ABMS Aims to Revolutionize Data Flow, Speed Decisions

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Source: U.S. Air Force, https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/03/2002491075/780/780/0/200902-F-XT642-0081.JPG
Source: U.S. Air Force, https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/03/2002491075/780/780/0/200902-F-XT642-0081.JPG

April 12, 2021 | Originally published by U.S. Air Force on April 1, 2021

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office held a Virtual Industry Day on the Advanced Battle Management System, or ABMS, acquisition effort on March 31. The event was attended by more than 600 participants from more than 300 industry partners.

The ABMS acquisition effort will leverage commercial technologies, infrastructure, and data sharing best practices to deliver modernized operational capability to the Joint Warfighter.

Randy Walden, DAF RCO Director and Integrating ABMS Program Executive Officer, told the audience over the Zoom call that industry feedback on precisely how ABMS will enable the Joint All Domain Command and Control, or JADC2, requirement is vital to success.

“When we log onto the internet, we expect the 21st century level of technology that allows us to do machine-to-machine data sharing. My question to those online is why don’t we enjoy that today in the Department of Defense,” Walden posed.  “We are ready to embark on an infrastructure that allows us to do just that and we’re going to need your help.”

The program objectives are to build a digital infrastructure that connects the Joint Warfighting force, enables sharing of information across the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, joint allies, partners, and multi-domains, and provides decision superiority to tactical, operational, and strategic customers.

Walden described the process as “sensing, making sense of that information, and then acting on that information.” He compared it to the observe, orient, decide, act, or OODA loop, commonly used in the Air Force.

“We want to take exquisite data and compress it in both time and complexity in a manner that allows those decision-makers to act on the information well inside our adversaries’ OODA loop,” Walden said.

Moving forward to create this environment, ABMS will focus on six attributes:  secure processing, connectivity, data management, applications, sensor integration, and effects integration.

The ABMS acquisition strategy focuses on delivering capability to the Joint Warfighter through capability releases and enduring digital infrastructure investments. Requests for information from industry will be posted through the standard process via the Government Point of Entry.

“We definitely look forward to working with you starting today and well into the future to get your thoughts and your expertise,” Walden said. “This is not a problem that can be solved solely within the Air Force.”

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