Review of the Joint Capability Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and the National Security Space Acquisition Process (NSSAP)

摘要

Space systems are a critical enabler of the net-centric operations warfare (NCOW) needed to achieve victory in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The effective acquisition of affordable systems is vital to U.S. National Security Strategy. Space systems play an important role throughout a wide spectrum of military and civilian operations. Several challenging factors unique to space systems development are their high level of technological complexity, their broad joint user base, and their reliance on seamless interoperable systems to achieve superior capabilities for U.S. warfighters. This research examines the interaction between the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and the National Security Space Acquisition Process (NSSAP) through a qualitative case study. The author identifies ways to improve this interaction by answering investigative questions and providing recommendations to be tested in future research.