Defense IT Priorities and Strategies, 2021-2023

Published: December 16, 2021

Federal Market AnalysisAcquisition ReformArtificial Intelligence/Machine LearningBig DataBudgetCloud ComputingCybersecurityForecasts and SpendingHealth ITMobilityNational Defense Authorization ActPolicy and LegislationResearch and DevelopmentUnmanned Systems

Deltek's Defense IT Priorities and Strategies, 2021-2023 report explores the factors shaping the Department of Defense's information technology (IT) environment, priorities and key investment areas.

Work transforming the Department of Defense’s (DOD) IT environment is proceeding at a rapid pace, with DOD introducing 5G, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other modern commercial solutions to the landscape. After three years of delays related to the now-canceled Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI), the DOD’s shift to a new multi-cloud infrastructure is just getting underway. This initiative will be foundational for the DOD by increasing remote capabilities and paving a path toward the enterprise deployment of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence capabilities. Cloud computing will also support the DOD’s new Multi-Domain Operations concept that combines kinetic warfare with cyber capabilities and information dominance initiatives. Meanwhile, increased flexibility in acquisition authorities is providing ways to introduce commercial technologies at an unprecedented rate as prototypes are developed that can transition into permanent solutions as required.

Key Findings

  • Defense IT Budgets Likely to Rise. Near-term defense IT budgets will likely rise due to DOD's strategy to use commercial technologies for game-changing capabilities, as well as the IT investment required to enable Multi-Domain Operations.
  • Emphasis on Commercial Technologies. The FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act contains significant emphasis on pushing the DOD to leverage commercial technologies to speed time to capability deployment.
  • CMMC 2.0 Brings Clarity. By reducing administrative and cost burdens as well as third-party assessments, DOD's CMMC 2.0 reboot will likely alleviate some of industry’s confusion and concern about the impact of the new rules, particularly on small business.
  • Expanding OTA Oversight. Defense spending on prototypes procured using Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) reached a new high in FY 2020. This has spurred increased scrutiny from Congress and the DOD Inspector General, which are both critical of DOD's tracking of spending on OTAs awarded through industry consortia.
  • Multi-Cloud as the New Normal. The growing reliance on cloud for overseas operations forced the realization among DOD’s leadership that the organization needs a multi-cloud environment supported by several commercial providers.
  • Multi-Domain Operations Require Standardized Data. Standardizing data formats across the DOD is now imperative as the department strives to leverage data for warfighting operations in the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) construct.

Critical Insight for Vendors

Deltek’s Defense IT Priorities and Strategies, 2021-2023 report examines the policy and other factors shaping the DOD’s procurement of information technology goods and services.

The report provides:

  • Analysis of the budgetary and policy dynamics shaping the defense technology market.
  • Insight into the legislative factors shaping DOD’s organization and leadership.
  • Assessment of the key mission-enabling technologies driving opportunities for contractors doing business with the DOD.
  • Review of the current and potential adoption of emerging technologies by DOD.
  • Recommendations to help contractors evaluate the impact of trends on their business.

Deltek's Defense IT Priorities and Strategies, 2021-2023 report is delivered in PowerPoint® format, including a PowerPoint® Executive Briefing, and an Excel® data workbook.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEFENSE IT PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES, 2021-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • Purpose of This Report
  • Scope
  • Methodology
  • Key Findings
  • Defense IT Landscape
  • Budget Environment
  • Defense Policy Environment
  • Acquisition Environment

Technology Priorities

  • Cloud Computing
  • Information Security (Cyber)
  • Big Data
  • ISR/Unmanned Systems
  • Mobility
  • Health IT
  • Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
  • Other Emerging Technology

Conclusions and Recommendations

Appendix

Terms and Definitions