Based on the 2008 DISA Partnership Conference last week, accusing DISA of having the agency's "head in the cloud" would be a compliment. As long as you were referring to cloud computing, that is. Cloud computing is growing in popularity in the commercial space, specifically by companies like conference presenters: Amazon, Google and EMC. DISA has adopted this technology to drive a new model of computing services.

Cloud computing is just one example where DISA's close relationship to the IT industry and frequent meetings with private companies create and drive the innovations which support our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.

However with increased innovation and capabilities, the warfighter raises expectations and requirements to match. DISA is forced to develop and deploy new capabilities as rapidly as the IT market creates new technology yet is bound by the funding, acquisition, approval and testing environments of the past. So, while innovations drive DISA to new capabilities they also create a tension with the traditional requirements/acquisition cycle.

Trying to respond, DISA is moving to a more agile procurement process by utilizing vehicles and sources which cut down on time and resources. A year or so ago, at a luncheon near the Pentagon, I remember DISA leadership saying "the age of the large systems integrator is over." Though it wasn't specifically said at the conference, I got the impression that CIO, John Garing, wanted to say "the age of the large, complex RFP is over." More or less, industry can expect fewer complex specifications as DISA requests the solution to a problem and relies on managed services to provide the answer.

Stealing is not always a crime

In this way, DISA is avoiding the title "Programs of Record" due to the process and red tape these programs garner; and relying on stealing to get the job done. As innovation occurs in the market, DISA focuses on two things. Where can we implement that technology to improve our organization? How can we avoid developing it ourselves? Of course it's not actually stealing, DISA leadership still supports any change which will be implemented into the current architecture, improve services and be cheaper to buy than develop.

Don't worry, if DISA wants your innovation or solution, they'll pay for it but it might be on a credit card rather than a contract award.

To read more visit INPUT's Analyst Recap: 2008 DISA Partnership Conference - Spotlight on DISA's strategic vision and the resulting programs.