106 th Congress 2d Session
SENATE
Report
106 292
Calendar No. 543
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
REPORT
[to accompany s. 2549]
on
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 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 AND MINORITY VIEWS
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
[Graphic Image Not Available]
May 12, 2000.--Ordered to be printed
Filed under authority of the order of the Senate of May 11, 2000
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
?
64 303
2000
106 th Congress 2d Session
SENATE
Report
106 292
Calendar No. 543
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION
ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001
REPORT
[to accompany s. 2549]
on
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 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 AND MINORITY VIEWS
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
[Graphic Image Not Available]
May 12, 2000.--Ordered to be printed
Filed under authority of the order of the Senate of May 11, 2000
?
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
(106th Congress, 2d 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)
C O N T E N T S
Purpose of the Bill 1
Committee Overview and Recommendations 2
Explanation of Funding Summary 14
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. 107)
24
Subtitle B--Army Programs
25
Multiyear procurement authority for certain Army and Navy programs
(sec. 111)
45
Army transformation (sec. 112)
45
Other Army Programs
49
Army Aircraft
49
Utility aircraft
49
UH 60 Blackhawk
50
Longbow
50
Kiowa Warrior
51
Avionics support equipment
51
Aircrew integrated systems
51
Army Missile
51
Army tactical missile system--system summary
51
Stinger modifications
51
Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles
52
Carrier modifications
52
Breacher system modification
52
Heavy assault bridge system modifications
52
Machine gun, squad automatic weapon
53
Mark 19 grenade launcher
53
M4 carbine modifications
53
Army Ammunition
53
Procurement of ammunition, Army
53
Armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative
53
Other Army Procurement
54
Family of medium tactical vehicles
54
Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams
54
Secure mobile anti-jam reliable tactical terminal
55
Army data distribution system
56
Area common user system modification program
56
Forward area air defense ground based sensor
56
Night vision
56
Forward area air defense command and control
57
Striker-command and control system
57
Standard integrated command post system
57
Lightweight maintenance enclosure
57
Roller, vibratory, self-propelled
57
Deployable universal combat earth mover
58
Subtitle C--Navy Programs
59
CVNX 1 nuclear aircraft carrier program (sec. 121)
83
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program (sec. 122)
83
Virginia-class submarine program (sec. 123)
84
ADC(X) ship program (sec. 124)
85
Refueling and Complex Overhaul Program of the CVN 69 nuclear aircraft
carrier (sec. 125)
85
Other Navy Programs
86
Navy Aircraft
86
Airborne low frequency sonar
86
SH 60 helicopters
86
CH 60 helicopters
86
UC 35 aircraft
86
C 40A aircraft
86
T 45 aircraft
87
Joint primary air training system
87
KC 130J
87
EA 6B aircraft automatic flight control system
87
AV 8B precision targeting pod
88
18 modifications
88
AH 1W series
88
H 1 series
88
P 3 aircraft modifications
89
Tactical aircraft moving map capability
89
Navy Weapons
90
Joint standoff weapon
90
Weapons industrial facilities
90
Mark 48 advanced capability torpedo modifications
90
Navy and Marine Corps Ammunition
90
Procurement of ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps
90
Laser-guided bomb components
90
Training ordnance
90
Navy Shipbuilding and Conversion
90
Shipbuilding overview
90
LHD 8 advance procurement
93
Other Navy Procurement
94
AN/WSN 7 inertial navigation system
94
Surveillance and security for military sealift ships
94
Integrated condition assessment system
95
AN/SPS 73(V) surface search radar
95
Side-scanning sonar for forward deployed minesweepers
95
Joint Engineering Data Management and Information Control System
95
Aviation life support
96
Gun fire control radar performance improvements
96
Cruiser smart ship
96
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
97
Civil engineering support equipment
97
Marine Corps Procurement
97
Night vision
97
Radio systems
97
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs
98
Repeal of requirement for annual report on B 2 bomber aircraft
program (sec. 131)
114
Other Air Force Programs
114
Air Force Aircraft
114
EC 130J
114
Joint primary aircraft training system
114
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
114
B 52H aircraft modifications
115
A 10 aircraft integrated flight and fire control computer
115
15 aircraft modifications
115
16 aircraft modifications
115
C 17 simulator
116
Defense airborne reconnaissance program aircraft modifications
116
ALE 50 towed decoys
116
Compass Call
117
Defense airborne reconnaissance program
117
Air Force Missile
117
Global Positioning System
117
Titan space boosters
117
Medium launch vehicle
118
Air Force Ammunition
118
Procurement of ammunition, Air Force
118
Other Air Force Procurement
118
Combat training ranges
118
Night vision goggles
118
Defense-Wide Programs
119
Advanced SEAL delivery system design enhancements
124
Special operations forces small arms and support equipment
124
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Enhancement Kits
125
Communications assistance for law enforcement act
125
Subtitle E--Other Matters
125
Pueblo Chemical Depot chemical agent destruction technologies (sec. 141)
125
Other Items of Interest
126
Acquisition programs at the National Security Agency
126
Army aviation
126
C 5 aircraft upgrades
127
Electronic digital compass system
127
Single channel ground and airborne radio system
128
Soldier's portable on-system repair tool
128
Title II--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation
129
Explanation of tables
129
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
130
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, And
Limitations
131
Fiscal year 2002 joint field experiment (sec. 211)
131
Nuclear aircraft carrier design and production modeling (sec. 212)
132
DD 21 class destroyer program (sec. 213)
133
22 aircraft program (sec. 214)
136
Joint strike fighter (sec. 215)
137
Global Hawk high altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (sec. 216)
139
Unmanned advanced capability aircraft and ground combat vehicles
(sec. 217)
141
Army space control technology (sec. 218)
142
Russian American Observation Satellites program (sec. 219)
143
Joint Biological Defense Program (sec. 220)
143
Report on biological warfare defense vaccine research and development
