The chapter welcomed Col. Tim Helfrich, USAF, the senior materiel leader for Cyber Systems, program executive officer (PEO), Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks (C3I&N) Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command, as its first monthly luncheon guest speaker of 2022.
After explaining a breakdown of the Cryptologic & Cyber Systems Division (known as HNC) and its branches, Col. Helfrich established that he has a specific focus within his acquisition role of what cyber is doing to enable air power or air superiority. There are different customers and different requirements for each of these branches. Each one requires a different strategy and methodology for acquisitions. "Depending on the program, depending on what's going on, different acquisition approaches are applied to deliver those capabilities."
A few common themes have emerged over the last year and a half, Col. Helfrich explained. The new DoDI 5000.87 is the new governance over software acquisition pathway. The software acquisition pathway is tailor-built for agile software development and delivery. It is a purpose-built pathway allowing the focus to be placed on delivery, which then takes the burden off the program office. "No more throwing stuff over the fence ... constantly working together to deliver the right capability." Unified Platform and Joint Cyber Command and Control (JCC2) are both using this pathway. "We will not be going back to waterfall."
Col. Helfrich explained that to re-vector the program, the role and responsibility of the government as an integrator or executioner is defined as day-to-day operations being led by the government to deliver capabilities. The government program office brings multiple vendors on board, and then the government will manage the interaction between those vendors to deliver the capability. With regard to modular contracting, it entails several contracts with multiple vendors with short time frames to enable the ability to rapidly increase the relationship with key performers and off-board those that are not performing. This allows for the capabilities to be front and center.
Col. Helfrich closed with the successes of some the DevSecOps programs and an update on upcoming opportunities. |
Col. Tim Helfrich, USAF, the senior materiel leader for Cyber Systems, program executive officer (PEO), Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks (C3I and N) Directorate, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Air Force Materiel Command, is the chapter's first guest speaker of 2022. |
