Distributed Common Ground/Surface Systems

The Distributed Common Ground/Surface Systems (DCGS) program, managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency, aims to enhance the Defense Intelligence Enterprise (DIE) through comprehensive test and evaluation services. The Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) plays a pivotal role as the sole joint interoperability certification agent, ensuring that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities meet priority intelligence requirements across military operations. The program's primary objective is to modernize and evolve intelligence delivery to commanders, thereby improving battlespace awareness and enabling decisive military action.

A key component of the DCGS program is the Test and Evaluation Focus Team (TEFT), which executes various functions to advance DIE capabilities. The TEFT operates through the Enterprise Integration and Test Capability, focusing on instrumentation and automation of metrics collection. It evaluates test methods to align with modern software acquisition practices, ensuring continuous delivery of capabilities. Additionally, TEFT supports demonstration events like ENTERPRISE STORM to promote interoperability between Military Services, Defense Intelligence Agencies, Five Eye Allies, and select Coalition Partners.

The DCGS program also emphasizes collaboration with Military Services and Combat Support Agencies to utilize existing Department of Defense test facilities. This collaboration advances science, technology, modeling, and simulation efforts that enhance DIE test capabilities. Furthermore, the program supports data collection on various security networks to assess DIE capabilities' state and integrates digital transformation objectives with Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiatives. These efforts aim to close joint capability gaps and improve data sharing among DIE components.

Looking ahead, the DCGS program plans to continue its focus on enhancing evaluation frameworks and maturity models to support business analytics objectives set by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. The program will also explore new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence-powered analysis tools within Development, Security, Operations pipelines for continuous interoperability assessment. By integrating operationally relevant data within test environments and advancing metrics collection for oversight purposes, the DCGS program seeks to maintain its role in supporting intelligence modernization efforts across defense operations.