Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)

Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)

Why Open Standards like CMOSS and SOSA are the New Normal

The US Department of Defense (DoD) and global defense forces face rapidly evolving threats worldwide. The dynamic and swift changes in adversary capabilities necessitate the integration of advanced technologies to counter these threats and maintain a competitive advantage in warfare. To tackle this challenge, adopting an open standards-based architecture is essential. This approach allows defense forces to quickly integrate and deploy additional functionality on the battlefield, share information effectively, and enhance communication within and between vehicles, among other benefits.

This white paper outlines how using a MOSA strategy to open standards-based technology implementation expedites the delivery of solutions to the battlefield.

What is MOSA?

A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) is not itself a technical standard. Rather, MOSA is an acquisition and design strategy that prioritizes the use of open standards-based technology for, as the Defense Standardization Program states, "designing an affordable and adaptable system."

A mandate for all new defense acquisition programs to be designed and developed using MOSA was actually codified into law (Title 10 U.S.C. 2446a.(b), Sec 805); however, the major push toward MOSA took place in 2019 when the U.S. DoD issued a memorandum with the subject "Modular Open Systems Approaches for our Weapon Systems is a Warfighting Imperative." The memo states that the Secretaries of the Air Force, Army, and Navy have reviewed the open standards that have been developed, demonstrated, and validated in their respective branches for the past several years. Deeming the continued use of such open standards "vital to our success," the memo mandates that MOSA supporting standards should be included in requirements for all weapons systems going forward.

This directive has accelerated the adoption of a variety of MOSA supporting standards, particularly the following, which we'll explore in this white paper:

 

Log in to download the white paper to read about:

  • The MOSA directive and its significance for defense technology
  • Reasons to adopt a MOSA-based architecture
  • MOSA-supporting standards found in today's program requirements
Jason DeChiaro

Jason DeChiaro

System Architect

Jason DeChiaro is a System Architect at Curtiss-Wright.  He received his Electrical Engineering degree, with distinction, from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.  His responsibilities include supporting customers in architecting deployable VPX systems, including CMOSS/SOSA compliant designs.  Jason has over 15 years of engineering experience in the defense industry, supporting the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy, as well as the IC community.  In addition to architecting VPX systems, Jason also supports customers’ Assured Position Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) requirements. 

David Jedynak

David Jedynak

VP Strategic Planning

David Jedynak is Vice President of Strategic Planning and a Technical Fellow. Previously, he served as Chief Technology Officer for Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions for many years and continues to provide technology leadership for the group. David joined Curtiss-Wright in 2008, and has focused his expertise in network-centric systems, COTS solutions and Assured Position, Navigation and Timing. He actively drives and supports the adoption of modular open standard approach (MOSA) architectures for the defense industry to accelerate technology deployment. Prior to joining Curtiss-Wright, David worked in both the automotive electronics and film industries on the forefront of industry-wide migrations to cutting-edge open standard digital architectures. He holds a BS Electrical Engineering from UCLA, as well as a Certificate in Astronautical Engineering and a Certificate in Project Management, both also from UCLA.