Critical Program Information (CPI)

Critical Program Information (CPI) refers to the essential elements of a defense program that, if compromised, could severely impact mission effectiveness, degrade U.S. technological superiority, or threaten national security. CPI includes sensitive technologies, systems, and processes that provide a unique advantage to U.S. military forces. Identifying and protecting CPI is crucial for maintaining operational security and ensuring that critical capabilities are not exploited by adversaries. Effective management of CPI involves continuous monitoring, rigorous protection measures, and collaboration across government and industry partners.

DoD Instruction 5200.39: “CPI Identification and Protection within RDT&E” – 1 Oct 20

Critical Program Information (CPI) is any U.S. capability elements that contribute to the warfighters’ technical advantage, which if compromised, undermine U.S. military preeminence. CPI provides mission essential capabilities, and can include, but is not limited to, software algorithms, specific hardware residing on the system, system training equipment, or maintenance support equipment.

https://lycancpi.com

Phase II - Completed

Following the successful completion of Phase I, Lyteworx Automation Systems, in collaboration with Management Analysis Network (MAN), has advanced to Phase II of our Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project, sponsored by the Department's Strategic Capabilities Office. The focus of Phase II has been on automating the identification of Critical Program Information (CPI) and developing a comprehensive toolkit that enhances the protection of Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

During Phase II, our team focused on several key objectives, including the automation of CPI identification processes, the development of algorithms and rule sets, and the integration of these capabilities into the Acquisition Security Database (ASDB). The effort also included refining the software based on user feedback, developing a detailed reference guide and training package, and ensuring that the system meets stringent cybersecurity standards.

Lyteworx leveraged an agile development approach, utilizing a commercial code repository and a three-week sprint cycle to ensure continuous progress and iterative improvements. The result is a robust, user-friendly toolkit that not only identifies and protects CPI but also integrates seamlessly with existing DoD databases, thereby enhancing overall program security.

The completion of Phase II represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing innovative, secure solutions that support the mission-critical needs of our defense partners. We look forward to further collaboration and potential expansion of these capabilities in future phases.

Phase I - Complete

The team of Management Analysis Network and Lyteworx Automation Systems recently completed Phase I of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) effort, sponsored by the Department's Strategic Capabilities Office, to develop an automated tool for identifying Critical Program Information (CPI).  CPI is the basis for program protection plans, anti-tamper design, and other activities employed by the Department of Defense (DOD) to protect cutting-edge weapon systems.  An automated CPI identification tool can provide consistency in identification; increasing protection of programs through a focused, integrated approach.  Additionally, through automating the process, information regarding DOD-funded efforts can be aggregated and analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and protection opportunities.  Phase I of the SBIR focused on developing the analog processes and toolsets to optimally identify CPI, and culminated in submittal of the Software Description Document.  The government notified the team of its intent to pursue phase II to demonstrate the automated process.