USSOCOM cuts ribbon on new Data Engineering Lab

By: US Army Maj. Jennifer Bocanegra - 10/3/2019

  • Fifty-four companies showcase their technologies to U.S. government attendees prior to the grand opening of the U.S. Special Operations Command Data Engineering Lab in Tampa, Fla., Sept. 25, 2019. The lab is an open-concept work environment and is the Command’s outpost of a larger DoD modernization eco-system, whose goal is to foster collaboration between Special Operations Forces professionals, data scientists, data architects, software developers, systems integrators and technologists. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Barry Loo)
  • Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, visits SOFWERX for the USSOCOM Data Engineering Lab grand opening ceremony in Tampa, Fla., Sept. 25, 2019. The lab is an open-concept work environment and is the Command’s outpost of a larger DoD modernization eco-system, whose goal is to foster collaboration between Special Operations Forces professionals, data scientists, data architects, software developers, systems integrators and technologists. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Barry Loo)
  • Gen. Richard D. Clarke, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, samples virtual reality technology before the USSOCOM Data Engineering Lab grand opening ceremony in Tampa, Fla., Sept. 25, 2019. The lab is an open-concept work environment and is the Command’s outpost of a larger DoD modernization eco-system, whose goal is to foster collaboration between Special Operations Forces professionals, data scientists, data architects, software developers, systems integrators and technologists. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Barry Loo)

U.S. Special Operations Command took a notable step towards the realization of its artificial intelligence strategy Sept. 25. Together, U.S. Special Operations Commander Gen. Richard D. Clarke with Senior Enlisted Advisor Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Smith and the command’s Chief Data Officer David Spirk, formally cut the ribbon signifying the official opening of the USSOCOM Data Engineering Lab at the SOFWERX facility in Tampa, Fla.

 

During his remarks, Gen. Clarke discussed the impact data will have on USSOCOM’s future operations and investments. He also emphasized the command’s desire to attract top talent from the tech world including: data scientists, data architects, software developers and system integrators who could bring cutting edge solutions to improve the efficiency and capability of special operations forces.

 

“SOCOM is open for business,” Clarke said. “Bring us your partnership, innovative solutions, and big ideas.”

 

The DEL is housed inside the SOFWERX facility in Tampa, Florida and offers an open-concept work environment modeled after leading technology companies. The work space is intended to be unclassified and accessible with the goal of fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams consisting of special operations forces professionals, Department of Defense partners, industry thought-leaders and academia.

 

“The biggest security challenges of the day won’t be solved in closed rooms in our headquarters … They’ll be solved in spaces like this, together with you,” Clarke told the audience.

 

The lab will serve as the command’s outpost connected to the larger Department of Defense modernization ecosystem and its projects will focus on the design and development of advanced data techniques, including AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation.

 

“SOF, along with the Department of Defense, is dedicated to advancing our data architecture and analytical tools,” Clarke said. “We believe this DEL is one of many that will emerge in the future ecosystem across the DoD, the broader U.S. government, and foreign partners.”

 

Spirk and the USSOCOM data office will supervise DEL production confirming alignment with the USSOCOM AI goals.

 

“This has been a huge, huge capability improvement for us,” Spirk said. “This is a realization of what this future is for us.”

 

 

Spirk initially joined USSOCOM in 2015 as the associate director for the USSOCOM intelligence directorate.  He took on the position as the chief data officer in 2018 where he is responsible for leading the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning automation across the USSOCOM enterprise.

 

There are around 10 fledgling projects underway. One such project focuses on predictive maintenance and is a collaborated effort involving the Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the command’s data office. The goal of the project is to create an AI-managed program that statistically predicts engine component failures. By leveraging AI technology, flying hours will be optimized and aircraft maintainer readiness, and efficiency will improve.  

 

Prior to the official ceremony, 50 different companies dedicated to AI, machine learning and data science showcased their organizations to the more than 200 attendees from across the Special Operations community, DoD, U.S. government agencies and local leaders in technology.

 

SOFWERX is an unclassified, off-campus facility located in Tampa, Florida, designed to bring non-traditional partners from industry, academia and the U.S. government together to work on USSOCOM’s most challenging problems. SOFWERX was created in September 2015 under a partnership intermediary agreement between DEFENSEWERX and USSOCOM.

 

While the DEL and SOFWERX are co-located, the DEL will focus on AI, machine learning and data science; however, being in close proximity offers opportunities for both entities to collaborate on projects to further SOF capabilities.

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