programs (sec. 221)
144
Subtitle C--Other Matters
145
Mobile offshore base (sec. 241)
145
Air Force science and technology planning (sec. 242)
145
Additional Matters of Interest
147
Army
147
Counter-terrorism basic research
156
Composite materials
156
Advanced missile composite components
156
Smart truck initiative
156
Portable hybrid electric power system
156
Thermoelectric power generation
156
Operational support
157
Equipment readiness
157
Fuel cell auxiliary power units
157
Big Crow program office
157
Army Space and Missile Defense Command Simulations
158
Aero-acoustics instrumentation
158
Acoustic technology research
158
Missile defense flight experiment
158
Radar power technology
158
Scramjet acoustic combustion enhancement
158
Space and missile defense battle lab
158
Supercluster distributed memory technology
159
Tactical High Energy Laser
159
Anti-malarial research
159
Electronic warfare development
159
Threat simulator development
159
Multiple launch rocket system product improvement program
159
Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor
160
Communications and networking technologies
160
Navy
161
Free electron laser
171
Biodegradable polymers
171
Bioenvironmental hazards research
171
Nontraditional warfare initiatives
171
Communications, command, and control, intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance
171
Cognitive research
172
Ceramic and carbon based composites
172
Nanoscale sensor research
172
Littoral area acoustic demonstrations
172
Computational engineering design
172
Advanced water-jet technology
173
Composite helicopter hangar door
173
Composite modules for ship hull construction
173
Laser welding and cutting
173
Supply chain best practices
174
Virtual test bed for reconfigurable ship
174
Ocean modeling for mine and submarine warfare
174
Marine Corps advanced technology transition
175
Integrated combat weapons system for mine countermeasures ships
175
Trident SSGN design
175
Enhanced performance electric motor brush technology
176
Submarine composite sail
176
Joint command and control ship
176
Shipboard simulators for Marine Corps operations
177
Navy common command and decision system
177
Advanced amphibious assault vehicle
178
Marine Corps ground combat/support system
178
Extended range guided munition
178
Nonlethal research and technology development
179
Navy collaborative integrated information technology initiative
179
Parametric airborne dipping sonar
179
Multi-mission helicopter upgrade development
180
Power node control centers
180
Ship manpower reduction initiative
180
SPY 3 and volume search radars
181
Acoustic rapid commercial-off-the-shelf insertion of multi-purpose
processor
181
Submarine antenna technology improvement
181
Submarine common architecture
182
Advanced tactical software for submarines
182
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
182
Navy single integrated human resources strategy
182
Marine Corps research university
183
Reentry system applications program
183
Joint tactical combat training system
183
14 tactical reconnaissance
183
Software interoperability process tools
184
Satellite communications systems integration initiative
184
Distributed engineering plant
184
Air Force
186
Laser processing tools
196
Resin systems for Air Force applications
196
Thermal protection systems
196
Aeronautical research
196
Polyphenylene benzobisoxozole membrane fuel cell
196
Variable displacement vane pump
197
High frequency active auroral research
197
Space survivability
197
Aluminum aerostructures
197
Hyperspectral research
197
Fiber optical control technology
197
Low cost launch technology
197
Micro-satellite technology
198
Miniature satellite threat reporting system
198
Next generation composite launch vehicle payload fairings and shrouds
198
Solar orbital transfer vehicle
198
Space maneuver vehicle
198
Upper stage flight experiment
198
Space Based Laser program
199
Airborne laser program
199
Rocket systems launch program
200
Wideband gapfiller military satellite communications
200
B 2 advanced technology bomber
200
Milstar satellite communications
200
15E squadrons
200
Hyperspectral system development
200
Extended range cruise missile
200
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
201
Lighthouse cyber security
201
Dragon U 2
201
Defense-Wide
202
Advanced photonic composites research
211
Infrasound detection capability basic research
211
Personnel research initiative
211
Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive research
211
Chemical and biological defense basic research
211
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization funding and programmatic guidance
212
Bio-defense research
214
Hybrid sensor suite
214
High definition systems
214
Three dimensional structures research
215
Biological agent sensor technologies
215
Blast mitigation testing
215
Facial recognition access control technology
215
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force detector technologies
215
Consequence Management Information System
216
Reactive materials
216
Complex systems design
216
Competitive sustainment initiative
216
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Attack-Effects-Response Assessment
capability at U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM)
217
Integrated data environment technology
217
Demonstration/validation of technology for the remediation of
unexploded ordnance at active, inactive, closing, transferred, and
transferring ranges
217
Next generation anthrax vaccine
218
Remote Ordnance Neutralization System
218
Cyber attack sensing and warning
218
Information Operations Technology Center
218
Trusted RUBIX
218
Virtual worlds initiative
218
Intelligent spatial technologies for smart mapping systems
219
Joint Mapping Tool Kit
219
Information assurance testbed
219
Joint course of action analysis and targeting support for information
operations
219
Advanced lightweight grenade launcher
219
Management reform for Department of Defense test and evaluation centers
220
Augmented reality fire-fighting training
221
Other Items of Interest
221
Aircraft carrier modernization
221
Advanced ship hull demonstrators
221
Crusader
222
Future ship technology research and development
222
Joint training and experimentation
223
Joint operational test bed system
224
Maritime patrol aircraft
224
Patriot theater missile defense
224
Prophylactic pharmaceuticals
225
Radiation hardened electronics investment strategy
225
Small arms fire control system
226
Transition of successful research projects into the acquisition system
226
Title III--Operation And Maintenance
227
Explanation of tables
227
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
228
Armed Forces Retirement Home (sec. 303)
261
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and
Limitations
261
