The Department of Defense (DoD) is revving its engines again—this time to rocket past its own software acquisition drag. Launched via an April 24 memo from Acting DoD CIO Katie Arrington, the DoD’s Software Fast Track (SWFT) Initiative entered a 90‑day sprint to redefine Accelerating the Authority to Operate (ATOs), aiming to replace the outdated Risk Management Framework (RMF) with AI‑enabled, continuous compliance workflows. Officially live on June 1, 2025, SWFT isn’t a fully cleared runway—it’s a mission in motion, with Requests for Information (RFIs) out and industry poised to respond. But the real turbulence won’t be technical—it’ll be cultural: Can Pentagon policy and personnel move at Top Gun pace?
What Is Software Fast Track?
Officially rolled out by Acting DoD CIO Katie Arrington on May 1, 2025, SWFT is billed as a “90-day sprint” to modernize the DoD’s software authorization and acquisition processes. The mission: to ditch the sluggish RMF in favor of a lighter, faster, more real-time approach to compliance. The big promises? Speed. Agility. And, of course, security that’s always combat-ready. SWFT’s flight plan includes the following:
- Accelerating the ATO process through real-time compliance artifacts
- Automating security checks with Continuous Integration (merging code changes into a central system frequently) and Continuous Delivery (automatically preparing and deploying the updated code) pipelines
- Shifting the burden of compliance “left,” meaning early, often, and continuously.
- Reinforcing the software supply chain with clear visibility, not unlike a radar sweep for vulnerabilities
It’s a bold new flight plan, but as of now, it’s still a concept on the runway. SWFT is more of a mission profile than a final mission briefing, with many details still being worked out.
Where SWFT Stands as of Mid-2025
SWFT was released between May 2 and May 5, 2025, with responses having been due by May 20. The DoD has launched three RFIs seeking industry input on three distinct areas: (i) tools for automating secure software delivery, (ii) external assessment methodologies for third-party risk verification, and (iii) automation and AI strategies to streamline compliance and risk evaluation. “Attestation” has become the new buzzword on everyone’s lips—though, much like in Top Gun, not everyone is reading from the same playbook.
SWFT is now directly aligned with the DoD Software Modernization Strategy and the FY25-26 Implementation Plan, which emphasize cloud-first architecture, zero-trust security, and DevSecOps principles. These approaches signal a major shift in how the Pentagon intends to handle cybersecurity in the face of evolving threats, such as transitioning from traditional dogfighting tactics to next-generation air combat maneuvers.
But here’s the real deal: As of now, there’s no formal contract language, no new acquisition policy, and no mandated compliance framework to go with SWFT. The jet engines are warming up, but the tower hasn’t cleared them for takeoff.
The SBOM Twist: I Feel the Need … the Need for Transparency
One of the clearer aspects of the mission is the DoD’s push for Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), a crucial tool for tracking every component of a software’s “airframe.” SBOMs align with Executive Order 14028 and the push for supply chain security, ensuring that software isn’t hiding vulnerabilities that could compromise contractors’ operations.
But there’s turbulence ahead: Many contractors aren’t equipped to auto-generate SBOMs on the fly or keep them updated in real time. And no one’s sure if the government’s infrastructure is ready to absorb the flood of data. If this part of the mission goes sideways, it could turn into a slow-motion crash instead of a smooth formation flight.
For Contractors: Talk to Me, Goose
SWFT’s talk of “fast tracks” and real-time compliance might sound like “I feel the need … the need for speed.” But here’s what defense contractors need to know before hitting the throttle:
ATO’s Flight Path Is Changing: The promise is simpler, with real-time ATO approvals, less paperwork, and more automated compliance. But don’t expect every program office to abandon the old checklist approach overnight. Legacy systems still have loyal ground crews.
Cybersecurity Remains the Wingman: Core requirements, such as NIST SP 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, and CMMC, are still flying in formation. SWFT simply changes how one demonstrates compliance, more akin to a heads-up display than a paper checklist. But the mission remains the same: no slip-ups allowed.
Platform Preferences Will Shape the Skies: Want to stay in the fight? Tools like Platform One, Iron Bank, and Repo One are becoming the trusted squadrons for secure software delivery. They’re not officially mandatory yet, but those who fly solo may find themselves in no-man’s-land.
Sustainment Is Now a Permanent Sortie: SWFT assumes continuous support, patching, and real-time security operations. In other words, delivery isn’t the finish line. It’s just the first mission in an ongoing deployment cycle.
Conclusion: Eyes Up, Check Your Six
There’s no question the DoD needs to pick up the pace, and SWFT has the right instincts to turn slow-moving processes into supersonic deployments. But for now, it’s still early in the flight plan. The real wild card in this mission isn’t technology; it’s the culture. Will contracting officers and program managers adopt the SWFT model or cling to outdated flight plans? We’ve seen promising test flights before—DIUx, agile pilots, and DevSecOps campaigns—but not every mission has reached cruising altitude. This time, the stakes are even higher: to truly modernize, DoD culture must keep pace with the technical demands. The question is whether the crew in the tower is ready to let these jets fly. With the rules of engagement not yet fully established, let’s just hope the pattern isn’t full.
For contractors, the best move is to prepare for launch: Automate SBOMs, invest in secure development pipelines, and align with trusted platforms. In this new race for federal software contracts, speed and security are no longer just options; they’re flight clearance to the future. If you’re ready to get the mission briefing sorted, the time is now: Draft an SBOM readiness checklist, craft attestation language, and align proposals for this high-speed environment. Because in the world of SWFT, it’s not just about flying fast. It’s about staying in the air and winning the contract.
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