The ICD Collaborative Framework
A modern collaborative framework for open, modular, and secure co-development of dual-use technologies, designed for software-defined warfare, peer competition, and agile acquisition mandates.
Core Components
Overlay Licensing Framework
Enables open collaboration while maintaining compatibility with community open-source licenses and government requirements.
- Transparent attribution and lineage tracking
- Clear intellectual property boundaries
- Government purpose rights preservation
- Multi-tier access control
DevOps Pipeline Integration
Automated compliance checking, security scanning, and quality assurance integrated into development workflows.
- Continuous integration/deployment
- Automated security scanning
- Compliance verification
- Quality metrics tracking
Licensing Models
Software (SW-ICD)
Comprehensive license for software artifacts, APIs, and containerized environments
- ✓Source code transparency
- ✓Government purpose rights
- ✓Open-source compatibility
Hardware (HW-ICD)
License for hardware designs, schematics, and manufacturing specifications
- ✓Design transparency
- ✓Modular architecture
- ✓Supply chain security
Data (Data-ICD)
Governance for datasets, training data, and information sharing
- ✓Data provenance
- ✓Privacy protection
- ✓Tiered access control
Model (Model-ICD)
AI/ML model sharing with transparency and auditability
- ✓Model lineage
- ✓Bias detection
- ✓Performance metrics
Technical Architecture
Architectural Principles
Modular Design
Components can be independently developed, tested, and deployed
Open Standards
Built on industry-standard protocols and interfaces
Security by Design
Comprehensive security measures integrated from the ground up
Auditability
Complete traceability of all components and contributions
Interoperability
Seamless integration across different systems and platforms
Scalability
Designed to grow from pilot projects to enterprise deployment
Implementation Phases
Pilot Programs
Launch with select partners in controlled environments to validate framework components and processes.
Governance Establishment
Formalize Technical Steering Committees and ICD Steering Body operations with clear procedures and accountability.
Ecosystem Expansion
Scale to broader industry participation with mature tooling, processes, and governance structures.
Supporting Federal Law and Policy
SHARE-IT Act Compliance
The ICD Framework directly supports the Source Code Harmonization And Reuse in Information Technology (SHARE-IT) Act by enabling transparent, auditable software collaboration that maintains security while accelerating innovation.
SHARE-IT Requirements
- ✓Comprehensive software bill of materials (SBOM)
- ✓Supply chain risk assessment and mitigation
- ✓Continuous monitoring and vulnerability management
- ✓Multi-stakeholder collaboration on security standards
ICD Implementation
- ✓Automated SBOM generation and validation
- ✓Integrated supply chain transparency tools
- ✓Real-time security scanning and compliance checking
- ✓Government-industry collaborative security framework
Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF) Integration
ICD provides the collaborative infrastructure and compliance automation needed to enable all six AAF pathways, from urgent capability needs to complex major acquisitions. Each pathway leverages ICD's unique capabilities to accelerate delivery while maintaining security and competition.
Pathway 1: Urgent Capability Acquisition (UCA)
AAF Requirements
- • Fielding within 6-12 months
- • Streamlined oversight and approvals
- • Rapid prototype to production
- • Emergency acquisition authorities
- • Minimal documentation requirements
ICD Enablers
- • Pre-approved Component Library: Battle-tested components with existing ATO
- • Automated Security Scanning: Continuous compliance checking in CI/CD
- • Rapid Integration Framework: Modular architecture for fast assembly
- • Emergency Licensing: Streamlined SW-ICD for urgent needs
- • Real-time SBOM: Automatic documentation generation
Example: Counter-drone system needed in 90 days leverages pre-vetted radar, AI/ML models, and command modules from ICD ecosystem, reducing development time from 18 months to 3 months.
Pathway 2: Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA)
AAF Requirements
- • Rapid prototyping (2-5 years)
- • Rapid fielding focus
- • Minimum viable product approach
- • Streamlined milestone reviews
- • Early user feedback integration
ICD Enablers
- • Collaborative Development: Multi-vendor teams on shared platform
- • Iterative Integration: Continuous integration of new capabilities
- • User Feedback Loops: Direct warfighter input via ICD channels
- • Scalable Architecture: Modular design for incremental capability
- • Cross-Service Compatibility: Joint requirements from day one
Example: Next-generation tactical communications system developed collaboratively by 3 prime contractors using ICD framework, enabling 18-month timeline vs. 4-year traditional approach.
