Technology assessment and insertion for the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)

The DISN will evolve with new capabilities being added based on requirements and availability of technologies. The identification and transition of technologies from the research and development communities, including service laboratories, industry, and academia, to the acquisition managers require an approved process that defines the methodology and assigns responsibilities. The main purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the strategy for technology insertion into DISN. In order to accomplish this, a management process for technology insertion has been defined which addresses three key issues to insure that the programmatic/cost and technical risks are minimized. The principal driver for technology insertion is the identification of candidate technologies that are in concert with the approved DISN architecture which have the potential to enhance the capabilities of the DISN in meeting the needs of the warfighters/customers in a cost effective way.<>