MOSA - MODULARITY

What is MOSA and why is it a critical part of your next design proposal? MOSA stands for Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA). It is a comprehensive strategy adopted by the US Department of Defense (DoD) for developing and implementing modular, open systems in military applications. The MOSA approach was codified into law under Title 10 U.S.C. 2446a.(b), Sec 805 and mandates the use of open, modular architectures for all major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs), representing a significant shift in how military systems are designed, developed, and maintained.

When did MOSA come about? While the Department of Defense issued a directive in the form of a tri-service memo on January 7, 2019, Congress kicked it off in the FY2018 NDAA with a mandate of integration of modular open systems across defense programs for greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness in system development and sustainment. One could argue that the modular approach itself should have been sufficient for the DOD to recognize the need for more flexible and adaptable fielded systems but the addition of cost and program controls (with the Congressional push) were arguably the deciding factors. One should note that a number of DOD and industry groups were forming modular software and system requirements prior to these dates by at least a decade.

Therefore, MOSA is a an integrated technical and business strategy developed by the DoD for designing affordable and adaptable systems. Two processes manage the implementation of MOSA: The Defense Standardization Program (DSP) which provides a framework and guidance for program management and Standardization Management Activities (SMAs) in order to develop, adopt, maintain, and distribute standardization products associated with MOSA. Numerous technical standards and frameworks developed by the DOD and industry help to make MOSA technology and systems effective, i.e. CMFF.

Over the next several Blogs, we’ll discuss standards, frameworks and technologies that came about before and after the formal MOSA ad. Also, you can get the codification document in our document links below (US Code Title 10 U.S.C. 2446a.(b), Sec 805).

MOSA Stakeholders