ALCOAST 361/25 - AUG 2025 DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR SYSTEMS (DCS) - THE ROAD TO FULL OPERATIONAL CAPACITY (FOC)

R 202113Z AUG 25 MID180001971641U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 361/25
SSIC 5400
SUBJ: DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR SYSTEMS (DCS) - THE ROAD TO FULL
OPERATIONAL CAPACITY (FOC)
1. This message serves to update the Coast Guard workforce on the
next steps in the transition of the Deputy Commandant for
Systems (DCS) from Initial Operational Capability (IOC) to Full
Operational Capability (FOC).
2. After achieving IOC on 01 July 2025, the DCS organization is
moving forward to create a modernized organization that is staffed
and structured to achieve the objectives of Force Design 2028 (FD28)
and execute the $24.6B in resources provided by the
"One Big Beautiful Bill Act".
3. The vision for DCS at FOC is an organization that will deliver
integrated lifecycle support that ensures Coast Guard systems are
ready for operations, now and in the future. To achieve that vision,
four pillars will be the focus of the DCS organization on the road
to FOC: Portfolio Management, Total Life Cycle Management,
Total System Visibility and Governance. Each pillar may be examined
in more depth in the DCS Commander's Intent document, available on
the DCS Portal page here:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/:b:/s/DCS/EYx-2Wz1_E5Pg-uqRY5wZzMBoVWw6lPBUTw
pzhuG9mG9wg?e=2KBNsD

4. Over the next 18 months, we will implement an integrated,
systems-based approach to asset lifecycle management across the
newly created Domains of Air (CG-AIR), C5I (CG-C5I), Robotics and
Autonomous Systems (CG-RAS), Shore (CG-SHORE), and Surface (CG-SEA).
The Director of Systems Integration and Chief Acquisition Officer
(CG-SID), Director of Contracting and Procurement/Head of Contracting
Activity (CG-HCA), and Director of Technology Readiness (CG-TECH)
organizations will also play key roles in this implementation,
breaking barriers, leveraging cross-functional organizational
expertise, and integrating quality data and technology, working
closely with the Operational Logistics Command (LOGCOM). Further,
I have charged DCS leadership with creating the culture and business
rules necessary to empower efficient decision making at the lowest
levels, while sustaining visibility up and down leadership chains.  
5. To meet our ambitious timelines, the DCS organization is
utilizing Scrum methodology and Sprint planning to manage work and
drive the DCS organization through rapid change. I will inform the
Coast Guard workforce on progress via a series of monthly
"Release Notes" that will document change and identify priorities on
our path to FOC. To achieve FOC by January 2027 the DCS leadership
team will critically evaluate our trajectory quarterly and quickly
adjust course as necessary. For more information on Scrum
methodology and to review the latest Release Notes, visit the DCS
Transformation CGPortal webpage:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://uscg.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCS/SitePages/Release-Notes.aspx

6. Transparency and regular communication are essential for success.
I look forward to your feedback on how this change is manifesting
throughout the Service. That feedback will become part of a
continuous cycle of systematic improvement throughout the DCS
organization. You can provide feedback to the DCS Leadership Team
via the DCS feedback form located here:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/pxXqD2u94c

7. POC: CAPT Rob Mohr, Office of Mission Support Readiness and
Analysis (DCS-5), 571-608-3391.
8. RADM Chad Jacoby, Deputy Commandant for Systems (DCS), sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.