106 th Congress 1st Session
SENATE
Report
106 50
1
Calendar No. 114
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000
REPORT
[TO ACCOMPANY S. 1059]
on
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000 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
TOGETHER WITH
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
[Graphic Image Not Available]
May 17 (legislative day, May 14), 1999.--Ordered to be printed
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000
56 695
1999
106 th Congress 1st Session
SENATE
Report
106 50
3
Calendar No. 114
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000
REPORT
[TO ACCOMPANY S. 1059]
on
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000 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
TOGETHER WITH
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
[Graphic Image Not Available]
May 17 (legislative day, May 14), 1999.--Ordered to be printed
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
(106th Congress, 1st Session)
JOHN WARNER, Virginia, Chairman
STROM THURMOND, South Carolina, Chairman Emeritus CARL LEVIN, Michigan
JOHN McCAIN, Arizona EDWARD M. KENNEDY, Massachusetts
BOB SMITH, New Hampshire JEFF BINGAMAN, New Mexico
JAMES M. INHOFE, Oklahoma ROBERT C. BYRD, West Virginia
RICK SANTORUM, Pennsylvania CHARLES S. ROBB, Virginia
OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, Maine JOSEPH I. LIEBERMAN, Connecticut
PAT ROBERTS, Kansas MAX CLELAND, Georgia
WAYNE ALLARD, Colorado MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana
TIM HUTCHINSON, Arkansas JACK REED, Rhode Island
JEFF SESSIONS, Alabama
Les Brownlee, Staff Director
David S. Lyles, Staff Director for the Minority
(II)
AEMD94 AF
C O N T E N T S
Purpose of the Bill 1
Committee Overview and Recommendations 2
Explanation of Funding Summary 13
Division A--Department of Defense Authorizations 21
Title I--Procurement 21
Explanation of tables 21
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations 22
Chemical Demilitarization Program (sec. 106)
24
Subtitle B--Army Programs
25
Multiyear procurement authority for certain Army programs (sec. 111)
49
Close combat tactical trainer (sec. 112)
49
Army aviation modernization (sec. 113)
50
Other Army Programs
52
Army Aircraft
52
UH 60 Blackhawk
52
CH 47 Cargo helicopter modifications
52
Longbow
52
UH 1 sustainment
53
Aircraft survivability equipment modifications
53
Aircraft survivability equipment infrared countermeasures
53
Army Missiles
54
Patriot Anti-cruise Missile
54
Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles
54
Carrier modifications
54
Bradley fighting vehicle series modifications
54
Howitzer, self propelled, fully tracked 155mm M109A6
55
Field artillery ammunition support vehicle
55
Improved recovery vehicle
55
Heavy assault bridge system
55
Abrams upgrade program
56
Mark 19 grenade launcher
56
Army Ammunition
56
Army ammunition
56
Other Army Procurement
56
High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle
56
Secure Mobile Antijam Reliable Tactical Terminal
57
Army combat communications
57
Warfighter information network
57
Night vision devices
57
Forward area air defense command and control
58
Standard integrated command post system
58
Lightweight maintenance enclosure
58
Combat training centers support
59
Modification of in-service equipment
59
Construction equipment
59
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
60
Subtitle C--Navy Programs
61
LHD 8 advance procurement and advance construction (sec. 121)
88
DDG 51 multiyear procurement extension (sec. 122)
88
Repeal of requirement for annual report from shipbuilders under
certain nuclear attack submarine program (sec. 123)
89
Cooperative engagement capability (sec. 124)
89
Multiyear procurement authority for the F/A 18E/F aircraft (sec. 125) vi
89
Other Navy Programs
90
Navy Aircraft
90
MV 22
90
CH 60 helicopters
90
UC 35A
91
C 40A
91
KC 130J
91
EA 6B support jamming upgrade
91
F/A 18 aircraft modifications
91
AH 1 series
92
H 1 series
92
Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Programs
92
KC 130T avionics upgrades
92
AN/ALQ 165
93
Navy Weapons
93
Hellfire II
94
Improved tactical air launched decoy
94
Weapons industrial facilities
94
Navy and Marine Corps Ammunition
94
Laser guided bombs and kits
94
Marine Corps ammunition
94
Other Navy Procurement
95
AN/WSN 7 inertial navigation system
95
Afloat force protection, maritime interdiction operations equipment
95
Integrated condition assessment system
95
AN/BPS 16H surface search radar for submarines
96
Integration and test facility command and control initiative
96
Joint Engineering Data Management and Information Control System
96
Information Technology 21
97
Aviation life support
97
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
97
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
98
Marine Corps Procurement
98
Modification kits-tracked vehicles
98
Night vision equipment
98
Communications and electronics infrastructure
98
High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle
98
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force field medical equipment
99
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs
100
22 aircraft program (sec. 131)
117
Other Air Force Programs
117
Air Force Aircraft
118
EC 130J
118
C 130J
118
Joint primary aircrew training system
119
15 220E engine modification
119
16 aircraft modifications
119
T 43 terrain awareness and warning system
120
C 20 terrain avoidance and warning system and global air traffic
management
120
KC 135 global air traffic management
121
RC 135 re-engining
121
U 2 upgrades
121
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
121
Air Force Ammunition
122
Wind corrected munition dispenser
122
Air Force Missile
122
Minuteman III guidance replacement program
122vii
Other Air Force Procurement
122
High mobility vehicle
122
Fuel trucks
122
60K loader
122
Base information infrastructure
123
Tactical communications-electronics equipment
123
Aircrew laser eye protection
123
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
123
Defense-Wide Programs
123
Remote activation munition systems
130
Special operations forces rotary wing upgrades
130
Special operations forces small arms and weapons
130
Special operations forces demolition kits
130
Chemical and Biological Defense Program
131
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
131
Subtitle E-Other Matters
131
Extension of authority to carry out armament retooling and
manufacturing support initiative (sec. 141)
131
Extension of pilot program on sales of manufactured articles and
services of certain army industrial facilities without regard to
availability from domestic sources (sec. 142)
132
Other Items of Interest
132
Army modernization overview
132
Bore erosion gauges
133
C 130J
133
C 130J deployment plan
134
C 20
135
Combat survivor evader locator radio
135
Digital facsimile machine
136
Maintaining a strong navy
136
National guard and reserve modernization
137
Report on chartering special craft and tug services
138
Unmanned aerial vehicle system
138
Title II--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation
141
Explanation of tables
141
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
142
Amount for basic and applied research (sec. 202)
143
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and
Limitations
144
Micro-satellite technology development program (sec. 212)
144
Space control technology (sec. 213)
144
Space Maneuver Vehicle (sec. 214)
145
Manufacturing technology program (sec. 215)
145
Subtitle C--Ballistic Mississile Defense
146
Theater missile defense upper tier acquisition strategy (sec. 221)
146
Repeal of requirement to implement technical and price competition
for Theater High Altitude Area Defense system (sec. 222)
146
Space-based laser program (sec. 223)
146
Airborne Laser Program (sec. 224)
148
Subtitle D--Research and Development for Long-Term
Military Capabilities
150
Research and development for long-term military capabilities (secs.
231 239)
150
Additional Matters of Interest
153
Army
153
Basic research in counter-terrorism
163
Army After Next materials
163
Missile technology
163
Humanitarian demining research
163
Combat vehicle and automotive technology
163
Human factors engineering technology
163
Environmental quality technology
163
Virtual retinal eye display technology
164
Armor system modernization
164
Digital intelligence situation mapboard
166viii
Acoustic technology research
166
Radar power technology
166
Tactical High Energy Laser
166
Weapons and munitions-advanced development
166
Comanche
167
Weapons and munitions-engineering and manufacturing development
167
Firefinder
167
Directed energy testbed
168
Multiple launch rocket system product improvement program
168
Combat vehicle improvement programs
168
Aircraft modifications/product improvement program
168
Navy
170
Nontraditional defense operations
181
Communications, command, and control, intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance
181
Carbon heatshield technology
181
Laser technologies
181
Superconducting wave form generator
181
Power node control centers
181
Composite helicopter hangar
182
Virtual testbed for advanced electric systems
182
Advanced technology demonstration
182
Ocean modeling for mine and submarine warfare
183
Advanced technology transition program
183
Integrated combat weapons system for mine countermeasures ships
183
Advanced water-jet technology
183
Enhanced performance electric motor brush technology
184
Standard for the exchange of product model data
184
Trident SSGN design
184
Navy common command and decision system
185
Advanced amphibious assault vehicle
185
Research in nonlethal weapons
185
Navy Collaborative Integrated Information Technology Initiative
185
Parametric Airborne Dipping Sonar
186
H 1 upgrades
186
Multi-Purpose Processor
186
Non-propulsion electronics system
187
Smart propulsor product model
187
Volume search radar
187
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
187
Advanced Deployable System
188
Battle Force Tactical Training
188
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
188
Air Force
189
Materials research
202
Solid state electric oxygen generation
202
Space science and engineering
202
Multi-spectral battlefield simulation
202
Variable displacement vane pump technology
202
Applied research
202
High frequency active auroral research
203
Laser remote optical sensing research
203
Aerospace structures
203
Night vision technology
204
Miniature Satellite Threat Reporting System
204
Standard protocol interpreter for satellite data links
204
Low altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night
204
Joint strike fighter
204
Rocket Systems Launch Program
204
B 2 advanced technology bomber datalink
205
Electronic warfare development
205
Space Based Infrared System
206ix
Wind corrected munitions dispenser
207
Life support systems
207
Composite payload dispenser development for the Evolved Expendable
Launch Vehicle
207
Air Force test and evaluation support
207
Big Crow program office
208
B 52 upgrades
208
16 GOLDSTRIKE
209
EC 130H Compass Call
209
Airborne warning and control system
209
Joint surveillance/target attack radar system
210
Theater Airborne Warning System
211
4B national airborne operations center
211
Endurance unmanned aerial vehicles
211
Airborne reconnaissance systems
212
RC 135 global air traffic management
212
Eagle Vision
212
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
212
Defense-Wide
212
Recruitment and retention
223
University research initiative
223
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization funding and programmatic guidance
223
Support technology
223
National missile defense
224
Theater high altitude area defense (THAAD) system
224
Navy theater wide
225
BMD technical operations
225
International cooperative programs
225
BMD targets
225
Patriot PAC 3
225
Boost-phase intercept
226
Medical free electron laser
226
Computer security system development
227
Weapons of mass destruction related technologies
227
Complex systems design
227
Product data engineering tools
227
Joint warfighting program
227
High performance visualization program
228
Joint robotics program
228
Integrated data environment technology
228
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force detector technologies
228
Joint Mapping Tool Kit
229
Strategic Technology Assessment Program
229
Special operations tactical system development
229
Special operations operational enhancements
229
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
229
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
230
Advanced SEAL delivery system
230
Aerostructures
230
Biological hazard research
230
Commercially Based Tactical Truck Program
231
Computer Emergency Response Teams
231
Department of Defense support of commercial space sector
231
Focus: HOPE
232
Inter-cooled recuperated gas turbine engine
232
Integrated power systems
232
National Technology Alliance
233
Personnel safety and survivability
233
Precision strike and air defense technology
234
Research in advanced optics
234
Robotics and intelligent machines
234
Smart ship manpower reduction initiative
235
Space launch reliability assessment
235
Starstreak missile
235
Maintaining a strong Navy
236
Title III--Operation and Maintenance
239
Explanation of tables
239
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
275
Armed Forces Retirement Home (sec. 303)
275
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and
Limitations
275x
Use of humanitarian and civic assistance funding for pay and
allowances of special operations command reserves furnishing demining
training and related assistance as humanitarian assistance (sec. 312)
275
National defense features (sec. 313)
275
Subtitle C--Environmental Provisions
275
Environmental technology management (sec. 321)
275
Establishment of environmental restoration accounts for installations
closed or realigned under the base closure laws and for formerly used
defense sites (sec. 322)
276
Extension of limitation on payment of fines and penalties using funds
in environmental restoration accounts (sec. 323)
276
Modification of requirements for annual reports on environmental
compliance activities (sec. 324)
277
Modification of membership of the Strategic Environmental Research
and Development Program Council (sec. 325)
277
Extension of the pilot program for sale of air pollution emission
reduction incentives (sec. 326)
277
Reimbursement for certain costs in connection with Fresno Drum
Superfund site, Fresno, California (sec. 327)
278
Payment of stipulated penalties assessed under the CERCLA in
connection with F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming (sec. 328)
278
Subtitle D--Other Matters
278
Extension of warranty claims recovery pilot program (sec. 341)
279
Additional matters to be reported before prime vendor contract for
depot-level maintenance and repair is entered into (sec. 342)
279
Implementation of jointly approved changes in defense retail systems
(sec. 343)
279
Eligibility to receive financial assistance available for local
educational agencies that benefit dependents of Department of Defense
personnel (sec. 345)
279
Use of Smart Card technology in the Department of Defense (sec. 346)
280
Study on use of smart card as PKI authentication device carrier for
the Department of Defense (sec. 347)
281
Revision of authority to donate certain Army materiel for funeral
ceremonies (sec. 348)
281
Additional Matters of Interest
281
Base operations
281
Depot maintenance
282
Real property maintenance
282
Foreign currency fluctuation
283
Civilian personnel levels
283
Spares
283
Contract advisory, and assistance services
284
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
284
Force protection
285
Army
285
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
285
Navy
285
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
285
Marine Corps
285
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
285
United States Marine Corps initial issue
285
Distance learning
285
Air Force
286
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
286
Defense-Wide
286
Mobility enhancements
286
Jefferson Project
286
Partnership for Peace Program (Warsaw Initiative)
286
Partnership for Peace Information Management System (PIMS)
286
Guard and Reserve Components
287
Overseas deployment training
287
Reserve optempo
287xi
Miscellaneous
287
Overseas humanitarian demining and CINC emergency response activities
287
Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection (RAID) teams
288
Other Items of Interest
289
Cultural and historic activities
289
Commissary support for the 99th Regional Support Command, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania
289
Controlled humidity preservation program
290
Expeditionary Aerospace Force
290
Pine Bluff Arsenal
291
Research and development to support unexploded ordnance clearance,
active range unexploded ordnance clearance, and explosive ordnance
disposal
291
Unfunded environmental requirements
293
Weapons Training Facility Vieques, Puerto Rico
294
Excess inventory on order
294
Title IV--Military Personnel Authorizations
294
Subtitle A--Active Forces
297
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)
297
Revision in permanent end strength levels (sec. 402)
197
Reduction of end strengths below levels for two major regional
contingencies (sec. 403)
297
Subtitle B--Reserve Forces
297
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)
297
End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the reserves
(sec. 412)
298
End strengths for military technicians (sec. 413)
299
Increase in numbers of members in certain grades authorized to be on
active duty in support of the reserves (sec. 414)
299
Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations
299
Authorization of appropriations for military personnel (sec. 421)
299
Title V--Military Personnel Policy
300
Subtitle A--Officer Personnel Policy
300
Extension of requirement for competition for joint 4-star officer
positions (sec. 501)
300
Additional three-star officer positions for superintendents of
service academies (sec. 502)
300
Increase in maximum number of officers authorized to be on
active-duty list in frocked grade of brigadier general or rear admiral
(sec. 503)
300
Reserve officers requesting or otherwise causing nonselection for
promotion (sec. 504)
302
Minimum grade of officers eligible to serve on boards of inquiry
(sec. 505)
302
Minimum selection of warrant officers for promotion from below the
promotion zone (sec. 506)
302
Increase in threshold period of active duty for applicability of
restriction on holding of civil office by retired regular officers and
reserve officers (sec. 507)
302
Exemption of retiree council members from recalled retiree limits
(sec. 508)
302
Subtitle B--Reserve Component Matters
303
Additional exemptions for reserve component general and flag officers
from limitation on authorized strength of general and flag officers on
active duty (sec. 511)
303
Duties of reserves on active duty in support of the reserves (sec. 512)
303
Repeal of limitation on number of reserves on full-time active duty
in support of preparedness for responses to emergencies involving
weapons of mass destruction. (sec. 513)
304
Extension of period for retention of reserve component majors and
lieutenant commanders who twice fail of selection for promotion (sec.
514)
304
Continuation of officer on reserve active-status list for
disciplinary action (sec. 515)
304xii
Retention of reserve component chaplains until age 67 (sec. 516)
304
Reserve credit for participation in health professions scholarship
and financial assistance program limited to reserve retirement credit
only (sec. 517)
304
Exclusion of reserve officers on educational delay from eligibility
for consideration for promotion (sec. 518)
305
Exclusion of period of pursuit of professional education from
computation of years of service for reserve officers (sec. 519)
305
Correction of reference relating to crediting of satisfactory service
by reserve officers in highest grade held (sec. 520)
305
Establishment of Office of the Coast Guard Reserve (sec. 521)
305
Subtitle C--Military Education and Training
305
Authority to exceed temporarily a strength limitation for the service
academies (sec. 531)
305
Repeal of limitation on amount of reimbursement authorized to be
waived for foreign students at service academies (sec. 532)
306
Expansion of foreign service programs of the service academies (sec.
533)
306
Permanent authority for ROTC scholarships for graduate students (sec.
534)
306
Authority for award of Master of Strategic Studies degree by the
United States Army War College (sec. 535)
306
Minimum educational requirements for faculty of the Community College
of the Air Force (sec. 536)
306
Conferral of graduate-level degrees by Air University (sec. 537)
307
Payment of tuition for education and training of members in the
defense acquisition workforce (sec. 538)
307
Financial assistance program for pursuit of degrees by officer
candidates in Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class program (sec. 539)
307
Subtitle D--Decorations, Awards, and Commendations
307
Waiver of time limitations for award of certain decorations to
certain persons (sec. 551)
307
Subtitle E--Amendments to Uniform Code of Military Justice
307
Increase in sentencing jurisdiction of special courts-martial
authorized to adjudge a bad-conduct discharge (sec. 561)
307
Reduced minimum blood and breath alcohol levels for offense of
drunken operation or control of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel (sec.
562)
308
Subtitle F--Other Matters
308
Funeral honors details at funerals of veterans (sec. 571)
308
Increased authority to extend delayed entry period for enlistments of
persons with no prior military service (sec. 572)
308
Army college first pilot program (sec. 573)
309
Reduction in required frequency of reporting on the Selected Reserve
educational assistance program under the Montgomery GI Bill (sec. 574)
309
Participation of members in management of organizations abroad that
promote international understanding (sec. 575)
309
Forensic pathology investigations by armed forces medical examiner
(sec. 576)
310
Nondisclosure of information on missing persons returned to United
States control (sec. 577)
310
Use of recruiting materials for public relations purposes (sec. 578)
310
Improvement and transfer of jurisdiction of Troops-to-Teachers
program (sec. 579)
311
Support for expanded child care services and youth program services
for dependents (sec. 580)
311
Responses to domestic violence in the armed forces (sec. 581)
311
Other Items of Interest
312
Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System 183
312
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps 184
312
Recruiter access
313
Air Force Reserve
314
George C. Marshall Reserve Officer Training Corps Award and Seminar
program
314
Initiatives to enhance military recruiting
315xiii
Title VI--Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits
317
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances
317
Fiscal year 2000 increase and restructuring of basic pay (sec. 601)
317
Pay increases for 2001 through 2006 (sec. 602)
317
Special subsistence allowance for food stamp eligible members (sec. 603)
317
Payment for unused leave in conjunction with a reenlistment (sec. 604)
318
Continuance of pay and allowances while in duty status ``whereabouts
unknown'' (sec. 605)
318
Equitable treatment of class of 1987 of the Uniformed Services
University of the Health Sciences (sec. 606)
318
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special Incentive Pays
318
One-year extension of authorities relating to payment of certain
bonuses and special pays (sec. 611)
318
One-year extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for
reserve forces (sec. 612)
319
One-year extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for
nurse officer candidates, registered nurses, and nurse anesthetists
(sec. 613)
319
Amount of aviation career incentive pay for Air Battle Managers
formerly eligible for hazardous duty pay (sec. 614)
319
Aviation career officer special pay (sec. 615)
319
Career enlisted flyer incentive pay (sec. 616)
319
Retention bonus for special warfare officers extending periods of
active duty (sec. 617)
320
Retention bonus for surface warfare officers extending periods of
active duty (sec. 618)
320
Additional special pay for board certified veterinarians in the armed
forces and Public Health Service (sec. 619)
320
Increase in rate of diving duty special pay (sec. 620)
320
Increase in maximum amount authorized for reenlistment bonus for
active members (sec. 621)
320
Critical skills enlistment bonus (sec. 622)
320
Selected Reserve enlistment bonus (sec. 623)
320
Special pay for members of the Coast Guard Reserve assigned to high
priority units of the Selected Reserve (sec. 624)
321
Reduced minimum period of enlistment in Army in critical skill for
eligibility for enlistment bonus (sec. 625)
321
Eligibility for reserve component prior service enlistment bonus upon
attaining a critical skill (sec. 626)
321
Increase in special pay and bonuses for nuclear-qualified officers
(sec. 627)
321
Increase in maximum monthly rate authorized for foreign language
proficiency pay (sec. 628)
321
Subtitle C--Travel and Transportation Allowances
322
Payment of temporary lodging expenses to enlisted members making
their first permanent change of station (sec. 641)
322
Destination airport for emergency leave travel to the continental
United States (sec. 642)
322
Clarification of per diem eligibility of certain military technicians
(dual status) serving on active duty without pay outside the United
States (sec. 643)
322
Expansion and codification of authority for space required travel on
military aircraft for reserves performing inactive-duty training outside
the continental United States (sec. 644)
322
Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred by members of the armed
forces in connection with leave canceled for involvement in
Kosovo-related activities (sec. 645)
322
Subtitle D--Retired Pay, Survivor Benefits, and
Related Matters
323
Retired pay options for personnel entering uniformed services on or
after August 1, 1986 (sec. 651)
323
Participation in thrift savings plan (sec. 652)
323
Special retention initiative (sec. 653)
324
Applicability of dual compensation limitation to reserve officers
retired after 20 years of service (sec. 654)
324
Credit toward paid-up SBP coverage for months covered by make-up
premium paid by persons electing SBP coverage during special open
enrollment period (sec. 655)
324xiv
Paid-up coverage under Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan
(sec. 656)
325
Permanent authority for payment of annuities to certain military
surviving spouses (sec. 657)
325
Effectuation of intended SBP annuity for former spouse when not
elected by reason of untimely death of retiree (sec. 658)
325
Subtitle E--Other Matters
325
Annual report on effects of initiatives on recruitment and retention
(sec. 671)
325
Members under burdensome PERSTEMPO (sec. 672)
325
Increased tuition assistance for members of the armed forces deployed
in support of a contingency operation or similar operation (sec. 673)
326
Administration of selected reserve education loan repayment program
for Coast Guard Reserve (sec. 674)
326
Extension to all uniformed services of authority for presentation of
United States flag to members upon retirement (sec. 675)
326
Title VII--Health Care
327
Subtitle A--TRICARE Program
327
Improvement of TRICARE benefits and management (sec. 701)
327
Expansion and revision of authority for dental programs for
dependents and Reserves (sec. 702)
327
Sense of Congress regarding automatic enrollment of Medicare-eligible
beneficiaries in the TRICARE Senior Prime demonstration program (sec.
703)
328
TRICARE beneficiary advocates (sec. 704)
328
Subtitle B--Other Matters
328
Care at former Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities for active
duty members stationed at certain remote locations (sec. 711)
328
One-year extension of chiropractic health care demonstration project
(sec. 712)
329
Program year stability in health care benefits (sec. 713)
329
Best value contracting (sec. 714)
329
Authority to order reserve component members to active duty for
health surveillance studies (sec. 715)
329
Continuation of previously provided custodial care benefits for
certain CHAMPUS beneficiaries (sec. 716)
330
Other Items of Interest
330
Defense Health Program organizational structure
330
Pre-deployment medical information for female service members
331
TriService Nursing Research Program
331
Title VIII--Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and Related
Matters
333
Extension of test program for negotiation of
comprehensive small business subcontracting plans (sec. 801)
333
Mentor-protege program improvements (sec. 802)
333
Report on transition of Small Business Innovation
Research Program activities into defense acquisition programs
(sec. 803)
334
Authority to carry out certain prototype projects (sec. 804)
335
Pilot program for commercial services (sec. 805)
336
Applicability of competition requirements to
purchases from a required source (sec. 806)
337
Other Items of Interest
338
Appropriate use of the government purchase card
338
Implementation of commercial pricing requirements
338
Inapplicability of certain procurement laws to commercially available
off-the-shelf items
339
Information management lessons learned from Year 2000 software problem
339
Software management improvements
340
Women-owned business participation in Department of Defense contracting
341
Title IX--Department of Defense Organization and Management
343
Subtitle A--general
343
Number of management headquarters and headquarters support activities
personnel (sec. 901)
343xv
Additional matters for annual reports on joint warfighting
experimentation (sec. 902)
343
Acceptance of guarantees in connection with gifts to the United
States Military Academy (sec. 903)
344
Management of the Civil Air Patrol (sec. 904)
344
Minimum interval for updating and revising Department of Defense
strategic plan (sec. 905)
345
Permanent requirement for quadrennial defense review (sec. 906)
345
Subtitle B--Commission to Assess United States
National Security Space Management and Organization
346
Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management
and Organization (sec. 911 919)
346
Title X--General Provisions
349
Subtitle A--Financial Matters
349
Second biennial financial management improvement plan (sec. 1002)
349
Use of single payment date for invoices (sec. 1003)
350
Authority to require use of electronic transfer of funds for
Department of Defense personnel payments (sec. 1004)
350
Payment of foreign licensing fees out of proceeds of sales of maps,
charts, and navigation books (sec. 1005)
350
Authority for disbursing officers to support use of automated teller
machines on naval vessels for financial transactions (sec. 1006)
351
Combating terrorism
351
Central transfer account for combating terrorism (sec. 1007)
352
United States contributions to NATO common-funded budgets (sec. 1008)
353
Subtitle B--Naval Vessels and Shipyards
354
Sales of naval shipyard articles and services to nuclear ship
contractors (sec. 1011)
354
Period of delay after notice of proposed transfer of vessel stricken
from naval vessel register (sec. 1012)
354
Subtitle C--Miscellaneous Report Requirements and Repeals
354
Preservation of certain defense reporting requirements (sec. 1021)
354
Annual report on combatant command requirements (sec. 1022)
355
Report on assessments of readiness to execute the national military
strategy (sec. 1023)
355
Report on inventory and control of military equipment (sec. 1024)
356
Space technology guide (sec. 1025)
356
Report and regulations on Department of Defense policies on
protecting the confidentiality of communications with professionals
providing therapeutic or related services regarding sexual or domestic
abuse (sec. 1026)
357
Comptroller General report on anticipated effects of proposed changes
in operation of storage sites for lethal chemical agents and munitions
(sec. 1027)
357
Report on deployments of Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection teams
across state boundaries (sec. 1028)
358
Report on Consequence Management Program Integration Office unit
readiness (sec. 1029)
358
Analysis of relationship between threats and budget submission for
fiscal year 2001 (sec. 1030)
358
Report on NATO's defense capabilities initiative (sec. 1031)
358
Subtitle D--Other Matters
359
Limitation on retirement or dismantlement of strategic nuclear
delivery systems (sec. 1041)
359
Limitation on reduction in United States strategic nuclear forces
(sec. 1042)
360
Counterproliferation Program Review Committee (sec. 1043)
361
Limitation regarding Cooperative Threat Reduction programs (sec. 1044)
362
Period covered by annual report on accounting for United States
assistance under Cooperative Threat Reduction Program (sec. 1045)
363
Support of United Nations-sponsored efforts to inspect and monitor
Iraqi weapons activities (sec. 1046)
363
Information assurance initiative (sec. 1047)
364xvi
Defense Science Board Task Force on television and radio as a
propaganda instrument in time of military conflict (sec. 1048)
365
Military access to the frequency spectrum (secs. 1049 1050)
366
Repeal of limitation on amount of federal expenditures for the
National Guard Challenge Program (sec. 1051)
366
Nondisclosure of information on personnel of overseas, sensitive, or
routinely deployable units (sec. 1052)
367
Nondisclosure of operational files of the National Imagery and
Mapping Agency (sec. 1053)
367
Nondisclosure of information of the National Imagery and Mapping
Agency having commercial significance (sec. 1054)
368
Continued enrollment of dependents in Department of Defense domestic
dependent elementary and secondary schools after loss of eligibility
(sec. 1055)
368
Unified school boards for all Department of Defense domestic
dependent schools in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Guam (sec.
1056)
368
Department of Defense STARBASE Program (sec. 1057)
368
Program to commemorate 50th anniversary of the Korean war (sec. 1058)
369
Extension and reauthorization of Defense Production Act of 1950 (sec.
1059)
369
Extension to naval aircraft of Coast Guard authority for interdiction
activities (sec. 1060)
369
Other Items of Interest
370
Drug Interdiction & Counterdrug Activities, Operations and Maintenance
370
Narcotics Related Threat To Vital National Security Interests
370
Enhanced aerial reconnaissance
371
Regional counterdrug training
371
Ground based radars
371
Forward operating locations
372
Department of Energy's financial management
372
Submarine dismantlement
372
Title XI--Department of Defense Civilian Personnel
373
Accelerated implementation of voluntary early retirement authority
(sec. 1101)
373
Deference to EEOC procedures for investigation of complaints of
sexual harassment made by employees (sec. 1102)
373
Restoration of leave of emergency essential employees serving in a
combat zone (sec. 1103)
373
Leave without loss of benefits for military reserve technicians on
active duty in support of combat operations (sec. 1104)
374
Work schedules and premium pay of service academy faculty (sec. 1105)
374
Salary schedules and related benefits for faculty and staff of the
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (sec. 1106)
374
Title XII--National Military Museum and Related Matters
377
Subtitle A--Commission on National Military Museum
377
Commission on the National Military Museum (secs. 1201 1211)
377
Division B--Military Construction Authorizations
379
Base closure and realignment accounts
401
Title XXI--Army
407
Summary
407
Authorized Army construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2101)
407
Family housing (sec. 2102)
407
Improvement to military family housing units (sec. 2103)
407
Authorization of appropriations, Army (sec. 2104)
407
Title XXII--Navy
409
Summary
409
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2201)
409
Family housing (sec. 2202)
409
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2203)
409
Authorization of appropriations, Navy (sec. 2204)
409
Technical modification of authority relating to certain fiscal year
1997 project (sec. 2205)
409
Other Items of Interest
409
Improvements of military family housing, Navy
409
Title XXIII--Air Force
411
Summary
411
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects (sec.
2301)
411xvii
Family housing (sec. 2302)
411
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2303)
411
Authorization of appropriations, Air Force (sec. 2304)
411
Other Items of Interest
411
Improvements of military family housing, Air Force
411
Title XXIV--Defense Agencies
413
Summary
413
Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2401)
413
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2402)
413
Military Family Housing Improvement Program (sec. 2403)
413
Energy conservation projects (sec. 2404)
413
Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies (sec. 2405)
413
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 1997
projects (sec. 2406)
413
Other Items of Interest
414
Authorization of military construction project for a forward
deployment site for drug interdiction and counter-drug activities
414
Title XXV--North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment
Program
415
Summary
415
Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2501)
415
Authorization of appropriations, NATO (sec. 2502)
415
Title XXVI--Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities
417
Summary
417
Authorized National Guard and Reserve construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2601)
417
Title XXVII--Expiration and Extension of Authorizations
419
Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to
be specified by law (sec. 2701)
419
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year
1997 projects (sec. 2702)
419
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year
1996 projects (sec. 2703)
419
Effective date (sec. 2704)
419
Title XXVIII--General Provisions
421
Subtitle A--Military Construction Program and
Military Family Housing Program Changes
421
Exemption from notice and wait requirements of military construction
projects supported by burden sharing funds undertaken for war or
national emergency (sec. 2801)
421
Prohibition on carrying out military construction projects funded
using incremental funding (sec. 2802)
421
Defense Chemical Demilitarization Construction Account (sec. 2803)
421
Limitation on authority regarding ancillary supporting facilities
under alternative authority for acquisition and construction of military
housing (sec. 2804)
422
Availability of funds for planning and design in connection with
acquisition of reserve component facilities (sec. 2805)
422
Modification of limitations on reserve component facility projects
for certain safety projects (sec. 2806)
422
Subtitle B--Real Property and Facilities Administration
422
Extension of authority for leases of property for special operations
activities (sec. 2811)
422
Enhancement of authority relating to utility privatization (sec. 2812)
423
Subtitle C--Defense Base Closure and Realignment
423
Conveyance of property at installations closed or realigned under the
base closure laws without consideration for economic development
purposes (sec. 2821)
423
Subtitle D--Land Conveyances
424
Part I--Army Conveyances
424
Land conveyance, Army Reserve Center, Bangor Maine (sec. 2831)
424
Part II--Navy Conveyances
424
Clarification of land exchange, Naval Reserve Readiness Center
Portland, Maine (sec. 2841)
424xviii
Land conveyance, Newport, Rhode Island (sec. 2842)
424
Land conveyance, Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant No. 387,
Dallas, Texas (sec. 2843)
424
Part III--Air Force Conveyances
425
Land conveyance, McClellan Nuclear Radiation Center, California (sec.
