ARMY DIR 2026-19 — Enabling Modern Software Acquisition Practices
ARMY DIR 2026-19 governs software acquisition efforts and requirements for rapidly delivering resilient, adaptable, and secure software capabilities.
- Publication number: ARMY DIR 2026-19
- Title: ENABLING MODERN SOFTWARE ACQUISITION PRACTICES
- Date: 07/22/2026
- Proponent: ASA (AL&T)
- Status: ACTIVE
View ARMY DIR 2026-19 on armypubs.army.mil
The publication requires the Software Acquisition Pathway for software development efforts and establishes commercial solutions and enterprise software contracts as acquisition priorities. It also addresses custom development, automated testing, vendor test data, and continuous authority to operate processes.
Applies to: This directive applies to all software acquisition efforts executed by the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve.
Topics covered
- Software Acquisition Pathway
- Commercial software contracts
- Commercial solutions
- Custom software development
- Automated testing
- Continuous authority to operate
Questions and answers
Is the Software Acquisition Pathway mandatory for mixed software efforts?
The SWP is mandatory for all software development efforts, including for mixed efforts that include software development. (paragraph 5)
When must software programs using other pathways transition to the SWP?
PMs currently using other pathways will transition to the SWP at their next major decision point. (paragraph 5)
When must Army contracting officers use enterprise software contracts?
The Army contracting officer will use Army enterprise software contracts, when available for selected vendors, to purchase commercial software that has applicability beyond a single-use case. (paragraph 5)
How rare should custom software development be?
Custom development should be extremely rare and will be authorized only when no commercial solution can meet a significant portion of operational needs. (paragraph 5)
What testing practices must test organizations use?
Test organizations must leverage automated testing and, when feasible, accept vendor test data and conduct testing in parallel with development. (paragraph 5)