In Phase I, we leveraged our SIMBA Integrity (SI) Toolkit to address information (data) warfare needs pertinent to the 16th Air Force to mitigate mis/disinformation by identifying where our SI Toolkit could be integrated using our Python software development kit (SDK). A process where the SI scans a file system for file changes (initial writes or changes) or integrates with other systems to ingest information, and records their fingerprint on the blockchain. Our Phase I research/research and development (R/R&D) set the stage for Phase II research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) to inform the risk to data, enhance data integrity, promote chain of custody, and provide an ability to establish a fingerprint and verify the fingerprint at all stages of the data lifecycle. Our Phase II RDT&E will equip the Air Force and greater DoD with an improved financial management (FM) data visualization, transparency, and auditability solution called, Digital Blockchain Budgeting Accountability and Tracking (DiBaT): Tracking Funding and Resources Using Blockchain for tracking funds. This will equip the USAF with a NextGen ability to: Determine FM and business intelligence needs for a targeted FM vignette and conduct a gap analysis to identify where a blockchain application adds value. Track and Trace funds to better allocate funding to lean FM management processes by tying in benefits to supply chain visibility and initiating with select FM ecosystems and platforms. Establish a flexible digital budgeting baseline with the SIMBA platform to identify traceability data. DiBAT will help the Air Force FM and business intelligence communities: Enable portfolio-based management of DoD acquisition programs Prioritize capability development over long-term sustainment Compete within portfolios focused on rapid capability delivery Exempt key portfolios from color of money restrictions (e.g., software) Expand “digital” to include PPBE Irrefutable tracing of appropriation from apportionment to expenditure Real-time actual costs tied to digital engineering thread Raise Congressional confidence through continuous insight Establish Free Cash Flow incentive: Exempt documented savings from color of money restrictions to: Allow Commanders to use a portion for immediate priorities Allow Department to use a portion for strategic priorities