Pathway 3: Major Capability Acquisition (MCA)
AAF Requirements
- • Complex systems (5+ years)
- • Full lifecycle management
- • Extensive testing and evaluation
- • Multiple milestone reviews
- • Long-term sustainment planning
ICD Enablers
- • Enterprise Integration: System-of-systems architecture support
- • Vendor Ecosystem: Competitive environment with open standards
- • Lifecycle Traceability: Complete audit trail from concept to retirement
- • Modular Modernization: Component-level upgrades without system redesign
- • Coalition Interoperability: Allied integration from requirements phase
Example: Next-generation fighter aircraft avionics developed using ICD enables multiple international partners and suppliers, reducing integration risk and enabling continuous capability updates.
Pathway 4: Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP)
AAF Requirements
- • Continuous delivery and deployment
- • Agile and DevSecOps methodologies
- • User-centered design approach
- • Iterative development cycles
- • Continuous authority to operate (cATO)
ICD Enablers
- • Native DevSecOps Integration: ICD pipelines with automated security
- • Continuous Compliance: Real-time ATO maintenance and validation
- • Agile Collaboration Platform: Government product owners in development flow
- • User Story Integration: Direct warfighter requirements via ICD channels
- • Microservices Architecture: Containerized deployment with SW-ICD licensing
Example: AI-powered logistics optimization software deployed continuously via ICD framework, enabling weekly feature releases with automatic security validation and cross-service compatibility.
Pathway 5: Defense Business Systems (DBS)
AAF Requirements
- • Enterprise IT and business systems
- • Commercial best practices adoption
- • Cross-functional integration
- • Data standardization and sharing
- • Cost-effective COTS utilization
ICD Enablers
- • Enterprise Service Mesh: Common services shared across DoW
- • Unified Compliance Framework: Single security model for all business systems
- • Data Integration Platform: Standardized APIs for cross-functional workflows
- • Commercial Adaptation Layer: COTS integration with government requirements
- • Shared Infrastructure: Cloud-native deployment with ICD governance
Example: Integrated financial management system spanning multiple DoW components using ICD framework enables real-time budget visibility and automated compliance reporting across services.
Pathway 6: Acquisition of Services
AAF Requirements
- • Knowledge-based services delivery
- • Performance-based service contracts
- • Commercial best practices adoption
- • Outcome-focused service delivery
- • Integrated service management
ICD Enablers
- • Service Definition Framework: Standardized service specifications and metrics
- • Collaborative Service Development: Multi-stakeholder service design and delivery
- • Performance Monitoring Platform: Real-time service quality measurement
- • Service Integration Layer: Seamless integration across service providers
- • Quality Assurance Framework: Continuous improvement and standardization
Example: Multi-vendor cybersecurity services integrated through ICD framework enabling seamless threat intelligence sharing and coordinated response across DoW enterprise.
Cross-Pathway ICD Benefits
Accelerated Timelines
Pre-approved components, automated compliance, and collaborative development reduce acquisition time across all six pathways by 40-60%.
Enhanced Competition
Open standards and modular architecture enable more vendors to compete effectively, increasing innovation and reducing costs.
Improved Interoperability
Common frameworks ensure systems work together from day one, reducing integration risk and enabling joint operations.
License and Rights Comparison
Understanding how ICD licensing compares to traditional open-source licenses and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) data rights assertions.
| License/Rights Type | Scope | Government Rights | Industry IP Protection | Commercial Reuse | Compliance Automation | Collaborative Development |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW-ICD License | HW, SW, Data, Models | Unlimited | Strong | Enabled | Native | Optimized |
| MIT License | SW only | Unlimited | Minimal | Full | None | Basic |
| Apache 2.0 | SW only | Unlimited | Moderate | Full | None | Standard |
| GPL 3.0 | SW only | Unlimited | Limited | Restricted | None | Strong |
| DFARS 252.227-7014 (Unlimited Rights) | HW, SW, Data | Unlimited | None | Blocked | Manual | Discouraged |
| DFARS 252.227-7013 (Limited Rights) | HW, SW, Data | Restricted | Strong | Full | Manual | Blocked |
| DFARS 252.227-7017 (Restricted Rights) | SW only | Minimal | Complete | Blocked | Manual | Blocked |
| DFARS 252.227-7018 (Government Purpose Rights) | HW, SW, Data | Moderate | Strong | Restricted | Manual | Limited |
| Commercial License (Typical) | Variable | None | Complete | Full | None | Prohibited |
Key Advantages of SW-ICD Licensing
Balanced Rights Model
Preserves government unlimited rights while enabling industry to protect proprietary innovations and pursue commercial markets.
Automated Compliance
Built-in DevOps integration ensures continuous compliance checking, reducing manual oversight burden and accelerating acquisition timelines.
Ready to Get Started?
Join the growing community of organizations leveraging the ICD Framework for defense innovation.