scope:

a. The provisions of this instruction apply to the requirements for and selection of ship systems which will compose the c4I suite in response to future ship operational capability requirements.

b. The processes of this instruction are encouraged, but not directed, for ship construction programs that have passed gate 5 as defined in reference (a) prior to the effective date of this instruction.

c. The ship C4I suite consist of exterior communication systems, Command and Control (C2) systems, intelligence and information processing and dissemination systems (e.g., tactical digital/data information links, global command and control system-maritime and distributed common ground station-Navy); information assurance products and services; and associated ship Local Area Networks (LANs) that support the exchange of information between C2 and intelligence systems and connect those components to the ship's combat systems and tactical support systems (e.g., navigation, ship control, machinery control). The C4I LAN supports tactical data and information distribution. The C4I LAN does not replace the combat system connectivity or networks. C4I LANs may transport non-tactical data and information as appropriate to the size and scale of the network.