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21-326

2005
109TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION
SENATE
REPORT

109-69

Calendar No. 102

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

R E P O R T

[to accompany S. 1042]

on

AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 FOR MILITARY ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AND FOR DEFENSE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, TO PRESCRIBE PERSONNEL STRENGTHS FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR FOR THE ARMED FORCES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

UNITED STATES SENATE

[Graphic image not available]

MAY 17, 2005- Ordered to be printed

c(Star Print)

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

21-326c(Star Print)

2005
109TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION
SENATE
REPORT

109-69

Calendar No. 102

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

R E P O R T

[to accompany S. 1042]

on

AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 FOR MILITARY ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AND FOR DEFENSE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, TO PRESCRIBE PERSONNEL STRENGTHS FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR FOR THE ARMED FORCES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

UNITED STATES SENATE

[Graphic image not available]

MAY 17, 2005- Ordered to be printed

COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
(109th Congress, 1st Session)
JOHN WARNER, Virginia, Chairman
JOHN MCCAIN, Arizona
JAMES M. INHOFE, Oklahoma
PAT ROBERTS, Kansas
JEFF SESSIONS, Alabama
SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine
JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada
JAMES M. TALENT, Missouri
SAXBY CHAMBLISS, Georgia
LINDSEY O. GRAHAM, South Carolina
ELIZABETH DOLE, North Carolina
JOHN CORNYN, Texas
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota		 CARL LEVIN, Michigan
EDWARD M. KENNEDY, Massachusetts
ROBERT C. BYRD, West Virginia
JOSEPH I. LIEBERMAN, Connecticut
JACK REED, Rhode Island
DANIEL K. AKAKA, Hawaii
BILL NELSON, Florida
E. BENJAMIN NELSON, Nebraska
MARK DAYTON, Minnesota
EVAN BAYH, Indiana
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, New York
JUDITH A. ANSLEY, STAFF DIRECTOR
RICHARD D. DEBOBES, DEMOCRATIC STAFF DIRECTOR

C O N T E N T S Page
Purpose of the Bill 1
Committee overview and recommendations 2
Explanation of funding summary
8
Division A--Department of Defense Authorizations 17
Title I--Procurement 17
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
17
Explanation of tables
17
Subtitle B--Army Programs
19
Multiyear procurement authority for AH-64D Apache attack helicopter block II conversions (sec. 111)
38
Multiyear procurement authority for modernized target acquisition designation/pilot night vision sensors for AH-64D Apache attack helicopters (sec. 112)
38
Multiyear procurement authority for utility helicopters (sec. 113)
38
Missile Procurement, Army
39
Advanced precision kill weapon system
39
Weapons and Tracked Vehicles
39
Lightweight 155 millimeter Howitzer
39
Army Ammunition
39
M1028 120mm tank cartridge
39
Modern demolition initiator
39
Rapid wall breaching kit
40
Ammunition peculiar equipment outloading modules
40
Provision of industrial facilities
40
Conventional ammunition demilitarization
40
Other Procurement, Army
41
Movement tracking system
41
Night vision devices
42
Modular causeway system
42
Subtitle C--Navy Programs
42
Prohibition on acquisition of next generation destroyer (DD(X)) through a single naval shipyard (sec. 121)
66
Split funding authorization for CVN-78 aircraft carrier (sec. 122)
66
LHA replacement (LHA(R)) ship (sec. 123)
67
Refueling and complex overhaul of the USS `Carl Vinson' (sec. 124)
67
Navy Aircraft
68
C-40A procurement
68
Advanced targeting pods
68
Night targeting system upgrade
68
H-53 modifications
68
SH-60 armed helicopter
69
EP-3 aircraft electronic attack
69
P-3 aircraft modifications
69
Navy Weapons
70
AIM-9X captive air training missile
70
Weapons industrial facilities
70
Gun mount modifications
70
Navy and Marine Corps Ammunition
70
M795 155mm high explosive cartridge
70
Time fuze blasting igniter
70
Shipbuilding
71
DD(X) destroyer program
71
DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer modernization program
71
Other Procurement, Navy
72
High performance metal fiber brushes for shipboard motors and generators
72
Items less than 5.0 million
72
Littoral combat ship mission modules
72
Submarine acoustic modernization installation
73
Surface sonar dome window
73
Surface electronic warfare improvement program
73
Weapons range support equipment
73
Maritime domain awareness
73
Rolling airframe missile launcher system
74
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy
74
Submarine training device modifications
74
Command support equipment
74
Navy medical automated information technology insertion
75
Marine Corps Procurement
75
Modification kits
75
Rapid deploying interoperable shelter systems
75
United Stated Marine Corps continuity of operations
76
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs
76
Multiyear procurement authority for C-17 aircraft (sec. 131)
91
Prohibition on retirement of KC-135E aircraft (sec. 132)
91
Use of Tanker Replacement Transfer Fund for modernization of aerial refueling tankers (sec. 133)
91
Prohibition on retirement of F-117 aircraft (sec. 134)
92
Prohibition on retirement of C-130E/H tactical airlift aircraft (sec. 135)
92
Procurement of C-130J/KC-130J aircraft after fiscal year 2005 (sec. 136)
92
Aircraft for performance of aeromedical evacuations (sec. 137)
93
Air Force Aircraft
93
F-15E procurement
93
C-130J/KC-130 multiyear procurement restoration
94
B-1 digital communication improvements
94
C-5 aircraft avionics modernization program
95
C-130E/H aircraft modifications
95
KC-135 global air traffic management
95
E-8C joint surveillance and target attack radar system reengining
95
Advanced targeting pods
96
Air Force Missiles
96
Minuteman III mods for propulsion replacement program
96
Other Air Force Procurement
96
Halvorsen loader
96
Distributed common ground system components
97
Joint threat emitters
97
Subtitle E--Other Matters
97
Advanced SEAL Delivery System (sec. 151)
104
Defense-wide Programs
105
MH-47 infrared engine exhaust suppressor
105
Time delayed firing device/sympathetic detonators
106
Multi-band inter/intra team radio
106
Multi-band multi-mission radio
106
Joint threat warning system
107
Rucksack portable unmanned aerial vehicle
107
Military mail screening equipment
107
Automatic Chemical Agent Detector and Alarm
108
Items of Special Interest
108
Army multi-band inter/intra team radio system
108
Cooperative engagement capability
108
F/A-22 aircraft
109
Intra-theater airlift
109
Littoral combat ship
110
Maritime prepositioning force, future
110
Transmission enterprise program
111
Title II--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation 113
Explanation of tables
113
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
115
Science and Technology
115
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations
116
Contract for the procurement of Future Combat System (sec. 211)
116
Joint field experiment on stability and support operations (sec. 212)
116
Subtitle C--Ballistic Missile Defense
117
One-year extension of Comptroller General assessments of ballistic missile defense programs (sec. 221)
117
Fielding of Ballistic Missile Defense Capabilities (sec. 222)
117
Plans for test and evaluation of operational capability of the ballistic missile defense system (sec. 223)
118
Subtitle D--High-Performance Defense Manufacturing Technology Research and Development
118
High performance defense manufacturing technology research and development (sec. 230)
118
Subtitle E--Other Matters
119
Expansion of eligibility for leadership of Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (sec. 241)
119
Technology transition (sec. 242)
119
Prevention, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries (sec. 243)
120
Additional Matters of Interest
121
Army
121
Army basic research 135
Document exploitation 135
Army university research 135
Advanced mine detection and blast mitigation 136
Army small airship 136
Detection and neutralization of improved explosive devices 136
Real-time laser threat warning development 137
Army unmanned systems initiative 137
Technology enhancement for area protection 137
Multifunctional robot platform 137
Combat vehicle and automotive technology 137
Gun barrel coatings 138
Active coatings technology 138
Sonic rarefaction wave gun technology 138
Ultra wide band sensors 138
Army man-portable power 139
Flexible Display Initiative 139
Ultra wideband chipset 139
Biosecurity research for food safety 140
Army medicine for mitigation and treatment of blast injuries 140
Bio-defense detection and treatment 141
Posttraumatic stress disorder diagnostic tools 141
Surgical safety system 142
Human operator performance research 142
Wireless and digital medical improvements 142
Reconfigurable tooling systems 142
Rotorcraft system monitoring 142
Unmanned tactical combat vehicles 143
Midrange Munition 143
Nanotechnology manufacturing 143
Abrams track improvement 143
Combat vehicle advanced development 144
Coordinated training 144
Advanced simulated training 144
Explosive demilitarization 144
Alternative fuel supplies 145
Stryker vehicle active protection system demonstration 145
Advanced structures and composites 145

Army command and control visualization system 146
Interactive modeling and simulation management 146
Next generation interceptor materials 146
Long loiter sensor and communications platform 146
Architecture Analysis Program 147
Single Integrated Space Picture 147
Casting Emission Reduction Program 147
Advanced Army medical systems 148
Joint tactical radio system 148
Tactical vehicle modifications 149
Future tactical truck system 149
Protected simulation and test link 150
Unmanned aerial vehicle ice protection 150
High performance computing research 150
Retinal/iris multimodal biometrics technology for secure identification 150
Army manufacturing technologies 151
Navy
151
Navy university research 163
Navy science and technology outreach 163
Free electron laser 163
Littoral and undersea security 164
Nanomagnetic materials 164
Polymeric aircraft components 164
Small watercraft propulsion demonstrator 164
Advanced combat headborne system 164
Critical area protection systems 165
SensorNet 165
Space research 165
Automated video threat recognition 165
Multifunctional composite structures 165
Portable water bio-defense 166
Seabasing research 166
Gallium nitride radio frequency power 166
Integrated littoral sensor network 166
Coordination and integration of unmanned system teams 166
Information sharing for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance 167
Force protection advanced technology 167
Improved shipboard combat information center 168
Warfighter sustainment advanced technology 168
Navy persistent surveillance 169
Armored patrol vehicle 169
Laser integrated target engagement system 169
Water purification system 169
Modeling and simulation for urban operations 170
Surface Navy integrated undersea tactical technology 170
Shipboard system component development 170
Improved surface vessel torpedo launcher 171
Guided missile submarine conversion 171
Advanced submarine system development 171
Regenerative filtration technology 172
Marine Corps ground and supporting arms systems 172
Marine mammal detection and mitigation 174
Navy logistics common operating picture 174
Automatic radar periscope detection and discrimination 174
DD(X) destroyer integrated propulsion system 174
Affordable towed array construction 175
New Design SSN 175
Submarine tactical warfare system 175
Autonomous unmanned surface vessel 176
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy development 176
Navy medical research 176
Shared Reconnaissance Pod logistics support 177
Marine Corps communications systems 177
Marine Corps ground combat and supporting arms systems 178
Battlefield management system 178
RQ-8B Firescout vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle 179
Distributed common ground system--Navy 179
National shipbuilding research program--advanced shipbuilding enterprise 179
Air Force
180
Air Force basic science 194
Secure, assured information sharing 194
Blast resistant barriers 194
Air Force materials research 194
Nano-technologies for chemical and biological defense 195
Hypersonics engine research and integration 195
Space technology 195
Adaptive optics research 196
Integrated spacecraft engineering tool 196
Laser eye protection 196
Metals affordability initiative 197
Aerospace propulsion and power technologies 197
Versatile affordable advanced turbine engines 197
Ballistic missile technology 197
AC coupled interconnect 198
Energy cells for defense and intelligence applications 198
Radically Segmented launch vehicle 198
Thin film amorphous solar arrays 198
High Accuracy Network Determination System 199
Laser threat warning attack reporting 199
Enable network centric warfare 199
Military satellite communications 200
Space Radar 200
Tactical satellite demonstrations 201
Robust nuclear earth penetrator 202
Space control test capabilities 202
FPS-16 radar mobilization and upgrade 203
Ballistic missile range safety technology 203
A-10 aircraft propulsion improvements 203
Information systems security research 203
Viper Strike munition for Predator 204
S-band radar 204
Space-Based Space Surveillance 204
Nano-materials manufacturing 204
Air Force support systems 205
Personnel and pay information technology systems 205
Defense-wide
206
Focus center research program 220
Superstructural particle evaluation 220
Chemical and biological defense applied research 220
Mustard gas antidote 221
Tactical technology 221
Human performance in hazardous environments 221
Technology Support Working Group 221
Radiation detection technology 222
Ballistic missile defense reductions 222
Massively parallel optical interconnects 223
Missile technology 223
Anthrax and plague oral vaccine research and development 223
Miniaturized RAMAN chemical identification system 223
Diminishing manufacturing sources 224
Vehicle fuel cell program 224
Advanced electronics 224
Small scale systems packaging 224
Advanced ferrite antenna 225
Communications and control alert framework 225
Flexible JP-8 military fuel certification 225
Prevention and detection of cyber threats 225
Simulation center upgrade 226
Land warfare technology 226
Network centric warfare technology 226
Sensor technology 226
Advanced tactical laser 227
Mark V patrol boat replacement craft prototype 227
Special operations portable power source program 227
Voice activated handheld translator 228
Aegis ballistic missile defense 228
Ground-based midcourse ballistic missile defense 229
Miniaturized carbon monoxide oxidation technology 229
Airborne Infrared System 230
Kinetic Energy Interceptor 230
Military mail screening system development and demonstration 231
UAV systems and operations validation program 231
Foreign supplier assessment center 231
Operationally responsive space payloads 231
Industrial preparedness 232
Special operations wireless management and control project 232
Maritime unmanned aerial vehicle sensor 233
Lightweight portable solar panels 233
Items of Special Interest
233
Canopy hard-coats
233
CH-53X helicopter development
234
Construction of Navy Research Vessels
234
Department of Defense computer science research
235
Unmanned aerial vehicles for resupply missions
235
Title III--Operation and Maintenance 237
Explanation of tables
237
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
275
Subtitle B--Environmental Provisions
275
Elimination and simplification of certain items required in the annual report on environmental quality programs and other environmental activities (sec. 311)
275
Payment of certain private cleanup costs in connection with the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (sec. 312)
275
Subtitle C--Other Matters
276
Aircraft carriers (sec. 321)
276
Limitation on transition of funding for east coast shipyards from funding through Navy working capital fund to direct funding (sec. 322)
277
Use of funds from National Defense Sealift Fund to exercise purchase options on maritime prepositioning ship vessels (sec. 323)
277
Purchase and destruction of weapons overseas (sec. 324)
278
Increase in maximum contract amount for procurement of supplies and services from exchange stores outside the United States (sec. 325)
278
Extension of authority to provide logistics support and services for weapon systems contractors (sec. 326)
278
Army training strategy (sec. 327)
279
Limitations on financial management improvement and audit initiatives within the Department of Defense (sec. 328)
279
Study on use of ethanol fuel (sec. 329)
280
Budget Items
281
Other Defense Programs
281
Enhanced vision 281
Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives Program 281
Army
282
Advanced combat helmet with modular integrated communications headset 282
Army training 283
Corrosion prevention and control 284
Facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization for the Army 285
Quadruple specialty containers 285
Department of Defense foreign language training 285
Army civilian intern program 286
Unattended ground sensors 286
Information assurance vulnerability alert cell 286
Aviation and missile life cycle management pilot program 286
Army excess carryover 287
Audits of Department of Defense financial statements 287
Civilian personnel pay in excess of requirements 288
Defense Information System Network 288
Working capital funds 288
Navy
289
NULKA decoy cartridge 289
Stainless steel sanitary spaces 289
Manufacturing Technical Assistance and Production Program 289
Electric start system 290
Marine gas turbine photonic sensors 290
Mark-45 gun system overhauls 290
Facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization for the Navy 290
Marine Corps
291
Acclimate high performance undergarments 291
Combat casualty care equipment upgrades 291
Family of mountain cold weather clothing and equipment 291
Portable tent lighting 291
Ultra-light Camouflage Net System 291
Supplemental communications and electrical utility support to U.S. Marine Corps Network Operations Center 292
Air Force
292
Bomber deployable phase maintenance kits 292
Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator 292
Joint protection enterprise network 292
Joint task force north 293
Mobile consolidated command center 293
Mobility Air Force depot maintenance 293
Homeland Security/Homeland Defense Education Consortium 294
Defense-Wide
295
Counseling and assistance to military families 295
Increased support for child care for military families 295
Funding for Office of Economic Adjustment 296
Capital Security Cost Sharing 296
Information assurance scholarship program 296
Increased funding for conservation buffer zones 297
Citizen-Soldier Support Program 297
Parents as Teachers 298
Military to civilian conversions 298
Army Reserve
299
Army Reserve components cold weather clothing 299
Air Force Reserve
299
Air Force Reserve mobility Air Force depot maintenance 299
Army National Guard
299
Communicator Automated Emergency Notification System 299
Virtual battlefield system one 299
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package Teams 300
Air National Guard
301
Air National Guard mobility Air Force depot maintenance 301
Transfer Accounts
301
Funding for Formerly Used Defense Sites 301
Item of Special Interest
301
Defense Information System Network Access Transport Services
301
Test to improve the quality of agricultural produce available in commissary stores
302
Title IV--Military Personnel Authorizations 303
Subtitle A--Active Forces
303
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)
303
Revision of permanent active duty end strength minimum levels (sec. 402)
304
Subtitle B--Reserve Forces
304
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)
304
End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of the Reserves (sec. 412)
305
End strengths for military technicians (dual status) (sec. 413)
305
Fiscal year 2006 limitations on non-dual status technicians (sec. 414)
305
Subtitle C--Authorizations of Appropriations
306
Authorization of appropriations for military personnel (sec. 421)
306
Armed Forces Retirement Home (sec. 422)
306
Title V--Military Personnel Policy 309
Subtitle A--Officer Personnel Policy
309
Exclusion of general and flag officers on leave pending separation or retirement from computation of active duty officers for general and flag officer distribution and strength limitations (sec. 501)
309
Expansion of joint duty assignments for Reserve component general and flag officers (sec. 502)
309
Deadline for receipt by promotion selection boards of correspondence from eligible officers (sec. 503)
309
Furnishing to promotion selection boards of adverse information on officers eligible for promotion to certain senior grades (sec. 504)
310
Grades of the Judge Advocates General (sec. 505)
310
Temporary extension of authority to reduce minimum length of commissioned service for voluntary retirement as an officer (sec. 506)
310
Modification of strength in grade limitations applicable to Reserve flag officers in active status (sec. 507)
311
Uniform authority for deferment of separation of Reserve general and flag officers for age (sec. 508)
311
Subtitle B--Enlisted Personnel Policy
311
Uniform citizenship or residency requirements for enlistment in the Armed Forces (sec. 521)
311
Subtitle C--Reserve Component Personnel Matters
312
Requirements for physical examinations and medical and dental readiness for members of the Selected Reserve not on active duty (sec. 531)
312
Repeal of limitation on amount of financial assistance under Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship program (sec. 532)
312
Procedures for suspending financial assistance and subsistence allowance for senior ROTC cadets and midshipmen on the basis of health-related conditions (sec. 533)
312
Increase in maximum number of Army Reserve and Army National Guard cadets under Reserve Officers' Training Corps (sec. 534)
313
Modification of educational assistance for Reserves supporting contingency and other operations (sec. 535)
313
Repeal of limitation on authority to redesignate the Naval Reserve as the Navy Reserve (sec. 536)
313
Performance by reserve component personnel of operational test and evaluation and training relating to new equipment (sec. 537)
314
Subtitle D--Military Justice and Related Matters
314
Modification of periods of prosecution by courts-martial for murder, rape, and child abuse (sec. 551)
314
Establishment of offense of stalking (sec. 552)
315
Clarification of authority of military legal assistance counsel (sec. 553)
315
Administrative censures of members of the Armed Forces (sec. 554)
316
Reports by officers and senior enlisted personnel of matters relating to violations or alleged violations of criminal law (sec. 555)
316
Subtitle E--Military Service Academies
317
Authority to retain permanent military professors at the Naval Academy after more than 30 years of service (sec. 561)
317
Subtitle F--Administrative Matters
317
Clarification of leave accrual for members assigned to a deployable ship or mobile unit or other duty (sec. 571)
317
Limitation on conversion of military medical and dental billets to civilian positions (sec. 572)
318
Subtitle G--Defense Dependents Education Matters
318
Expansion of authorized enrollment in Department of Defense dependents schools overseas (sec. 581)
318
Assistance to local educational agencies with significant enrollment increases in military dependent students due to troop relocations, creation of new units, and realignments under BRAC (sec. 582)
318
Assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense civilian employees (sec. 583)
319
Impact aid for children with severe disabilities (sec. 584)
319
Subtitle H--Other Matters
319
Policy and procedures on casualty assistance to survivors of military decedents (sec. 591)
319
Modification and enhancement of mission and authorities of the Naval Postgraduate School (sec. 592)
320
Expansion and enhancement of authority to present recognition items for recruitment and retention purposes (sec. 593)
320
Requirement for regulations on policies and procedures on personal commercial solicitations on Department of Defense installations (sec. 594)
321
Federal assistance for State programs under the National Guard Youth Challenge program (sec. 595)
322
Items of Special Interest
322
Air Force Future Total Force Planning 322
Opportunity for general or flag officer review of involuntary administrative separation of victims of sexual assault and protection against reprisals for victim advocates 323
Premium conversion/flexible spending account options for service members 323
Western Governors University 324
Title VI--Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits 325
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances
325
Eligibility for additional pay of permanent military professors at United States Naval Academy with over 36 years of service (sec. 601)
325
Enhanced authority for agency contributions for members of the Armed Forces participating in the Thrift Savings Plan (sec. 602)
325
Permanent authority for supplemental subsistence allowance for low-income members with dependents (sec. 603)
325
Modification of pay considered as saved pay upon appointment of an enlisted member as an officer (sec. 604)
326
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays
326
One-year extension of certain bonus and special pay authorities for Reserve forces (sec. 611)
326
One-year extension of certain bonus and special pay authorities for certain health care professionals (sec. 612)
326
One-year extension of special pay and bonus authorities for nuclear officers (sec. 613)
326
One-year extension of other bonus and special pay authorities (sec. 614)
326
Payment and repayment of assignment incentive pay (sec. 615)
327
Increase in amount of selective reenlistment bonus for certain senior supervisory nuclear qualified enlisted personnel (sec. 616)
327
Consolidation and modification of bonuses for affiliation or enlistment in the Selected Reserve (sec. 617)
327
Expansion and enhancement of special pay for enlisted members of the Selected Reserve assigned to certain high priority units (sec. 618)
328
Retention incentive bonus for members of the Selected Reserve qualified in a critical military skill or specialty (sec. 619)
328
Termination of limitation on duration of payment of imminent danger special pay during hospitalization (sec. 620)
328
Authority for retroactive payment of imminent danger special pay (sec. 621)
328
Authority to pay foreign language proficiency pay to members on active duty as a bonus (sec. 622)
329
Incentive bonus for transfer between the Armed Forces (sec. 623)
329
Subtitle C--Travel and Transportation Allowances
329
Transportation of family members in connection with the repatriation of service members or civilian employees held captive (sec. 631)
329
Subtitle D--Retired Pay and Survivor Benefits
330
Enhancement of death gratuity and life insurance benefits for deaths from combat-related causes or causes incurred in combat operations or areas (sec. 641)
330
Subtitle E--Other Matters
330
Payment of expenses of members of the Armed Forces to obtain professional credentials (sec. 651)
330
Pilot program on contributions to Thrift Savings Plan for initial enlistees in the Armed Forces (sec. 652)
331
Title VII--Health Care 333
Subtitle A--Benefits Matters
333
Clarification of eligibility of Reserve officers for health care pending active duty following issuance of orders to active duty (sec. 701)
333
Limitation on deductible and copayment requirements for nursing home residents under the pharmacy benefits program (sec. 702)
333
Eligibility of surviving active duty spouses of deceased members for enrollment as dependents in a TRICARE dental plan (sec. 703)
333
Increased period of continued TRICARE Prime coverage of children of members of the uniformed services who die while serving on active duty for a period of more than 30 days (sec. 704)
333
Subtitle B--Planning, Programming, and Management
334
TRICARE Standard coordinators in TRICARE regional offices (sec. 711)
334
Report on delivery of health care benefits through military health care system (sec. 712)
334
Comptroller General report on differential payments to children's hospitals for health care for children dependents under TRICARE (sec. 713)
335
Repeal of requirement for Comptroller General reviews of certain Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs projects on sharing of health care resources (sec. 714)
335
Surveys on TRICARE standard (sec. 715)
335
Modification of health care quality information and technology enhancement report requirements (sec. 716)
336
Modification of authorities relating to patient care reporting and management system (sec. 717)
336
Subtitle C--Other Matters
336
Report on adverse health events associated with use of anti-malarial drugs (sec. 731)
336
Pilot projects on early diagnosis and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health conditions (sec. 732)
336
Items of Special Interest
337
Active-duty medical extension
337
Comptroller General study of adequacy of TRICARE reimbursement for obstetrical, gynecological, and pediatric services
338
Increased awareness for families of TRICARE mental health benefits and the need for appropriate mental health services for families overseas
338
Specialty health care services referrals and authorizations
339
Title VIII--Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related Matters 341
Overview
341
Subtitle A--Acquisition Policy and Management
349
Internal controls for procurements on behalf of the Department of Defense (sec. 801)
349
Contract Support Acquisition Centers (sec. 802)
349
Authority to enter into acquisition and cross-servicing agreements with regional organizations of which the United States is not a member (sec. 803)
350
Requirement for authorization for procurement of major weapon systems as commercial items (sec. 804)
351
Report on service surcharges for purchases made for military departments through other Department of Defense agencies (sec. 805)
351
Review of defense acquisition structures (sec. 806)
351
Subtitle B--Defense Industrial Base Matters
352
Clarification of exception from Buy American requirements for procurement of perishable food for establishments outside the United States (sec. 811)
352
Conditional waiver of domestic source or content requirements for certain countries with reciprocal procurement agreements with the United States (sec. 812)
352
Consistency with United States obligations under trade agreements (sec. 813)
353
Identification of areas of research and development effort for purposes of the Small Business Innovative Research program (sec. 814)
353
Subtitle C--Defense Contractor Matters
353
Requirements for defense contractors relating to certain former Department of Defense officials (sec. 821)
353
Review of certain contractor ethics matters (sec. 822)
354
Contract fraud risk assessment (sec. 823)
355
Subtitle D--Defense Acquisition Workforce Matters
356
Availability of funds in Acquisition Workforce Training Fund for defense acquisition workforce improvements (sec. 831)
356
Limitation and reinvestment authority relating to reduction of the defense acquisition and support workforce (sec. 832)
356
Technical amendments relating to defense acquisition workforce improvements (sec. 833)
356
Subtitle E--Other Matters
357
Extension of contract goal for small disadvantaged business and certain institutions of higher education (sec. 841)
357
Codification and modification of limitation on modification of military equipment within five years of retirement or disposal (sec. 842)
357
Clarification of rapid acquisition authority to respond to combat emergencies (sec. 843)
357
Modification of authority to carry out certain prototype projects (sec. 844)
357
Extension of certain authorities on contracting with employers of persons with disabilities (sec. 845)
358
Items of Special Interest 358
Commercial satellite bandwidth
358
Defense trade data
359
Department of Defense anti-tamper program
359
Industrial base issues
360
Implementation of authority to enter energy savings performance contracts
360
National technology and industrial base considerations
361
Title IX--Department of Defense Organization and Management 363
Subtitle A--Duties and Functions of Department of Defense Officers and Organizations
363
Directors of small business programs (sec. 901)
363
Executive agent for acquisition of capabilities to defend the homeland against missiles and other low-altitude aircraft (sec. 902)
363
Subtitle B--Space Activities
364
Advisory committee on Department of Defense requirements for space control (Sec. 911)
364
Subtitle C--Other Matters
365
Acceptance of gifts and donations for Department of Defense regional centers for security studies (sec. 921)
365
Operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency (sec. 922)
365
Prohibition on implementation of certain orders and guidance on functions and duties of the General Council and the Judge Advocate General of the Air Force (sec. 923)
365
Title X--General Provisions 367
Subtitle A--Financial Matters
367
Transfer authority (sec. 1001)
367
Incorporation of classified annex (sec. 1002)
367
United States contribution to NATO common-funded budgets in fiscal year 2006 (sec. 1003)
367
Reduction in certain authorizations due to savings relating to lower inflation (sec. 1004)
367
Authorization of supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2005 (sec. 1005)
367
Increase in fiscal year 2005 transfer authority (sec. 1006)
368
Monthly disbursement to States of state income tax voluntarily withheld from retired or retained pay (sec. 1007)
368
Reestablishment of limitation on payment of facilities charges assessed by Department of State (sec. 1008)
368
Subtitle B--Naval Vessels and Shipyards
368
Transfer of battleship (sec. 1021)
368
Conveyance of Navy Drydock, Jacksonville, Florida (sec. 1022)
369
Subtitle C--Counterdrug Matters
369
Use of unmanned aerial vehicles for United States border reconnaissance (sec. 1031)
369
Use of counterdrug funds for certain counterterrorism operations (sec. 1032)
370
Support for counterdrug activities through bases of operation and training facilities in Afghanistan (sec. 1033)
370
Subtitle D--Reports and Studies
371
Modification of frequency of submittal of Joint Warfighting Science and Technology Plan (sec. 1041)
371
Review and assessment of Defense Base Act insurance (sec. 1042)
371
Comptroller General report on corrosion prevention and mitigation programs of the Department of Defense (sec. 1043)
371
Subtitle E--Technical Amendments
372
Technical amendments relating to certain provisions of environmental defense laws (sec. 1051)
372
Subtitle F--Military Mail Matters
372
Safe delivery of mail in the military mail system (sec. 1061)
372
Delivery of mail addressed to any service member (sec. 1062)
374
Subtitle G--Other Matters
374
Policy on role of military medical and behavioral science personnel in interrogation of detainees (sec. 1071)
374
Clarification of authority to issue security regulations and orders under Internal Security Act of 1950 (sec. 1072)
375
Items of Special Interest
375
Strategic Seaports
375
Title XI--Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Policy 377
Extension of authority for voluntary separations in reductions in force (sec. 1101)
377
Compensatory time off for certain nonappropriated fund employees (sec. 1102)
377
Extension of authority to pay severance payments in lump sums (sec. 1103)
377
Continuation of Federal Employee Health Benefits program eligibility (sec. 1104)
377
Permanent and enhanced authority for Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) defense education program (sec. 1105)
378
Item of Special Interest
378
Comptroller General Report on policy concerning Department of Defense civilians deployed in support of contingency operations
378
Title XII--Matters Relating to Other Nations 381
Commanders' Emergency Response Program (sec. 1201)
381
Enhancement and expansion of authority to provide humanitarian and civic assistance (sec. 1202)
381
Modification of geographic limitation on payment of personnel expenses under bilateral or regional cooperation programs (sec. 1203)
382
Payment of travel expenses of coalition liaison officers (sec. 1204)
382
Title XIII--Cooperative Threat Reduction with States of the Former Soviet Union 383
Specification of Cooperative Threat Reduction programs and funds (sec. 1301)
383
Funding allocations (sec. 1302)
383
Permanent waiver of restrictions on use of funds for threat reduction in states of the former Soviet Union (sec. 1303)
383
Modification of authority to use Cooperative Threat Reduction funds outside the former Soviet Union (sec. 1304)
383
Repeal of requirement for annual Comptroller General assessment of annual Department of Defense report on activities and assistance under Cooperative Threat Reduction programs (sec. 1305)
384
Title XIV--Authorization for Supplemental Appropriations for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terrorism 385
Overview
385
Summary table of authorization
385
Purpose (sec. 1401)
392
Designation as emergency amounts (sec. 1402)
392
Army procurement (sec. 1403)
392
Navy and Marine Corps procurement (sec. 1404)
393
Air Force procurement (sec. 1405)
393
Operation and Maintenance (sec. 1406)
393
Defense Health Program (sec. 1407)
393
Military personnel (sec. 1408)
393
Iraq Freedom Fund (sec. 1409)
393
Transfer authority (sec. 1410)
394
Budget Items
394
UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
394
UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter modifications
395
M107 sniper rifle
395
Rapid fielding initiative
395
Night vision enhancements
395
Lightweight laser designation rangefinder
396
Mounted battle command on the move
396
UH-1Y helicopters
397
EA-6B ICAP III
397
Low band transmitters for EA-6B aircraft
397
CH-53E Helicopter Night Vision Systems
398
Hellfire missiles
398
Small arms
398
Pioneer tactical unmanned aerial vehicle
398
Dual mode laser guided training bombs
399
Small arms and landing party ammunition
399
M80/M62 7.62mm cartridge
399
.50 caliber link armor piercing cartridge with tracer
399
M430 40mm high explosive dual purpose
400
M830A1 120mm high explosive with tracer cartridge
400
XM1028 120mm tank cartridge
400
M72A7 66mm high explosive rocket
400
MK154 non-electric detonator
400
M762A1 electronic time fuze
401
M782 multi-option fuze for artillery
401
Explosive ordnance disposal equipment allowance for naval coastal warfare units
401
Amphibious equipment allowance for naval coastal warfare units
401
Equipment and trainer for maritime interdiction operations
402
High mobility artillery rocket system
402
AN/TPS-59(V3) radar system array rebuild
402
Enhanced position location reporting system
403
Explosive ordnance disposal equipment
403
C-5 aircraft missile warning system upgrade
403
C-17 aircraft infrared countermeasures
404
Mobile approach control system
404
Body armor
404
Expanded maritime interdiction operations training and outfitting
405
Small caliber weapons and mounts repair and replacement
405
Field medical equipment
405
M1A1 tank depot maintenance
406
Division B--Military Construction Authorizations 407
Explanation of funding tables
407
Short title (sec. 2001)
429
Title XXI--Army 431
Summary
431
Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2101)
431
Family housing (sec. 2102)
431
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2103)
431
Authorization of appropriations, Army (sec. 2104)
431
Items of Special Interest
432
Report on permanent facilities for new Army units
432
Title XXII--Navy 435
Summary
435
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2201)
435
Family housing (sec. 2202)
435
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2203)
436
Authorization of appropriations, Navy (sec. 2204)
436
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2004 project (sec. 2205)
436
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2005 projects (sec. 2206)
436
Hockmuth Hall, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia
436
Title XXIII--Air Force 437
Summary
437
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2301)
437
Family housing (sec. 2302)
438
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2303)
438
Authorization of appropriations, Air Force (sec. 2304)
438
Items of Special Interest
438
Planning and design, Air Force
438
Title XXIV--Defense Agencies 439
Summary
439
Authorized defense agencies construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2401)
439
Energy conservation projects (sec. 2402)
439
Authorization of appropriations, defense agencies (sec. 2403)
440
Title XXV--North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program 441
Summary
441
Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2501)
441
Authorization of appropriations, NATO (sec. 2502)
441
Title XXVI--Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities 443
Summary
443
Authorized Guard and Reserve construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2601)
443
Items of Special Interest
443
Unspecified minor construction, Army National Guard
443
Unspecified minor construction, Air National Guard
443
Planning and design, Army National Guard
443
Title XXVII--Expiration and Extension of Authorizations 445
Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by law (sec. 2701)
445
Extension of authorizations of certain fiscal year 2003 projects (sec. 2702)
445
Extension of authorizations of certain fiscal year 2002 projects (sec. 2703)
445
Effective date (sec. 2704)
445
Title XXVIII--General Provisions 447
Subtitle A--Military Construction Program and Military Family
447
Housing Changes
447
Increase in thresholds for unspecified minor military construction projects (sec. 2801)
447
Modification of cost variation authority (sec. 2802)
447
Department of Defense housing funds (sec. 2803)
447
Temporary authority to use minor military construction authority for construction of child development centers (sec. 2804)
448
Inapplicability to child development centers of restriction on authority to acquire or construct ancillary supporting facilities (sec. 2805)
448
Authority to carry out exchanges of facilities including associated utilities, equipment, and furnishings (sec. 2806)
449
Increase in number of family housing units in Korea authorized for lease by the Army at maximum amount (sec. 2807)
449
Subtitle B--Real Property and Facilities Administration
449
Authority to lease non-excess property of Department of Defense field activities (sec. 2821)
449
Modified criteria for agreements to limit encroachments and other constraints on military training, testing and operations (sec. 2822)
449
Subtitle C--Land Conveyances
450
Part I--Army Conveyances
450
Land conveyance, Helena, Montana (sec. 2841)
450
Land conveyance, Army Reserve center, Bothell, Washington (sec. 2842)
450
Part II--Air Force Conveyances
451
Acquisition of build-to-lease family housing at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (sec. 2861)
451
Subtitle D--Other Matters
451
Reorganization and technical improvement of codified laws applicable to real property of the Department of Defense (sec. 2881)
451
Report on application of force protection an anti-terrorism standards to leased facilities (sec. 2882)
451
Construction at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, for Reserve components (sec. 2883)
452
Authority to use Papago Park Military Reservation, Arizona, for general military purposes (sec. 2884)
452
One-year extension of Department of Defense laboratory revitalization program (sec. 2885)
452
Sense of Congress on establishment of Bakers Creek memorial (sec. 2886)
453
Items of Special Interest
453
Report on host nation agreements for overseas installations
453
Training facilities for military operations in urban terrain
454
Relocation of Reserve component military units at Lambert International Airport, St. Louis, Missouri
454
Division C--Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations 457
Title XXXI--Department of Energy National Security Programs 457
Overview
457
Subtitle A--National Security Programs Authorizations
478
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3101)
478
Weapons activities
478
Directed stockpile work
478
Campaigns
478
Readiness in the technical base
478
Secure transportation asset
479
Safeguards and security
479
Facilities and infrastructure
479
Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program
480
Naval Reactors
481
Office of Administrator
481
Environmental Projects and Operations
481
Reliable replacement warhead
482
Robust nuclear earth penetrator
482
Defense environmental management (sec. 3102)
483
Defense site acceleration completion
483
Defense environmental services
483
Other defense activities (sec. 3103)
484
Security and Safety Performance Assurance
484
Environment, Safety and Health
484
Office of Legacy Management
484
Nuclear Energy
484
Defense Related Administrative Support
485
Office of Hearings and Appeals
485
Energy security and assurance
485
Defense nuclear waste disposal (sec. 3104)
485
Subtitle B--Other Matters
485
Report on compliance with design basis threat (sec. 3105)
485
Cost estimate for Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant project, Hanford Site, Richland, Washington (sec. 3106)
486
Report on international border security programs (sec. 3107)
486
Items of Special Interest
487
National security implications of the Rare Isotope Accelerator
487
Role of the Kansas City Plant
488
Title XXXII--Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board 489
Authorization (sec. 3201)
489
Title XXXIII--National Defense Stockpile
491
Revisions to required receipt objectives for previously authorized disposals from the National Defense Stockpile (sec. 3301)
491
Legislative Requirements 491
Departmental Recommendations
491
Committee Action
491
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
491
Regulatory Impact
491
Changes in Existing Law
491

Calendar No. 102

109TH CONGRESS

Report

SENATE

1st Session

109-69
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 FOR MILITARY ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, AND FOR DEFENSE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, TO PRESCRIBE PERSONNEL STRENGTHS FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR FOR THE ARMED FORCES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

May 17, 2005- Ordered to be printed

Mr. WARNER, from the Committee on Armed Services, submitted the following

R E P O R T

[To accompany S. 1042]

The Committee on Armed Services reports favorably an original bill to authorize appropriations during the fiscal year 2006 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes, and recommends that the bill do pass.

