Prioritization of Tech Requirements and Acquisition Strategy Lay the Groundwork for Mission Success
Dcode’s client, a software modernization program within the U.S. Space Force (USSF), was tasked with improving existing software and IT infrastructure at launch ranges. The program looked to implement an enterprise-wide approach and agile development practices to modernize and scale the agency’s launch and test capabilities. Dcode addressed operational challenges with a robust tech acquisition strategy, program evaluation, and leadership alignment to drive modernization. The initial efforts are directly supporting the program’s ability to significantly expand launch capacity in the coming years.
The Challenge
IT innovation and technology adoption are key to Space Force’s launch capacity ambitions. The agency’s software modernization program needed to address several modernization roadblocks to achieve their goals:
- Align understanding between leaders focused on IT modernization initiatives and those prioritizing sustainment of existing capabilities
- Address resource deployment issues within its software modernization program to optimize tech investment, budget, and program decisions
- Equip leadership at all levels to drive change
Dcode Drives Success
Dcode implemented a comprehensive strategy to help address organizational and operational challenges for USSF’s software modernization program. We focused on establishing robust technology requirements frameworks and processes while building crucial stakeholder alignment. Dcoders:
- Developed a technology acquisition strategy including a requirements prioritization matrix that ensured delivery of value to end users, rather than just satisfying process requirements
- Enhanced critical program actions including the acquisition strategy, information support plan, and cybersecurity strategy, to ensure effective operations
- Created a framework for evaluating pilot projects and measuring investment success toward mission outcomes, helping avoid the “valley of death” where promising initiatives often fail
Throughout these approaches, Dcode helped to transform the way the software modernization program approached budget management and requirements prioritization, creating more efficient and collaborative processes between the program and launch ranges.
How We Did It
With every client engagement, Dcode deploys a repeatable, human-centered Methodology through the lens of our proprietary Win™ Framework. This approach aligns key functional areas we know must work together to ensure success with leading-edge technology.
Dcoders’ ability to pivot and remain agile throughout the process highlights our Methodology’s flexible, results-oriented approach.
Real Results for Mission Outcomes that Matter
USSF’s software modernization program is working to rapidly modernize software pathways to meet the agency’s launch capacity goals. Notable outcomes for the program and agency include:
- Increased program value for end users
- Established a foundation to enable rapid modernization with industry-standard agile practices
- Achieved measurable progress toward modernization goals with clear metrics including lead and change times
Dcode’s end-user-centric approach represented a fundamental shift in how the program evaluates and delivers modern launch capabilities, setting our client on the path to sustainable progress.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
