DISA Unveils New Data Strategy for FY 2025-2027: Enhancing Operational Capabilities, Discover how DISA's new data strategy for FY 2025-2027 aims to optimize data usage, strengthen cybersecurity, and integrate AI for enhanced Warfighter support.

Discover how DISA’s new data strategy for FY 2025-2027 aims to optimize data usage, strengthen cybersecurity, and integrate AI for enhanced Warfighter support.

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has recently unveiled its updated data strategy for fiscal years 2025-2027. This strategy represents a pivotal moment in DISA’s data evolution, focusing on optimizing data usage to support the Warfighter effectively. The new strategy builds upon the previous Data Strategy Implementation Plan for FY 2022-2024, which aimed to rebuild DISA’s data architecture into a cohesive system.

Key Components of the New Data Strategy

The FY 2025-2027 strategy is aligned with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Fulcrum strategy and the DoD Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Office’s Data, Analytics, and AI Adoption Strategy. It emphasizes three key areas:

Strengthening Data Architecture and Governance:

DISA will treat data as a strategic asset by streamlining its data infrastructure, promoting data sharing, and enhancing data maturity through robust governance.

A centralized data-sharing program will be implemented to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency by enforcing data standards and strengthening governance structures. This approach ensures that data is managed consistently across different departments and systems, facilitating better collaboration and decision-making.

Integrating Advanced Analytics:

DISA plans to accelerate the adoption of AI and machine learning across services to transform raw data into actionable insights.

The strategy aims to promote data-driven decision-making and advance interoperability frameworks and data standards. By leveraging AI, DISA can automate data analysis, predict trends, and provide real-time insights that enhance operational effectiveness.

Cultivating a Data-Centric Culture:

By fostering a culture that values data-driven decision-making, DISA aims to position itself as a leader in innovation and efficiency.

This involves empowering personnel to leverage data effectively and ensuring that data is accessible and usable across the organization. Training programs and workshops will be implemented to enhance data literacy among employees, enabling them to make informed decisions based on data analysis.

Integration with Emerging Technologies

The new strategy also includes initiatives to integrate efforts with DISA’s emerging tech directorate. This involves automating data normalization, enhancing security and registration for application programming interfaces (APIs) through automation, and leveraging AI for improved data reporting. By integrating emerging technologies, DISA can stay ahead of evolving threats and opportunities, ensuring that its data infrastructure remains agile and responsive to changing needs.

Five-Year Strategic Plan (FY 2025-2029)

In addition to the data strategy, DISA has outlined a broader five-year strategic plan for FY 2025-2029. This plan focuses on simplifying the global network by consolidating combatant commands, defense agencies, and field activities into a unified command IT environment. Key goals include:

Simplifying the Network:

DISA aims to reduce complexity and enhance interoperability by adopting large-scale command IT environments. This involves integrating various systems into a cohesive framework that supports joint and coalition operations.

Hybrid Cloud Environment:

By 2030, DISA plans to establish a resilient, globally accessible hybrid cloud environment rooted in DevSecOps principles. This environment will include on-premises cloud, data centers, hosting capabilities, and cloud-based tools, ensuring enhanced cybersecurity through zero-trust capabilities and modern cloud access points.

Federated ICAM Solution

DISA is also working to consolidate all ICAM solutions across unclassified networks for military services into a unified hub by the end of FY 2025. This effort began with the Army and will proceed to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air and Space Forces. The federated ICAM solution will streamline access management, enabling seamless collaboration across services and with international partners.

DISA’s new data strategy for FY 2025-2027 marks a significant step forward in optimizing data usage to support the Warfighter. By focusing on strong data governance, advanced analytics, and a data-centric culture, DISA is well-positioned to enhance operational capabilities and lead in innovation and efficiency. As the agency continues to evolve its strategies and technologies, it will remain a critical component of the DoD’s technological and operational edge.