NGEN-R

NGEN-R. It represents a major modernization initiative within the United States Department of Defense, specifically designed to overhaul and replace legacy information technology infrastructure. The program is a cornerstone of the United States Navy's digital transformation strategy, aiming to deliver a secure, standardized, and resilient enterprise network. Its implementation is managed to enhance global operational capabilities and cybersecurity posture across naval commands and shore establishments.

Overview

The initiative is fundamentally a services contract of immense scale and complexity, often compared to other major Department of Defense technology refreshes like the Defense Enterprise Office Solutions (DEOS). Its primary objective is to consolidate and modernize the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) and the One-Net systems under a single, contemporary architecture. This consolidation is critical for improving interoperability with allied forces such as NATO and supporting joint operations with the United States Army and United States Air Force. The overarching goal is to create a unified platform that supports the warfighting functions of the United States Pacific Fleet and the United States Fleet Forces Command.

Development and Acquisition

The procurement process for this enterprise network followed a rigorous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) framework, overseen by officials from the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). The contract was ultimately awarded to a consortium led by Leidos, a major defense contractor known for its work on the Integrated Strategic Planning and Analysis Network (ISPAN). Key competitors during the acquisition phase included General Dynamics and Perspecta, firms with extensive experience in supporting the National Security Agency (NSA) and United States Cyber Command. The award was announced following a detailed source selection process managed by the Program Executive Office for Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital).

Technical Specifications

The system's architecture is built upon a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) foundation, integrating advanced cloud computing services from providers like Amazon Web Services and the Microsoft Azure government platforms. It mandates the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for communications and enforces strict Information Assurance (IA) standards aligned with the Risk Management Framework (RMF). Core components include next-generation firewall technology, enterprise-wide identity management, and seamless integration with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) networks. The infrastructure is designed to be compatible with systems used by the United States Marine Corps and supports applications critical to the Military Sealift Command.

Operational History

Initial operational capability was achieved following a successful deployment at key naval installations, including Naval Station Norfolk and Naval Base San Diego. The network played a vital supporting role during major fleet exercises like Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and Operation Atlantic Resolve. Its enhanced bandwidth and security features have proven essential for command and control (C2) functions for units like the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) carrier strike group. The transition has involved migrating hundreds of thousands of users from legacy systems operated previously by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Variants and Upgrades

The program includes several key segments and continuous improvement pathways. The primary service lane, often referred to as the End-User Hardware (EUH) component, covers the deployment of standardized desktop computers and mobile devices. A significant parallel effort is the NGEN-R Service Management, Integration, and Transport (SMIT) contract, which focuses on network backbone and cybersecurity services. Planned upgrades involve the adoption of zero trust architecture principles in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and expanded use of artificial intelligence for network monitoring. These evolutions are designed to counter advanced persistent threats identified by agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Category:United States Navy