DOD puts governance structure in place for IMD acquisition

New Defense Department guidance issued this month on the management of intelligence mission data (IMD) in Defense Department acquisition establishes new policies and assigns responsibilities for the management, production and application of IMD in DOD acquisition processes by the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USDI).

DOD Directive 5250.01 issued Jan. 22 by Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter establishes a governance structure led by the USDI to oversee development, production and sharing of IMD in a number of functional areas, including signatures, electronic warfare, geospatial intelligence.

As part of the governance structure, the directive establishes a DOD and intelligence community steering group to help set IMD policy, guidance and priorities for the member organizations, as well as an IMD oversight board to address issues that arise in the course of IMD acquisition.

The directive applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the military departments, Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commands, Office of the DOD Inspector General, DOD field activities, and defense agencies and components.