2851)
425
Land conveyance, Newington Defense Fuel Supply Point, New Hampshire
(sec. 2852)
425
Subtitle E--Other Matters
425
Acquisition of State-held inholdings, East Range of Fort Huachuca,
Arizona (sec. 2861)
425
Development of Ford Island, Hawaii (sec. 2862)
426
Other Items of Interest
427
Family housing improvement plan for personnel assigned to the United
States Southern Command in Miami, Florida
427
Military History Institute and Army Heritage Museum, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania
427
Title XXIX--Renewal of Military Land Withdrawals
429
Renewal of military land withdrawals (secs. 2901 2914)
429
Division C--Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and
Other Authorizations
431
Title XXXI--Department of Energy National Security Programs
431
Atomic energy defense activities
431
Subtitle A--National Security Programs Authorizations
431
Weapons activities (sec. 3101)
448
Stockpile Stewardship Programs
448
Technology Partnerships and Education
448
Stockpile Management Programs
448
Program Direction
448
Accelerated Strategic Computing Initiative and Stockpile Computing
Program
449
Tritium production
450
Defense programs campaigns
450
Defense environmental restoration and waste management (sec. 3102)
450
Defense facility closure projects
450
Post 2006 completion
451
Site and project completion
451
Technology development
451
Program direction
452
Off-site disposal of low level waste
452
HAMMER
452
Columbia River Corridor Initiative
452
Other defense activities (sec. 3103)
453
Nonproliferation and National Security
453
Security clearances
453
Fissile materials control and disposition
453
Worker and community transition
453
Environment, safety and health-defense
454
Counterintelligence
454
Intelligence
454
Naval reactors
454
Defense nuclear waste disposal (sec. 3104)
454
Defense environmental management privatization (sec. 3105)
454
Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Program
455
Subtitle B--Recurring General Provisions
455
Reprogramming (sec. 3121)
455
Limits on general plant projects (sec. 3122)
455
Limits on construction projects (sec. 3123)
455
Fund transfer authority (sec. 3124)
456
Authority for conceptual and construction design (sec. 3125)
456
Authority for emergency planning, design, and construction activities
(sec. 3126)
456
Funds available for all national security programs of the Department
of Energy (sec. 3127)
456
Availability of funds (sec. 3128)
457
Transfers of defense environmental management funds (sec. 3129)
457
Subtitle C--Program Authorizations, Restrictions,
and Limitations
457
Prohibition on use of funds for certain activities under Formerly
Utilized Site Remedial Action Program (sec. 3131)
457
Continuation of processing, treatment, and disposition of legacy
nuclear materials (sec. 3132)
457
Nuclear weapons stockpile life extension program (sec. 3133)
457
Tritium production (sec. 3134)
458
Independent cost estimate of Accelerator Production of Tritium (sec.
3135)
458
Nonproliferation initiatives and activities (sec. 3136)
458
Initiatives for proliferation prevention
459
Nuclear cities initiative
460
Subtitle D--Safeguards, Security, and
Counterintelligence at Department of Energy Facilities
462
Safeguards, Security, and Counterintelligence at Department of Energy
Facilities (sec. 3151 3163)
462
Commission on Safeguards, Security, and Counterintelligence at
Department of Energy Facilies
462
Background investigations of certain personnel at Department of
Energy facilities
463
Plan for polygraph examinations of certain personnel at Department of
Energy facilities
463
Civil monetary penalties for violations of Department of Energy
regulations relating to the safeguarding and security of Restricted Data
464
Moratorium on laboratory-to-laboratory and foreign visitors and
assignments programs
464
Increased penalties for misuse of Restricted Data
465
Organization of Department of Energy counterintelligence and
intelligence programs and activities
465
Counterintelligence activities at certain Department of Energy
facilities
465
Whistleblower protection
465
Investigation and remediation of alleged reprisals for disclosure of
certain information to Congress
466
Notification to Congress of certain security and counterintelligence
failures at Department of Energy facilities
466
Subtitle E--Other Matters
467
Maintenance of nuclear weapons expertise in the Department of Defense
and Department of Energy (sec. 3171)
467
Modification of budget and planning requirements for Department of
Energy national security activities (sec. 3172)
467
Extension of authority of Department of Energy to pay voluntary
separation incentive payments (sec. 3173)
468
Integrated fissile materials management plan (sec. 3174)
468
Authority of Department of Energy to accept loans from contractors
for closure projects at Department of Energy defense facilities (sec.
3175)
468xix
Pilot program for project management oversight regarding Department
of Energy construction projects (sec. 3176)
468
Extension of review of Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, New Mexico (sec.
3177)
469
Proposed schedule for shipments of waste from the Rocky Flats Plant,
Colorado, to the Waste Isolation Pilot Project, New Mexico (sec. 3178)
469
Other Items of Interest
469
Defense medical devices prototyping pilot
469
Energy savings performance contracts
470
Natural resource damages at Department of Energy sites
470
Real property maintenance and reinvestment
471
Regional nonproliferation cooperative training
471
Robotics and intelligent machines
471
Nuclear waste disposal demonstration test bed facility
472
Title XXXII--Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
473
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (sec. 3201)
473
Title XXXIII--National Defense Stockpile
475
National defense stockpile (secs. 3301 3302)
475
Title XXXIV--Panama Canal Commission
477
Short title (sec. 3401)
477
Authorization of expenditures (sec. 3402)
477
Purchase of vehicles (sec. 3403)
477
Expenditures only in accordance with treaties (sec. 3404)
477
Office of Transition Administration (sec. 3405)
477
Legislative Requirements
478
Departmental Recommendations
478
Committee Action
478
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
478
Regulatory Impact
478
Defense Authorization
478
Changes in Existing Law
479
Additional Views of Senator John McCain
480
Additional Views of Senator Carl Levin
488
(1)
106 th Congress
Report
SENATE
1st Session
106 50
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000 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 (legislative day, May 14), 1999.--Ordered to be printed
Mr. Warner , from the Committee on Armed Services, submitted the
following
REPORT
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany S. 1059]
The Committee on Armed Services reports favorably an original bill to
authorize appropriations during the fiscal year 2000 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:
(1) authorize appropriations for (a) procurement, (b) research,
development, test and evaluation, (c) operation and maintenance and the
revolving and management funds of the Department of Defense for fiscal
year 2000;
(2) authorize the personnel end strengths for each military active
duty component of the armed forces for fiscal year 2000;
(3) authorize the personnel end strengths for the Selected Reserve
of each of the reserve components of the armed forces for fiscal year
2000;
(4) authorize the annual average military training student loads for
the active and reserve components of the armed
forces for fiscal year 2000;
(5) impose certain reporting requirements;
(6) impose certain limitations with regard to specific procurement
and research, development, test and evaluation actions and manpower
strengths; provide certain additional legislative authority, and make
certain changes to existing law; 2
(7) authorize appropriations for military construction programs of
the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2000; and
(8) authorize appropriations for national security programs of the
Department of Energy for fiscal year 2000.
Committee overview and recommendations
The end of the Cold War brought about a new era of international
conflict. The current international security environment is replete with
uncertainties and diffused threats. The Department of Defense (DOD)
fiscal year budget request and the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP)
do not provide the level of funding necessary to meet those threats. As
a result, the committee believes that the administration should
establish a clear sense of priorities and a coherent strategy as it
allocates scarce resources to preserve national security and the
readiness of the armed forces for the next millennium.
``A review of world events during 1998 will dispel any misconception
that the world is now a less violent place,'' according to Admiral Jay
L. Johnson, Chief of Naval Operations. As the world remains a place of
violence and uncertainty, and as America's national interests are
challenged throughout the globe, it is incumbent upon our military to be
prepared to act when necessary. Yet, in order for the military to
respond effectively, it must receive the resources necessary to train,
operate, and equip. Unfortunately, after years of declining budgets and
increasing deployments, the military services are beginning to show the
signs of a neglected force. Recruiting and retention problems have led
to shortfalls in key skills. Insufficient procurement budgets have left
our forces with equipment that is increasingly unreliable and costly to
maintain. Inadequate infrastructure funding has resulted in the
degradation of the facilities in which our military personnel work and
live. According to General Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, ``Anecdotal and now measurable evidence indicates that our
current readiness is fraying and that the long-term health of the Total
Force is in jeopardy.''
When the Joint Chiefs of Staff testified before the committee in
September 1998 and January 1999, General Shelton stated that the
readiness of the military services is lower today than it was six years
ago. The General informed the committee that our ability to carry out
the National Military Strategy has declined to the point that it would
``.take us more time, and that time to victory would mean that we would
lose terrain that we subsequently would have to regain. It means that
the casualties to the U.S. would be higher.'' According to the latest
Quarterly Readiness Report: ``.there are currently 118 CINC-identified
readiness related deficiencies, of which 32 are designated category 1
deficiencies--ones which entail significant war fighting risk to
execution of the National Military Strategy and are key risk drivers for
the [Major Theater War] scenarios.'' In light of General Shelton's
statements and the recent operations in the Balkans and Iraq, the
committee is concerned about the Department's ability to disengage from
the Balkans and deploy to Southwest Asia and the Korean Peninsula in the
time-frames required to successfully execute the National Military
Strategy. If the readiness of the force is to be restored and maintained
to protect 3American interests in the 21st Century, the national
leadership needs to take immediate and aggressive action. In the words
of General Reimer: ``The secret of future victories lies in what we do
today to prepare the force for the tasks ahead.''
The most important part of our military capability is the men and
women who serve. To deal with the serious problem of recruiting and
retaining a qualified force, the committee moved aggressively to pass S.
4, The Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen's and Marines' Bill of Rights Act of
1999. The act authorized a 4.8 percent pay raise, reformed the military
pay tables, and improved the military retirement system. It is the
committee's hope that sending such a strong signal of support to our
troops will help reverse the negative trends we have seen in recruiting
and retention.
During the committee hearings held on September 29, 1998 and January
5, 1999, the Service Chiefs very clearly outlined the essential funding
requirements necessary to maintain the readiness of the armed forces.
General Shelton and the Joint Chiefs identified a series of problems
that, without additional funding of approximately $20.0 billion, would
continue to degrade our military requirements. In addition, testimony
from the Service Chiefs at both hearings established an annual
requirement of $17.5 billion to meet shortfalls in readiness and
modernization. This figure does not include the additional funding
necessary for contingency operations and increased pay and retirement
benefits necessary to address the serious problem in recruiting and
retention. The committee acknowledges that the administration's request
for additional funds is a positive development; however, the proposed
budget request for fiscal year 2000 falls more than $7.0 billion short
of meeting the Service Chief's minimum requirements.
One of the noteworthy shortfalls within the fiscal year 2000 budget
request is the funding request for military construction, which included
an advanced appropriation of $8.4 billion for the program, with only
$5.4 billion requested to be appropriated for fiscal year 2000. The
remaining amount would theoretically be appropriated in the fiscal year
2001. Such incremental funding would actually result in increased costs
and delays in the
construction of critical facilities. In addition, although the
administration's fiscal year 2000 proposal represents an approximate
$500.0 million increase over the fiscal year 1999 budget request, it
does not adequately address the quality of life needs of our armed
forces. Based on concerns related to the potential adverse impact on
readiness and quality of life, the committee allocated an additional
$3.3 billion to fully fund the fiscal year 2000 military construction
and family housing programs, with emphasis on quality of life programs.
The committee recommends full funding for the military construction
and family housing programs to allow the Department to ensure that
important quality of life projects are not delayed in fiscal year 2000.
In turn, these funding increases allow the Department to provide an
additional $3.1 billion for important readiness requirements in other
accounts in fiscal year 2001.4
Personnel
The committee focused on some of the most pressing DOD personnel
issues: recruiting and retention; pay and compensation, to include
reform of the military retirement system; and health care. These issues
have been identified in every survey, poll and informal gathering of
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, as the areas that affect
decisions to join or continue to serve in the armed forces.
Recruiting and retention have been a committee priority for the last
three years. Despite herculean efforts by recruiters, military leaders,
the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Congress, there remains
a disturbing downward trend in both recruiting and retention. In order
to defend the Nation's vital world-wide interests, the Army, Navy, Air
Force, and Marine Corps must be able to recruit the best and brightest
young Americans to serve in the military. Once these young men and women
have been trained, it is essential that the services continue to benefit
from the experience of these future military leaders.
The committee continued to focus on the need to improve military pay
and compensation, consistent with the committee's aggressive efforts to
move for passage of S. 4, The Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen's and Marines'
Bill of Rights Act of 1999. The committee's recommendations include most
of the pay and compensation elements of S. 4, as well as other
innovative proposals to enable military recruiters and retention
personnel to offer incentives to potential recruits and active duty
members.
The committee also addressed the four difficult, but essential,
missions of the Military Health Care System: (1) soldiers, sailors,
airmen and marines must be medically fit and ready to deploy; (2)
medical forces must be ready to deploy to provide health care and
preventive medical services alongside the combat forces; (3) the system
must provide health care to the families of active duty personnel; and
(4) the system must provide health care to retired members and their
families. After the Cold War ended, budget reduction and downsizing made
it almost impossible to successfully accomplish all of these four
missions. As a result, the DOD implemented a nation-wide managed care
system, TRICARE, in which the DOD partnered with the private sector to
deliver health care. Now, the Department is struggling to fully
implement TRICARE. The committee devoted a significant amount of time
and effort to reviewing TRICARE and determining potential improvements
and efficiencies.
Overall, the committee primarily focused its deliberations on the
possible improvements and innovative actions related to recruiting and
retention. The committee recognized that unless the military services
recruit and retain qualified, well trained personnel, readiness will
continue to suffer. The committee believes that the proposals,
resources, and policies recommended in this bill will help the military
services to recruit and retain the numbers of quality personnel required
to meet the National Military Strategy.
Readiness and management support
The subcommittee focused on the near-term and long-term readiness
capability of the force in relation to modernization, infrastruc5ture,
quality of life, management reform, and research and development.
Contingency operations in the Kosovo theater of operations, Bosnia, and
Haiti, have exacerbated readiness deficiencies. Through these
operations, already scarce resources have been drained and critical
assets diverted.
The subcommittee also examined reports related to waste and
inefficiency within the Department of Defense. The committee has noted
the inconsistency associated with the Department's expressed commitment
to a world class force, and its tolerance for ineffective business
practices and systems. Although the size of the Department poses
understandable challenges, the committee is convinced that effective
modernization and sustained military readiness can only be achieved
through management efficiencies. In order to meet the ever increasing
threats posed by weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles,
information warfare, and terrorism, within projected funding
constraints, the Department must maximize the return on its resource
investments through acquisition reform, effective financial and
information management.
Over the past few years, great progress has been made in instituting
acquisition reforms within the Department, particularly for commercial
products and small purchases. More progress, however, is still needed to
reduce the cost and time necessary to develop major weapons systems.
Moreover, even though the Department has a significant investment in
thousands of automated systems that support every facet of its
operations, many of the potential benefits of information technology
have not been fully realized.
The committee recognizes the linkage between financial management
reform and the savings associated with more streamlined DOD operations.
The General Accounting Office (GAO) recently testified that: ``DOD
acknowledges that the lack of a cost accounting system is the single
largest impediment to controlling and managing weapon systems costs,
including cost of acquiring, managing, and disposing of weapon
systems.'' The Department's financial systems currently cannot provide
financial information necessary to establish baseline costs. The GAO
further states that the Department's reform estimates are based on: ``.
. . either anecdotal information or data that may have important
limitations.'' In order to address this issue, Congress enacted section
1008 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998,
which directed the preparation of a biennial financial management plan
to assess departmental weaknesses.
In the committee's view, the Department must address and identify
specific problems with the reliability of system data and the interface
with finance and accounting systems to ensure proper control of physical
assets and the cost of operations, and to maintain an accurate
accounting for records of disbursements. Equally important, the
Department must develop a plan to ensure the competency of financial
managers and effective internal controls for limited defense resources.
The committee will be looking for substantial progress to be made in the
areas of acquisition reform, financial management, and information
management in the coming fiscal year.
Finally, the committee was deeply concerned that the DOD has
proposed, for the first time in a decade, an environmental budget 6that
leaves substantial cleanup and compliance requirements unfunded.
Insufficient funding to meet compliance requirements is a particularly
troubling issue since installation commanders may be susceptible to
criminal sanctions. While it has been suggested that installation
commanders will likely avoid fines and penalties by utilizing training
resources to pay for the compliance shortfalls, that approach is
unacceptable because of the impact on readiness. Furthermore, inadequate
funding for environmental cleanup programs could result in threats to
human health and the environment, and increased regulatory scrutiny.
It is the committee's view that responsible environmental management
within the Department of Defense must include a level of funding
necessary to meet legal requirements. A continued failure to adequately
fund these requirements will invite public concern and unnecessary
operational impediments. Moreover, the committee expects the Department
to identify responsible solutions for the environmental funding
deficiencies in the fiscal year 2000 budget request and in the FYDP.
Emerging threats and capabilities
This year, the committee established the Subcommittee on Emerging
Threats and Capabilities to provide a focus for the Department of
Defense's efforts to counter new and emerging threats to vital national
security interests. The subcommittee
has oversight over such threats as the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction, international terrorism directed at U.S.
targets both at home and abroad, information warfare, and
narco-trafficking. In addition, the subcommittee has budgetary oversight
of the defense technology base, which will provide for the development
of the technology necessary for the U.S. military to meet the challenges
of the 21st Century. A key element of the subcommittee's
responsibilities is the changing role of the U.S. military in the new
threat environment, with an examination of emerging operational concepts
and non-traditional military operations. In this connection, the
subcommittee has oversight of the procurement, and research and
development programs of the Special Operations Command.
The risk of a terrorist threat to U.S. citizens, military and
civilian, is a very real and growing concern. In order to combat this
threat, the President announced in January 1999, a $10.0 billion
initiative. However, little, if any additional funding--beyond that
which was already planned to be requested for fiscal year 2000--was
added to the defense budget in fiscal year 2000. The committee notes
that the DOD has unique capabilities to respond to terrorist attacks
within the United States that involve weapons of mass destruction. As a
result, the committee supports the domestic preparedness role of the
National Guard and recommends increased funding for the National Guard's
Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection (RAID) teams. The recommended
funding will support 17 new RAID teams in fiscal year 2000.
The committee remains concerned about the Department's failure to
provide a comprehensive accounting of the budget request related to
combating terrorism. The DOD has numerous programs to counter terrorist
threats, which are spread among a variety of different agencies and
departments. Apparently, diverse management 7and oversight of these
programs has resulted in a distinct lack of visibility and
accountability for DOD allocation of funds. In order to ensure adequate
oversight, the committee recommends the establishment of a central
transfer account to fund DOD programs that support programs to combat
terrorism, both at home and abroad.
Countering the threat of weapons of mass destruction
The threat that U.S. military forces will encounter chemical or
biological warfare munitions or agents remains high. It is imperative
that the Department of Defense continue to pursue aggressive
modernization efforts to ensure military forces are capable of operating
and fighting in a contaminated environment. The Department of Defense,
the Department of Energy, and the Intelligence Community are pursuing
initiatives in chem-bio defense technologies to field the most capable
equipment for U.S. military forces. The committee notes the investment
made in fiscal year 2000 for these programs--an increase of 18 percent
from fiscal year 1999. The committee added funding to accelerate
fielding of equipment that decreases physiological stress on military
personnel (more ``user-friendly'') thereby providing improved protection
to our troops. Further, the committee believes that enhanced interagency
coordination is needed to avoid redundancies and inefficiencies.
Therefore, provisions have been included to reauthorize and reinvigorate
the Counter Proliferation Program Review Committee.
Since preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is
critical to our nation's security, the committee has authorized over
$740.0 million for the nonproliferation programs of the Departments of
Defense and Energy that provide assistance to Russia and the other
states of the former Soviet Union. However, the committee is concerned
about the increased burden on the United States in funding these
programs and recommends initiatives to secure additional cooperation
from the recipients of U.S. funds and lessen the U.S. cost share of
these programs. In addition, the committee is concerned with the overall
management and oversight of these programs and recommends several
initiatives that will allow for greater accountability and oversight.
Defending Information Infrastructure
Virtually every aspect of America's military activity has become
dependent on information systems and information based concepts.
Information superiority is a dominant theme in Joint Vision 2010, the
blueprint for the military force structure and strategy of the future.
In order to realize the promise of information superiority, however, the
United States must be able to depend upon its information systems to
deliver information in a timely and secure manner. Without a high degree
of information assurance, sophisticated information systems are a
weakness waiting to be exploited by numerous, faceless adversaries.
The committee notes the important steps taken by the administration
and the Department to secure critical information infrastructures. In
particular, DOD has established a Task Force for Computer Network
Defense, a Defense-wide Information Assurance Program, and an integrated
working relationship with the National 8Infrastructure Protection Center
at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Notwithstanding these positive
steps, significant funding deficiencies remain in the Department's
fiscal year 2000 budget request and the FYDP for information assurance
and related matters.
During a hearing on March 16, 1999, the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I)
stated that a $420.0 million increase to the fiscal year 2000 budget
request and a $1.9 billion increase to the FYDP would be required for
information assurance programs. These funding shortfalls are of great
concern to the committee. Therefore, the committee recommends additional
funding in this area and a provision that would strengthen the
Department's information assurance program and provide for improved
congressional oversight.
Technology and future operational concepts
Finally, the committee is deeply concerned that the Department's
science and technology program has dropped to its lowest funding level
since fiscal year 1986. The military services request for the technology
base program (6.1 and 6.2 programs) is at a 25 year low, while industry
research and development has decreased by 50 percent. These funding
trends led the committee to question the Department's long-term ability
to develop and field technologies necessary to revolutionize military
capabilities over the next two decades. The committee has a high
priority to maintain a strong, stable investment in science and
technology in order to develop superior technology that permits the
United States to gain a military advantage today, provide flexible
options to future warfighters, and hedge against technological surprise.
Joint Vision 2010, the Pentagon's vision for the future in force
dominance, depends on swift, decisive victory with minimal casualties by
a smaller force. This will require more technological advantage--not
less. This will require a strong commitment and investment in the
defense science and technology program. The committee recommends that
the Secretary of Defense reexamine the department's commitment to
science and technology funding for future years and take appropriate
steps to ensure that such funding is adequate to meet the national
security needs of the next century. In addition, the committee is
dedicated to ensuring the capability of the Special Operations Command
and supporting the new requirements of non-traditional warfare. To this
end, the committee recommended an increase in funding for the Special
Operations Command, and science and technology programs.
Airland
In its review of the fiscal year 2000 budget request, the committee
emphasized the need for funding that secures near-term core
requirements, and investments that achieve savings and support future
modernization. The committee primarily focused on a review of service
modernization programs--for both near- and long-term requirements--and
the degree to which these programs address the most likely threats that
will face the nation in the 21st Century. The subcommittee has concluded
that the current DOD modernization plan falls short of what is necessary
to adequately 9equip the armed forces. As a result, the committee
recommends increased funding to address the modernization shortfalls
identified by the military services.
In testimony before the Airland Subcommittee, experts expressed
concern about the declining state of tactical aviation. Although the
Nation's fleet of tactical aircraft remain the best in the world,
recapitalization efforts have not kept pace with
requirements. The committee is concerned about the rising
costs associated with new tactical aviation programs and the impact that
the high costs for these fighters will have on the ability of the
services to replace existing aircraft and meet operational requirements.
The committee supports the continued development of the F 22, F/A
18E/F, and the Joint Strike Fighter, however, cost growth issues
associated with the F 22 and Joint Strike Fighter must be closely
monitored. The committee remains concerned about proposals to restrict
or eliminate certain aircraft development activities, such as testing,
in order to meet cost limitations. The committee believes that testing
is planned and executed to ensure the safety and operational suitability
of these aircraft and will not support any compromise in this area. The
state of the Nation's premier ground force is also a concern to the
committee. The Army is in the process of digitizing a heavy Corps, which
will field an enhanced situational awareness capability and provide
soldiers with a significant advantage over any adversary. The need to
gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield, however, is only one of
many challenges for today's Army. The Army must address the significant
limitations related to its deployability and the fundamental problems
associated with moving and positioning a large, heavy force in order to
accomplish its assigned missions. That problem is compounded by the fact
that the Army has declined to develop a total force modernization plan
designed to avoid escalating operation and support costs.
The committee supports the level of funding provided in the fiscal
year 2000 budget request for the reserve components. The Department
requested funding for reserve component modernization that exceeds prior
year requests. The committee recognizes that funding shortfalls for both
active and reserve components will likely continue; however, the fiscal
year 2000 budget request and subsequent identification of unfunded
requirements suggest that the military services have attempted to
address reserve component modernization shortfalls.
Ongoing operations in Kosovo have offered some insight into the
future national defense challenges for tactical aviation and ground
forces. As the military departments identify program shortfalls, it is
essential that adequate funds be provided to ensure military response to
the widening range of future threats. The committee will continue to
support the military departments' efforts to meet these future threats.
Seapower
The committee held hearings that focused on the nation's ability to
maintain navigational freedom on the high seas, to conduct maritime
military operations that serve the vital interests of the United States,
and to provide strategic air and sea lift in support 10of the regional
commanders-in-chief (CINCs). The committee hearings were structured to
review the ability to carry out the National Security Strategy of Shape,
Respond, and Prepare in the 21st Century. In addition, the committee
reviewed ship acquisition programs and policies, and the projected ship
research and development activities.
The adverse impacts related to the continued delay of force
recapitalization and modernization were of particular interest to the
committee. The Navy and Marine Corps funding levels have not kept pace
with the costs associated with increased forward presence and
participation in contingency operations. In the past 50 years, naval
expeditionary forces have responded to over 250 crises worldwide. In the
past 10 years, naval forces have responded to 45 operational
contingencies around the world. During the cold war, Marines were called
upon to protect the national interests on an average of once every 15
weeks. Since 1990, Marines have responded once every five weeks.
Submarine strategic and tactical intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance missions have doubled since the end of the cold war.
During the same period, the submarine force structure has been reduced
50 percent. Although the Quadrennial Defense Review directed an attack
submarine force level of 50 submarines, the Fleet commanders-in-chief
have validated peacetime requirements for 72 attack submarines.
Based on hearings and other information, the committee has determined
that the Navy and Marine Corps must have the readiness capability to
meet near-term and long-term threats designed to disrupt or deny
maritime operations. It is the committee's view that future readiness
will be at risk if recapitalization and modernization continue to be
deferred. The design of more efficient ships and the reengineering of
existing systems provides a return on investment through reduced ship
operating and life cycle costs. Strategic sea and air lift are required
to support everyday operations overseas, emergent requirements, and
sustained military operations of a major theater war. In short,
recapitalization and modernization must include the right quantity and
quality of equipment, platforms, and weapons systems to support
near-term and long-term readiness of the Navy and Marine Corps,
particularly when there must be a capability to sustain simultaneous
naval operations in geographically dispersed areas.
Strategic
The committee has continued to review the adequacy of programs and
policies in the following areas: (1) ballistic and cruise missile
defense; (2) national security space; (3) strategic nuclear delivery
systems; (4) military intelligence; and (5) Department of Energy
activities regarding the nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear waste
cleanup, and other defense activities.
On February 24, 1999, and March 11, 1999, the committee conducted
hearings on national and theater missile defense programs. Based on
these hearings, the committee concluded that the Department of Defense
continues to pursue a severely funding-constrained ballistic missile
defense (BMD) program. Although the committee is pleased by DOD's
decision to substantially increase funding for the National Missile
Defense (NMD) program, the committee found 11that a number of Theater
Missile Defense (TMD) and BMD technology programs remain severely
under-funded. For example, both the Patriot PAC 3 and Navy Area Defense
programs do not have sufficient funds in the FYDP to meet DOD's own
development and fielding schedules. The situation regarding the upper
tier TMD systems is even worse, particularly with regard to the Navy
Theater Wide system. DOD has established a new ``upper tier strategy''
that puts the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and the
Navy Theater Wide system into an unnecessary, funding-driven,
competition. As addressed elsewhere in this report, the committee has
serious reservations about this approach. In the area of advanced BMD
technology, the committee also determined that DOD's program is severely
under-funded. In light of DOD's inadequate overall missile defense
budget, BMDO's focus on major acquisition programs has caused BMDO's
advanced technology programs to suffer. During 1998, the committee
raised serious concerns regarding the Air Force's Airborne Laser (ABL)
acquisition strategy. The committee has reviewed DOD's March 1999 ABL
report to Congress and is cautiously optimistic about progress to date.
The committee addresses this issue in detail elsewhere in this report.
On March 22, 1999, the committee conducted a hearing on national
security space issues at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. As a result
of this hearing and other information provided to the committee, the
committee remains concerned that DOD may not be properly organized to
manage national security space matters. Therefore, the committee
recommends the creation of an independent commission to evaluate
national security space management and organization. The committee also
identified a number of areas in which budget constraints have caused DOD
to insufficiently fund key space programs and technologies. The recent
decision to delay the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) is the most
glaring example. Due to budget constraints, DOD delayed the SBIRS-High
program by two years, resulting in as much as $1.0 billion in
unnecessary program cost growth. The committee has also identified key
areas of space technology development that require additional support,
as addressed in detail elsewhere in this report.
On April 14, 1999, the committee conducted a hearing on strategic
nuclear forces. The committee reviewed the Navy's decision to reduce the
Trident submarine force from 18 to 14 submarines and the overarching
policy of remaining at force levels associated with the Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty (START I) until START II enters into force. The
committee also reviewed the recommendations of the October 1998 Defense
Science Board (DSB) report on nuclear deterrence. The committee is
concerned by the lack of attention that DOD is giving to matters related
to
nuclear deterrence and strongly urges DOD to implement the
recommendations contained in the DSB report. Regarding the retirement of
strategic nuclear delivery systems, the committee endorses the Navy's
plan to reduce the Trident submarine force structure, resulting in 14
modern boats all armed with the D 5 missile, but believes that DOD
should not act prematurely to retire other elements of the strategic
force structure. 12
Department of Energy defense activities
In weapons stewardship and management, the committee noted that the
Science-based Stockpile Stewardship program, will require continued
acquisition of costly new experimental facilities and massive new
computing capabilities to simulate and model the various phases of
nuclear detonation. The committee considers the science-based approach
to be speculative. It will likely take several years to confirm that
this approach is sufficient to enable the Department of Energy (DOE) to
certify the reliability and safety of U.S. nuclear warheads. Even if all
of the new facilities and equipment perform as expected, the DOE may not
be able to accurately predict the long-term reliability of the aging
warheads within the stockpile.
The committee remains concerned that the long-term investments of the
DOE do not adequately balance the needs for experimental testing
facilities and the sustained manufacturing capability of the four
weapons production plants. The committee supports the continued
investment in the production plants because these facilities are
essential to the safety and viability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. If
the weapons production plants are allowed to degrade due to a lack of
capitalization or modernization, there may be serious long-term national
security ramifications associated with an aging and unreliable U.S.
nuclear stockpile.
