In a move to modernize its radio procurement process, the Army is developing a new model called Common Hardware Software Solutions Tactical Radios (CHESS-TR), envisioned as an e-commerce platform for tactical radios.
Tactical Radio Shopping
The CHESS-TR concept, currently in development within the Army Software Factory, aims to provide units with a catalog where vendors can display their products, including hardware, software, maintenance, and lifecycle management. Units can then browse the catalog and order what they need based on their specific mission requirements.
Meeting Evolving Needs
Col. John Harrell, the capabilities manager of tactical radios in Futures Command, stated that the Army hopes to have a requirement draft through the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System within the next one to two years. The goal is to equip soldiers with updated tactical radio network capabilities at a greater speed and scale.
Streamlined Procurement
To participate, industry vendors will need to have their products approved to ensure compliance with DoD standards. A contract, potentially an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) agreement, will then be awarded to vendors listed in the catalog.
Fostering Innovation
Harrell believes this approach will foster innovation and provide valuable feedback to vendors on what units are actually seeking. It will also encourage competition among vendors.
Flexibility for Units
The CHESS-TR model aims to provide greater flexibility for units, recognizing that tactical network requirements vary depending on the location and mission. A unit in Africa, for example, will have different needs than a unit in Europe or the Indo-Pacific.
Lessons Learned
CHESS-TR is modeled after the Common Hardware Systems program and will incorporate „what was good about” the Army’s radio-as-a-service pilot, which was ultimately deemed unfeasible for industry.
Project Manager Oversight
Under the new model, project managers will oversee the funding and contracts, allowing for better cooperation with industry. The aim is to keep pace with industry development and ensure that soldiers have the tactical radio capabilities they need, when they need them.