Impact aid for children with disabilities (sec. 311)
261
Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessment Teams (sec. 312)
261
Subtitle C--Humanitarian and Civic Assistance
261
Increased authority to provide health care services as humanitarian
and civic assistance (sec. 321)
261
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. 322)
262
Subtitle D--Department of Defense Industrial Facilities
262
Codification and improvement of armament retooling and manufacturing
support programs (sec. 331)
263
Centers of industrial and technical excellence (sec. 332)
263
Effects of outsourcing on overhead costs of centers of industrial and
technical excellence and ammunition plants (sec. 333)
264
Revision of authority to waive limitation on performance of
depot-level maintenance (sec. 334)
264
Subtitle E--Environmental Provisions
265
Environmental restoration accounts (sec. 341)
265
Payments of fines and penalties for environmental compliance
violations (sec. 342)
265
Annual reports under Strategic Environmental Research and Development
Program (sec. 343)
267
Modification of authority for indemnification of transferees of
closing defense property (sec. 344)
267
Payment of fines or penalties imposed for environmental compliance
violations at certain Department of Defense facilities (sec. 345)
267
Reimbursement for certain costs in connection with the former
Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site, Suffolk, Virginia (sec. 346)
268
Environmental restoration activities (sec. 347)
268
Ship disposal project (sec. 348)
269
Report on the Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information
Management Program (sec. 349)
269
Report on Plasma Energy Pyrolysis System (sec. 350)
269
Subtitle F--Other Matters
269
Effects of worldwide contingency operations on readiness of certain
military aircraft and equipment (sec. 361)
269
Realistic budgeting for readiness requirements of the Army (sec. 362)
270
Additions to plan for ensuring visibility over all in-transit end
items and secondary items (sec. 363)
270
Performance of emergency response functions at chemical weapons
storage installations (sec. 364)
271
Congressional notification of use of radio frequency spectrum by a
system entering engineering and manufacturing development (sec. 365)
271
Monitoring of value of performance of Department of Defense functions
by workforces selected from between public and private workforces (sec.
366)
272
Suspension of reorganization of naval audit service (sec. 367)
272
Investment of commissary trust revolving fund (sec. 368)
272
Economic procurement of distilled spirits (sec. 369)
272
Resale of armor piercing ammunition disposed of by the Army (sec. 370)
273
Damage to aviation facilities caused by alkali silica reactivity
(sec. 371)
273
Reauthorization of pilot program for acceptance and use of landing
fees charged for use of domestic military airfields by civil aircraft
(sec. 372)
273
Reimbursement by civil air carriers for support provided at Johnston
Atoll (sec. 373)
273
Review of costs of maintaining historical properties (sec. 374)
273
Extension of authority to sell certain aircraft for use in wildfire
suppression (sec. 375)
274
Overseas airlift service on Civil Reserve Air Fleet aircraft (sec. 376)
274
Additional Matters of Interest
275
Army
275
Real property maintenance
275
Excess carryover-defense working capital fund activities
275
Foreign currency fluctuation
276
Civilian personnel pay in excess of requirements
276
Army equipment maintenance
277
Battlefield mobility enhancement system
277
Army aviation spares
277
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
277
Navy
277
Navy spares
277
Ship depot maintenance
278
Oceanography
278
Training range upgrades
278
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
278
Navy information technology center
278
US Navy Call Center
279
Marine Corps
279
USMC initial issue
279
USMC equipment maintenance
279
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
279
Air Force
280
Air Force base operations
280
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
280
Air Force readiness spares packages
280
Air Force nuclear, biological and chemical defense
280
Defense-Wide
281
Mobility enhancements
281
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service (MOCAS)
281
Partnership for Peace Program (Warsaw Initiative)
281
Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information Management Program
282
Domestic preparedness center
282
Cultural and historic activities
282
Defense Travel System
283
Command information superiority architecture program
283
Guard and Reserve Components
284
Air Force Reserve equipment maintenance
284
National Guard initial issue
284
Distributed mission trainer
284
Miscellaneous
284
Overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic affairs
284
Other Items of Interest
285
Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, Charlestown, Rhode Island
285
Commander-in-Chiefs Initiative Fund
286
Inventory of financial management and feeder systems
286
Joint computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (JCALS) program
287
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service
287
National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence
287
Pesticide contamination at the former Fort Devens, Devens,
Massachusetts, and other closed and active military installations
288
Revised requirements for report on Defense use of smart card as PKI
authentication device carrier
289
Title IV--Military Personnel Authorizations
291
Subtitle A--Active Forces
291
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)
291
Subtitle B--Reserve Forces
291
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)
291
End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the reserves
(sec. 412)
292
End strengths for military technicians (dual status) (sec. 413)
292
Fiscal year 2001 limitation on non-dual status technicians (sec. 414)
292
Increase in number of members in certain grades authorized to be on
active duty in support of the reserves (sec. 415)
293
Subtitle C--Other Matters Relating to Personnel
Strengths
293
Suspension of strength limitations during war or national emergency
(sec. 421)
293
Exclusion of certain reserve component members on active duty for
more than 180 days from active component end strengths (sec. 422)
293
Exclusion of Army and Air Force medical and dental officers from
limitations on strengths of reserve commissioned officers in grades
below brigadier general (sec. 423)
293
Authority for temporary increases in number of reserve personnel
serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty in certain
grades (sec. 424)
293
Temporary exemption of Director of the National Security Agency from
limitations on number of Air Force officers above major general (sec.