The committee remains concerned about the DOE tritium production
program. The committee notes that the DOE has failed to request
sufficient funds to complete its proposed dual track tritium production
strategy. The committee expects the Secretary of Energy to reestablish a
U.S. tritium production capability by the dates required in the Nuclear
Weapons Stockpile Memorandum. The committee is further concerned that
the DOE does not have an adequate plan to remanufacture and replace
plutonium pits and high explosives necessary to maintain enduring
weapons systems. The committee has requested that the Secretary
establish a pit production strategic plan that is linked to the DOD
requirements.
In the area of Environmental Management, the committee believes that
the DOE has made great progress in utilizing its resources to achieve
actual cleanup and closure. The committee notes that the DOE has finally
issued an accelerated cleanup plan: ``Accelerating Cleanup--Pathways to
Closure.'' The plan describes the activities necessary to close each
site identified as surplus to the needs of the DOE.
The committee remains concerned that the Department of Energy is not
allowing fair and open competition for the off-site disposal of low
level and mixed low level radioactive wastes. The committee questions
the DOE policy that promotes the use of on-site low level waste
disposal, as opposed to commercial options licensed by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.
Summary
The National Military Strategy of the United States envisioned that
the armed forces would be prepared to fight and win two nearly
simultaneous major theater wars, the most likely being the Persian Gulf
and the Korean peninsula. The strategy did not anticipate a third
theater of war, such as the operation in Kosovo, and 13involvement in
multiple, concurrent contingency operations. Strained by ongoing
day-to-day operations, the contingency operations in Bosnia and Iraq,
and the escalating conflict in Kosovo, it is anticipated that the
long-term and indirect military readiness, quality of life, and
modernization costs of these operations will be considerable. The United
States is risking its ability to protect national interests in other
critical regions of the world. The committee is very concerned about the
administration's failure to adequately address that significant risk
through policy, planning, and resource allocation. The committee looks
forward to a more meaningful resolution of these issues in future budget
submissions and the FYDP.
Explanation of funding summary
The administration's budget request for the national defense function
of the federal budget for fiscal year 2000 was $280.5 billion, of which
$280.8 billion was for programs that require specific funding
authorization.
The following table summarizes both the direct authorizations and
equivalent budget authority levels for fiscal year 2000 defense
programs. The columns relating to the authorization request do not
include funding for the following items: military construction
authorizations provided in prior years; and other small 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 bill.
The committee recommends funding for national defense programs totaling
$288.8 billion in budget authority, which is consistent with the fiscal
year 2000 Budget Resolution.
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DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE I--PROCUREMENT
The budget request included $53.0 billion for Department of Defense
procurement programs. While this level of requested funding represented
an overall increase in Department of Defense procurement funding, the
committee is concerned that the requested level of procurement funding
falls short of the $60.0 billion target established by the Joint Chiefs
of Staff in prior year testimony.
The committee continues to give priority to buying essential core
requirements, investing to achieve savings, and investing in the future.
The committee has also worked to address primarily those modernization
shortfalls that were either: (1) highlighted in the services' unfunded
requirements lists, or (2) from the list of unfunded requirements, but
later validated by the services as meriting attention. It is clear,
however, that the current Department of Defense modernization plan, even
with the best case projections of available research, development, and
acquisition funding, falls short of what is necessary to modernize the
armed forces adequately.
The committee continues to be pleased with the level of funding
provided in the budget request for the reserve components. In the fiscal
year 2000 request, the Department has requested more adequate funding
for reserve component modernization than had been previously included in
prior year requests. The committee recognizes that both active and
reserve component funding shortfalls are likely to continue, but
believes that the fiscal year 2000 budget request and subsequent service
unfunded requirements lists reflect the efforts made by the services to
address reserve component modernization shortfalls. The committee
encourages both components to continue their collective efforts to meet
the common goal of ensuring our total force is prepared for a
challenging future.
Explanation of tables
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2000 for which the committee either
increased or decreased the requested amounts. As in the past, the
administration may not exceed the amounts approved by the committee (as
set forth in the tables or, if unchanged from the administration
request, as set forth in the Department of Defense's budget
justification documents) without a reprogramming action in accordance
with established procedures. Unless noted explicitly in the report, all
changes are made without prejudice.
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Chemical demilitarization program (sec. 106)
The budget request for the Army included $1,169.0 million for the
Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction (CAMD) program. The CAMD
request included $593.5 million for operation and maintenance, $241.5
million for procurement, and $334.0 million for research and
development.
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), it's resolution of
ratification and implementing legislation, established a time line for
the United States to complete chemical agent and munitions stockpile
destruction and related efforts. Programmatic issues, however, continue
to pose cost challenges and challenges to meeting time line
requirements.
Program life cycle costs have risen dramatically. Original life cycle
cost estimates compiled in the early 1980s for the destruction of the
U.S. chemical weapons stockpile were between $1.2 and $2.0 billion.
Current life cycle costs are expected to exceed $12.0 billion. Federal
and state permitting requirements, public safety concerns, and
evaluation of new destruction technologies have contributed to program
cost growth.
In addition to presenting funding challenges, the search for new
destruction technologies may cause delays in meeting destruction time
lines. As a result of public concern and criticism surrounding the
baseline incineration process, programs for the evaluation,
demonstration, or implementation of alternative methods for the
destruction of bulk and assembled chemical agents and munitions were
initiated. Over 25 percent of the budget request for fiscal year 2000 is
for demonstrating alternative destruction technologies to the baseline
incineration process. The committee continues to express concerns that
any evaluation and decision process must be thorough, yet expeditious,
in order to ensure appropriate destruction technologies are pursued in a
timely manner.
While many of these challenges may not have been anticipated when
chemical stockpile destruction began, Congress understood the magnitude
and complexity of the task of stockpile destruction. Accordingly,
budgeting responsibilities were directed to the Department of Defense
and not to a specific military service.
Section 1521(f) of title 50, United States Code, states that funds
for this program shall not be included in the budget accounts for any
military department. The committee is concerned that funds for this
program continue to be included in the Army budget accounts, despite the
statutory requirement to the contrary. The committee expects that the
Department of Defense will comply with this provision and fund the CAMD
program accordingly. The committee recommends a provision that would
provide funding for chemical demilitarization in a Department of Defense
budget line.
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Multiyear procurement authority for certain Army programs (sec. 111)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Army to
enter into multiyear procurement contracts, beginning in fiscal year
2000, for the following programs:
(1) the M270A1 launcher;
(2) the family of medium tactical vehicles, except that period of a
multiyear contract may not exceed three years;
(3) the command launch unit for the Javelin anti-tank missile
system, except that the period of a multiyear contract may not exceed
four years;
(4) the missile for the Javelin anti-tank missile system; except
that the period of a multiyear contract may not exceed four years;
(5) the AH 64D Longbow Apache aircraft;
(6) the Wolverine heavy assault bridge;
(7) the system enhancement program for the M1A2 Abrams tank;
(8) the second generation forward looking infrared system for the
M1A2 Abrams tank;
(9) the command and control vehicle, except that the period of a
multiyear contract may not exceed four years;
(10) the second generation forward looking infrared system for the
Bradley A3 fighting vehicle, except that the period of a multiyear
contract may not exceed four years;
(11) the improved Bradley acquisition system for the Bradley A3
fighting vehicle, except that the period of the multiyear contract may
not exceed four years; and
(12) the Bradley A3 fighting vehicle, except that the period of a
multiyear contract may not exceed four years.
The committee understands the rationale for Army efforts to enter
into multiyear contracts on as many as twelve different programs in
order to save scarce procurement dollars. The committee supports this
effort but was concerned that the Longbow Apache helicopter multiyear
request contained an unfunded requirement to address a processor
obsolescence issue. The committee recommended additional funding to
resolve this issue but the funding shortfall prompts additional
questions. The committee directs the Secretary of the Army to certify,
in writing to each of the congressional defense committees, that each
program identified in this provision clearly meets the criterion in
section 2306b of title 10, United States Code. The committee further
directs the Secretary to submit that certification prior to executing
the multiyear contracts in order to avoid unnecessary exposure of risk
to the government.
Close combat tactical trainer (sec. 112)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
expenditure of any funds for the close combat tactical trainer (CCTT)
program until 30 days after the congressional defense committees receive
a report that outlines corrective actions taken to address reliability
issues. This provision further requires the Secretary of the Army to
certify that these devices meet established reliability requirements
prior to obligation of these funds. The budget request included $75.4
million to procure mobile and fixed 50site tank and Bradley
configuration CCTT. The committee is concerned about Army procurement
plans for these devices in view of continued reliability issues
associated with this program. The committee notes a recent memorandum
from the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, which describes CCTT
as ``not suitable as tested.'' The committee believes it is important to
understand what actions the Army has taken to resolve reliability
concerns prior to expenditure of any funds requested for these devices.
Army aviation modernization (sec. 113)
The committee believes it is necessary to establish basic guidelines
for a renewed look at Army aviation and recommends a provision that
would direct the Army to revise current aviation program modernization
plans to:
(1) Restore the Apache Longbow program to reflect filling the
original objective of 747 aircraft and 227 fire control radars. The
program should include a plan to qualify and train reserve component
pilots as augmentation crews in the AH 64D Apache Longbow helicopters to
insure 24- hour war fighting capability in deployed attack helicopter
units. The program should field the number of AH 64D aircraft in reserve
component aviation units required to implement this objective. The
program should also include a plan to retire all AH 1 Cobra attack
helicopters still in service as soon as practicable.
(2) Review the total requirements and acquisition objective for
Comanche. Provide a revised program that will field Comanche helicopters
to the aviation force structure as it currently exists, reflecting the
restoration of the Apache Longbow program to original acquisition
quantities. The committee is concerned with the logic that calls for an
increase in force structure once these more capable aircraft are
fielded. The Army has decided to assume risk and field aviation units
with reduced numbers of current-capability reconnaissance aircraft. The
increased capability of the Comanche, fielded on a one-to-one
replacement basis, will significantly reduce that risk. It is unlikely
that a greater than one-to-one replacement is necessary or feasible. If
the total requirement for Comanche is reduced below what is currently
programmed, the Army should reorient program funding and fielding plans
to reflect program modifications.
(3) Establish a UH 60 Blackhawk modernization program to provide
required enhancements to existing aircraft.
(4) Establish a UH 1 Huey modernization program to upgrade aging
aircraft. Total force requirements for UH 1 Huey utility helicopters
must be revised to reflect both war fighting support requirements and
state mission requirements for those aircraft utilized by the Army
National Guard. For requirements that cannot be met by UH 1 aircraft,
identify additional UH 60 requirements and acquisition strategy.
(5) Establish a Kiowa Warrior modernization program to ensure the
viability of these aircraft until they are retired from service.
(6) Maintain the schedule and funding for CH 47 Chinook helicopter
service life extension effort.51
(7) Provide a revised assessment of the Army's present and future
helicopter requirements and inventory, including the number of aircraft,
average age of aircraft, availability of spare parts, flight hour costs,
roles and functions assigned to the fleet as a whole and to its
individual types of aircraft, and the mix of active component aircraft
and reserve component aircraft in the fleet.
In directing the Army to restore the Apache Longbow program to the
original plan, the committee believes that the Army did not consider
adequately the operational impact of the programmatic reduction at the
time the decision was made to reduce the acquisition objective for these
aircraft. The committee is concerned about programmatic decisions based
exclusively on budgetary limitations and in the absence of a detailed
review of the operational effect of such a course of action. If the Army
analysis determines that the requirement for Apache Longbow helicopters
is no longer valid, then the committee would be willing to reevaluate
the program guidance contained in this provision.
The committee is also very concerned about the ability of the Army to
maintain the fleet of rotary wing aircraft that is rapidly aging. The
committee notes a growing number of obsolescent parts that are affecting
procurements of major end items, as well as procurements of spare parts.
The committee was very concerned to note that the fiscal year 2000
multiyear procurement authority request for the Apache Longbow
helicopter required a congressional increase of $45.0 million to address
parts obsolescence problems with subcontractors. The committee believes
this trend will continue and will certainly have an adverse impact on
aircraft that are over 20 years old. The committee directs the Army to
address how it intends to identify the extent of this problem over time,
and address how the service will deal with this issue as technology
continues to evolve.
Not more than 90 percent of the total of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated pursuant to section 101, Aircraft Procurement, Army, may be
obligated before the date that is 30 days after the date on which the
Secretary of the Army submits to the congressional defense committees a
revised comprehensive plan for the modernization of the Army's
helicopter fleet.
The Secretary of the Army shall design the plan that is
complete and will be fully funded in future budget submissions.
The committee continues to be concerned about the overall state of
Army aviation. Modernization plans are incomplete. The Army took recent
actions to provide cross-level funding from the Apache Longbow program
to the Comanche program, a step taken without completing a thorough
review of the impact that funding transfers would have on the
warfighting ability of combat aviation units. For the last two years,
the committee has tried to understand incomplete Army plans to modernize
the aviation fleet and has required revisions to existing plans in an
effort to identify a viable program for this critical area.
Unfortunately, the Army has yet to provide a complete and funded program
that adequately describes actions that would modernize, upgrade, or
retire the entire range of aircraft currently in the fleet, or provide
alternative fleet strategies 52that would bring current modernization
requirements down to a more affordable level.
The committee understands that modernization funding limitations are
adversely affecting Army programs. However, unless the Army receives
large infusions of modernization resources beyond what is currently
budgeted, the committee believes that the service cannot continue to
merely identify a range of requirements and then fund only subsets of a
broader program. In fact, as troubling as the inadequate Army aviation
program remains, it is even more troubling to recognize that the revised
plan still does not completely identify any affordable strategy to
modernize the utility helicopter fleet and ensure the operational
capability and safety of Army aircraft.
OTHER ARMY PROGRAMS
ARMY AIRCRAFT
UH 60 Blackhawk
The budget request included $86.1 million to procure eight UH 60L
Blackhawk helicopters. The committee continues to be concerned about an
aging fleet of utility helicopters throughout the Army and inadequate
Army plans to address future utility helicopter requirements. The
committee acknowledges that there are outstanding requirements for
modernized and fully functional utility helicopters, and notes the Army
position that these aircraft provide increased lift and range, improved
safety features, and have higher mission capable rates than the UH 1
helicopters they are replacing. The committee supports procurement of
additional UH 60L Blackhawk helicopters and directs the Army to provide
a complete and comprehensive aviation modernization plan that identifies
a program that will either replace or upgrade aging aircraft currently
in the fleet. The committee recommends an increase of $90.0 million to
procure an additional 9 UH 60L Blackhawk helicopters, for a total
authorization of $176.1 million.
CH 47 Cargo helicopter modifications
The budget request included $70.7 million to support engine and
operational modifications to fleet aircraft. The committee continues to
be concerned about the relative pace of modernization for the medium
lift CH 47 Chinook helicopter fleet. The committee believes that
modernization of these critical aircraft should be accelerated and notes
the current budget does not support minimum economic procurement
quantities for engines and other required aircraft modifications.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $56.1 million, for a
total of $126.8 million, to procure an additional 72 engine conversion
and fielding kits, and sufficient airframe kits to upgrade 36 aircraft.
Longbow
The budget request included $771.2 million to procure AH 64D Apache
Longbow helicopters. The committee was concerned to note that late last
year the Army and the helicopter manufacturer had identified a processor
obsolescence problem associated with the sec53ond multi-year request for
these aircraft. The committee was only recently informed that without a
program increase of $45.0 million, the multi-year contract could not be
executed as the processors utilized in the first multi-year contract
were no longer readily available. Unfortunately, this unfunded
requirement was not identified on the Army unfunded requirements list,
and only recently did the Army take action to inform the congressional
defense committees of this funding shortfall. Despite Army inaction on
this issue, the committee supports the Apache Longbow helicopter program
and intends that the Army maintain a steady production of these aircraft
until the total program procurement objective is achieved. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $45.0 million to address the
processor obsolescence issue and to support successful initiation of the
second multi-year procurement of AH 64D Apache Longbow helicopters.
UH 1 sustainment
The budget request included $4.4 million to support UH 1 avionics
replacement requirements. The committee is very concerned about the age
of the UH 1 fleet and the absence of a funded program to upgrade or
replace these aircraft. The committee has directed the Army to revise
the existing modernization program to completely address modernization
requirements for the entire fleet of aircraft. The committee has also
supported a request by the Army for funding necessary to begin a UH 60
Blackhawk upgrade program. The committee notes an unfunded requirement
necessary to begin a refurbishment and sustainment program for UH 1
aircraft. The committee believes that this action should begin as soon
as possible and recommends an increase of $72.5 million for this
purpose.
Aircraft survivability equipment modifications
The budget request included no funding for aircraft survivability
equipment modifications. The committee notes an opportunity to complete
non-recurring engineering requirements necessary to provide advanced
threat infrared countermeasures/ common missile warning system
(ATIRCM/CMWS) installation A-kits into lot 7 production of Apache
Longbow attack helicopters. The committee believes that aircraft
survivability equipment is critical to ensure crews are able to operate
effectively in hostile environments. The committee, therefore,
recommends an increase of $8.1 million for this purpose.
Aircraft survivability equipment infrared countermeasures
The budget request included no funding for aircraft survivability
equipment modifications. The committee recognizes a requirement to
procure advanced threat infrared countermeasures B-kits necessary to
complete the insertion of this critical aircraft survivability equipment
into lot 7 production of Apache Longbow attack helicopters. The
committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $6.6 million to support
the total requirement necessary to meet the initiation of lot 7
production for the Apache Longbow helicopter. 54
ARMY MISSILES
Patriot anti-cruise missile
The committee has supported development of the Patriot Anti- cruise
Missile (PACM) system, which includes an advanced seeker for use in
retrofitting older Patriot missiles that the Army plans to retain in the
inventory for an extended period of time. The committee does not view
such a program as being in competition with the Patriot Guidance
Enhanced Missile (GEM) or the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC 3),
each of which satisfies a clearly established requirement. The committee
notes the conclusion of the Army's April 1999 report to Congress, which
indicated that, based on extensive ground testing, ``the performance of
the PACM design has been demonstrated.'' Based on this conclusion, the
committee recommends an increase of $60.0 million in Missile
Procurement, Army, for long-lead materials and initiation of a low-rate
initial production program of 200 PACM modification kits. The committee
directs that none of these funds may be obligated for procurement of
PACM upgrades until successful completion of two flight tests.
WEAPONS AND TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLES
Carrier modifications
The budget request included $53.5 million to upgrade 198 M113 armored
personnel carrier vehicles. The committee understands the Army has over
17,500 M113 armored personnel carriers in service today. The Army has
identified a critical requirement to accelerate the fielding of M113
vehicles that have been upgraded to the A3 configuration. These vehicles
are required to support ongoing digitization efforts and to
significantly reduce the operations and support costs associated with
non-modernized vehicles. The committee recommends an increase of $25.0
million, for a total authorization of $78.5 million, to procure an
additional 165 upgrades and accelerate fielding to the 4th Infantry
Division.
Bradley fighting vehicle series modifications
The budget request included $7.1 million to support selective
modifications to Bradley fighting vehicles. The committee recognizes the
importance of providing modern, digitized Bradley fighting vehicles to
support future Army warfighting requirements. The committee notes an
unfunded requirement to accelerate a Bradley A2 sustainment program
currently not scheduled to begin until fiscal year 2003. This effort is
a critical part of Army digitization fielding activities that will
result in the fielding of new, digitized Bradleys to the 4th Infantry
Division and III Corps with older A2 model Bradleys being cascaded down
to active and reserve component units throughout the rest of the force.
The older vehicles require a significant refurbishment to ensure
viability and the Army has established a program to extend the service
life of the vehicles. The committee recommends an increase of $74.2
million, for a total of $81.3 million, to accelerate the initiation of a
Bradley A2 sustainment program. 55
Howitzer, self propelled, fully tracked 155mm M109A6
The budget request included $6.3 million to fund the procurement of
approved modifications to M109A6 Paladin howitzers currently fielded.
The committee notes an outstanding requirement to complete fielding of
Paladin systems for Army National Guard artillery battalions and a
request for additional funding support on the Army's unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million
to modify additional Paladin equipment necessary to complete fielding of
21 National Guard battalions.
Field artillery ammunition support vehicle
The budget request included $200,000 to fund the procurement of
approved modifications to Army field artillery ammunition support
vehicles (FAASV). The committee notes an outstanding requirement to
complete fielding of FAASV systems for Army National Guard artillery
battalions and a request for additional support for the Army's unfunded
requirements list related to M109A6 howitzers. The committee recommends
an increase of $20.0 million for FAASV modification requirements
necessary to complete fielding of 21 National Guard battalions.
Improved recovery vehicle
The budget request included no funding for the Hercules Improved
Recovery Vehicle. The committee understands that the Army recently
canceled this program due to modernization funding limitations, despite
significant outstanding requirements for these critical recovery
vehicles. The committee notes the Army has identified a funding
shortfall for this vehicle as an unfunded priority and believes that
these vehicles must continue to be fielded to meet a significant
battlefield deficiency. The committee recommends an increase of $72.0
million to procure 24 Hercules vehicles and to meet requirements
associated with the traction enhancement effort. The committee expects
the Army to request funding for the shortfalls identified on the
unfunded requirements list in future year budget submissions.
Heavy assault bridge system
The budget request included $67.3 million to support procurement of
the Wolverine heavy assault bridge system. The committee notes that the
Army has identified an opportunity to achieve acquisition efficiencies
through a potential alignment of procurement for Wolverine heavy assault
bridge systems with procurement for M1A2 Abrams tanks. The committee
recommends multi-year procurement authority for both Abrams and
Wolverine systems procurement. The committee understands that, with a
modest increase in Wolverine program funding to accelerate the program,
the Army could achieve a cost avoidance savings of approximately $3.5
million during the five-year multi-year procurement. The committee,
therefore, recommends an increase of $14.0 million, for a total
authorization of $81.3 million, to support advance procurement funding
requirements for the Wolverine systems. The committee understands that
this increase does not represent an increase in Wol56verine program
costs and that a corresponding reduction will take place in the fiscal
year 2001 budget request.
Abrams upgrade program
The budget request included $685.9 million to fund the Abrams upgrade
program. The committee is concerned about the rising costs associated
with gun tube procurements and increasing costs associated with ongoing
tactical internet software development. The committee understands the
importance of fielding the fully modernized M1 Abrams tanks as quickly
as possible. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $27.6
million necessary to address program cost increases and reduce the risk
of meeting the established fielding schedule.
Mark 19 grenade launcher
The budget request included $18.3 million for Mark 19 grenade
launcher procurement. The committee understands that funding limitations
will cause a break in the production of these weapons and that future
procurements will have production restart costs. The committee
recommends an increase of $18.3 million to procure an additional 704
weapons. These additional funds are necessary to maintain continuous
production and to avoid a 15 percent cost growth for future weapon
procurements.
ARMY AMMUNITION
Army ammunition
The committee is concerned with the inadequate funding for ammunition
procurement that was included in the budget request for fiscal year
2000. For the past several years, field commanders have expressed
concern regarding the inadequate stocks of ammunition to support
training requirements. The committee recommends the following
adjustments to the budget request for Army ammunition procurement:
Item:
Millions
25 mm
$2.0
40 mm
8.0
60 mm
9.0
105 mm M915
10.0
120 mm M934
4.0
Wide Area Munition
10.0
Volcano
18.0
Subtotal
61.0
OTHER ARMY PROCUREMENT
High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle
The budget request included $92.1 million for high mobility
multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV) for the Army. The committee notes
outstanding requirements for new HMMWV's for the reserve components and
an opportunity to achieve a minimum sustaining rate of production for
these critical vehicles. The committee recommends an increase of $17.0
million to procure an additional 400 vehicles to achieve the minimum
sustaining rate of production and improve the mobility of reserve
component units.
Secure mobile antijam reliable tactical terminal
The budget request included $61.8 million for the Secure Mobile
Antijam Reliable Tactical Terminal (SMART T), the Army's secure,
multi-channel satellite terminal used with the Milstar satellite system.
According to a recent review by the Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation, operational effectiveness of the SMART T has not been
demonstrated. According to this review, ``the SMART T is not
operationally suitable due to numerous training, soldier efficiency, RAM
[reliability, availability, and maintainability], and integrated support
logistics issues.'' The report recommended that production of the SMART
T should be ``specifically limited to the first option (91) terminals''
while additional testing and assessment proceeds. The Army has already
acquired in excess of this number of terminals. Therefore, the committee
recommends a reduction of $10.0 million in Other Procurement, Army, for
SMART T terminals.
Army combat communications
The budget request included $38.8 million to procure enhanced
position location reporting system (EPLRS) equipment necessary to meet
Army data distribution requirements. The committee notes an opportunity
to procure EPLRS devices at a more economic rate that would result in a
two for one return on investment. The committee recommends an increase
of $25.9 million, for a total authorization of $64.7 million, to procure
EPLRS devices at a more economic rate and accelerate fielding by three
years.
The committee also notes an outstanding requirement for single
channel ground and airborne radio system (SINCGARS) to meet reserve
component system shortfalls. The budget request included $13.2 million
for SINCGARS radio requirements. The committee believes that effective
communications equipment is critical to future force viability and notes
that the Army has identified a shortfall of SINCGARS radios necessary to
ensure total force fielding. The committee recommends an increase of
$70.0 million, for a total authorization of $83.2 million, to procure an
additional 6,500 SINCGARS radios.
Warfighter information network
The budget request included $109.1 million to procure components of
the warfighter information network necessary for the ongoing Army
digitization effort. The committee notes an opportunity to accelerate
the fielding of the block II upgrade by one year. This acceleration is
necessary to ensure existing systems are able to meet future
communications challenges anticipated with the volume of information
that will be transmitted across future battlefields. The committee
recommends an increase of $50.0 million, a total authorization of $159.1
million, to accelerate block II fielding.
Night vision devices
The budget request included $21.0 million to procure essential night
vision devices. The committee recognizes the critical requirement to
field night vision devices that allow Army forces to fight at night and
has consistently supported night vision procurement programs. The
committee notes significant shortfalls still exist in the Army and
recommends an increase of $95.4 million, as follows: 58
(1) an increase of $34.2 million for AN/PAS 13 Thermal Weapon Sights;
(2) an increase of $21.0 million for AN/AVS 5 Driver's Vision
Enhancer equipment for use on combat and tactical wheeled vehicles;
(3) An increase of $7.2 million to procure 4,485 AN/PEQ 2A infrared
aiming lights and the associated 19,000 rail grabbers, and 12,000 AN/PAQ
4C infrared laser aiming devices and the associated 23,000 rail
grabbers.
(4) an increase of $8.0 million for 5,517 AN/PVS 7D night vision
devices; and
(5) an increase of $25.0 million for 6,502 generation III 25
millimeter image intensification tubes necessary to upgrade existing
AN/PVS 4 and AN/TVS 5 night vision devices.
The committee recommends a total of $116.4 million for night vision
devices.
Forward area air defense command and control
The budget request included $10.6 million for forward area air
defense requirements. The committee recognizes the requirement for
additional air and missile defense workstations for the short range air
defense units assigned to combat divisions. The committee, therefore,
recommends an increase of $21.0 million necessary to procure additional
workstations, initial spares, and support software development. The
committee understands that these funds will accelerate the development
of block IV software by one year.
Standard integrated command post system
The budget request included $30.7 million to procure command post
systems and related equipment required to support battlefield command
and control activities and Army digitization requirements. The committee
understands that the Army has procured 1,546 modular command post
systems and has established a total requirement for 3,303 systems. The
committee believes that fielding these systems is critical to Army
digitization, and command and control requirements for increasingly
complex battlefields. The committee recommends an increase of $4.2
million for modular command post systems. Additionally, the Army has
identified unfunded requirements for other standard integrated command
post system component support. The committee understands that current
Army vehicular intercom equipment is ``. . . technologically outdated
and does not meet current or planned communications requirements.'' The
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million to procure vehicle
intercom systems necessary to meet the complex communications challenges
associated with current and projected command and control requirements.
The committee recommends a total authorization of $39.9 million for
command post procurements.
Lightweight maintenance enclosure
The budget request included $2.1 million to procure lightweight
maintenance enclosures (LME). The committee supports Army efforts to
lighten logistics requirements and notes an opportunity to 59procure
these shelters in sufficient quantities to meet force package three
requirements. The committee recommends an increase of $3.2 million for a
total authorization of $5.3 million for LME requirements.
Combat training centers support
The budget request included $2.5 million for combat training center
support requirements. The committee supports all efforts within the
Department of Defense to promote military readiness and ensure the
combat effectiveness of our military forces. The committee notes an
ongoing effort to provide a force-on-force training instrumentation
system to improve the combat readiness of reserve component forces. The
committee understands the deployable force-on-force instrumentation
range system (DFIRST) is an emerging technology that will provide
training opportunities and training feedback not yet available with
existing training support systems. The committee believes that the Army
should establish a pilot program for the reserve components to explore
the capabilities and benefits of DFIRST systems and that this system
should be fielded as soon as practicable. The committee recommends an
increase of $7.0 million to establish a DFIRST pilot program. The
committee directs the Secretary of the Army to provide a report on the
results of the pilot program and the potential future use of DFIRST as a
training enhancement for reserve component training requirements.
Modification of in-service equipment
The budget request included $24.9 million to conduct equipment
modifications to equipment that is in service in the Army. The committee
is concerned about reports that the Firefinder radar system has suffered
from high false alarm rates in urban environments during deployments in
Beirut, Somalia, Desert Storm, Bosnia and in data collection efforts at
Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The committee notes an opportunity to upgrade
existing
antenna equipment and provide the reliability that the ground
forces require to identify threat projectiles and execute counter
battery fire in response to enemy activity. In light of this newly
developed requirement and the current threats facing our ground forces,
the committee recommends an increase of $8.1 million to modify
in-service systems and improve system reliability.
Construction equipment
The budget request did not include any funding for construction
equipment. The committee notes an aging fleet of engineer construction
equipment found throughout the Army and understands modernization
requirements for this equipment often is deferred to support other
weapon system priorities within the service. The committee recommends an
increase of $12.5 million to procure 50 new T9 bulldozers for engineer
units. The committee also recommends an additional $17.1 million for 84
heavy graders. The committee recommends a total increase of $29.6
million to replace obsolete engineer equipment. 60
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $62.2 million be transferred from Other
Procurement, Army to section 310(25), a newly-established central
transfer account for funds to combat terrorism.
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LHD 8 advance procurement and advance construction (sec. 121)
The budget request included LHD 8 advance procurement in fiscal year
2004 and full funding in fiscal year 2005 as part of the Future Year
Defense Program (FYDP). As stated in the statement of managers
accompanying the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for
1999 (H. Rept. 105 736), Congress authorized $50.0 million for advance
procurement of long lead materials of the construction of LHD 8 in lieu
of a future service life extension program for LHA 1.
The committee received information from the LHD shipbuilder that
indicates there will be substantial cost savings if funding is made
available for LHD 8 in fiscal year 2000 as compared to the FYDP plan of
funding advance procurement in fiscal year 2004 followed by funding the
full balance in fiscal year 2005. The cost savings anticipated will be a
result of continuing the LHD production which will enable the
shipbuilder to retain specialized workers and maintain nationwide
suppliers of materials.
The shipbuilder's estimate of savings of about $780.0 million in
procurement costs, and price of about $1.5 billion are encouraged by the
committee. The committee realizes that actual cost savings and price
will be dependent on the final procurement funding profile. The
committee directs the Navy to structure any contract for LHD 8 to
maximize these potential savings and to report on same to the Congress.
The committee is concerned that the FYDP plan would cause an
unnecessary interruption of learning curve efficiencies and the loss of
long-term vendor pricing economies. This provision would authorize
construction of LHD 8 and advance construction of components for the LHD
8 amphibious ship. The committee recommends an increase of $375.0
million for these purposes.
