
Check-in with Ms. Jennifer Swanson (DASA(DES)) and Ms. Danielle Moyer (U.S. Army Contracting Command) at #UnicornBytesPodcast, to hear about their personal and professional thoughts and experience growing up as an Army Civilian. We hope you find it not only informative but also fun to watch. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions and don't forget to subscribe to our channel!
10 December: NCODE Industry Event
08 October: NVIDIA AI Summit: Scaling Generative AI for Success - Strategic Insights from Public Sector Leaders
27 September: Atlas of AI: Power of Place - Growing Economies through Innovation
20 - 21 August: Technet Augusta
Keep up with news about digital transformation from across the Army.
Army, industry spur innovation on network, command and control
January 14, 2025
PEO Enterprise hot technology of 2025: artificial intelligence
December 13, 2024
THE CALCULUS OF CAUTION
December 9, 2024
Leaders Discuss How Digital Innovation is Transforming Military Health Care
November 25, 2024
XTECH SCALABLE AI 2 COMPETITION
November 18, 2024
A.I. Flow: Pioneering a New Approach to Artificial Intelligence
October 29, 2024
