Chartered in September 2014, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Industry Advisory Working Group (NIAWG) addresses contemporary business and operating model challenges of the NRO and its industry base in an objective, non-proprietary venue.

From day 1, where 40 participants crammed into a 20-person conference room, USGIF members continue to lean in on matters of strategic importance to the NRO Industry Base, making waves in the community. The fact that this Working Group is still thriving after 10 years is a testament to the USGIF community’s collaboration and commitment to the mission.

Over the years, the NRO and its industry base have encountered near-constant change in architecture, technology, business models, and fiscal environment. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper recognized this when he said industry and government must “work together to pioneer profound change”. Whether it’s Agile software development, changes in software acquisition, adoption of Digital Engineering or the impact of AI/ML, government and industry must be aligned on operating & business models to be successful.

Some NIAWG statistics tell a story:

What’s the secret to the NIAWG’s success and longevity? “There are two keys: having ground rules that define the topics we’ll discuss (no proprietary info) and setting up topic-specific Action Teams that focus on practical, actionable recommendations”, said Nick Buck, NIAWG co-chair.

He says, “The whole point is to leverage experience across industry and government, get people talking and avoid unintended consequences.”

Looking ahead to 2025, change never stops! Current Action Teams are exploring Digital Engineering ontology impacts to contracting, use and impact of AI/ML on systems and acquisition processes, and accelerating uptake of commercial technology by NRO programs. All members are encouraged to join the NIAWG, participate in an Action Team, and help define the way government and industry navigate the future.

The NRO Industry Advisory Working Group brings together industry professionals from hardware, software, system integrator, and SETA/FFRDC organizations in order to help the government achieve its Agency transformation objectives and address matters of strategic importance to the NRO Industry Base.

Specifically, this Working Group identifies business and operating model evolution that will support government and industry objectives as well as to identify potential pitfalls and corresponding courses of action. To learn more and join the NIAWG, please reach out to workinggroups@usgif.org.

Contributed by Nick Buck, President & CEO, Buck Consulting Group