DDG 51 multiyear procurement extension (sec. 122)
The budget request did not include a request to extend the DDG 51
multiyear procurement authorization contained in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997. This provision would authorize
an extension of the 1997 multiyear authorization to include the fiscal
year 2002 and fiscal year 2003 DDG 51 procurement. The provision would
also increase the total number of ships authorized for multiyear
procurement from 12 to 18 and authorize $371.0 million for advance
procurement in fiscal year 2001 for the ships associated with the
extension of the multiyear procurement.
The committee received information which indicated $371.0 million
would be required in fiscal year 2001 if the Navy decides to propose
multiyear procurement for the fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year 2003 DDG
51 ships. For this reason, the committee authorizes fiscal year 2001
advance procurement of $371.0 million should the Navy decide to propose
DDG 51 multi-year procurement for the fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year
2003 Arleigh Burke-class ships.
The committee recognizes that the Department of Defense may decide to
request reprogramming authority for advance procurement in fiscal year
2000 associated with the fiscal years 2002 and 2003 ships authorized for
multiyear procurement in this provision. 89The decision to request
reprogramming authority may be based on vendor base issues and economic
order quantitiy issues which would be beneficial to the government. The
committee would be receptive to such a request from the Department of
Defense.
Repeal of requirement for annual report from shipbuilders
under certain nuclear attack submarine program (sec. 123)
The committee recommends a provision would eliminate the annual
report on design responsibility for the Virginia-class attack submarine
program by amending section 121(g) of the National Defense Authorization
Act of Fiscal Year 1997.
Cooperative engagement capability (sec. 124)
The budget request included $60.5 million for the procurement of
anti-air warfare cooperative engagement capability (CEC) equipment. Of
that amount, $21.9 million is for procurement of Cooperative Engagement
Transmitting/Processing System equipment. The CEC program was re-phased
late in fiscal year 1998 to direct additional funding to research and
development, with the intention of correcting a number of major
inter-operability technical problems.
The Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1999 added $98.6 million to PE 204229N and added $26.0 million to PE
603658N to address inter-operability software problems. In addition, the
conferees directed the Secretary of the Navy to report at least
quarterly on CEC/combat direction system inter-operability problems and
planned solutions. The Navy has provided updates for the first two
quarters. It is evident from those updates that there has been a further
delay in the program due to the delay in reaching agreement on how to
proceed with proposed solutions and additional problem identification.
The committee fully supports the Navy's efforts to focus the CEC
program on solutions for research, development, test and evaluation that
must be done prior to fielding the system. The committee agreed to
procure equipment in fiscal year 1999 to outfit the test and evaluation
shore sites for the purpose of supporting the required development and
testing. In addition, it was agreed that the opportunity to install
equipment on new construction ships should not be missed because the
cost to backfit would not be in the best interest of the government.
Subsequent to the submission of the statement of managers
accompanying the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1999 (H. Report 105 736), $35.0 million was
added to the CEC equipment procurement program. These funds
are sufficient to fund new construction DDG 51 requiring the equipment.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $21.9 million for
procurement of Cooperative Engagement Transmitting/Processing System
equipment because this is not needed to support installation in new
construction ships.
Multiyear procurement authority for the F/A 18E/F aircraft (sec. 125)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Navy to
enter into a multiyear procurement contract, for up to five 90years,
beginning in fiscal year 2000, for procurement of F/A 18E/F aircraft. In
order to ensure that the multiyear criterion for design stability is
met, this authorization is contingent upon successful completion of
Operational Test and Evaluation (OPEVAL). Successful completion of
OPEVAL can be interpreted as findings of operationally effective and
operationally suitable in the final OPEVAL report. The committee
understands this action may be accomplished with existing funds for this
program and that the multiyear authority will ultimately reduce program
costs. The budget request included $2.8 billion for procurement of 36
F/A 18E/F aircraft. The F/A 18E/F has accumulated over 4,000 flight test
hours and is in limited production.
The Navy has requested a multiyear procurement of the F/A 18E/F. When
compared to annual purchases, the Navy has estimated that starting a
multiyear procurement in fiscal year 2000 will result in savings that
exceed $700.0 million over the Future Years Defense Program. OPEVAL is
scheduled to begin in May 1999, and will not be complete until November
1999. Therefore, the committee had to weigh the potential benefits of a
multiyear procurement against the risks of problems arising during
OPEVAL. If the Congress were to wait until fiscal year 2001 to grant
multiyear procurement authority, OPEVAL results would be available.
However, the cost of waiting one year could be as much as $150.0 million
in lost savings.
OTHER NAVY PROGRAMS
NAVY AIRCRAFT
MV 22
The budget request included $850.3 million to procure 10 MV 22 Osprey
aircraft. The MV 22 is a medium lift tiltrotor, vertical/short takeoff
and landing aircraft that delivers twice the speed, five times the
range, and three times the payload of the aging medium lift CH 46
helicopters it will replace. The committee understands that additional
MV 22 aircraft in fiscal year 2000 will facilitate a more efficient
fielding, transition, training, and deployment. Additional MV 22
aircraft are the number one priority on the Marine Corps unfunded
requirements list. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of
$123.0 million for two additional MV 22 aircraft, a total authorization
of $973.3 million for 12 MV 22 aircraft.
CH 60 helicopters
The budget request included $234.5 million for procurement and $73.8
million for advance procurement of CH 60 helicopters. CH 60 helicopters
maintain forward deployed fleet sustainability through vertical
replenishment of ships and support operations through search and rescue.
The committee recommends an increase of $67.0 million for procurement of
three additional CH 60 helicopters. 91
UC 35A
The budget request included no funds for UC 35A aircraft. The UC 35A
is a fast, medium-range air transport aircraft. UC 35A aircraft are
included in the Future Years Defense Program, and three aircraft have
been included on the Marine Corps' unfunded priority list as
replacements for the aging CT 39 aircraft. The committee recommends an
increase of $18.0 million, a total authorization of $18.0 million, for
three UC 35A aircraft.
C 40A
The budget request included $49.0 million for the procurement of one
C 40A aircraft. The C 40A is a replacement for the C 9B/DC 9 aircraft,
which has an average age of over 26 years. The C 40A is a long-range
aircraft used by the Navy Reserve to carry high priority cargo and
passengers, ensuring that units meet ships' movement and overseas
delivery of supplies. Additional C 40A aircraft are on the Navy unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $54.0 million
for the acquisition of one additional C 40A aircraft, a total
authorization of $103.0 million.
KC 130J
The budget request included $12.3 million for logistics and support
for the seven KC 130J aircraft provided in the prior three fiscal years.
The Marine Corps' active force KC 130F and KC 130R aircraft are
projected to exceed fatigue life by fiscal year 2009. Recent center wing
fatigue life data indicates that tanker aircraft may have to be retired
earlier than planned, resulting in a KC 130 inventory shortfall as high
as 15 aircraft by fiscal year 2001. As a result, the Marine Corps has
included procurement of additional KC 130J aircraft on its unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $129.8
million to acquire two KC 130J aircraft, a total authorization of $142.1
million.
EA 6B support jamming upgrade
The budget request included $161.0 million for modifications to the
EA 6B Prowler airborne electronic warfare aircraft, with $32.4 million
allocated for the ALQ 99 pods, to include the modified Band 9/10
transmitters. These modified transmitters provide the EA 6B with the
ability to counter threat radar electronic protection techniques
installed in a widely exported threat systems in the Band 7/8 frequency
range. The committee recommends an increase of $25.0 million to
accelerate the acquisition of modified Band 9/10 transmitters, a total
authorization of $186.0 million.
The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense may be
overly optimistic in its estimate that the EA 6B Prowler will remain in
service until fiscal year 2015. The integration of electronic combat has
become a basic tenet of the way power projection and interdiction forces
operate. A solid roadmap for maintaining this capability is essential.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to deliver a report to
the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2000, that outlines a
notional schedule for analysis, demonstration, development, and
production of a follow-on support jammer. 92
F/A 18 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $308.8 million for modifications to the
F/A 18 series aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of
$130.4 million in F/A 18 modifications, a total authorization of $439.2
million.
The budget request included $35.1 million to upgrade Marine Corps'
F/A 18A aircraft with engineering change proposal (ECP) 583. ECP 583
consists primarily of avionics hardware upgrades, which will give the
F/A 18A the same capabilities as Lot 17 F/A 18C aircraft. The
commonality in weapons employment, communications, and sensors make the
modified F/A 18A a viable platform well into the next century. The
committee recommends an increase of $63.0 million for incorporation of
ECP 583 into an additional seven active and seven reserve Marine Corps
F/A 18A aircraft.
The budget request included $42.2 million for the procurement of kits
and installation of the AN/APG 73 radar, which replaces the less capable
APG 65 radar. The Navy's unfunded requirements list included a request
to retrofit an additional 18 F/A 18C/Ds with the AN/APG 73. The
committee recommends an increase of $38.0 million for this purpose.
The budget request included $27.4 million for incorporation of the
multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS). This provides a
secure tactical datalink, secure communications, and navigational aids.
The Navy has requested additional funding for MIDS in its unfunded
requirements list to fully fund
tri-service production requirements. The committee recommends
an increase of $29.4 million for F/A 18 MIDS.
AH 1 series
The budget request included $13.7 million to support procurement of
AH 1 equipment. The Marine Corps has identified an outstanding
requirement for 12 night targeting systems (NTS) for reserve component
AH 1W aircraft. The committee, therefore, recommends an additional $9.0
million to procure 12 AH 1W NTS devices for a total authorization of
$22.7 million.
H 1 series
The budget request included $6.3 million for H 1 series aircraft
requirements. The committee is concerned about limitations of currently
installed navigational thermal imaging systems for UH 1N aircraft.
Current equipment has limitations in range performance and image quality
for detection, recognition, and identification of hazards, personnel and
vehicle sized targets. The committee supports an existing effort to
upgrade this equipment and provide for enhanced safety for Marine Corps
aviators. The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million to
complete upgrade requirements.
Maritime surveillance aircraft programs
The budget request included $276.2 million for modifications to the P
3 Orion aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $138.6
million, for a total authorization of $414.8 million. 93
The budget request included $106.0 million for Anti-Surface Warfare
(ASUW) Improvement Program (AIP). The P 3 Orion is a long-range maritime
surveillance aircraft that performs anti-submarine and anti-surface
warfare in support of battle group and littoral operations. The ASUW
improvement program enables the P 3 to combat emerging third world,
limited operations, and surface, subsurface, and air threats with
simultaneous multi-mission capabilities. The budget request would allow
the Navy to install eleven kits and buy six additional kits in fiscal
year 2000. The committee understands that there is an existing
operational requirements document and that additional AIP kits are on
the Navy's unfunded requirements list. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $72.6 million for the acquisition of eight
additional P 3C AIP kits.
The committee also understands that active P 3 aircraft need either a
Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) or re-manufacture program to avoid
being retired at the end of their fatigue life beginning in fiscal year
2010.
The course of action to be followed will be decided on as a result of
an on-going aircraft roadmap study. The Navy's unfunded requirements
list included a request for funds to commence this activity in fiscal
year 2000. The committee recommends an increase of $66.0 for P 3
sustained readiness through initiation of a SLEP or re-manufacturing
program.
KC 130T avionics upgrades
The budget request included $15.3 million for C 130 and KC 130
aircraft modifications, with no funds allocated for modernizing the
avionics suite. The KC 130T is the Marine Corps' theater aerial
refueling and tactical assault transport aircraft. The reserves operate
28 of these aircraft, providing nearly 40 percent of the Marine Corps'
total aerial refueling fleet. The avionics equipment currently installed
in the KC 130T is out of production, rapidly approaching obsolescence,
and becoming unsupportable. The Marine Corps' unfunded requirements list
has included a request to procure one prototype installation kit to
commence an avionics modernization initiative, allowing the Navy and
Marine Corps to capitalize on current Air Force efforts. The committee
recommends an increase of $16.8 million for KC 130T modernization
efforts, a total authorization of $32.1 million.
AN/ALQ 165
The budget request included $50.6 million for common electronic
countermeasure (ECM) modifications, with no funds allocated for the
procurement of AN/ALQ 165 defensive electronic countermeasure (DECM)
systems or spares. The AN/ALQ 165 is the primary DECM for the F 14D
aircraft, and is deployed on some F/A 18C/D aircraft on a contingency
basis. The committee strongly supports the continued development of the
follow-on system under development, the integrated defensive electronic
countermeasure (IDECM) system. However, the Navy has informed the
committee that there have been some technical delays in the fielding of
this system. The committee understands that there is an insufficient
number of replaceable assemblies in the AN/ALQ 165 logistics 94pipeline
to support currently deployed systems. The current operations tempo has
put a great strain on these limited assets. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $16.0 million to purchase AN/ALQ 165 spares, a
total authorization of $66.6 million.
NAVY WEAPONS
Hellfire II
The budget request did not include any funding for Hellfire missile
procurement. The committee is concerned about the inventory of Hellfire
missiles for Marine Corps attack helicopter requirements. The committee
understands that the Marine Corps inventory will be at 62 percent of the
inventory requirement by the end of fiscal year 2002 and at 53 percent
by fiscal year 2005. The committee recommends an increase of $25.0
million to procure Hellfire II missiles and support critical training
requirements.
Improved tactical air launched decoy
The budget request included no funds for the procurement of drones
and decoys. The improved tactical air launch decoy (ITALD) is used to
deceive and saturate an enemy's integrated air defense systems. The
committee understands that the Navy is well short of its ITALD inventory
objective, and that this decoy greatly enhances aircrew survival and
probability of mission success. The committee recommends an increase of
$10.0 million to procure additional ITALD decoys, a total authorization
of $10.0 million.
Weapons industrial facilities
The budget request included $20.2 million for various activities at
government-owned and contractor-operated weapons industrial facilities.
The committee recommends an increase of $7.7 million to accelerate the
facilities restoration program at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory.
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AMMUNITION
Laser guided bombs and kits
The committee is concerned with the inadequate supplies of critical
munitions necessary to execute the National Military Strategy. Under the
current programmed funding profile, inventories for laser guided bomb
kits and bomb bodies will be less than 50 percent of required levels.
This shortfall contributes to the risk associated with the execution of
two major theater wars. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase
of $28.0 million for the procurement of laser guided bomb kits and bomb
bodies.
Marine Corps ammunition
The committee is concerned with the inadequate funding for ammunition
procurement that was included in the budget request for fiscal year
2000. Ammunition is an important contributor to military readiness--in
training and in anticipation of conflict. The committee recommends the
following adjustments to the budget request for Marine Corps ammunition
procurement:
Item:
Millions
25 mm
$76.2
40 mm
1.4
60 mm
4.0
Fuze, hand grenade
3.0
Demolition Munitions
7.2
SMAW
9.0
Subtotal
$30.8
OTHER NAVY PROCUREMENT
AN/WSN 7 inertial navigation system
The budget request included $21.8 million for procurement of AN/WSN 7
ring laser inertial navigation systems. The AN/WSN 7 continuously and
automatically determines and indicates a ship's position, attitude
(heading, roll, and pitch), and velocity. This system replaces three
legacy navigation systems, providing equipment commonality between
surface combatants, submarines, and aircraft carriers. The annual
operating cost of the AN/WSN 7 is projected to be only ten percent of
the cost of operating the legacy navigation systems it replaces.
Accelerated procurement of the AN/WSN 7 could produce a substantial
savings in maintenance costs.
The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million to the budget
request for the procurement and installation of additional AN/WSN 7
navigation sets.
Afloat force protection, maritime interdiction operations equipment
The budget request did not include procurement funds for equipment
required by sailors conducting maritime interdiction operations. After
submission of the budget request, the committee became aware that fleet
units conducting maritime interdiction operations in support of United
Nations sanctions did not have the proper equipment to conduct the
operations.
A visit to a fleet unit in the Persian Gulf conducting the
interdiction operations confirmed that the sailors patched together
equipment to conduct the operations. Although bulletproof vests, life
jackets, walkie talkies, web belts, and passive restraint equipment are
available, the life jackets are bulky, bulletproof vests will not stop
advanced munitions, walkie talkies have insufficient range and are not
secure, and web belts and passive restraint gear are adapted from other
uses.
The committee recommends an increase of $24.4 million for afloat
force protection equipment for sailors to conduct maritime interdiction
operations.
Integrated condition assessment system
The budget request included $17.4 million for integrated condition
assessment system (ICAS) for ships. The ICAS is a system that
electronically monitors the operating parameters of machinery and
electronic systems, thus reducing man-hours spent taking readings on
equipment. Mine countermeasure ships have not received the full
installation of ICAS equipment. The committee rec96ommends an increase
of $6.5 million for procurement and installation of ICAS equipment.
AN/BPS 16H surface search radar for submarines
The budget request did not include funding for the procurement of
AN/BPS 15/16H submarine radar navigation sets. The Navy has been
procuring the AN/BPS 16H, a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) variant of
the AN/BPS 15 radar navigation set, and its associated mast assembly,
for installation on new construction submarines and for backfit on
submarines. Procurement of the COTS variant has produced a substantial
cost savings over a comparable system built to military specifications,
enhanced operational performance, and improved navigational safety. The
Navy established a new specification to eliminate the manpower-intensive
requirement for paper navigation charts on ships. Instead of paper
charts, all ships will have the Electronic Chart Display Information
Systems (ECDIS N). Operating ECDIS N requires an upgrade to navigation
radar systems. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $8.0
million for AN/BPS 16(H) software and hardware upgrades to bring them
into ECDIS N compliance.
Integration and test facility command and control initiative
The Navy is continuing an initiative to provide fully integrated and
supportable command, control, communications, computer, and intelligence
(C4I) systems at its integration and test facilities. These facilities
are used for architecture design, systems engineering, integration, and
to provide life-cycle support for the fleet's C4I systems.
The committee learned that the Navy's East Coast in-service
engineering Space Warfare System Center (SWSC) began the operation of an
integrated product center (IPC). This IPC has connected a variety of
Department of Defense laboratories and centers including the Joint
Battle Center and the Maritime Battle Center. Additional communication
nodes and terminal devices, as well as an increase in existing network
bandwidth to accommodate additional users, would permit the facility to
support the wide variety of operational protocols and physical
interfaces associated with new fleet tactical C4I systems.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million above the budget
request for engineering design; hardware and software procurement; and
installation, testing, and documentation; and technical networking
infrastructure for continued development of the SWSC's IPC.
Joint Engineering Data Management and Information Control System
The budget request included no funds for Joint Engineering Data
Management and Information Control System (JEDMICS), the designated
Department of Defense standard system for management, control and
storage of engineering drawings. It is designed as
an open, client-server architecture and is nearing full
deployment for global access to the data in its repositories. The
committee recommends an increase of $9.0 for the continued security
system pro97curement, integration and accreditation surveys for the
JEDMICS system.
Information Technology 21
The budget request included $474.9 million in ship communication
automation procurement. Of that amount, $228.1 million is for satellite
communications ship terminals, $196.4 million is for ship communications
automation, $1.9 million is for ship communications items under $2.0
million, $6.2 million is for ship tactical communications, $19.0 million
for Global Communications and Control System-Maritime (GCCS M) Afloat,
and $23.3 million for Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS). In
addition, the budget request included $64.1 million for procurement of
information systems security program equipment.
The Navy recently re-phased Information Technology 21 (IT 21) fleet
installations to ensure equipment is installed in deploying carrier
battle groups and amphibious ready groups at least six months prior to
deployment. Fleet feedback on IT 21 equipment and resulting capabilities
has been extremely positive. The IT 21 initiative is revolutionary in
enhancing the fleet's operational picture and situational awareness.
The committee fully supports the Navy's IT 21 initiative and
particularly the emphasis on pushing hardware to the fleet as a matter
of priority. The committee also supports the re-phasing of hardware
installations which ensures ships and command organizations learn to use
the equipment and train with the equipment prior to ships making
overseas deployment. The committee recommends an increase of $30.7
million for the switching connectivity to make battle groups IT 21
capable, and $12.0 million for information systems security program
devices for the information assurance program.
Aviation life support
The budget request included $17.1 million to procure a variety of
Navy and Marine Corps requirements, including rotary wing aviation night
vision equipment. The committee notes an opportunity to complete the
retrofit of night vision goggles for all Marine Corps rotary wing units
in fiscal year 2000. The committee recognizes a critical requirement to
field a night vision capability to both air and ground forces as quickly
as possible to ensure the combat effectiveness of our forces in future
military operations. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of
$18.1 million, a total authorization of $35.2 million, to retrofit OMNI
IV/V night vision goggles in both the active and reserve components of
the Marine Corps.
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
The budget request included $21.5 million for procurement and
installation of the NULKA anti-ship missile decoy program. NULKA is a
proven decoy against anti-ship missiles. The committee recommends an
increase of $15.3 million for the procurement of launcher systems and
decoys to outfit the fleet with this key self-defense equipment. 98
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $1.4 million be transferred from Other
Procurement, Navy to section 310(25), a newly-established central
transfer account for funds to combat terrorism.
MARINE CORPS PROCUREMENT
Modification kits-tracked vehicles
The budget request included $22.9 million to support modifications to
Marine Corps tracked vehicles. The committee understands that the Marine
Corps recently changed its strategy to begin procurement of M88A2
Hercules recovery vehicles in fiscal year 2003. The committee recognizes
the need to provide a more capable recovery vehicle for MEF armor
systems and supports the revised strategy adopted by the Marine Corps.
Therefore, the committee recommends the following:
(1) a decrease of $7.2 million in PE 026623M, Marine Corps ground
combat/supporting arms systems;
(2) a decrease of $3.9 million in the Marine Corps operation and
maintenance account, equipment maintenance M88A1; and
(3) an increase of $60.5 million for modification kits-tracked
vehicles to procure 24 M88A2 Hercules vehicles. The committee recommends
a total authorization of $83.4 million for modification kits-tracked
vehicles.
Night vision equipment
The budget request included $9.0 million to procure Marine Corps
night vision equipment. The committee notes an opportunity to buy out
acquisition objectives for generation (GEN) III night vision tubes and
AN/PEQ 2 infrared target pointing devices in fiscal year 2000. The
committee continues to support procurement of night vision equipment
and, therefore, recommends an increase of $8.5 million to buy out the
acquisition objectives for GEN III tubes and AN/PEQ 2 devices.
Communications and electronics infrastructure
The budget request included $81.8 million for communications and
electronics infrastructure requirements. The committee supports Marine
Corps' effort to upgrade communications and electronics infrastructure
at Marine Corps installations, which is necessary to meet future
information support requirements. The committee recommends an increase
of $54.4 million, a total authorization of $136.2 million, to continue
this effort and to achieve upgrade objectives as soon as practicable.
High mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle
The budget request included $124.4 million to procure high mobility
multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV) for the Marine Corps. The
committee notes the HMMWV's throughout the Marine Corps are aging
rapidly and need to be replaced to improve safety, reliability,
maintainability, and durability. The committee rec99ommends an increase
of $40.0 million to accelerate procurement of an additional 668 new
vehicles.
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force field medical equipment
The budget request included $2.5 million to procure equipment for the
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) to meet emerging
mission requirements. The committee notes an outstanding requirement to
procure military medical evaluation tools necessary to allow first
response forces to manage and treat patients involved in a chemical or
biological incident. Shortfalls include military medical evaluation tool
software, detection systems for nerve gas, blister agent and nuclear
material, and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) outfitting and deployment
requirements. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $6.5
million to fill these requirements, a total authorization of $9.0
million.
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F 22 aircraft program (sec. 131)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to certify to the congressional defense committees, before
commencing low rate initial production of the F 22, that the test
program is adequate to determine its operational effectiveness and
suitability, and that the development and production programs are
executable within the cost caps. The budget request included $1.8
billion for F 22 procurement. The budget request also included $1.2
billion for F 22 engineering and manufacturing development (EMD). These
funds provide substantial building activity, including $689.7 million to
complete assembly of EMD aircraft 3 through 6 and to continue assembly
of aircraft 7 through 9. The EMD request also includes $275.8 million
for avionics development, $140.1 million for engine development, and
$166.6 million for other government costs. The committee notes that
funds have not been taken from the program, and are available for
obligation once the Secretary of Defense provides the required
certifications.
In response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1998 (Public Law 105 85), the Comptroller General submitted an annual
report that assessed the progress of the EMD phase for the F 22 program
and the prospect of completion under the cost cap. The General
Accounting Office (GAO) report and recent program progress was the
subject of a hearing held by the Airland Subcommittee to review tactical
aviation modernization issues. In the annual report and in testimony,
the GAO questioned whether EMD, as planned, can be completed within the
cost limitation. Cost reviews by the Air Force and the contractors in
calendar year 1998 identified a potential EMD program cost growth of
$667.0 million that, if not addressed, could increase program costs
above the limitation of $18.9 billion. Much of this potential cost
growth has been driven by projected late deliveries of EMD aircraft 3
through 6. These delays are caused by problems with the large titanium
castings that attach the wings to the aircraft fuselage. These casting
and machining problems have apparently been resolved, and the delivery
schedule has been revised.
The Air Force and the contractor have developed a plan to address
this potential cost growth, which includes streamlining some EMD
activities, and delaying some other activities until after production.
In testimony before the Airland Subcommittee, the Director of
Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) said he has not yet thoroughly
reviewed the revised test plans. DOT&E also raised concerns about the
thoroughness of the F 22 live fire test and evaluation plan. In
testimony before the Airland Subcommittee and the Committee on Armed
Services of the Senate, Air Force officials unanimously expressed the
opinion that, while challenging, the EMD program is achievable within
its cost limitations. A decision to authorize the Air Force to begin low
rate initial production (LRIP) is scheduled in November, 1999.
The committee is pleased with the technical performance of the F 22
displayed in its first 200 hours of flight testing. The committee,
however, is concerned about the potential for EMD cost growth and the
temptation to dilute the flight test program to achieve program
completion within the cost cap. Before the scheduled LRIP Defense
Acquisition Board, the F 22 Test and Evalua118tion Master Plan (TEMP)
must be signed by DOT&E. The Cost and Analysis Improvement Group (CAIG)
of the Office of the Secretary of Defense must review executability of
the program within programmed funding. These assessments should form the
basis of the required certifications.
OTHER AIR FORCE PROGRAMS
AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT
EC 130J
The budget request included no funds for the EC 130J Commmando Solo
(CS) aircraft. Currently, the 193d Special Operations Wing is awaiting
delivery of three EC 130J aircraft. After delivery of the basic
aircraft, the airframe will be modified to the CS configuration. The
committee understands that there is only sufficient funding to modify
two of the airframes to the CS configuration and recommends an increase
of $30.0 million to fully configure the third aircraft.
C 130J
The budget request included $30.6 million for spares and logistics
required for prior acquisitions of this aircraft. In the Strom Thurmond
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, the Secretary
of Defense was required to submit a report to the congressional defense
committees discussing planned versus completed testing and the program
cost and schedule status. This reporting requirement was delegated to
the Secretary of the Air Force.
Analysis of this report details significant testing and aircraft
delivery delays. The current test schedule indicates the contractor
Qualification Test and Evaluation will not be complete until June 2000.
A final report on the Qualification Operational Test and Evaluation will
not be completed until November 2000. The initial aircraft deliveries
were scheduled for July 1997. However, delivery of the first two Air
Force C 130Js did not occur until February, 1999. The Air Force report
states that the schedule delays have not affected the user's operational
capability, since acquisition to date of C 130J aircraft for the Air
Force has been earlier than required.
The committee is concerned that aircraft production has been
accelerating in advance of substantive testing for operational
effectiveness and suitability, and that required logistics support has
not been put in place. The Air Force has emphasized the budgeted level
of funding is insufficient to provide the required logistics support
through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP), and included a request
for $24.2 million in the Air Force unfunded requirements list for fiscal
year 2000 to provide adequate support for the current buy profile. It
should be noted that the current buy profile in the FYDP includes no
additional aircraft acquisitions until fiscal year 2002. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $24.2 million for C 130J logistics
and training, a total authorization of $54.8 million. 119
Joint primary aircrew training system
The budget request included $88.2 million for 21 Joint Primary
Aircrew Training System (JPATS) aircraft and associated support. The Air
Force has included additional aircraft high on its unfunded requirements
list. The committee agrees that this acceleration will allow the Air
Force to retire its aging T 37 training aircraft ahead of schedule,
resulting in net savings due to avoidance of rising operation and
support costs. The committee recommends an increase of $85.4 million for
an additional 18 aircraft with associated simulators, courseware, and
the training integrated management systems, a total authorization of
$173.6 million.
F 15 220E engine modification
The budget request included $263.5 million for F 15 modifications,
with $13.8 million dedicated to the 220E engine upgrade. The maintenance
benefits derived from this transition from analog to digital technology,
coupled with operational benefits, make this a program that merits
additional support. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million to further accelerate the fielding of the 220E upgrade, a total
authorization of $283.5 million.
F 16 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $249.5 million for modifications to the F
16 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $130.3
million in F 16 modifications, a total authorization of $379.8 million.
The budget request did not include any funding for the High Speed
Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) Targeting System (HTS) pods and Aircraft
Launcher Interface computers necessary to make the F 16 a viable
suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) platform. The Air Force is using
the F 16 extensively against heavily defended, integrated air defense
networks, and has emphasized the importance of these SEAD modifications
through high placement on the service unfunded requirements list. As a
result, the committee recommends an increase of $13.9 million to acquire
30 HTS pods and Aircraft Launcher Interface computers.
The budget request included $47.8 million for F 16 precision
targeting pods. Including the Air National Guard (ANG) and Air
Force Reserve (AFRC) in the total force is critically important, given
the extremely high operational tempo of our tactical air forces. To
participate meaningfully, however, they must be capable of employing
precision guided munitions. The vast majority of the older block F 16
aircraft in the ANG and AFRC are currently unable to employ precision
guided munitions. The Air Force has recently selected the Litening II
pod system to provide this capability for these earlier block aircraft,
and identified this system as the number one ANG and AFRC funding
priority. The committee recommends an increase of $80.0 million for
acquisition of additional Litening II pods.
The budget request did not include any fiscal year 2000 funding for
the continuing acquisition of the hardware associated with the digital
terrain system (DTS), although funding is included in the Future Years
Defense Program (FYDP). The next release of F 16 120software will
include this function, and will need the hardware to be functional. The
committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million to accelerate the
acquisition of DTS hardware.
In fiscal year 1999, the Air Force was projected to take delivery of
20 complete F 16 reconnaissance pod systems. Each pod would have
included a forward oblique camera in the front bay and a medium altitude
electro-optic (MAEO) sensor in the middle bay. The committee understands
that necessary engineering change proposals have caused the Air Force to
scale back the scope of the contract, which now includes only five of
the 20 MAEO sensors. The lack of a medium altitude sensor would subject
a significant portion of reconnaissance missions to fly in riskier, low
altitude regimes. The committee recommends an increase of $13.5 million
to purchase the remaining 15 MAEO sensors to fully equip the
reconnaissance pods.
In the past year, there has been a significant increase in the number
of F 16 engine-related mishaps. The F 16 is a single engine aircraft. In
February 1999, the Air Force held an engine summit to examine the causes
of the mishaps and to identify the necessary fixes. The committee
believes the plan proposed by the engine summit must be initiated
quickly. The funding required to execute the plan, however, is not
included in the budget request. To allow the Air Force to initiate the
engine modification plan, the committee recommends an increase of $10.9
million.
T 43 terrain awareness and warning system
The budget request included $700,000 for T 43 modifications. It
included no funds for the terrain awareness and warning system
modification, although funding for this modification is included in the
Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). This is a fourth generation ground
proximity warning system that cross checks the aircraft's global
positioning system coordinates with a world-wide terrain database. The
committee recommends an increase of $3.1 million to accelerate by one
year the incorporation of the terrain avoidance and warning system on
the T 43, a total authorization of $3.8 million.