425)
293
Subtitle D--Authorization of Appropriations
294
Authorization of appropriations for military personnel (sec. 431)
294
Title V--Military Personnel Policy
295
Subtitle A--Officer Personnel Policy
295
Eligibility of Army Reserve colonels and brigadier generals for
position vacancy promotions (sec. 501)
295
Promotion Zones for Coast Guard Reserve Officers (sec. 502)
295
Time for release of officer promotion selection board reports (sec. 503)
295
Clarification of authority for posthumous commissions and warrants
(sec. 504)
295
Inapplicability of active-duty list promotion, separation, and
involuntary retirement authorities to reserve general and flag officers
serving in certain positions designated by the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff (sec. 505)
295
Review of actions of selection boards (sec. 506)
296
Extension to all Air Force biomedical sciences officers of authority
to retain until specified age (sec. 507)
297
Termination of application requirement for consideration of officers
for continuation on the Reserve Active-Status List (sec. 508)
297
Technical corrections relating to retired grade of reserve
commissioned officers (sec. 509)
297
Grade of chiefs of reserve components and directors of National Guard
components (sec. 510)
297
Subtitle B--Joint Officer Management
298
Joint officer management (sec. 521--528)
298
Subtitle C--Education and Training
298
Eligibility of children of reserves for Presidential appointment to
service academies (sec. 541)
298
Selection of foreign students to receive instruction at service
academies (sec. 542)
298
Repeal of contingent funding increase for Junior Reserve Officers
Training Corps (sec. 543)
298
Revision of authority for Marine Corps platoon leader class tuition
assistance program (sec. 544)
298
Subtitle D--Matters Relating to Recruiting
299
Army recruiting pilot programs (sec. 551)
299
Enhancement of the joint and service recruitment market research and
advertising programs (sec. 552)
299
Access to secondary schools for military recruiting purposes (sec. 553)
299
Subtitle E--Other Matters
300
Authority for award of Medal of Honor to certain specified persons
(sec. 561)
300
Waiver of time limitations for award of certain decorations to
certain persons (sec. 562)
300
Ineligibility for involuntary separation pay upon declination of
selection for continuation on active duty (sec. 563)
300
Recognition by states of military testamentary instruments (sec. 564)
300
Sense of Congress on the court-martial conviction of Captain Charles
Butler McVay, Commander of the USS Indianapolis, and the courageous
service of its crew (sec. 565)
301
Other Items of Interest
301
Automated in- and out-processing of military personnel
301
Funeral honors for members of the uniformed services
302
Information related to alternatives to the Survivor Benefit Plan
302
Prevention of alcohol-related incidents
302
Study on the use of peyote by military personnel
303
Title VI--Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits
305
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances
305
Increase in basic pay for Fiscal Year 2001 (sec. 601)
305
Corrections for basic pay tables (sec. 602)
305
Pay in lieu of allowance for funeral honors duty (sec. 603)
305
Clarification of service excluded in computation of creditable
service as a Marine Corps officer (sec. 604)
305
Calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing (sec. 605)
305
Eligibility of members in grade E 4 to receive basic allowance for
housing while on sea duty (sec. 606)
306
Personal money allowance for the senior enlisted members of the armed
forces (sec. 607)
306
Increased uniform allowances for officers (sec. 608)
306
Cabinet-level authority to prescribe requirements and allowance for
clothing of enlisted members (sec. 609)
306
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special Incentive Pays
306
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for reserve
forces (sec. 611)
306
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for nurse
officer candidates, registered nurses, and nurse anesthetists (sec. 612)
307
Extension of authorities relating to payment of other bonuses and
special pays (sec. 613)
307
Consistency of authorities for special pay for reserve medical and
dental officers (sec. 614)
307
Special pay for physician assistants of the Coast Guard (sec. 615)
307
Authorization of special pay and accession bonus for pharmacy
officers (sec. 616)
307
Corrections of references to Air Force veterinarians (sec. 617)
307
Entitlement of active duty officers of the Public Health Service
Corps to special pays and bonuses of health professional officers of the
armed forces (sec. 618)
308
Career sea pay (sec. 619)
308
Increased maximum rate of special duty pay assignment pay (sec. 620)
308
Expansion of applicability of authority for critical skills
enlistment bonus to include all armed forces (sec. 621)
308
Subtitle C--Travel and Transportation Allowances
308
Advance payments for temporary lodging of members and dependents
(sec. 631)
308
Incentive for shipping and storing household goods in less than
average weights (sec. 632)
309
Expansion of funded student travel (sec. 633)
309
Benefits for members not transporting personal motor vehicles
overseas (sec. 634)
309
Subtitle D--Retirement Benefits
309
Exception to high-36 month retired pay computation for members
retired following a disciplinary reduction in grade (sec. 641)
309
Automatic participation in Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan
unless declined with spouses' consent (sec. 642)
309
Participation in thrift savings plan (sec. 643)
310
Retirement from active reserve service after regular retirement (sec.