PURPOSE OF THE BILL

This bill would:

Committee overview and recommendations

The past three and one-half years have been a time of great successes and enormous challenges for the U.S. Armed Forces. The mission of the men and women in uniform to defend the nation has never been executed with better skill or dedication on the battlefield. The rapid successes of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom have evolved into the hard work of counter-insurgency, reconstruction, and stability operations necessary to achieve peace and security in these troubled regions. Such important work brings new challenges associated with the extraordinarily high operational tempo on people and equipment, the technological challenges of countering asymmetric threats such as improvised explosive devices, the demands of transforming the Armed Forces for future threats, and the responsibility of the nation to properly care for those who volunteer to serve--Active, Reserve, National Guard, and retired--and their families.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 addresses these challenges. This bill is being considered by the committee at a time when the United States continues to lead a coalition of nations to defeat terrorism globally and to defend freedom and democracy. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen--Active, Reserve, and National Guard--countless civilians who support military, diplomatic, and humanitarian operations have served, and more are serving valiantly in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations to secure hard-won military successes and to preserve peace and freedom. Successful elections in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past year are testament to the yearning of the people of those nations for a voice in their own destiny, the willingness of the United States to assist, and the professionalism of the brave Americans who volunteer to serve in uniform. The U.S. Armed Forces, serving around the world, are truly the first line of defense in the security of the U.S. homeland.

The committee is ever mindful of the risks members of the U.S. Armed Forces face every day, and of the many sacrifices made by the families and communities that support them. Our men and women in uniform have been asked to do much in the past year, and they have responded in the finest traditions of the generations of Americans that preceded them. Tragically, many members of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as a number of civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense have been killed in service to their country, and many more have been wounded. On behalf of a grateful nation, the committee is committed to ensuring that those who have sacrificed so much will not be forgotten and will receive the care and support that they deserve. The American people are proud of their Armed Forces for what they have accomplished, for their selfless sacrifices, and for the manner in which they represent American values and the generosity of America.

While recent successes have proven the value of past investment in the people and the equipment of the U.S. Armed Forces, there is no room for complacency. A recurring lesson of history is that national security threats are ever-changing and persistent. Victory and success must be accompanied by vigilance. Such vigilance takes the form of readiness of today's forces and preparation for future threats to the security of the United States, its interests, and its allies.

Since the beginning of the 109th Congress, the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate has conducted 35 hearings and received numerous policy and operational briefings on the President's budget request for fiscal year 2006 and related defense issues. As a result of these deliberations, the committee identified seven priorities to guide its work on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006:

In order to fund these priorities, the committee recommends $441.6 billion in budget authority for defense programs for fiscal year 2006, an increase of $21.0 billion--or 3.1 percent in real terms--above the amount authorized by the Congress for fiscal year 2005. The committee's recommendations include: $78.2 billion in procurement funding, a $1.5 billion increase above the President's budget request; $69.8 billion in funding for research, development, test, and evaluation, a $0.4 million increase over the requested level; and $109.2 billion for military personnel, a $237 million increase over the requested level. The committee's recommendation also includes budget authority for $50.0 billion in emergency supplemental funding in fiscal year 2006 to cover costs of military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism.

The committee's first priority was to provide the Department of Defense with the resources and authorities it needs to win the global war on terrorism. In these areas, the committee authorizes an increase of almost $600.0 million over the budget request. Funding highlights for ground forces include: $2.9 billion for new helicopters and helicopter modifications, in order to get needed lift and attack helicopters to troops in the field and $878.4 million to continue procuring the Stryker armored vehicles that are proving so valuable in military operations in Iraq. To improve the ability of special operations forces, a major component of the war on terror, the committee authorized an increase of $84.5 million above the President's budget request to accelerate the availability of important new capabilities. For naval forces, the committee authorized an increase of $336.7 million to the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy, account for a total of $9.1 billion to accelerate development of the CVN-78 aircraft carrier, the LHA(R) amphibious ship, and the second DD(X) destroyer of the class, as well as authorizing the four ships in the President's budget request. For air forces, the committee supported the President's budget request funding levels for major aircraft acquisition programs. The committee provided for the continued funding of the C-130J aircraft multiyear contract and added $37.7 million for the procurement of center wing box assemblies for C-130E/H aircraft to improve the availability of these important intra-theater lift assets.

To enhance the Department's homeland defense capabilities, the committee added $48.8 million above the President's budget request including: an additional $19.8 million to provide expanded capabilities for the Weapons of Mass Destruction-Civil Support teams that provide the Department support to local and regional first responders in every State and territory of the United States and an additional $20.0 million for cybersecurity research. The committee also authorized an additional $60.0 million for development and fielding of chemical and biological agent detection and protection technologies, that have application for both homeland defense and for protection of deployed forces. To protect America from missile threats, the committee authorized $8.8 billion for ballistic missile defense, and reemphasized the need to develop defenses against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other low-altitude air threats.

To address the force protection needs of deployed U.S. forces, the committee authorized over $1.4 billion for various programs to protect personnel, vehicles, and installations, including: $344.2 million for up-armored HMMWV's and armor kits for other wheeled vehicles, an increase of $120.0 million above the requested amount; and an additional $500.0 million for research, development, and fielding of technologies to counter improvised explosive devices; and added $117.8 million for individual body armor. The committee is fully supportive of the Department of Defense efforts to improve the force protection capabilities available to deployed forces and will work closely with the Department of Defense and the military services to ensure that all requirements to improve force protection are fully funded.

The committee is committed to continuing to improve the quality of life of the men and women in uniform--Active, Reserve, National Guard, and retired--and their families. The proposed bill would authorize a 3.1 percent across-the-board pay raise for all uniformed service personnel. The committee has increased the death gratuity payable to survivors of military decedents to $100,000 when the death occurs under combat-related conditions or in designated combat zones. Additionally, the committee authorized an increase in the maximum Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance benefit from $250,000 to $400,000.

The committee has authorized full funding for the defense health program, and is committed to ensuring that there is no erosion in quality health care for all beneficiaries. To this end, the committee authorizes an additional $82.2 million to ensure the medical readiness of the Reserve components. The committee is pleased that the Department has taken steps to implement the full range of health care benefits for members of Reserve components and their families--both before and after deployment--that was authorized in the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for 2005 (Public Law 108-375).

An important aspect of quality of life for service members are the benefits and services available to family members. The committee recognizes the tremendous dedication and sacrifices of military family members who share in every way in the successes, accomplishments, and hardships of the members of the Armed Forces. The committee supports all of the benefits for family members contained in the President's budget request and authorizes an increase of $70.0 million to further enhance support for military families, particularly with regard to additional child care services.

The quality of combat medicine has improved dramatically since World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. More service members now survive the initial wounds of war, and it is important that the best possible care and rehabilitative services are available for those wounded in combat. The bill would authorize various provisions that recognize the evolving nature of battlefield medicine, the long-term needs of seriously wounded survivors and combat veterans, and the social and fiscal support responsibilities of the nation to the survivors of those who make the ultimate sacrifice.

The committee is concerned about the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers for the Active and Reserve component force in a wartime environment. In addition to the quality of life improvements already discussed, the committee has authorized a variety of incentives and bonuses for Active Duty and Reserve component personnel, and will continue to work closely with the Department of Defense and the military services to ensure that they have the resources and authorities they need to recruit and retain a high quality volunteer force.

The committee recognizes that U.S. ground forces in general, and the U.S. Army in particular, have experienced a high operational tempo for an extended period. The bill recommended by the committee authorizes an increase in active-duty end strength for the Army of 20,000 personnel in fiscal year 2006, for an end strength level of 522,400. The active-duty end strength for the U.S. Marine Corps is maintained at 178,000, equal to the end strength authorized for fiscal year 2005, and 3,000 above the President's budget request. The bill supports the end strength levels of the other military services for both Active and Reserve components recommended by the President, and includes an increase of 85 National Guard personnel to man augmentation elements to the Weapons of Mass Destruction--Civil Support Teams. The committee supports the initiatives by the Army to reorganize their combat formations into modular brigade sized units to provide more combat formations and a more deployable, flexible force.

The administration requested $12.1 billion for military construction and family housing, including $1.9 billion to initiate activities required to carry out the results of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations. The committee recommendations include certain adjustments to provide prudent investment in overseas locations and increased investment in installations in the United States. Among the funding adjustments made by the committee are increases of over $120.0 million in critical unfunded projects identified by the military services, and an additional $187.0 million to fund improvements to facilities supporting National Guard and reserve forces needs.

Over the past several years, the committee has worked with the Department to ensure that necessary modernization, transformation, and long-range research were maintained, even in times of high operational tempo. The committee continues its support for these transformational activities, authorizing $3.4 billion for the Army's Future Combat System development; $115.4 million for tactical UAV's that have proven so valuable in recent military operations; and $10.9 billion for defense science and technology programs, an increase of over $400.0 million above the President's budget request, that are the foundation for future capabilities. The committee remains committed to the goals it set for the Department five years ago to have one-third of deep strike aircraft unmanned combat systems by the year 2010, and one-third of the ground combat vehicles unmanned by the year 2015.

The committee takes its oversight responsibilities over the Department of Defense and defense related activities of the Department of Energy very seriously. The bill contains several provisions designed to improve management and oversight of Department of Defense acquisition programs. These provisions would increase the size and quality of the acquisition workforce, strengthen defense ethics programs, and reduce the risk of contract fraud. In addition, the bill would expand the authority of the Secretary of Defense to rapidly acquire capabilities to ensure that our deployed troops can quickly get needed equipment.

The committee is particularly concerned about the state of the current shipbuilding program. The committee does not believe that the current or projected level of funding for shipbuilding is adequate to build the numbers of ships that will allow the Navy to perform its global missions or to sustain an increasingly fragile industrial base. The founding fathers were specific in the United States Constitution that it is the duty of Congress to `maintain' a Navy. They had the foresight to realize that a Navy cannot be quickly constituted, or reconstituted. That is as true today as it was over two centuries ago. If the United States is to remain a global power, it must have a global presence. As a maritime nation, that presence is often displayed in the form of naval ships, not only through ensuring open sea lines of communication and trade in international waters, but also through the inherently diplomatic mission of visiting foreign ports and `showing the flag'.

The Navy currently has only 288 ships in the fleet. This is the smallest number of ships in the Navy since before the start of the Second World War. It is true that these ships possess capabilities far greater than those of the past, but global presence demands sufficient numbers of ships as well as the capabilities possessed by those ships.

Numerous officials have testified before this committee that shipbuilding must become a subject of national debate. They have testified that the Department of Defense, the Congress, and the shipbuilders need to engage in this debate. Low shipbuilding rates have resulted in increased costs for ships, as recently documented by the Government Accountability Office. These increased costs have translated into even lower shipbuilding rates. The committee believes this downward spiral needs to be reversed. To accomplish this, the committee believes that significantly higher funding is required in the shipbuilding budget. That funding must be stable, and some degree of flexibility is required in the funding mechanisms for shipbuilding to allow for efficient management while visibility remains to allow for sufficient oversight.

The committee believes that the shipbuilding budget must be reviewed by the administration as a matter of the utmost urgency in the coming year. The committee recommends that the President consider establishing a special shipbuilding fund, which would be funded apart from the normal give and take within the Department of Defense budget process, to dedicate a sustained amount of funding for the construction of naval ships. The Congressional Budget Office estimates, based on testimony before the committee, that the amount of funding necessary to maintain a Navy of appropriate size and capability to deter any potential adversaries and meet U.S. global commitments is at least $15.0 billion a year, and that it needs to be sustained at that level for a period of 10 to 15 years.

America has much to be thankful for in terms of the patriotic young Americans who volunteer to serve and who have individually and collectively performed with such professionalism and distinction in defense of the United States. The efforts of the U.S. Armed Forces have been remarkable, but they are not without cost--the loss of priceless lives that must be honored and remembered; the responsibility to care for the survivors and their families; the cost of ongoing operations and related refurbishment or replacement of heavily used equipment; and the responsibility to ensure that those who serve, and their families, receive the quality of life and benefits they have earned and deserve. As a nation at war against enemies who have attacked our homeland and who seek to impose the tyranny of their beliefs on others, Americans understand their responsibility to defeat the scourge of terrorism at any cost to ensure the security of America.

The U.S. Armed Forces are the best trained, best equipped, and most experienced military force in the world today. To ensure the security of America, the excellence of this force must be sustained, modernized, and transformed. The committee believes that the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 prudently addresses the defense needs of the United States, recognizes the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families, provides the resources needed to win the global war on terrorism, and makes the necessary investments to provide for the security of the nation in the future.

Explanation of funding summary

The administration's budget request for the national defense function of the federal budget for fiscal year 2006 was $435.9 billion. According to the estimating procedures used by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the budget implication of the amount requested was $441.6 billion. The funding summary table that follows uses the budget authority as calculated by CBO.

The following table summarizes both the direct authorizations and equivalent budget authority levels for fiscal year 2006 defense programs. The columns relating to the authorization request do not include funding for the following items: Concurrent Receipt Accrual Payments to the Military Retirement Fund; military construction authorizations provided in prior years; and other portions of the defense budget that are not within the jurisdiction of this committee, or that do not require an annual authorization.

Funding for all programs in the national defense function is reflected in the columns related to the budget authority request and the total budget authority implication of the authorizations in this report.

The committee recommends funding for national defense programs totaling $441.6 billion in budget authority. This funding level is consistent with the budget authority level of $441.6 billion for the national defense function recommended in the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2006 (H. Con. Res. 95), which was adopted on April 28, 2005.

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DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS

TITLE I--PROCUREMENT

SUBTITLE A--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Explanation of tables

The following tables provide the program-level detailed guidance for the funding authorized in title I of this Act. The tables also display the funding requested by the administration in the fiscal year 2006 budget request for procurement programs, and indicate those programs for which the committee either increased or decreased the requested amounts. As in the past, the administration may not exceed the authorized amounts (as set forth in the tables or, if unchanged from the administration request, as set forth in budget justification documents of the Department of Defense), without a reprogramming action in accordance with established procedures. Unless noted in this report, funding changes to the budget request are made without prejudice.

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SUBTITLE B--ARMY PROGRAMS

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MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR AH-64D APACHE ATTACK HELICOPTER BLOCK II CONVERSIONS (SEC. 111)

The committee recommends a provision that would provide authority to the Secretary of the Army to enter into a multiyear contract for AH-64 Apache attack helicopter Block II Conversions. The committee commends the Army for its commitment to Army aviation modernization by reinvesting the resources made available by the Comanche termination.

This provision provides authorization for the third multiyear procurement for the conversion of AH-64A Apache helicopters to the `D' model Apache. Multiyear one delivered 232 AH-64D helicopters from fiscal years 1996 through 2002 and a second multiyear will complete delivery of an additional 269 AH-64D helicopters in fiscal year 2006. The committee understands that the Army will convert an additional 96 AH-64A helicopters with the multiyear procurement authority granted by this provision. Previous multiyear procurement contracts have yielded significant savings and the committee anticipates that a third multiyear will yield savings as well.

Multiyear procurement authority for modernized target acquisition designation/pilot night vision sensors for AH-64D Apache attack helicopters (sec. 112)

The committee recommends a provision that would provide authority to the Secretary of the Army to enter into a multiyear procurement contract for the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MTADS) for Apache helicopters. MTADS will be incorporated into and integrated into the program to convert AH-64A Apaches to the `D' model Apache. MTADS provides a Second Generation Forward (SGF) Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensor suite for the Army's fleet of Apache aircraft. The SGF system enhances the Apache pilot's ability to engage targets during night operations and adverse weather conditions, improves reliability, and reduces operations and support costs.

Multiyear procurement authority for utility helicopters (sec. 113)

The committee recommends a provision that would provide authority to the Secretary of the Army to enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters and, acting as the executive agent for the Department of the Navy, enter into a multiyear contract for the procurement of MH-60S Sea Hawk utility helicopters.

The budget request included $505.7 million for the procurement of 41 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; $24.7 million for the advanced procurement of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters; $453.4 million for the procurement of 26 MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters; and $125.7 million for the advanced procurement of MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters under a multiyear procurement program.

The committee notes that based on a comparison of estimated prices for five single year contracts with the estimated price for one 5 year multiyear for the UH-60M airframe over fiscal years 2007-2011, there is a savings of approximately $304.2 million. A similar analysis of the MH-60S airframe shows an estimated savings of $94.6 million. The committee also notes that the current UH-60M and MH-60S budget requests are based on a follow-on multiyear contract beginning in fiscal year 2007.

The committee believes that the Congress should provide the Secretary of the Army with the authority to obtain these savings, and encourages the Secretary of Defense to review other current and planned helicopter programs for similar efficiencies through joint service multiyear procurements.

MISSILE PROCUREMENT, ARMY

Advanced precision kill weapon system

The budget request included $34.1 million in Missile Procurement, Army (MPA), for the procurement of 600 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS). The committee understands the APKWS program was restructured on April 4, 2005, because the contractor was under-performing in the areas of cost, schedule, and performance; and APKWS would not have met the defined user requirement. The committee recommends a decrease of $5.0 million in MPA to procure 135 fewer missiles, for a total authorization of $29.1 million.

WEAPONS AND TRACKED VEHICLES

Lightweight 155 millimeter Howitzer

The budget request included $46.8 million in Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles, Army (WTCV), for the Lightweight 155 millimeter (LW-155) towed Howitzer, a joint U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)/Army program. In the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375), the Congress authorized a multiyear procurement contract as the program entered into a low rate initial production phase of the program. The Army requires additional LW-155s for the 7th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. This item is on the Chief of Staff of the Army's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $32.4 million in WTCV for additional LW-155s, for a total authorization of $79.2 million in WTCV.

ARMY AMMUNITION

M1028 120mm tank cartridge

The budget request included $8.3 million in Procurement of Ammunition, Army (PAA), for the M1028 120mm tank cartridge. The committee notes the utility of the M1028 in improving the M1A1 Main Battle Tank's urban warfare capability and improving tank survivability against massed assaulting infantry with hand held anti-tank and automatic weapons. The M1028 is currently funded to achieve 75 percent of the total war reserve requirement. The committee recommends an increase of $5.5 million in PAA for the M1028 to excel the acquisition of the M1028mm tank cartridge.

Modern demolition initiator

The budget request included no funding in Procurement Ammunition, Army (PAA), for the modern demolition initiator (MDI). The committee notes that MDIs are non-electric detonators used to initiate munitions and explosives. The benefits of MDI include safety in the modern electronic battle space, high reliability, interoperability with existing fielded demolition systems, and lethality. The committee recommends an increase of $1.9 million in PAA for MDIs.

Rapid wall breaching kit

The budget request included no funding in Procurement Ammunition, Army (PAA), for the rapid wall breaching kit. The committee notes that rapid wall breaching kits are one-man portable devices capable of creating man-sized holes in triple brick masonry or double reinforced concrete structural walls. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PAA for rapid wall breaching kits.

Ammunition peculiar equipment outloading modules

The budget request included no funding for ammunition peculiar equipment outloading modules. The committee notes that a modern robotic-controlled strategic ammunition outloading module could be capable of supporting current readiness requirements while increasing ammunition plant safety, security, and capacity. Army officials report that a design exists for modernizing current outloading capabilities with robotic-controlled technologies at ammunition plants. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PAA for ammunition peculiar equipment outloading modules.

Provision of industrial facilities

The budget request included $33.5 million in Procurement of Ammunition, Army (PAA), for the provision of industrial facilities, including the establishment, augmentation, and modernization of ammunition production capabilities. The committee notes that this represents an 18 percent reduction in this account from the funding level requested for fiscal year 2005. Additional funding for the provision of industrial facilities has been identified on the Chief of Staff of the Army unfunded priorities list.

The committee recommends an increase of $82.4 million in PAA for the provision of industrial facilities, as follows: $40.0 million to reduce the risk of production loss in acid concentration and nitrocellulose; $22.4 million for small-caliber ammunition production facilities modernization; $10.0 million to continue facility modernization initiated in fiscal year 2003 with environmentally sound insensitive-munitions (IM) manufacturing and precision load, assemble, and pack capability required to produce munitions with current and future IM type mix-cast-cure, melt-load and press-able explosive formulations; and $10.0 million to modernize HMX/RDX nitrate explosive formulation capabilities for use in U.S. precision guided weapons production.

Conventional ammunition demilitarization

The budget request included $102.9 million in Procurement of Ammunition, Army (PAA), for conventional ammunition demilitarization, including $19.5 million for missile demilitarization. The committee is concerned with the resourcing of the Army's strategic plan for conventional ammunition disposal, including the resourcing of missile recycling. The committee notes that the missile recycling center (MRC) energetics processing module (EPM) is an important component of the Army's missile demilitarization plan. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PAA for the MRC EPM.

The disposal of excess conventional ammunition is an integral phase of the life-cycle management of conventional ammunition. The Army 2004 report, `Strategic Plan: Demilitarization FY2005-2011,' outlines a series of goals and milestones to reduce the excess conventional ammunition stockpile to manageable levels in future years: 100,000 short tons for ammunition and 30,000 missiles. In fiscal year 2005, the excess conventional ammunition stockpile includes at least 431,700 short tons of conventional ammunition and 77,566 missiles.

The committee notes that current projections indicate that the excess conventional ammunition disposal stockpile and the excess missile inventory are expected to continue to increase and exceed 546,000 short tons and 125,000 missiles, respectively, by fiscal year 2011. In addition, Army officials note that current projections for the growth rate of the excess stockpile do not include pending decisions related to the disposal of munitions in the War Reserve Stockpile, Allies-Korea and disposal of conventional mines. Therefore, the projection of the excess conventional ammunition stockpile in 2011 may be significantly understated.

The committee believes that failing to identify accurately the magnitude of the excess conventional ammunition stockpile and failing to reduce the excess conventional ammunition stockpile will present problems, including impeding access to needed ammunition in support of ongoing contingency operations, and increased risk and costs related to the security and sustainment of excess conventional ammunition. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army to review and update the strategic plan for disposal of excess conventional ammunition and to report to the committee any changes that result from that review. In addition, the committee urges the Department of Defense Comptroller to fund disposal of conventional ammunition demilitarization to attain manageable stockpile levels outlined in the Army's strategic plan to the maximum extent possible.

OTHER PROCUREMENT, ARMY

Movement tracking system

The budget request included $207.1 million in Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles, including $27.6 million for the Movement Tracking System (MTS). MTS provides commanders with the capability to communicate with and track the location of vehicles. The committee understands that the MTS has provided valuable communications and vehicle location information during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The committee notes that the Chief of Staff of the Army has identified additional funding for MTS devices for the 7th Stryker Brigade Combat Team on his unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $1.6 million in OPA for MTS, for a total authorization of $208.7 million.

Night vision devices

The budget request included $164.7 million in Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for night vision devices, including $76.9 million for the procurement of AN/PVS-14 night vision devices and $20.0 million for the procurement of enhanced night vision goggles (ENVG). These devices increase situational awareness, mobility, and lethality during low-light and nighttime operations. Additionally, the ENVG consists of a state-of-the-art, enhanced 3rd Generation image intensifier sensor, an uncooled long-wave infrared camera, and a miniature display to provide high resolution fused imagery to the individual soldier. Additional funding for these items is on the Chief of Staff of the Army's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $20.2 million in OPA, for additional night vision devices.

Modular causeway system

The budget request included $2.0 million in Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for causeway systems. The modular causeway system (MCS) is an assemblage of interoperable and interchangeable components, which constitute the Army's primary means of augmenting existing port facilities or conducting joint logistics over the shore (JLOTS). JLOTS, in particular, will be significant as the concept of sea-basing matures. The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in OPA for the MCS.

SUBTITLE C--NAVY PROGRAMS

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Prohibition on acquisition of next generation destroyer (DD(X)) through a single naval shipyard (sec. 121)

The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit a winner take all acquisition strategy for the next generation destroyer (DD(X)) program. The provision would define a winner take all acquisition strategy, in relation to this program, as one which would procure, including design and construction, these destroyers through a single shipyard.

In the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) presented with the fiscal year 2005 budget request, construction of more than one DD(X) a year was to have started in fiscal year 2007. The FYDP presented with the fiscal year 2006 budget request indicates that only one DD(X) a year will be procured in each year from fiscal years 2007 through 2011. This reduced procurement profile represents at least the third significant change for the DD(X) program in recent years. Additionally, the Secretary of the Navy has recently delivered an interim long-range plan for the construction of Naval vessels to Congress. This plan outlines a range of needed ships, with eight to 12 DD(X) destroyers establishing the range for that ship.

The committee is aware that the Navy has proposed a change in acquisition strategy for DD(X) due to the reduced procurement profile. The proposed change is to conduct a winner-take-all competition for the DD(X)-class of ships between the two shipyards which build surface combatants.

The committee is concerned with the sharp decline projected in the number of ships in the Navy, the low number of major combatants scheduled for construction, and the negative consequences for the U. S. shipbuilding industrial base that could result if a winner-take-all strategy for DD(X) were pursued. The committee believes that there is an unacceptable risk if the shipbuilding industry sizes itself to where only one surface combatant a year is being built. The committee urges the Navy to plan to build more than one major surface combatant ship a year as soon as possible. If fewer DD(X) destroyers are required, then acceleration of the follow-on surface combatant, the CG(X), should be pursued.

Elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends additional funding for advance procurement of the second DD(X) destroyer at the second shipyard.

Split funding authorization for CVN-78 aircraft carrier (sec. 122)

The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract to fund the detail design and construction of the aircraft carrier designated CVN-78 with the Shipbuilding & Conversion, Navy (SCN) account, with funding split over fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

The budget request includes $564.9 million in SCN for the carrier replacement program, specifically for advance procurement of the CVN-78. The CVN-78 will be a new class of aircraft carrier, incorporating numerous new technologies. This budget request reflects the second one-year slip in the program in recent years. This slip would cause a delay in the delivery of the CVN-78 until fiscal year 2015, with the ship it is scheduled to replace, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), scheduled to be decommissioned in fiscal year 2013. Additionally, this slip translates into a cost growth for CVN-78 of approximately $400.0 million, according to the Navy.

The committee is concerned about this delay. The committee has been told there is no technical reason for the delay, but that the delay was driven by budget considerations. Both the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval operations testified that large capital assets such as aircraft carriers are difficult to fund under the traditional full-funding policy, and that more flexible methods of funding must be found and used. The program of record for CVN-78 has the detail design and construction funding split between two years. This provision would authorize that same funding to be split over four years, thereby allowing needed funding flexibility. The committee directs the Navy to provide an updated funding profile, fully funding the remaining costs of the ship from fiscal years 2007 through 2010, with delivery of the fiscal year 2007 budget request.

The committee is aware that the program requires additional funding in fiscal year 2006 to avoid this one-year delay. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $86.7 million in SCN for CVN-78.

LHA replacement (LHA(R)) ship (sec. 123)

The committee recommends a provision that would authorize to be appropriated $325.4 million for design, advance procurement, and advance construction of the first LHA replacement (LHA(R)) ship, and would allow the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for this purpose in fiscal year 2006.

The provision would also authorize the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for the detail design and construction of the LHA(R) in fiscal year 2007, with funds authorized in fiscal years 2007 and 2008, subject to the availability of appropriations for LHA(R) in each of those fiscal years.

The budget request included $150.4 million in Shipbuilding & Conversion, Navy (SCN), for the design, advance procurement, and advance construction of the LHA(R) amphibious assault ship. The LHA(R)-class will be the functional replacement for the LHA-1 class of amphibious assault ships, which is nearing the end of its service life. The Chief of Naval Operations has included additional funding for LHA(R) as the number one priority on his unfunded priorities list. The committee understands that additional funding would accelerate delivery of and reduce the acquisition cost of this ship, and recommends an increase of $175.0 million in SCN for the LHA(R).

Refueling and complex overhaul of the USS `Carl Vinson' (sec. 124)

The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract in fiscal year 2006 for the nuclear refueling and complex overhaul of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). The provision would authorize $1,493.6 million to be appropriated as the first increment in the incremental funding planned for this refueling. The provision would also stipulate that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract after fiscal year 2006 is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose.

NAVY AIRCRAFT

C-40A procurement

The budget request included $10.3 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for C-40A site activation, but included no funding for the procurement of C-40A aircraft.

The C-40A replaces aging C-9 aircraft and provides improved time critical logistics support. Procurement of the C-40A is included on the Chief of Naval Operations' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $77.9 million in APN for the procurement of one C-40A aircraft.

Advanced targeting pods

The budget request included $422.4 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for modifications to the F/A-18 aircraft, but included no funding for LITENING advanced targeting pods (ATPs) for the F/A-18D aircraft. The LITENING ATP will supplement and replace the current targeting pod with a new system that provides increased combat effectiveness across several mission areas. The procurement of LITENING ATP is included on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $40.0 million in APN for the procurement of 24 LITENING ATPs for the F/A-18D aircraft.

Night targeting system upgrade

The budget request included $307.5 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for UH-1Y utility and AH-1Z attack helicopters, but no funding for the procurement of night targeting system (NTS) upgrades. The current AH-1W NTS uses Generation I Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and requires an upgrade to the Generation III FLIR, which would significantly improve the ability of the AH-1W helicopter to fight at night and during low visibility conditions as well as improve reliability by replacing obsolete parts. The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified additional funding for NTS upgrades on his unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $7.8 million in APN for the NTS upgrades, for a total authorization of $315.3 million.

H-53 modifications

The budget request included $14.9 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), but no funding for engine air particle separators (EAPS) barrier filters nor for crash-attenuating crew chief seats for the H-53 series helicopter.

The current H-53 EAPS suffers heavy wear and tear from preflight and maintenance requirements. The Navy is conducting a trade study to develop conceptual barrier filter alternatives for the H-53 series of helicopters. The committee notes that the results of this effort will require non-recurring engineering to incorporate a new EAPS barrier filter type separator into the H-53 series helicopters. The committee understands that new EAPS will result in lower maintenance costs and improved engine performance.

The committee also understands that the procurement and installation of crash-attenuating seats for both pilots in the H-53 series helicopter is ongoing. However, the crew chief is not provided with a crash-attenuating seat. The committee notes the lack of crashworthy seats for crew chiefs exposes them to higher risk of injury or death in the event of a hard landing or crash. The Department of the Navy has programmed for the procurement of 222 crashworthy seats in fiscal year 2011. The committee believes that this safety issue needs to be addressed immediately.

The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified additional funding for H-53 EAPS barrier filters and crash-attenuation crew chief seats on his unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for non-recurring engineering for EAPS barrier filters and $6.5 million to procure 222 crash-attenuating crew chief seats, for a total authorization of $26.4 million in APN.

SH-60 armed helicopter

The budget request included $12.4 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for modifications to the SH-60 helicopter, including $7.6 million for kits to arm the helicopter. Navy helicopters, stationed aboard aircraft carriers and surface combatants, are being used to support operations in the global war on terror. These operations include armed reconnaissance, and additional funding for kits is included on the Chief of Naval Operations' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $7.6 million in APN for the procurement of additional armed helicopter kits.

EP-3 aircraft electronic attack

The budget request included $55.1 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for modifications to the EP-3 aircraft. The EP-3 is a land-based, long-range aircraft, with electronic intercept devices for detection and tracking of enemy radars and communications. The EP-3 aircraft has been designated a high demand, low-density asset by the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Additional funding for USQ-146 communications electronic attack systems for the EP-3 aircraft has been requested on the Chief of Naval Operations' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $13.0 million in APN for the procurement of USQ-146 electronic attack systems for the EP-3 aircraft.

P-3 aircraft modifications

The budget request included $163.3 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for modifications to the P-3 aircraft, including $11.9 million for the procurement and installation of anti-surface warfare improvement (AIP) program kits. AIP greatly expands the P-3 aircraft's capabilities to operate in the littorals with the addition of advanced technology sensors, expanded communications, upgraded weapon delivery capabilities, and improved operator situational awareness. The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million in APN for the procurement and installation of additional AIP kits for the P-3 aircraft.

NAVY WEAPONS

AIM-9X captive air training missile

The budget request included $37.9 million in Weapons Procurement, Navy (WPN), for the procurement of 165 AIM-9X Sidewinder short range air-to-air missiles, including $7.2 million for the procurement of 44 AIM-9X captive air training missiles (CATM). The Sidewinder is the Navy and Marine Corps' primary short range air-to-air weapon, and the advanced capabilities of AIM-9X require a high level of aircrew proficiency. There is currently an inventory shortfall of AIM-9X CATMs to support three F/A-18E/F squadrons, and the procurement of additional AIM-9X CATMs is included on the Chief of Naval Operations' and the Commandant of the Marine Corps' unfunded priorities lists. The committee recommends an increase of $7.6 million in WPN for the procurement of 46 additional AIM-9X CATMs.

Weapons industrial facilities

The budget request included $4.1 million in Weapons Procurement, Navy (WPN), for various activities at government-owned, contractor-operated weapons industrial facilities, but included no funding for facilities restoration at the Navy Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant, Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL). Some of these facilities have exceeded their useful life and deteriorated beyond safe operations. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in WPN for the facilities restoration program at ABL.

Gun mount modifications

The budget request included $84.1 million in Weapons Procurement, Navy (WPN), for modifications to gun mounts on naval ships, and included $1.3 million for modifications to upgrade MK45 gun mounts to the Mod 4 configuration on guided missile destroyers. The MK45 gun is also used on Navy cruisers, and the Navy has a program to modernize its cruisers using this gun. The committee recommends an increase of $14.0 million in WPN for upgrading cruiser MK45 gun mounts to the Mod 4 configuration.

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AMMUNITION

M795 155mm high explosive cartridge

The budget request included $5.2 million in Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps (PANMC), for the M795 155mm high-explosive cartridge. Additional funding for the M795 155mm high-explosive cartridge has been identified on the Commandant of the Marine Corps unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PANMC for the M795.

Time fuze blasting igniter

The budget request included $770,000 in Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps (PANMC), for the time fuze blasting igniter. The budget request will achieve 40 percent of the approved acquisition object (AAO) for this item. Additional funding for the time fuze blasting igniter has been identified on the Commandant of the Marine Corps unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PANMC for the time fuze blasting igniter.

SHIPBUILDING

DD(X) destroyer program

The budget request included $716.0 million in Shipbuilding & Conversion, Navy (SCN), for advance procurement for the DD(X) destroyer program. Of this amount, $666.0 million is for advance procurement of the lead ship of the class, and $50.0 million is for advance procurement of the second ship of the class. These advance procurement funds are required to procure material to maintain ship construction schedules and for transition to detail design efforts.

In fiscal year 2005, $84.4 million was authorized and appropriated for the design and advance procurement requirements associated with construction of the second ship at an alternative second source shipyard. The committee recommends an increase of $50.0 million in SCN to be used only for advance procurement of the second ship of the DD(X) class at the second shipyard.

DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer modernization program

The budget request included no funding for the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer modernization program. Section 121 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375) required the Navy to submit a report on this modernization program, and authorized and appropriated $50.0 million to initiate this program in fiscal year 2005. The report was delivered in March 2005, and shows the potential for significant reductions in the size of the crew through technology insertion. The plan outlined in the report is to implement the modernization initiatives on the last two ships of the class, DDG-111 and DDG-112, which will be delivered in fiscal year 2010, before beginning a backfit on the oldest ships of the class starting with DDG-51. The financial analysis shows that a life-cycle savings of $712.0 million could be achieved if this plan is implemented, primarily due to reduced crew size, while also achieving the additional benefits of: (1) improved situational awareness; (2) increased survivability; (3) improved maintainability; (4) increased commonality; (5) eliminated obsolete parts; (6) improved training; and (7) improved quality of life.

The committee believes this program requires continued funding in the near-term for the modernization effort, and recommends an increase of $25.0 million in Shipbuilding & Conversion, Navy, for the DDG-51 modernization program.

OTHER PROCUREMENT, NAVY

High performance metal fiber brushes for shipboard motors and generators

The budget request included $19.9 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for submarine support equipment, but included no funding for high performance metal brushes for shipboard motors and generators. Metal fiber brushes have demonstrated the capability to significantly enhance performance and reduce maintenance costs for motors and generators. The committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million in OPN for the continuing procurement of high performance metal fiber brushes.

Items less than $5.0 million

The budget request included $134.0 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for shipboard equipment items of less than $5.0 million.

The budget request included no funding for the advanced control monitoring system. This system will update older, analog style shipboard controls with modern software-based applications and sensors for enhanced control and observation of critical shipboard systems. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in OPN for the advanced control monitoring system.

The budget request included no funding for shaft lubricating pumps on the Landing Ship Dock 41/49 (LSD-41/49) class of amphibious ships. The current mechanical shaft seal pumps on these vessels are requiring maintenance at increasing costs. The committee is aware that the Navy could realize a return on investment within three years through the installation of canned lube pumps on three older LSD 41/49-class ships and on a submarine tender. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in OPN for the procurement and installation of canned lube pumps to replace the mechanical shaft seal pumps.

The budget request included no funding for modifications to aircraft carrier elevators. The existing aircraft elevator stanchion and platform lockbar systems are subject to corrosion, binding, and component failure. Replacement of these components with modern control systems would enhance aircraft carrier operations while reducing maintenance and manpower costs. The committee recommends an increase of $5.7 million in OPN for a variety of aircraft carrier elevator modifications.

The committee recommends a total increase of $13.7 million in OPN for shipboard equipment items of less than $5.0 million, for a total authorization of $147.7 million.

Littoral combat ship mission modules

The budget request included $36.8 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for mission modules for the littoral combat ship (LCS). These mission modules will enable the LCS to operate in the littorals by providing capability in the mine warfare, small boat neutralization, and anti-submarine warfare missions.

The budget request did not include funding for a spare engine for the first ship of the class, which will use the MT30 marine gas turbine engine. If there were a main engine casualty after delivery of the ship, much valuable time would be lost in the testing and validation of its concept of operations without a spare engine. The committee recommends an increase of $8.6 million in OPN for a spare MT30 marine gas turbine engine for the LCS.

Submarine acoustic modernization installation

The budget request included $226.9 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for submarine acoustics, which funds all future upgrades of acoustic-rapid commercial, off-the-shelf insertion (A-RCI) equipment. A-RCI is a multi-phased, evolutionary development effort to maintain acoustic superiority for in-service submarines. Additional funding for installation of A-RCI has been requested on the Chief of Naval Operations' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in OPN for submarine acoustic modernization A-RCI installation.

Surface sonar dome window

The budget request included $14.0 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for undersea warfare support equipment, including $1.1 million for surface ship sonar domes and windows. The Navy has been developing a new design sonar dome based on a newer composite material. The first sonar dome using these materials failed under the extreme pressure test. The causes for this failure have been identified and the design modified. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in OPN for the surface sonar dome window.

Surface electronic warfare improvement program

The budget request included $25.1 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for the procurement of AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare equipment for surface ships. The AN/SLQ-32 consists of five configurations and performs the missions of early detection, analyses, threat warning, and protection from anti-ship missiles. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in OPN to accelerate procurement of AN/SLQ-32 equipment.

Weapons range support equipment

The budget request included $46.6 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN) for the procurement of equipment to implement the Navy fleet training range instrumentation training plan, but included no funding for the continued procurement of the multi-spectral threat emitter (MTES) or the joint threat emitter (JTE).

The proliferation of lethal surface to air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery presents a clear threat to the warfighter. Threat emitters replicate the electronic signatures of these threats on training ranges. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million for the procurement of MTES and an increase of $6.0 million for the procurement of JTE, a total increase of $12.0 million in OPN for weapons range support equipment.

Maritime domain awareness

The budget request included $6.1 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for the naval fires control system. The committee is aware of the direction from the Secretary of Defense to prioritize efforts to develop a capability that would provide maritime domain awareness similar to that provided for air traffic awareness. The committee believes that integration of existing systems could be used to aid in achieving this capability. The integration of the distributed common ground system for the Navy with joint harbor operation centers would assist in providing fused data to establish a common operating picture of coastal areas for both the Navy and the Coast Guard. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in OPN to prototype this capability for evaluation of its contribution to establishing maritime domain awareness.

Rolling airframe missile launcher system

The budget request included $17.5 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for the rolling airframe missile (RAM) launcher system, but included no funding for the continued integration of the RAM with the close-in weapons system, known as SeaRAM. The Navy had originally planned to equip its guided missile frigates with this capability to provide a layered self-defense for the ships. The committee does not agree with the decision to discontinue the procurement of SeaRAM for the frigates unless there is another more capable system to provide defense. The committee recommends an increase of $18.0 million in OPN to procure two SeaRAM systems for installation on guided missile frigates to evaluate its effectiveness.

NULKA anti-ship missile decoy

The budget request included $40.4 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for the procurement of 12 NULKA anti-ship missile decoy systems and 31 NULKA decoys. The NULKA decoy is a quick reaction offboard electronic countermeasure to defeat advanced radar homing anti-ship missiles.

The committee is aware that the minimum sustaining rate for the production of NULKA decoys is 67 decoys a year, and that the procurement of additional NULKA decoys is requested on the Chief of Naval Operations' unfunded priorities list. Raising the procurement rate to the minimum sustaining rate would lower the unit cost from $450,000 to less than $250,000. The committee recommends an increase of $9.0 million in OPN for the procurement of 36 additional NULKA decoys.

Submarine training device modifications

The budget request included $31.8 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for submarine training device modifications, but included no funding for logic-based software to expand the distribution and capability of performance support systems (PSSs). The Navy is beginning to use these electronic PSSs to enhance training opportunities for deployed forces. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in OPN for integration of these PSSs across the fast attack submarine community.

Command support equipment

The budget request included $60.8 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for command support equipment, but included no funding to procure man overboard indicator (MOBI) systems or to improve the electronic military personnel records system (EMPRS).

The MOBI system provides devices, which are worn by sailors aboard ship, to allow rescue forces to respond quickly in the event a sailor falls overboard. The committee is aware that the Naval Safety Center has recommended to the Naval Sea Systems Command that MOBI systems should be deployed throughout the fleet. In the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, the Senate report accompanying S. 2400 (S. Rept. 108-260) directed the Secretary of the Navy to submit a report to the congressional defense committees, with the submission of the fiscal year 2006 budget request, on plans to implement the Safety Center's recommendations. The committee has not yet received the report. The committee believes MOBI will not only save lives, but will also reduce the time spent searching for sailors who have fallen overboard. The committee recommends an increase of $9.1 million in OPN to procure additional MOBI systems.

EMPRS is the Navy's personnel records management system that contains information on more than 3.8 million personnel. The committee recommends an increase of $6.5 million in OPN for EMPRS to improve data storage and enhance information technologies, for a total increase in OPN of $15.6 million for command support equipment.

Navy medical automated information technology insertion

The budget request included $8.8 million in Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for medical support equipment, which provides funding for the Fleet Hospital program whose mission is to provide comprehensive medical support to the fleet and fleet Marine forces engaged in combat operations. Automated information technology can be used to track medical materiel, surgical instruments, biomedical support equipment, and common support equipment for expeditionary medical forces consisting of deployable hospitals and hospital ships. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in OPN for Navy medical automated information technology insertion.

MARINE CORPS PROCUREMENT

Modification kits

The budget request included no funding in Procurement, Marine Corps (PMC), for weapons and weapon systems modification kits, but no funding for modification kits for the MK-19 grenade machine gun. Since the fielding of the MK-19, various enhancements have been developed that greatly improve the operational reliability, readiness, safety, and maintainability of the MK-19 weapon system. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PMC for the procurement of MK-19 modification kits, for a total authorization of $2.0 million in PMC.

Rapid deploying interoperable shelter systems

The budget request included $952,000 in Procurement, Marine Corps (PMC), for unit operations centers, but no funding for the rapid deploying interoperable shelter system (RDISS). The core infrastructure component of the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) command operations center (COC) is the RDISS together with associated power generation and environmental control equipment. The RDISS provides a rapidly deployable, easily set up, and dependable shelter for the conduct of command and control in a high intensity combat environment. A MEF urgent universal needs statement requested the development of a mobile, rapidly deployable, highly integrated MEF and division-level COC. The Marine Corps has procured COCs in fiscal year 2005, but requires additional funding to procure and integrate RDISS in support of the COC. The committee recommends an increase of $4.8 million in PMC, for the RDISS and integration of RDISS into the COC, for a total authorization of $5.8 million.

United Stated Marine Corps continuity of operations

The budget request included $17.8 million in Procurement, Marine Corps (PMC), for communication/electronics infrastructure support, including $3.4 million for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Continuity of Operations (COOP) Program. The USMC COOP provides an additional layer of defense for Marine Corps' tactical computer networks. The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified additional funding for the USMC COOP on his unfunded priorities list. The committee believes that the Marine Corps must improve its ability to protect Marine Corps' networks by increasing computer network storage, improving network security, and reducing the number of legacy networks. The committee recommends an increase of $2.2 million in PMC, for the USMC COOP, for a total authorization of $20.2 million in PMC.

SUBTITLE D--AIR FORCE PROGRAMS

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Multiyear procurement authority for C-17 aircraft (sec. 131)

The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Secretary of the Air Force to exercise the option on the existing C-17 multiyear procurement contract for the procurement of up to 42 additional C-17 aircraft, in accordance with section 2306b of title 10, United States Code. The existing multiyear procurement was authorized by section 131 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (Public Law 107-107). The provision would require the Secretary of Defense, prior to the exercise of the contract option, to certify to the congressional defense committees that the procurement of these additional C-17 aircraft is consistent with the results of the Mobility Capabilities Study to be completed in fiscal year 2005.

Prohibition on retirement of KC-135E aircraft (sec. 132)

The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the Secretary of the Air Force from retiring any KC-135E aerial refueling aircraft in fiscal year 2006.

Section 134(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136) required that an analysis of alternatives (AOA) on meeting aerial refueling requirements be conducted and delivered to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2004. In a letter to the congressional defense committees on February 24, 2004, the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics provided the guidance that will be used for the conduct of the AOA. On February 27, 2004, the Secretary of the Air Force sent a letter to the committee stating the AOA would be completed in fiscal year 2005.

The budget request included a plan to retire 49 KC-135Es in fiscal year 2006. The committee believes it is premature to retire any KC-135Es until the AOA is completed and the Secretary of Defense has presented to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive plan for the recapitalization and modernization of the aerial refueling fleet.

Use of Tanker Replacement Transfer Fund for modernization of aerial refueling tankers (sec. 133)

The committee recommends a provision that would allow the use of funds in the Tanker Replacement Transfer Fund, which was established by section 8132 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-287), for the modernization of existing aerial refueling tankers, if the modernization of such tankers is consistent with the results of the analysis of alternatives for meeting the aerial refueling requirements of the Air Force, as required by section 134(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136). The use of funds under this provision would be in addition to the use of funds for a tanker acquisition program. Activities that contribute to the modernization of existing aerial refueling tankers could include a variety of modifications and upgrades to KC-135E/R aircraft that are consistent with the analysis of alternatives for meeting the aerial refueling requirements of the Air Force.

Prohibition on retirement of F-117 aircraft (sec. 134)

The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the Air Force from retiring any F-117 aircraft in fiscal year 2006. The committee budget request included a proposal to retire 10 F-117 aircraft. The F-117 remains the only stealthy tactical aircraft capable of delivering certain precision munitions currently in the inventory. The committee believes it is premature to retire any F-117 aircraft at this time.

Prohibition on retirement of C-130E/H tactical airlift aircraft (sec. 135)

The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the Secretary of the Air Force from retiring any C-130E/H tactical airlift aircraft in fiscal year 2006.

The committee believes it would be premature to retire any C-130 aircraft until the results of the Mobility Capabilities Study, which is to be completed in fiscal year 2005, are known and intra-theater airlift requirements are determined.

Procurement of C-130J/KC-130J aircraft after fiscal year 2005 (sec. 136)

The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of the Air Force to procure any C-130J/KC-135 aircraft after fiscal year 2005 through a negotiated contract under Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), relating to the acquisition of items under a negotiated contract (48 C.F.R. 15.000 et seq.), including a multiyear contract for such aircraft continuing in force from a fiscal year before fiscal year 2006.

The Air Force designated the C-130J aircraft as a commercial item in 1995 on the basis that the aircraft was a modification of commercial C-130 aircraft configurations that had been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Section 4(12) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403) defines commercial items to include modified commercial items, as long as the modifications are either `minor modifications' or modifications of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace. The Air Force designated the C-130J as a commercial item and determined that there would be a 95 percent commonality between the C-130J and the civilian commercial version of the plane and modifications from the commercial version would be minor.

However, the Department of Defense Inspector General has reported that the C-130J included features not customarily available in the commercial marketplace, such as aerial delivery (cargo and paratroop), defensive systems, secure voice communication, station keeping, night vision, imaging, and satellite communication. The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation has found that the combat delivery variant of the C-130J has more than 70 percent new development and system integration relative to commercial versions of the C-130.

The committee believes that the Air Force original decision to procure the C-130J as a commercial item unnecessarily limited cost oversight by the government by denying the government access to certified cost or pricing data from the manufacturer. The committee believes that an agreement to change the terms and conditions of the existing C-130J contract from a commercial item contract to a standard defense contract is necessary to provide the government the oversight it needs to procure aircraft that are operationally effective and operationally suitable at a fair price.

The committee notes that the Air Force has announced its intent to renegotiate this contract to a FAR Part 15 contract. This provision is intended to support that decision.

Aircraft for performance of aeromedical evacuations (sec. 137)

The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of the Air Force to procure aircraft for the purpose of providing aeromedical evacuation services to severely injured or ill personnel. The provision would require the aircraft to be capable of non-stop transatlantic flights, and be equipped with current aeromedical support facilities. The provision would ensure that the dedicated mission of the aircraft is aeromedical evacuation. The provision would authorize $200.0 million to be appropriated for the procurement of up to two fully-equipped aircraft to perform the aeromedical evacuation mission.

Previously, the Air Force had dedicated C-9A aircraft for the aeromedical evacuation mission. The Air Force directed that all of these C-9A dedicated aeromedical evacuation aircraft be retired by 2004, and the last C-9A aeromedical evacuation mission in the continental United States was flown on August 11, 2003.

The committee has been informed by wounded military personnel that the use of organic cargo aircraft for medical evacuation has resulted in unnecessary suffering. The committee believes the large cargo and aerial refueling aircraft currently being used for aeromedical evacuation are not suited for the support of severely wounded or severely ill patients.

The committee has been informed by health care providers that they have had difficulty controlling pain experienced by wounded patients during the course of extended flights. Many victims of multiple injuries require highly sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment, some of which is incompatible with the electrical power source of the transport aircraft.

Increasingly the practice for victims of blast injury is to delay closure of major wounds until the patient arrives at a medical facility capable of providing tertiary care. Poor lighting, rapid changes in temperature, and differentials in atmospheric pressures are also of concern, particularly for those patients with traumatic head wounds. The committee believes that all of these concerns could be addressed by acquisition of dedicated aeromedical evacuation aircraft.

The committee recommends an increase of $200.0 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, for the procurement of up to two dedicated aeromedical evacuation aircraft.

AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT

F-15E procurement

The budget request included no funding in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for the procurement of F-15E attrition reserve aircraft. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The procurement of F-15E attrition reserve aircraft is included on the Air Force Chief of Staff's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $65.0 million in APAF for the procurement of F-15E aircraft.

C-130J/KC-130 multiyear procurement restoration

The budget request included $99.0 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), but included no funding to procure C-130J tactical airlift aircraft and no funding for advance procurement. The budget request included $1,092.7 million in Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for the procurement of 12 KC-130J aerial refueling aircraft, but included no funding for advance procurement. The budget request would terminate the C-130J multiyear procurement (MYP) contract that was authorized by the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314). In a May 10, 2005, letter to the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, the Secretary of Defense indicated his intent to reverse his decision to terminate the C-130J multiyear contract because of contract termination costs. Additionally, the Secretary informed the Chairman in this letter that a budget amendment for fiscal year 2006 would not be required to accomplish this goal.

The committee does not agree that a budget amendment is not necessary. Since there is no new information from the Department of Defense on the funding profile and numbers of aircraft by variant for C-130Js in fiscal year 2006, the committee exercised its discretion concerning the proper mix of these aircraft. The committee recommends an increase of $645.0 million in APAF for the procurement of nine C-130J tactical airlift aircraft, and $90.0 million in APAF for C-130J advance procurement. The committee also recommends a decrease of $781.0 million in APN, leaving sufficient funds for the procurement of four KC-130J aerial refueling aircraft, and an increase of $46.0 million in APN for KC-130J advance procurement.

B-1 digital communication improvements

The budget request included $13.5 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for post production support to the B-1 aircraft and $132.5 million in PE 64226F for B-1 capability improvements, but included no funding for the procurement and installation of the B-1 digital communication improvement. The B-1 digital communication improvement program preserves critical combat capability by providing Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA)-compliant satellite data access for responsive in-flight mission and target changes. The existing temporary Combat Track II (CTII) radios are not DAMA compliant and will lose satellite access after fiscal year 2007. Procurement of the B-1 digital communication improvement is included on the Air Force Chief of Staff's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $18.0 million in APAF and an increase of $8.0 million in PE 64226F for the procurement and installation of the B-1 digital communication improvement.

C-5 aircraft avionics modernization program

The budget request included $71.1 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for modifications to the C-5 aircraft, including $69.3 million to continue the C-5 avionics modernization program (AMP). AMP upgrades the C-5 cockpit, installs communications, navigation and safety/air traffic management equipment, and replaces unreliable cockpit avionics. To accelerate this program, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in APAF for C-5 AMP.

C-130E/H aircraft modifications

The budget request included $185.7 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for the procurement of aircraft modifications to the C-130, including $50.6 million for the procurement of Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) modifications and $7.1 million for the procurement and installation of one C-130 Center Wing Box (CWB) with expired service life.

The AMP provides full Global Air Traffic Management and Navigation Safety compliant aircraft. The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million in APAF for the procurement of AMP for C-130E/H aircraft.

The CWB replacement increases the service life of the C-130. The Air Force has recently removed from service 30 C-130Es with CWBs whose service life has expired. Procurement of CWBs is included on the Air Force Chief of Staff's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $37.7 million in APAF for the procurement of CWBs for C-130E/H aircraft, for a total authorization of $235.4 million in APAF for the C-130E/H aircraft.

KC-135 global air traffic management

The budget request included $88.8 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for modifications to the C-135 and KC-135 aircraft, including $77.7 million for the procurement of Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) modifications. The GATM modification includes avionics upgrades, wiring interfaces, and associated preparation activities for added communications, navigation, and surveillance equipment needed for operations in oceanic airspace where there are reduced spacing requirements between aircraft. To accelerate this program, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in APAF for the procurement of additional KC-135 GATM modifications.

E-8C joint surveillance and target attack radar system reengining

The budget request included $15.5 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for the procurement of aircraft modifications to the E-8C aircraft, but included no funding for reengining the E-8C aircraft.

The reengining of the E-8C would provide significant improvements in reliability and performance over current TF33-102C engines and also reduce total life cycle costs. The reengining of the E-8C aircraft is included on the Air Force Chief of Staff's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $44.4 million in APAF for the procurement of non-recurring engineering activities required to initiate a reengining program to install JT8D engines on the E-8C aircraft.

Advanced targeting pods

The budget request included $644.2 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for the procurement of aircraft support equipment and facilities, including $40.8 million for the procurement of advanced targeting pods (ATPs). The ATP will supplement and replace the current targeting pod with a new system that provides increased combat effectiveness across several mission areas. The LITENING ATP is currently in use by the Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command. The Combat Air Force is over 100 ATPs short of the requirement to equip legacy aircraft, and the procurement of additional ATPs is included on the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $96.6 million in APAF for the procurement of 66 additional LITENING ATPs.

AIR FORCE MISSILES

Minuteman III mods for propulsion replacement program

The budget request included $672.6 million in PE 11213F, Missile Procurement Air Force (MPAF), of which $289.7 million is for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile propulsion replacement program. The committee notes that the Department of Defense's diversion of funds away from this program will result in procurement of fewer motors in fiscal year 2006, resulting in an inefficient rate of production with consequent cost increases. The committee further notes that this program is contained on the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's unfunded priorities list.

The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 11213F for MPAF to be used for the propulsion replacement program for the Minuteman III ICBM force.

OTHER AIR FORCE PROCUREMENT

Halvorsen loader

The budget request included $16.3 million in Other Procurement, Air Force (OPAF), for the Halvorsen loader, a state- of-the-art handler for off/on loading aircraft cargo. Currently, 44 Halvorsen loaders are supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, seven Halvorsen loaders are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, and eight were used to support tsunami relief operations. Additional funding for Halvorsen loaders is on the Chief Staff of the Air Force's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $8.2 million in OPAF for the procurement of 12 Halvorsen loaders, for a total authorization of $24.5 million.

The committee understands that the Future Years Defense Program calls for buying a total of 385 Halvorsen loaders. However, the Air Force could ultimately buy as many as 512 Halvorsen loaders, if the Air Force were to decide to replace all of the existing 25,000 pound class (25K) loaders in the force. Given that the Halvorsen loader is more capable and more easily maintained than the 25K loaders it is replacing, the committee encourages the Air Force to review its procurement plans. If the Air Force were to decide to buy more Halvorsen loaders, the committee believes that the Air Force should investigate whether there might be significant savings achievable if the Air Force were to acquire those loaders under a multiyear procurement contract.

Distributed common ground system components

The budget request included $1.5 million in Other Procurement, Air Force (OPAF), for Intelligence Communications Equipment, but did not include funding to continue fielding of the jumbo digital transit cased system (J-DTS) components of the distributed common ground system (DCGS).

J-DTS is a component of the DCGS architecture that enables users in remote locations to receive imagery and other intelligence information from a variety of intelligence collection platforms, including Global Hawk, Predator, and U-2 aircraft. In some cases, remote users are able to actually control the sensors on the intelligence platform. Fielding of J-DTS to additional Air Force intelligence squadrons will enable multiple units to participate in real-world intelligence operations on a daily basis; provide better training to more Air Force intelligence specialists; and reduce the high operational tempo on the limited number of intelligence squadrons currently equipped to receive intelligence information in remote locations.

The committee recommends an increase of $12.5 million in OPAF, for Intelligence Communications Equipment, to field additional J-DTS equipment to Air Force intelligence squadrons.

Joint threat emitters

The budget request included $36.1 million in Other Procurement, Air Force (OPAF), for combat training ranges, including $17.5 million for joint threat emitters. The joint threat emitter (JTE) system simulates electronic combat signals and is designed to provide realistic electronic warfare training for pilots and aircrew members. The JTE replaces older, maintenance intensive threat emitters, and is specifically designed to allow for `spiral' upgrades to ensure future threats are quickly integrated into the system. JTE has proven to be an effective training tool to prepare pilots for combat. Additional funding for JTE is included on the Air Force Chief of Staff's unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million in OPAF for the accelerated procurement of joint threat emitters.

SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS

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Advanced SEAL Delivery System (sec. 151)

The committee recommends a provision that would limit the availability of funds for advance procurement of a pressure hull and other long lead items associated with building the second Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense certifies to the congressional defense committees that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics has made a favorable Milestone C decision regarding the ASDS program.

The ASDS is a miniature, combatant submarine being developed for the infiltration and exfiltration of naval special operations forces. Unlike current underwater delivery systems, ASDS would transport Navy SEALs over longer distances in a dry environment, enhancing the operators' ability to accomplish their mission once ashore.

Significant technical and cost growth problems have plagued this program since its inception. For the past six years, the committee has expressed increasing concern about the cost of this system and the significant performance shortfalls the program has exhibited. At the urging of the committee, the Department of Defense designated ASDS as an Acquisition Category I program in 2003, and is exercising milestone decision authority to assess the future of this program.

The first ASDS underwent an operational evaluation (OPEVAL), starting in April 2003, to determine the effectiveness and suitability of the boat for use in combat. The OPEVAL results were promising, but revealed significant performance shortfalls. As a result, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136) prohibited expenditure of advance procurement funds for items associated with the second ASDS until after a favorable Milestone C decision, and a detailed report from the Secretary of Defense. In the Fall of 2004, the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, conducted a major program review; requested a delay in the Milestone C review and related advance procurement until the first quarter of fiscal year 2006; indicated his desire and the willingness of the prime contractor to restructure the program to a firm, fixed-price contract for future boats; and established the requirement for an additional period of operational test and evaluation in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005, prior to a Milestone C decision.

The ASDS program has achieved some progress over the past year in addressing remaining technical challenges associated with development. Most acoustical challenges have been addressed and a plan has been developed to address the remaining issues. Problems associated with the current battery technology have been mitigated, and a new, more promising lithium-ion battery technology will be installed on the boat in May 2005. Structural and maintenance challenges associated with the tail assembly of the ASDS appear to have been resolved with the redesign of the tail section.

The requirement for an ASDS remains critical for our special operations forces. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics will determine in the Milestone C review if the current ASDS program meets operational requirements, whether the ASDS program should continue, and what contractual adjustments are warranted.

While encouraged by recent progress, the committee remains concerned about the technical challenges and cost growth that have occurred in the ASDS program. The Milestone C decision has been postponed until December 2005, following a final operational test and evaluation. The committee opposes the commitment of fiscal year 2006 advance procurement funding prior to a favorable Milestone C decision and a comprehensive report from the Secretary of Defense. The committee reiterates the requirement for the Secretary of Defense to notify the congressional defense committees of the results of the Milestone C decision on ASDS, and to include in his report: a detailed summary of the program's revised cost estimate and future cost estimates, as validated by the Cost Analysis and Improvement Group; a detailed acquisition strategy; and a plan to demonstrate realistic solutions to key technical and performance problems identified during testing and operations.

The provision would also direct the Comptroller General to review the adequacy of the final operational test and evaluation plan developed by the Navy, review the results of the operational test, and update the March 2003 Comptroller General Report (GAO-03-442), `Defense Acquisition, Advanced SEAL Delivery System Program Needs Increased Oversight.'

The committee directs that no amount of the $71.7 million authorized to be appropriated for advance procurement of ASDS in fiscal year 2006 be obligated or expended until after a favorable Milestone C decision, as certified to the congressional defense committees in the required Secretary report.

DEFENSE-WIDE PROGRAMS

MH-47 infrared engine exhaust suppressor

The budget request included $129.7 million in Procurement, Defense-wide (PDW), for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Rotary Wing Upgrades, but did not include funding to complete fielding of infrared engine exhaust suppressor sets for U.S. Army MH-47E/D (IES-47) special operations aircraft.

The MH-47 Chinook aircraft has proven to be a critical workhorse in the global war on terrorism, providing heavy lift, even at high operating altitudes. While a durable system, the MH-47 is vulnerable to heat-seeking weapons. Installation of infrared exhaust suppressors significantly reduces this vulnerability. U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has a requirement for 61 IES-47 sets to equip all MH-47E/D aircraft, plus four spares for a total of 65 sets. Currently, 45 sets are scheduled for procurement, leaving 20 sets yet to be funded. Fully equipping the MH-47E/D fleet is the highest priority of the Commander, SOCOM, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $7.7 million in PDW, for SOF, Rotary Wing Upgrades, to complete fielding of the 20 remaining IES-47 sets.

Time delayed firing device/sympathetic detonators

The budget request included $11.2 million in Procurement, Defense-wide (PDW), for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Ordnance Acquisition, including $1.4 million for time delayed firing device/sympathetic detonators (TDFD/SYDET), but did not include enough funding to fully replenish the inventory, particularly with regard to having sufficient munitions to train new operators.

TDFD/SYDET is a time delayed detonating device that greatly enhances the capabilities and efficiency of SOF operators conducting offensive military operations. Sufficient supplies are required to ensure operators have the best possible detonators for actual missions and that the detonator is available to instructors training new SOF operators. TDFD/SYDET is one of the highest priorities of the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $11.0 million in PDW, for SOF Ordnance Acquisition, to procure an additional 5,500 TDFD/SYDET units for SOF operators and trainers.

Multi-band inter/intra team radio

The budget request included $69.9 million in Procurement, Defense-wide (PDW), for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Communications Equipment and Electronics, but did not include funding to complete fielding of the multi-band inter/intra team radio (MBITR).

The MBITR AN/PRC-148 radio system provides SOF teams the ability to communicate over a variety of frequencies utilizing a single handheld radio with embedded security. The MBITR replaces numerous fixed frequency radios and related batteries and replacement parts, resulting in a significant reduction in the combat load of SOF operators. Continued fielding of the MBITR radio system is one of the highest priorities of the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $13.5 million in PDW, for SOF Communications Equipment and Electronics, to field an additional 1,131 MBITR radios to SOF operators.

Multi-band multi-mission radio

The budget request included $69.9 million in Procurement, Defense-wide (PDW), for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Communications Equipment and Electronics, including $1.4 million for the multi-band multi-mission radio (MBMMR) system, but did not include sufficient funding to enable fielding of this important communications capability to deploying SOF units.

The MBMMR radio system provides voice and data capability over a variety of frequencies, and can operate in local or satellite communications modes. This radio enables SOF teams to utilize one radio to communicate with a variety of military and other organizations and replaces the variety of radios currently needed to accomplish required communications responsibilities. Continued fielding of the MBMMR radio system is one of the highest priorities of the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $16.5 million in PDW, for SOF Communications Equipment and Electronics, to field an additional 500 MBMMR radios to SOF teams.

Joint threat warning system

The budget request included $16.3 million in Procurement, Defense-wide (PDW), for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Intelligence Systems, to begin procurement of the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS), but the amount requested will only equip a small portion of special operations forces with this much improved threat warning capability for ground, air, and maritime forces.

The JTWS is a modular, lightweight ground signals intelligence system that can be mounted on a variety of SOF delivery platforms, providing threat warning, situational awareness, and enhanced force protection for SOF elements. JTWS is an evolutionary acquisition program that builds upon previous efforts to separately acquire similar warning systems for air, ground, and maritime applications. Accelerating the procurement of this capability is one of the highest priorities of the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million in PDW, for SOF Intelligence Systems, to procure additional ground, air, and maritime JTWS systems.

Rucksack portable unmanned aerial vehicle

The budget request included $20.2 million in Procurement, Defense-wide (PDW), for Special Operations Forces (SOF), Small Arms and Weapons, for the rucksack portable unmanned aerial vehicle (RPUAV), but did not include enough funding to fully meet the operational needs of the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), for fiscal year 2006.

The RPUAV is a man-portable unmanned aerial vehicle system that can be transported, launched, controlled, and recovered by a single SOF operator. The RPUAV provides small SOF teams with an important reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition asset, and greatly enhances their situational awareness and force protection. The RPUAV is one of the highest priorities of the Commander, SOCOM, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.3 million in PDW, for SOF, Small Arms and Weapons, to procure an additional 19 RPUAV systems to meet fiscal year 2006 requirements.

Military mail screening equipment

The budget request included $143.8 million in Procurement, Defense-wide (PDW), for the chemical/biological installation force protection program. The committee recommends an increase of $10.2 million in PDW for the chemical/biological installation force protection program, to begin the procurement and fielding of chemical and biological agent detection and sampling equipment to establish a robust capability to screen military mail at 62 sites (three mail transfer centers, three distribution centers outside the continental United States, and 56 military post offices). This increase would also provide for augmentation of current laboratory analytical capability to provide the capacity necessary to process the increased volume of samples from the new sites. Additional analytical capability, supported by a robust quality assurance and quality control program, would maintain the current Chemical Biological Defense Program laboratory standard, which would ensure confidence in the sampling results from the additional sites.

Elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to promptly develop and implement a plan to ensure that mail within the military mail system is safe for delivery, to include the screening of all mail in order to detect the presence of biological, chemical or radiological weapons, agents or pathogens, or explosive devices. The committee recommends authorizing additional funding for this purpose in fiscal year 2006 to ensure that resources are available to begin implementation of the plan as soon as possible.

Automatic Chemical Agent Detector and Alarm

The budget request included $258.3 million in Procurement, Defense-Wide (PDW), for contamination avoidance equipment. The requested funding supports the procurement of chemical and biological detection, warning and reporting, and reconnaissance systems, such as the Automatic Chemical Agent Detector and Alarm (ACADA). The committee notes that a number of Active Duty Army and National Guard units are deployed worldwide in support of military operations. These units must have the best possible defense against chemical threats. The committee recommends an increase of $16.0 million in PDW to meet procurement shortfalls in fielding ACADA systems.

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

Army multi-band inter/intra team radio system

The committee is concerned with the limited industrial capacity to produce and deliver large quantities of hand-held, secure Type-1 multi-band inter/intra team radio systems (MBITR) required for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Currently, the Army has only one source for the MBITR radio. The committee believes that a second source for the acquisition of MBITR radios would address existing shortfalls, accelerate fielding, and ensure an ongoing supply of these critical systems.

The committee directs the Secretary of the Army to study the feasibility and the costs and benefits of providing for the participation of a second source in the production of MBITR radios. The Secretary will provide a report of this study to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 2006.

Cooperative engagement capability

In the statement of managers accompanying the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105-261), the conferees directed the Secretary of the Navy to report to the congressional defense committees at least quarterly on interoperability problems among cooperative engagement capability (CEC) and other combat direction systems. The report was also to contain planned solutions.

The committee has recently received the 24th consecutive report on CEC and combat direction system interoperability. The committee is satisfied that the Navy is now well aware of the potential interoperability problems that this system was facing, and has developed plans and programs to manage the interoperability risks in the future. Therefore, the committee does not believe that the Secretary of the Navy should continue to report on the interoperability problems of CEC with combat direction systems.

F/A-22 aircraft

The budget request included $3.2 billion in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, for the procurement of 24 F/A-22 combat aircraft, and an increment of $65.5 million in PE 27138F to procure one dedicated test aircraft, for a total of 25 F/A-22 Raptor aircraft.

The committee has been notified of the results of the dedicated initial operational test and evaluation (DIOT&E) that was conducted on the F/A-22. While the DIOT&E report determined the F/A-22 aircraft to be operationally effective in the air supremacy mission, the committee is concerned that the aircraft was determined to be not operationally suitable. One discrepancy of particular concern is the inadequate ground cooling for avionics in high temperature conditions. The committee believes this discrepancy must be corrected before the F/A-22 aircraft design could be considered stable. The committee also notes that tests to demonstrate the limited air-to-ground attack capability of the F/A-22 included in the current design were not conducted during the DIOT&E, but are scheduled for follow-on testing beginning in July 2005.

The committee notes that the situation with late delivery of F/A-22 aircraft addressed in previous years is improving, but the committee remains concerned that the program is still behind the original contract schedule.

The committee will continue to closely monitor developments with the testing and production deliveries of the F/A-22 aircraft.

Intra-theater airlift

The Department of Defense has not yet briefed the congressional defense committees on the results of the Mobility Capabilities Study (MCS). The Secretary of Defense directed that this study be accomplished to update the results of the Mobility Requirements Study for Fiscal Year 2005 (MRS-05), which was completed in fiscal year 2001. This update is required to address the new National Military Strategy. One component of the MCS is expected to be a review of intra-theater airlift capacity.

The committee believes that decisions on the modernization and recapitalization of the fleet of intra-theater airlift aircraft should be based on the results of the MCS. The committee directs the Secretary to submit a report to the congressional defense committees no later than December 1, 2005, that identifies the options available to meet any identified shortfalls in intra-theater airlift capacity. Before an option to start a new program to meet any intra-theater airlift shortfall is initiated, the committee directs the Secretary to ensure that an analysis of alternatives is conducted.

Littoral combat ship

The Navy recently completed construction of the experimental littoral craft and has been authorized to procure one flight 0 littoral combat ship (LCS). Funding for the second flight 0 vessel from the second contractor team is included in the fiscal year 2006 budget request. These ships were intended to provide experience upon which the Navy would base decisions on how to proceed with acquisition of flight 1 LCS vessels, now scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2008.

