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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DISAWERX is an innovation environment designed to foster DISA employee's experimentation with new technologies and ideas in collaboration with industry and academic partners. The objective of DISAWERX is to make it easier and faster to bring in, integrate and explore new technologies, IT tools, and services while allowing DISA employees to collaborate with uncleared individuals from industry and academia. DISAWERX is an unclassified environment where innovators can bring their best ideas and capabilities forward for demonstration, examination and evaluation.

DISAWERX was created through a cooperative research and development agreement with KBR and is based out of KBR's Joint All Domain Warfighting Lab in Columbia, Maryland. DISAWERX is available to all DISA employees and members of the DOD.

To request access to DISAWERX complete the DISAWERX New Usage Request Form and email it to disa.werx@mail.mil.
Where is DISAWERX located?

DISAWERX is based out of KBR's Joint All Domain Warfighting Lab in Columbia, Maryland.

The address is: 7000 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21046

 

What are the directions to DISAWERX from DISA HQ?

1. From DISA, Head north on Cooper Ave toward 5th Corps Rd/V Corps Blvd (0.5 mi)
2. Turn right onto Rockenbach Rd (1.4 mi)
3. Turn left onto MD-175 W (5.5 mi)
4. Take the Columbia Gateway Drive exit (0.4 mi)
5. Continue onto Columbia Gateway Drive (1.1 mi)
6. Turn right (226 ft)
7. Follow signs to KBR
8. Destination will be on the right
9. KBR Entrance is on the side of the building, Suite 100

 

Who can request access to DISAWERX?

With supervisor approval, DISAWERX is available to all DISA employees and members of the Department of Defense including military, civilian and contractor personnel.

 

How can I gain access to DISAWERX?

To request access to DISAWERX complete the DISAWERX New Usage Request Form and email it to disa.werx@mail.mil. View our calendar for upcoming events.

 

How long can I have access to the DISAWERX

The DISAWERX environment is not intended for projects within sustainment. DISAWERX Innovation Projects are finite, short-term collaborative efforts that seek to develop and assess innovative solutions to major DISA challenges areas. The average DISAWERX project lasts approximately 6 months. Additional time is granted as required.

 

Is there a fee associated with DISAWERX usage?

No, DISAWERX is free to all DISA employees and members of the Department of Defense including military, civilian and contractor personnel.

 

What are the hours of operation?

• Access to virtual resources are available 24/7
• In-person lab access available Monday to Friday 8a.m. - 5p.m. (EST)

 

What services are offered at DISAWERX?

• Onsite compute and storage resources to support bringing technologies, tools, and services into DISAWERX for demonstration and experimentation
• Connections to the internet via KBR to enable access to off-site and cloud-based capabilities

- A limited number of laptops available for use on a first-come first-served basis

• Collaboration space for hosting Technical Exchange Meetings and Industry Engagement forums
• On-site unclassified computing and networking environments
• Sandbox environment for hands-on learning and training
• Unrestricted access to innovation lab resources
• Remote Access


- Individualized workspaces via virtual machines
- Retains settings and data throughout project life

 

Is this environment classified, unclassified or both?

DISAWERX is an unclassified environment. Controlled unclassified information data should not be stored on DISAWERX devices.

 

Can I access DISAWERX from the DoDNET?

DISAWERX is not accessible from the Department of Defense Network. DISAWERX is accessible from any open Internet connection via virtual private network. It is recommended users access DISAWERX from non-government furnished equipment.

 

Can I bring my own hardware and/or software?

Yes, DISAWERX participants can bring their own hardware and/or software for testing, research and experimentation.

 

How do I connect to the DISAWERX environment?

Access is available in-person and remotely. Remote access is available via secure virtual private network.

 

Is there a parking fee?

No, there is plenty of free parking.

 

What form of ID is required to gain access?

A valid government-issued identification is required for admission (i.e. DOD Common Access Card, driver’s license, U.S. passport)

 

Who do I contact for additional information?

For additional information contact the DISA Program Management Office. For more information and to learn about our upcoming events visit our calendar page.

 

What is the closest airport to DISAWERX?

The closest airport is the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – approximately 13 miles away.

 

How far away is DISAWERX from DISA headquarters?

DISAWERX is approximately 10 miles from DISA headquarters, which is located at Fort George G. Meade.

 

What hotels are nearby?

There are several hotels near DISAWERX. Some of them are provided below for your convenience:

Best Western Plus BWI Airport Hotel - Arundel Mills
6755 Dorsey Rd., Elkridge, MD 21075
(410) 796-3300

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbia East - Elkridge
6064 Marshalee Dr., Elkridge, MD 21075
(844) 498-7707

The Hotel at Arundel Preserve
7795 Arundel Mills Blvd., Hanover, MD 21076
(410) 796-9830

Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
1739 West Nursery Rd., Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
(410) 694-080

Holiday Inn Express Baltimore - BWI Airport West, an IHG Hotel
7481 Ridge Rd., Hanover, MD 21076
(410) 684-3388

Hampton Inn & Suites Arundel Mills/Baltimore
7027 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD 21076
(410) 540-9225