JCIDS Process Overview

Previously based in Maryland, Anthony Wright is a former U.S. Navy strike fighter pilot and commanding officer. For five years, Anthony Wright also served as a senior program manager with Ausley Associates, Inc., in Maryland. During his time with the Navy, his work involved defense requirements, which required in-depth knowledge of several processes, including Non-Nuclear Ordnance Requirement (NNOR) and Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS).

Created for the purpose of supporting the statutory responsibility of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) in validating joint warfighting requirements, the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process represents one of the three key supports of the Defense Acquisition System. The process identifies the capabilities warfighters must have to support the National Strategy for Homeland Defense, the National Defense Strategy (NDS), and the National Military Strategy (NMS). It also identifies operational performance criteria for the successful execution of assigned missions.

The JCIDS process involves capabilities-based assessments (CBA), approval of Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) and courses of action, and approval of the Capability Development Document (CDD). CBA is designed to identify the mission, capabilities required, capability gaps and associated operational risks, the viability of a non-material solution, and potential recommendations. Once capability gaps are identified after approval of ICD, the Joint Requirements Oversight Council may recommend a material solution, seek a nonmaterial approach as an alternative or adjunct to a material solution, or take no further action (accept operational risk). The last stage of the process - CDD approval - validates the key performance parameters.