The original plan put forth by the Navy implied that the contracts for flight 1 vessels would be awarded competitively. The Navy now appears to be changing the acquisition approach to narrowing the selection of flight 1 proposals to a selection from between the two successful bidders for the flight 0 program. The committee understands that this could be the most convenient approach from an administrative standpoint, but is concerned that this would discourage other potential contractor teams from continuing work to mature concepts and technologies for potential implementation on later LCS vessels.

Therefore, the committee directs the Navy to report to the congressional defense committees at the same time as the submission of the fiscal year 2007 budget on its acquisition strategy for the flight 1 portion of the LCS program. That report should provide details on the testing and experimentation that the Navy intends to conduct prior to awarding the flight 1 contracts; the acquisition strategy for acquiring flight 1 vessels, including any reasons for having changed that strategy if it has changed; and the Navy's plans for transitioning technologies from other Navy research and development activities, with particular emphasis on technologies being developed in the DD(X) program that may be appropriate for applying to the LCS program.

Maritime prepositioning force, future

The committee is concerned about whether the concept of sea basing is technically feasible and fiscally prudent. The committee is also concerned that the requirement for sea basing has not been refined beyond a concept of operations. The premise for the requirement for the sea base is that access to ports or bases ashore may be denied, or that sea basing will reduce vulnerabilities of large logistics bases ashore. The sea base concept is that a large ground force can be assembled at sea, delivered on the surface and the air to an area of conflict, and subsequently sustained from the sea base. The Navy is touting the centerpiece of the sea base as being the Maritime Prepositioning Force, Future (MPF(F)). The Mission Need Statement for MPF(F) was approved by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council in May 2001, yet the Department of Defense is still trying to define key performance parameters. The budget request included $66.3 million in PE 48042N for the purpose of developing enabling technologies for MPF(F).

Enabling technologies include landing platforms, ship-to-ship cargo transfer, automated cargo handling, underway replenishment in heavy seas, and others. The committee believes it is important to ensure these technologies can actually support the movement of supplies and equipment in heavy seas, at a rate that will actually sustain a ground force engaged in combat, before the country makes large investments in MPF(F) ships.

The Navy has made a number of proposals in this budget request. One is to build only one surface combatant and one submarine a year through the years included in the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). Another is to delay the completion of the first ship of the new class of aircraft carrier, the CVN-78, for the second time in two years. Finally, the Navy has proposed to reduce the force of active aircraft carriers from 12 to 11. In testimony before the Subcommittee on Seapower of the Committee on Armed Services, one witness who represented the shipbuilding industry stated that the single most important factor in controlling costs of ships was to offer program stability. Constantly changing budgets, acquisition strategies, and procurement profiles are as disruptive to maintaining cost and schedule stability as constantly changing technical requirements. The Navy's shipbuilding budget is already underfunded, and the addition of a new platform could only make the situation worse.

Section 1022(a)(1) of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314) requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that funding is adequate to support a 30 year shipbuilding plan, with a discussion of the necessary naval vessel force structure to meet the National Security Strategy of the United States or the most recent Quadrennial Defense Review. The Navy has submitted an interim 30 year shipbuilding plan, which does not yet appear to be endorsed by the Department, and does not appear to be fully funded in the FYDP. In written testimony before the Subcommittee on Seapower of the Committee on Armed Services, a Congressional Research Service analyst describes this plan in the following way: `The March 2005 report does not present a 30 year shipbuilding plan. Instead, it presents a 30 year projection of potential Navy force levels from which potential annual shipbuilding rates can be only partially inferred.' The force structures in the Navy plan are for either 260 ships or 325 ships, both of which include MPF(F) ships, which are intended to enable the sea basing concept. While the committee recommends authorization of the budget request for $66.3 million in PE 48042N for development of technologies for MPF(F), the committee believes that the Navy should not proceed to a shipbuilding program for MPF(F) before the requirements for MPF(F) are more refined, and that enabling technologies have demonstrated a high probability of achieving successful operations.

Transmission Enterprise Program

The committee notes that the Army has taken action to implement the Transmission Enterprise Program (TEP), an effort to stabilize U.S. combat vehicle transmission production, while continuing to meet needs driven by the Iraq war. The committee further notes that the fiscal year 2006 budget request included no funding specifically dedicated to the TEP. The committee commends the Army for its efforts to implement the program and encourages the Army to continue funding the TEP in fiscal year 2006.

TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION

Explanation of tables

The following tables provide the program-level detailed guidance for the funding authorized in title II of this Act. The tables also display the funding requested by the administration in the fiscal year 2006 budget request for research, development, test and evaluation programs, and indicate those programs for which the committee either increased or decreased the requested amounts. As in the past, the administration may not exceed the authorized amounts (as set forth in the tables or, if unchanged from the administration request, as set forth in budget justification documents of the Department of Defense), without a reprogramming action in accordance with established procedures. Unless noted in this report, funding changes to the budget request are made without prejudice.

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SUBTITLE A--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Science and technology

The committee notes the critical role that investments in defense science and technology (S&T) and basic research play in developing the revolutionary military capabilities of the future. These programs also train the next generation of U.S. scientists, engineers, and technology entrepreneurs who will maintain complex weapons and defense systems and who will assist in solving future national security challenges. The committee remains concerned about the overall funding level for defense science and research. The committee notes that the fiscal year 2006 budget request for S&T is below the previous year's requested level. If in any year from fiscal year 2001 to 2009 the budget request for these research programs does not increase by 2 percent over inflation, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106-65) requires the Department of Defense to certify the impact of the S&T budget on national security and to initiate a Defense Science Board study assessing the impact of the proposed budget on defense technology and the national defense.

The committee notes that the recent National Research Council report entitled `Assessment of Department of Defense Basic Research' contained a number of findings and recommendations. The report found that `in real terms the resources provided for Department of Defense basic research have declined substantially over the past decade.' The report also found that there has been a recent deemphasis on `unfettered exploration' in the basic research program, which `historically has been a critical enabler of the most important breakthroughs in military capabilities.' The committee is troubled by the lack of support for real innovative work at the Department, which could have serious consequences for the development of necessary future military capabilities. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of over $30.0 million in the Department's basic research accounts.

The committee notes that the National Research Council report also made a number of recommendations to improve the execution of the basic research program. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 2006, which evaluates the National Research Council recommendations to improve the Department's basic research program, and details a plan and schedule for the implementation of appropriate recommendations.

Finally, the committee has provided increases in the S&T program to support specific focus areas in fiscal year 2006, including: close to $50.0 million for unmanned systems; approximately $63.0 million for power technology advances; nearly $116.0 million for force protection, transformational technologies, and training innovations; $42.0 million in manufacturing research and process technologies; over $105.0 million to support counterterrorism efforts; and $68.0 million for combat casualty care and military medicine, including a targeted $40.0 million for prevention, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries.

SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS

Contract for the procurement of Future Combat System (sec. 211)

The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of the Army to ensure that the Future Combat System (FCS), including all projects and equipment that are a part of the FCS program, be developed and procured through a contract under the authority of Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), relating to acquisition of items by negotiated contract (48 C.F.R. 15.000 et seq.) rather than through a contract under the authority of section 845 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136, 10 U.S.C. 2371 note).

The committee has expressed concern regarding the Army's use of an `other transaction authority' (OTA) contract vehicle to manage the FCS program. The committee does not believe that the $20.9 billion agreement entered between the Army and the Lead Systems Integrator for the FCS program is consistent with the language and intent of section 845 authority. Section 845 authority is intended to be used for limited prototype projects, particularly those in which the Department of Defense seeks to engage nontraditional defense contractors that may be averse to the requirements imposed by a standard Department contract.

The committee notes that the Army has announced its intent to renegotiate this contract to a FAR Part 15 contract. This provision is intended to support that decision.

Joint field experiment on stability and support operations (sec. 212)

The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to conduct a joint field experiment focused on the transition from major combat operations to stability and support operations required to restore security, provide for immediate humanitarian needs, and begin the reconstruction activities necessary to assist a host nation in achieving self-sufficiency. The committee expects that responsibility for the conduct of the joint field experiment would be delegated to the Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command.

Recent experience in Iraq and Afghanistan has highlighted the importance of planning and training U.S. personnel to prepare for the conduct and support of stability operations in post-conflict situations. The Defense Science Board 2004 Summer Study entitled `Transition to and from Hostilities' identified the challenges the United States will face in its future stabilization and reconstruction efforts, and offered recommendations for enhancing U.S. effectiveness across the spectrum of activities from peacetime through stabilization and reconstruction. These recommendations focused on management discipline and on building and maintaining certain fundamental capabilities, now lacking, that are critical to success in stability and support operations.

In response to recent experience and the Defense Science Board study, the Secretary is taking steps to place greater emphasis on the stability operations mission in the Department of Defense planning and guidance so that the mission is fully integrated across all Department of Defense activities. The committee commends the initiative the Secretary has taken to date and urges him to continue to give this effort a high priority, to include sufficient resources, senior-level management attention, and outreach efforts to other agencies and departments of the U.S. Government who play important roles in stability and support activities.

The committee notes the establishment within the Department of State of the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization whose mission is to lead, coordinate, and institutionalize U.S. Government civilian capacity to prevent or prepare for post-conflict situations; and to help stabilize and reconstruct societies in transition from conflict or civil strife, so these societies can reach a sustainable path toward peace, democracy, and a market economy. The committee commends the Department of Defense's active support of and cooperation with this new office in the Department of State, and urges the Department of Defense to continue to deepen its coordination with the Department of State on planning for and participating in post-conflict stability operations and reconstruction efforts.

The committee believes that a joint field experiment will provide valuable insights for the Department of Defense as it endeavors to integrate stability and support operations into mainstream military operations and doctrine. The committee is concerned, however, that the Department of Defense is only one element of stability and support activities in the post-conflict environment. The committee strongly urges the participation of other departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as coalition partners, in both the conduct of the joint field experiment and the formulation of recommendations to ensure that a comprehensive U.S. Government and coalition approach to future stability and support activities is developed.

The committee directs that costs associated with the conduct of this joint field experiment shall be paid from the amount authorized to be appropriated for joint experimentation, PE63727N, in fiscal year 2006.

SUBTITLE C--BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE

One-year extension of Comptroller General assessments of ballistic missile defense programs (sec. 221)

The committee recommends a provision that would extend until fiscal year 2007 the requirement for the Comptroller General to provide an assessment of the extent to which the Missile Defense Agency achieved the goals established for that fiscal year for each ballistic missile defense program of the Department of Defense. The provision would also modify the submittal date from February 15 to March 15 to provide additional time to complete this requirement.

Fielding of Ballistic Missile Defense Capabilities (sec. 222)

The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the use of funds, authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2006 or 2007 for research, development, test, and evaluation for the Missile Defense Agency, for the development and fielding of ballistic missile defense capabilities.

Plans for test and evaluation of operational capability of the ballistic missile defense system (sec. 223)

The committee recommends a provision that would direct the appropriate joint and service operational test and evaluation components of the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Missile Defense Agency, to prepare a plan to test, evaluate, and characterize the operational capability of block 2006 and subsequent blocks of the ballistic missile defense system. Each plan prepared under this provision shall be appropriate for the level of technological maturity of the block to be tested, and shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). Additionally, DOT&E shall provide a report at the conclusion of testing for each block of the ballistic missile defense system containing an assessment as to whether or not such testing was adequate to evaluate the operational capability of the block and a characterization as to the operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of the block capability, as appropriate for the level of technological maturity of the block to be tested.

SUBTITLE D--HIGH-PERFORMANCE DEFENSE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

High performance defense manufacturing technology research and development (sec. 230)

The committee recommends a set of provisions that would require the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to identify advanced manufacturing processes and techniques whose utilization would result in significant productivity and efficiency gains in the defense manufacturing base. The provision would direct the Under Secretary to pursue the development of innovative manufacturing processes and advanced technologies and to facilitate the creation of extended production enterprises, which leverage information technology and innovative organizational models.

In addition, the provision would direct the Under Secretary to take appropriate actions, such as establishment of agreements with relevant Department of Defense components, including the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel, to accelerate transition of transformational processes and technologies from science and technology to the defense manufacturing base. The provision would also direct the Under Secretary to develop and implement a set of activities to continuously identify and utilize improvements in innovative manufacturing processes and to diffuse best practices to industry. This may include taking steps to identify incentives for adoption of manufacturing advances in the industrial base.

Finally, to ensure that technology efforts in industry are well coordinated with future defense technology requirements, the Under Secretary may initiate one or more technology roadmapping exercises. These roadmaps would be developed jointly with industry, and would plan the development and adoption of manufacturing processes and technologies needed for future defense capabilities.

SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS

Expansion of eligibility for leadership of Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (sec. 241)

The committee recommends a provision that would eliminate the requirement that the director and the deputy director of the Defense Test Resource Management Center be selected by the Secretary of Defense from among current and former civilian and military employees of the Department of Defense. Under this provision, candidates should be chosen based on their experience with test and evaluation programs regardless of employment history with the Department.

Technology transition (sec. 242)

The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the role of the Technology Transition Council, which was established in the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314) to provide advice and assistance to the manager of the Technology Transition Initiative. The provision would stipulate the duty of the council to support the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics in the development of policies to facilitate the rapid transition of technologies from the science and technology base into acquisition programs. The Council would provide advice and support to all technology transition efforts. The provision would require the Secretary of Defense, working through the Technology Transition Council, to submit a report to the congressional defense committees outlining a strategy for technology transition and detailing the impact of internal Department of Defense processes and regulations on technology transition efforts. The report would also make recommendations for improvement of technology transition and for elimination of any identified impediments. The report shall be submitted with the fiscal year 2007 budget request.

The committee is concerned that the council has been focused on one transition program, and has not met at the principal-level frequently enough to provide advice and leadership on technology transition programs across the Department. The committee believes the council should meet at least semi-annually at the principal-level, if it is to adequately fulfill its mission.

The budget for technology transition has grown by 23 percent in the last four years. During this same time period, the Department created additional programs to rapidly field new capabilities and equipment. Test and evaluation has been accelerated to accommodate immediate needs. Taken together, these developments underscore the importance of an active, senior Technology Transition Council. Senior leadership attention should focus on ensuring success of these technology transition programs, identifying and overcoming barriers to utilization of the most innovative solutions and recommending any needed policy direction for the test and evaluation process.

Prevention, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries (sec. 243)

The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to designate a senior official as the executive agent to coordinate and manage a joint service comprehensive blast injury prevention, mitigation, and treatment program. The provision would require review and assessment of a coordinated, department-wide research effort to include: blast characterization; modeling and simulation of safe stand-off distances; `detect and defeat' capabilities; and armor design and material testing for blast, ballistic, and fire protection. The provision would also require design of a comprehensive flexible armor system and support for emerging military medical technologies, devices, and treatments specific to blast injuries.

The provision would require the executive agent to:

It is the committee's intent that the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs' Head Injury Project at Walter Reed Army Medical Center lead clinical and diagnostic services required by this provision.

The provision would also require: (1) the establishment of a training program for medical and non-medical personnel on the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries intended to improve field and clinical training on early identification of blast injury; and (2) the expansion of treatment programs, including those at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs' Brain Injury Center, intended to enhance the evaluation and care of members of the Armed Forces with consequence of blast injury, especially traumatic brain injury.

The provision would further require the Secretary to submit a report to the congressional defense committees by February 15, 2007. The report would include: (1) a description of Department of Defense activities and efforts to improve the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries; (2) a consolidated budget presentation on these programs; (3) a description of capability gaps in addressing blast injuries; (4) an explanation of collaborative work with other agencies, departments, and governments; (5) a description of efforts to disseminate blast injury research and treatment efforts; and (6) an update on the development status of comprehensive personnel protection systems.

The committee notes the change in historical patterns of wounding in the global war on terrorism due to the proliferation of blast weapons. High velocity gun shot wounds, once the predominant cause of military casualties, represent less than 10 percent of wounds today. Advances in military medicine, protective equipment, and highly successful training efforts have led to the highest survival rates in military history, making treatment and care, especially for new or poorly understood injuries, important.

Over one-third of all U.S. injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom and close to half of fatalities are the result of blasts. Multiple site injuries from blasts are common. Over 60 percent of head and neck injuries are the result of blasts. The committee believes it is time to focus attention and resources on a coordinated approach to addressing the blast threat from the beginning--pre-detonation defeat--through the end--full understanding of blast injuries and appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and care.

The committee recommends an increase of over $40.0 million in targeted research, development, test and evaluation program elements for accelerated work specific to confronting blast injury prevention, mitigation, and treatment challenges. The committee also recommends an increase of $20.0 million in the Defense Health Program to facilitate expansion of clinical trials, treatments, and studies required by this provision.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS OF INTEREST

ARMY

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Army basic research

The budget request included $137.9 million in PE 61102A, for defense research sciences. The committee is concerned with the long term viability of the defense research program, especially those efforts geared at developing innovative solutions to address emerging and future challenges. Ongoing work in the areas of materials and composites for flexible armor, neuroscience, textiles with embedded sensors, efficient vehicle operations, and basic terrain analysis modeling and simulation are a few of the many research examples that contribute to meeting the needs of the warfighter. The committee recommends an increase of $12.5 million in PE 61102A for expansion of Army basic science, including $2.5 million for research in brain imaging deception detection; $2.0 million for moldable fabric armor to increase force protection options; $2.0 million for functionally integrated reactive surface technologies to develop protective, intelligent, and adaptive textiles; $2.0 million to enable transition of low temperature vehicle research; $3.0 million for desert terrain analysis research; and $1.0 million for advanced ground vehicle reliability research.

Document exploitation

The budget request included no funding for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army, for Security Defense Research Sciences, in PE 61102A, for development of advanced document exploitation equipment.

Portable, rugged document exploitation equipment is currently not widely available to military personnel operating in deployed, austere environments. The technology exists to develop lightweight equipment that can scan documents, quickly search for important information in native languages, and transmit potentially valuable documents back to exploitation facilities quickly, thus providing battlefield commanders with rapid exploitation of captured information. Recent experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq have demonstrated the value of such capabilities and the requirement for additional, improved capabilities.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 61102A, to continue development, product improvement, and fielding of portable document exploitation systems.

Army university research

The budget request included $82.0 million in PE 61104A, for university and industry research centers. Significant advances in materials technologies, materials processing, and secure communications require continued fundamental research to serve as the building blocks for Army future combat systems. The committee recommends an increase of $6.5 million in PE 61104A for university research, including $2.0 million for strategic defense systems manufacturing technology basic research; $2.5 million for expanded continuation of the nanotubes optimized for lightweight exceptional strength composite project; $2.0 million for integrated systems in sensing, imaging, and communications research to provide secure optical connections.

Advanced mine detection and blast mitigation

The budget request included $17.6 million in PE 62105A, for materials technology. Army materials research efforts in blast resistant structures, composites, and the equipment to test them contribute to immediate and long term force protection needs. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62105A for expansion of promising materials technology research, including $3.0 million for advanced mine detection and blast mitigation and $2.0 million for lightweight blast containment vessel development, improved computational simulation capabilities, and early testing of optimized vessel designs.

Army small airship

The budget request included $32.1 million in PE 62120A, for sensors and electronic survivability. Asymmetric threats and unpredictable battlefields increase the importance of sensors in spotting and preventing hostile action and in targeting assets. An adaptive, modular, autonomous vehicle capable of operating in a variety of environments and performing various functions during a single mission should provide the warfighter with an important stand off tool.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62120A to provide focused attention on solving some of the technical challenges involved in autonomous control, adaptability between tethered and untethered flight, and load exchange for a small airship surveillance system.

Detection and neutralization of improved explosive devices

The budget request included $32.1 million in PE 62120A, for sensors and electronics survivability and $49.5 million in PE 62782N, for mine and expeditionary warfare applied research. The Department of Defense is pursuing a broad short and long term research effort to confront the threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Substantial achievements made in the areas of sensors, jammers, and pre detonation devices support current operations. As efforts continue to move solutions to the field as quickly as possible, an additional avenue of exploration is underway to invent more comprehensive tools for IED neutralization. Many IEDs are remotely initiated using inexpensive commercial electronics. These control mechanisms may all be subject to a low level of electricity leakage, which could be detected at a considerable distance with special equipment.

The committee supports the Department's efforts to explore alternative and imaginative approaches to combating the IED threat in the long-term. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62120A to accelerate development of an innovative remote sensor monitoring technology designed to lead to a mobile test bed for advanced stand-off detection of explosives. The committee further recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62782N for development of a field prototype detection and neutralization device.

Real-time laser threat warning development

The budget request included $19.1 million in PE 62270A, for electronic warfare technology. The Army supports key goals in the area of battlespace survivability and acquisition of enemy targets under this account. The ability to detect heat seeking missiles and those guided by lasers with real-time location of the laser source and identification of the source characteristics would enhance missile countermeasure efforts. The committee recommends an increase in PE 62270A of $4.0 million to continue development of a prototype to field test a high performance, low cost laser threat warning and missile countermeasure system utilizing MEMS-based beam steering technology.

Army unmanned systems initiative

The budget request included $62.5 million in PE 62303A, for missile technology. As use of unmanned aerial vehicles increases, integration tools, testing processes, and training procedures must keep pace. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62303A for an unmanned systems initiative and expanded testing of unmanned vehicles and teams of vehicles during long, autonomous flights. The program would also develop airspace management procedures for vehicles with different payloads, and would provide joint training for control of vehicle weapons assignments and on the use of communication protocols.

Technology enhancement for area protection

The budget request included $62.5 million in PE 62303A for missile technology. The committee is aware that the Army has identified the enhanced area air defense system (EAADS) as the key element in defending against rockets, artillery and mortars, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. While the Army continues to develop radar elements to support EAADS, the committee is aware of the need to evolve the systems integration tools and technologies necessary to operate a comprehensive battlefield system to address the threat.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62303A for the enhanced area protection and survivability science and technology program to develop technologies to be integrated into force protection systems to support EAADS requirements, as well as near-term force protection for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Multifunctional robot platform

The budget request included $16.0 million in PE 62308A, for advanced concepts and simulations. Various robotic platforms with force protection applications under development by the Army show promise in addressing sniper, mortar, and rocket propelled grenade threats. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62308A for rapid integration of optical technology and advanced acoustic detection and direction finding hardware into the robot enhanced detection outpost with lasers platform (RedOwl).

Combat vehicle and automotive technology

The budget request included $64.9 million in PE 62601A, for combat vehicle and automotive technology. Component technologies explored under this account support the Army's current and future combat and tactical vehicle fleets. Present engine systems fail to provide adequate measurement and data retrieval necessary to increase engine efficiency, resulting in faster fuel burn rates.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 62601A for development of advanced electric drives designed to result in easily replaceable, quiet, robust engines with greater power density and torque.

The committee further recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 62601A to address the needs of the Department of Defense for alternative fuels and fundamental research on robotic ground vehicles. Specifically, the committee recommends increases of $3.0 million for a defense transportation energy research project focused on military use of advanced fuels; and $3.0 million for unmanned vehicle control technologies to increase control, vision, and navigation systems in robotic ground vehicles.

Gun barrel coatings

The budget request included $49.2 million in PE 62618A, for ballistics technology. Gun barrel wear accounts for nearly 80 percent of annual armament costs. Hard ceramic coatings such as titanium nitride could increase the wear and the life of such armaments by as much as five to eight times over current processes, with a projected proportionate reduction in armament costs. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62618A for the development of hard, wear-resistant coatings for the inside surfaces of gun barrels.

Active coatings technology

The budget request included $37.8 million in PE 62624A, for weapons and munitions technology. Selected research in the areas of advanced, adaptable armor and coatings to protect personnel and equipment from ballistic and blast threats is approaching the testing phase. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 62624A for research and development of longer lasting, cost-effective coatings that adapt to conditions in real-time.

Sonic rarefaction wave gun technology

The budget request included $37.8 million in PE 62624A, for weapons and munitions technology. The Army's plan to acquire lighter, faster, more expeditionary vehicles affects requirements for vehicle-mounted weapons systems. The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in PE 62624A for the rarefaction wave gun. This gun shows potential for 50 percent weight and heat reductions and 75 percent reduced recoil while at the same time maintaining current muzzle energy.

Ultra wideband sensors

The budget request included $37.8 million in PE 62624A, for weapons and munitions technology. Today's military faces battlefields in neighborhoods, small towns, and cities as often as in open deserts, forests, or jungles. Advanced sensors and imaging resolution combined with unmanned platforms make possible extended visibility and situational awareness. One current challenge to achieving full battlespace awareness involves through-the-wall sight. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62624A for advanced research on a hand-portable through-wall radar system.

Army man-portable power

The budget request included $39.6 million in PE 62705A, for electronics and electronic devices. The Army needs battery systems to deliver reliable, lightweight, constant and, when needed, high surge power, especially for the dismounted soldier. The zinc air battery system has the potential to provide at least twice the energy density as other battery systems and up to 4 times or more the high discharge or constant power rate as common battery systems.

The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 62705A for accelerated advances in man-portable power, including $3.0 million to develop prototype designs for the zinc air battery; $2.0 million for a portable solid oxide fuel cell power generation demonstrator capable of using JP-8 fuel; and $3.0 million for a hybrid advanced soldier power system that, when coupled with device-specific adapters, would power existing and legacy gear for 72-hour autonomous missions.

Flexible Display Initiative

The budget request includes $39.6 million in PE 62705A, for electronics and electronic devices, including $5.0 million, for the Flexible Display Center. Equipment, materials, and technology on flexible displays and microelectronics facilitate creation of next generation communication products, which are key to the Army's transformation efforts. The Army's planned funding for flexible display research is insufficient for the manufacturing capability necessary to support the Army's stated goals for displays and does not include a tools and materials component. The competitively bid, peer-reviewed Flexible Display Initiative achieves a 62 percent industry cost share in leveraging the Army's research funding. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 62705A for the Flexible Display Initiative to undertake additional materials and manufacturing technology projects aimed at ensuring the Army meets flexible display goals in a timely manner.

Ultra wideband chipset

The budget request included $21.8 million in PE 62782A, for command, control, and communications technology. The Army invested in ultra wideband radio technology with the potential to provide extremely covert communications platforms, situational awareness, and through-wall and ground penetrating radar. The developed technology, which is compatible with, but not dependent on current and future communication systems, requires transition funds for integration and pre-production prototyping. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62782A for transition of the ultra wideband radio frequency chipset to meet Army power consumption, range, and bit rate requirements.

Biosecurity research for food safety

The budget request included $21.7 million in PE 62786A, for warfighter technology, but no funding for food security and safety monitoring capabilities. The Army must protect the U.S. military's food supply and associated supply chain infrastructures. Technologies to rapidly and reliably detect food contaminants would positively impact soldier health, performance, and effectiveness. The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in PE 62786A for development of methods and equipment to detect real-time biohazards in the food supply.

Army medicine for mitigation and treatment of blast injuries

The budget request included $74.7 million in PE 62787A, for medical technology and $45.2 million in PE 63002A, for medical advanced technology. Care for uniformed personnel, including adaptation to changing wound patterns and long-term quality of life for injured combat veterans, are key priorities for the committee and are the focus of a Blast Injury Prevention, Mitigation, and Treatment Initiative under section 243 of this Act.

The committee recommends a series of increases in PE 62787A and PE 63002A to advance emerging, life saving medical technologies and to accelerate testing, trials, and production of new devices and treatments. Specifically, the committee recommends project increases in PE 62787A totaling $9.8 million and in PE 63002A totaling $18.0 million for the following projects.

Under PE 62787A, the committee recommends:

Under PE 63002A, the committee recommends:

Bio-defense detection and treatment

The budget request included $74.7 million in PE 62787A, for medical technology and $45.2 million in PE 63003A, for medical advanced technology. The Army needs easy-to-use devices to reliably detect the presence of bio-warfare agents. Upon detection and identification, the Army also requires new medicines to protect military personnel from biological agents. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62787A for accelerated research and development of a colorimetric biosensor device that would provide deployed units with a rapid, one-step, disposable bacterial pathogen detector.

The committee further recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62787A for enhanced research on a bio-defense gene knockout technology designed to enable treatment and prevention regimes against bio-warfare agents. The proposed technology would improve current, single-agent defenses and would counter agents possessing drug resistant or other bio-engineered features.

Finally, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63002A for bio-defense medical technologies; $3.0 million for expansion of research to apply alternative vaccine delivery technologies to combination treatments against anthrax, plague, toxic shock, and botulism; and $2.0 million for continued research and timely clinical trials on the surgical wound disinfection and biological agents project.

Posttraumatic stress disorder diagnostic tools

The budget request included $74.7 million in PE 62787A, for medical technology. Accurate and timely diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) supports recovery and a higher quality of life for combat veterans. Additional basic research, early clinical trials, and development of predictive tools lead to accurate identification of PTSD conditions and would assist medical personnel in distinguishing posttraumatic stress from traumatic brain injuries. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62787A for PTSD research.

Surgical safety system

The budget request included $74.7 million in PE 62787A, for medical technology. One of many areas of exploration for improved combat medical care involves advanced information technologies for remote monitoring and improved patient management in deployed surgical environments. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62787A for the surgical safety system to support goals of the Army's Operating Room of the Future concept.

Human operator performance research

The budget request included $45.2 million in PE 63003A, for medical advanced technology. Soldiers confront numerous risk factors and toxic agents present in military environments. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63003A for a program to assess, develop, and advance computer-based testing technologies. The resulting diagnostic capabilities would determine human reactions to proposed toxic agent treatments and countermeasures.

Wireless and digital medical improvements

The budget request included $45.2 million in PE 63002A, for medical advanced technology, but no funding for acceleration of wireless capabilities and records digitization. The use of wireless networks and computerized medical files reduces time spent by military medical personnel in processing, accessing, and updating medical records. Development of a wireless, adaptable network would accelerate accurate and efficient patient care, reduce errors, and facilitate transfer of medical records.

The committee recommends an increase in PE 63002A of $1.4 million for a pilot program to implement use of wireless medical records at Walter Reed Medical Center. The committee further recommends increases of $1.0 million in PE 63002A for the untethered healthcare project and development of technologies to facilitate remote triage and improve casualty status and assessment and $2.0 million for expanded diagnosis through digital imaging recognition. This research will produce digitally accessible files to help attending physicians accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of service members in-theater and in medical care facilities.

Reconfigurable tooling systems

The budget request included $48.3 million in PE 63003A, for advanced aviation technology. Many Army aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles contain components composed of fiber-reinforced materials. When these parts require repair, delays in maintenance and availability of replacements adversely affect readiness. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63003A for completion of a portable, reconfigurable tooling system capable of creating the specific repair tools and aviation composite materials at the maintenance site.

Rotorcraft system monitoring

The budget request included $48.3 million in PE 63003A, for aviation advanced technology. Helicopters play an important role in support, relief, and combat missions throughout the world. Timely improvement of maintenance techniques, procedures, and automatic optimized digital engine controls are critical to supporting the increased use of and reliance on these platforms. The committee recommends an increase of $5.5 million in PE 63003A, including $1.5 million for integrated rotorcraft system monitoring and $4.0 million for the universal control-full authority digital engine control project.

Unmanned tactical combat vehicles

The budget request included $48.2 million in PE 63003A, for aviation advanced technology and $82.5 million in PE 63114N, for power projection advanced technology, but no funding for a prototype unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed specifically for emergency rapid response. The committee is aware of the near-term requirement for a cost-effective, survivable, tactical unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capable of reaching conflict areas in a timely manner, engaging and destroying targets of opportunity, providing overhead coverage at trouble spots, such as roadside ambushes, and operating without runways or launch mechanisms. The committee recommends an increase in PE 63003A of $7.9 million and in PE 63114N of $1.0 million to address this requirement through construction of two proof of principle Excalibur demonstrators.

Mid-range munition

The budget request included $74.9 million in PE 63004A, for weapons and munitions advanced technology, including $10.0 million for the mid-range munition. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 63004A to accelerate development of the mid-range munition to meet targeted prototyping, demonstration, and fielding time frames.

Nanotechnology manufacturing

The budget request included $74.9 million in PE 63004A, for weapons and munitions advanced technology. Research efforts to produce composite structures and new materials constructed from the nano-scale for weapons, munitions, and fire control applications will require unique, efficient manufacturing processes. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63004A for nanotechnology manufacturing.

Abrams track improvement

The budget request included $142.9 million in PE 63005A, for combat vehicle and automotive advanced technology. The Army strives to reduce life cycle costs and maintenance requirements while increasing reliability for mission critical hardware such as the Abrams tank, even as operations in current theaters tax mechanical limits. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63005A for production and qualification testing of a new Abrams track, which could reduce life cycle costs by 20 percent while increasing reliability, availability, and maintainability of the component and the equipment.

Combat vehicle advanced development

The budget request included $142.9 million in PE 63005A, for combat vehicle and automotive advanced technology. The committee recommends an increase of $26.0 million in PE 63005A for the expanded development of automotive technologies in support of Army transformation goals for a lighter, more lethal force with heightened security and survivability. Specifically, the committee recommends increases of: $4.0 million for advanced thermal management; $2.0 million for a collaborative approach to a non-line-of-sight cannon and mortar; $3.0 million for a composite armored cab; $2.0 million for fastening and joining research; $2.0 million for power electronic systems research; $5.0 million for hydraulic hybrid vehicle technology; $2.0 million for next generation nontactical vehicle propulsion; $3.0 million for solid oxide fuel cell materials and manufacturing; and $3.0 million for an anti-ballistic windshield armor designed for rapid installation, better operator visibility, and higher levels of projectile protection.

Coordinated training

The budget request included $6.8 million in PE 63007A, for manpower, personnel, and training advanced technology. The Army is working to ensure that the `human component' of warfighting keeps pace with the transformation in systems, weapons, equipment, and requirements. Development of more effective collective training methods, which include a standardized program to capture the latest lessons learned from current combat operations, would reduce the time required for training and practicing critical new skills. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63007A for continued development of the battle command team training program and incorporation of realistic, relevant, and timely practice events for use by commanders and battle staff.

Advanced simulated training

The budget request included $20.0 million in PE 63015A, for next generation training and simulation systems. The joint fires and effects training system typifies leading edge simulator technology currently in use. The committee commends the Army for its innovative approach to highly immersive and successful training and simulation environments. Realistic training has been credited in part with a reduction in casualty rates as troops preparing for deployment learn from those who are in theater or who are just returning.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 63015A for development of additional, deployable modules for the joint fires and effects training system. The committee further recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 63015A for the final phase of the CAVE automatic virtual environment project to produce a fully self-sustaining visualization laboratory in support of environmental science research and military training for desert conditions.

Explosive demilitarization

The budget request included $9.9 million in PE 63103A, for explosive demilitarization technology. The Army supports programs under this account to develop safe, efficient, environmentally-compliant technologies to enhance existing methods for munitions resource recovery, recycling, and treatment. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 63103A for development of a demilitarization approach that incorporates an innovative solid fuel feed technology with a modified reactor.

Alternative fuel supplies

The budget request included $6.3 million in PE 63125A, for combating terrorism technology development. Adequate, reliable, and cost-efficient fuel supplies are important for military operations in changing environments with logistical supply chain challenges. Portable, alternative fuel systems continue to offer possible long-term solutions, if successfully configured to meet military requirements. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63125A for continued development of advanced mobile microgrid fueler systems to demonstrate innovations in converting biomass to synthetic gas or synfuel. The advanced fueler system would complement the ongoing Army Advanced Mobile Microgrid program, and would provide a reduced logistical footprint when deployed and backup power in case of grid failure.

Stryker vehicle active protection system demonstration

The budget request included $70.1 million in PE 63313A for missile and rocket advanced technology development, including $5.0 million for integration of the close-in active protection system (CIAPS) into the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), but no funding for CIAPS integration into a Stryker vehicle. In fiscal year 2005, the Army demonstrated that a prototype CIAPS mounted on a light armored vehicle could defeat rocket propelled grenades (RPGs). The committee supports any initiative that fields systems that provides additional force protection capabilities to our troops. HMMWVs and Stryker vehicles deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom require RPG protection. The committee understands that the need and opportunity for integrating CIAPS technology on Stryker emerged after planning for the fiscal year budget request was completed. The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million in PE 63313A for a Stryker active protection system, for a total authorization of $82.1 million in PE 63313A.

Advanced structures and composites

The budget request included $7.3 million in PE 63734A, for military engineering advanced technology. Early in a military deployment, the majority of military personnel live in soft shelters or tents. In current conflicts, nearly every position is vulnerable to attack. The Army is exploring lightweight, affordable, rapidly deployable, forward construction methods that provide ballistic protection. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63734A to accelerate solutions that employ hybrid wood and advanced fiber material and structure systems to combine cost efficiency, ease of assembly, and ballistic protection.

Army command and control visualization system

The budget request included $14.6 million in PE 63305A for Army system integration (non space), but no funding for interactive modeling and simulation management capabilities.

The committee notes that effective modeling and simulation is necessary for the development of missile defense and other military capabilities. Next generation architectural solutions for command and control and situational awareness are now being developed. The committee recognizes that funding could be used to mature technology and continue to combine government furnished components and commercial, off-the-shelf products to support the warfighter from the classroom to the field.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63305A to support continued development of interactive modeling and simulation management capabilities of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command to support the warfighter.

Interactive modeling and simulation management

The budget request included $14.6 million in PE 63305A for missile defense systems integration, but no funding for interactive modeling and simulation management capability.