644)
310
Same treatment for federal judges as for other federal officials
regarding payment of military retired pay (sec. 645)
310
Subtitle E--Other Matters
310
Reimbursement of recruiting and ROTC personnel for parking expenses
(sec. 651)
310
Extension of deadline for filing claims associated with capture and
internment of certain persons by North Vietnam (sec. 652)
311
Settlement of claims for payments for unused accrued leave and for
retired pay (sec. 653)
311
Eligibility of certain members of the Individual Ready Reserve for
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (sec. 654)
311
Authority to pay gratuity to certain veterans of Bataan and
Corregidor (sec. 655)
311
Other Items of Interest
311
Adjustments to the Basic Allowance for Housing
311
Title VII--Health Care
313
Subtitle A--Senior Health Care
313
Extension of TRICARE senior supplement demonstration program (sec. 701)
313
TRICARE senior prime demonstration program (sec. 702)
313
Extension and expansion of demonstration project for participation of
uniformed services personnel in the Federal Employee Health Benefit
program (sec. 703)
313
Implementation of redesigned pharmacy system (sec. 704)
MDBU314
Subtitle B--TRICARE Program
MDBU314
Additional beneficiaries under TRICARE prime remote program in CONUS
(sec. 711)
MDBU314
Elimination of copayments for immediate family (sec. 712)
MDBU314
Improvement in business practices in the administration of the
TRICARE program (sec. 713)
MDBU314
Subtitle C--joint Initiatives With Department of
Veterans Affairs
MDBU315
Tracking patient safety in military and veterans health care systems
(sec. 721)
MDBU315
Pharmaceutical identification technology (sec. 722)
MDBU315
Medical informatics (sec. 723)
MDBU315
Subtitle D--other Matters
MDBU315
Permanent authority for certain pharmaceutical benefits (sec. 731)
MDBU315
Provision of domiciliary and custodial care for CHAMPUS beneficiaries
(sec. 732)
Medical and dental care for medal of honor recipients and their
dependents (sec. 733)
MDBU316
School-required physical examinations for certain minor dependents
(sec. 734)
MDBU316
Two-year extension of dental and medical benefits for surviving
dependents of certain deceased members (sec. 735)
MDBU316
Extension of authority for contracts for medical services at
locations outside medical treatment facilities (sec. 736)
MDBU317
Transition of chiropractic health care demonstration program to
permanent status (sec. 737)
MDBU317
Use of information technology for enhancement of delivery of
administrative services under the Defense Health Program (sec. 738)
MDBU317
Patient care reporting and management system (sec. 739)
MDBU318
Health care management demonstration program (sec. 740)
MDBU318
Studies of accrual financing for health care for military retirees
(sec. 741)
MDBU318
Augmentation of Army Medical Department by reserve officers of the
Public Health Service Corps (sec. 742)
MDBU318
Other Items of Interest
MDBU319
Consultation with schools of pharmacy and nursing
MDBU319
Financial assistance for those beneficiaries requiring animal assistance
MDBU319
Health care benefits for retirees living overseas
MDBU319
Implementation of Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs
Department sharing initiatives
MDBU319
Notification of persons affected by unanticipated adverse outcomes of
medical care
MDBU320
Special pays for military health care professionals
MDBU320
Title VIII--Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and
MDBURelated Matters
MDBU321
Improvements in procurements of services (sec. 801)
MDBU321
Addition of threshold value requirement for applicability of a
reporting requirement relating to multiyear contract (sec. 802)
MDBU322
Planning for the acquisition of information systems (sec. 803)
MDBU322
Tracking of information technology purchases (sec. 804)
MDBU322
Repeal of requirement for contractor assurances regarding the
completeness, accuracy, and contractual sufficiency of technical data
provided by contractor (sec. 805)
MDBU323
Extension of authority for Department of Defense acquisition pilot
programs (sec. 806)
MDBU324
Clarification and extension of authority to carry out certain
prototype projects (sec. 807)
MDBU324
Clarification of authority of Comptroller General to review records
of participants in certain prototype projects (sec. 808)
MDBU325
Eligibility of small business concerns owned and controlled by women
for assistance under the mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program (sec. 809)
MDBU325
Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (sec. 810)
MDBU325
Qualifications required for employment and assignment in contracting
positions (sec. 811)
MDBU326
Defense acquisition workforce (sec. 812)
MDBU327
Financial analysis of use of dual rate for quantifying overhead costs
at army industrial facilities (sec. 813)
MDBU328
Other Items of Interest
MDBU328
Application of Cost Accounting Standards to universities
MDBU328
Appropriate use of the government purchase card
MDBU329
Availability of contractor past performance information
MDBU329
Contracts for ancillary commercial services
MDBU330
Online auctioning
MDBU330
Performance goals and measures for quality of equipment and other
products
330
Polyacrylonitrile carbon fibers
331
Procurements from the small arms production industrial base
332
Risk management in the acquisition of major systems
332
Technical data rights for items developed exclusively at private expense
333
Title IX--Department of Defense Organization and Management
335
Repeal of limitation on major Department of Defense headquarters
activities personnel (sec. 901)
335
Overall supervision of Department of Defense activities for combating
terrorism (sec. 902)
335
National Defense Panel 2001 (sec. 903)
336
Quadrennial National Defense Panel (sec. 904)
337
Inspector General investigations of prohibited personnel actions
(sec. 905)
337
Network centric warfare (sec. 906)
338
Additional duties for the Commission to Assess United States National
Security Space Management and Organization (sec. 907)
340
Special authority for administration of Navy Fisher Houses (sec. 908)
340
Organization and management of the Civil Air Patrol (sec. 909)
340
Responsibility for the National Guard Challenge Program (sec. 910)
340
Supervisory control of Armed Forces Retirement Home Board by
Secretary of Defense (sec. 911)
340
Consolidation of certain Navy gift funds (sec. 912)
341
Temporary authority to dispose of a gift previously accepted for the
Naval Academy (sec. 913)
341
Title X--General Provisions
343
Subtitle A--Financial Matters
343
Authorization of prior emergency supplemental appropriations for
fiscal year 2000 (sec. 1002)
343
United States contributions to NATO common-funded budgets (sec. 1003)
343
Annual OMB/CBO joint report on scoring budget outlays (sec. 1004)
343
Prompt payment of contractor vouchers (sec. 1005)
343
The repeal of certain requirements relating to timing of contract
payments (sec. 1006)
344
Plan for prompt posting of contractual obligations (sec. 1007)
344
Plan for the electronic submission of documentation supporting claims
for contract payments (sec. 1008)
344
Administrative offsets for overpayment of transportation costs (sec.
