Rapid Capabilities
Rapid response projects give DDSers opportunities to jump in and make an impact in unprecedented ways. Whether
it’s responding quickly to support the evacuation of Afghanistan, streamlining some of the most onerous hiring
practices in the federal government, or helping to keep servicemembers safe from enemy drones, our team has what it
takes to get the job done.
Counter - UAS
DDS’ technical experts rapidly field low-cost counter unmanned aerial systems (cUAS) solutions to support
the warfighter’s need for real-time detection, tracking and mitigation of UAS threats. Since adding cUAS
as a portfolio in 2020 through the Rogue Squadron acquisition, DDS programs have built best-in-class
capabilities that are used domestically and globally, and continue to strengthen and modernize the DoD’s
defensive posture.
Desert Architect
In May 2024, DDS, in partnership with the U.S. Army and United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), conducted a
week-long hackathon to improve force protection challenges associated with countering one-way unmanned aerial
systems (UAS). The team developed proofs of concept and recommendations in data interoperability, system health
status, incident reporting procedures, and force protection system usability, many of which are being
incorporated into the current systems of record.
82nd Airborne AmmoOps
In partnership with the 82nd Airborne, DDS developed a minimally viable application called AmmoOp that
streamlines and simplifies ammunition ordering for use in training exercises. Initial testing of AmmoOp
indicated it will save the 82nd Airborne more than 8,900 soldier-hours annually.
Magic Manifest
Safety and efficiency are vital for jump masters in the 82nd Airborne. DDS partnered with the 82nd Airborne
Innovation Unit to develop an application that streamlines the aircraft boarding process and reduces paperwork
during airborne training events. The app enables jump masters to scan troops' ID cards during pre-checks and
boarding, ensuring all personnel are accounted for. The app helps jump masters make last-minute decisions, as
well as enhances safety, tracks combat readiness, and reduces administrative burdens while showcasing
technology's benefits for military operations.
Move.mil
DDS developed the highly successful website 'Move.mil', which is specifically designed to assist
military personnel in managing their household goods during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Move.mil
alleviates the pressure of scheduling, customer service, and locating other important information by
consolidating all these resources in one convenient location. Since its launch, Move.mil has been integrated
into the Military OneSource platform and is expected to save the military over 3,000 weeks annually in lost
productivity during the busy PCS season.
Bastion
Aerial refueling is crucial for various missions, allowing tanker aircraft to fuel receiver aircraft in flight.
However, many processes are manual, leading to inefficiencies such as wasted fuel and man-hours. DDS is leading
a pilot to optimize aerial refueling operations in the Indo-Pacific theater, focusing on integrating advanced
digital technologies and constraint optimization algorithms into existing processes.
Combee
As part of DDS’s experimenting with AI at the tactical edge, DDS developed Combee, a framework for using
Large Language Models as an interface for existing physical systems and equipment. Using generative AI models as
an alternative front end, Combee allows operators to communicate and operate systems using plain language,
reducing the amount of jargon required for training.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a part of everything we do at DDS. From our flagship Hack the Pentagon bug bounty
program to implementing a DNS resolution service that combines threat intelligence with public sector best
practices, to protecting supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and industrial control systems (ICS), we
help maintain the stability of critical systems and traditional networks that countless people rely on every day.
Hack the Pentagon
Hack the Pentagon (HtP) leverages the power of the crowd to substantially improve the
DoD’s cyber defenses through a series of “bug bounties.” In a bug bounty, DDS works with asset
owners, industry partners and independent security researchers to discover and document vulnerabilities. With
this approach, the Department can quickly mitigate vulnerabilities and improve its cybersecurity posture.
LEARN MORE
DDS @ DEFCON
DEF CON DDS has participated in DEFCON since 2019, hosting educational workshops and contests on everything from
hacking power grids to satellites, and everything in between. We've been honored to partner with multiple
Villages to inspire and educate the next generation of hackers and security researchers to help solve the
problems that affect us today. If you want to see all of our workshops, past and present, check out our github.
Technical Assessment
Technical Assessments are one of the corners of our work where our human-centered approach and hands-on technical
knowledge combine to elevate the technology and services within the DoD. By going where the work is, we are able to
do hands-on research with the target user group to really understand their real-world constraints. We endeavor to
help our partners solve the right problems by asking the right questions. Because these projects are mostly internal
with our partners, we don’t share the details publicly.