DAF API Reference Architecture
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ALL VIEWPOINT (AV-1)
1. Overview / Executive Summary (AV-1)
The DAF Office of the Chief Information Officer’s (SAF/CN) mission is to provide the foundation for a secure,
digital, and data-centric Air and Space Force by delivering decision advantage and shortening the kill chain. This
API Reference Architecture supports success in SAF/CN’s mission by improving secure data access and software
interface sharing for the DAF. It is shaped by a commitment to an API-First approach that articulates APIs as the
foundation of software design. Through this methodology, the architecture depicts common services and
enterprise standards that will deliver increased security, accessibility, interoperability, and scalability of data access
and sharing for our Airmen and Guardians as well as the commercial partners that support our missions.
This document depicts an overview of operational activities before describing the specific system functions, system
features, data exchanges, and future standards required to improve secure data access and software interface
sharing.
1.1. Purpose
The API Reference Architecture describes the critical elements the DAF will implement to improve secure data
access and software interface sharing. It provides: 1) service design principles; 2) an understanding of the
operational impact of an API solution; 3) definitions of foundational concepts and key technologies; 4)
desired characteristics of resource flows between key technological interfaces; and 5) and future standards
to shape the implementation of the overarching solution.
The DAF must work towards a standardized way to communicate between software systems in real time. By
providing architectural support at the enterprise level, software developers can be better equipped to develop
modern applications. API-First design represents the idea that APIs are the building blocks of software and
encourage re-usability, appropriate granularity, and lifecycle management in mission system architectures.
The API Reference Architecture documents the DAF’s contribution to the visions for data and software
interoperability at the DoD. This architecture considers the intent, outcomes, and frameworks described in three key
strategy documents: FY23-28 CIO Public Strategy, DoD Software Modernization Implementation Plan Summary
(2023), and DoD Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy (2023). It will evolve based on feedback
from the community, lessons learned during implementation, as well as any updates to DAF and DoD strategy.
Concepts included in this architecture also support the visions of other federal guidance and frameworks outside of
the DoD. Specifically, it supports the vision laid out in Executive Order 14028, OMB M-22-18, and M-23-16
requirements. The architecture also aligns with the NIST Secure Software Development Framework, SP 800-218 and
the NIST Software Supply Chain Security Guidance. It was also designed to incorporate OUSD R&E API Technical
Guidance cybersecurity measures and best practices.
1.2. Scope
The API Reference Architecture describes how the DAF will implement an API-First methodology to improve secure
data access and software interface sharing. Rather than immediately replacing existing solutions, the architecture
describes a feature-complete end state that the DAF will deliver before converging existing solutions over time. This
convergence will eventually support all software development and methods of data sharing across the DAF.