1009)
344
Subtitle B--Counter-Drug Activities
344
Extension and increase of authority to provide additional support for
counter-drug activities (sec. 1011)
345
Recommendations on expansion of support for counter-drug activities
(sec. 1012)
345
Review of riverine counter-drug program (sec. 1013)
346
Subtitle C--Strategic Forces
347
Revised nuclear posture review (sec. 1015)
347
Plan for the long-term sustainment and modernization of United States
strategic nuclear forces (sec. 1016)
348
Correction of scope of waiver authority for limitation on retirement
or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles (sec. 1017)
348
Study and report on hardened and deeply buried targets (sec. 1018)
348
Subtitle D--Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements
349
Annual report of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff on
combatant command requirements (sec. 1021)
349
Joint Requirements Oversight Council (sec. 1022)
349
Preparedness of military installation first responders for incidents
involving weapons of mass destruction (sec. 1023)
350
Date of submittal of reports on shortfalls in equipment procurement
and military construction for reserve components in future years defense
programs (sec. 1024)
351
Management review of defense logistics agency (sec. 1025)
351
Management review of defense information systems agency (sec. 1026)
352
Subtitle E--Information Security
352
Institute for defense computer security and information protection
(sec. 1041)
352
Information security scholarship program (sec. 1042)
353
Process for prioritizing background investigations for security
clearances for Department of Defense personnel (sec. 1043)
354
Authority to withhold certain sensitive information from public
disclosure (sec. 1044)
355
Protection of operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency
(sec. 1045)
356
Subtitle F--Other Matters
356
Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice (sec. 1051)
356
Eligibility of dependents of American Red Cross employees for
enrollment in Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Schools in Puerto
Rico (sec. 1053)
356
Grants to American Red Cross for Armed Services Emergency Services
(sec. 1054)
356
Transit pass program for certain Department of Defense personnel
(sec. 1055)
356
Fees for providing historical information to the public (sec. 1056)
357
Access to criminal history record information for national security
purposes (sec. 1057)
357
Sense of Congress on the naming of the CVN 77 aircraft carrier (sec.
1058)
357
Donation of civil war cannon (sec. 1059)
358
Maximum size of parcel posts transported overseas for Armed Forces
Post Offices (sec. 1060)
358
Other Items of Interest
358
Department of Defense export control procedures
358
Firefighting equipment
358
Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile
359
Title XI--Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Policy
361
Computer/electronic accommodations program (sec. 1101)
361
Additional special pay for foreign language proficiency beneficial
for United States national security interests (sec. 1102)
361
Increased number of positions authorized for the defense intelligence
senior executive service (sec. 1103)
361
Extension of authority for tuition reimbursement and training for
acquisition personnel in shortage categories (sec. 1104)
361
Work safety demonstration program (sec. 1105)
361
Employment and compensation of employees for temporary organizations
established by law or executive order (sec. 1106)
362
Extension of authority for voluntary separations in reductions in
force (sec. 1107)
362
Electronic maintenance of performance appraisal systems (sec. 1108)
362
Approval authority for cash awards in excess of $10,000 (sec. 1109)
362
Leave for crews of certain vessels (sec. 1110)
362
Life insurance for emergency essential Department of Defense
employees (sec. 1111)
363
Civilian personnel services public-private competition pilot program
(sec. 1112)
363
Extension, expansion, and revision of authority for experimental
personnel program for scientific and technical personnel (sec. 1113)
363
Title XII--Matters Relating to Other Nations
365
Transfers of naval vessels to foreign countries (sec. 1201)
365
Support of United Nations-sponsored efforts to inspect and monitor
Iraqi weapons activities (sec. 1202)
365
Repeal of restriction preventing cooperative airlift support through
acquisition and cross servicing agreements (sec.1203)
366
Western Hemisphere Institute for Professional Education and Training
(sec. 1204)
366
Biannual report on Kosovo peacekeeping (sec. 1205)
366
Mutual assistance for monitoring test explosions of nuclear devices
(sec. 1206)
367
Consolidated annual report on Cooperative Threat Reduction assistance
and activities (sec. 1207)
368
Limitation on use of funds for construction of a Russian facility for
the destruction of chemical weapons (sec. 1208)
368
Limitation on the use of funds for the Elimination of Weapons Grade
Plutonium Program (sec. 1209)
368
Title XIII--Navy Activities on the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico
371
Navy activities on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico (secs. 1301 1308)
371
Division B--Military Construction Authorizations
373
Title XXI--Army
393
Summary
393
Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2101)
393
Family housing (sec. 2102)
393
Improvement to military family housing units (sec. 2103)
393
Authorization of appropriations, Army (sec. 2104)
393
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2000
projects (sec. 2105)
394
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 1999
project (sec. 2106)
394
Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 1998 project (sec.
2107)
394
Authority to accept funds for realignment of certain military
construction project, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (sec. 2108)
394
Other Items of Interest
395
Presidio Housing, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San
Francisco, California
395
Title XXII--Navy
397
Summary
397
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2201)
397
Family housing (sec. 2202)
397
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2203)
397
Authorization of appropriations, Navy (sec. 2204)
397
Correction in authorized use of funds, Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, Virginia (sec. 2205)
397
Title XXIII--Air Force
399
Summary
399
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects (sec.