C 20 terrain avoidance and warning system and global air
traffic management
The budget request included $3.5 million for modifications to the C
20 aircraft, with $3.1 million for incorporation of the terrain
avoidance and warning system. No funds were allocated for the
incorporation of the global air traffic management (GATM), although
funding is programmed in the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). The
terrain avoidance and warning system is a ground proximity warning
system that cross checks the aircraft's global positioning system
coordinates with a world-wide terrain database, while GATM provides
communication, navigation, and surveillance improvements needed for
operation in oceanic airspace where reduced horizontal separations are
implemented. The committee recommends an increase of $4.8 million for
the terrain avoidance and warning system, and $7.4 million for GATM for
the C 20, a total authorization of $15.7 million. 121
KC 135 global air traffic management
The budget request included $347.1 million for modifications to C 135
and KC 135 aircraft including $29.6 million for the global air traffic
management (GATM) modification. The budget request included no funds to
procure GATM kits for the KC 135 aircraft, although the Air Force did
include these items on its unfunded requirements list. GATM adds the
communications, navigation, and surveillance equipment necessary for
operation in oceanic airspace where reduced horizontal separations are
implemented. The committee recommends an increase of $8.7 million for
the procurement of additional GATM kits, a total authorization of $355.8
million.
RC 135 re-engining
The budget request included $138.4 million for reconnaissance
projects, with $60.0 million for more powerful, fuel efficient engines
for two RC 135 aircraft. The committee supports the acceleration of the
re-engining effort for the RC 135 aircraft, and recommends an increase
of $60.0 million to re-engine two additional RC 135 aircraft.
Other adjustments addressed elsewhere in this report amount to an
increase of $22.0 million, a total authorization of $220.4 million.
U 2 upgrades
The U 2 aircraft, a manned high-altitude reconnaissance platform,
continues to be heavily utilized. Recent increases in operational tempo
have generated requirements for upgrades not included in the budget
request. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in
Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for the continued acquisition
and installation of the 29 F radar warning receiver and ``Band-Aid''
electronic countermeasures systems.
The committee understands the U 2 cockpit instrumentation,
navigation, and communication suite are sorely in need of modernization.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million in APAF
to begin activities for U 2 cockpit modification.
The committee also understands that the pre-planned product
improvement of the SYERS reconnaissance package will begin in fiscal
year 1999. A polarization feature which will aid in detection of
concealed and camouflaged objects was not included in this configuration
because of technical risk and funding restraints. The committee
understands this technical risk has been mitigated, and recommends an
increase of $5.0 million in PE 35207F to incorporate the polarization
techniques in the SYERS pre-planned product improvement evaluation.
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $15.8 million be transferred from
Procurement of Ammunition, Air Force to section 310(25), a
newly-established central transfer account for funds to combat
terrorism. 122
AIR FORCE AMMUNITION
Wind corrected munition dispenser
The wind corrected munition dispenser (WCMD) program was started in
response to lessons learned in Desert Storm. The WCMD provides the
sensor fuzed weapon, combined effects munition, and the air delivered
Gator mine with the capability to be launched accurately from
medium-to-high altitudes, day or night, and in adverse weather.
Unfortunately, the development program for this system recently
experienced some technical difficulties that delayed production and will
require some redesign of the fin lock mechanism. The committee
recommends an increase of $10.1 million to redesign the WCMD and restore
its rate of production.
AIR FORCE MISSILE
Minuteman III guidance replacement program
The committee continues to support the Minuteman III Guidance
Replacement Program (GRP). The committee is concerned by the Air Force
decision to reduce GRP production funding in fiscal years 1999 and 2000.
This decision will result in significant delay and cost growth. The
Minuteman III guidance systems are currently well beyond their original
design life of ten years, and must be replaced as soon as possible.
Equally important, the delay in the GRP impedes the Minuteman III
Propulsion Replacement Program and the ability to utilize the Mk 21
warhead once the Peacekeeper system is retired. The committee therefore
recommends an increase of $40.0 million in Missile Procurement, Air
Force, for GRP and urges the Secretary of the Air Force to seek
additional funds in fiscal year 2001 and beyond to establish a more
efficient and expeditious production program.
OTHER AIR FORCE PROCUREMENT
High mobility vehicle
The budget request included $11.3 million for high mobility vehicles
(HMVs). The Air Force has included these and other special purpose
vehicles on its unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an
increase of $7.0 million for HMVs, a total authorization of $18.3
million.
Fuel trucks
The budget request did not include any funds for R 11 fuel tank
trucks. The Air Force included a request for funding for these and other
special purpose vehicles in its unfunded requirements list. The
committee recommends an increase of $18.0 million for acquisition of
these trucks.
60K loader
The budget request included $81.2 million for the procurement of 39
60K aircraft loaders. This air transportable loader operates on
airfields worldwide, and replaces less efficient loaders that are unable
to interface with newer military and commercial cargo aircraft. In
recent testimony, the Unified Commanders in Chief em123phasized the
importance of strategic lift in meeting theater of war requirements.
Fast and efficient loading of airlifters is an essential element to
these lift requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase
of $12.5 million for the procurement of nine additional 60K loaders, a
total authorization of $93.7 million.
Base information infrastructure
The budget request included $122.8 million for base information
infrastucture (BII), which funds the combat information transport system
program, network connectivity, and public key infrastructure. The Air
Force unfunded requirements list included a request for additional funds
to procure hardware and software for computer network defense, along
with network management systems to enhance reliability of command and
control information system networks. The committee recommends an
increase of $34.0 million for BII.
Tactical communications-electronics equipment
The budget request included $49.7 million for tactical
communications-electronics (C E) equipment. These advanced
communications systems are on the Air Force's unfunded priority list.
The committee recommends an overall increase of $40.1 million for two
elements of advanced tactical communications, a total authorization of
$89.8 million.
The first element is theater deployable communications (TDC), a
lightweight compact system which consists of a satellite antenna that
can access both military and commercial satellites. The committee
recommends an increase of $13.9 million for TDC.
The second element is the global combat support system (GCSS) for the
Air Force. This program will support the modernization of aircraft
maintenance, supply, finance, personnel, and contracting legacy
automated information systems. The committee recommends an increase of
$26.2 million for GCSS.
Aircrew laser eye protection
The budget request included $3.6 million for personal safety and
rescue equipment items less than $5.0 million, but included no funds for
aircrew laser eye protection (ALEP). The use of laser-based systems on
the battlefield has increased, raising the risk of permanent vision
damage to aircrews from friendly or hostile forces. The Air Force plan
is to introduce ALEP in three distinct phases to take advantage of
evolving technologies, yet enable the Air Force to begin procurement of
operationally suitable devices in fiscal year 2002. The committee
believes it is important to get some capability to aircrews as quickly
as possible. In order to accelerate the procurement of phase one ALEP
devices, which use dielectric stack technology, the committee recommends
an increase of $2.4 million, a total authorization of $6.0 million.
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $39.4 million be transferred from Other
Procurement, Air Force to section 310(25), a newly-established central
transfer account for funds to combat terrorism.
DEFENSE-WIDE PROGRAMS
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Remote activation munition systems
The committee is aware of the shortfall in procurement funds for the
remote activation munition system (RAMS). RAMS is a radio frequency
controlled remote initiator. It provides the special operations
community with the capability to remotely control detonation of
demolition charges, or the remote operation of other items of equipment,
such as beacons, laser markers, radios and weapons. The committee
understands that if an additional $4.0 million were provided for this
system in fiscal year 2000, the Special Operations Command would realize
a 10 percent acquisition savings. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $4.0 million in line number 52, Special Operation Forces
ordnance acquisition, for the procurement of additional RAMS basic kits
and receivers.
Special operations forces rotary wing upgrades
The budget request included $41.2 million for rotary wing upgrades.
The committee understands that the Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
lost a MH 47E aircraft in a 1996 accident. As a result, SOCOM is having
to compensate for the lost aircraft by accumulating higher flight time
on the small fleet of remaining MH 47E aircraft. This places a
significant burden on operation and support funding as dynamic
components experience higher than planned degredation. The committee
recommends an increase of $42.0 million, a total authorization of $83.4
million, to replace the lost aircraft and restore the aircraft inventory
to the proper level.
Special operations forces small arms and weapons
The budget request included $23.4 million for special operations
forces small arms and weapon requirements.
The committee notes outstanding requirements for additional body
armor load carriage systems (BALCS). The committee believes this
equipment is vital to protect the special operations forces who respond
to the Nation's most challenging missions. The committee recommends an
increase of $9.8 million to procure an additional 3,600 BALCS systems.
The committee also understands that there is an outstanding
requirement for integrated night/day fire control observation devices
(INOD) necessary to provide optical scopes for special forces medium and
heavy sniper rifles. The committee recommends an increase of $6.0
million to procure an additional 579 INOD systems.
The committee recommends a total authorization of $39.2 million for
special operations forces small arms and weapons.
Special operations forces demolition kits
The committee is aware of the shortfall in the inventory objective
for demolition kits for war reserve and training to ensure readiness for
conflict. The demolition kits, which replace the Army's 1950 generation
demo chest, provides the Special Operation Forces operator the
capability to tailor the demolition charges to the target providing
greater lethality and mission flexibility. The addition of $2.0 million
would allow Special Operation Command to meet its inventory objective of
17 percent unit cost savings. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $2.0 million. 131
Chemical and Biological Defense Program
The budget request included $716.9 million for the Chemical and
Biological Defense Program (CBDP), a $71.5 million increase to the
program from fiscal year 1999. The request includes $377.4 million for
procurement and $339.5 million for research and development. The budget
also included $149.5 million for the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) biological warfare defense program (PE 62383E), a $61.1
million increase to the program from fiscal year 1999.
The acquisition of chemical and biological agents continues to be
pursued aggressively by adversaries of the United States and its allies.
Military personnel are increasingly at risk of exposure to chemical and
biological agents on the battlefield. Accordingly, the committee places
a priority on ``user friendly'' chemical and biological defense
equipment that can be used efficiently by military personnel without
degrading there readiness in combat.
The committee recommends an increase of $35.4 million for the
following chemical and biological defense program activities: $15.0
million in the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology
program for the procurement of additional protective clothing; $3.9
million in the M45 General Aviation Mask program to procure additional
M45 masks to fill the Army acquisition shortfalls; $1.5 million in the
Modular Decontamination Systems program to procure additional units in
support of the Army acquisition objective; $5.0 million in PE 62384BP
for SAFEGUARD; and, $10.0 million in the M93 FOX NBC Reconnaissance
Vehicle program for the procurement of the Block I M93A1 upgrade.
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $110.9 million be transferred from
Procurement, Defense-wide to section 310(25), a newly- established
central transfer account for funds to combat terrorism.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Extension of authority to carry out armament retooling and
manufacturing support initiative (sec. 141)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the authority
for the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) program
through fiscal year 2001.
The committee is aware that although the budget request includes $4.7
million for the continuation of the ARMS program, this does not satisfy
all existing contractual agreements nor fund other proposals that would
reduce the operating costs of Army Ammunition plants. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $14.0 million for this program. The
committee expects that these funds will be utilized in a manner that
will ensure preservation of these facilities, which will likely be used
to fulfill the military's need to support the National Military
Strategy. 132
Extension of pilot program on sales of manufactured articles
and services of certain army industrial facilities without regard to
availability from domestic sources (sec. 142)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend authorization
for the pilot program for Army industrial facilities, which allows these
facilities to sell to commercial entities articles or services that will
ultimately be incorporated into weapon systems procured by the
Department of Defense.
The committee is concerned that with the end of the Cold War and the
onset of reduced defense budgets, many of our military industrial
facilities are operating inefficiently due to a lack of work. The
committee understands that there are some cases in which the excess
capacity created by the lack of work can be utilized by allowing these
facilities to provide commercial entities with articles and services for
inclusion in weapon systems that will ultimately be procured by the
Department of Defense. Utilizing this excess capacity would serve to
create a more efficient facility, provide private industry with quality
services, and maintain a critical work force.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Army modernization overview
The committee has reviewed Army modernization plans in an effort to
understand the relationship between the current service modernization
program and projected land force challenges. These projected challenges
have been identified through government assessments, as well as by a
variety of subject matter experts, to include the National Defense Panel
members who provided thought-provoking testimony before the committee
over the last two years. In testimony before the committee earlier this
year, witnesses were asked to identify how current plans fit with
future defense challenges. In some cases, it is unclear how
existing Army plans address critical future land force challenges,
especially rapid power projection into regions where staging areas are
not available.
The committee believes it is critical that Army modernization
efforts, in procurement and research and development, be tied to
requirements established by the National Military Strategy to meet the
challenges that land forces will face in the 21st Century. The committee
also notes that, while it has received some components of the overall
Army modernization plan, it has not received an overall plan that
provides a comprehensive Army vision. The committee directs the
Secretary of the Army to review existing modernization programs and
provide an assessment, not later than February 1, 2000, on how these
plans will meet the following future challenges:
(1) airfield/port denial;
(2) mine warfare;
(3) limited strategic lift;
(4) short reaction/build up time;
(5) rapidly moving forces/logistics challenges;
(6) missile threat to forward deployed forces;
(7) smaller scale contingency operations;
(8) evolution of precision guided munitions; 133
(9) operations in an urban environment;
(10) joint operations;
(11) weapons of mass destruction;
(12) homeland defense; and
(13) information warfare.
The Secretary's analysis shall include the operational capabilities
that are necessary for the Army to prevail against these threats, to
include the asymmetrical threats, and the key characteristics and
capabilities of the Army systems that will achieve these operational
capabilities. This analysis shall also address the research and
development funding necessary to achieve required technological
breakthroughs, and program, schedule, and funding projections associated
with Army modernization program elements that address the land force
challenges listed above.
Bore erosion gauges
The committee reviewed the report on the assessment of bore erosion
gauges required by the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act
for fiscal year 1999. The Army report notes that extensive testing,
service analysis showed that the Gun Barrel Bore Gauge System assessed
has ``great potential for savings'' when used in conjunction with an
effective rounds counter device. The committee encourages the Army to
consider including funds for procurement of these devices in future
budget submissions to achieve the most efficient maintenance and use of
Bradley gun systems.
C 130J
The committee understands that the C 130J contractor has presented
the Air Force and the Marine Corps with offers for multiyear procurement
of C 130Js. The offer to the Air Force includes discounts on acquisition
prices and on an initial support and training program. The offer to the
Marine Corps encompasses a discount on acquisition prices alone. The
contractor proposal links the procurement by the two services.
Such a proposal is worth evaluating, but there are several factors
that must be considered before entering into such a multiyear contract.
The criteria for approving a multiyear contract are established in
section 2306b of title 10, United States Code. These criteria include:
(1) a substantial savings; (2) an unchanging minimum need for the total
quantity of items contemplated in the multiyear program; (3) a stable
design; and (4) assurance that the head of the agency will request
funding for the contract throughout the contemplated contract period at
a level sufficient to avoid contract cancellation.
The potential for changing need must be addressed. The committee has
been made aware of a recent study on tactical airlift modernization
alternatives. That study concludes that remanufacturing existing C 130E
and C 130H aircraft may be more cost effective than buying new C 130Js
in some cases. The committee believes that these conclusions merit a
more thorough evaluation by the Air Force.
Although there has been progress in testing in the past year, the
question of having a stable design configuration must be addressed.
134The committee is well aware of the delays in achieving certification
with the Federal Aviation Administration. The C 130J program has also
had problems in the area of performance, logistics, and test and
evaluation, as reported in recent internal Defense acquisition reports.
The committee also notes that the Air Force budget request over the
past several years for C 130Js has been anything but stable. The Air
Force and Marine Corps could decide, through negotiations surrounding
the contractor's proposal, that the offer is attractive.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to
the congressional defense committees on the C 130 modernization plan by
March 1, 2000. This report should include cost, schedule, and
performance status of the C 130J program, and the range of alternative
acquisition strategies the Department deems viable.
The committee supports the pursuit of the most cost effective
approach in acquiring the equipment needed for our armed forces, once
established performance requirements are met. However, as a prerequisite
for approving multiyear procurement authority, the committee would
expect that the military services would: (1) request such authority; (2)
demonstrate substantial savings; (3) demonstrate sufficient testing
maturity to ensure a stable design; (4) show why the alternative of
remanufacturing existing C 130s is less attractive; and (5) ask for
funds in the budget request and in the Future Years Defense Program
sufficient to support such a request.
C 130J deployment plan
The committee understands that, within the Air National Guard and the
Air Force Reserve, there has been a relatively stable long-term plan to
modernize the existing tactical airlift force structure. In recent years
within the Air National Guard, the first priority for receiving new
aircraft has been afforded to units operating older C 130E aircraft that
were formerly held by active units in the Pacific Air Forces. The reason
for having established this priority is that these aircraft are in much
poorer material condition than other C 130E aircraft of similar age
because of corrosion problems.
This year, the Air Force has provided the committee with a C 130J
deployment plan which represents overall priorities of the total Air
Force for deploying a notional force of 168 C 130J aircraft. Within that
force, a total of nine aircraft are programmed for the training mission
in one Air Force Reserve training squadron. This Air Force deployment
plan has changed the order of replacement represented by previous
Reserve component plans. Older plans called for outfitting an Air Force
Reserve training squadron with only four aircraft, and waiting until
more aircraft had been fielded in operating units before increasing the
size of the training squadron. The new Air Force plan would delay
replacing some of these older C 130E aircraft. In the meantime, the plan
would outfit the training squadron with eight aircraft to support a
total 24 C 130Js deployed in operating squadrons.
The committee is not interested in legislating the priority of
replacement of the tactical airlift fleet. Doing this would set a
dan135gerous precedent, but the committee is interested in how the Air
Force established its priorities.
The committee directs the Secretary of Air Force to provide a report
to the congressional defense committees on the C 130 deployment plan by
March 1, 2000. This report should include: (1) the rationale for
establishing the priorities in current deployment plan; (2) the workload
for qualifying new or transitioning pilots in the C 130J aircraft that
necessitates accelerating expansion of the C 130J training squadron; and
(3) the reasons for delaying replacement of aircraft with particular
corrosion problems. The report should also identify any additional
actions that will be necessary to ensure that former Pacific Air Force C
130E aircraft remain in safe operating condition.
C 20
The committee understands that the Marine Corps' only C 20G was
extensively damaged during a storm in early February 1998, while parked
at an airfield. Congress appropriated $11.0 million in fiscal year 1999
to repair the aircraft. The aircraft has
been disassembled and moved to a repair facility, but no
repair contract has been awarded or negotiated. Approximately $10.5
million of appropriated funds remain unexpended. The committee is
concerned that there appears to be no executable plan to return this
aircraft to service or replace it with another aircraft. The committee
directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide a letter to the
congressional defense committees by January 1, 2000, that outlines the
plan to restore this aircraft requirement through repair or replacement.
Combat survivor evader locator radio
The budget request included $800,000 for the verification of
preproduction performance of combat survivor evader locator (CSEL)
radios. This program will lead to the eventual purchase of over 50,000
radios by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and is of direct and vital
importance to military aircrews. The committee understands this program
will address long-standing deficiencies in the existing survival radio,
the PRC 90. An attempt was made to accelerate this effort after a pilot
was shot down in June 1995. The first lot of low-rate initial production
radios has not yet been delivered, and the second lot is not expected to
be ordered until fiscal year 2001. Although the interim radio, the PRC
112, is no longer subject to procurement, purchase of the CSEL appears
to be years away.
The committee is concerned about the status of this program, which
should greatly increase the probability of survival and rescue of
military members in peace and war. The production budget for fiscal year
2000 is a small fraction of the budget in fiscal years 1998 and 1999.
The committee notes that some combat aircrews have actually purchased
their own global positioning systems to enhance survivability. The
committee is concerned about the lack of support for this program.
The committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a
report by March 1, 2000, on whether the requirements for this program
are still valid, and whether the acquisition strategy is op136timized to
field this survival radio with aircrews in the most expeditious manner.
Digital facsimile machine
The budget request included no funds for digital facsimile machines
for the Army. The committee continues to be concerned about the
viability of tactical facsimile machines and the ability of existing
equipment to transmit high-resolution target quality imagery. Many
machines found throughout the military services today utilize 1960's
technology and are not capable of meeting the critical requirements
associated with existing imagery systems. The committee notes current
facsimile machine acquisitions are decentralized and there is no overall
consolidated program to address obsolescence issues. The committee
encourages the Army to review this policy and determine whether a
consolidated procurement of these devices might provide an opportunity
to reduce costs and addressing obsolescence issues. The committee
directs the Secretary of the Army to report on these opportunities to
the congressional defense committees, not later than March 1, 2000.
Maintaining a strong navy
The committee has been concerned for some time that the Department of
Defense's shipbuilding program is creating a ship procurement problem
that could manifest itself in significant Navy ship force structure
problems in the second decade of the 21st Century. The Congressional
Research Service (CRS) reports that years of relatively low ship
procurement rates will result in a large ship procurement ``bow wave''
within the same time frame that many ships currently in service are
projected to reach the end of their service lives. CRS projects the
fleet will shrink to substantially less than 300 ships--the Navy's
stated planning goal--in the 2020s, if procurement rates of eight to ten
ships are not sustained by the Department of Defense (DOD).
DOD witnesses testified that maintaining a 300-ship Navy over time
requires a steady state build rate of eight to ten ships per year. In
addition, and of greater concern to the committee, Navy witnesses
testified that even with the current 324 ships, the Navy and Marine
Corps are being strained to keep up with regional commander in chief
(CINC) requests for naval presence and National Command Authority
direction to respond to contingency operations.
As a result of low procurement rates in previous years, it is
projected that the Navy will have a 28-ship deficit that will grow to a
53-ship deficit in 20 years if the build rate is not maintained at eight
to ten ships per year. Unfortunately, DOD has provided few specifics on
the planned size of Navy force structure beyond calendar 2015 and how it
intends to address the impending ship shortfall problem beyond ``new
ways of doing business,'' such as lowering acquisition costs or reducing
the size of ships' crews.
The administration has acknowledged the shipbuilding shortfall by
recommending to Congress an increase of $6.1 billion for eight new
construction ships over the previously planned fiscal year 2000 budget
submission. Nevertheless, the Navy has testified that this is only a
step in the right direction. The committee is particularly concerned
that the budget increases required to buy-down the bow 137wave may make
it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain a 300-ship fleet. In short,
the DOD plan to maintain a 300-ship Navy is becoming a visible symbol of
the procurement shortfall that exists across all the services. At a time
when naval forces are being called upon with increasing frequency, when
we are confronted with ever-changing and challenging capabilities of
potential adversaries, and when critical ocean areas are without
CINC-requested aircraft carrier battle groups, the risk of deferring a
commitment to a sustained
shipbuilding rate needed to recapitalize the U.S. Navy of the
next century must be clearly understood.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to
provide to the defense committees, along with the submission of the
budget request for fiscal year 2001 a report which:
(1) details the Department's long-range shipbuilding plan through
fiscal year 2030;
(2) describes the annual funding required to procure eight to ten
ships per year in the correct mix, beginning in fiscal year 2001 and
extending until fiscal year 2020, to maintain the force structure
verified in the Quadrennial Defense Review; and
(3) addresses the implications and risks of not adhering to such a
long-range plan for shipbuilding.
National guard and reserve modernization
The budget request included a $350.0 million increase in National
Guard and Reserve funding, a total of $1.69 billion. The committee is
pleased to note that the level of funding identified in service budget
requests for Guard and Reserve modernization has continued to rise above
the levels achieved in previous budget requests. The committee notes
with great interest the testimony of Guard and Reserve leaders earlier
this year that acknowledged this support for reserve component
modernization requirements. The committee suggests a new level of
cooperation and effort to achieve collective modernization objectives.
It is understood that the budget request did not meet the range of
requirements necessary to effectively modernize the total force, and
that shortages still exist across all components. The committee, however
is pleased to note the numerous priority modernization funding
requirements contained on service unfunded requirement lists for the
reserve components. The committee supports service efforts to indentify
unfunded requirements. The recommended program increases that will
benefit reserve component modernization deficiencies include the
following:
(1) an increase of $90.0 million to procure an additional 9 UH 60
Blackhawk helicopters;
(2) an increase of $40.0 million to procure additional Paladin
artillery systems;
(3) an increase of $70.0 million to procure additional SINCGARS
radio equipment;
(4) an increase of $25.9 million to procure additional EPLRS equipment;
(5) an increase of $80.0 million for Litening II pods for F 16
aircraft;138
(6) an increase of $12.0 million for digital terrain systems for F
16 aircraft;
(7) an increase of $13.5 million for tactical air reconnaissance
systems for F 16 aircraft;
(8) an increase of $20.0 million for F 18 avionics upgrades;
(9) an increase of $8.0 million for tactical radio acquisition and
countermeasures subsystem for the EC 130H aircraft; and
(10) an increase of $30.0 million for Commando Solo upgrades.
These recommended increases of nearly $400.0 million are only part of
the modernization support provided for reserve component shortfalls in
fiscal year 2000. The committee expects the services to continue to
identify the range of requirements across all components.
Report on chartering special craft and tug services
The Navy, through the Military Sealift Command, has competed
contracts for leasing special craft and tug services for ports in the
United States and overseas. The Navy is directed to submit a report to
the congressional defense committees no later than May 1, 2000, on the
Navy's experience with leasing special craft and tugs and the potential
for expanded use of such leases. The report will include a ten year
projection of non-combatant ship, special craft, and tug requirements
that could be economically accommodated through operating leases as
described in section 2401 of title 10.
Unmanned aerial vehicle system
The budget request included:
(1) $3.9 million in PE 305204A for research and development and
$45.9 million in Other Procurement, Army, to procure a tactical unmanned
aerial vehicle (TUAV) system;
(2) $38.5 million in PE 304204N for development of a vertical
take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV (VTUAV) for the Navy;
(3) $24.5 million in PE 304204N for development of the tactical
control system (TCS), a common ground control, and information
distribution system for UAVs;
(4) $4.0 million in PE 305205F for research and development and
$38.0 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, to procure the
Predator medium altitude endurance UAV;
(5) $66.8 million in PE 305205F for research and development for
high altitude endurance UAVs.
Given the fact that UAV programs were devolved to the military
services, there is the possibility that service-unique or mission
specific aspects could creep into these programs. In disestablishing the
Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office (DARO), Congress was seeking a
better way of managing reconnaissance development and acquisition
programs. The committee does not believe that ``better'' means a
departure from the common control systems and interfaces that should be
available under the TCS program. The Navy will use TCS as the control
system for VTUAV. The Army TUAV program has established a threshold
requirement that TCS be ``interoperable'' with the TUAV, which could
result in overlapping costs associated with developing another ground
control system and making it interoperable with TCS. The committee
continues to sup139port Army efforts to improve its ability to survey
the battlefield. However, the Army should understand that the committee
will not support a TUAV system that includes unnecessary duplication of
effort by developing and procuring a different ground control system.
The Air Force HAE and MAE programs remain unclear. Before the TCS
program began, the Navy had developed a ground control system for the
Predator, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was
developing a common ground segment for the HAE programs. Nevertheless,
to take full advantage of future payloads and to support deployed
forces, Predator must be able to achieve a significant level of
interoperability with TCS. Transition to TCS save life cycle costs.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to investigate the
costs and benefits of transitioning to TCS to support the Predator UAV,
and the extent to which TCS could be used to support HAE operations. The
committee directs the Secretary to report the results of the review to
the congressional defense committees not later than March 1, 2000.
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
The budget request included $34.4 billion for research, development,
test and evaluation (RDT&E), a decrease of $3.1 billion from the amount
provided for last's years program. The committee recommends an increase
of $1.5 billion, for a total authorization of $35.8 billion for RDT&E.
The committee remains concerned about the declining resources
provided by the Department of Defense for RDT&E. RDT&E provides the
foundation for future modernization. In an effort to balance the
competing demands of personnel, near-term readiness and modernization,
the Department cannot afford to neglect the need for sustained
investment in technology development.
The committee supports the concepts of transformation and revolution
espoused by the Department, but remains disappointed that this strategy
has not been translated into RDT&E programs. Further, the committee has
repeatedly expressed concern regarding the balancing of relative
near-term returns to the warfighter and ensuring technological
leadership through investment in long- term, high-risk research. The
committee notes that over 33 percent of the total RDT&E request is for
modifications to fielded systems, while accounts that lead to the
development of new capabilities were decreased by almost 25 percent.
In addition to increasing the budget request for RDT&E, the committee
recommends legislation to address critical issues within the Department
of Defense RDT&E system. The legislation is intended to strengthen the
RDT&E program, provide incentives--and remove disincentives--for
innovation, and improve the efficiency of RDT&E operations.
Explanation of tables
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2000 for which the committee either
increased or decreased the requested amounts. As in the past, the
administration may not exceed the amounts approved by the committee (as
set forth in the tables or, if unchanged from the administration
request, as set forth in the Department of Defense's budget
justification documents) without a reprogramming action in accordance
with established procedures. Unless noted explicitly in the report, all
changes are made without prejudice.
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Amount for basic and applied research (sec. 202)
The budget request included $4.1 billion for basic and applied
research, commonly known as the defense technology base. The committee
recommends authorization of $4.2 billion for the technology base for
fiscal year 2000, an increase of approximately $155.4 million.
The fiscal year 2000 budget request for the Department of Defense
science and technology program is cause for a number of concerns.
Overall, the defense science and technology is at its lowest funding
level since fiscal year 1986. The Services' request for funding of the
technology base (basic and applied research) is at a 25 year low. Not
surprisingly, industry research and development is also down by 50
percent. These trends raise serious questions about the Department's
long-term ability to develop and field technologies to achieve the
revolutionary capabilities our military will seek over the next 15 to 20
years. It is a priority of this committee to maintain a strong, stable
investment in science and technology in order to develop superior
technology that permits the United States to gain military advantage
today, provides flexible options to future warfighters, and hedges
against technological surprise. The Joint Vision 2010, the Pentagon's
vision for force dominance, depends on a smaller force that achieves a
swift, decisive victory with minimal casualties. This will require more
technological advantage--not less--and a strong commitment and
investment in the defense science and technology program.
Section 214 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 1999 recognized the fundamental importance of the
Department's science and technology program in developing the
technologies that will be needed to meet future threats to national
security. As a result, section 214 expressed the sense of Congress that
science and technology programs should receive the same level of
priority and leadership in each military service as acquisition
programs. As a yardstick for measuring the Department's commitment to
this objective, section 214 established a goal of increasing the
Department's science and technology budget at a rate two percent above
the rate of inflation for fiscal year 2000 through 2008.
The committee is disappointed by the Department's failure to live up
to the goals expressed in section 214. Despite substantial overall
increases in the defense budget in the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP),
the Department has proposed no increase to the science and technology
budget. As a result, the Department's proposed science and technology
budget is almost $100.0 million below the section 214 benchmark for
fiscal year 2000 and more than a billion dollars below the section 214
benchmark for fiscal year 2005. Over the course of the FYDP, the
administration budget falls short of the section 214 benchmarks for
science and technology funding by more than $4.0 billion.
The failure to provide adequate funding for science and technology
programs is particularly acute in the Air Force. Section 214 placed
special emphasis on the importance of science and technology funding in
the Air Force, requiring the Secretary to ``. . . take appropriate
measures to ensure that sufficient numbers of scientists and engineers
are maintained to address the techno144logical challenges faced in the
areas of air, space, and information technology.'' Yet, the Air Force
budget shows a $70.0 million reduction in the technology base for fiscal
year 2000, and a change in the accounting for certain programs masks an
even larger cut in the science and technology program. In the words of
the Secretary of Defense: ``We cannot afford to mortgage our future by
making science and technology the billpayer for near term requirements.
Technological superiority has been and continues to be one of the
foundations of our national military strategy.'' The Air Force budget
request approved by the Department of Defense directly contradicts these
statements. The committee expects the Secretary of the Air Force to take
measures to ensure adequate funding for the Air Force science and
technology program in the future. The committee recommends an increase
of $70.4 million to the Air Force Applied Research accounts, as
described elsewhere in this report.
The committee urges the Secretary of Defense to reexamine the
Department's commitment to the science and technology funding for future
years and take appropriate steps to ensure that such funding is adequate
to meet the national security needs of the next century.
SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Micro-satellite technology development program (sec. 212)
The committee continues to support the Micro-satellite Technology
Program, which has produced an important partnership between the Air
Force Research Laboratory, the Naval Research Laboratory, the Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory, and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. The committee understands that the Air Force and its
partners are evaluating a deep space experiment to demonstrate advanced
micro-satellite technologies in geo-synchronous orbit. The committee
supports such a demonstration as well as the ongoing XSS series of
flight experiments. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that
would increase funding for the Micro-satellite Technology Program by
$25.0 million to be executed by the Space Test Program (PE 65864F),
which is already extensively involved in ongoing micro-satellite
activity. The provision also requires the Secretary of Defense to
develop a micro-satellite technology development plan to guide
technology investment decisions and prioritize technology demonstration
activities, which shall be submitted to the congressional defense
committees by April 15, 2000.
Space control technology (sec. 213)
The committee has reviewed the Department of Defense Space Control
Technology Program presented at a hearing of the Strategic Subcommittee
on March 22, 1999. The committee believes that the Department has taken
an important step in developing a credible space control policy and
architecture. In particular, the committee commends the Deputy Secretary
of Defense for his attention to this important matter, and the Air Force
for establishing a dedicated program element to sustain the space
control technology effort started by Congress in fiscal year 1999. 145
In order to promote a more integrated approach to this program, the
committee recommends a provision that would increase funding in PE
63438F by $10.0 million for the Air Force executed space control
technology activity, and would establish a companion Army line item. The
committee recommends an increase of $41.0 million for the Army for space
control technology development. The commanding general of the U.S. Army
Space and Missile Defense Command may utilize such funds as necessary
for any or all of the following activities:
(1) continued development of the Kinetic Energy Anti-satellite
technology (KE ASAT) program necessary to retain an option of conducting
a flight test within two years of any decision to do so;
(2) technology development associated with the KE ASAT kill vehicle
to temporarily disrupt threatening satellite functions; and,
(3) cooperative technology development with the Air Force, pursuant
to the Department of Defense Space Control Technology Plan.
The committee believes that the first priority for the Army should be
to sustain the KE ASAT on a path that would support a flight test within
two years of any decision to do so. If additional funds are available
after satisfying this requirement, the committee also strongly supports
the other two activities specified above. The committee directs the
Secretary of the Army to establish a space control program element in
the fiscal year 2001 budget and to sustain funding in the outyears for
any efforts funded under this section.
Space Maneuver Vehicle (sec. 214)
The committee supports the Air Force and National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) partnership to develop and test a reusable
upper stage vehicle (NASA's X 37 program). The committee believes that
in order for NASA and the Air Force to accomplish the objectives of both
organizations and address the unique requirements of each, the Air Force
will be required to acquire a second ``tail number'' to support the
Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV) effort. The committee recommends a
provision that would authorize the purchase of this second flight test
article and increase funding for this purpose by $35.0 million in PE
63401F.
Manufacturing technology program (sec. 215)
The committee recommends a provision that would strike the mandatory
cost share requirements in the Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH)
program and emphasize the program's focus on high risk, defense
essential requirements as well as repair and re-manufacturing solutions
in support of depots, air logistics centers and shipyards. The committee
remains supportive of cost sharing, where appropriate, and expects that
it will be a factor in the selection of future MANTECH projects. 146
SUBTITLE C--BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
Theater missile defense upper tier acquisition strategy (sec. 221)
The committee does not support the Defense Department's proposed
change to the acquisition strategy for upper tier theater missile
defense (TMD) programs--the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
system, and the Navy Theater Wide (Navy Upper Tier) system. Under the
proposed strategy, a decision would be made by December, 2000, to select
a lead upper tier system so that funding for the two programs could be
concentrated on a lead system. The funding would be consolidated in a
single program element in fiscal year 2002. This approach contradicts
congressional guidance from previous years and puts the two upper tier
systems into an unnecessary competition for the same resources. The
committee notes that the statement of managers to the Strom Thurmond
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (H. Rept. 105
736) clearly stated that ``the THAAD missile and the Navy Upper Tier
missile should not be viewed as competing systems.'' Though overlapping
to a degree, the two upper tier systems serve fundamentally different
sets of equally valid requirements and do so with fundamentally
different technological approaches. The committee continues to believe
that the United States has valid requirements for both systems, and that
both systems should be deployed as soon as practicable.
For these and other reasons, the committee recommends a provision
that would require the Secretary of Defense to establish an acquisition
strategy for the Navy Theater Wide system and the Theater High Altitude
Area Defense system that:
(1) retains funding for both upper tier systems in separate,
independently managed program elements throughout the Future Years
Defense Program;
(2) bases funding decisions and program schedules for each upper
tier system on the performance of those systems independent of one
another; and
(3) seeks to accelerate the deployment of both upper tier systems to
the maximum extent practicable.
Repeal of requirement to implement technical and price
competition for Theater High Altitude Area Defense system (sec. 222)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal subsection (a)
of section 236 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 1999 relating to technical and price competition for the
Theater High Altitude Area Defense system.
Space-based laser program (sec. 223)
The committee has closely monitored the development of the Space
Based Laser (SBL) Integrated Flight Experiment (IFX) acquisition
strategy and is concerned by delays in getting a contracting team in
place and moving forward on an established baseline. The committee is
also troubled by an apparent desire on the part of the Air Force and the
Office of the Secretary of Defense to 147use the IFX as the dominant, if
not the exclusive, tool for retiring technical risk and defining an
operational design for an objective SBL system. This approach has caused
the Department of Defense to significantly delay the launch date for the
IFX, which was originally conceived as a near-term proof of principle
demonstration. The IFX, as now planned, is neither a near-term
demonstration nor a prototype of an operational system and, as such, may
have become more a source of delay than of sound program management.
Notwithstanding these concerns, the committee is pleased that the Air
Force and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization have, for the first
time, fully funded a program plan that includes acquisition milestones
leading to an operational capability. The committee notes that an
independent review team recently reviewed and endorsed the Air Force's
revised SBL program. The committee does not question the Department's
desire to have an element of the SBL program oriented toward the
ultimate solution. The committee, however, does not believe that it is
necessary or appropriate to use the IFX as the vehicle for demonstrating
extremely advanced and risky technology in hopes of thereby defining a
system that cannot yet be clearly envisioned. The committee believes
that a better approach is to partially separate the IFX activity from
those activities that are focused on the most advanced technologies,
which are also most subject to change. The IFX should be used as a proof
of principle vehicle that can be operated in parallel with advanced
technology and architecture efforts. Such an approach would save money
and produce extremely important operational data in a more timely
manner, hence enhancing our ability to define the true needs of an
operational system. An IFX, thus configured, running in parallel with
advanced technology efforts, would then be able to support a better
informed, lower risk, and earlier SBL prototype
development effort leading into a deployment capability.
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to structure the SBL program to include a near-term
integrated flight experiment, and an ongoing activity to develop an
objective system design, including the development, testing and
operation of a prototype system.
The provision would require the Secretary of Defense to structure the
IFX to include the following:
(1) An objective of an early demonstration of the fundamental
end-to-end capability to detect, track, and destroy a boosting ballistic
missile with a lethal laser from space.
(2) Utilization, to the maximum extent possible, of technology that
has been demonstrated in principle or can be developed in the near-term
with a low degree of risk.
(3) A goal of launching the experiment by 2006.
In order to develop an objective system design suited to the
operational and technological environment that will exist at the time
when such a system can be deployed, the provision requires the Secretary
of Defense to structure the SBL program schedule to include:
(1) Robust research and development on advanced technologies in
parallel with the development of the IFX.
(2) Architecture studies to assess alternative space based laser
constellation and system performance characteristics. 148
(3) Planning for the development of a SBL prototype that utilizes
the lessons learned from the IFX, is supported by the ongoing
architecture and advanced technology research and development efforts,
and is scheduled to be launched approximately two years before the date
on which the objective SBL system design is to be completed.
The committee believes that the SBL program structure required by
this section is consistent with the joint venture contracting approach
and overall objective that the Department of Defense has established for
the SBL program.
Finally, the provision also recommends an increase of $25.0 million
for the SBL program in PE 63876F.
The committee commends the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization
(BMDO) and the Air Force for increasing funding in the fiscal year 2000
budget request for the SBL program, but notes that the additional funds
are required to begin design of an integrated test facility and to
implement the changes required by this section. The committee concurs
with the SBL Independent Review Team (IRT) recommendation that ``an
end-to-end integrated ground test is essential to the integration and
check-out efforts.'' Since the IRT found the existing facilities to be
inadequate for the integrated ground test of the IFX, the committee
directs the Secretary of the Air Force in coordination with the director
of BMDO to begin design of the SBL test facility and recommends the use
of funds from the SBL budget as may be necessary for this purpose.
The committee notes that the Air Force has expressed strong support
for the development of deployable optics for the SBL system, but has
also indicated that such a development may require significant risk
reduction activities. The committee notes that additional investment may
be required in the near-term to retire risk associated with such optics
development. The committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force and
the director of BMDO to carefully assess this matter and revise
accordingly the investments needed during fiscal year 2000.
Airborne Laser Program (sec. 224)
The committee commends the Department of Defense (DOD) and the
Airborne Laser Independent Assessment Team (ABL IAT) for their thorough
and timely reviews of the Airborne Laser (ABL) program. The February 1,
1999, report of the ABL IAT, and the Secretary of Defense's March 9,
1999, report to Congress, identified the key technical and operational
issues facing the ABL program. These reports also identified corrective
actions that, once implemented, will place the ABL program on a much
sounder footing overall and allow the Department of Defense and Congress
to ensure that the program demonstrates necessary technical performance
before advancing through successive acquisition milestones.
The committee also commends the Air Force for restructuring the ABL
program and beginning to implement several of the key recommendations of
the ABL IAT. Nevertheless, many critical technical and operational
challenges remain ahead for the ABL program, and the Air Force will need
to proceed deliberately to retire program risk at each stage of the
development program. Although the committee does not support unnecessary
delay in advancing the 149ABL program through its acquisition schedule,
neither does the committee support an ABL schedule that includes
milestone decisions or authority-to-proceed decisions ahead of clear
demonstration of technical performance. The committee recognizes the
dilemma the Air Force faces in carefully managing risk and program
concurrency. If the Air Force and the DOD delay key decisions or actions
needed to advance the program (such as ordering aircraft or modifying
such aircraft once ordered) the program may not be in a position to
exploit successful performance. If, on the other hand, such key
decisions or actions are initiated prior to successful performance, the
Air Force runs the risk of wasting large sums of money and damaging the
credibility of the program.
The committee believes that the Secretary of Defense must develop an
acquisition strategy for the ABL program that strikes an appropriate
balance in managing risk and concurrency. Therefore, the committee
recommends a provision that addresses risk and concurrency management
leading up to three critical decision points: (1) the decision to begin
modification of the Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR)
aircraft (the first aircraft); (2) the decision to grant
Authority-to-Proceed-2 (ATP 2), which, among other things, would allow
the Air Force to order the Engineering and Manufacturing Development
(EMD) aircraft (the second aircraft); and (3) the Milestone II decision
governing entry into EMD. In developing this approach, the committee has
drawn heavily on the findings and recommendations of the ABL IAT and the
Department's March 1999 report to Congress.
The provision directs the Secretary of the Air Force not to commence
modification of the PDRR aircraft until the Secretary of Defense
certifies to Congress that test and analysis results based on the
following activities justify commencement of the aircraft modification:
(1) The North Oscura Peak dynamic test program;
(2) scintillometry data collection and analysis;
(3) the lethality/vulnerability program;
(4) the countermeasures test and analysis effort; and
(5) reduction and analysis of other existing data.
The provision also requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that,
prior to approval of ATP 2, the Secretary of the Air Force has
developed, and the Secretary of Defense has approved, an appropriate
plan for resolving the technical challenges identified in the Secretary
of Defense's March 1999 report to Congress. The committee notes that the
General Accounting Office, in its March 1999 report entitled DOD Efforts
to Develop Laser Weapons for Theater Defense (GAO/NSIAD 99 50)
recommended that the Air Force reconsider its plan to order the second
ABL aircraft ``before flight testing of the ABL system developed during
the PDRR phase has demonstrated that the ABL concept is an achievable,
effective combat system.'' The committee agrees with the intention
behind this recommendation, but believes that the same result can be
achieved if the Air Force does not commence modification of the EMD
aircraft until flight testing demonstrates that it is appropriate to do
so.
The provision also requires the Secretary of Defense to restructure
the Milestone II exit criteria to ensure that prior to a decision
150approving entry into EMD: (1) modification of the EMD aircraft does
not commence; (2) the PDRR aircraft is utilized in a robust series of
flight tests that validates the technical maturity of the ABL program
and provides sufficient information regarding the performance of the
system across the full range of its validated operational requirements;
and (3) sufficient technical information is available to determine
whether adequate progress is being made in the ongoing effort to address
the operational issues identified in the Secretary's March 9, 1999,
report to Congress. The committee notes that the Secretary's March 1999
report to Congress states that, once ordered, the ``green'' EMD aircraft
``could be sold before [the nominal modification date] if the PDRR
program failed to justify entry into EMD.'' Therefore, as long as DOD
conducts a robust review of the PDRR program, including the results from
an expanded flight test program, prior to its Milestone II decision, the
committee will not insist on delaying ATP 2 until after the Milestone II
decision.
SUBTITLE D--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR LONG-TERM MILITARY
CAPABILITIES
Research and development for long-term military capabilities
(secs. 231 239)
The committee strongly supports the defense science and technology
program. The committee recognizes the importance of this in meeting the
needs of near-, mid- and long-term needs of the warfighter. In 1995, the
committee established the requirement for the Joint Warfighting Science
and Technology Plan (JWSTP). The committee commends the Department's
dedication to this effort and recognizes the great strides that have
been made to identify key technologies for joint warfighting and to set
a strategic plan to meet the goals of Joint Vision 2010. The committee
is dedicated to maintaining a strong tie between the defense science and
technology program and the warfighter. To address this concern and to
further strengthen the JWSTP process, the committee recommends a
provision, section 231, that would extend for an additional two years
the requirement for the Secretary of Defense to provide an annual report
on emerging operational concepts, organizational concepts, and
acquisition strategies to address emerging technologies, emerging
capabilities, and changes in the international order. This provision
would require the Secretary to address the research and development
challenges that must be met, and the technological breakthroughs that
must be made, to ensure that we are prepared to meet future military
threats. The committee anticipates that the research and development
objectives identified by the Secretary will serve as a benchmark for
future science and technology investments, as provided in the JWSTP.
A key part of the JWSTP process is the technical area review and
assessment (TARA). These reviews are conducted by TARA teams. At least
two-thirds of the TARA team are from outside the Department of Defense.
Most TARA team members are recognized experts from the National Academy
of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of
Medicine, the Defense Science Board, and the scientific advisory boards
of the military, industry, 151and academia. TARA teams conduct reviews
of the defense technology area plans and provide feedback to the
Department. Section 232 would require the Secretary of Defense to
provide the congressional defense committees with a summary of each TARA
review in conjunction with the JWSTP submission.
In June 1998, a Defense Science Board task force on the Defense
Science and Technology Base for the 21st Century reported that there is
general satisfaction with the quality of program execution in both the
universities and in industry. The task force, however, echoed previous
studies in expressing significant concern about the quality of execution
in many of the service laboratories. The task force also expressed
concern that an insufficient share of the Department's science and
technology program elements are devoted to revolutionary technology
initiatives. The committee recommends a series of provisions to address
the problems identified by the task force.
Section 233 would require the Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Technology to report to the congressional defense
committees on actions that the Department will take to ensure
appropriate emphasis on revolutionary technology initiatives, sustain a
high-quality national research base, ensure the coordinated development
of joint technologies, identify and incorporate commercial technologies,
effectively and efficiently manage the transition of new technologies
into production, and provide appropriate education and training in
technology issues to the Department's military leadership.
In an effort to provide incentives for defense laboratories to pursue
high risk-high, high-payoff technologies, the committee recommended the
following provisions:
Section 234 would require the Department to revise its contractor
profit guidelines to provide new incentives for the private sector to
participate in the development of revolutionary new defense
technologies.
Section 235 would authorize the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) to award competitive prizes for the development of
advanced technologies for military applications. This program is
expected to open the field of participation to a wider range of research
and industrial activity in a field.
To address the committee's continued concern with the efficiency and
effectiveness of the defense laboratories and test centers, the
committee recommends the following provisions:
Section 236 would authorize a new pilot program to ensure that the
defense laboratories can attract a balanced workforce of permanent and
temporary personnel with an appropriate level of skills and experience,
and can effectively compete in hiring processes to obtain the finest
scientific talent.
Section 237 would exempt the defense laboratories from arbitrary
supervisory ratios and employee ceilings that have limited their ability
to attract and retain scientific talent. It would also provide the
laboratories with the direct hiring authority necessary for them to
compete with universities and the private sector for the most talented
young scientists.
Section 238 would require the use of working capital funds for
financing in research, development, test and evaluation, to ensure
152that the Department's science and technology program is carried out
in a cost-effective manner. The committee expects the Department to
continue the use of the cost-based management tool (CBMT) required in
the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1999. The CBMT provides system for identifying and comparing costs among
the military services' labs and test centers.
Section 239 would require the Department to carry out an independent,
cross-service analysis of the resources and capabilities of the defense
laboratories, to identify opportunities to consolidate responsibilities
by area or function, or by designating lead agencies or executive
agents. This section would also require the Department to develop a
single performance review process, applicable to all of the military
services, for rating the quality and relevance of the work performed by
the defense laboratories.
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Basic research in counter-terrorism
The committee held two hearings this year to receive testimony on the
threat of terrorism and the steps taken by the Department of Defense to
combat this threat. The committee feels strongly that we must conduct
research and development not only for near-term solutions, but also for
investigating revolutionary approaches in science and technologies that
will provide next generation solutions for force protection and
terrorist threats. The committee recommends an additional $15.0 million
in the PE 61104A to initiate a basic research program to explore
technologies that deter, resolve, and mitigate terrorist acts, including
physical structure and physical effects research.
Army After Next materials
The committee supports the Army's efforts to develop advanced
affordable multi-functional materials to meet the needs of the Army
After Next (AAN). New materials technology represents one of the
necessary, cross-cutting technologies that will be a major enabler to
the Army After Next. The committee recommends an increase of $2.5
million in PE 62105A to support this important effort.
Missile technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62303A to
complete application studies and design of scramjet technologies for the
advanced interceptor technology demonstration.
Humanitarian demining research
The committee recommends an increase of $1.8 million in PE 62712A to
fund the Army's research on the application of acoustic/laser technology
for possible use in mine detection. The committee believes that this
technology has the potential to diminish the threat that mines pose to
our troops and to innocent people around the world.
Combat vehicle and automotive technology
The committee recommends an increase of $6.5 million in PE 62601A,
the Army's combat vehicle and automotive technology account: $3.5
million for university partnering for operational support and $3.0 for
the National Automotive Center to conduct demonstrations for the ``smart
truck'' initiative.
Human factors engineering technology
The committee recommends an additional $1.8 million in PE 62716A for
Emergency Team Coordination (MedTeams). The additional funds in fiscal
year 2000 will complete the fixed facility and combat care research.
Environmental quality technology
The budget request included $12.7 million for environmental quality
technology, PE 62720A. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0
million in PE 62720A to continue to develop, demonstrate, and validate
the plasma energy pyrolysis system (PEPS) for the destruction of
hazardous waste, with the primary focus on 164achieving demonstration
and validation of a mobile system. The purpose of PEPS is to develop an
incineration process for hazardous waste disposition, which minimizes
toxic air emissions and the disposal of ash contaminated with heavy
metals.
Virtual retinal eye display technology
Virtual retinal eye display technology uses the human retina as the
focal plane for images beamed through electronic display eyeglasses into
the eye. This technology allows for increased fidelity, full color, and
stereoscopic image directly onto the human visual system. The committee
recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63002A for the Army to
pursue this technology.
Armor system modernization
The committee has completed a review of the Department of the Army
armor system modernization plan required in the Strom Thurmond National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999. The revised plan
includes significant changes to Army organization and the armor vehicle
fielding strategy necessary to meet future national defense challenges.
Specifically, the plan calls for the fielding of modern and
significantly more capable armored systems to III Corps at Fort Hood,
Texas in a ``pure fleet'' concept which concentrates those systems in
three divisions, rather than spreading them piecemeal throughout the
force. The committee supports this portion of the revised plan, however,
remains concerned that resource limitations will prevent the fielding of
these modernized systems to the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment (ACR)
within III Corps. This is particularly troubling as the 3rd ACR,
assigned to III Corps, will likely be the first unit to make contact
with the enemy if III Corps units are ever deployed. Unfortunately, the
resource constraints that are preventing the modernization of the 3rd
ACR are not limited to III Corps but are symptomatic of a greater armor
system modernization problem.
The Army currently has over 7,600 M 1 Abrams tanks in the inventory.
The ongoing division redesign effort will result in this number
declining to approximately 6,800 tanks, with 2,760 of these tanks in the
active component and the remaining tanks in
the Army National Guard. The current Army modernization
program will modernize only 17 percent of the total fleet. It will
provide 1,174 M1A2 System Enhancement Program (SEP) tanks, with the
remaining 5,610 tanks fielded in the M1A1 configuration. In support of
the Army digitization initiative, the Army will field digitization
applique devices to 1,135 M1A1 tanks, which will meet digitization
requirements for only 40 percent of the overall Abrams fleet.
Unfortunately, the plans and funding necessary to support any additional
upgrades to the remainder of the force are unclear and if not
forthcoming, will likely result in a large, increasingly irrelevant
force of non-modernized armor.
In the context of tank modernization, it is significant to note that
the Army will terminate the M1A2SEP production effort in 2004, will
complete M1A1D (applique) upgrades in fiscal year 2005, and complete SEP
retrofit activities by fiscal year 2009 with no additional tank upgrades
programmed for 30 years. Similarly, the 165Army had to cut back on other
armor modernization programs due to overall modernization funding
constraints.
The Army cannot and should not try to modernize the entire range of
armored systems found in the Service today. The committee notes
recommendations made by the National Defense Panel members and the
Defense Science Board on joint operations superiority in the 21st
Century that called for lighter, more deployable systems. The committee
has also received numerous briefings that outline future challenges to
the Nation that will likely limit our ability to rapidly transport
formations of large, heavy Army vehicles. Strategic lift capabilities
will be limited, access to airfield and port facilities will likely be
impeded or denied by our adversaries, and the support requirements for
large, heavy formations may not be achievable. Future adversaries
learned from the Desert Storm conflict that they cannot hope to match
U.S. combat power on an open desert battlefield, such as we saw in the
Gulf. The committee believes the Army must reassess armor system
requirements and develop alternatives to meet the National Military
Strategy challenges in the 21st Century. The committee directs the Army
to reassess armor modernization plans and provide a report to the
congressional defense comittees, no later than March 1, 2000, that
addresses the following:
(1) alternative modernization schedule and funding strategies that
will reduce the number of armored vehicle combat systems in the
inventory to the level required to meet the national military strategy;
(2) an assessment of the strategic lift/preposition requirements
associated with each alternative strategy, such as requirements for
strategic lift technologies or capabilities not yet developed or
fielded;
(3) the quantity of armored vehicles required for a strategic
reserve, and a schedule and funding plan for maintaining an appropriate
level of capability within the strategic reserve;
(4) the most appropriate path to accelerate development of the
future combat vehicle necessary to meet 21st Century challenges, with
linkage between termination of existing armor system modernization
efforts and production, and fielding of the future combat system;
(5) the experimentation process the Army will follow to assess the
various alternatives, organizations, and operational concepts in order
to arrive at the optimum decision, to include proposed use scenarios,
the measures of effectiveness selected, and the measures of performance
that will be assessed, and the specific coordination requirements with
the other services;
(6) program and funding requirements necessary to modernize and
ensure the viability of the remaining M1 tank fleet, to include the
requirement for new engines necessary to reduce operations and support
costs of the M1 tank; and
(7) for those units affected by the retirement of legacy M1 systems
not required to support the national military strategy, identify new
roles and functions and conversion requirements necessary to transition
these units to lighter, more mobile strike force configurations. 166
The committee understands that there is a recent initiative within
the Army to accelerate the maturation of technologies necessary to
develop and field a future combat vehicle. The committee supports this
initiative and believes it is necessary to establish a multi-mission
combat system demonstration program in collaboration with the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency. The committee directs the Secretary
of the Army to provide a plan to the congressional defense committees
that lays out the program strategy. The committee, therefore, recommends
an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63005A necessary to begin the
acceleration of this effort.
Digital intelligence situation mapboard
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63772A for
the development and testing of a miniature digital intelligence
situation mapboard. This technology, compatible with the current system
used by mounted troops, will provide dismounted soldiers digital
situational awareness information in a small-screen display format.
Acoustic technology research
The committee is aware of research in acoustic technologies that
shows promising application for detection, identification and tracking
of cruise missiles and mobile missile launchers. The committee
recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63308A to support continued
effort in this area by the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command.
Radar power technology
The committee is aware of advanced radar power technology development
at the Army Missile Defense and Space Technology Center. The committee
recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63308A to continue this
important research and development, especially in the area of fuel cells
and other power generators, power control and distribution, heat
exchangers, and integrated radar systems.
Tactical High Energy Laser
The budget request did not include funding for completion of testing
of the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) program. The committee
continues to support THEL and believes that the Army should complete
testing of the THEL system so that Israel can take over final testing,
deployment and operations in Israel. The committee recommends an
increase of $10.0 million in PE 63308A to support continued THEL testing
and deployment activities.
Weapons and munitions-advanced development
The budget request included $1.8 million for weapons and munitions
advanced development activities, PE 63802A. The committee notes that the
Army had not requested any funding for the objective individual combat
weapon (OICW) in the program definition and risk reduction (PD&RR)
phase. Due to a restructuring of this program, the committee recommends
a transfer of $14.8 million from PE 64802A to PE 63802A to conduct the
PD&RR of the 167OICW. The committee directs OICW project D134 be
established in the PD&RR phase to execute the revised program.
Comanche
The budget request included $427.1 million to continue development of
the Comanche helicopter, PE 64233A. The committee continues to be
concerned about the slow pace of the Comanche helicopter effort and the
overall state of Army aviation modernization. There is particular
concern regarding the recent Army decision to terminate production of
the Apache Longbow helicopter in fiscal year 2005, to meet the funding
requirements of Comanche beginning in fiscal year 2006. While the
committee recognizes funding shortfalls across the broad range of Army
modernization efforts, it does not support budget driven cuts to other
fully funded programs without analysis of the impact of the program
modification. The committee supports the Comanche, and believes its
production should be accelerated, but not at the expense of the Apache
Longbow program, which will provide a level of combat power on future
battlefields not yet seen with rotary wing aviation. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $56.0 million, for a total
authorization of $483.1 million in PE 64223A, to accelerate flight
testing of the second prototype aircraft and the development of the
mission equipment package for Comanche. The committee also directs the
Army to reconsider the Apache Longbow decision, as discussed elsewhere
in this committee report.
Weapons and munitions-engineering and manufacturing development
The budget request included $54.9 million for weapons and munitions
engineering and manufacturing development activities, PE 63802A. The
Army requested $14.8 million for the objective individual combat weapon
(OICW). The committee recommends a transfer of $14.8 million to PE
63802A to conduct the program definition and risk reduction phase of the
OICW. This action was taken due to a restructuring of the program.
Firefinder
The budget request included $32.4 million to support system
improvement research and development requirements for the Firefinder
radar, PE 64823A. The committee continues to be concerned about the
ballistic missile threat facing our soldiers on the battlefield. The
Army has been exploring alternative means to provide cueing information
on theater ballistic missiles to commanders within the target support
mission area. The Army has requested funding for fiscal year 2000 to
explore the ability of the Firefinder radar system to support early
warning and cueing requirements, and has also identified funding for
future year exploration of this concept. The Army has identified an
opportunity to accelerate this effort and save funding requirements for
future year activities. The committee believes this effort should be
accelerated and recommends an increase of $7.9 million, in PE 64823A,
for a total authorization of $40.3 million. 168
Directed energy testbed
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 65605A to
develop a directed energy testbed. The committee expects this testbed to
be used to conduct experiments, modeling and simulations, and lethality
testing to accelerate the development of directed energy technologies as
recommended in the Army's Directed Energy Master Plan which outlines a
comprehensive roadmap for exploiting directed energy technologies for
leap- ahead capabilities for future warfighting.
Multiple launch rocket system product improvement program
The budget request included $36.5 million to support research and
development requirements for multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), PE
63778A product improvement activities. The committee continues to
support all efforts designed to produce a lighter, more deployable force
that can quickly respond to future warfighting challenges. The Army
continues to develop the high
mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) that will be
transportable by C 130 aircraft and capable of firing both rockets and
missiles associated with the MLRS system. The committee believes this
effort is critical to meet future defense challenges, and recommends an
increase of $30.6 million in PE 63778A to accelerate this effort and
field HIMARS more than two years ahead of schedule.
Combat vehicle improvement programs
The budget request included $29.5 million to conduct technical system
upgrades to tracked combat and tactical vehicles, PE 23735A. The
committee understands that there is an opportunity to complete the
engineering and manufacturing development effort associated with the
upgrade of the Bradley A3 vehicle and to complete development of A3
version software necessary to conduct test and evaluation of upgraded
vehicles. Additionally, the committee notes a requirement to pursue
electronic upgrades and to develop an obsolescence avoidance program
that will ensure the future operational readiness of Bradley fighting
vehicles. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $20.5
million, for a total of $50.0 million in PE 23735A, to support
completion of the A3 version software and related cabling requirements,
and to meet obsolescence avoidance objectives.
Aircraft modifications/product improvement program
The budget request included $51.7 million for aircraft modification
and research and development activities, PE 23744A. The committee notes
that the first UH 60 Blackhawk helicopter flew in 1978 and that these
aircraft have an average service life of 17 years. The committee
understands that the Army plans to begin service life extension
activities in fiscal year 2002 and has established a high priority
unfunded requirement to begin the research and development activity
necessary to execute the service life extension effort. The committee
recommends an increase of $31.4 million in PE 23744A, for a total
authorization of $83.1 million, to begin that research and development
effort. The committee expects 169the Army to fully fund any additional
requirements in future year budget submissions.
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Nontraditional defense operations
The United States military forces in the 21st Century must be
prepared to face a wide range of security challenges, including those
that can not now be foreseen, but will likely emerge. As first
responders, the Marine Corps is at the forefront of this revolution in
military operations.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62131M to
explore innovative concepts for addressing non-traditional tactics and
operational challenges arising in the 21st Century. The committee
directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in the award
of contracts or other agreements under this program.
The committee further requires the Secretary of Defense to report to
the congressional defense committees on the feasibility and desirability
of establishing an advanced technology transition program within the
Marine Corps to explore new and innovative operational concepts and
technologies that specifically focus on nontraditional military
operations.
Communications, command, and control, intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62232N to
accelerate the introduction of fused hyperspectral, synthestic apperture
radar and electronic intelligence.
Carbon heatshield technology
The Office of Naval Research has initiated the development of
potential heatshield replacements for the Trident reentry body, as well
as advanced carbon composites for hypersonic vehicles, which will
increase stand-off distances in defending Navy ships involved in theater
wide defense. The committee recommends an additional $2.0 million to
accelerate testing of these carbon composite materials.
Laser technologies
The committee supports the recommendations made by the Center for
Naval Analysis (CNA) on laser technologies. Specifically, CNA
recommended that the Navy should explore alternative laser technologies
for defensive applications, including solid state and free electron
lasers. The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE
62227N to develop and demonstrate a 20 kilowatt free electron laser.
Superconducting wave form generator
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62270N to
accelerate the development of a high temperature
superconducting sigma delta waveform generator. This
technology has the potential to greatly increase the capability for
cruise missile detection.
Power node control centers
The budget request did not include funding for power node control
centers (PNCCs). PNCCs have the potential to integrate all of the
shipboard power functions, such as switching, conversion,
dis182tribution and system operation and protection. This technology
supports present and future surface ship and submarine platforms as a
building block for increased use of electrical equipment. The committee
recommends an increase of $3.0 million to PE 603508N for PNCCs.