The committee notes that effective modeling and simulation is essential to the development of missile defense and other military capabilities. Likewise, a process to coordinate and manage activities related to the verification and validation of modeling and simulation tools is needed to support these capabilities.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63305A for development of technologies and processes to support verification and validation of modeling and simulation.

Next generation interceptor materials

The budget request included $14.6 million in PE 63305A for Army missile defense system integration, but no funding for next generation interceptor (NGI) materials research.

Next generation ballistic missile interceptors will be designed to intercept longer range and more complex threats. To intercept complex threats, lightweight and highly maneuverable kill vehicles are required. The NGI materials research program proposes developing both a lightweight composite missile launcher and an advanced composite kill vehicle airframe. The Department of the Army and the Missile Defense Agency has assessed this item to have high military value.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63305A for next generation interceptor materials research for development of lightweight composite missile launchers and advanced composite kill vehicle airframes.

Long loiter sensor and communications platform

The budget request included $9.3 million in PE 63308A for Army missile defense system integration, but no funding for near-space long loiter sensor and communications.

The Army currently maintains a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that utilize Air Force space-borne sensors and communications devices to provide direct surveillance and reconnaissance support to the warfighter in theater. The committee understands that a near-space long loiter craft able to continually view the entire theater of operations could provide significant operational cost savings by decreasing the numbers of UAVs and other sensors necessary for reconnaissance, surveillance, and blue force tracking.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63308A to refine the requirements, conduct concept evaluations, and develop integrated test beds to assess the capabilities of programs related to sensor payloads for near-space long loitering craft.

Architecture Analysis Program

The budget request included $81.0 million in PE 63327A for air and missile defense system engineering, but no funding for the Air, Space, and Missile Defense Architecture Analysis Program (A3P).

A3P is a modeling and simulation effort to assist in the systems analysis of air, space, and missile defense capabilities to provide an effective defense against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, rockets, artillery, and ballistic missiles of all ranges. The committee recognizes that these simulation capabilities are necessary to support air, space, and missile defense efforts across a broad spectrum of military operations from major theater wars to homeland security.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63327A for A3P to support air, space, and missile defense modeling and simulation.

Single Integrated Space Picture

The budget request included $83.1 million in PE 63327A for Air and Missile Defense Systems Engineering, of which $15.0 million is for the Single Integrated Space Picture (SISP) program.

SISP is an initiative within the Combatant Commanders Integrated Command and Control System program to provide an integrated picture of space capabilities, threats, and operations. The committee notes that the Army Missile and Space initiative has included work to develop decision support software for use by space operators in support of joint operations center commanders. The software is designed to receive and integrate information from multiple sources, providing a consolidated picture to improve space situational awareness. The committee recommends an addition of $2.0 million in PE 63327A for the continued development, production, and field demonstration of this software.

Casting Emissions Reduction Program

The budget request included $5.17 million in PE 63779A for environmental quality technology demonstration/validation, but no funding for the Casting Emissions Reduction Program (CERP). The CERP is validating advanced materials and processes for the reduction of hazardous emissions from foundry operations, advancing emission measurement methods for the Department of Defense and related industries, and is supporting lightweight metals technology transfer to fulfill military requirements. The committee recommends funding CERP to continue to improve manufacturing technologies used to produce casting materials such as aluminum and titanium to assist the Army in achieving its goal of becoming a lighter, more highly-mobile fighting force.

The committee recommends an increase of $6.2 million in PE 63779A for the CERP.

Advanced Army medical systems

The budget request included $10.1 million in PE 63807A, for medical systems advanced development. The committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million in PE 63807A to accelerate deployment of medical treatments to mitigate blast injuries. Specifically, the committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million for an Army requirement to pursue approval of the intravenous fluids warming system; $2.5 million to produce a safe, portable oxygen system for patients during evacuations; and $1.0 million to extend the shelf life of red blood cells by 6 weeks.

Joint Tactical Radio System

The budget request included a total of $923.7 million for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) development across the Department of Defense. JTRS is intended to provide seamless, real-time communications among warfighters--through voice, data, and video--within and across the services through software programmable radio technology. Service requirements are `clustered' so that similar requirements can be met with a single acquisition effort. The lead service for each acquisition effort serves as the cluster manager. The Army is the manager for JTRS clusters 1 and 5 radios; the Special Operations Command is the manager for cluster 2 radios; and the Navy and Air Force are the managers for cluster 3 and 4 radios, respectively. In March 2005, the Department restructured the JTRS program to include a new Joint Program Executive Office (PEO), which will coordinate JTRS development.

The budget request included $156.7 million in PE 64280A, for JTRS waveform development and Program Management Office (PMO) activities; $393.1 million in PE 64805A, including $375.0 million for JTRS cluster 1 and JTRS cluster 5 hardware development; and $23.5 million in PE 64201A for JTRS aviation hardware development and integration. This funding supports Army JTRS responsibilities as the Joint Program Management Office and clusters 1 and 5 manager.

The committee has supported the JTRS program in the past and continues to believe that a software programmable radio is achievable despite the technical challenges associated thus far with JTRS program development. However, the committee is concerned about recent events regarding JTRS.

The committee believes that the stop work and potential contract termination actions will require a significant amount of time for resolution and will require a JTRS program restructure or rebaseline. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $39.4 million in PE 64280A for a total authorization of $117.3 million; a decrease of $193.9 million in PE 64805A for cluster 1 and cluster 5 radio development to reflect a `stop work' order; and a decrease of $75.0 million in PE 64805A for cluster 1 radio development, for a total authorization of $124.2 million for PE 64805A, including $106.1 million for JTRS cluster 1 and JTRS cluster 5 hardware development.

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-287) appropriated $111.5 million for the procurement of JTRS cluster 1 radios, originally intended to be procured under a low rate initial procurement contract for a first quarter fiscal year 2007 multi-service operational test and evaluation. Based on recent events, these fund cannot be executed as appropriated. The committee encourages the Department of Defense to request reprogramming of fiscal year 2005 JTRS procurement funding into PE 64280A to continue development of the JTRS waveform and common operating environment and architecture so as not to affect the development and fielding of other JTRS clusters. The committee is concerned that the Department has not placed sufficient emphasis and funding on developing new antenna technologies and should make this a priority when the JTRS program is restructured.

Tactical vehicle modifications

The budget request included no funding in PE 64642A, for light tactical wheeled vehicle development. The Army's current operation tempo demands that advances in lightweight materials, advanced load handling, intelligent control systems, ballistic protection systems, embedded diagnostics, and suspension systems be developed and spiraled into the field as soon as possible. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 64642A for the research and development of spiral technologies for the wheeled tactical vehicle fleet, for a total authorization of $5.0 million.

Future tactical truck system

The budget request included $3.4 million in PE 64622A, for family of heavy tactical vehicle development, which conducts system development and demonstration of heavy tactical vehicles to support combat and combat support missions.

The budget request included $1.0 million in PE 62601A, for the Future Tactical Truck System (FTTS). The committee understands that a key enabler of the Army's tactical wheeled vehicle strategy is the Expedited Modernization Initiative Procedure process, an initiative designed to identify and use industry's investments in advanced technologies. The EMIP process will be conducted in parallel with the FTTS Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) that will assess key technologies and emerging service sustainment concepts to help develop the requirements for Army and Marine Corps trucks of the future, as well as to identify advanced technologies that also address current tactical wheeled vehicle needs. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64622A for the FTTS ACTD, for a total authorization of $13.4 million.

Protected simulation and test link

The budget request included $288.8 million in PE 64869A for Patriot/MEADS combined aggregate program, but no funding for the protected simulation and test link (PSTL).

The United States is currently engaged in a cooperative developmental effort with Germany and Italy to modernize the Patriot/MEADS missile defense system. Current United States technology protection rules dictate that simulation models associated with critical U.S. technology not be released to foreign partners. The committee notes that PSTL is a software application that will provide the capability for protected simulation models to interact with those models that can be shared with international partners, thereby facilitating the design and development of the Patriot/MEADS system as an international joint venture.

The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 64869A for PSTL.

Unmanned aerial vehicle ice protection

The budget request included $10.9 million in PE 64258A, for target systems development. As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fly further, longer, and higher, they confront some of the same challenges as manned aircraft. The committee supports programs designed to address current in-flight icing protection shortfalls with low-weight, low-cost, low-power options made specifically for installation on current and future UAV configurations. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 64258A for fabrication and testing of a self-activated, automatic deicing system for UAVs.

High performance computing research

The budget request included $32.3 million in PE 65803A, for technical information activities. Use of computer simulation tools allows for the rapid analysis of alternative designs for armor, structures, specialized weapons, and aircraft components. Faster and more accurate modeling of potential structural improvements and composite material performance could lead to stronger and more flexible force protection systems for personnel and equipment. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 65803A for advances in high performance computing research and improved simulations to evaluate the blast resistance of structures and armor.

Retinal/iris multimodal biometrics technology for secure identification

The budget request included $22.9 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army, in PE 33140A, for Information Systems Security Program, but included no funding for continued research on retinal/iris multimodal biometrics (RIMB) technology for secure identification.

RIMB technology has shown promise as an enhanced form of secure identification to protect information systems from unauthorized users. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 33140A, for the continued development of RIMB technology, consistent with the short- and long-term technology development, deployment, and integration goals of the Department of Defense for biometric identification systems.

Army manufacturing technologies

The budget request included $68.5 million in PE 78045A, for end-item industrial preparedness activities. As the Army continues to transform to a flexible, expeditionary force, logistical support for existing systems must be maintained and improved. Methods and processes designed to ensure sustained operational capability of weapons and support systems must move into the `virtual' world as many original parts and maintenance suppliers no longer exist. The Army can not afford to cope with manpower and time drains imposed by long logistical chains. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 78045A, to support the virtual parts program, which will form a one-stop virtual engineering production environment to assist in ensuring the sustained operational capability of weapons and support systems.

The committee further recommends an increase of $10.5 million in PE 78045A, to accelerate packaging, processing, and manufacturing systems. Specific precision manufacturing requirements exist on turbine engines, which use advanced alloys and ceramic materials that conventional machine techniques and tools fail to process. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million for the super-pulse laser processing technology. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million for the manufacturing system demonstration, and $3.0 million for packaging and interconnection technology to reduce the weight and cost of electronic and optoelectric subsystems and for the adaptation of emerging technologies.

And finally, the committee notes that the strength-weight ratio of titanium makes it an ideal material for use in Army manned ground vehicles. The committee recognizes that this material also poses challenges as it is difficult, time consuming, and expensive to process. The committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million in PE 78045A for accelerated development of an advanced modeling technology for titanium machining. Use of advanced software to simulate a virtual machining environment could enable increased processing speeds and deeper cuts, resulting in faster production of titanium parts to meet Army requirements for survivable manned ground vehicles.

NAVY

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Navy university research

The budget request included $75.9 million in PE 61103N, for university research initiatives. The committee is concerned with the low priority placed on long-term research on naval sciences by the Department of Defense. The development of faster, more efficient, and durable systems for the naval environment requires increases in targeted research on multifunctional advanced composites, innovative sensors technology, advanced engineered materials, and blast resistant composites. These research projects have the potential to address current threats by providing energy absorbing ship hulls, blast resistant grid and foam stiffened structures, and advanced remote sensing at higher resolutions. Additional basic science in the pursuit of breakthroughs at the intersection of engineering, computer science, and neuroscience shows promise in providing seamless control of unmanned systems.

The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 61103N for university basic defense research, including $2.5 million to accelerate exploration of multifunctional materials; $2.5 million for advanced remote sensing; $1.0 million for blast and impact resistant composites; and $2.0 million for neural engineering for human-machine interfaces.

Navy science and technology outreach

The budget request included $15.5 million in PE 61152N, for In-House Laboratory Independent Research, which supports intramural Navy research and efforts to revitalize the workforce for key science and technology capabilities. As many future military systems continue to increase in technological complexity, a robust workforce with discipline-specific scientific skills and knowledge is necessary. The Navy's special needs in areas such as ocean sciences, advanced materials, and electronics will be met through the participation of current Navy laboratory personnel in training and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Training researchers and innovators is a long-term project requiring near-term attention.

The committee recommends an increase in PE 61152N of $3.0 million to support continuation of a pilot program--Naval Research Science and Technology for America's Readiness (N-Star). N-Star leverages the resources and expertise available in Navy facilities to engage and mentor students who have science and engineering aptitude and interests.

Free electron laser

The budget request included $94.4 million in PE 62114N, for power projection applied research, including $10.0 million for directed energy and the free electron laser. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62114N for accelerated research and development of high power free electron laser (FEL) devices based on the successful demonstration of high power FELs using energy recovered from the super-conducting accelerator technology. The Navy identified free electron lasers as a possible future directed energy weapon for the defense of Navy assets.

Littoral and undersea security

The budget request included $101.7 million in PE 62123N, for force protection applied research. Navy ships and infrastructure are vulnerable to attack from suicide divers and other asymmetric hazards. Existing systems to detect and defeat such threats require constant monitoring and fixed installations. Research programs exploring alternatives, such as high frequency passive acoustic arrays and special cameras and sensors, have the potential to provide automatically monitored, easily constructed, portable, and reliable systems. The committee recommends an increase of $4.3 million in PE 62123N for exploration of undersea security options, including $2.0 million for development of a prototype real-time high frequency acoustic processor and $2.3 million for undersea perimeter security technologies.

Nanomagnetic materials

The budget request included $101.7 million in PE 62123N, for force protection applied research. Future naval capabilities such as the electric warship require significant amounts of electric power for propulsion, on-board power consumption, and ship-based use of power by military aircraft. The Navy needs new technology solutions capable of meeting the demanding performance requirements of high power density machines and power electronics. Current electrical power systems use magnetic materials developed for lower power demand functions. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62123N for development of nano-engineered materials with unprecedented magnetic properties, mechanical strength, and temperature capabilities.

Polymeric aircraft components

The budget request included $101.7 million in PE 62123N, for force protection applied research. Polymeric aircraft components provide the Navy with an option for lower cost, lightweight aircraft. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62123N to support the Navy's efforts to develop technologies for production of polymeric aircraft components.

Small watercraft propulsion demonstrator

The budget request included $101.7 million in PE 62123N, for force protection applied research. The Navy requires a fast, unmanned watercraft to launch and recover unmanned underwater vehicles in hostile environments. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62123N for research on and fabrication of a small watercraft propulsion demonstrator with a 60-knot retrieval capability.

Advanced combat headborne system

The budget request included $37.6 million in PE 62131M, for Marine Corps landing force technology and $56.4 million in PE 63640M, for Marine Corps advanced technology demonstrations. As part of an initiative in blast injury prevention, mitigation, and treatment, the committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62131M and $1.0 million in PE 63640M to meet a Marine Corps requirement to expand and accelerate the research and design of an advanced integrated combat headborne system. The redesigned system would improve form, fit, and function; and increase protection to the eye, face, neck, and head, while maintaining comfort, communications integration, and weight reduction.

Critical area protection systems

The budget request included $57.7 million in PE 62235N, for common picture applied research. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63235N for critical area protection systems for high resolution situational awareness to support antiterrorism and force protection missions. These systems could provide land-based antiterrorism and force protection units with persistent surveillance capabilities and a common operating picture.

SensorNet

The budget request included $57.7 million in PE 62235N, for common picture applied research. The U.S. Government, the nation's laboratories, and industry are showing progress in developing and improving sensing capabilities. Full utilization of these capabilities requires communication and research on and development of a prototype information architecture for connection of sensors. The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million in PE 62235N for continuation of SensorNet, a project to demonstrate sensor-linking within an installation and from facility to facility.

Space research

The budget request included $57.7 million in PE 62235N, for common picture applied research. The committee recommends a reduction of $7.5 million in this account for a newly initiated program of space research as part of the Innovative Naval Prototype program. The committee believes that new space research efforts should be carefully coordinated with other space programs in the Department of Defense and should be consistent with the overall Department Space Science and Technology Strategy.

Automated video threat recognition

The budget request included $82.8 million in PE 62236N, for warfighter sustainment applied research. The accelerated need for persistent surveillance in a variety of situations led the Navy to increase emphasis on alternatives to active radars. Video, as a passive sensor, could serve threat detection needs for naval facilities, ports, and other areas in which even the most alert human sentry may fail to identify every approaching danger. The committee recommends an increase in PE 62236N of $2.5 million for transition of a successfully completed Phase II Small Business Innovative Research program to develop an automated video surveillance threat recognition algorithm.

Multifunctional composite structures

The budget request included $82.8 million in PE 62236N, for warfighter sustainment applied research. The Navy's increased interest in using advanced composites for ship construction is designed to produce components with reduced electronic and acoustic signatures and lower total ownership costs. Existing and developing composite material technologies present an opportunity to enhance seaframe speed, agility, safety, and tactical advantage. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 62236N for development of new systems and techniques for the rapid implementation of multifunctional composite structures.

Portable water bio-defense

The budget request included $82.9 million in PE 62236N, for warfighter sustainment applied research. Current biological warfare detector technology applicable to water analysis is generally large, stationary, and time consuming. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62236N for a rapid, portable, accurate detection capability for biological warfare agents in water.

Seabasing research

The budget request included $82.9 million in PE 62236N, for warfighter sustainment applied research, including a new start of $13.9 million for seabasing research. The committee recommends a reduction of $5.0 million in this account for the newly initiated research program on seabasing technologies. The committee is concerned that this new program is not well defined to support seabasing concepts of operation, which are still under development by the Navy.

Gallium nitride radio frequency power

The budget request included $47.3 million in PE 62271N, for radio frequency (RF) systems applied research. The Department of Defense requires enhanced RF power performance for a range of current and next generation systems, including surface naval radars, airborne communications systems, airborne radars, and electronics. Gallium nitride RF power has the potential to provide higher power density, higher temperature operation, and increased bandwidth, compared to current RF technologies. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62271N for gallium nitride RF power technologies.

Integrated littoral sensor network

The budget request included $71.5 million in PE 62435N, for force protection advanced technology, but no funding specifically for testing of a portable suite of sensors to counter water borne and other hazards in the littorals. Detection, characterization, and location of man-made and natural waterborne hazards and threats, including pathogens and toxins, is an immediate national security need. The committee recommends an increase in PE 62435N of $2.5 million for generation of a set of tools with portable sensors designed to improve accuracy and timeliness of short- and long-term detection of hazards in coastal waters and ports.

Coordination and integration of unmanned system teams

The budget request included $49.5 million in PE 62782N, for mine and expeditionary warfare applied research. As unmanned systems continue to evolve and perform more dangerous and time consuming tasks on behalf of the warfighter, such systems must work individually, or in groups, in a manner that does not place an additional burden on the operator. Increased fundamental science and engineering focused on the tough problems of enabling autonomous cooperation within different groups of unmanned vehicles would ensure these tools reach expected potential as assets to the warfighter. The committee recommends an increase in PE 62782N of $3.0 million for work to integrate and coordinate teams of unmanned vehicles.

Information sharing for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

The budget request included $82.5 million in PE 63114N, for power projection advanced technology. The Navy possesses the technology to effectively target and destroy fixed assets using global position system guided weapons. This capability is limited by target concealment or motion. Real-time tracking, precision location, and in-flight command and control of weapons systems continue to pose problems.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63114N to accelerate research and development of a robust airborne and ground information processing architecture. The system would support multiple-source and simultaneous collection of data for aircraft on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, and engagement (ISRTE) operations. The architecture would have the capacity to handle numerous and different electronic files such as large imagery files, geographical information, intelligence reports, and data received from multiple platforms and would advance an important aspect of the Navy intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plan for engagement of mobile targets.

Force protection advanced technology

The budget request included $71.5 million in PE 63123N for forced protection advanced technology. This program addresses applied research associated with providing the capability of platform and force protection technologies for all naval platforms.

The budget request included no funding for wireless sensor technology for the intelligent monitoring of the health of shipboard equipment and machinery. This is a key component to reduce workloads, and it could be inserted into one of the programmed sea trials for newly delivered ships. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63123N to develop, install, and support a number of intelligent component health monitoring systems in a sea trial.

The budget request included no funding for development of a mobile manufacturing and repair cell. This cell would reduce operating and support costs while maintaining equipment readiness in theater. It could be deployed by ship and large ground vehicles, and would provide precision, on-demand manufacturing of critical parts. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63123N for the development of a mobile manufacturing and repair cell.

The budget request included no funding for the continued development of wide bandgap semiconductor substrate materials. These materials offer capability for higher power and higher frequency operation in high temperature environments across a broad spectrum of applications. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 63123N for the continued development of wide bandgap semiconductor substrate materials.

The budget request included no funding for a small, light system for small arms acoustic and infrared flash detection and remote threat response to enemy small arms fire against our Marines. The committee recommends an increase of $3.9 million in PE 63123N to develop a prototype and test such a system.

The budget request included no funding for the continued design and risk assessment and development of prototypes for high temperature superconducting (HTS) generators. The reduced size of HTS generators would increase flexibility in ship architecture, provide enhanced power density and transient response, and improve overall ship performance and survivability. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63123N for the continued development of HTS generators.

The budget request included no funding for the continued development of a ship service fuel cell (SSFC). An advanced prototype fuel cell power system demonstrator has been developed. Additional performance characterization of the demonstrator is required, followed by endurance and latent defect testing at the DD(X) land-based engineering site. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 63123N for the continued development of a SSFC.

The committee recommends a total authorization of $101.4 million in PE 63123N for force protection advanced technology.

Improved shipboard combat information center

The budget request included $60.6 million in PE 63235N, for common picture advanced technology. Command Information Center (CIC) duty officers receive large quantities of critical data, especially during combat operations. They must comprehend and process this information quickly. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63235N for near-term development of an improved shipboard CIC and to demonstrate integration of emerging technologies in automation to improve operations for multiple current and future platform designs.

Warfighter sustainment advanced technology

The budget request included $68.5 million in PE 63236N for the development of warfighter sustainment advanced technology, but included no funding for body armor development or for automated container and cargo handling systems.

While protective vests have saved many lives, there is a requirement for flexible, lightweight, full body armor that will protect limbs as well. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63236N for the development of full body protective apparel.

The Navy and Marine Corps continue to develop a concept of operations for sea basing. One of the technical hurdles that must be achieved to turn this concept into reality is the transfer of cargo at sea, in varying sea states. There have been some subscale technologies tested as small business innovative research programs, but this needs to evolve to full-scale testing of automated container and cargo handling systems. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63236N for the development of automated container and cargo handling systems.

The committee recommends a total authorization of $75.5 million in PE 63236N.

Navy persistent surveillance

The budget request included $70.1 million in PE 63271N, for radio frequency (RF) systems advanced development. Real-time precision target radar supports the Navy's time critical strike mission. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63721N to fully configure the APY-6 radar to meet broad area maritime surveillance and other emerging unmanned aerial vehicle requirements.

The Navy pursues electronic attack (EA) capabilities for a variety of missions with air, sea, and land applications. The Department of Defense Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Roadmap recommends development and operational assessment of an unmanned combat aerial vehicle capable of performing several missions including EA. To augment existing systems while extending the life of current low-density/high-demand electronic attack assets, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63271N for an acceleration of joint unmanned aerial vehicle electronic attack capabilities.

Armored patrol vehicle

The budget request included $56.4 million in PE 63640M, for Marine Corps advanced technology demonstrations. Additional research to capture emerging technologies in the areas of mobility, materials, power generation, propulsion, survivability, durability, signature reduction, and modularity will speed protection systems for an expanded class of vehicles. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63640M for initial development of an armored patrol vehicle to address threats posed by blast, projectiles, and shock waves.

Laser integrated target engagement system

The budget request included $56.4 million in PE 63640M, for Marine Corps advanced technology demonstrations. The committee recommends an increase of $5.2 million in PE 63640M for a Marine Corps unfunded requirement to modify the laser integrated target engagement system (LITES). The program would finance one prototype and laboratory testing of a Marine Corps version of the Air Force forward air controllers capability.

Water purification system

The budget request included $56.4 million in PE 63640M, for Marine Corps advanced technology demonstrations. Air deliverable, high capacity water purification systems meet a critical need during all military missions. Research on high efficiency, compact technology will help alleviate the significant logistical burden of transporting water. The committee recommends an increase in PE 63640M of $7.0 million for final development and production of expeditionary warfare water purification systems.

Modeling and simulation for urban operations

The budget request included $187.9 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Navy, for Joint Experimentation, in PE 63727N, but did not include sufficient funding to continue development of the modeling and simulation for urban operations program. The committee notes that such a capability is of great importance to battlefield commanders facing complex urban environments such as that faced by U.S. Armed Forces in Fallujah, Iraq last year. Preliminary work has been initiated on such a capability with promising results, both for battlefield commanders and for defense and homeland security officials charged with planning for consequence management of potential terrorist attacks on the homeland. The modeling and simulation for urban operations program is the second highest priority of the Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $9.9 million in PE 63727N, to continue development of the modeling and simulation for urban operations program.

Surface Navy integrated undersea tactical technology

The budget request included $122.1 million in PE 63502N for surface and shallow water mine countermeasures, but included no funding for the surface Navy integrated undersea tactical technology (SNIUTT) program. SNIUTT would provide surface ship mine countermeasures sonar operators with the simulated training necessary to recognize mine-like contacts. This concept was originally used by aviation mine countermeasures sonar operators, and SNIUTT would leverage this former program. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63502N for SNIUTT.

Shipboard system component development

The budget request included $22.2 million in PE 63513N for shipboard system component development, including $9.2 million for the development of integrated power systems. The budget request included no funding specifically for either the amorphous metal permanent magnet generator (PMG) set or the high temperature superconductor alternating current (HTS-AC) synchronous marine propulsion motor.

An amorphous metal PMG would reduce both weight and size when compared to conventional generator sets. Additional funding would upscale the current 30 kilowatt prototype to 750 kilowatts. The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 63513N for the amorphous metal PMG.

A 36.5 megawatt HTS-AC synchronous marine propulsion prototype motor is being fabricated and tested. A follow-on effort can be initiated to modify the motor and power electronic drive system designs to meet the evolving specifications of the Navy's newest surface combatants. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 63513N for the continued development of the HTS-AC synchronous marine propulsion motor.

The committee recommends a total authorization of $31.7 million in PE 63513N.

Improved surface vessel torpedo launcher

The budget request included $17.3 million in PE 63553N for anti-submarine warfare advanced development, but included no funding for the improved surface vessel torpedo launcher. This launcher would use an automotive airbag inflator launch concept in a new launcher, contoured into the deck of future ships. Additional funding would allow testing of the production model of the breech replacement version of the launcher. The committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million in PE 63553N for the advanced development of the improved surface vessel torpedo launcher.

Guided missile submarine conversion

The budget request included $24.0 million in PE 63559N for design work for guided missile submarines (SSGN). Four former Ohio-class ballistic submarines are currently being converted into this new class of submarine, which will have the capability to provide covert striking power against targets ashore and to covertly deliver and support an expeditionary force on land.

One of the most promising technologies for the SSGNs will be the ability to deploy unmanned undersea vehicles. To capitalize on the experimentation to demonstrate feasibility that has already been completed, additional funding is required to develop and experiment with the requisite stowage, launch, and recovery systems to gain understanding of ship integration technologies. The large displacement mission reconfigurable unmanned undersea vehicle (LD-MRUUV) would provide flexibility to deploy new payloads and sensors. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in PE 63559N for integration of LD-MRUUV into the SSGN as part of the conversion program.

Advanced submarine system development

The budget request included $163.0 million in PE 63562N for advanced submarine system development. Of this amount, $50.0 million is for the design of a future undersea superiority system alternative to the reduced submarine program to include consideration of new propulsion systems. The committee is aware that this effort was directed by the Department of Defense shortly before submission of the budget request, and that it was also directed that these funds not just be added to existing systems. No specific plans on the use of these funds have been provided to the committee.

The committee has received a study on Fleet Platform Architecture that was prepared by the Office of Force Transformation in response to section 216 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108-136), and is aware that this study recommends investigating alternate propulsion systems for submarines.

In written testimony before the Subcommittee on Seapower of the Committee on Armed Services, the Congressional Research Service addressed alternate propulsion systems for submarines. The air-independent propulsion equipped non-nuclear-powered submarine would offer increased low speed submerged endurance over the conventional diesel-electric, but comparable submerged endurance at high speed. The testimony concluded that these alternatives to nuclear-powered submarines are not well suited for submarine missions that require: (1) long, completely stealthy transits from home port to the theater of operation; (2) submerged periods in the theater of operation lasting more than two or three weeks; or (3) submerged periods in the theater of operation lasting more than a few hours or days that involve moving the submarine at something more than low speed. The committee is concerned with the reduced capabilities and lack of operational flexibility the submarine forces would possess with these new propulsion systems.

The committee is also aware of and supports the `Tango Bravo' program, being conducted jointly by the Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The technologies being investigated in this program include shaftless propulsion and weapons external to the pressure hull, all of which could contribute to a smaller, less expensive nuclear-powered submarine with capabilities equivalent to those of the Virginia-class submarine.

Numerous analyses have supported an attack submarine force of at least 55 boats. However, the Secretary of the Navy, in an interim report to Congress on the annual long-range plan for the construction of naval vessels, projects that the number of attack submarines required in the future will be between 37 and 41 boats. The committee is concerned that this reduced number of submarines will fall short of the number required by the combatant commanders. The committee believes that funds at this time should be directed at the class of submarines currently in production, and that the production rate should be increased above that shown in the Future Years Defense Program as soon as possible.

The committee recommends a decrease of $40.0 million in PE 63562N, specifically in the future undersea superiority system project for development of propulsion alternatives, and that the remaining funding be used to complement the development of technologies being investigated in the Tango Bravo program by DARPA.

Regenerative filtration technology

The budget request included $253.7 million in PE 63611M for the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), but no funding for regenerative filtration technology. Recent advances in nuclear, biological, and chemical filtration technology have brought about the development of regenerative systems that use canisters with chemical beds that can be used and cleaned while the vehicle is operating. Current technology requires filter replacement in a secure environment. In fiscal year 2005, the Marine Corps completed Phase I of the plan to develop a regenerative filtration system for the EFV, which will provide three units of the prototype system for testing. Phase II of this project consists of the completion of the system development and demonstration phase of the project. The committee recommends an increase of $8.5 million in PE 63611M for acceleration of Phase II of regenerative filtration technology development, for a total authorization of $262.2 million.

Marine Corps ground and supporting arms systems

The budget request included $500,000 in PE 63635M, for the development of the follow-on to shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapon (FOTS), but no funding for the development of non-lethal weapons nor a sniper detection system.

The FOTS program will qualify and field an accurate, shoulder-fired, assault weapon designed to defeat a variety of ground targets on the battlefield, particularly in urban environments like those encountered by Marine Corps forces engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. FOTS will replace the Shoulder-Launched Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon, which has been in the Marine Corps inventory for over 20 years. The committee believes the Marine Corps needs to accelerate the development of this weapon system.

Nonlethal weapon development includes research in support of clearing facilities with novel technology and nonlethal and scalable weaponization. These initiatives aim to minimize collateral damage to infrastructure and personnel, while neutralizing facilities and the threats that might be posed to these facilities and the personnel that occupy them. Additionally, an urban operations environmental laboratory will provide assessment and analysis of the affects of nonlethal technologies to ensure minimum environmental and collateral damage when used in urban activities. The committee believes that the Marine Corps must have a broad range of responses to contain and manage emerging threats before, during, and after conflict, and with minimum collateral damage. Therefore, the committee supports these initiatives.

The Marine Corps requires a means to locate hostile fire to address survivability for forces in urban environments such as Iraq. No existing system can locate sources of sniper fire quickly and dependably. However, the committee believes that technology exists to develop a system that uses a thermal source-of-fire indicator to pinpoint the location from which a shot has been fired.

The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has identified additional funding for FOTS development, nonlethal weapon development, and a sniper detection system development on his unfunded priorities list.

The committee recommends the following:

The committee recommends a total authorization of $32.9 million in PE 63635M.

Marine mammal detection and mitigation

The budget request included $4.54 million in PE 63721N, for environmental protection. The committee notes that there continues to be intense interest in the issue of sonar and other sound impacts on marine mammals. Research of this type will increase the scientific body of knowledge necessary to maintain the combat training necessary for military readiness while also protecting marine mammals. Better systems to detect marine mammals will aid in development of systems and procedures to mitigate potential impacts. Data collected from such systems will also be invaluable in better understanding migration routes, population densities, and habits.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63721N for marine mammal detection and mitigation.

Navy logistics common operating picture

The budget request included $51.2 million in PE 64231N for the Tactical Command System, but contained no funding for the Navy logistics common operating picture (LOGCOP). Navy LOGCOP is a logistics decision support and management tool based on predictive software technology that was developed under a Navy-sponsored small business innovative research program. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 64231N for the development of Navy LOGCOP.

Automatic radar periscope detection and discrimination

The budget request included $29.5 million in PE 64261N for acoustic search sensors, including $12.2 million for the automatic radar periscope detection and discrimination (ARPDD) project. ARPDD provides a fully automated periscope detection, classification, and tracking capability to reliably detect periscopes and masts in complex, cluttered environments. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 64621N to accelerate the ARPDD project.

DD(X) destroyer integrated propulsion system

The budget request included $1,114.8 million in PE 64300N for DD(X) destroyer total ship systems engineering. The budget request included no funding for completing the development of the integrated power system for this ship, since final developmental testing of the integrated power system is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2005 prior to the ship's critical design review and the subsequent transition of funding to the Shipbuilding & Conversion, Navy account for detail design.

In proof of concept tests prior to shipment to the Navy's land-based test facility, the primary propulsion motor planned for the integrated power system, the permanent magnet motor (PMM), experienced a failure. The failure was determined to be caused by insulation, resulting in damage to the stators of the motor. To maintain schedule to meet the ship critical design review, the Navy has decided to fall back to an alternate propulsion motor, the advanced induction motor (AIM), for demonstration at the land-based test facility. Use of the AIM would add 300 tons to the weight of the DD(X). Funding is not adequate to pursue both technologies.

The committee believes that continued development of the PMM is warranted, if not for incorporation in the lead ship, for incorporation in following ships. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64300N for continued development and testing of the PMM for the DD(X) destroyer.

Affordable towed array construction

The budget request included $95.5 million in PE 64503N for submarine systems equipment development, but included no funding for the continued development of new, highly reliable, low cost fiber optic towed arrays. Funding is required to accelerate system performance verification testing, demonstrate array architectural flexibility, implement automated manufacturing equipment, and qualify commercial suppliers. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 64503N for the development of affordable towed array construction.

New Design SSN

The budget request included $155.8 million in PE 64558N for the continuing development of the Virginia-class submarine. The development efforts in this program are to evaluate a broad range of system and technology alternatives to directly support and enhance the mission capability of this class of submarine.

The budget request included no funding to develop the multi-mission module concept, with the focus to identify flexible payload concepts. The committee believes that the baseline Virginia-class design allows for integration of innovative payloads and sensors, which would enhance its capability. The committee recommends an increase of $30.0 million in PE 63558N for multi-mission module development.

The budget request included no funding to develop a large aperture bow array for the Virginia-class submarine. This array has the potential to allow for the rapid insertion and spiral development of future sensor technologies, increasing sonar performance at a lower cost than the current spherical array. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64558N for development of a large aperture bow array.

The budget request included no funding to transition the small business innovative research programs for advanced processing builds and multipurpose processor rapid commercial, off-the shelf insertion. Transition of these efforts would lead to an infrastructure for the Virginia-class submarine that could support insertion of network-centric intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 64558N for network-centric capability technology insertion.

The committee recommends a total authorization of $199.8 million in PE 64558N.

Submarine tactical warfare system

The budget request included $40.7 million in PE 64562N for submarine tactical warfare systems development. This program develops commercial, off-the-shelf based software and hardware upgrades to integrate improved weapons and tactical control capabilities for all submarine classes.

The budget request included no funding specifically for the insertion of common open architecture technology. Open architecture is key to enabling timely weapons system software upgrades. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 64562N for submarine common open architecture technology insertion.

The budget request included no funding to initiate the development of the automated submarine command and control center. This development would reduce the number of personnel necessary for submarine attack center operations. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 64562N for development of the automated submarine command and control center.

The committee recommends a total authorization of $47.7 million in PE 64562N.

Autonomous unmanned surface vessel

The budget request included $45.9 million in PE 64755N for detection and control for ship self-defense, but included no funding for the continued development of the autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV), which is being developed as a concept demonstrator for potential anti-terrorism force protection missions and to protect harbors and coastal facilities. The committee recommends an increase of $5.2 million in PE 64755N for the continued development of the AUSV.

NULKA anti-ship missile decoy development

The budget request included $24.0 million in PE 64757N for development of soft kill technologies for ship self-defense and $1.0 million for the continuing development of the NULKA decoy. NULKA is an offboard, active decoy designed to counter a wide variety of present and future radar-guided anti-ship missiles. Continued development of NULKA is necessary to counter anti-ship missiles that may migrate to other frequency bands or use dual mode seekers. The committee recommends an increase of $9.0 million in PE 64757N for the continued development of the NULKA decoy.

