In an era where the digital battlefield is just as critical as the physical one, the US Army is at the forefront of a transformative shift in software development and acquisition strategies. The Army Directive 2024-02, “Enabling Modern Software Development and Acquisition Practices,” heralds a new age of agility, rapid delivery, and continuous improvement. This transformation is vital for maintaining superiority in the digital warfare landscape.
Enter the Scaled Agile Framework® (SAFe®). SAFe for government offers a structured yet flexible approach that aligns perfectly with the directive’s goals.
Are you curious about how SAFe can revolutionize your operations? Download our comprehensive white paper, SAFe: The Solution for the US Army, and dive into the details.
Modernizing Software Development: A New Approach
Traditional software development methods, characterized by rigid, prescriptive requirements and lengthy development cycles, are being replaced by more adaptive and iterative processes.
Army Directive 2024-02 calls for:
- High-Level Need Statements: Moving away from detailed specifications to concise, high-level requirements
- Flexible Acquisition Strategies: Using methods like the Software Acquisition Pathway and modular contracting to adapt swiftly to changing needs
- Streamlined Processes: Reducing time-to-delivery through modernized development, testing, and cybersecurity processes
- Continuous Improvement: Emphasizing ongoing development and refinement throughout the software lifecycle
- Talent Development: Building expertise in modern software practices within the Army’s ranks
SAFe’s principles and practices meet these new demands, making it an ideal framework for the US Army’s Agile transformation.
Want to learn more about how SAFe can help your government agency? Download our white paper now.
How SAFe Supports Army Directive 2024-02
Aligning requirements and acquisition practices
SAFe’s methodology, which emphasizes capturing requirements through iterative ‘user stories,’ directly supports the directive’s move towards high-level need statements. This approach ensures that development is closely aligned with user needs and can adapt as those needs evolve. Additionally, SAFe’s exemplar Request for Proposal (RFP) language facilitates the creation of flexible contracts, promoting rapid and iterative software delivery.
Streamlining processes
SAFe advocates continuous integration, deployment, and automated testing—key strategies for modernizing software development processes. By breaking down development into small, frequent iterations, SAFe helps reduce delays and accelerate time to market, perfectly aligning with the directive’s objectives.
Adopting a continuous improvement model
The directive’s shift towards continuous improvement throughout the software lifecycle mirrors SAFe’s Build-Measure-Learn concept. This model focuses on ongoing adaptation and refinement, ensuring the software remains relevant and effective.
Developing talent and expertise
SAFe provides a comprehensive framework for training and certifying personnel in Agile roles such as Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Release Train Engineer. This structured approach to talent development ensures that the Army’s workforce has the skills necessary to support its Agile initiatives. Programs like the Digital Capabilities Contracting Center of Excellence and the Software Management and Response Team can leverage SAFe expertise to drive this transformation.
Real-World Success: SAFe for Government
Several US Army initiatives have already seen success with SAFe in a government context:
- General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS): Transitioned from a traditional waterfall methodology to SAFe, enabling faster delivery of software enhancements and better alignment with evolving requirements
- The Software Factory in Austin, Texas: Embraced SAFe practices to train soldiers in coding and foster organic software development capabilities
- Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS): Utilizing SAFe to transform its software development approach, PEO EIS is enhancing its workforce’s skills through Agile training and promoting industry collaboration to support Agile transformation
SAFe for Government events, including conferences, workshops, panel speakers, and supporting artifacts, promote Agile governance and modern software development practice for the government sector.
Download the white paper to read more about these success stories and how they can apply to your agency.
Conclusion
The US Army’s adoption of SAFe methodologies in response to Army Directive 2024-02 represents a significant leap towards modernizing its software development processes. By aligning with SAFe’s principles of agility, continuous improvement, and efficiency, the Army is better equipped to meet the demands of the digital warfare landscape. This transformation enhances the Army’s operational capabilities. It also fosters a culture of innovation and rapid delivery, ensuring that the US Army remains a formidable force in traditional and digital arenas.
Join us in embracing the future of SAFe for government—together, we can achieve greater agility, responsiveness, and efficiency. Download the white paper, SAFe: The Solution for the US Army, to learn more about how SAFe meets the requirements of Army Directive 2024-02.
For more insights and resources, explore our SAFe for government page.