The program is expected to untap new capabilities by engaging in “high-risk, high-reward” cyber science and technology (S&T) research.

This would involve developing a “user-directed, incremental, and iterative pipeline”, designed to speed-up the creation, proving, adoption, and delivery of capabilities into CYBERCOM’s software ecosystem.

“Innovation is core to the command’s strategy, which is why CYBERCOM and DARPA are working more closely than ever to mature emerging tactical and strategic cyber capabilities, and integrate them into operational warfighting platforms,” Mike Clark, director of cyber acquisition and technology at US Cyber Command, said.

“Success for Constellation means increasing the speed of transition from DARPA research and development to CYBERCOM for operational use.”

By fostering an “agile-style pipeline” from research to operations, the agencies hope to avoid the “valley of death” — addressing transitional challenges faced by the Department of Defense when developing software systems.

Challenges include supporting acceptance and usability for both expert and non-expert providers.

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Constellation is expected to set up a framework and create mechanisms to provide virtual and physical infrastructure, people and contracts.

“To have the greatest operational and strategic impact, these emergent capabilities must reach operators continuously in short timescales, much shorter than legacy acquisition processes,” Dr Kathleen Fisher, director of DARPA’s Information Innovation Office, said.

“We are optimistic about Constellation’s potential to enable long-term sustainment for rapid cyber capability prototyping and integration. Running Constellation projects in parallel with DARPA development can help us reduce risks and transition timelines and overcome the ‘valley of death’.”

[Related: Lockheed Martin tapped to deliver cyber training to US Army ]