Navy medical research

The budget request included $7.2 million in PE 64771N, for medical development. The Department of Defense medical research continues to produce results in the form of vaccines and treatments to address the threat posed by biological weapons and naturally occurring illnesses in areas of military operation. Enhanced distribution techniques and more efficient delivery of treatments would further reduce logistical and personnel requirements, while increasing protection. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 64771N for non-invasive vectored vaccine research to explore a new approach to production of a consistent, highly immunogenic, and easily manufactured and administered vaccine.

Research on methods to prevent and address severe blood loss due to combat injuries challenges both the Army and Navy medical communities. Various blood preservation developments combined with innovations in blood loss treatments and blood replacement therapies yield life saving advances. Additional work in these areas would reduce treatment side effects and prolong the viability of blood substitutes. The committee recommends an increase of $9.0 million in PE 64771N, including $3.0 million to facilitate hemostatic therapy trials; $2.0 million for advanced research and development to improve the QuickClot treatment for internal use; and $4.0 million for evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a room and elevated temperature stable hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier.

Shared Reconnaissance Pod logistics support

The budget request included $88.7 million in PE 24136N for F/A-18 improvements, but included no funding for Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) logistics support. The SHARP system is an electro-optical/infrared system that is capable of collecting long- and medium-range imagery and can record or data link the imagery to provide the combatant commander information with which to identify possible targets. The development of logistics support for 21 SHARP systems--including interactive electronic technical manuals, completion of specific tasks associated with the Automated Maintenance Environment, and fleet aircrew and maintenance training curricula and maintenance training aids--are required for SHARP to achieve full operational capability. SHARP logistics support is included on the Chief of Naval Operations' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $3.2 million in PE 24136N for SHARP logistics support.

Marine Corps communications systems

The budget request included $237.1 million in PE 26313M, for communications systems development, including $18.3 million for the development of the ground/air task orientated radar (G/ATOR) and $5.8 million for the development of the distributed common ground/surface system (DCGS). The budget request included no funding for the Critical Infrastructure Protection Center (CIPC).

The G/ATOR program is a single material solution for the Multi-Role Radar System (MRRS) and Ground Weapons Locator Radar (GWLR) requirements that replaces and consolidates the capability of numerous legacy radars, including the AN/TPS-63 air surveillance, AN/MPQ-62 force control, AN/TPS-73 air traffic control, and AN/UPS-3 air defense radar systems. Current radar performance does not meet operational forces' requirements. Additional funding for G/ATOR development is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 26313M for G/ATOR.

The DCGS is a collection of service systems that will contribute to joint and combined war fighter needs for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support. The DCGS integrated backbone (DIB) is the architecture that will tie the services' DCGS systems together into one family of systems. The committee notes that the Marine Corps portion of the DCGS has not been integrated into the DIB. The committee recommends an increase of $4.8 million in PE 26313M to complete integration efforts.

The mission of CIPC is to foster system security engineering solutions for critical infrastructure protection by integrating information operations, emergency management, and other critical infrastructure protection initiatives. The committee notes that the Marine Corps has an ongoing requirement to perform information systems security functions that could be addressed by the CIPC. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 26313M, for information system security development.

The committee recommends a total authorization of $248.9 million in PE 26313M.

Marine Corps ground combat and supporting arms systems

The budget request included $48.4 million in PE 26623M for the development of Marine Corps ground combat and supporting arms systems, including $1.8 million for the Family of Raid and Reconnaissance equipment program and $7.1 million for the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS), but no funding for the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Sense and Respond Support System.

EFSS will be the primary indirect fire support system for the vertical assault element of the ship-to-objective maneuver force and is intended to fill the third `leg' of the Marine Corps' indirect fires triad, complementing longer-range systems such as the M777 155mm lightweight towed Howitzer and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. Munition development lags equipment development. Additional funding for EFSS is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $11.0 million to modify existing munitions from the family of 120mm rifled mortar rounds for use with EFSS.

The Family of Raid and Reconnaissance equipment program supports the research, development, and procurement actions for multiple airborne and specialized reconnaissance-related programs. Without a flexible multi-mission support platform, the Marine Corps cannot take full advantage of its recent investment in the Underwater Reconnaissance Capability (URC). URC consists of an advanced diver propulsion device, state-of-the-art hydrographic mapping equipment, and other critical maritime reconnaissance equipment to include the Multi-Role Intermediate Support Craft (MRISC), a replacement for the outdated and inefficient Combat Rubber Raiding Craft. The Marine Corps is currently evaluating commercial, off-the-shelf variants and additional funding would accelerate that evaluation. The committee recommends an increase of $9.5 million for the MRISC.

For the last two years, the Marine Corps has been studying the creation of a Sense and Respond Support System to monitor overall system health of the LAV. The Marine Corps needs to develop the technology to embed a variety of sensors in metal parts of the LAV. Successful implementation of this technology will decrease maintenance `down' time, increase readiness, and be a better predictor of vehicle life throughout its life cycle. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million for development of a LAV SRSS.

The committee recommends a total authorization of $72.9 million in PE 26623M.

Battlefield management system

The budget request included $10.5 million in PE 26624M, for the development of combat service support equipment, but no funding for the battlefield management system (BMS). The committee understands that the Marine Corps is currently exploring ways to improve situational awareness for Marine Corps armored ground vehicles and mechanized infantry at the platoon, company, and battalion level by providing target acquisition, fire coordination, sensor-to-shooter target management, mounted navigation, and instant dissemination of situational awareness information. The Marine Corps is ready to initiate Phase II of the program which will address Phase I technical issues of integrating BMS into the M1A1 Tank and the Amphibious Assault Vehicle. The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 26624M for BMS development, for a total authorization of $12.0 million.

RQ-8B Firescout vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle

The budget request included $77.6 million in PE 35204N for the development of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, including $60.1 million for the development of the RQ-8B Firescout vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV). The Firescout VTUAV was designed to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data to tactical users. A Firescout system is composed of three air vehicles, sensors, and control systems. The Firescout VTUAV will be common to the three modules to be incorporated on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). Additional funding for the Firescout VTUAV was included on the Chief of Naval Operations' unfunded priorities list to support the first LCS deliveries.

The committee recommends an increase of $39.0 million in PE 35204N to procure six additional Firescout air vehicles and sensor packages to support the completion of developmental and operational testing and integration with the first deliveries of LCS.

Distributed common ground system--Navy

The budget request included $12.4 million in PE 35208N for development of the distributed common ground system for the Navy (DCGS-N), but included no funding for integration of the advanced field artillery tactical data system (AFATDS), which provides automated command and control for the firepower aboard Navy ships. The converged architecture enabled by DCGS-N provides unparalleled flexibility to the warfighter and rapid response capability against relocatable, time critical targets. Currently, fire control information must be manually transferred between DCGS-N and AFATDS. The committee recommends an increase of $3.2 million in PE 35208N for the integration of AFATDS into the DCGS-N architecture.

National shipbuilding research program--advanced shipbuilding enterprise

The budget request included no funding in PE 78730N for maritime technology. In recent years, funding provided by this line was used for the national shipbuilding research program--advanced shipbuilding enterprise (NSRP-ASE). This enterprise is a collaborative effort between the Navy and industry, which has yielded new processes and techniques that reduce the cost of building and repairing ships. The program has already documented a positive return on investment.

Section 242 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375) expressed the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Defense should continue to fund this program at a sustaining level. With a shrinking industrial base for shipbuilding already driving higher costs, this type of initiative is essential to providing efficiencies. The committee believes it is shortsighted not to invest in improved processes that would reduce the cost of shipbuilding. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 78730N for the NSRP-ASE.

AIR FORCE

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Air Force basic science

The budget request included $223.9 million in PE 61102F, for Air Force defense research sciences. Innovative work supported by the Air Force basic research accounts is key to ensuring that our military has future capabilities and equipment to meet emerging threats. Applications such as air combat systems and ground support optoelectronics have foundations in novel nanomaterials used for the development of optical devices which are, in turn, components of information processing systems. The ability to quickly, securely, and reliably process information enables information dominance, one of a number of broad defense objectives. The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in PE 61102F, for nanophotonic components, the building blocks of electronic materials in a number of aircraft, ship, and soldier systems.

Air Force missions in the areas of reducing time to target and rapid response to global threats require basic and applied research on missile propulsion systems. Research on hypersonic engine designs have produced some early results over the last year. Design tools to predict and monitor performance of propulsion and control systems are needed, as are trained experts to move promising research forward. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 61102F to expand basic hypersonics research and to develop a strong academic program in hypersonics flow physics.

Secure, assured information sharing

The budget request included $105.0 million in PE 61103F, for university research initiatives. Air Force university research supports defense related basic science in a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines important to maintaining U.S. military technology superiority. One basic science pursuit of increasing significance involves investigation into information management in the `need to know' and `need to share' environments. The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in PE 61103F to expand research on novel approaches to information sharing requirements and to address policies, procedures, and technology to meet differing security protection levels and requirements.

Blast resistant barriers

The budget request included $74.2 million in PE 62102F, for materials research. The committee supports research focused on the development of materials, composites, and structural designs to protect personnel and equipment from the threat of vehicle borne and other explosive device delivery methods. A variety of commercial and `makeshift' barricades currently provide protection to bases, facilities, and structures in the homeland and abroad. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 62102F for research and development of blast resistant barriers, including engineering of materials for different structural designs, testing, and establishment of blast barrier standards.

Air Force materials research

The budget request included $74.2 million in PE 62102F, for materials research. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62102F for nano-particle materials coating research. This research has the potential to develop advanced aeronautical coatings to improve the reliability and corrosion resistance of Air Force platforms.

The Department of Defense has a need for improved, affordable aerospace structures. Composite materials offer the potential for cost and weight savings along with improved air and space vehicle performance. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62102F for accelerated development of complex composite structures for manned and unmanned air vehicles.

Nano-technologies for chemical and biological defense

The budget request included $79.4 million in PE 62202F, for human effectiveness applied research. Progress has been made in development of multiple-step processes for the detection, identification, and neutralization of single biological agents. A system capable of executing all three steps at once for a wide range of bio-agents, in different environments, would add value to existing capabilities. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62202F to augment ongoing research on the use of pulsed power plasma produced nano-particles to detect, identify, and defeat pathogens in a one-step process.

Hypersonics engine research and integration

The budget request included $107.5 million in PE 62203F, for aerospace propulsion, including $18.9 million for advanced aerospace propulsion technologies and hypersonic weapons and aircraft concepts. The committee notes that the X-43A successfully achieved Mach 9.8 during test flights last year, and believes that the joint Air Force and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) X-43 effort represents an important technology pathway to achieving a hypersonic operational capability.

The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million in PE 62203F to support a more aggressive hypersonics scramjet research program, to facilitate additional ground testing of the X-43 engine, and to evaluate initial concepts for integration of engine and vehicle designs. The committee strongly encourages NASA and the Air Force to work jointly on this program and to support the multi-engine demonstrator in future budget requests.

The committee notes that magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) may have applications when integrated with hypersonic vehicles now under development. The committee believes a better understanding of the advantages of the technology, the technical challenges to its use, and the potential for incorporation into hypersonic vehicle designs would be beneficial. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, to provide a report to the congressional defense committees, by March 15, 2006, surveying both classified and unclassified MHD research conducted in the past and provide recommendations on whether military applications may be derived from MHD technology.

Space technology

The budget request included $84.5 million in PE 62601F, for space technology. In response to Department of Defense guidance, the Air Force research community embarked on an effort to support the space dominance mission. Integration of multiple functions into single space structures capable of autonomous fabrication and assembly represents a key focus of investigation in this area. Nano-reinforced structural space systems and advanced multifunctional space structures show promise in facilitating major improvements in space structure utility and performance. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62601F for expanded research in both of these structural areas and for examination of concepts for weight and cost reduction of space structural systems.

The committee further recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 62601F, including $3.0 million for the deployable space structures experiment, a general effort to lower the cost of spacecraft by instituting commonality and modularity in the construction of satellites; and $3.0 million for integrated control for autonomous space systems, a program focused on development of advanced satellite control and measurement technologies needed to operate Air Force space and airbreathing systems.

Adaptive optics research

The budget request included $37.7 million in PE 62605F, for directed energy research. Advanced digital communications allow for high levels of data transfer and rapid processing of visual images in support of network centric warfare. The Air Force has been doing work with lasers to expand communications bandwidth and to increase digital communication capabilities. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62605F to accelerate this work and to support adaptive optics research for laser communications systems.

Integrated spacecraft engineering tool

The budget request included $60.9 million in PE 63401F for Advanced Spacecraft Technology, but no funding for the integrated spacecraft engineering tool (ISET).

ISET would be used to build software models to enable satellite system designers, builders, and operators to accurately and reliably model and predict the performance of space systems. This would provide significant cost savings in the development and integration of future satellite systems and aid in the analysis of alternatives for prospective space systems.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63401F to develop, demonstrate, and validate an integrated spacecraft engineering tool--to support rapid prototyping, and to collaborate research, development, testing, and evaluation of advanced spacecraft and aerospace vehicles.

Laser eye protection

The budget request included $36.7 million in PE 63112F, for advanced materials for weapon systems. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63112F to address an Air Force requirement for laser eye protection.

Metals affordability initiative

The budget request included $36.7 million in PE 63112F, for advanced materials for weapons systems. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63112F for unfunded priority Air Force research on specialty aerospace metals as part of the Metals Affordability Initiative. This type of research could lead to cheaper and higher performance aerospace metals and alloys, which will contribute significantly to future military air and space capabilities.

Aerospace propulsion and power technologies

The budget request included $77.3 million in PE 63216F, for aerospace propulsion and power technology. Traditional oil lubrication of propulsion and power systems carries operation and maintenance costs that could be avoided through the use of alternative technologies. The committee recommends an increase in PE 63216F of $3.0 million to advance the more electric gas turbine research to a technology readiness level for prototype development and testing. Application of this technology could improve performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of propulsion and power systems by replacing oil lubrication with magnetic and electrical components in gas turbine engines.

The Air Force is pursuing research on reusable high-speed turbine engines for a hypersonic cruise missile. The Air Force Science and Technology unfunded priority list includes a request for additional research on a Mach 4+ turbine engine for rapid long-range strike and operational responsive space lift. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63216F for the advanced supersonics cruise missile, to meet the Air Force unfunded requirement in this area and to accelerate and expand ground demonstrations to include critical integration technologies such as the supersonic inlet, exhaust nozzle and afterburner subsystems.

Versatile affordable advanced turbine engines

The budget request included $77.3 million in PE 63216F, for aerospace propulsion and power technologies. The Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engine (VAATE) program is a joint program between the Departments of Defense and Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and industry to develop, demonstrate, and transition advanced, multiuse turbine engine technologies. The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in PE 63216F to meet Air Force requirements for accelerated development of these technologies that could be key to the evolution of long-endurance, high efficiency engines for emerging unmanned aerial combat systems.

Ballistic missile technology

The budget request included $60.9 million in PE 63401F for advanced spacecraft technology.

The committee is aware of the need to develop common advanced guidance technology applicable to Air Force and Navy strategic ballistic missile systems and future space vehicles. These efforts support capabilities needed to fulfill validated requirements for land-based strategic deterrence and prompt global strike.

The committee recommends an increase in $5.0 million in PE 63401F for advanced technology demonstrations in guidance and control, flight computers, vehicle structures, and range safety technology.

AC coupled interconnect

The budget request included $60.9 million in PE 63401F, for advanced spacecraft technology.

The committee notes that the Air Force has been exploring ways for satellites to operate more effectively on the limited power offered by solar cells. AC coupled interconnect is a new technique that would provide for the connecting of electronic chips in computer and electronic equipment at more efficient rates. In 2004, a key demonstration of this technology resulted in chips communicating with each other at 6 GHz. Additional funding would produce a complete technology for connecting electronic chips for all fields of application, including satellites.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63401F for AC coupled interconnect development.

Energy cells for defense and intelligence applications

The budget request included $60.9 million in PE 603401F, for advanced spacecraft technology, but no funding for the development of Beta Energy Cells (BEC).

The committee understands that BEC can be used to charge batteries and super capacitors to greatly extend the operational life of critical military and intelligence systems.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 603401F to complete the development phase of BEC research and make prototype products available to defense and intelligence users.

Radically Segmented Launch Vehicle

The budget request included $61.0 in PE 63401F, for advanced spacecraft technology, but no funding for the Radically Segmented Launch Vehicle (RSLV)

The RSLV program addresses a broad range of Department of Defense mission requirements for low-cost, routine, and responsive space launch. Program development and risk reduction for responsive space launch is currently performed under a joint Air Force, National Air and Space Administration, and Defense Advanced Research Project Agency program management arrangement. The committee is supportive of efforts to acquire an operationally responsive space capability to support the warfighter.

The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63401F to perform engineering development, prototype hardware fabrication, and ground testing of the RSLV for the purpose of mitigating technical risk and validating cost savings potential.

Thin film amorphous solar arrays

The budget request included $60.9 million in PE 63401F, for advanced spacecraft technology, but no funding for thin film amorphous solar arrays.

The committee is aware of the need to reduce the cost of satellite launches, which is driven to a large extent by the weight of satellite payloads. The committee believes research on thin film amorphous solar arrays has the potential to produce solar arrays that are significantly less expensive, lighter, and more efficient than current solar arrays.

The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63401F for thin film amorphous solar array research and development.

High Accuracy Network Determination System

The budget request included $5.8 million in PE 63444F, for the Maui space surveillance system, but no funding for the High Accuracy Network Determination System (HANDS).

The Air Force satellite control network maintains careful management of satellites that perform missions of crucial importance to national security, such as detecting ballistic missile launches against the United States as well as space launches and nuclear detonations. HANDS technology has the potential to increase the accuracy of the data gathered in support of this mission.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63444F to research, develop, and demonstrate capabilities of HANDS technology.

Laser threat warning attack reporting

The budget request included $53.4 million in PE 63500F, for the multidisciplinary advanced development space program.

The committee notes that U.S. space systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable to deliberate hostile or intrusive attacks from lasers deployed by foreign governments and terrorist groups. The purpose of the laser threat warning attack reporting (LTWAR) for space program is to develop electro-optical sensors capable of detecting such laser radiation incidents on space systems.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63500F to accelerate the LTWAR.

Enable network centric warfare

The budget request included $30.1 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force, for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence Advanced Development, but included no funding for science and technology efforts to continue development and fielding of advanced capabilities that will facilitate the ability of air platforms to engage in airborne networking and improve their ability to participate in network centric operations.

The enable network centric warfare program is an urgent need requirement that was identified by the Commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), after the fiscal year 2006 President's budget request had been submitted. The concept of network centric warfare is being implemented within the Department of Defense, but challenges remain in developing the capabilities to fully enable airborne platforms to be integrated into network centric operations. This integration effort is expected to result in a reliable, secure, and assured network centric communications infrastructure for ground mobile and airborne platforms that will improve the ability of battlefield commanders to see the battlespace and coordinate the use of weapons systems.

The committee recommends an increase of $3.2 million in PE 63789F, to accelerate development and fielding of operational airborne networking equipment for network centric operations and more quickly meet the urgent need requirement of the Commander, U.S. CENTCOM.

Military satellite communications

The budget request included $835.8 million in PE 63845F, for the Transformational Satellite Communications system (TSAT) and $665.3 million in PE 63430F, for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system.

The committee recognizes the increasing importance of communications to net-centric military operations and remains supportive of the TSAT effort to provide substantial increases in bandwidth to the military and intelligence user. The committee notes, however, that while TSAT has been an acquisition program since January 2004, only one of its seven critical technologies is mature, according to the Government Accountability Office's 2005 assessment of major weapon programs.

The committee has been concerned that the technical risks in the program are very high given the state of critical technology development. In hearings before Congress in 2004 and 2005, then- Under Secretary of the Air Force, Peter Teets, acknowledged that if the TSAT program were to experience unanticipated problems, the Air Force would adjust its strategy by taking `acquisition off-ramps.' These off-ramps or back-up technologies are associated with critical technologies from the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite program.

Given the technological risks associated with TSAT, the committee recommends that the Air Force provide funding to the AEHF program for the development and procurement of a fourth AEHF satellite. The committee directs the Air Force to focus TSAT funding and development efforts primarily on those activities directly related to maturing critical technologies. Finally, the committee recommends that the Air Force consider incorporating available maturing TSAT technologies into the fourth AEHF satellite, if feasible. This approach is in accordance with the Department of Defense's updated space acquisition policy, which states that evolutionary acquisition is the preferred strategy for rapid acquisition of mature technology for the user. Procuring a fourth, incrementally enhanced AEHF satellite could serve to shorten the time in moving from AEHF to TSAT capabilities as well as reduce the overall risks in achieving TSAT capabilities.

In accordance with these recommendations, the committee recommends a decrease of $200.0 million in PE 63845F for TSAT and an increase of $100.0 million in PE 63430F for AEHF.

Space radar

The budget request included $225.8 million in PE 63858F, for space radar (SR).

In the statement of managers accompanying the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375), the conferees expressed the view that while they were strongly supportive of radar satellites, the Air Force cost estimates for the notional space based radar (SBR) architecture, as presented in the fiscal year 2005 budget request, made the system potentially unaffordable. The conferees noted that affordability would be dependent on the development of a single radar satellite system to meet both military and intelligence community needs and the integration of the space-based radar into an architecture consisting of other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Consequently, the Department of Defense was directed to restructure the SBR effort to focus on continued technology maturation, architectural analysis, and system evolution.

The committee believes that while the Air Force has taken steps to address congressional concerns, the restructured space radar (SR) program still lacks sufficient programmatic and cost definition. The committee welcomes realignment of the SR program budget to focus on early development and demonstration of ground infrastructure and ground capabilities that may have benefits beyond the space radar program. While the committee supports a demonstration project to help validate technology readiness and ascertain costs for the objective system, the committee questions the Air Force decision to pursue an on-orbit demonstration as opposed to an earlier, less costly airborne experiment. Moreover, the inability of the Air Force to provide a firm cost estimate for the demonstration project illustrates the uncertainty of the approach. While the joint memorandum on the space radar program signed by the Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence on January 13, 2005, is a welcome sign, the lack of agreement on a specific cost share for the program is an indication that much has yet to be decided before Congress can provide its full support for this program. Finally, the committee notes that two important reports to Congress, addressing various options for the space-based radar architecture and key features of an ISR system-of-systems architecture, have yet to be completed and received by this committee--another indication that Department plans for space radar remain uncertain.

The committee recommends a decrease of $75.0 million in PE 63858F, and strongly urges the Department to consider an airborne demonstration in fiscal year 2006 or early fiscal year 2007 to inform a Key Decision Point B decision for the objective Space Radar program as soon as possible. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the congressional defense committees by January 15, 2006, on the Department's plan for the objective Space Radar program, including associated costs. Finally, the committee recommends that the Department seek solid commitments from the Director of National Intelligence regarding cost and requirements sharing for space radar before the fiscal year 2007 budget request submission.

Tactical satellite demonstrations

The budget request included $23.5 million in PE 64855F for operationally responsive launch, but no funding for tactical satellite demonstrations.

The U.S. space transportation policy of January 6, 2005, directs the government to demonstrate before 2010 an initial capability for operationally responsive access to and use of space to support national security requirements. The Air Force is pursuing a joint warfighting space concept to provide prompt space support for the warfighter by rapidly launching rockets with small, militarily useful satellites that would be controlled by the warfighter. The objective is to develop tactical satellites that could be stored and, when directed, launched and ready to support operations within a few days compared to the two-year lead time that is currently needed for satellite launches. The committee has been supportive of this concept as a way to improve space support to the warfighter and reduce the cost and development time for military space systems. The Air Force and other service partners have funded the first satellite experiment and most of the satellite work for the second joint warfighting space satellite, JWS-2, (otherwise known as TacSat-3) but no funds are currently budgeted for other important demonstration pieces, including the launch. The committee notes that the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's unfunded priorities list includes a $13.5 million request for this purpose.

The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64855F to fund the launch and range costs for JWS-2, and one year of satellite operations.

Robust nuclear earth penetrator

The budget request included $15.2 million in PE 64222F for development of nuclear weapons support, including $1.0 million for the development of nuclear weapons and counterproliferation technologies to support joint Air Force and National Nuclear Security Administration efforts associated with logistics and aircraft integration for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP). The committee notes that the evaluation of RNEP feasibility by the Department of Energy is not scheduled to be completed prior to 2007. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $1.0 million in PE 64222F for efforts associated with logistics and aircraft integration for the RNEP.

Space control test capabilities

The budget request included $24.7 million in PE 64421F, for Air Force counterspace systems.

The `National Space Policy' of September 1996 specifies that the United States will develop, operate, and maintain space control capabilities to ensure freedom of action in space and, if directed, deny such freedom of action to adversaries. The committee recognizes that continuing development by the Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center of software applications used to integrate offensive and defensive space control systems into a single system-of-systems simulated testbed could contribute to near-term capabilities for space control and situational awareness.

The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 64421F for continued test and development of command and control capabilities for ground-based space control assets.

FPS-16 radar mobilization and upgrade

The budget request included $55.3 million in PE 64759F, for major test and evaluation investments. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 64759F for upgrade and mobilization of an additional fixed positioning system (FPS)-16 radar. Updating the radar with fully digital electronics would increase reliability, decrease maintenance time and cost, and enhance radar performance and data products. Mobilization of the radar will facilitate flexibility and increase optimal tracking coverage.

Ballistic missile range safety technology

The budget request included $13.8 million in PE 65860F for the rocket systems launch program, but no funding for ballistic missile range safety technology (BMRST).

The committee is aware that BMRST is a global positioning system based launch range safety system that has the potential to provide significant technical and reliability advantages and cost savings over current radar systems. The committee notes that several launch ranges have requested BMRST systems for local range certification as well as down-range reentry support.

The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 65860F to support expanded BMRST system capability, critical certification, and testing requirements.

A-10 aircraft propulsion improvements

The budget request included $51.8 million in PE 27131F for the continued development of the A-10 aircraft; including $33.9 million for A-10 propulsion improvements. The Air Force intends to operate this aircraft until fiscal year 2028; and aircrews have continued to rank propulsion as a major operational deficiency. The committee recommends an increase of $25.0 million in PE 27131F to continue the propulsion modernization effort for the A-10 aircraft.

Information systems security research

The budget request included $109.3 million in PE 33140F, for the information systems security program. A recent National Defense University report entitled `Information Assurance: Trends in Vulnerabilities, Threats and Technologies' noted that a series of internal and external studies and policy pronouncements from the Department of Defense over the last two decades contains a basic premise, that: `the explosive changes in information technology would transform the future of military operations. The benefits of this change have been well documented but its potential vulnerabilities have been less commonly described--or addressed for corrective action.' To augment the Department's work in developing solutions to information security vulnerabilities and to review associated legal and regulatory issues, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 33140F, including $2.0 million for infrastructure assurance and security research conducted in collaboration with the Air Intelligence Agency and $1.0 million for homeland defense threat information studies and analysis of the legal and regulatory challenges involved in cyber security.

Viper Strike munition for Predator

The budget request included $61.0 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force, for Predator UAV, in PE 35219F, for the continued development of the Predator unmanned aerial vehicle system, but did not include additional funding for the development of the Viper Strike lightweight precision munition that can be integrated onto the Predator air frame. The Viper Strike precision munition represents a transformational capability, providing pinpoint accuracy against moving, stationary, and armored targets, even in low visibility environments. The Viper Strike is an important step forward in linking powerful sensors to precision munitions to allow the rapid engagement of high-value targets on the complex 21st century battlefield. Funding would allow fielding of this important capability in the global war on terrorism to battlefield commanders in fiscal year 2006, while the Air Force establishes a program of record for future years.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 35219F, for development and early fielding of 55 Viper Strike precision munitions.

S-band radar

The budget request included $151.1 million in PE 35910F for spacetrack, but no funding for the S-band radar.

The S-band sensor system detects and tracks all low-earth orbiting objects and is the only planned system capable of providing the information required for space situational awareness and space control. Air Force funding reductions to the space surveillance system, of which S-band radar is an important component, led to eliminating funding for S-band radar in the fiscal year 2006 budget request. The committee understands it is the intention of the Air Force to continue funding this program in fiscal years 2008 to 2011. The committee believes, therefore, that additional funding will accelerate deployment and mitigate additional system costs.

The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 35910F for the S-band radar project.

Space-Based Space Surveillance

The budget request included $151.1 million in PE 35910F, for spacetrack, of which $114.2 million is for the Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) program.

The SBSS is a sensor that will conduct deep space and low- earth orbit surveillance in support of U.S. space control and situational awareness requirements. The committee notes that funding cuts in fiscal year 2005 delayed the SBSS launch for one year from 2008 to 2009, causing a potential gap in space surveillance capabilities. Additional funding for SBSS was included in the Air Force Chief of Staff's unfunded priorities list.

The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 35910F for SBSS to purchase long-lead hardware to support assembly, integration, and testing in fiscal year 2006.

Nano-materials manufacturing

The budget request included $36.9 million in PE 78011F, for industrial preparedness. As research advances lead to robust composite material designs assembled from the nano-scale level, manufacturing processes must develop in parallel to expedite production and use of new structures. The committee recommends an increase in PE 78011F of $4.0 million for nano-materials manufacturing.

Air Force support systems

The budget request included $10.3 million in PE 78611F, for support systems development. Fuel tank coatings require periodic inspection for adhesion and corrosion and may demand removal and reapplication. Current procedures are costly as well as hazardous to maintenance personnel. The committee recommends an increase of $2.9 million in PE 78611F to complete development of a semi- autonomous robot that would replace personnel in the dangerous work inside aircraft fuel tanks and would provide cost savings, particularly in the maintenance of legacy aircraft.

The Department of Defense's pursuit of `cradle to grave' weapon systems management shows promise in improving supply chains and logistics. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 78611F for an aging aircraft logistics management integrated data environment. The integrated system would enable an `as-is' depiction of the C-5/C-17 weapons systems at any given point in time. Logistics and supply chain decision- making improvements support cost savings and increased levels of readiness.

The committee further recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 78611F for the aircraft systems and support infrastructure project and for research into five specific focus areas: structure and materials; avionics, electronics and software; information technology; environmental compliance; and depot industrial processes.

Personnel and pay information technology systems

The committee understands that the Department of Defense plans to begin implementing its Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System (DIMHRS) for personnel and pay in fiscal year 2006. In development since 1998, this program is intended, in part, to address long-standing problems with military personnel pay. These problems have only been exacerbated in recent years by the call-up of numerous reservists and guardsman to serve in the ongoing global war on terrorism. The DIMHRS implementation plan for a single consolidated military personnel and pay system across the entire Department is a laudable goal, long overdue, and one which the committee supports.

The first phase of the DIMHRS implementation begins in fiscal year 2006 with the Army, and is planned to continue through the end of fiscal year 2007. Additional phases, or `spirals,' are still under development. However, the committee is concerned that the program is under funded by $49.0 million in fiscal year 2006.

The committee has also been briefed on a separate effort planned within the Air Force to enhance their legacy personnel and pay system, called Personnel Service Delivery (PSD). This proposed system appears to duplicate many of the features and attributes of the DIMHRS system already under development. Additionally, the PSD program has not yet received certification from the Secretary of Defense, as required by section 332 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375). The budget request included $16.4 million in PE 91220F and $25.6 million in Operation and Maintenance, Air Force, for the Air Force's PSD effort.

The committee is concerned that the Air Force is continuing to invest in efforts that duplicate DIMHRS. Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction in PE 91220F, of $16.4 million; and a reduction in Operation and Maintenance, Air Force, of $25.6 million to eliminate funding for the PSD effort. The committee also recommends an increase in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, of $49.0 million for the DIMHRS program.

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Focus center research program

The budget request included no funding in PE 60111D8Z, for government/industry co-sponsorship of university research.

The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 60111D8Z for a component of the focus center research program managed by the Director, Defense Research and Engineering. This partnership achieved successful transition of technologies to advance capabilities of weapons systems, radars, missile seekers, and information networks. The program also supports microelectronics research and training of future scientists and engineers.

Superstructural particle evaluation

The budget request included $72.5 million in PE 61384BP, for chemical and biological defense basic research. Basic science challenges continue to plague efforts to develop comprehensive methods for countering threats posed by chemical and biological warfare agents. The committee commends the Department of Defense for supporting basic research to address both the chemical and biological threat, and recommends an increase of $1.85 million in PE 61384BP to accelerate promising work in superstructural particle evaluation and characterization with targeted reaction analysis (SPECTRA). This program would allow for testing of agents at the cellular level and the possible rapid development of a series of bioprotection substances. These protection methods could improve survivability and alleviate symptoms of exposure to chemical and biological warfare agents.

Chemical and biological defense applied research

The budget request included $187.8 million in PE 62384BP, for chemical and biological defense applied research. The Department of Defense requires improved prediction models for timely monitoring of exposure to different chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. The committee recommends an increase of $1.2 million in PE 62384BP for an automated man-in-simulant-test (MIST) program to facilitate testing and development of a new generation of protective clothing. The new testing capability would allow for reliable reproduction of the same test and would lower test operating costs and shorten the time between tests.

The Department requires a flexible analytical tool for bio-defense to support force protection and intelligence and threat assessment activities. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62384BP for continuing research into the development of multipurpose bio-defense immuno-arrays. The immuno-arrays would allow for rapid, inexpensive characterization of new and novel pathogens and expedited development of countermeasures to biological threats, thereby enhancing force protection and threat assessment capabilities.

Current chemical and biological protective suits used by the military have deficiencies, including limited life; limited moisture vapor permeability; and the need for post-contamination containment. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62384BP for development and demonstration of self-decontaminating prototype chemical and biological protective suits, which would address some of these limitations.

One of the objectives of the applied chemical and biological research program is to develop lightweight, effective, and fast agent detectors for widespread use. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62384BP for research and development of a portable chemical/biological sensor system using quartz crystal microbalance technology. Such a system would have potential application for autonomous vehicles and individual soldiers.

Mustard gas antidote

The budget request included $21.5 million in PE 62384BP, for medical chemical defense applied research. This program emphasizes the prevention of chemical casualties and addresses capability gaps in the area of prophylaxes for chemical warfare agents. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62384BP for mustard gas antidote research. The committee commends the Department of Defense for current research focused on a mustard gas antidote using signal transduction inhibition antioxidant liposomes (STIMAL), and notes that STIMAL research has demonstrated the ability to substantially reduce or eliminate the effects of a range of chemical and biological weapons.

Tactical technology

The budget request included $361.6 million in PE 62702E, for tactical technology. The committee recommends a decrease of $33.02 million in PE 62702E, including decreases of $6.8 million in unjustified growth for two missile programs--agile interceptor and guided projectiles; $3.42 million from the riverine crawler underwater vehicle, which would duplicate similar unmanned systems already under development; and $4.8 million from the newly initiated preconflict anticipation and shaping program, which does not contain sufficient justification.

Human performance in hazardous environments

The budget request included $206.5 million in PE 62716BR, for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) defeat, but no funds for a central repository of information on human vulnerabilities to, and performance in, adverse environments which result from weapons' effects. Command authorities need information regarding immediate occupational health and environmental safety implications to protect forces conducting and supporting military operations. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62716BR for demonstration and validation of emerging products, which would provide information on human performance in hazardous environments.

Technology Support Working Group

The budget request included $55.3 million in PE 63122D8Z for combating terrorism technology support. The Technology Support Working Group (TSWG) manages efforts under this account that focus on interagency rapid prototyping research and development programs for combating terrorism technologies in response to user requirements.

Current threats underscore the need to protect bridges, tunnels, oil pipelines, and other critical infrastructures against exposure to attack. Design engineers lack the basic structural response data for retrofit and new construction for many of these unique and important structures. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million for a defense against explosive effects program to close existing capability gaps, to develop infrastructure protection guidelines, and to validate and enhance existing and new analytical tools for use by armed services and homeland defense officials.

Genetic engineering of bio-agents may provide a powerful countermeasure to bio-detection systems currently in use and in development, and may also increase vaccine and therapy defeat capabilities. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63122D8Z for the bio-engineered agent assessment tool, which has the potential to deliver a unique set of real-time chemical and biological identification and analysis capabilities, to address the threat of biological terrorism which employs engineered agents.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63122D8Z for the development of fuel cell technologies for continuity of operations missions. Fuel cell technology has potential advantages over traditional backup power options as it could provide continuous, low maintenance, extended operation, and is useable in confined spaces.

Radiation detection technology

The budget request included $6.6 million in PE 63160BR for proliferation prevention and defeat radiation detection technology. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63160BR for procuring glass scintillation fiber radiation detectors and developing new portable applications, including backpack detectors, panels for aircraft, and detectors included in clothing systems. The committee further recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 63160BR for the development of a state-of-the-art radiation portal monitor using High Purity Germanium technology that will surpass the performance and accuracy of portal monitors currently in use. The committee notes the importance of developing higher quality, more cost-effective nuclear radiation detectors to enhance our ability to detect and identify hazardous materials that pose a proliferation threat.

Ballistic missile defense reductions

The budget request included $136.3 million in PE 63175C for ballistic missile defense technology; $455.2 million in PE 63889C for ballistic missile defense products; $447.0 million in PE 63890C for ballistic missile defense systems core; and $345.0 million in PE 63891C for special programs--MDA. The committee notes that within each of these program elements there is funding specified for activities in fiscal year 2008 and beyond that lack sufficient budget justification.

