As global threats evolve and military operations become increasingly interconnected, the ability to build a modern, agile, and unified force has never been more critical. Strength Through Standardization: Forging a Modern Force explores how standardization serves as the foundation for military readiness, operational efficiency, innovation, and allied interoperability.
The 2026 Defense Standardization Program (DSP) Conference will bring together defense leaders, policymakers, military professionals, industry experts, and technology innovators to examine the strategic role standardization plays in rebuilding and modernizing defense capabilities. From logistics and communications systems to training protocols, cybersecurity frameworks, and emerging technologies, standardization enables forces to operate faster, smarter, and more cohesively across all domains. Through keynote discussions, expert panels, and collaborative sessions attendees will explore practical solutions for creating a force that is prepared for tomorrow's challenges.
*This Conference will be offered in a hybrid format. A limited virtual attendance option is available, however in person attendance is encouraged to fully benefit from the networking and collaboration opportunities this event offers.
Cost:
Free of charge
Who should attend?
Standardization stakeholders from across sectors and functional roles are encouraged to participate in this event featuring engaging keynotes and interactive panel discussions. This includes DoW personnel and support contractors, Allies and Partners, industry, and others (e.g., academia). If you're interested in standardization, then this event is for you!
2026 Conference Highlights
Workshop 1: AI, Data Analytics & Automation
| Track Options |
Description |
| Resilience by Design: Building Mission Readiness Before Crisis Hits. |
As supply chains become more complex, globally interconnected, and technologically dynamic, resilience can no longer depend on reactive sustainment practices alone. This interactive workshop will explore how proactive DMSMS management, operational impact assessments, strategic parts selection, technology refresh planning, and stronger Government-Industry collaboration can help organizations identify and mitigate risk before readiness is impacted. |
| Automation of Standards Management: Applying automation, AI, and data analytics for the standards management activities. |
While human expertise remains the bedrock of defense standardization, the sheer volume of modern technical data requires a more efficient approach. This session explores how automation, AI, and data analytics can serve as powerful assistants to Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs), streamlining the administrative "heavy lifting" of standards management while preserving the essential role of human technical judgment. |
| Workforce Development: Upskilling a data-driven enterprise for AI and Automation in defense standardization. |
To maintain technological overmatch, the Department must transition from a document-heavy culture to a data-driven enterprise. This breakout session focuses on the essential upskilling required to master analytics, AI, and model-based approaches enabling the workforce to implement automation in standardization and accelerate mission-ready solutions.
|
| Unlocking Agility: Using MOSA standardization to drive acquisition transformation |
Standardization is the strategic linchpin of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). To realize the goals of the Acquisition Transformation Strategy—delivering overmatch capabilities at the speed of relevance—the Department must enforce standardized open architectures that break vendor lock-in and enable rapid, plug-and-play modernization. |
Workshop 2: Digital Standards
| Track Options |
Description |
| Policy, Governance, Modeling Tools & Practices |
Procedures and Guidance for the Shift to Digital Standards |
| The Digital Rosetta Stone: Ontologies and semantic interoperability for the modern enterprise |
This session dives into the critical role of ontologies in standardizing the "meaning" of technical data. We will explore how establishing a common semantic framework enables the seamless exchange of models between the government and the defense industrial base, and ensures that data remains authoritative and interoperable across the entire system lifecycle. |
| Structural Integrity in IT and Data |
This session explores how a standardized IT architecture enables rapid system integration, secure connectivity, and enterprise-wide technical alignment. |
| The Digital Foundry: Standardizing Advanced Manufacturing for a resilient supply chain. |
This session will examine the current landscape of AM standardization to understand what exists, where the critical vulnerabilities (gaps) lie, and how the Department can collaborate with industry Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) to build a comprehensive, full-spectrum AM standards framework. |
Do you have a question?
If you have any questions, please send an email message to nicole.daddario@dla.mil