Composite helicopter hangar
The budget request included no funds for a composite helicopter
hangar initiative. This initiative is a program to design and fabricate
the outer shell of a DDG 51 helicopter hangar structure using composite
materials. The program will leverage enabling technologies that can lead
to reduced radar signatures and cost and weight savings. The committee
recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63508N to continue the
design and fabrication of the outer shell of a DDG 51 helicopter hangar
structure using composite materials.
Virtual testbed for advanced electric systems
The budget request included no funds for a virtual testbed for
advanced electric systems for the reconfigurable ship. It is the Navy's
vision that future ships will move to more electrical devices to reduce
total ownership costs, and in some instances, reduce ship radiated
noise. Advanced electric systems for the reconfigurable ship will
integrate actual hardware so that this hardware can be performance
tested with advanced electrical control devices that are simulated to
prove system performance. The committee fully supports this simulation
and testing prior to committing to electrical system designs. The
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63508N for a
virtual testbed for advanced electric systems.
Advanced technology demonstration
The budget request included $56.9 million in PE 63640M to support
ongoing Marine Corps advanced technology demonstrations. The committee
notes ongoing efforts by the Marine Corps warfighting laboratory to
identify new technologies that will provide lighter and more lethal
weapon systems than are currently fielded, which will provide maximum
advantage to the warfighter. The Marines have identified an unfunded
requirement to conduct an analysis as to the utility of developing an
advanced, lightweight grenade launcher (ALGL) for combat soldiers in
small, mobile tactical units. The committee recommends an increase of
$1.0 million to support the establishment of a ALGL program in the
Marine Corps and a corresponding experimentation phase in fiscal year
2000.
The committee also continues to support ongoing efforts to develop an
unmanned vertical lift helicopter capable of delivering heavy supply
payloads to battlefield locations. The committee believes this effort
should be continued and notes a request for additional resources
necessary to carry this concept forward and support development and
experimentation. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million
for this purpose.
The committee is aware of Marine Corps' interest in the evaluation
and demonstration of a diesel-powered four-wheel-drive vehicle
183currently in production, which appears to meet restrictive helicopter
transportable criteria. Accordingly, the committee recommends an
increase of $500,000 to evaluate and demonstrate the performance of the
vehicle, consistent with the Marine Corps' criteria and requirements.
The committee recommends a total authorization of $63.4 million in PE
63640M for Marine Corps advanced technology demonstration activities.
Ocean modeling for mine and submarine warfare
The budget request included $3.5 million for ocean modeling to
provide battle space products to the Office of the Naval Oceanographer
for promulgation to the war fighting commander in chiefs (CINCs).
Research and development of products critical to monitoring, modeling
and disseminating environmental data are key factors in battle space
awareness. Specifically, the databases and information regarding
environments and predictions in littoral regions require emphasis on the
mine warfare mission area. Investigation, data analysis, and prediction
tools are required for current and eddy flow, bottom contour and
content, and thermal layer behavior, cold water phenomena and man-made
clutter. Effective mine and submarine warfare are dependent on correct
and timely environmental data. The committee recommends an increase of
$9.0 million in PE 603782N for ocean modeling.
Advanced technology transition program
Low observable multi-function stack (LMS) advanced technology
demonstration project addresses surface ship radar and infrared
signature technology issues. The vectored thrust ducted propellor (VTDP)
has been selected by the Navy as an organic countermine measure
alternative to the CH 60. Funding shortfalls in the Advanced Technology
Transition program have limited the scope of these two programs. The
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for LMS and an increase
of $4.0 million for VTDP in PE 63792N to complete these two programs.
Integrated combat weapons system for mine countermeasures ships
The budget request did not include funding for an integrated combat
weapons system (ICWS) for mine countermeasures ships. The global
positioning system, autonomous mine-hunting neutralization, and mine
sweeping capabilities all contribute to a complex mine warfare
information battlefield in ICWS. The mine countermeasures ships have the
responsibility of maintaining mine warfare tactical and operational
situations. At present, information from multiple sources is gathered
and plotted by slow and manpower-intensive methods. The committee
recommends an increase of $18.0 million in PE 6035029 for continuation
of ICWS for mine countermeasures ships which will automate key tactical
decision functions for mine countermeasures ships.
Advanced water-jet technology
The budget request included no funds for advanced water-jet
technology. Advanced water-jet technology represents the type of
184technological improvement in ship propulsion which reduces both
acquisition and total ownership costs. In addition, critical war
fighting ship signatures could be reduced by applying water-jet
technology. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE
63513N for advanced water-jet technology.
Enhanced performance electric motor brush technology
The budget request included no funds for enhanced performance
electric motor brush technology. Electric motors use monolithic carbon
brushes to transfer electricity from a stationary stator to a rotating
rotor. Carbon brushes wear down relatively quickly and must be
frequently inspected and replaced. A Navy funded small business
innovative research (SBIR) project recently demonstrated fiber metal
brushes that show significant wear and survivability improvements
compared to carbon brushes. Metal fiber electric motor brushes have the
potential to significantly reduce total ownership costs of ships and
increase the survivability and operational reliability of electric
motors. The committee recommends an increase of $2.3 million in PE
63561N for completion of design and testing of enhanced performance
electric motor brush technology.
Standard for the exchange of product model data
The budget request included no funds for the development of a
standard for the exchange of product model data for use in
computer-aided engineering in shipbuilding. A neutral product model data
bridge is required that links the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
ship design, analysis, manufacturing, and in-service life cycle support
elements. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE
63563N to develop application protocols for computer-aided engineering
for shipbuilding.
Trident SSGN design
The budget request included no funding for the design of the Trident
SSBN conversion to an SSGN-configuration. The statement of managers
accompanying the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for
1999 (H. Rept. 105 736) required the Secretary of Defense to report to
the congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 1999 on an
analysis of converting some of the Trident SSBNs to an
SSGN-configuration.
Although the committee has not received the required report,
testimony by Department of the Navy officials before the committee
stated, ``conversion of up to four Trident SSBNs to an SSGN
configuration represents a one-time, near-term opportunity which would
provide a platform with a high capacity precision strike capability and
which could function as a stealthy, long endurance, operating base for
sustained special operating forces campaigns. SSGN would also
significantly reduce the 11 year gap during which we would be below
desired Special Operations Command payload carrying capacity for special
operating forces submarine insertion.''
The committee recognizes that the opportunity to commence design work
on the SSGN capability must begin to meet the requirements for planning
coincidental with the refueling of the first available platform.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of 185$13.0 million in
PE 63563N to begin design activity for converting Trident SSBNs to an
SSGN-configuration
Navy common command and decision system
The budget request did not include funding for a common command and
decision system. The effort to develop a common command and decision
capability is a pre-planned product improvement (P3I) to the AEGIS
Weapon System and the Mk 2 Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) that would
replace the command and decision capability presently in these systems
with a common computer architecture. This effort will reduce future
life-cycle costs by reducing the number of computer programs that must
be maintained, by enabling the Navy to field new or modified warfighting
capability much more quickly and at a lower cost, and by improving
warfighting capability by eliminating the redundant, conflicting
processing now inherent in these systems. The committee recommends an
increase of $5.0 million for continuation and completion of small
business innovative research (SBIR) project for the common command and
decision system.
Advanced amphibious assault vehicle
The budget request included $94.8 million to support continued
development of the Marine Corps advanced amphibious assault vehicle
(AAAV). This self-deploying, high water-speed amphibious, armored
vehicle will meet critical requirements associated with ensuring the
Marine Corps is able to meet future
defense challenges. The committee understands that this
program continues to meet cost and schedule objectives and has received
several awards for engineering and manufacturing development excellence.
The Marine Corps has identified an opportunity to accelerate the initial
operating capability for these vehicles from fiscal year 2006 to fiscal
year 2005. The committee recommends an increase of $26.4 million, a
total authorization of $121.2 million, for technical and schedule risk
mitigation and program acceleration of the initial operating capability
for these vehicles.
Research in nonlethal weapons
The committee commends the work performed at the Marine Corps'
warfighting laboratory, but is concerned because the limited scope of
the technology development program results in heavy reliance on
commercial-off-the-shelf technologies. The committee recommends an
increase of $3.0 million in PE 63851M to establish a technology
innovation initiative within the Joint Nonlethal Weapons Directorate
that would allow the Marine Corps to pursue research and development of
new materials and technologies that offer the potential for use in
nonlethal weapons.
Navy collaborative integrated information technology initiative
The committee continues to support the Navy Collaborative Integrated
Information Technology Initiative (NAVCIITI) to continue development in
reliable secure communications and advanced information technologies.
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 64707N for
this purpose. 186
Parametric airborne dipping sonar
The budget request included no funds for the Parametric Airborne
Dipping Sonar (PADS). The PADS program is the continuation of a small
business innovative research project that is designed to develop,
demonstrate, and evaluate the three dimensional, stabilized steerable
acoustic beams for mine avoidance and submarine detection in shallow
water. It is the only system that has the potential to provide airborne
active dipping sonar anti-submarine and anti-mine capabilities for
shallow water littoral operations.
The committee is encouraged with test results which demonstrated
anti-mine detection capability superior to present and other planned
systems. In addition, Navy analysis and present plans include the
possibility of PADS being a shallow water adjunct to the Airborne Low
Frequency Sonar (ALFS) system deployed on H 60 helicopters.
Demonstrations of its capability with the H 60 aircraft have thus far
been successful.
The dual mine and submarine warfare potential of PADS makes it a
flexible and cost effective war fighting enhancement for two deficient
missions: mine location and diesel submarine detection. The Navy is
encouraged to continue the present testing and development of PADS with
a goal of providing three initial units which could be flown quickly to
an area of operations. The committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in PE 64212N for the continued development of PADS.
H 1 upgrades
The budget request included $157.7 million to fund engineering and
manufacturing development activities associated with the Marine Corps
four-bladed November/four-bladed Whiskey (4BN/4BW) helicopter upgrade
program. The committee notes with concern the reports of cost growth
associated with contractor overhead rates, emerging mission software
requirements, and an outstanding requirement to complete a full
logistics support analysis for these aircraft. The committee continues
to be concerned about safety and the aging rotary wing fleet found in
the Marine Corps, and believes the established schedule for the
operational evaluation and fleet fielding must be maintained. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $26.6 million necessary to
maintain the current development and fielding schedule for this critical
program.
Multi-purpose processor
The budget request included $40.0 million for submarine sonar
improvement. The Multi-Purpose Processor (MPP) is the result of a small
business innovative research (SBIR) initiative developed under the
sponsorship of the new nuclear attack submarine (NSSN) program. The MPP
provides a capability to easily transport new, advanced software to
existing hardware installations. It lies at the heart of the Navy's
Acoustic Rapid Commercial-off-the-shelf Insertion (ARCI) program. This
program is designed to permit the Los Angeles-class attack submarine
(SSN 688) to regain acoustic superiority over the diesel and nuclear
submarines of other navies. The committee recommends an increase of
$11.0 million in PE 64503N for continuation of the SBIR follow-on for
advanced devel187opment of MPP transportable software technology,
technology insertion, advanced processor software builds, and for
providing MPP units and training throughout the fleet and the Navy
research and development community.
Non-propulsion electronics system
The budget request included $241.5 million for New Attack Submarine
(NSSN) non-propulsion development. The purpose of the development is to
reduce life-cycle costs by investigating and incorporating open systems
architecture, commercial off-the-shelf software and hardware and
advanced ship construction techniques. The Non-propulsion Electronics
System (NPES) is comprised of 15
subsystems required to perform warfare missions. The major
systems are sonar, combat control, exterior communications, electronic
support measures and interconnecting architectures. To attain the
possible life-cycle savings that could accrue, analysis and integration
to support the 15 subsystems development is required. The committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million to PE 64558N for integration of
the 15 NPES subsystems.
Smart propulsor product model
The budget request included no funding for continuation of the
development of a smart propulsor product model (SPPM) for DD 21. The
SPPM will provide a complete representation of the ship's requirements,
design and capabilities at each stage of the life-cycle. The SPPM
program is a proposed joint Navy-industry effort to develop software
that will bring together design, manufacturing, cost and capability
modeling for ship propulsion devices. This development will enable the
Navy to consider innovative propulsion concepts for future ships while
considering life-cycle costs and manufacturing techniques. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 64567N for the SPPM.
Volume search radar
The budget request did not include funding for a new volume search
radar (VSR). The budget request did include funding for the
Multi-function Radar (MFR). The VSR will be required to complement the
MFR on future ships. The VSR has applicability to both DD 21 and CVN 77.
The committee recommends an increase of $30.0 million to PE 64755N for
the development of a volume search radar.
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
The budget request included $1.4 million for continued development
and testing of the NULKA active countermeasures decoy. Development of a
dual band, spatially distributed infrared signature payload is required
for defense against advanced heat-seeking anti-ship missiles (ASMs).
The NULKA decoy was developed to improve surface ship survivability
against ASMs. The ASM threat is growing rapidly. By the year 2000, an
estimated 100 nations will possess more than 40,000 ASMs. These missiles
pose a potent threat to surface combatants and amphibious ships involved
in littoral operations. 188
The committee recommends an increase of $4.4 million in PE 64755N to
complete the development and operational testing of the dual band,
spatially distributed infrared signature payload upgrade.
Advanced Deployable System
The budget request included $14.9 for Advanced Deployable System
(ADS) research and development. The original schedule for completion of
development and initial fielding of the system was delayed one-year due
to funding constraints within the program. The committee agrees that ADS
will be a battle space awareness enabler. Consequently, the committee
recommends an increase of $22.0 million to complete development of the
ADS one year ahead of the schedule proposed in the budget request.
Battle Force Tactical Training
The budget request included $4.3 million for the Surface Tactical
Team Trainer (STTT). The STTT is designated to further develop an
existing system, the Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) system, so it
will be able to provide joint warfare training. A highly successful
small business innovative research (SBIR) project, N96 111, leveraged
the capabilities of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) operating systems
and processors. The committee recommends an increase of $7.5 million in
PE 24571N for the purpose of SBIR phase III follow-on work to continue
the BFTT operating system conversion.
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $3.5 million be transferred from
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Navy to section 310(25), a
newly-established central transfer account for funds to combat
terrorism.
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Materials research
The committee remains concerned about the Air Force's decreasing
budget for applied research in aerospace materials. The committee
recommends an increase of $7.2 million PE 62102F: $3.0 million for the
development of resin systems for Air Force engine applications; $2.2
million for titanium matrix composites for airframe structures; and,
$2.0 million to complete development of friction welding techniques for
aerospace applications.
Solid state electric oxygen generation
Solid state electrolyte oxygen separation techniques can supply pure
oxygen at point-of-use. In addition to being easier to deploy and more
compact, it is less expensive than traditional oxygen generation. The
committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62202F to
demonstrate the defense applications of this technology.
Space science and engineering
The Air Force Science Advisory Board has reported that one of the
critical science and technology issues of the day is a decline in the
present number and future supply of systems engineers that are trained
and educated in space science and systems. The committee recommends an
increase of $775,000 in PE 62203F to pursue a curriculum to address this
critical need. The committee expects that such a program would provide
intensive instruction, as well as the ``hands-on'' experimentation in
advanced, next generation space science and engineering technologies to
meet immediate knowledge and skill needs of the current workforce of the
Air Force, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other
space related agencies.
Multi-spectral battlefield simulation
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62203F to
provide a multispectral synthetic battlespace simulation capability to
address the critical needs of Air Force's advanced air and space sensor
technologies.
Variable displacement vane pump technology
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 62203F to
complete risk reduction for the variable displacement vane pump (VDVP).
The variable geometry features of the VDVP will simplify aircraft
thermal design and is expected to provide cost weight benefits to the KC
135 aircraft.
Applied research
The Air Force reduced its science and technology budget by $94.6
million, which included a decrease of $70.0 million in the applied
research (``6.2'') program. This program is used to take the most
promising technologies from basic, or exploratory, research and apply
them to defense needs. Basic and applied research make up the defense
technology base which generates the legacy to tomorrow's warfighter. We
must maintain a stable technology base in order to develop options for
the truly long-term--beyond threats, situations, and budgets that we can
predict. The committee rec203ommends a specific increase of $40.4
million for applied research. This increase addresses areas of critical
need in the science and technology program that were zeroed out in the
Air Force's fiscal year 2000 budget request. In order to restore
stablity to these particular accounts, the committee expects the funds
to be executed as planned in the program objective memorandum (POM) for
the fiscal year 1998 budget. The increase would be applied, as follows:
In millions of dollars
PE 62269F Hypersonic technology program
16.6
PE 62601F Phillips Laboratory:
Post-boost Control system
2.9
Missile propulsion technology
1.7
Tactical missile propulsion
3.0
Orbit Transfer Propulsion
3.0
Tropo-weather
2.5
Space survivability
0.6
HSI spectral sensing
0.8
PE 62702F Command Control Communications Tech:
Electromagnetic technology
9.3
The increase would be offset with reductions in the following
accounts: a decrease of $14.0 million from the operating budget of the
Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff; a decrease
of $5.8 million in PE 65808F for Developmental Planning; a decrease of
$1.6 million in PE 65807F for test and evaluation management support; a
decrease of $10.3 million in PE 35110F for research and development for
the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) and a decrease of $1.2
million in Other Procurement, Air Force for AFSCN; a decrease of $2.5
million in PE 33110F Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS); and
a decrease of $5.0 million in PE 27161F for research and development
related to the AIM 9X air-to-air missile.
High frequency active auroral research
The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 62601F to
continue experimentation in the high frequency active auroral research
program.
Laser remote optical sensing research
Airborne remote sensing of chemical agents has potential to address a
variety of military and intelligence missions including chemical weapons
defense, information preparation of the battlefield, bomb damage
assessment, weapons of mass destruction inspections, and counterdrug
operations. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE
62601F for the laser remote optical sensing research to provide
capability for real-time standoff detection through the exploitation of
light detection and ranging (lidar) technologies.
Aerospace structures
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63211F for
development work in polymeric foam core applications. This low cost,
damage tolerant material offers potential to reduce repair actions and
maintenance costs on Air Force weapons systems. The committee directs
the Air Force to pursue dual-use applications and industry cost sharing
to the maximum extent possible. 204
Night vision technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million to complete the
technology development of panaramic night vision goggles. This
technology combines increased field of view with high resolution,
integrated symbology, and close-to-face center of gravity with human
effects improvements, such as reduced weight, reduced pilot fatigue, and
ejection seat safety.
Miniature Satellite Threat Reporting System
The budget request did not include funds for the Miniature Satellite
Threat Reporting System (MSTRS). The committee supports MSTRS to develop
the capability to protect satellites from uplink jamming, interference,
or intrusion. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 63401F for the MSTRS program.
Standard protocol interpreter for satellite data links
The Air Force has integrated a variety of commercial-off-the-shelf
(COTS) hardware and software products into systems for controlling and
communicating with satellites. In addition, the Air Force is evaluating
the possibility of utilizing COTS products for use in peripheral
equipment. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE
63401F for development and testing of a standard protocol interpreter
for communications devices for use in the military satellite
communications network or other satellite networks.
Low altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night
The budget request included $21.5 million in PE 63601F for the
development of conventional weapons technology. None of these funds were
allocated to upgrade the existing support system for the low altitude
navigation and targeting infrared for night (LANTIRN) system. This
upgrade ranks third on the Air Force fiscal year 2000 unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $10.6 million
to upgrade the LANTIRN support system.
Joint strike fighter
The budget request included $476.6 million ($241.2 million in Navy
research and development and $235.4 million in Air Force research and
development) for continued development of the joint strike fighter
(JSF). Within that total, $33.0 million is included for the alternate
engine program. The committee remains concerned that development of an
alternate engine for the JSF will not proceed to a point where it
represents a viable alternative and reduces risk for the vertical and
short take off and landing (V/STOL) JSF variant. The committee
recommends an additional $15.0 million in PE 63800F to reduce risk and
accelerate development of the alternate engine, a total Air Force
authorization of $250.4 million.
Rocket Systems Launch Program
The committee has supported the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP)
and believes that this program provides an important means for utilizing
excess strategic missile rocket motors. The com205mittee recommends an
increase of $19.2 million in PE 63851F (project 1023) to demonstrate
quick reaction launch capabilities.
B 2 advanced technology bomber datalink
The budget request included $201.8 million for continued development
of the B 2 bomber, with no funds allocated for the initiation of an
effort to provide a datalink. The recently completed Air Force Bomber
Roadmap identifies the Link-16 datalink, displayed on a center
instrument display (CID), as a near-term modernization initiative for
the B 2. A datalink is required on the B 2 to provide situational
awareness to the flight crew, enhancing the capability to efficiently
plan and execute missions. This capability was included on the Air Force
modernization unfunded priority list. The committee recommends an
increase of $37.0 million in PE 64240F to begin the integration of
Link-16/CID into the B 2, a total authorization of $238.8 million.
The committee understands considerable funding will be required to
complete this project. The committee expects the Air Force to provide
funding for the project in future budget requests.
Electronic warfare development
The budget request included $90.3 million for consolidated
engineering development efforts related to Air Force electronic warfare
requirements. None of these funds were allocated for the precision
location and identification project (PLAID), which is transitioning from
an advanced technology development (ATD) to an engineering and
manufacturing development (EMD) program. The committee understands that
test flights have continued to be very successful, and that the Air
Force is preparing to conduct a competition for EMD. The committee
recommends an increase of $7.0 million in PE 64270F to continue risk
reduction efforts and to preserve the knowledge gained through the ATD
until a contract is awarded.
In testimony before the committee, the Commander in Chief of the
Transportation Command (CINCTRANSCOM) highlighted threats that are faced
by strategic airlift aircraft. The testimony indicated that one of the
highest CINCTRANSCOM priorities is to improve aircraft capability to
defend against the proliferating threat of shoulder-fired infrared (IR)
guided missiles. The Air Force activities in PE 64270F include large
aircraft advanced IR countermeasures (LAIRCM) activity. LAIRCM would
demonstrate an advanced directed laser countermeasures suite for large
signature aircraft as an engineering and manufacturing development (EMD)
risk reduction.
The budget request also included $8.9 million within PE 116404BB for
Special Operations Forces aircraft defensive systems, including $3.0
million to continue a joint U.S.-United Kingdom development effort for
the directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) program. DIRCM, which
is intended to protect larger multi-engine aircraft, is scheduled for a
milestone III decision later in fiscal year 1999. The committee believes
that the Air Force should investigate the potential employment of DIRCM
on strategic airlift aircraft as a near-term opportunity to solve the
CINCTRANSCOM problem. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of
$7.0 million in PE 64270F, a total authorization of 206$104.3 million.
The committee directs the Air Force to report the results of its
investigation to the congressional defense committees, not later than
March 1, 2000.
Space Based Infrared System
The committee is concerned by the Air Force decision to delay the
first launch of the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) High and Low
systems by two years. The committee notes that by reducing the SBIRS
High budget by $395.0 million in fiscal year 2000, the Air Force will
cause substantial program cost growth, and delay the fielding of this
vital early warning and missile defense system. Especially in light of
the recent launch failure of Defense Support Program satellite-19 (DSP
19), the decision to delay the SBIRS program has potentially significant
detrimental consequences for U.S. early warning and missile defense
capabilities.
The committee notes that the administration has stated its intention
to submit an amended budget request to increase the SBIRS High program
by $92.0 million in fiscal year 2000. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $92.0 million in PE 64441F to fully fund the
fiscal year 2000 portion of the revised SBIRS High program.
Notwithstanding this decision, the committee believes that the Secretary
of Defense should assess the possibility of restoring at least a portion
of the schedule delay in light of the DSP 19 launch failure. Therefore,
the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a
comprehensive review of the SBIRS High program, and to submit a revised
SBIRS High program that fully funds and, to the extent possible,
reverses delay in the program. The committee intends to closely monitor
the SBIRS High program and directs the Secretary to submit a report on
his review by February 15, 2000.
The committee is concerned that recent changes in Air Force
acquisition strategy for SBIRS Low will defer needed risk reduction
activities until Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and
result in continued cost and schedule problems. These problems will
likely result in either failure to deploy in fiscal year 2006 (despite a
two-year slip from last year's budget), or a prolonged delay in reaching
system full operational capability. The committee is concerned that the
Air Force cancellation of the SBIRS Low flight demonstrations, after
years of justifying their critical role in risk reduction for the EMD
program, was driven by the low funding priority assigned to SBIRS Low,
and not by an objective re-evaluation of the flight demonstration's
utility.
The committee strongly believes that SBIRS Low is essential to ensure
that national and theater missile defense systems have the flexibility
and robustness to handle advanced threats and defend the largest
possible areas. The reliable mid-course technical intelligence provided
by SBIRS Low will also be critical for designing and updating
interceptor terminal seekers. Based on these priorities, the committee
believes the first constellation or block of SBIRS Low satellites should
be designed for ballistic missile defense and mid-course technical
intelligence missions. All other requirements are secondary and should
not add technical risk, cost, and schedule delays to the program. 207
Given the above considerations, and the committee's general concern
over Air Force management of SBIRS Low, the committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to submit a report regarding the requirements for
SBIRS Low and how these relate to the technical risk and program
schedule. The report shall be submitted to the congressional defense
committees by February 15, 2000.
Wind corrected munitions dispenser
The budget request included no funds for development of the wind
corrected munitions dispenser (WCMD) in fiscal year 2000 because the
program should finish development and enter full-rate production in
fiscal year 1999. The Department of Defense has informed the committee
of a technical difficulty in the program, and has offered an offset for
additional development funding in fiscal year 2000. The committee
therefore recommends an increase of $3.9 million in PE 64600F to
complete WCMD development.
Life support systems
The budget request included $6.1 million for life support systems
development. The committee recommends an overall increase $2.9 million,
a total authorization of $9.0 million.
$2.0 million of the budget request was allocated for the initial
engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the aircrew
laser eye protection (ALEP) program. Laser hazards to aircrew are
proliferating on the modern battlefield, and the committee recommends an
increase of $0.4 million in PE 64706F to accelerate this development
effort.
The budget request did not include any funding for evaluating the use
of inflatable restraint concepts during front line ejection equipment
tests. The inflatable restraint system has the potential to reduce
aircrew injuries during ejection by preventing limb flail. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.5 million in PE 64706F for this program.
Composite payload dispenser development for the Evolved
Expendable Launch Vehicle
The committee notes that the Air Force is developing a high stiffness
composite payload dispenser for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle
program, but that insufficient funds exist in the budget request to
acquire the necessary tools. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $4.5 million in PE 64853F to support this effort.
Air Force test and evaluation support
The budget request for Air Force Test and Evaluation support (PE
65807F) includes $392.1 million. The committee recommends a decrease of
$30.0 million in PE 65807F. The committee remains concerned about the
proportion of research, development, test and evaluation (RDTE) funding
allocated to infrastructure and management support. This is especially
alarming in the Air Force test and evaluation centers where a
substantial portion of the operation costs are payed for through
Operations and Maintenance accounts. To address these concerns, the
committee directs the Comptroller General to review the financial
management practices used by the 208Services' test and evaluation
centers to identify areas in which improvements could be made and
determine the extent to which such efficiencies have been pursued and
achieved.
Big Crow program office
The budget request did not specifically include funding for the Big
Crow Program Office (BCPO). The Department of Defense operates the BCPO
on a reimbursable basis. In the Strom Thurmond National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, the conferees supported the need
for a report on funding policy and management of the BCPO, as directed
by the Senate (S. Rept. 105 189). On March 1, when this report was due,
the committee was notified that the report was not yet complete, but
would be submitted by April 30, 1999. The report has still not been
submitted, even though the BCPO has been unable to generate enough
reimbursable funding to operate both of its flying laboratories.
The BCPO provides services to many customers, including the Navy's
Aegis program, the Ballistic Missile Defense Office, the Army Patriot
air defense program, E 3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
program, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the North American
Air Defense. The committee expects that the Department's investigation
into the BCPO organization, management, and funding forecasts, a
necessary result of the reporting requirement, will clearly determine
the right course of action for this program. The committee understands
that, with one aircraft platform scheduled for depot maintenance in
fiscal year 2002, the Department may only retain one flying laboratory
to provide this service.
The committee directs that both flying laboratories remain operable
for conduct of BCPO operations until 90 days after the Department
submits the report that outlines the plan. The committee recommends an
increase of $5.0 million to PE 65807F to allow for continued operations.
The committee also directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a report
by March 1, 2000, which explores affordable alternatives to providing
the services that are available through the BCPO.
B 52 upgrades
The budget request included $64.3 million in PE 11113F for
operational system development of the B 52 aircraft. The Air Force
fiscal year 2000 unfunded requirements list includes three initiatives
to modernize the B 52. The committee recommends an overall increase of
$41.4 million, a total authorization of $105.7 million.
The first initiative involves the ALR 20 threat warning receiver,
which was manufactured over 30 years ago. Many of the spare parts
vendors are no longer in business. The committee recommends an increase
of $13.0 million to start the development effort to replace the B 52
primary threat warning receiver.
The second initiative involves the integration of the six Milstar
communications vans (MCVs) into the mobile ground support system for the
defense support program missile warning mission. This will ensure
continued endurable and survivable missile warning and launch detection.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.4 million for MCV
integration. 209
The third initiative involves the development of the global air
traffic management (GATM) system for the B 52. GATM is required to
maintain current oceanic access. The committee recommends an increase of
$26.0 million for GATM.
F 16 GOLDSTRIKE
The budget request included $112.5 million for F 16 aircraft
modernization efforts, but included no funds for development of the
GOLDSTRIKE modification from a concept demonstrator to a combat-ready
system. This modification adds a video imagery module to the improved
data modem, allowing an aircraft to transmit and receive still target
imagery from other aircraft and tactical aircraft control parties. The
GOLDSTRIKE modification is ranked high on the Air Force unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $14.4 million
in PE 27133F, a total authorization of $126.9 million.
EC 130H Compass call
The budget request included $4.9 million in PE 27253F for the
continued development of the tactical radio acquisition and
countermeasures subsystem (TRACS) for the EC 130H Compass Call aircraft.
The Compass Call is a wide-area airborne offensive counter information
system. TRACS replaces the aging compressive receiver suite with a
digital, reprogrammable receiver. The program has been structured in two
phases. The committee understands the second phase could now be
accelerated to complete a clip-in TRACS F capability in fiscal year
2002. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million, a total
authorization of $12.9 million.
Airborne warning and control system
The budget request included $33.4 million for E 3 aircraft airborne
warning and control system (AWACS) system modernization improvements.
None of these funds were allocated for development of the global air
traffic management (GATM), full integration of AWACS broadcast
intelligence (BI), or AWACS data link infrastructure (DLI)
modifications. These upgrades were all included on the Air Force
unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of
$22.4 million in PE 27417F for these developments, a total authorization
of $55.8 million.
GATM modifications are required to maintain current airspace access
on oceanic and continental routes in Europe. Rapid mobility and force
projection is imperative as international airspace agencies impose
tighter airspace restraints. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.3 million for E 3 GATM.
AWACS BI will re-host the software from a stand alone computer onto
the AWACS mission computer, which will show intelligence contact reports
on all needed consoles to display ground threats and provide cueing of
air threats. AWACS DLI will reduce data latency from more than 40
seconds to less than one second, and greatly reduce annual maintenance
cost. The committee recommends an increase of $17.1 million for
development of AWACS BI and DLI. 210
Joint surveillance/target attack radar system
The budget request included $316.2 million for the procurement of one
E 8C Joint Surveillance/Targeting Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft
and associated support. The request also included $130.5 million in PE
27581F to continue various modernization efforts, with $37.2 million for
continuation of the radar technology insertion program (RTIP). The
budget request does not include any funds for closing the JSTARS
production line.
The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) recommended the inventory
objective for Air Force JSTARS aircraft be reduced from 19 to 13, with
the assumption that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would
buy four to six aircraft for the NATO airborne ground surveillance
program. NATO has not selected JSTARS for its requirement. The aircraft
in the budget request will be the 14th Air Force JSTARS produced. The
Air Force unfunded requirements list includes $41.7 million for
production line shutdown and last lot costs in fiscal year 2000. It is
estimated that $46.0 million would be required for long lead procurement
should the Air Force decide that procurement of a 15th JSTARS aircraft
is necessary. Last year, Department of Defense (DOD) witnesses testified
that a review would be conducted to decide how DOD would meet the
warfighting requirement that would have been met with 19 JSTARS
aircraft. The Department has indicated that this review has not yet been
concluded.