The committee recommends a decrease of $25.0 million in PE 63175C for ballistic missile defense technology; a decrease of $30.0 million in PE 63889C for ballistic missile defense products; a decrease of $30.0 million in PE 63890C for ballistic missile defense systems core; and a decrease of $50.0 million in PE 63891C for special programs--MDA.

Massively parallel optical interconnects

The budget request included $136.0 million in PE 63175C for ballistic missile defense technology.

Massively parallel optical interconnects for micro-satellite data communications is an advanced technology that would greatly increase the reliability and precision of satellite guidance for advanced tactical missiles. The committee is aware of the key role played by satellite guided-precision munitions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and supports efforts to improve upon this capability in a timely manner.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63175C to enable the technology associated with massively parallel optical interconnects to advance to the deployment stage.

Missile technology

The budget request included $75.9 million in PE 63286E, for advanced aerospace systems. The committee recommends a decrease of $6.4 million in PE 63286E for the Long Gun program. The committee notes that this project duplicates the Navy's affordable weapon system effort, which is not yet part of long-range Navy acquisition plans. There is no validated requirement for the effort and no funding programmed in the Navy budget to transition the technology.

Anthrax and plague oral vaccine research and development

The budget request included $63.1 million in PE 63384BP, for advanced technology development specific to medical bio-defense. The committee supports the Department of Defense's efforts under this account to develop and test safe and effective prophylaxes and therapies for pre- and post-exposure to biological threats and agents. The committee recommends an increase of $3.75 million in PE 63384BP for Phase I clinical trials and initial production of the oral anthrax plague vaccine. This effort parallels the Department's plague vaccine development program and may provide superior protection against pneumonic plague.

Miniaturized RAMAN chemical identification system

The budget request included $164.5 million in PE 63384BP, for the chemical and biological defense advanced technology program. The ability to rapidly characterize substances such as explosives, chemical agents, toxic industrial chemicals, narcotics, and other hazardous materials under a variety of conditions poses difficult challenges. Combining real-time, reliable sensing and identification techniques into a hand-held device has been an even more complicated task.

The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63384BP for accelerated development of a small, lightweight chemical identification system, which uses the RAMAN spectroscopy technology. These additional resources are intended to ensure a power supply that lasts nearly twice as long as currently available, in a device that is under one quarter the weight but which maintains the substance identification speed of larger stationary machines.

Diminishing manufacturing sources

The budget request included $22.4 million in PE 63712S, for general logistics research and development technology demonstrations. The military faces challenges in maintaining a supply of replacement and repair parts for legacy systems, a costly problem with readiness implications and no coordinated solution. The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 63712S for continuation of a project designed to create a single repository of information for addressing the diminishing manufacturing source problem.

The Department of Defense needs a capability to develop and evaluate methods and processes for manufacturing printed circuit boards with buried passive components and other advanced technologies relevant to warfighter needs. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63712S for the embedded passives research and development test bed to enable advanced domestic capability in the military crucial technology area of electronic systems.

The committee further recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63712S to support the manufacturing supply chain and for increased involvement of small- and medium-sized firms in meeting surge production requirements.

Vehicle fuel cell program

The budget request included $22.4 million in PE 63712S, for general logistics research and development technology demonstrations. A recent Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) report entitled `Potential Use of Hydrogen as a Defense Logistics Fuel' noted that hydrogen power may offer benefits to the warfighter such as stealth and sustainment and could provide multiple potential sources of fuel. The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million in PE 63712S for acceleration of the Department of Defense vehicle fuel cell program, particularly in development of a hydrogen logistics fuel for use in both tactical and nontactical military vehicles. Consistent with the recommendations made by DLA, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a Hydrogen Logistics Initiative to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy and plan for the appropriate use of hydrogen and acquisition of hydrogen to meet Department requirements for the future.

Advanced electronics

The budget request included $214.4 million in PE 63739E, for advanced electronics. The committee recommends a decrease of $10.0 million in PE 63739E, including decreases of $3.0 million from the combat optical fiber technology program, which requires additional fundamental research prior to developmental work; $5.0 million from the networked microsystems program; and $2.0 million from the visible short wave infra-red photon counting project. These programs are new starts in fiscal year 2006. The committee recommends spending levels more appropriate for the start-up year of such programs.

Small scale systems packaging

The budget request included $214.4 million in PE 63739E, for advanced electronics technology. Small scale systems, devices and interconnections on the order of micro- and nano-scale in size are becoming more frequent components in military systems. Research on individual components shows promise, but efforts at integration of small scale components systems are not keeping pace with advances in research. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63739E to address challenges in packaging small scale components into systems.

Advanced ferrite antenna

The budget request included $163.6 million in PE 63750D8Z, for advanced concept technology demonstrations. Use of the advanced ferrite antenna would allow replacement of large antennas and reduction of the antenna footprint. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63750D8Z for crossed field radiation technology to test the advanced ferrite antenna to meet Navy and military standards.

Communications and control alert framework

The budget request included $163.6 million in PE 63750D8Z, for advanced concept technology demonstrations. The Department of Defense's complex command and control structure poses management challenges critical to the successful prosecution of any single mission. Important collaborations with other agencies and governments create further complications. The layers of permission for sharing of information, combined with time-sensitive needs to disseminate data across networks and between operating domains, presents an ideal project for exploration by the advanced concepts technology demonstration process.

The committee recommends an increase of $4.7 million in PE 63750D8Z to bridge the gap between initial research on the command and control alert framework system and full accomplishment of design objectives for testing of a comprehensive, flexible data-sharing system. The alert system would allow local data managers to control information access and would enable participants to filter data streams and reduce information overload.

Flexible JP-8 military fuel certification

The budget request included $163.6 million in PE 63750D8Z, for advanced concept technology demonstrations. The Department of Defense continues to support efforts aimed at near- and far-term solutions for energy sources, particularly those for transportation. One such research program involves development of a clean jet fuel source. In support of efforts to examine new forms of energy and to meet the Department's clean fuel targets, the committee recommends an increase of $18.0 million in PE 63750D8Z for final certification of a flexible JP-8 military fuel pilot program to facilitate transition to an advanced concept technology demonstration.

Prevention and detection of cyber threats

The budget request included $189.8 million in PE 63755D8Z, for the high performance computing modernization program. The President's Information Technology Advisory Committee noted in a February 2005 report entitled `Cyber Security: A Crisis of Prioritization' that `the information technology infrastructure of the United States, which is now vital for communication, commerce, and control of our physical infrastructure, is highly vulnerable to terrorist and criminal attacks.' The Department of Defense uses networks to communicate with bases, research facilities, and other installations. These networks are vulnerable to a number of types of attack that could be used to break into communication lines and to substitute false information for authentic commands. The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 63755D8Z to support increased research into addressing cyber-based emerging threats and growing challenges presented by various forms of computer-facilitated attack.

Simulation center upgrade

The budget request included $189.8 million in PE 63755D8Z, for the high performance computing modernization program. The Department of Defense must possess the latest, state-of-the-art computing equipment and capabilities, particularly for the processing and storage of classified data. While the Department has requested funds to operate facilities charged with development, testing, and integration of strategic defense technologies and simulations, no funding is requested for equipment upgrades. The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 63755D8Z for upgrades to the Space and Missile Defense Command simulation center to meet computational demands for end-to-end simulation, testing, and evaluation of advanced interceptors and sensors.

Land warfare technology

The budget request included $139.1 million in PE 63764E, for land warfare technology. The committee recommends a decrease of $47.0 million in PE 63764E due to unjustified program growth and excessive funding levels for new starts. Specifically, the committee recommends decreases of $15.0 million in the future combat systems support program, which would have increased by 66 percent in one year under the budget request; $6.0 million in the multi-modal missile program, for which $12.4 million was requested for a program in the concept stage; $6.0 million from a non-lethal weapons program new start, which should more closely follow the needs of the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate; and $6.0 million from the tactical urban operations program, to promote an effort more focused specifically on the particular needs of the urban warfighter.

Network centric warfare technology

The budget request included $136.9 million in PE 63766E, for network centric warfare technology. The committee recommends a decrease of $3.0 million in PE 63766E from the multi-dimensional mobility robot program, a newly initiated program that duplicates other unmanned ground equipment development programs.

Sensor technology

The budget request included $189.5 million in PE 63767E, for sensor technology. The committee recommends a decrease of $5.0 million in PE 63767E from the network centric sensing engagement programs, due to unjustified program growth and duplication of ongoing sensor integration work.

Advanced tactical laser

The budget request included $61.8 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Special Operations Advanced Technology Development, in PE 116407BB, for continuing development of the advanced tactical laser (ATL).

The ATL Advanced Concepts Technology Demonstration is a long-standing effort to weaponize directed energy technology into an existing tactical platform. While a potentially promising concept, the program has faced formidable technical challenges and continues to encounter new challenges, especially in the area of power generation to satisfy the high energy requirements to power the weapon system. Proposed funding for the program has increased considerably in fiscal year 2006, and is inconsistent with the technical challenges remaining to be solved before the program can move forward.

The committee recommends a decrease of $15.0 million in PE116407BB, while the goals of the program are realigned and remaining technical challenges associated with the advanced tactical laser program are addressed.

Mark V patrol boat replacement craft prototype

The budget request included $104.3 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Special Operations Advanced Technology Development, in PE 116402BB, but did not include funding to complete the development, testing, and evaluation of the Mark V patrol boat replacement craft prototype.

The Mark V patrol boat is an important component of the Naval Special Warfare Command's overall special operations capabilities, but has proven to be very hard on the special operators who operate the boat or utilize it for insertion and extraction of special operations forces. The incidence of stress fractures and spinal injuries associated with the rough ride of a Mark V operating in medium to heavy seas has been very high. The Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, has expressed concerns and initiated actions to improve the performance of the current Mark V through the introduction of shock-mitigating seats and to begin development of a replacement craft. A new design has been developed and a prototype craft incorporating composite technologies, shock-mitigation techniques, and improved hull design is near completion. Additional funding is required to complete testing, and evaluation of the prototype craft.

The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 116402BB, for final development, testing, and evaluation of the Mark V patrol boat replacement craft prototype.

Special operations portable power source program

The budget request did not include funding for the development of solid oxide fuel cell systems for special operators. Such systems are designed to reduce the weight burden of batteries by a factor of 10. Current battery systems are large and heavy, burdening the logistical chain, and limiting operators and the flight ranges of their unmanned aerial vehicles.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Special Operations Advanced Technology Development, in PE 116402BB, for the portable power source program.

Voice activated handheld translator

The budget request did not include funding for the development of a voice activated handheld translator for special operations forces. This technology, deployed in Afghanistan in 2002, allows special operators to communicate with local populations when they do not speak the local language or have a reliable linguist with them. Research is required to refine, test, and demonstrate the translator capabilities, including two-way translation.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.3 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Special Operations Advanced Technology Development, in PE 116408BB, for development of a voice activated handheld translator.

Aegis ballistic missile defense

The budget request included $3.3 billion in PE 63882C for the ballistic missile defense midcourse defense segment, of which approximately $811.2 million is included for the Aegis ballistic missile defense (BMD) system.

The Aegis BMD element is intended to provide U.S. surface combatants the capability to detect, track, intercept, and destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles in the ascent, midcourse, and terminal phases of flight. The committee notes that the Aegis BMD system has demonstrated capability through a rigorous test program that includes five out of six successful flight intercepts of short-range ballistic missiles between 2002 and 2005, with the last test conducted under operationally realistic conditions.

Aegis BMD will provide missile defense protection for U.S. deployed forces, allies, and friends against the most imminent threats. The Commander, U.S. Pacific Command testified in March 2005 before the Committee on Armed Services that: (1) the threat posed by ballistic missiles in his area of responsibility is growing; (2) a capability to protect our forces with an effective tiered system against ballistic missiles remains `a key capability for the future and is a top priority for development;' and (3) our production inventory of PAC-3s and SM-3 missiles `must pace the increasing threat.'

The committee recommends an increase of $75.0 million in PE 63882C for improvements to the Aegis BMD system and to accelerate production of SM-3 missiles. The committee makes these recommendations in light of the successful Aegis BMD test program and mindful of the importance of keeping pace with the growing threat. The committee directs that these funds be used to: (1) purchase long-lead materials for the Aegis BMD signal processor to provide significant system discrimination capabilities against missiles with separating warheads; (2) purchase additional test equipment necessary to accelerate SM-3 missile production rates; (3) provide long-lead funding for an additional 15 SM-3 missiles to begin delivery in fiscal year 2007; (4) accelerate implementation of the engage-on-remote and launch-on-remote upgrades; and (5) accelerate integration of the two-color seeker for the SM-3 kill vehicle.

Ground-based midcourse ballistic missile defense

The budget request included $3.3 billion in PE 63882C for the ballistic missile defense midcourse segment, of which approximately $2.3 billion is for the ground-based midcourse defense (GMD) segment to cover continued development, ground and flight testing, fielding, and support.

Consistent with the National Missile Defense Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-38), the committee continues to support fielding of the GMD element as part of the missile defense test bed and for use in an emergency. The committee notes that the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, and the Department of Defense Director for Operational Test and Evaluation endorse this dual-use approach for continuing development and fielding of this important defensive capability.

The committee is aware of the successful flight intercept tests achieved by the developmental prototype ground-based interceptor over the past five years. The committee is concerned, however, about the inability of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to complete two recent GMD flight tests, using the operationally configured interceptor, as well as the lengthy turnaround time for GMD tests. This seems to indicate, according to the acting Director for Operational Test and Evaluation, that `there is a quality problem.' The committee commends the Director of the MDA for establishing an Independent Review Team to assess recent test failures and to improve mission assurance. According to the preliminary findings of the review team, as recounted by the Director of MDA during an April 7, 2005, hearing of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces of the Committee on Armed Services, MDA needs to pay greater attention to the test certification process and devote more resources to integrated ground testing.

The committee recommends an increase of $100.0 million in PE 63882C specifically to enhance the testing program for the GMD element in accordance with the findings of the Independent Review Team. The committee directs that these funds be used toward purchases of additional ground test missile units, enhanced integrated ground test capabilities, more comprehensive component testing, and other items for GMD testing. The Director of the MDA is to provide a report to the congressional defense committees by January 15, 2006, indicating specifically how this increase will be allocated.

Miniaturized carbon monoxide oxidation technology

The budget request included $100.8 million in PE 63884BP, for chemical and biological defense advanced technology demonstrations. Urban and other combat environments often produce situations in which warfighters confront fire and carbon monoxide (CO) threats such as in caves, bunkers, tunnels, burning oil wells, aircraft, vehicles, or structures and buildings. The Department of Defense currently lacks gas mask canisters or small escape devices that contain CO filters and protection. A small, lightweight, long-lasting CO removal technology would increase protection and utility of existing systems and would add value to new systems under development. The committee recommends an increase of $4.3 million in PE 63884BP to complete testing, development, and evaluation of the Mini-COT technology to meet the Department of Defense's need for CO protection.

Airborne Infrared System

The budget request included $529.8 million in PE 63884C for ballistic missile defense sensors, but no funding for the Airborne Infrared System (AIRS).

AIRS is a system of infrared and visible sensors, a surveillance radar and adjunct data processing and storage that can track ballistic missiles and their warheads in all phases of flight. The committee believes that such a system, if and when deployed, could provide important test, operational, and technical intelligence capabilities in support of ballistic missile defense.

The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63884C for AIRS research and development. This increase will allow the Missile Defense Agency to proceed with final engineering development and `in-line' demonstrations of system connectivity, a closed loop fire control system, and prototype design for integration on manned or unmanned vehicles.

Kinetic Energy Interceptor

The budget request included $229.7 million in PE 63886C for Ballistic Missile Defense System Interceptors, of which $218.7 million is for Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) block 2010/2012.

The committee notes that the KEI effort has been restructured to serve as risk mitigation for the Airborne Laser (ABL), which has been chosen as the primary boost-phase intercept program. Accordingly, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has reduced funding for KEI by approximately $883.0 million in fiscal year 2006 and $5.0 billion over fiscal years 2006-2009. MDA has built into the KEI program a one-year delay in first flight to fiscal year 2008 in order to focus efforts on demonstrating critical technologies and reducing development risks. This new flight test date coincides with the plans of the MDA for a lethal shoot down of a target missile with ABL. The committee understands that should ABL fail to demonstrate a lethal shoot down in fiscal year 2008, a decision could be made at that point to switch to KEI as the primary boost-phase interceptor.

In light of the decision by the MDA to focus on ABL as the prime boost-phase defense system, the committee believes the funding request for KEI risk reduction efforts is excessive. The committee recommends a decrease of $50.0 million in PE 63886C for KEI; and recommends that remaining funds be directed toward reducing high-risk technology challenges in the areas of booster thrust, differentiating between plume and missile hard body, and thrust vector control.

Military mail screening system development and demonstration

The budget request included $280.9 million in PE 604384BP for chemical/biological defense system development and demonstration. The committee recommends an increase of $1.8 million in PE 604384BP to validate system design and performance for fielded chemical agent detection and biological agent sampling systems to be used at military mail centers and post offices.

Elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to promptly develop and implement a plan to ensure that mail within the military mail system is safe for delivery, to include the screening of all mail in order to detect the presence of biological, chemical or radiological weapons, agents or pathogens, or explosive devices. The committee recommends authorizing additional funding for this purpose in fiscal year 2006 to ensure that resources are available to begin implementation of the plan as soon as possible.

UAV systems and operations validation program

The budget request included $128.8 million in PE 64940D8Z, for central test and evaluation investment development. Testing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for autonomous control and safety in piloted airspace would allow for full operational use of these systems in evolving battlefields that require both manned and unmanned air support. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 64940D8Z for UAV systems and operations validation program to facilitate short- and long-range flight testing of autonomous systems.

Foreign supplier assessment center

The budget request included $35.7 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for foreign comparative testing, but did not include funding for the Foreign Supplier Assessment Center (FSAC) concept.

The FSAC concept was established to assess potential foreign suppliers wanting to provide products and services, including components for weapon systems, automation hardware, and various forms of software to the Department of Defense. The FSAC is fulfilling a critical need to identify and categorize potential foreign suppliers; conduct tests and evaluation of products and services for appropriate security purposes; and develop recommendations and risk mitigation plans. However, the full requirement to assess foreign supplier of critical defense components will not be realized without significant additional investment.

The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 65710D8Z, for the continued expansion and operation of the FSAC concept.

Operationally responsive space payloads

The budget request included $19.9 million in PE 65799D8Z for the Office of Force Transformation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

As noted in the Senate report accompanying S. 2400 (S. Rept. 108-260) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, the committee believes that acquisition of inexpensive launch vehicles and smaller satellites provide the promise of enhancing the effectiveness of U.S. military and intelligence space operations and mitigating some of the long-standing development problems that have afflicted U.S. space programs over the past decade. In support of this effort, OFT has sponsored the development of experimental satellites intended to demonstrate the rapid design and fabrication of operationally useful satellite payloads.

The committee notes that insufficient funding is requested for fiscal year 2006 to continue development of a modular, standard bus and complete the experimentation necessary to demonstrate tactical satellite capabilities. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million dollars in PE 65799D8Z for the development of operationally responsive payloads, to include funding for payloads, satellite busses, integration, command and control, and joint warfighter experimentation.

Section 913 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375) directed the Secretary of Defense to create a separate, dedicated program element for operationally responsive national security payloads and buses. The committee notes that such a program element was not included in the fiscal year 2006 budget request, but has subsequently been created by the Department of Defense as PE 62001D8Z with the title: joint operational small satellites. The committee fully expects that the $20.0 million increase in PE 65799D8Z will be applied toward PE 62001D8Z for the funding of responsive satellites to provide direct support to the joint operational and tactical level warfighter.

Industrial preparedness

The budget request included $18.2 million in PE 78011S, for industrial preparedness. The committee notes that the laser additive manufacturing process rapidly produced titanium wing pylons to replace aluminum parts, which experienced mechanical problems during sustained combat operations. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 78011S for application of the laser additive manufacturing process to repair parts and to produce new parts for other aerospace-grade components that face similar degradation. The current processes and materials used for production of these parts are time consuming, expensive, and require long-lead times, which may negatively impact readiness.

The committee further recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 78011S for research on improved manufacturing processes for defense-related technologies, including sensors, energy systems, and nanotechnology.

Special operations wireless management and control project

The budget request included $33.2 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Special Operations Intelligence Systems Development, in PE 116405BB, including $11.7 million for the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS), but did not include funding to develop new capabilities for the JTWS in the evolving wireless communications environment.

The special operations wireless management and control project will continue development of capabilities that can be integrated into the JTWS to provide special operations forces with tactical capabilities to maintain situational awareness of the wireless communications environment being used by potential adversaries. The JTWS is one of the highest priorities for the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in PE 116405BB, to continue development of a wireless management and control capability for the JTWS.

Maritime unmanned aerial vehicle sensor

The budget request included $66.3 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Special Operations Forces (SOF) Operational Enhancements, in PE 116408BB, but did not include funding to develop new sensor capabilities for the maritime unmanned aerial vehicle (MUAV).

An urgent requirement for a new signals intelligence sensor for the MUAV was validated after submission of the fiscal year 2006 President's budget request. This sensor would provide a critical new capability for the MUAV and enhance the operational effectiveness of SOF. This MUAV is one of the highest priorities of the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, for additional funding.

The committee recommends an increase of $4.9 million in PE 116408BB, for the development of a MUAV sensor.

Lightweight portable solar panels

The budget request did not include funding for lightweight portable solar panels. These flexible lightweight panels serve as portable chargers, converting sunlight to electricity to keep batteries constantly charged. This eliminates the need for operators to carry heavy battery packs during emergency and remote operations. The rugged folding panels are easy to carry and deploy, and they provide power even if damaged, or employed in partial shade.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide, for Special Operations Forces Operational Enhancements, in PE 116408BB, for lightweight solar panels.

ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

Canopy hard-coats

The committee believes that industry has made a marked advancement in the development of canopy hard-coats that may significantly extend the life and reduce the cost of canopies used on naval aircraft. Therefore, the committee urges the Secretary of the Navy to accelerate the testing of new canopy hard-coats currently in development under the auspices of the Patuxent Naval Air Station Materials Laboratory. Furthermore, the committee directs the Secretary to evaluate these hard-coats on canopies provided by Navy canopy suppliers.

CH-53X helicopter development

The committee recognizes the essential contribution that heavy-lift assets make both in wartime and peacetime and is concerned by the intense usage of current assets in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Iraq. In 2003, an independent analysis of alternatives concluded that a program to remanufacture the existing aircraft would cause the Navy to shut down one-third of the Marine Corps heavy-lift squadrons for up to 5 years due to the number of aircraft that would be diverted from fleet squadrons to the remanufacturing program. The Navy decided to pursue a new production strategy in accordance with that recommendation.

The Joint Requirements Oversight Council approved a CH-53X operational requirements document on December 9, 2004. Marine Corps witnesses testified before the Committee on Armed Services that the CH-53X is an urgent warfighting requirement, that all alternatives have been analyzed, and that there are no other suitable alternatives to new manufacture of the CH-53X.

The committee supports the requirement for CH-53X new production program but has concerns regarding program execution and schedule. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-287) appropriated $102.3 million for a risk reduction initiative in the CH-53X development program. Since March 18, 2005, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN (RDA)) has released roughly $50.0 million of these funds. The ASN (RDA) is withholding the remaining funds until an independent review team can assess whether the funding in the Future Years Defense Program is sufficient to execute the CH-53X program.

The committee supports this program. However, the committee is concerned that the Navy is not moving aggressively to execute risk reduction actions, thus potentially delaying the fielding of this critical system. The committee also appreciates the concerns expressed by the ASN (RDA) about program affordability. The committee, therefore, encourages the Navy to move expeditiously to resolve these concerns and to release the remaining $52.3 million in risk reduction funding so that the requested fiscal year 2006 program can be completed.

Construction of Navy Research Vessels

The budget request included $356.9 million in PE 61153N, for defense research sciences, including $4.0 million for design of the next generation of ocean research vessels for the University National Ocean Laboratory (UNOLS) fleet. The academic research community uses UNOLS to conduct experiments and research for the Navy. The committee is concerned with the Navy's plans to fund the construction of academic research vessels in the basic science account in fiscal year 2007. While the ocean class research vessel, a key research tool, provides the Navy with a robust understanding of its battlespace, such diversion of research funds would adversely affect the goals of the innovative research account.

The committee authorizes the $4.0 million requested in PE 61153N for design of the new research vessel in fiscal year 2006, but directs the Navy to request the planned $25.0 million in fiscal year 2007 for ship construction funds in the Navy Shipbuilding and Conversion account. The committee expects that the Navy will continue to use the Shipbuilding and Conversion account to provide for the recapitalization of ocean class research vessels in the Future Years Defense Program.

Department of Defense computer science research

The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense is reducing its investment in long-term computer science research, without due consideration of the potential negative ramifications of such reductions on the development of next generation networking, information technology, and information assurance systems on which our military will depend in the future. The committee notes that the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee and the Defense Science Board have both released reports this year that call attention to the potential impacts of reduced funding on the part of the Department in fundamental computer science.

The committee directs the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology to carefully examine the long-term practical and policy implications of the Department's investment strategy for computing research and to provide the outcome of this review to the congressional defense committees with the fiscal year 2007 budget request. The review should include an explanation of the Department's role in the overall federal computing research portfolio and a review of the Department's structure and investment plan for these programs.

Unmanned aerial vehicles for resupply missions

The committee notes that dedicated unmanned aerial vehicles for movement of equipment and supplies could support Army expeditionary forces while reducing logistics, procurement, and operational costs. The committee directs the Secretary of the Army to provide to the congressional defense committees by April 1, 2006, a report on the requirements, technical feasibility, and cost of integrating unmanned aerial vehicles for resupply into its future force unmanned aviation concepts.

TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Explanation of tables

The following tables provide the program-level detailed guidance for the funding authorized in title III of this Act. The tables also display the funding requested by the administration in the fiscal year 2006 budget request for operation and maintenance programs, and indicate those programs for which the committee either increased or decreased the requested amounts. As in the past, the administration may not exceed the authorized amounts (as set forth in the tables or, if unchanged from the administration request, as set forth in budget justification documents of the Department of Defense), without a reprogramming action in accordance with established procedures. Unless noted in this report, funding changes to the budget request are made without prejudice.

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SUBTITLE A--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SUBTITLE B--ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS

Elimination and simplification of certain items required in the annual report on environmental quality programs and other environmental activities (sec. 311)

The committee recommends a provision that would modify section 2706 of title 10, United States Code, to eliminate and simplify portions of the annual report on environmental quality programs and other environmental activities. The recommended changes would remove the requirement to list planned or ongoing projects which exceed $1.5 million dollars. The reporting of fines and penalties against the Department of Defense would be simplified to a trend analysis and a list of all such fines or penalties that exceed $500,000. The recommended changes would also simplify the reporting of the amounts expended and expected to be expended for environmental activities overseas.

The committee believes that these modifications will make the gathering and reporting of the data less burdensome and more efficient while still maintaining the necessary detail to ensure adequate oversight.

Payment of certain private cleanup costs in connection with the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (sec. 312)

The committee recommends a provision that would allow the Secretary of Defense to execute environmental restoration agreements with owners of covenant properties. Under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, title 42, United States Code section 9620(h), the United States is required to provide a deed covenant guaranteeing it will perform remediation of contamination discovered after a property transfer. Therefore, the Department of Defense has permanent, irrevocable liability for cleanup of any contamination on former Department property that was unknown and discovered after the transfer. However, there is no current authority for the Department to pay a land owner their costs for undertaking remedial action on their own.

Currently, when an owner discovers contamination on their covenant property, they must notify the service from which they purchased the covenant property. The services then respond to each covenant property in the order of risk and health-based prioritization. This leaves many landowners without an efficient remedy and the potential burden and cost of pursuing a remedy in court. The owner may be forced to choose this latter approach if they have already cleaned up the covenant property, and they are seeking to be reimbursed. This approach can be more expensive to U.S. taxpayers, since the covenant property owner may cleanup the site to standards beyond what is necessary or appropriate and then seek full reimbursement in the courts.

The committee recognizes that potential land purchasers, such as developers, are becoming increasingly apprehensive about purchasing former Department property. This may threaten the successful transfer of the Department's inventory after the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure round and frustrate economic redevelopment efforts. This provision would allow the Department to enter into agreements with the owners of covenant property. The covenant property owner can accept the agreement or not, at their discretion. The agreement would set out the process the landowner would follow if contamination is later found on the covenant property. The agreement would resolve such issues as: notice to the Federal Government, time limits to reply, cleanup standards to be used (although the agreement may not change the cleanup standards applicable to the site as established by law), and the reimbursement process.

SUBTITLE C--OTHER MATTERS

Aircraft carriers (sec. 321)

The committee recommends a provision that would make $288.0 million of Operation & Maintenance, Navy (OMN) from this or any other act, for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, available only for repair and maintenance to extend the life of the USS John F. Kennedy.

The provision would also prohibit the Secretary of the Navy from reducing the number of active aircraft carriers in the Navy below 12 until the later of: (1) 180 days after the next Quadrennial Defense Review is delivered to Congress; or (2) the date on which the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, certifies to the congressional defense committees that such agreements have been entered into to provide port facilities for the permanent forward deployment of the number of aircraft carriers necessary in the Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility (AOR) to fulfill PACOM roles and missions, including agreements for the forward deployment of a nuclear aircraft carrier after the retirement of the current two conventional aircraft carriers. The provision would also define an active aircraft carrier to include an aircraft carrier that is temporarily unavailable for worldwide deployment due to routine or scheduled maintenance.

The committee is concerned that the Navy's decision to reduce the number of aircraft carriers from 12 to 11 was not based on careful and thorough analysis, but rather was budget-driven. In testimony before the Committee on Armed Services in February 2005, the Chief of Naval Operations testified that when he first submitted the proposed Navy budget for fiscal year 2006, it included 12 aircraft carriers. Further, the last two Quadrennial Defense Reviews, in 1997 and 2001, both supported a force structure of 12 aircraft carriers. The reduction to 11 aircraft carriers was made after the Office of Management and Budget directed a budget cut for the Department of Defense.

The committee is also aware of the importance of permanent forward deployment of at least one aircraft carrier in the PACOM AOR. The USS Kitty Hawk, permanently forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, is scheduled for retirement in fiscal year 2008. The only other conventionally-powered aircraft carrier is the USS John F. Kennedy. The USS John F. Kennedy was scheduled to begin a complex overhaul (COH) maintenance period in fiscal year 2005, and funds for this COH were authorized and appropriated in fiscal year 2005 for this purpose. The ongoing Integrated Global Presence and Basing Strategy review might also expand the permanent forward deployment requirements for aircraft carriers, particularly in the PACOM AOR.

The committee believes it is prudent for the USS John F. Kennedy to receive its COH and that 12 aircraft carriers remain in the U.S. Navy until such time as an in-depth analysis is conducted and forward-basing agreements are reached.

Limitation on transition of funding for east coast shipyards from funding through Navy working capital fund to direct funding (sec. 322)

The committee recommends a provision that would limit the Secretary of the Navy from using direct funding for east coast Naval shipyards. The Navy would be required to continue funding these shipyards through the Navy Working Capital Fund until the later of 6 months after the congressional defense committees receive a complete report on the use of direct funding at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, or October 1, 2006.

During fiscal year 2003, the Navy changed the way workload was budgeted and paid for at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, despite the committee's concerns, as outlined in the Senate report accompanying S. 1050 (S. Rpt. 108-46) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The committee understands that the Navy intends to transition the east coast shipyards out of the Working Capital Fund and begin direct, or mission, funding in the near future. However, the effects of the transition of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard out of the Navy's Working Capital Fund have not been adequately studied. While it appears that consolidating intermediate level and depot maintenance activities may have economic benefits, the Navy has not fully examined the Puget Sound pilot program.

Before any action is taken with regard to changing funding for the east coast shipyards, the committee requires that the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a study describing the lessons learned and costs and benefits of transferring the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to direct funding.

Use of funds from National Defense Sealift Fund to exercise purchase options on maritime prepositioning ship vessels (sec. 323)

The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Secretary of Defense to obligate and expend any funds in the National Defense Sealift Fund to exercise options to purchase those three maritime prepositioning ships (MPS) whose current charters expire in calendar year 2009. This authorization is granted notwithstanding the provisions of section 2218(f)1 of title 10, United States Code.

The budget request included $1,648.5 million for the National Defense Sealift Fund, including $749.8 million for the buyout of 13 MPS leases in fiscal year 2006.

The committee notes that the time remaining on the leases of these 13 ships varies between four and six years, and does not see the urgency of buying out all of the leases at this time. The committee recommends buyouts of only those leases that expire in calendar year 2009, and recommends a decrease of $637.2 million from the National Defense Sealift Fund. The committee recommends an increase of $127.6 million in Operation and Maintenance, Navy, for the continued lease of the other 10 MPS vessels.

Purchase and destruction of weapons overseas (sec. 324)

The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the use of Department of Defense operation and maintenance funds to purchase weapons overseas from any person, foreign government, international organization, or other entity, for the purpose of protecting U.S. forces engaged in military operations overseas. The provision would permit the destruction of the purchased weapons. The provision would also require the Secretary of Defense to promptly notify the congressional defense committees of any use of this authority.

This provision would clarify the authority of the Department to purchase weapons in foreign countries where U.S. Armed Forces are engaged in military operations, when such a program is undertaken for force protection purposes. Providing this authority would eliminate the need for the Department to use its `emergency and extraordinary expense' authority to fund such programs. The committee believes that providing clear statutory authority to the Department to conduct such programs is desirable, given the security environment in Afghanistan and Iraq and the need to respond promptly to similar threats elsewhere in prosecuting the global war on terrorism.

Increase in maximum contract amount for procurement of supplies and services from exchange stores outside the United States (sec. 325)

The committee recommends a provision that would increase from $50,000 to $100,000 the dollar limit for purchases by defense entities from military exchanges for goods and services outside the United States. This proposal would help ensure a readily available source of supplies for military entities, especially during times of emergency.

Extension of authority to provide logistics support and services for weapon systems contractors (sec. 326)

The committee recommends a provision that would extend by 3 years the authority under section 365 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314) by which the Defense Logistics Agency could provide logistics support and services to a contractor in support of its performance on a contract for the construction, modification, or maintenance of a weapons system. The authority granted expires on September 30, 2007. Section 365 required the Secretary of Defense to issue regulations before the granted authority could be used; and these regulations currently are in the process of being finalized. Moving the expiration date to 2010 would correspond to the original 5-year pilot period envisioned under section 365.

Army training strategy (sec. 327)

In order to increase flexibility, responsiveness, jointness, and versatility, the Army is reorganizing the Active and Reserve component force structure into a brigade-based force. According to the Army, this initiative, referred to as `Modularity,' will ensure land-force dominance across the full spectrum of contemporary and future operations. The Army anticipates completing reorganization of combat brigades by 2007 and the reorganization of functional supporting brigades sometime thereafter.

The committee notes, however, that the current unit training strategy and the resources that support that strategy continue to be division-based. For example, the current capacity of the combat training centers does not meet the planned requirements for a brigade-based force that will have at least 82 maneuver brigades and an additional number of functional supporting brigades to be determined by the Army.

A clear unit training strategy, with well-defined goals and requirements, for the Modular force is essential in order to ensure Army readiness. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary of the Army to develop and implement a training strategy for the Modular force. The provision would also require the Secretary to submit a report to the congressional defense committees not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act on the requirements to be fulfilled in order to implement the Army's training strategy for the Modular force. The report shall include the following: (1) a discussion of the training strategy, including a description of performance goals and metrics; (2) a discussion and description of the training range requirements necessary to implement the training strategy; (3) a discussion and description of the training aids, devices, simulations, and simulators necessary to implement the training strategy; (4) a list of the funding requirements, itemized by fiscal year and specified in a format consistent with the Future Years Defense Program to accompany the President's budget, necessary to resource range requirements and necessary to provide training aids, devices, simulations, and simulators; (5) a schedule for the implementation of the training strategy; and (6) a discussion of the challenges that the Army anticipates in the implementation of the training strategy.

Finally, the provision would direct the Comptroller General to monitor the implementation of the training strategy and to submit a report to the congressional defense committees not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. The report shall contain an assessment of the progress of the Army to implement the training strategy.

Limitations on financial management improvement and audit initiatives within the Department of Defense (sec. 328)

The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the Department of Defense from obligating or expending any funds for activities related to the Department's financial management improvement effort until the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees an integrated and comprehensive financial management plan and a determination that each activity proposed to be funded would likely result in real and sustainable improvements in the Department's financial management systems and controls.

The committee believes that the most effective way to fix the Department's financial management problems is to attack the problems at the root, by fixing the Department's business systems and processes so that they provide timely, reliable, and complete data for management purposes. Although senior Department officials have consistently agreed with this assessment, the Department has requested hundreds of millions of dollars to hire auditors, with the stated objective of achieving an auditable financial statement by fiscal year 2007--long before the Department will be able to address the problems with its business systems and processes.

