Systems Engineering and Architecture

Defense Standardization Program

Standardization is essential to the design, development, acquisition, and sustainment of defense systems. It also helps systems engineers and architects, scientists, and other technical professionals to standardize like products and technologies and to use a common set of standards to provide equipment and systems that are reliable, interoperable, and affordable. The Defense Standardization Program (DSP) seeks to identify, develop, manage, and make available standardization processes, products, and services across the Department to promote interoperability, reduce total ownership costs, and sustain readiness.

The DSP provides the policy framework and standardization management processes to:

Support standardization of interfaces to enable modular and open systems, and to support modular open systems approach (MOSA).
Promote interoperability between defense systems, across DoD and with allies and partners by through standardization.
Support the development of standardization products (e.g., standards, architectures) that lay a foundation for innovation and rapid insertion of new technologies.
Facilitate DoD engagement in standards development organizations and non-government standards bodies activities to help shape the future of critical and emerging technologies.
Support the exchange of technical data, standardization information and support digital transformation.
Distribute standards and specifications developed and used by DoD through ASSIST https://assist.dla.mil
Enable parts management and diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS) best practices throughout the Department.

The USD(R&E) has policy oversight of the DSP and is responsible for the selection of the Defense Standardization Executive (DSE). Currently, the Principal Deputy Director for Systems Engineering and Architecture is the designated DSE, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the DSP and engaging with the Director of the Defense Standardization Program Office (DSPO). The DSPO manages the day-to-day activities of the DSP and serves as the executive sponsor for the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) and DoD activities to mitigate the impact of DMSMS.