{"id":64228,"date":"2023-01-18T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2023\/01\/18\/three-ways-to-improve-disas-data-strategy\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T00:49:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T00:49:37","slug":"three-ways-to-improve-disas-data-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/commentary\/2023\/01\/18\/three-ways-to-improve-disas-data-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Three ways to build on DISA\u2019s strong data strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Throughout 2022, we\u2019ve seen the federal government continue to place an emphasis on the importance of data and its role within the decision-making process for mission-critical operations. In addition to various agency plans that outline a strategic approach to data management over the years \u2014 including the Defense Department\u2019s Data Strategy<\/a> in October 2020 and the Labor Department\u2019s Enterprise Data Strategy<\/a> in April of this year \u2014 the Defense Information Systems Agency recently shared its Data Strategy Implementation Plan<\/a>, or IPlan, which defines a modern approach to information architecture with a key focus on data management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plan aims to dismantle organic data silos and encourage integrated network capabilities, thus improving functionality in the agency\u2019s management systems, while embracing DoD structures and strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will also guide how the organization will manage and exploit data as a critical asset, highlighting the evident value of implementing modernized cyber architectures in the public sector, which ensure that decision-makers can collaborate using interoperable and secure data networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few areas that could impact the outcome if they were called out more explicitly, including C-suite alignment, setting intermediate goals and workforce development \u2014 all of which are essential to planting a data-centric approach for any agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C-suite alignment and coordination<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

C-suite alignment throughout any information technology-based process is critical for mission success, especially when discussing an enterprisewide data strategy. A strategy or plan would greatly benefit from further clarification on how to navigate the responsibilities between the chief information officer, the chief information security officer and the chief data officer in order to build a successful, data-driven culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Role clarity is essential here. While the plan mentions the three titles, it implies but does not encourage collaboration between them. And while each agency has its own relationships, these three positions need to be in sync to meet mission objectives effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defining intermediary goals<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The IPlan is ambitious and lists out goals and initiatives with 2023 deadlines; however, it would help to better define those that are essential for a strategic plan rollout, or offer guidance on what\u2019s needed for effective implementation in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The plan does outline final goals and objectives, looking at where agencies should strive to be at the end of this data journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\t