By requiring that the Department pursue audit activities only in accordance with a comprehensive financial management improvement plan that coordinates such activities with needed systems improvements, the provision recommended by the committee would ensure that the Department first addresses the underlying problems with its systems and processes.

Study on use of ethanol fuel (sec. 329)

The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the use of ethanol fuel in the military services and defense agencies. The study shall include: an evaluation of the historical use of ethanol fuel by the military services and defense agencies, including the quantity of ethanol fuel procured by the Department of Defense for the services and defense agencies during the five-year period ending on the date of the study; a forecast of ethanol fuel requirements for the military services and defense agencies for fiscal years 2007 through 2012; an assessment of the current and future commercial availability of ethanol fuel, to include production, storage, transportation, distribution, and commercial sale of such fuel; an assessment of the use by the military services and defense agencies of the ethanol fuel commercial infrastructure; a review of the actions of the Department to coordinate with State, local and private entities to support the expansion and use by the military services and defense agencies of public access alternative fuel refueling stations that are accessible to the public; and an assessment of the existing fueling infrastructure on military installations in the United States, including storage and distribution capabilities, which could be adapted or converted to the delivery of ethanol fuel use, the cost of such conversion, and the feasibility and advisability of such conversion. The provision would direct the Secretary to submit a report on the results of the study to the congressional defense committees not later than February 1, 2006.

The committee notes that Department policy provides for the acquisition of alternative fuel vehicles, including ethanol fuel-capable vehicles. The committee also notes that ethanol fuel consumption by the military services and defense agencies increased by 25 percent from fiscal year 2003 to 2004. Despite this increase, the committee is concerned that there are a number of challenges that may be limiting the availability of ethanol fuel for the military services and defense agencies. As a result, the Department may not be fully achieving reductions in petroleum consumption with the 25,000 ethanol fuel-capable vehicles in the Department's inventory.

BUDGET ITEMS

OTHER DEFENSE PROGRAMS

Enhanced vision

The budget request included no funding in PE63115HP, for enhanced vision technology for the Defense Health Program. The committee is aware that the Surgeon General of the Air Force has a requirement for application of enhanced vision technology to provide improved visual capability to military pilots in the form of goggles or glasses. Enhanced vision technology has been shown to be capable of improving human vision capability beyond 20/20, potentially to the theoretical limits of human vision.

The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE63115HP for enhanced vision technology for the Defense Health Program. The committee expects that this increase will be used for extension of proven enhanced vision technology for military aero-space applications.

Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives Program

The budget request included $33.0 million for the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (ACWA) Chemical Demilitarization research and development program. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million to accelerate work on the ACWA Chemical Demilitarization research and development program for the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant and the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant.

The committee is troubled by the inconsistent and frequently changing programmatic guidance that has been provided by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to the Secretary of the Army and the program manager for the ACWA program over the last two years, resulting in cost increases and schedule delays. The committee notes its satisfaction with the April 15, 2005, memo from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics in which he directed the release of fiscal year 2005 ACWA funds to the ACWA program manager. He also directed that the ACWA program manager determine expeditiously the most prudent design approach to maximize the opportunity to meet the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) extended 100% destruction deadline.

The committee is dissatisfied with the Department of Defense's oversight and management of the entire chemical weapons demilitarization program. A series of reports by the Government Accountability Office have concluded that the program is not meeting its goals and objectives because of its bifurcated management, lack of a comprehensive strategy, and an inadequate funding stream.

The committee is increasingly concerned that the budget request for the entire chemical demilitarization program does not provide sufficient funding to ensure that the United States will meet its treaty obligations under the CWC to completely destroy the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile by April 2012 at the latest. In addition, any delay in execution of this program unnecessarily prolongs the safety and environmental risks to local communities, and the possibility that a chemical weapons storage site could be the object of a terrorist attack or attempt to acquire chemical weapons.

In light of these concerns, section 931 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108-375) directed the Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and the Secretary of the Army to jointly prepare a strategic plan for future activities for destruction of the United States' stockpile of lethal chemical agents and munitions. The plan is to include realistic budgeting for stockpile destruction and related support programs; contingency planning for foreseeable or anticipated problems; and a management approach and associated actions that will address compliance with the obligations of the United States under the CWC and that take full advantage of opportunities to accelerate destruction of the stockpile. The committee notes that the plan, which was required to be submitted with the President's budget for fiscal year 2006, is overdue. The committee directs that the plan be provided expeditiously.

The committee believes that, due to the international legal obligations the United States has assumed pursuant to the CWC, senior administration officials at the Department of Defense, the National Security Council, the Department of State, and the Office of Management and Budget must give this matter increased attention now, while there is still time to make the adjustments necessary to put the program back on track. In particular, this means ensuring that the President's future years budget requests include sufficient funding to accomplish the mission of destroying the chemical weapons stockpile safely and on schedule to meet the treaty timelines. The Congress has made clear its willingness to consider requests for increased funding necessary to meet this goal. At the same time, the committee expects the Department of Defense to improve management and oversight of the program.

Finally, the committee notes that the support of local communities where the destruction activities are being, or will be, undertaken is essential to the Department of Defense's ability to achieve the 100% destruction of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile by 2012. Therefore, the committee urges the Department to make every effort to consult with and take into account the views of local communities when making significant programmatic decisions that might impact those communities.

ARMY

Advanced combat helmet with modular integrated communications headset

The budget request included $1.9 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for land forces operations support, including $750,000 for the advanced combat helmet with the modular integrated communications headset. The committee notes that the utility of the advanced combat helmet with modular integrated communications headset has been demonstrated under combat conditions and enhances the personal protection of the individual soldier. The Army has completed approximately 50 percent of the approved acquisition object of the advanced combat helmet with modular integrated communications. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in OMA for the advanced combat helmet with modular integrated communications headset.

Army training

The budget request included $758.8M in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for training support systems. The committee notes that the Army is making every effort to maximize training at homestation prior to deployment in support of contingency operations. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $90.8 million in OMA for training support systems.

Army officials note that the conversion to a brigade-based force while preparing for deployment in support of contingency operations has presented a number of challenges to training units in ensuring deployment preparedness. The Army has acted to ensure training readiness by capitalizing on resources available at both the combat training centers (CTCs) and homestations. In fiscal year 2005, for example, the Army increased the number of rotations at the CTCs by 20 percent and increased the size of each rotation by 30 percent.

The committee notes, however, that the increases in rotations at the CTCs have had secondary effects. National Training Center instructors, for example, noted a decrease in the proficiency level of Third Infantry Division companies and platoons during their rotation, which the instructors attributed to limited training time at homestation. Two brigades of the 101st Air Assault Division, were required to advance their combat training schedules by 4 and 6 months, causing turbulence to planned homestation training in preparation for a CTC rotation. Officials at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) noted that the time staff was able to dedicate to planning and preparing final training events for Army units at JRTC had decreased by nearly 50 percent. The newly-formed brigade of the 10th Mountain Division garrisoned at Fort Polk is limited from fully using training ranges at Fort Polk because of the increase in the number of visiting units using the ranges for JRTC rotations.

The second approach to unit training implemented by the Army in 2005 was to complete unit training at homestation. In February 2005, the First Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) of the 82nd Airborne Division completed unit training at their homestation, Fort Bragg. As a result, the 1BCT was able to spend more time preparing for final training events and preparing equipment for deployment. The unit also was able to reapply approximately $10 million, the cost to transport equipment to a combat training center, to high priority brigade requirements. Army leadership stated that the final training event at Fort Bragg equaled, and in many cases exceeded, the training experience at a CTC.

The committee understands the challenges to unit training that the Army is addressing, including the impact of accommodating both implementation of a brigade-based organization and preparation for deployment. The committee believes that the Army will be better prepared to address these challenges if the following actions are taken. First, as addressed elsewhere in this report, the Army should develop and implement a training strategy for the brigade-based organization. Second, the Army should continue to fully maximize the limited amount of time and other resources available to units preparing for deployment, converting to brigade-based organization, or both, by completing training events at homestation to the maximum extent possible.

To increase the availability of resources at homestation, the committee recommends an increase of $90.8 for training operations and training enablers, as follows: $73.7 for homestation range operations; $7.7 million for the virtual combat convoy trainer; $3.9 million for the battle command training capability; $3.0 million for cognitive air defense simulators; $1.0 million for grenade range improvements; and, $1.5 million for range fiber optic local area network (LAN) installation.

Corrosion prevention and control

The budget request included $615.1 million in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for land forces systems readiness and $416.5 million in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC), for field logistics support. The committee supports the efforts of the Army and the Marine Corps to sustain their robust and comprehensive corrosion control programs. The committee also notes the work of the Marine Corps to assemble and deploy Corrosion Assessment Teams (CAT) and to implement the advanced vapor corrosion inhibitor delivery system (AAD-VCI). To date, the CATs, for example, have assessed, classified, and documented more than 23,000 pieces of ground combat equipment in five corrosion condition categories. The committee continues to support the efforts of both services to address corrosion in their vehicles and other equipment. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in OMA and $9.3 million in OMMC to support corrosion prevention, including $4.8 million for Marine Corps CATs; $2.0 million for Marine Corps corrosion prevention and control programs; and $2.5 million for AAD-VCI.

The committee believes that each of the military services may benefit from a review of the corrosion mitigation programs implemented by other military services. The committee notes, for example, that the Army National Guard has mitigated corrosion and subsequently achieved significant cost savings through the Controlled Humidity Preservation Program (CHP). The CHP is a tiered approach to corrosion prevention and is used for several weapon systems, including combat vehicles and missile systems. Army National Guard officials report investment returns ranging from four-to-one to as high as eleven-to-one on the various weapon systems. The committee believes that corrosion prevention and control programs with demonstrated utility, such as the CHP, could offer similar benefits for the other services. The committee urges the Department of Defense's senior designated official for corrosion policy to ensure that the services coordinate their prevention and control programs to avoid duplication of effort.

Facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization for the Army

The budget request included $1,825.5 million in Operations and Maintenance, Army (OMA), Operating Forces, for Facility Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM). This account is used by the Army to fund critical maintenance, repairs, and renovations of military facilities and infrastructure. The amount in the budget request equates to 92 percent of the total fiscal year 2006 FSRM requirement for the Army, 3 percent less than the budget goal established by the Department of Defense for this account.

On April 5, 2005, the Government Accountability Office released an issue paper entitled `Budget Justification Review: Operations and Maintenance Trends' that reviewed the Army's execution of the FSRM account. Their analysis concluded that an average of 29 percent of the funds authorized by Congress in fiscal year 2003 and 2004 for this account were not obligated for their intended purpose, but rather transferred to other operations and maintenance accounts.

The Army announced a goal on March 22, 2005, to obligate funds for FSRM at 90 percent of validated requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $33.8 million in OMA to meet the Army's goal of funding 90 percent of the requirements for the FSRM account. The committee directs the Army to request funding for the FSRM account in future year budgets at an amount intended to be obligated for the purpose authorized by Congress, and to discontinue the practice of transferring FSRM funding to other operations and maintenance accounts.

Quadruple specialty containers

The budget request included $248.2 million in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for strategic mobilization. The committee notes that the Army deploys quadruple specialty containers (QUADCONS) at key power projection platforms for early deploying units. This equipment has been particularly well used in support of ongoing contingency operations. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in OMA for QUADCONS.

Department of Defense foreign language training

The budget request included $1.0 million for the Defense Language Institute in Operations and Maintenance, Army (OMA), specifically for satellite communications language training activities (SCOLA).

SCOLA is a unique satellite-based language training activity that provides television programming in a variety of languages from around the world. Language students and seasoned linguists have found this augmentation of their normal language training to be very helpful. SCOLA also has an Internet-based streaming video capability that greatly increases the availability of this training medium to military and civilian linguists, virtually anywhere they can obtain an Internet connection. In addition, SCOLA is developing a digital archive that will allow users anywhere to review and sort language training information on demand. The development of these capabilities will make SCOLA training assistance much more widely available, but requires additional investment. The committee is concerned that even after three years of encouragement from the Congress, and in an operational environment where the value of language training is of great importance to the nation, the Department of Defense has not fully funded the innovative language training concepts that can help sustain and significantly improve the skills of military and civilian linguists in the Department.

The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in OMA, for the Defense Language Institute, for funding of SCOLA related training activities.

Army civilian intern program

The budget request included $l54.2 million in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for civilian education and training, including funding for the Army civilian intern program. The committee notes that the requested level of funding for the intern program represents an increase of $51.7 million over the fiscal year 2005 level. The committee believes that the Army has failed to provide justification for this increase. The committee recommends a decrease of $51.7 million in OMA for the intern program.

Unattended ground sensors

The budget request included $919.8 million in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for Security Programs, including $1.7 million for unattended ground sensors (UGS). The committee notes that the Army is fielding a new UGS as a quick reaction capability in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for area and force protection. The UGS will serve as an intrusion detection system, as well as provide target classification, target recognition, target identification, and target dynamics, enhancing the security of U.S. ground forces and their ability to rapidly engage threat forces. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in OMA, for UGS.

Information assurance vulnerability alert cell

The budget request included $389.7 million in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for logistics support acitivies. The committee notes the importance of employing Army logistics systems, such as the Standard Army Management Information System, with security safeguards. The Information Assurance Vulnerability Alert (IAVA) Cell is designed to provide such safeguards, including information security analysis and response capabilities. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in OMA for the IAVA Cell.

Aviation and missile life cycle management pilot program

The budget request included $606.6 million in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA), for administration activities. The committee notes the utility of electronic business (e-business) portals in weapon systems product life cycle management. The program manager (PM) for Aviation Systems has successfully used the Army Aviation Fleet Logistics Management e-business portal for such purposes. The committee understands that extending life cycle management technologies to the end-user may further enhance management efficiencies. The committee notes that a complete assessment of the utility of extending life cycle management to the end-user has yet to be completed. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in OMA to extend life cycle management capabilities from PM Aviation Systems to the end-user and directs that these funds be used to conduct a pilot program only.

In addition, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the pilot program in supporting the goals of life cycle management for PM Aviation Systems. The committee directs the Secretary to report the results of the study to the congressional defense committees by March 31, 2006.

Army excess carryover

The Army's working capital fund budget request included $3.1 billion in new orders and $1.0 billion in calculated depot maintenance carryover--the dollar value of depot maintenance work that has been ordered, but not yet completed at the end of a fiscal year. In June 2004, the Department of Defense's Comptroller provided the services new written guidance concerning calculation of carryover. The previous guidance was that a service could `carryover' no more than the equivalent of 3 months of workload from one fiscal year to the next. The new methodology for calculating carryover, in which the Government Accountability Office (GAO) participated, includes an analytically-based carryover standard based on actual expenditures. While the new method is more analytically sound, the committee is concerned with the Army's execution of the methodology.

The Army continues to manage to an operation and maintenance expenditure rate 5 to 10 percentage points lower than the other services, allowing them to carryover significantly more workload at the end of a fiscal year. The committee recommends that, upon the completion of an ongoing study by the GAO on this discrepancy, the Department provide the services amended guidance concerning carryover calculations.

The committee also recommends that the Department use one rate for all of the services.

The committee is concerned that the Army's use of a different rate is not an effective cash management technique. By allocating funds to workload that will not be executable in fiscal year 2006, the lower rate restricts the Department from better using funds for more immediate, higher priority matters.

The committee recommends a decrease of $94.7 million in Operation and Maintenance, Army, to reflect funds in the Army Working Capital Fund that cannot be expended in fiscal year 2006 due to the Army's excess depot maintenance carryover.

Audits of Department of Defense financial statements

The budget request included $200.0 million in the service's operation and maintenance accounts for the audits of defense financial statements. The Government Accountability Office testified on April 13, 2005, before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support of the Committee on Armed Services that spending on audits before the Department has financial management systems in place to support such audits is not the best use of limited resources. The committee expects that the auditors hired by the Department of Defense Inspector General in fiscal year 2005 for audits of defense financial statements will be used in fiscal year 2006 for other auditing and investigation purposes. The committee recommends a reduction of $200.0 million to the service's operation and maintenance accounts, as follows:

Civilian personnel pay in excess of requirements

The budget request included $53.5 billion for civilian personnel pay in fiscal year 2006. Based on an analysis of the services' end strength data for civilian personnel as of April 29, 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) projects that the Army and Navy/Marine Corps' civilian personnel costs are overstated for fiscal year 2006 by $189.0 million. The committee recommends reducing the operation and maintenance accounts by $189.0 million, as follows:

Defense Information System Network

The committee understands that the Defense Information System Network (DISN)--the Department of Defense's backbone for providing data, video, and voice services--will establish a new pricing structure in fiscal year 2006 for billing the individual services for usage. While supportive of the proposed simplified structure, the committee is concerned about the conflicting and contradictory budget justification materials in DISN that accompanied the President's budget submission. As initially briefed to the committee, the simplified structure entails a decentralization of funds from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to the individual services. In turn, the services then pay a `subscription fee' for DISN usage. However, budget justification materials provided to the committee from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, DISA, and the individual services do not lay out this reallocation in any trackable, logical manner. The committee recommends reducing the Department's operation and maintenance accounts by $95.0 million, as follows:

Working capital funds

The budget request included $3.1 billion in discretionary spending for defense working capital funds. These working capital funds serve a vital role in providing financial transaction flexibility for critical defense customer support activities. When working capital funds produce an annual net operating result involving a surplus--revenues exceeding expenses--consideration should be given to adjusting customer rates in future years. Working capital funds that do not appropriately return surplus funds to the supported departments, commands, and agencies through rate-change mechanisms artificially inflate the cost of support and deprive the supported units of limited resources. In many cases, the global war on terrorism has created increased work flow in and out of working capital funds annually over scheduled peacetime projections.

In previous years, the committee has urged the Department of Defense to anticipate the increased workload being experienced within the working capital funds and to budget accordingly. While some agencies and services have begun to take these additional revenue and expenses into account, the Army, Air Force, and Defense Information System Agency (DISA) still are not doing so. Consequently, end of year positive operating balances and excess cash balances continue to grow for these working capital funds.

The current projections of net operating result for fiscal year 2006 for the Army, Air Force, and DISA are based, in part, on artificially low revenue estimates. As higher revenues are realized, the working capital funds will continue to maintain large, positive operating balances and excess cash balances. To ensure proper management of the funds, the committee recommends reducing excess balances within these working capital fund accounts by $252.9 million, as follows: Army, $124.7 million; Air Force, $85.5 million; and DISA, $42.7 million.

NAVY

NULKA decoy cartridge

The budget request included $588.4 million in Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for ship operational support and training. The committee notes the Navy requirement to recertify Mark-234 NULKA electronic decoys every 3 years. The committee recommends an increase of $2.7 million in OMN for NULKA maintenance and recertification.

Stainless steel sanitary spaces

The budget request included $4.0 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for ship depot maintenance. The committee notes that the Stainless Steel Sanitary Space (S4) is being installed on ships during repair or overhaul periods. The S4 consists of corrosion prevention materials and coatings, which reduce maintenance requirements and increase quality of life for ships' company. The committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million in OMN to sustain the S4 installation rate.

Manufacturing Technical Assistance and Production Program

The budget request included $298.1 million in Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for combat communications, including funding for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) activities. The committee notes that the Manufacturing Technical Assistance and Production Program (MTAPP) continues to be a key program for integration of small businesses into the military supply chain. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in OMN for SPAWAR MTAPP.

Electric start system

The budget request included $173.0 million in Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for equipment maintenance. The committee notes that performance models have demonstrated that improved reliability and lower maintenance costs could be achieved with electric start technology. Electric start system technology is now available for installation on marine gas turbine engines, including power plants on Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arliegh Burke-class destroyers. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in OMN for electric start system upgrades.

Marine gas turbine photonic sensors

The budget request included $173.0 million in Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for equipment maintenance. The committee understands that more accurate monitoring of gas turbine plant performance and operating parameters is an important element of the Navy's Conditioned Based Maintenance (CBM) program. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in OMN for marine gas turbine photonic sensors in support of the CBM program.

Mark-45 gun system overhauls

The budget request included $473.6 million in Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for weapons maintenance, including funding for the overhaul of Mark-45 (Mk-45) gun systems. The committee notes that the Mk-45 continues to be the Navy's primary battery on cruisers and destroyers. The committee recommends an increase of $16.0 million in OMN for Mk-45 gun system overhauls.

Facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization for the Navy

The budget request included $1,345.0 million in Operations and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), Operating Forces, for Facility Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM). This account is used by the Navy to fund critical maintenance, repairs and renovations of military facilities and infrastructure. The amount in the budget request equates to 95 percent of the total fiscal year 2006 FSRM requirement for the Navy, which meets the budget goal established by the Department of Defense for this account.

On April 5, 2005, the Government Accountability Office released an issue paper entitled `Budget Justification Review: Operations and Maintenance Trends' that reviewed the Navy's execution of the FSRM account. Their analysis concluded that 23 percent of the funds authorized by Congress in fiscal year 2004 for this account were not obligated for their intended purpose, but transferred to other operations and maintenance accounts.

The committee recommends a decrease of $26.2 million in OMN to reflect the anticipated obligation amount in fiscal year 2006. Furthermore, the committee directs the Department of the Navy to request funding for the FSRM account in future year budgets at an amount intended to be obligated for the purpose authorized by Congress, and to discontinue the practice of transferring FSRM funding to other operations and maintenance accounts.

MARINE CORPS

Acclimate high performance undergarments

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC), for acclimate high performance undergarments. The committee notes that the Commandant of the Marine Corps continues to support the initiative to make improvements in form, fit, and function of Marine clothing and accessories. Acclimate high performance undergarments allow Marines to adapt to all environments using one type of undergarment system. The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in OMMC for acclimate high performance undergarments.

Combat casualty care equipment upgrades

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC), for combat casualty care equipment upgrades. The committee notes that the Marine Corps assesses combat casualty care equipment upgrades as high military value and has an identified shortfall of 458 units against the approved acquisition object (AAO). The committee recommends an increase of $5.2 million in OMMC for combat casualty care equipment upgrades to fulfill the AAO.

Family of mountain cold weather clothing and equipment

The budget request included $7.5 milllion in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC), for the family of mountain cold weather clothing and equipment. Additional funding for the family of mountain cold weather clothing and equipment has been identified on the Commandant of the Marine Corps unfunded priorities list, including the All Purpose Environmental Clothing System (APECS). The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in OMMC for APECS.

Portable tent lighting

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC), for portable tent lighting. The committee notes that Marine Corps portable tent lighting is electro-magnetic interference hardened to prevent compromising periperal electronics and computers. Additional funding for portable tent lighting has been identified on the Commandant of the Marine Corps unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in OMMC for portable tent lighting.

Ultra-light Camouflage Net System

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC), for the Ultra-light Camouflage Net System (ULCANS). The committee notes that ULCANS greatly enhances the ability of combat troops and support units to conceal military target signatures of weapons, vehicles, and semi-permanent positions in situations where natural cover or concealment may be absent or inadequate. Additional funding for ULCANS has been identified on the Commandant of the Marine Corps unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in OMMC for ULCANS.

Supplemental communications and electrical utility support to U.S. Marine Corps Network Operations Center

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps, to extend and improve base information technology and electric infrastructure to meet requirements of the network operations center currently under construction and other facilities at the U.S. Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia. There is a requirement for $2.1 million to complete construction of the Marine Corps network operations center that begun last year. Without this additional funding, the Marine Corps communications and warfighting capabilities will be degraded.

The committee recommends an increase in Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps, of $2.1 million to extend and improve base information technology and electrical infrastructure to meet requirements of the network operations center and other facilities.

AIR FORCE

Bomber deployable phase maintenance kits

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), for B-52 or B-1 bomber deployable phase maintenance kits. The committee notes that the global war on terrorism has increased the requirement for Air Force aircraft, including bombers, to operate from forward operating locations. Additional funding for B-52 and B-1 bomber deployable phase maintenance kits has been identified on the Chief of Staff of the Air Force unfunded priorities list in order to increase bomber availability in theater. The committee recommends an increase of $86.0 million in OMAF for bomber deployable phase maintenance kits, as follows: $34.0 million for B-1 aircraft and $52.0 million for B-52 aircraft.

Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator

The budget request included $3.5 million in Operation and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), for the development of a preliminary design and risk assessment of a navigation, guidance, and control unit for the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP), and for an assessment of the integration and requirements of such a unit for carriage on the B-2 bomber. The committee notes that the evaluation of RNEP feasibility by the Department of Energy is not scheduled to be completed prior to 2007. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $3.5 million in OMAF.

Joint protection enterprise network

The budget request included no funding in the Operations and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF) account for the joint protection enterprise network (JPEN). The Department of Defense requires standardized and timely submission of Threat and Local Observation Notices (TALON) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) across components and commands. The Commander, U.S. Northern Command, has identified funding shortfalls for the operations and maintenance of JPEN, which provides this capability. The committee recommends an increase of $3.6 million in OMAF to address this funding shortfall and to support system upgrades, enhanced functionality, and expanded information sharing capabilities for JPEN.

Joint task force north

The budget request included $4.5 million in the Operations and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF) account for Joint Task Force North (JTF-N). In September 2004, Commander, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), assigned JTF-N a full homeland defense and civil support mission. This new mission transforms JFT-N into an operational, proactive, transnational threat-focused organization driven by actionable intelligence. The Commander, NORTHCOM, has identified funding shortfalls for the operation of the task force. The task force must maintain operational readiness and participation in efforts such as the recently concluded 3 month, multiagency Operation Winter Freeze border security project. The successful operation took place on the northeast border during a period of heightened security. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in OMAF to support basic operational requirements; equipment and personnel for the JTF-N; and to continue projects focused on proactive situational awareness, decision superiority, theater security cooperation, and other initiatives required under the new homeland defense and civil support mission.

Mobile consolidated command center

The budget request included $14.9 million in the Operations and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF) account for the mobile consolidated command center (MCCC). The MCCC is a rapidly deployable, vehicle-based command and control center designed to provide commanders with tactical warning, military force direction, and consequence management during periods of heightened security alerts or increased national readiness levels. The Commander, U.S. Northern Command, has identified funding shortfalls for the operations and maintenance of MCCC.

The committee recommends an increase of $6.2 million in OMAF to address this shortfall and to fully sustain and support the operation of the MCCC. Uninterrupted operation of the MCCC would ensure the availability of continuous communication links to the military chain of command in a crisis and would allow for prolonged independent operation as necessary.

Mobility Air Force depot maintenance

The budget request included $2.5 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), for depot maintenance programs, including $287.8 million for KC-135 depot maintenance and $87.5 million for C-130 depot maintenance. The KC-135 and C-130 are venerable, combat-tested aircraft. Manned with talented, dedicated mobility Air Force crews, these aircraft continue to demonstrate their essential contributions to the global war on terrorism. Additional funding for KC-135 depot maintenance and for C-130 depot maintenance has been identified on the Chief of Staff of the Air Force unfunded priorities list. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $96.6 million in OMAF, including $59.0 million for KC-135 depot maintenance and $37.6 million for C-130 depot maintenance funding to address immediate safety of flight issues and to sustain the long-term readiness of mobility air forces.

The committee is concerned with the level of funding provided for KC-135 depot maintenance, given the results of previous Air Force studies, ongoing efforts to mitigate corrosion, and continuing challenges related to the future force structure of tanker aircraft. The Tanker Requirement Study for Fiscal Year 2005, supported by the KC-135 Economic Service Life study, concluded that the Air Force should apply additional resources for KC-135 depot maintenance in order to increase depot throughput and to maximize available operational aircraft. The committee finds, however, that the budget request included funding for only 47 percent of the requirement for KC-135 air frame maintenance and only 58 percent of the total depot maintenance requirement for KC-135 aircraft. The committee, therefore, recommends additional funding for KC-135 depot maintenance to maintain a viable depot maintenance program and address continuing challenges.

The committee notes that recent changes to the C-130J acquisition program and the discovery of advanced fatigue in the center wing box of the current inventory of C-130 aircraft present challenges to the readiness of the C-130 fleet. Program changes and advanced wing fatigue were not anticipated when the C-130 depot maintenance program for fiscal year 2006 was prepared. The committee notes that as a result of center wing box fatigue, the Air Force has grounded 30 aircraft and has imposed restrictions on an additional 60 aircraft. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase in depot maintenance funding to address immediate C-130 center wing box safety of flight issues and to ensure the availability of mission capable aircraft to support intra-theater, tactical air lift operational requirements.

The committee notes that this additional funding is one part of an overall initiative by the committee to provide additional funding for KC-135 and C-130 readiness.

Homeland Security/Homeland Defense Education Consortium

The budget request included no funding in the Operations and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF) account to continue the U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) Homeland Security/Homeland Defense Education Consortium (HSDEC). The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in OMAF to enable NORTHCOM to continue and expand HSDEC. As homeland security and homeland defense roles and missions are further defined, it is important that educational curriculums designed to train personnel in these areas adhere to standards, and that the Department of Defense, through NORTHCOM, participates in establishing the criteria for such standards. An expanded program would increase the role of NORTHCOM in setting education and research priorities and would further training, information sharing, and targeted projects, particularly in cyber and biodefense.

DEFENSE-WIDE

Counseling and assistance to military families

The budget request included $42.0 million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for non-medical counseling and $179.0 million for family assistance centers across all military departments. Recent studies, including the National Military Family Association's `Serving the Home Front' analysis and the Army Family Action Plan, show significantly increased demand for assistance to families due to the changing nature of military service since September 11, 2001.

The committee recommends an increase of $30.0 million in OMDW for increased assistance to military families, including non-medical, preventive mental health counseling, including assistance to families of the Guard and Reserve. The committee expects the increased funding to support non-medical counseling services available through the Department of Defense's Military One-Source program, which provides up to six face-to-face counseling visits for individual and family needs, both in the continental United States and overseas. The committee further directs that additional funds be applied to reducing the shortfall of funding for family assistance centers serving the Army National Guard, Air Force National Guard Wings, Air Force Reserve, and Army Reserve.

Increased support for child care for military families

The budget request included a total of $440.0 million for child care services for all military services, including $174.0 for the Army; $95.0 for Navy; $151.0 for Air Force; and $20.0 for the Marine Corps. The committee believes that additional funds are needed to meet the documented requirement for more than 38,000 additional child care spaces for military families. The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense has an ongoing deficiency in the availability of child care services, which has increased significantly in the past two years and which adds a substantial burden to the families of deployed military members.

The committee recommends an increase of $40.0 million in Operations and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW) for child care services for military families, including the families of mobilized Guard and Reserve members.

The committee intends that the increased funding will be used for the following purposes:

The committee acknowledges that the demand for child care services exceeds availability both in the continental United States and overseas, and is a top quality of life concern among military personnel.

Funding for Office of Economic Adjustment

The budget request included $30.0 million in Operations and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), Administration and Service-wide Activities, for the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA). The committee recommends additional funding of $60 million in OMDW to allow the OEA to provide planning assistance to local communities affected by the closure or realignment of military installations resulting from the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) round.

The OEA provides comprehensive planning and organizational assistance to communities, regions, and States adversely impacted by BRAC. Civilian reuse of a former military installation is often the single most important opportunity for an affected community to overcome the specific impacts of a closure or realignment, while building upon a community's strengths and opportunities. OEA anticipates start-up obligations that will average $1.0 million per community grant in fiscal year 2006 for local staff to coordinate the community's response and to develop realistic reuse plans and community strategies. OEA grants will also be used to establish physical and environmental baseline conditions, to study market-feasible reuses, and to plan for potential zoning actions and public improvements.

Capital security cost sharing

The budget request included $61.3 million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for capital security cost sharing. The committee recommends a decrease of $61.3 million for capital security cost sharing.

Elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends a provision that would permit funds appropriated to the Department of Defense to be transferred to the Department of State as payment for a fee charged by the Department of State for maintenance, upgrade, or construction of U.S. diplomatic facilities, only to the extent that the amount charged in any given year exceeds the total amount of unreimbursed costs incurred by the Department of Defense during that year in providing goods and services to the Department of State. The committee anticipates that in fiscal year 2006 the Department of Defense will provide unreimbursed goods and services to the Department of State valued in excess of $61.3 million; therefore, the Department of Defense will not need the money included in the budget request for the capital security cost sharing program.

Information assurance scholarship program

The budget request included $5.5 million in Operations and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for the information assurance scholarship program. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in OMDW for this program. The Department of Defense requires experts in the areas of information security, assurance, and architecture. Increased funding for these scholarships will allow the Department to educate and train additional students in fiscal year 2006.

The committee's commitment to ensuring an adequate and skilled workforce to support the Department's complex information assurance and security challenges led to the creation of this scholarship program in the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106-398). The committee continues to strongly support the program and commends the Department for successful recruitment of quality educational institutions and perspective students to participate in this important endeavor.

Increased funding for conservation buffer zones

The budget request included $20.0 million in Operations and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for implementation of conservation buffer zones around military facilities under the Department of Defense's Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million to accelerate the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative.

The committee believes that limiting the development or use of property that would be incompatible with the mission of an installation, and preserving habitat that is compatible with environmental requirements and which may also serve to eliminate or relieve current or anticipated environmental restrictions on the use of military installations, should be a high priority for the Department. The Department should pursue opportunities to avoid encroachment by urban growth and development through partnership agreements with eligible entities. The committee directs that in allocating the funding provided for the Department's Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative, the Department should give priority to projects that have been characterized by the Army as benefitting high priority training sites and identified as having the greatest potential to reduce or prevent encroachment through the implementation of a compatible use buffer zone, such as projects that are part of the Army's Compatible Use Buffer Program at the following locations: Fort Campbell, KY; Fort Carson, CO; Fort A. P. Hill, VA; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Sill, OK and Camp Ripley, MN.

Citizen-Soldier Support Program

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for the Citizen-Soldier Support Program. The committee is aware that the Citizen-Soldier Support Program is improving and augmenting family readiness programs for families of the Reserve and Guard. This program is providing expert assistance to reserve families in remote areas in which military installations and the services these installations offer do not exist. The committee believes that there is an ongoing need for such assistance to military families.

The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in OMDW to expand services provided by the Citizen-Soldier Support Program.

Parents as Teachers

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for the Parents as Teachers program. The committee believes that additional funding is needed to expand a program that provides assistance to military families through providing instructional assistance to parents of pre-school children.

The committee authorizes the increase in order to initiate a demonstration program at up to five military installations, to be identified in conjunction with the Department of Defense, at which there is a large concentration of military families experiencing high deployment rates and large numbers of children from birth to five years of age. The committee acknowledges that the Parents as Teachers program has been successfully supporting military families under nondefense sponsorship at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Fort Hood, Texas; and expects that funding would support continued operation of these highly successful programs as well.

The committee believes that the Parents as Teachers program can provide a valuable service to military families, based on voluntary participation, through providing instructional assistance to parents of pre-school children. The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in OMDW for the Parents as Teachers program.

Military to civilian conversions

The budget request included $1.4 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Army (OMA); Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN); Operation and Maintenance, Marine Corps (OMMC); Operation and Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF); and Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW) for conversion of 6,434 military positions to 11,573 civilian positions during fiscal year 2006. The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense has not provided adequate information on the funding requirements and execution data for military to civilian conversions.

According to an April 29, 2005, analysis by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Office of the Secretary of Defense and service budget officials acknowledge that they are unable to provide a clear methodology to calculate the Department's budget cost estimates for replacing military positions with civilians in fiscal year 2006. According to the GAO analysis, Department officials also acknowledged that the services have not determined the federal civilian employee and contractor mix for these conversions. The GAO analysis stated: `Without determining this mix, DoD can not be certain whether it accurately estimated its need for staffing resources and the funds to pay for such resources in its fiscal year 2006 budget.'

The committee concurs with this assessment regarding the lack of clarity on the budget requirements for achieving conversion of military billets to civilians or contractors. The committee believes that military-to-civilian conversions should be reviewed and validated by the Secretary of Defense to ensure that such requirements are formulated in a consistent manner; that there is an availability of qualified civilian employees; and that the mix of Department civilians and contractors is more clearly understood. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $285.0 million for military to civilian conversions, as follows:

ARMY RESERVE

Army Reserve components cold weather clothing

The budget request included no funding in Operation and Maintenance, Army Reserve (OMAR), or Operation and Maintenance, Army National Guard (OMARNG), for the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS). According to Reserve component officials, the ECWCS program is critical to unit mission and training requirements in all regions and in all deployments. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million for the ECWCS, as follows: $2.0 million in OMAR and $2.0 million in OMARNG.

AIR FORCE RESERVE

Air Force Reserve mobility Air Force depot maintenance

The budget request included $377.8 million in Operation and Maintenance, Air Force Reserve (OMAFR), for mobility Air Force (MAF) depot maintenance programs, including $74.0 million for KC-135 depot maintenance and $96.6 million for C-130 depot maintenance. The committee recommends an increase of $58.0 million in OMAFR for Air Force Reserve MAF depot maintenance, as follows: $53.7 million for KC-135 depot maintenance, $4.3 million for C-130 depot maintenance, including inspection and repair of the center wing box.

Elsewhere in this report, the committee notes that this additional funding is one part of an overall initiative to address immediate safety of flight issues and to sustain the long-term readiness of mobility air forces.

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

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