2301)
399
Family housing (sec. 2302)
399
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2303)
399
Authorization of appropriations, Air Force (sec. 2304)
399
Title XXIV--Defense Agencies
401
Summary
401
Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2401)
401
Energy conservation projects (sec. 2402)
401
Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies (sec. 2403)
401
Other Items of Interest
401
Certification of requirement for military construction projects,
Manta Air Base, Ecuador
401
Planning and design, Defense Intelligence Agency
402
Title XXV--North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security
403
Summary
403
Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2501)
403
Authorization of appropriations, NATO (sec. 2502)
403
Title XXVI--Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities
405
Summary
405
Authorized Guard and Reserve construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2601)
405
Other Items of Interest
405
Support for Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams
405
Title XXVII--Expiration and Extension of Authorizations
407
Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by
law (sec. 2701)
407
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1998 projects
(sec. 2702)
407
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1997 projects
(sec. 2703)
407
Effective date (sec. 2704)
407
Title XXVIII--General Provisions
409
Subtitle A--Military Construction Program and
Military Family Housing Changes
409
Joint use military construction projects (sec. 2801)
409
Exclusion of certain costs from determination of applicability of
limitation on use of funds for improvement of family housing (sec. 2802)
409
Replacement of limitations on space by pay grade of military family
housing with requirement for local comparability of military family
housing (sec. 2803)
409
Modification of lease authority for high-cost military family housing
(sec. 2804)
410
Applicability of competitive policy to alternative authority for
acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec. 2805)
410
Provisions of utilities and services under alternative authority for
acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec. 2806)
410
Extension of alternative authority for acquisition and improvement of
military housing (sec. 2807)
411
Inclusion of readiness center in definition of armory for purposes of
construction of reserve components facilities (sec. 2808)
411
Subtitle B--Real Property and Facilities Administration
411
Increase in threshold for reports to Congress on real property
transactions (sec. 2811)
411
Enhancements to military lease authority ( sec. 2812)
411
Expansion of procedures for selection of conveyees under authority to
convey utility systems (sec. 2813)
412
Subtitle C--Defense Base Closure and Realignment
413
Scope of agreements to transfer property to redevelopment authorities
without consideration under the base closure laws (sec. 2821)
413
Subtitle D--Land Conveyances
413
Part I--Army Conveyances
413
Land conveyance, Charles Melvin Price Support Center, Illinois (sec.
2831)
413
Land conveyance, Lieutenant General Malcolm Hay, Army Reserve Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2832)
414
Land conveyance, Colonel Harold E. Steele, Army Reserve Center and
Maintenance Shop, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2833)
414
Land conveyance, Fort Lawton, Washington (sec. 2834)
414
Land conveyance, Vancouver Barracks, Washington (sec. 2835)
414
Part II--Navy Conveyances
415
Modification of land conveyance, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro,
California (sec. 2851)
415
Modification of land conveyance, Defense Fuel Supply Point, Casco
Bay, Maine (sec. 2852)
415
Modification of land conveyance authority, former Navy Training
Center, Bainbridge, Cecil County, Maryland (sec. 2853)
415
Land conveyance, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station,
Cutler, Maine (sec. 2854)
415
Part III--Defense Agencies Conveyance
415
Land conveyance, Army and Air Force Exchange Service property,
Farmers Branch, Texas (sec. 2871)
415
Subtitle E--Other Matters
416
Naming of the Army missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll as the
Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll
(sec. 2881)
416
Other Items of Interest
416
Report on Naval Foundry and Propeller Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
416
Report on requirement for Education Center at Fort Stewart, Georgia
417
Study on commercial leases
417
Study regarding the location of the National Museum of the United
States Army
417
Division C--Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and
Other Authorizations
419
Title XXXI--Department of Energy National Security Programs
419
Atomic energy defense activities
419
Subtitle A--National Security Programs Authorizations
421
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3101)
434
Defense environmental restoration and waste management (sec. 3102)
438
Other defense activities (sec. 3103)
441
Defense environmental management privatization (sec. 3104)
443
Energy employees compensation initiative (sec. 3105)
443
Defense nuclear waste disposal (sec. 3106)
443
Subtitle B--Recurring General Provisions
444
Reprogramming (sec. 3121)
444
Limits on general plant projects (sec. 3122)
444
Limits on construction projects (sec. 3123)
444
Fund transfer authority (sec. 3124)
444
Authority for conceptual and construction design (sec. 3125)
444
Authority for emergency planning, design, and construction activities
(sec. 3126)
445
Funds available for all national security programs of the Department
of Energy (sec. 3127)
445
Availability of funds (sec. 3128)
445
Transfer of defense environmental management funds (sec. 3129)
445
Subtitle C--National Nuclear Security Administration
445
Term of Office of person first appointed as Under Secretary for
Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy (sec. 3031)
445
Membership of Under Secretary for Nuclear Security on the Joint
Nuclear Weapons Council (sec. 3132)
446
Scope of authority of Secretary of Energy to modify organization of
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3133)
446
Prohibition on pay of personnel engaged in concurrent service or
duties inside and outside National Nuclear Security Administration (sec.
3134)
446
Organization plan for field offices of the National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3135)
446
Future-years nuclear security program (sec. 3136)
447
Cooperative research and development of the National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3137)
447
Subtitle D--Program Authorizations, Restrictions,
and Limitations
448
Processing, treatment, and disposition of legacy nuclear materials
(sec. 3151)
448
Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (sec. 3152)
448
Department of Energy Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program (sec.
3153)
448
Modification of counterintelligence polygraph program (sec. 3154)
453
Employee incentives for employees at closure project facilities (sec.
3155)
453
Subtitle E--Other Matters
454
Extension of authority for appointment of certain scientific,
engineering, and technical personnel (sec. 3171)
454
Updates of report on nuclear test readiness postures (sec. 3172)
454
Frequency of reports on inadvertent releases of restricted data and
formerly restricted data (sec. 3173)
454
Form of certifications regarding the safety or reliability of the
nuclear weapons stockpile (sec. 3174)
455
Engineering and manufacturing research, development and demonstration
by plant managers of certain nuclear weapons production plants (sec.
