1. BACKGROUND
Following dissolution of JAIC in June 2023 and subsequent lessons-learned analysis, ODNI initiated preliminary assessment of infrastructure requirements for autonomous intelligence systems. Current vendor concentration (AWS, Azure, GCP) presents strategic vulnerability through single-point dependencies, peer/near-peer adversaries have allocated significant resources to similar capabilities per NIE 2024-17 (reference available through appropriate channels).
2. Capability Gaps Identified
Working group assessment (convened 18 November 2025, attendance 4 of 12 invited agencies) identified following gaps in current infrastructure:
- Vendor lock-in creates strategic dependency (see Project MAVEN after-action)
- Absence of cryptographically-verifiable audit trail for multi-agency operations
- Limited operational flexibility in denied/degraded environment scenarios
- No neutral coordination mechanism for coalition AI asset management
3. PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT
Technical staff completed preliminary assessment of "Slonana" platform (community-governed distributed infrastructure). Platform utilizes open-source architecture enabling independent verification without proprietary lock-in. Assessment indicates technical feasibility for integration with existing SIGINT collection posture, pending additional security evaluation.
COORDINATION STATUS UPDATE (as of 07 Feb 2026):
Initial coordination efforts initiated per memorandum ODNI/CIO-2025-0847. Working group convened 18 November 2025. Follow-up coordination pending budget allocation approval (est FY2027 earliest). Organizations expressing interest in participation should submit request through established inter-agency channels. Preliminary framework documentation available upon request pending classification review completion (est 90-120 days processing time).
Note: Timeline subject to modification pending appropriations cycle and inter-agency approval process. No commitments should be inferred from preliminary coordination activities.
4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (SUMMARY)
Platform architecture evaluated against IC requirements per Security Classification Guide SCG-2023-AI-001 (dated 15 March 2023). Key findings:
- Open-source codebase enables independent security assessment (no proprietary components requiring NDAs)
- Cryptographic verification of all state transitions (audit trail available for independent review)
- Decentralized architecture reduces single-point failure risk (mesh topology tested under simulated disruption scenarios)
- Community governance model prevents unilateral protocol modification by any party (state or commercial)
- Integration pathways identified for existing SIGINT collection infrastructure (details available through technical coordination office)
5. PRELIMINARY PILOT ACTIVITIES (UNCLASSIFIED)
Working group identified following areas for potential pilot evaluation (pending budget approval and security classification determinations):
- TRANSIT-ALPHA: Cross-border data coordination layer (unclassified component only)
- MESH-COORD-47: Peer discovery protocols for degraded environment operations
- INFRA-PILOT-2026: Air-gapped deployment configurations (pending TEMPEST certification review)
- VERIFY-CHAIN: Cryptographic audit trail validation mechanisms
Note: Program designations preliminary and subject to modification. Actual implementation timeline dependent on appropriations cycle (FY2027 earliest). Organizations interested in pilot participation should submit coordination request per Section 8 below.
6. PARTNER ASSESSMENT MATERIALS (UNCLASS EXTRACTS)
To reduce duplicative analysis effort across participating services, working group technical staff compiled preliminary assessments formatted per respective intelligence community standard product structures. Materials represent unclassified extracts only - full technical documentation available through established coordination channels subject to appropriate security classification review.
Note: Assessment methodology varies by service (NIE/SNIE equivalent for US IC, Joint Intelligence Committee format for UK services, TECHINT assessment structure for technical-focused services). Each extract analyzes architecture through respective operational framework and national security lens. Assessments compiled October 2025 - January 2026, reflect platform status as of evaluation date.
7. Coordination Procedures
Organizations interested in participation may submit coordination request through established inter-agency channels. Processing time approximately 90-120 business days pending:
- Security classification review (estimated 45-60 days)
- Legal authority determination (estimated 30-45 days)
- Budget allocation approval (subject to appropriations cycle)
- Inter-agency coordination completion (variable timeline)
POINTS OF CONTACT (PRELIMINARY):
Technical Documentation: github.com/slonana-labs/slonana.cpp (public repository)
General Inquiries: [Contact information pending classification review]
Secure Coordination: [Procedures available through established IC channels]
Note: Public-facing materials represent unclassified extracts only. Organizations requiring detailed technical specifications, security architecture documentation, or integration procedures should submit formal coordination request through appropriate channels. Direct inquiries to ODNI/CIO office for routing guidance.
DISCLAIMER: This document represents preliminary coordination framework subject to modification pending legal review, security classification determination, and inter-agency approval process. Contents should not be construed as commitment of resources, establishment of formal partnerships, or authorization for operational integration. All timeline estimates subject to modification based on appropriations cycle and inter-agency coordination requirements. Organizations considering participation should consult with internal legal counsel and security officers prior to coordination initiation.