Data and Analytics Provisions in the FY 2024 NDAA

Given the role artificial intelligence plays in the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it is safe to assume data management and analytics also have their roles too.

Just in case you don’t want to assume, below are select provisions from the legislation that depict data and analytics’ continued significance in digital modernization and emerging technology adoption.

SEC. 902. MODIFICATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTOR OF COST ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION.

The section directs DOD to establish a team referred to as the Program Evaluation Competitive Analysis Cell to review the department’s use of analytics methodologies, operational analysis, and data under the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE). The assessment will result in a pilot program, beginning no later than May 1, 2024, that will establish three analytics groups at CAPE focused on programmatic analysis.

SEC. 1523. MANAGEMENT OF DATA ASSETS BY CHIEF DIGITAL AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICER.

The section requires the Secretary of Defense and Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) to provide the infrastructure and procurement vehicles necessary to manage data assets and analytics at scale to support defensive and offensive cyber operations. Specifically, the CDAO is called on to, "develop a baseline of data assets exclusive to foreign key terrain and relational frameworks in cyberspace maintained by the intelligence agencies of the Department of Defense, the military departments, the combatant commands, and any other components of the Department of Defense."

SEC. 1525. PRIZE COMPETITIONS FOR BUSINESS SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION.

The section announces competitions supporting DOD business system modernization goals. Specifically, the NDAA directs DOD to consider the integration of AI/ML capabilities, and data analytics, business intelligence or visualization capabilities as areas of scope for some of the prize competitions.

SEC. 6302. ESTABLISHMENT AND EXPANSION OF THE BUREAU CHIEF DATA OFFICER PROGRAM.

The section establishes the Bureau of Chief Data Officer (CDO) Program to streamline CDOs among the DOD components and promote data coordination, collaboration and understanding across the department. The program is also expected to result increased data analytics in critical decision-making, promoting data integration and standardization, and incentivizing the acquisition of enterprise data solutions and data services across the bureaus.