The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $46.0 million, a
total procurement authorization of $362.2 million, to be used, at the
discretion of the Secretary of Defense, either for: (1) production line
shutdown and last lot costs; or (2) long lead funding for aircraft
number 15, if the Department reevaluates its need, and requests funding
for a 15th JSTARS aircraft in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.
The budget request for RTIP supports a development program that would
complete testing in fiscal year 2008. The committee has strongly
supported the RTIP program and is interested in accelerating delivery of
this capability. The Air Force believes that adding $48.0 million to the
fiscal year 2000 budget request could save roughly $20.0 million, and
accelerate the program by six months. The committee understands that,
with additional funding in fiscal years 2001 to 2003, the Air Force
could accelerate the program by two years and save more than $140.0
million.
The Air Force unfunded requirements list also included a request for
development of the global air traffic management (GATM) system in the E
8C, allowing it to maintain current access
to oceanic routes and routes over continental Europe.
The committee, therefore, recommends an addition of $48.0 million to
accelerate the development of RTIP and an increase of $7.2 million for
GATM in PE 27578F, a total development authorization of $185.7 million.
Numerous studies and real world operations have demonstrated that
ground moving target indicator (GMTI) technology can enhance
surveillance and reconnaissance capability. In addition to the JSTARS
program, the Air Force is also evaluating alternative ways to provide
GMTI data. These alternative approaches include the Discoverer II
program, a joint DARPA/Air Force/National Re211connaissance Office
program to demonstrate GMTI from space, and the potential application of
GMTI capability to unmanned aerial vehicles. The committee believes that
fielding the GMTI capability more widely will depend heavily on reducing
both the recurring and the nonrecurring costs for different GMTI
applications. The technology for designing and building electronically
scanned antennas (ESAs) may have progressed to the point that it may be
reasonable to rely on a modular radar that could be scaled up or down,
depending on the particular platform. Therefore, the committee directs
the Secretary of Defense to investigate the potential for developing
such a modular, scalable ESA-based radar for various GMTI applications.
This examination should include a review of the potential life cycle
costs and benefits of applying such a modular radar to various
platforms, versus proceeding along different development and procurement
paths for each system. The committee directs the Secretary to provide
this report to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2000.
Theater Airborne Warning System
The budget request included no funds for the Theater Airborne Warning
System (TAWS). The committee has supported this program and continues to
believe that it may offer a near-term means of augmenting Defense
Support Program infrared missile warning data. The committee notes the
conclusion of the Air Force's recent report on the TAWS demonstration
phase, which indicated that ``the test phase has been completed
successfully with the timeline/accuracy predictions validated.''
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $17.3 million in PE
28060F to complete non-recurring engineering and to proceed with
implementation of the TAWS objective system.
E 4B national airborne operations center
The budget request included $12.7 million for modernization
development efforts for essential infrastructure and mission equipment
for the E 4B national airborne operations center (NAOC). The budget
request also included $20.0 million for E 4 B aircraft modifications.
The Air Force has included continued development and equipment
procurement and installation of the global air traffic management (GATM)
system for the NAOC on its unfunded requirements list. This modification
will be required to maintain current access to oceanic and continental
routes in Europe.
The committee recommends an increase of $8.3 million in PE 32015F for
E 4B GATM development, a total authorization of $21.0 million.
The committee recommends an increase of $6.9 million in Aircraft
Procurement, Air Force, for E 4B GATM procurement, a total authorization
of $26.9 million.
Endurance unmanned aerial vehicles
The budget request included $48.0 million for continuation of the
advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) of the Global Hawk and
Dark Star endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The Department
canceled the Dark Star UAV program in fiscal year 1999. The committee
believes that remaining fiscal year 1999 212funds are adequate for
program termination costs. The committee, therefore, recommends a
decrease of $6.0 million in PE 35205F programmed for the Dark Star
evaluation in fiscal year 2000. In fiscal year 1999, Global Hawk flying
quality flights were flown, and military utility flights were to
commence in April. In March, 1999, a Global Hawk vehicle, with its
sensors, went out of control and was destroyed. This crash has delayed
the Global Hawk military utility study at least two months, which should
generate additional funds for carryover into fiscal year 2000. The
committee, therefore, recommends a decrease of $7.2 million in PE35205F,
a total authorization of $34.8 million.
Airborne reconnaissance systems
The committee supports continued development of the joint signals
intelligence (SIGINT) avionics family--low band subsystem (JSAF LBSS).
This system will provide all future SIGINT payloads with a standard
architecture, thereby increasing SIGINT capability and reducing cost.
The committee understands that if the JSAF LBSS is to integrate next
generation commercial off-the-shelf technologies, additional funding is
required. The committee recommends an increase of $17.4 million in PE
35206F for JSAF LBSS.
RC 135 global air traffic management
The budget request included no funds for development of the global
air traffic management (GATM) system modification for the RC 135
aircraft. This modification will allow continued access to oceanic and
continental routes in Europe, and is on the Air Force's unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $5.4 million
for development of the GATM modification in the RC 135.
Eagle Vision
The budget request included $12.8 million in PE 35209F for
distributed common ground systems, with $6.1 million for a deployable
commercial imagery collection and processing system, known as Eagle
Vision. Funded at a low level throughout the Future Year Defense Program
(FYDP), additional funding would help to accelerate meeting the Air
Force requirement for commercial imagery direct-downlink. The committee
recommends an increase of $21.0 million for Eagle Vision, a total
authorization of $33.8 million.
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $7.7 million be transferred from
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force to section
310(25), a newly-established central transfer account for funds to
combat terrorism.
DEFENSE-WIDE
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Recruitment and retention
The committee notes with concern that all military services are
experiencing difficulties in the current recruiting environment. In view
of expected continuing pressure on recruitment and to ensure the optimum
use of military personnel, the committee recommends that of the funds
authorized to be appropriated in PE 61103D, $4.0 million be used to
expand the Navy initiative to address the ascension, selection, and
management of military personnel for all three services.
University research initiative
The committee commends the Department of Defense for including $10.0
million in the budget request to continue efforts under the Defense
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) in
fiscal year 2000 to broaden the infrastructure for universities that
support national defense research. The committee recommends that in
addition to the $10.0 million provided in the budget request, an
additional $15.0 million of the funds authorized to be appropriated in
PE 61103D should be used for this merit-based program.
Ballistic missile defense organization funding and
programmatic guidance
The budget request included approximately $3.3 billion for the
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) for research, development,
test, and evaluation (RDT&E), and procurement. The committee's
recommended funding allocations for BMDO are summarized in the following
table. Additional programmatic and funding guidance is also provided
below.
BMDO Funding Allocation
[Millions of dollars]
Program Request Change Recommendation
Support Technology 239.0 +59.0 298.0
THAAD 611.6 -15.0 596.6
Navy Area\1\ 323.4 323.4
Navy Theater Wide 329.8 +120.0 449.8
MEADS 48.6 48.6
NMD 836.5 836.5
Joint TMD 195.7 +5.0 200.7
PAC 3\1\ 330.0 +212.0 542.0
FOS E&I 141.8 141.8
BMD Tech Ops 190.6 +3.0 193.6
Int'l Coop Programs 36.6 +15.0 51.6
Threat/Countermeasures 16.5 16.5
\1\Procurement and RDT&E.
Support technology
The committee continues to support BMDO's wide bandgap electronics
material development program. Higher speed and higher temperature
operation afforded by wide bandgap electronic materials could enhance
the miniaturization and functionality of advanced sensors and processing
systems for space-based ballistic missile defense (BMD) sensors and
ground-based radar systems. 224The committee recommends an increase of
$14.0 million in PE 62173C to support this important activity.
The committee has supported research and development activities in
the area of high frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) technology and
recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62173C to continue this
important effort.
The committee continues to support the Atmospheric Interceptor
Technology (AIT) program to develop advanced interceptors with potential
applications for a range of theater missile defense (TMD) programs. The
committee recommends an increase of $30.0 million in PE 63173C to
continue the AIT program and directs that, of this amount, $2.0 million
be utilized to develop advanced integrated missile structures and
airframes.
The committee has supported BMDO's efforts to evaluate innovative and
low cost launch concepts, especially those utilizing pressure-fed rocket
engine technology. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million
in PE 63173C to support the Scorpius concept and an increase of $5.0
million in PE 63173C to support the Excalibur concept.
National missile defense
The committee is pleased that the administration has finally decided
to fully fund development and procurement of a limited National Missile
Defense (NMD) system. The committee commends the Secretary of Defense
for his leadership in securing the necessary funding increase and in
recognizing the fact that the threat is expected to justify deployment
of an NMD system. The committee believes that BMDO and the Navy should
also begin to evaluate options for supplementing the initial ground
based NMD architecture with sea-based assets, including an upgraded
version of the Navy's Theater Wide theater missile defense system. The
committee directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a follow-on study
to supplement the analysis that was included in the 1998 report entitled
Utility of Sea-Based Assets to National Missile Defense. This report
shall address the engineering steps that would be needed to develop a
sea-based NMD system to supplement the ground-based NMD system. The
study should evaluate requirements, performance benefits, design
trade-offs, operational impacts, and refined cost estimates. The
committee directs the Secretary to provide a report to the congressional
defense committees by March 15, 2000, on this follow-on effort.
Theater high altitude area defense (THAAD) system
The budget request included $527.9 million for THAAD demonstration
and validation (Dem/Val) and $83.7 million for THAAD engineering and
manufacturing development (EMD). The committee continues to support the
development, production, and fielding of THAAD as a matter of highest
priority. As addressed elsewhere in this report, the committee does not
support BMDO's revised upper tier acquisition strategy. The committee
believes that decisions regarding the THAAD schedule and budget should
be determined based on the performance of the THAAD test program and not
an artificial competition with the Navy Theater Wide system. The
committee remains concerned by what appears to be a 225continuing
pattern of quality control problems in the THAAD test program. The
committee believes that if these problems are not resolved quickly, the
entire THAAD program may be jeopardized. The committee notes that DOD
will be reimbursed $15.0 million by the THAAD contractor, pursuant to an
agreement between DOD and the contractor, as a result of the last THAAD
flight failure. Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $15.0
million in PE 63861C.
Navy theater wide
The committee continues to support the Navy Theater Wide (NTW)
program. The committee urges the Secretary of Defense to accelerate this
important development program to the extent permitted by the pace of
technology development. The committee is concerned that necessary radar
improvements have not kept up with developments in the NTW interceptor
missile system. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million for continuation of the Navy's competitive development of an
advanced radar for theater missile defense. The committee notes that,
despite being informed that the NTW program was fully funded in the
Fiscal Year 2000 budget request, neither the Navy nor BMDO requested
funding for the development of the radar necessary for the NTW system.
The committee expects future budget requests to include funding required
for all aspects of the NTW program, including radar development. The
committee also recommends an increase of $70.0 million for NTW
acceleration, for an overall increase of $120.0 million in PE 63868C.
BMD technical operations
The committee supports the efforts being performed at the Army Space
and Strategic Defense Command's Advanced Research Center (ARC). The ARC
continues to be a valuable tool in support of the Army's development of
both theater and national missile defense systems. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63874C for
support of the ARC.
International cooperative programs
The budget request included $36.6 million for BMDO's International
Cooperative Programs, which includes funding for the Arrow ballistic
missile defense system. The committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in PE 63875C to support the Arrow Deployability Program.
BMD targets
The committee is concerned that current TMD surrogate targets do not
sufficiently represent ballistic missile threats based on liquid fuel
engines. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to
begin development of a new liquid fueled target, or family of targets.
To support this effort, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 63872C.
Patriot PAC 3
The committee remains concerned by the cost growth and schedule
delays in the Patriot PAC 3 program, but understands that the
226technical difficulties that caused these problems have been resolved.
The committee notes that the most recent flight test of the PAC 3 system
was successful and that the program is scheduled to fly again shortly.
If the next flight test is successful, the PAC 3 system will be
authorized to proceed into low-rate initial production, assuming
sufficient funds are available. The committee has approved a
reprogramming of $60.0 million in fiscal year 1999 funds from
procurement to help offset funding problems in the EMD program. The
committee notes that even with this reprogramming, the EMD program
remains under-funded in the fiscal year 2000 budget request by $152.0
million. In addition, the fiscal year 1999 reprogramming has left a
$60.0 million shortfall in fiscal year 2000 budget request for
procurement, which would preclude commencement of low-rate initial
production during fiscal year 2000. Therefore, the committee recommends
an increase of $152.0 million in PE 64865C for PAC 3 EMD, and an
increase of $60.0 million in Procurement, Defensewide, for PAC 3
procurement.
Boost-phase intercept
The committee is aware that BMDO and the government of Israel have
examined options for boost-phase intercept (BPI) of ballistic missiles,
and the possibility of a joint U.S.-Israeli program using unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) to defeat ballistic missiles in the boost-phase
or missile launchers following the launch of a missile. The committee
understands that to date there is no agreement between the two
governments on the potential merits of the options considered, nor has
agreement been reached on a joint program.
Believing that the ability to defeat ballistic missiles before and
during their launch phase could significantly enhance the security of
the United States and its allies, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to study the technical and operational feasibility of such a
joint program, and determine if the missile defense benefits would
justify initiating a joint U.S.-Israel BPI-attack operations program
employing UAVs. The study shall include an assessment of whether a
BPI-attack operations program can be developed that supports U.S. and
Israeli requirements, whether the United States would support a program
that is oriented primarily or exclusively toward satisfying Israeli
requirements, and whether DOD supports an attack operations UAV system
that does not include BPI capabilities. The committee directs the
Secretary to submit a report on these matters to the congressional
defense committees not later than February 15, 2000.
Medical free electron laser
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 62227D to
ensure reasonable stability for the program in fiscal year 2000. The
committee notes that this program continues to make breakthroughs in a
number of areas of importance to military medicine, including soft
tissue surgery, thermal and chemical burn treatment, sepsis control, and
wound healing. 227
Computer security system development
The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62301E to
complete demonstrations underway at the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA) on computer system concepts that utilize random
network paths and computer redundancy techniques to reduce the
vulnerability of military information technology systems.
Weapons of mass destruction related technologies
The budget request included $203.5 million for weapons of mass
destruction related technologies (PE 62715BR) of the Defense Threat
Reduction Agency (DTRA). There continues to be a growing threat posed by
critical military facilities within hardened, deeply buried tunnel
complexes. DTRA is pursuing technologies to detect, attack, and
neutralize hard and deeply buried underground facilities through the
Hard Target Defeat Program. The committee notes the continuing success
of the Deep Digger development program and supports an increase of $5.0
million to PE 62715BR for continued development and testing of Deep
Digger.
Complex systems design
The Department of Defense currently employs a number of
computer-based synthesis and analysis tools that advance all phases of
the life cycle of complex defense systems. From concept design, through
development and production, and throughout life cycle ownership of a
complex system, these tools have dramatically improved the efficiency
and reduced the costs of each discrete phase. However, since each tool
employs its own unique data representation and data storage mechanism,
there exists, with few exceptions, no substantial interoperability
between tools at the semantic level for interchange of similar data
structures. This inability to collaborate results in a development
process that remains largely manual, with no means for even
semi-automated configuration management of the total project design.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63704D to
pursue the devlopment of complex systems design program that would allow
for an integrated digital environment for complex systems design. The
committee directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in
the award of contracts or other agreements under this program.
Product data engineering tools
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63712S to
support the development of the on-demand electronic logistics support
toolset. This technology has the potential to substantially reduce the
cost and lead time for the acquisition of non-standard circuit cards
essential for operational readiness
and sustainability.
Joint warfighting program
The budget request included $7.9 million to support joint warfighting
program requirements. The committee strongly supports ongoing efforts
within the Department of Defense to focus more attention on joint
experimentation activities and commends 228the progress made in this
area. The committee believes that joint experimentation will continue to
be a critical tool required to develop joint service warfighting
requirements, doctrinal improvements, and further promote the values and
benefits of joint operations that are expected to be the focus of future
warfighting and contingency operations. The committee understands there
are further opportunities for joint experimentation that could not be
supported within the resource limitations of the fiscal year 2000
budget. The committee believes the concepts associated with information
operations and homeland defense merit immediate attention through the
joint experimentation process. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $10.0 million for the purposes of expanding projected joint
experimentation activities for fiscal year 2000.
High performance visualization program
Advances in telecommunications, high performance computing, and
computer networking have created opportunities to overcome many of the
challenges of remote visualization, collaborative exploitation of high
performance computing modernization capabilities, and distance learning
expansion. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE
63755D for the high performance visualization program to exploit these
advances. This program addresses the challenges of visually displaying
large amounts of data to warfighters and scientists who are physically
located away from the source of the data.
Joint robotics program
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 64709D to
complete engineering and manufacturing development efforts for the
Vehicle Teleoperation Capability. This technology has shown potential
for avoiding life cycle costs for a family of systems that are of
growing importance to the mission of the warfighters.
Integrated data environment technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63726D for
the continuous acquisition life-cycle support initiative's integrated
data environment program. This technology addresses the critical issues
of life cycle costs and logistic support for the warfighter.
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force detector technologies
The Marine Corps has a requirement for chemical and biological
detectors and analyzers with greater sensitivity than devices currently
fielded. The Chemical and Biological Individual Sampler (CBIS) program
is a research initiative to develop a sampler/analyzer to be worn by
individuals. The CBIS would be capable of monitoring low level
chemical/biological agent exposure. The Small Unit Biological Detector
(SUBD) program develops technologies for a man-portable biological
detector system. The committee supports the CBIS and SUBD research and
development initiatives and recommends an increase in PE 63384BP of $9.2
million, to be distrib229uted as follows: $4.0 million for the CBIS
program to evaluate Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technologies for
passive detection capabilities and to develop technologies to support a
real-time integrated sampler; and $5.2 million for the SUBD program to
complete phase I and II testing and provide an engineering prototype.
The committee expects that the full amount specified will be provided
for the CBIS and SUBD programs.
Joint mapping tool kit
The committee has supported the development of the Joint Mapping Tool
Kit (JMTK) by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA). The
committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 35102BQ for
continued development of the JMTK and the NIMA viewer.
Strategic technology assessment program
The committee supports the Strategic Technology Assessment Program.
This program has produced significant results in tracking the effects of
foreign technology development. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 35190D8 for continuation of this program and urges
the Department of Defense to sustain this program in the future.
Special operations tactical system development
The budget request included $106.7 million for special operations
tactical system development activities. The committee supports the
Special Operations Command CV 22 procurement program and recognizes the
increased capability these aircraft will provide. The committee is
concerned that the current plans call for the fielding of CV 22 aircraft
for initial operating capability without aircraft survivability and
countermeasures equipment that are programmed to be retrofitted after
fielding. The committeee understands that there is an opportunity to
insert the wiring and structural changes into the production line in
time for production buildup, to provide for a more capable aircraft. The
committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $9.0 million in PE
1160404BB, a total authorization of $115.7 million. This will result in
an ultimate savings of $15.0 million that would have been required for
expensive retrofit requirements.
Special operations operational enhancements
The committee recommends an increase of $11.6 million for a
classified program.
Transfer of funds to a central transfer account to combat terrorism
The committee recommends that $201.3 million be transferred from
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-wide to section
310(25), a newly-established central transfer account for funds to
combat terrorism. 230
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Advanced SEAL delivery system
The advanced SEAL delivery system (ASDS) is a mini-submarine designed
to carry a Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) squad or other military services'
Special Operations Forces (SOF). The ASDS will eliminate exposure to
cold water inherent with in-service wet submersible swimmer delivery
vehicles. The ASDS will operate in a variety of environments, including
those that pose a mine warfare threat. The degaussing system on the ASDS
is fully designed, but only partially installed. The program office has
indicated its plan to field ASDS without a fully operational degaussing
system and without conducting a shock test on the ASDS. The committee
evaluates the degaussing system as vital survivability equipment. Since
ASDS is a unique design with a number of hull penetrations and external
equipment not normally found on a manned submersible dry underwater
vehicle, the committee evaluates a shock test as a minimum requirement
for the program. Therefore, the committee directs the Special Operations
Command to restrict ASDS operations to training operations only until
shock testing can be completed and the degaussing system is fully
operational.
Aerostructures
In recent years, the Department of Defense has pursued significant
cost reduction efforts in the development and production of polymer
matrix composites (PMC) structures for aerospace applications. The
improved performance of these PMC structures in military aircraft
applications has driven the manufacturing technology and process
programs to continue to look
for affordability improvements. The committee has recently
become aware of collaborative efforts between the automotive industry
and the aluminum industry, which has resulted in significant improved
performance while reducing cost. With aircraft structure representing
approximately 25 percent of the cost of an aircraft, the committee
believes the Department should investigate these recent achievements
between the automotive and aluminum industries for potential long-term
applications for use in aerostructure manufacturing.
Biological hazard research
The committee is concerned that there is insufficient knowledge of
the full impact and hazards to humans, animals, and plants from the
potential use of biological warfare agents. Besides the obvious lethal
effects on living organisms, biological warfare agents could have other
very serious long-term consequences that would require a dedicated
mitigation response or prophylaxis. The committee encourages the
Department of Defense to pursue research and development of the
technologies and methods for better measuring and understanding the full
range of impacts of biological warfare hazards to people and other
living organisms, and thus improve our ability to develop suitable
preparations or responses to such hazards. In this effort, the
Department should seek to harness existing expertise in bio-logical
hazard research. 231
Commercially based tactical truck program
Commercially Based Tactical Truck Program (COMBATT) is a dual-use
applications program that is being executed by the National Automotive
Center in close partnership with the automotive industry. The goals of
the program are to demonstrate a commmercially based troop/cargo carrier
variant of the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), and
to demonstrate HMMWV remanufacture/modernization possibilities. The Army
is expected to complete its initial evaluation of the prototypes
produced by this program in fiscal year 2000.
While it would be premature to add additional funding before the
evaluation of the prototypes is complete, the committee is concerned
that the absence of funding in fiscal year 2000 could lead to a
discontinuity in the COMBATT program if the evaluation proves
successful. If the evaluation shows the technology to be promising, the
committee urges the Army to reprogram sufficient funds in fiscal year
2000 to continue the program for the balance of the fiscal year, and to
include any additional funding that may be appropriate in the fiscal
year 2001 budget submission.
Computer emergency response teams
The committee has followed the National Guard Computer Emergency
Response Team (CERT) pilot program, which currently includes five such
teams. The committee believes that there may be an advantage to
expanding this program to include additional teams. Therefore, the
committee directs the Secretary of Defense to evaluate whether it would
be cost effective to expand the National Guard CERT pilot program,
possibly to a nationwide effort covering 54 states and territories. The
committee directs the Secretary to submit a report to the congressional
defense committees on his findings and recommendations by February 15,
2000.
Department of Defense support of commercial space sector
In the past, dependance upon space assets was largely a requirement
of the national security community. Now, commercial dependance on space
assets is rapidly out-pacing that of the military. As a result, the
Department of Defense's (DOD) support of the commercial space program
has grown and will continue to do so in the future. This
support--subsidizing space launches today and protecting space assets in
the future--will place an increasing burden on the DOD and military
services. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to review the
costs and responsibilities of the DOD that provide, or will in the
future provide, benefits to the commercial sector. The committee directs
the Secretary to provide a report to the congressional defense
committees by March 15, 2000. The Secretary shall include in the report
any recommendations he may have on how to apportion such costs between
DOD and the private sector, an assessment of current and future threats
to U.S. satellites, and any recommendations for legislation or changes
to existing statutory authority the Secretary determines to be
necessary. 232
Focus: HOPE
Focus: HOPE's Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT) integrates
hands-on manufacturing training and academic learning within a
production setting and educates advanced manufacturing
entineer-technologists at world-class levels. TEC Machining, Inc., which
comprises the advanced manufacturing activities for the CAT, provides
rapid parts production and just-in-time deliveries of high precision
machined components and assemblies for the Department of Defense.
Earlier this year, TEC Machining, Inc. was commended by the Defense
Logistics Agency for contributing to the effectiveness of the Kosovo
mission by providing rapid manufacturing and delivery of brake shoes
that were needed to avoid delay in the shipment of trucks to the Kosovo
theater of operations. The committee urges the Department of Defense to
continue to work proactively with Focus: HOPE, the Center for Advanced
Technologies, and TEC Machining, Inc. to meet the Department's critical
needs.
Inter-cooled recuperated gas turbine engine
The budget request included $17.7 million to complete the development
portion of the ``Essential Program'' for the intercooled recuperated
(ICR) gas turbine engine program. At that time the program will be
transitioned to the United Kingdom and France for management of the
qualification portion of the program, with the United States remaining
engaged to ensure that qualification testing complies with U.S. Navy
requirements.
The committee continues to support the ICR gas turbine engine as a
viable candidate for future ship propulsion.
Integrated power systems
The budget request included $25.7 million for integrated power
systems (IPS) development. This program is designed to explore
technologies required to develop power systems that could provide
innovative means of generating, controlling, distributing, and using
electricity in future ships. Propulsion motor development is a central
focus of these explorations by the Navy and, independently, by
commercial entities.
A recent Navy report entitled A Report to Congress on Navy Common
Integrated Electric Drive Systems, addressed electric drive alternatives
for future submarines, surface combatants, and aircraft carriers. That
study reached several conclusions, to include: (1) the radial-gap
permanent magnet motor has the power density, acoustic performance, and
maturity of technology to be a viable propulsion motor common to the
broadest range of ships; and (2) superconducting homopolar motors are
not considered a viable solution for electric drive at this time. The
committee believes that broad application is an important aspect of
reducing life cycle costs to make the fleet of the future more
affordable.
The committee understands that the Navy is considering an expansion
of the integrated power system program to include permanent magnet motor
technology. The committee encourages the Navy to take this step,
however, the committee also expects the Navy to continue the technology
base investment in superconducting alternatives as well, despite the
fact that these tech233nologies will not be mature enough for immediate
applications such as DD 21.
National technology alliance
The National Technology Alliance (NTA) is a partnership of the
National Media Laboratory, the National Information Display Laboratory
and the National Center for Applied Technologies. The NTA has proven its
ability to rapidly apply commercial technology to military applications
enhancing situational awareness and ensuring insertion of
state-of-the-art commercial hardware and software. The committee
encourages program managers to examine the following key technology
efforts by NTA for application to their programs:
(1) design of command center sites to improve information flow with
full implementation of commercially-based technology solutions resulting
in state-of-the-art technology insertion capability for the life of the
center;
(2) using visualization to help situational awareness: integration
of visualization capabilities into Naval intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance systems that can be deployed to a commander in chief
(CINC) command center, and three-dimensional (3 D) visualization
capabilities for command and control applications;
(3) establishment of a digital video test bed program to assist
government agencies in selecting information technology formats for
battle space surveillance, target detection, and bomb damage assessment;
(4) evaluation of efficacy of commercial communications systems for
military applications and demonstration of utility of self-configuring,
diagnosing, and fixing networks; and
(5) managing information transfer: application of multimedia ``data
models'' to facilitate rapid situational awareness and protection of
user information.
The technologies and expertise of NTA are particularly suited to
information technology intensive activities and may enhance on-going
visualization and data base management efforts. New ship construction
programs and programs such as the Area Air Defense Commander Program are
examples of programs that should consider NTA expertise and
off-the-shelf software and hardware.
Personnel safety and survivability
The Navy is developing systems that will use state-of-the art
technology to reduce manpower, improve quality of life, and enhance
situational awareness. One of these efforts has been described as a
sailor safety and survivability issue. However, the Navy is in the
process of determining requirements and conducting preliminary analysis
of systems that have potential to contribute to the situational
awareness aboard future ships. The committee supports enhancing
situational awareness and encourages the Navy to continue efforts
including consideration of man overboard indicator technologies. 234
Precision strike and air defense technology
The budget request included $52.6 million for precision strike and
air defense technology, PE 63238N. The budget did not include any funds
for project R2266, mobile offshore basing (MOB). The committee
understands that an assessment of the technical feasibility of this
project through early engineering and design studies is nearly complete,
but that an operational concept has not been refined. Information
provided to the committee indicates that $1.0 million of the $5.0
million appropriated in fiscal year 1999 is for the Department of
Defense to conduct a joint assessment of MOB, and that this assessment
has not yet been conducted. The committee cannot determine whether the
Department supports this project, and questions whether the program has
been placed in the appropriate organization for execution.
Research in advanced optics
The committee recognizes the work being performed at the Air Force's
Center for Advances Optics. Current research in the field of adaptive
optics is providing new capabilities and improvements in resolution and
image sharpness permitting precise location and identification of
threats and increasing the effectiveness of high energy weapons. The
committee expects the Air Force to continue to support this important
research.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to initiate an
analysis of the operational utility of MOB, and report back to the
congressional defense committees by March 1, 2000. The analysis should
include the results of the technical feasibility studies, assessment of
the operational utility versus the life cycle cost of such a system, and
a recommendation on whether or not to proceed with pre-development or
development activities. If the recommendation is to proceed, the
Department should designate an executive service with an estimate of
fiscally phased resources for project execution.
Robotics and intelligent machines
The committee notes that the Department of Defense has an important
need for technologies involving robotics and intelligent machines across
a wide variety of national defense applications, but no coherent long
range plan for developing this key enabling area. Fundamental and more
broad-range advances in robotics and intelligent machines are vital to
accomplish such defense missions as agile manufacturing techniques for
defense hardware, flexible systems for maintaining military equipment
with complex shapes, the development of small, ``smart'' robots for
battlefield applications, and advanced material handling systems for
improved defense logistics support.
The committee has noted in previous National Defense Authorization
Acts that the Department of Energy (DOE) has analogous needs for
robotics and intelligent machines for its defense missions. Under the
committee's direction, the DOE has produced both a technology roadmap
for robotics and intelligent machines and a draft program plan for
integrating its previously fragmented programs into a program capable of
fundamental and more long-range advances. 235
The committee directs the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA) to review the technology roadmap produced by the DOE and to
prepare an analogous roadmap for robotics and intelligent machines
technologies needed for DOD missions. The
committee encourages DARPA to work cooperatively with DOE and
other federal agencies in fostering better coordination and
communication among federal robotics and intelligent machines research
and development programs.
Smart ship manpower reduction initiative
The budget request included no funding for research and development
of technologies which could lead to manpower reductions resulting from
altering food service operations on ships. Food service operations on
ships is manpower intensive in preparing and serving food, cleaning of
food service areas, and maintaining food service equipment. Civilian
cruise ships have developed technologies and methods of for food service
operations at sea that may be applicable to Navy ships. The Navy is
encouraged to investigate methods of reducing manpower required for food
service operations at sea, while maintaining quality and freshness of
meals.
Space launch reliability assessment
The committee is extremely concerned by the recent series of space
launch failures, including the loss of three Air Force Titan IV boosters
and their associated payloads, and several commercial launch vehicles
and their associated payloads. The committee notes that there does not
appear to be a discernable pattern of technical failures that would
offer a clear explanation. Nonetheless, the committee is concerned that
the U.S. launch capability may be suffering from a system-wide erosion
of skill, quality control, and appropriate management. In many ways,
such an explanation would be more alarming than any specific technical
problem. Based on these concerns, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to conduct a detailed review of U.S. space launch capabilities,
including management, quality control, and government oversight, and
possible ways that the system can be improved. The committee directs the
Secretary to submit a report on the findings of his review to the
congressional defense committees by February 15, 2000. The committee
also directs the Secretary to evaluate all possible means of reducing
the likelihood of additional launch failures in the near-term, pending
the outcome of his review.
Starstreak missile
The committee supports consideration of the Starstreak missile system
as potential candidate for future Army rotary wing air-to-air missile
capability. The committee understands, however, that the Army has not
yet elected to pursue the procurement of a missile for rotary wing
aircraft self-protection due to a perceived near-term l