3175)
455
Cooperative research and development agreements for government-owned,
government-operated laboratories (sec. 3176)
455
Commendation of Department of Energy and contractor employees for
Exemplary Service in Stockpile Stewardship and Security (sec. 3177)
456
Other Items of Interest
456
Department of Energy participation in the Interstate Technology
Reciprocity Council
456
Laboratory directed research and development
456
Report on Post-closure employee benefits at closure project facilities
457
Title XXXII--Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
459
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (sec. 3201)
459
Title XXXIII--Naval Petroleum Reserves
461
Minimum price of petroleum sold from the naval petroleum reserves
(sec. 3301)
461
Repeal of authority to contract for cooperative or unit plans
affecting Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (sec. 3302)
461
Title XXXIV--National Defense Stockpile
463
National defense stockpile (secs. 3401 3402)
463
Legislative Requirements
463
Departmental Recommendations
463
Committee Action
463
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
463
Regulatory Impact
463
Changes in Existing Law
464
Additional Views of Senators Levin, Kennedy, Bingaman, Robb, Landrieu
and Reed
465
Additional Views of Senator Bingaman
468
Minority Views of Senator McCain
471
64 303
106 th Congress
Report
SENATE
2d Session
106 292
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 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 12, 2000.--Ordered to be printed
Filed under authority of the order of the Senate of May 11, 2000
Mr. Warner , from the Committee on Armed Services, submitted the
following
REPORT
together with
ADDITIONAL AND MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany S. 2549]
The Committee on Armed Services reports favorably an original bill to
authorize appropriations during the fiscal year 2001 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 2001;
(2) authorize the personnel end strengths for each military active
duty component of the armed forces for fiscal year 2001;
(3) authorize the personnel end strengths for the Selected Reserve
of each of the reserve components of the armed forces for fiscal year
2001;
(4) impose certain reporting requirements;
(5) 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;
(6) authorize appropriations for military construction programs of
the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2001; and
(7) authorize appropriations for national security programs of the
Department of Energy for fiscal year 2001.
Committee overview and recommendations
The national security challenges that the United States will face in
the new millennium are many and diverse--new adversaries, new
battlefields, and new weapons. It is important that we remain vigilant,
forward thinking, and prepared to address these challenges.
While the Department of Defense (DOD) must plan and allocate
resources to meet future threats, ongoing military operations and
deployments from the Balkans to Southwest Asia to East Timor continue to
demand significant resources in the short term and the foreseeable
future. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001
provides funding guidelines and policy directives which will allocate
some of the most critical readiness, modernization, and recruiting and
retention problems facing our military, while addressing complex current
and future challenges and threats to the nation's security.
For over a decade, our defense budget has been based on constrained
funding, not on the threats facing the nation or the military strategy
necessary to meet those threats. The result of this is evident today in
continuing recruiting and retention difficulties, declining readiness
ratings, and aging equipment.
Last year, the Congress reversed the downward trend in defense
spending by approving a defense authorization bill which, for the first
time in 14 years, included a real increase in the authorized level of
defense spending. This year, the committee continued the momentum
initiated last year by authorizing $309.8 billion for defense spending
for fiscal year 2001, an increase of $4.5 billion over the budget
request, and a real increase of 4.4 percent.
The committee's support for additional funding for defense is based
on an in-depth analysis of the threats facing U.S. interests, and
testimony from senior military leaders on the many shortfalls in the
defense budget.
It is evident that the world remains a complex and violent place. The
greatest threat to our national security today is instability;
instability fueled by ethnic, religious, and racial animosities that
have existed for centuries, but are now resulting in conflicts fought
with the weapons of modern warfare. Many have turned to the United
States, as the sole remaining superpower, to resolve the many conflicts
around the world and to ensure stability in the future. However, this
military power does not ensure our security. As Director of Central
Intelligence George Tenet told the committee in January, ``The fact that
we are arguably the world's most powerful nation does not bestow
invulnerability; in fact, it may make us a larger target for those who
don't share our interest, values, or beliefs.''
U.S. military forces are involved in overseas deployments at an
unprecedented rate. Currently, our troops are involved in over 10
contingency operations around the globe. At an October 1999 hearing of
the Committee, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Hugh
Shelton, stated that, ``Two factors that erode military readiness are
the pace of operations and funding shortfalls. There is no doubt that
the force is much smaller than it was a decade ago, and also much
busier.'' Over the past decade, our active duty manpower has been
reduced by nearly a third, active Army divisions have been reduced by
almost 50 percent, and the number of Navy ships has been reduced from
567 to 316. During this same period, our troops have been involved in 50
military operations worldwide. By comparison, from the end of the
Vietnam War in 1975 until 1989, U.S. military forces were engaged in
only 20 such military deployments.
The fiscal year 2001 defense budget submitted by the administration
was a positive development. Encouraging elements of the plan included
full funding of the pay raise as directed by Congress last year,
achieving the procurement goal of $60.0 billion a year, and initiatives
to improve military health care. After careful examination, however, it
was clear that many shortfalls remained that required action by the
committee.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff have testified that they have a remaining
shortfall in funding of $9.0 billion for fiscal year 2000, a requirement
for an additional $15.5 billion above the budget request to meet
shortfalls in readiness and modernization for fiscal year 2001, and a
requirement for an additional $85.0 billion in the Future Years Defense
Program (FYDP). The committee has provided additional funding to meet
the most urgent requirements identified by the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
but remains troubled by the negative impact of the large number of
contingency operations on our smaller military force.
Unfortunately, there appears to be no end in sight for many of
these operations.
The high operations tempo of our armed forces has a negative impact
on recruiting and retention. Last year, the committee took action to
provide a pay raise and a package of retirement reforms and retention
incentives in an effort to recruit and retain highly qualified
personnel. The committee also took action to require intense senior
level management of the personnel tempo of the armed forces. The
committee has received testimony that these changes are having a
positive impact. This year the committee has focused on improving
military health care for our active duty and retired personnel and their
families.
The Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the
service chiefs have all highlighted the many problems associated with
implementing a user-friendly health care program for active duty service
members, military retirees, and their families. The committee strongly
supported initiatives that ensure our active duty personnel and their
families receive quality healthcare, and initiatives that begin to
fulfill our commitment to military retirees. These initiatives include
accelerating improvements in TRICARE, expanding TRICARE benefits to
families of military personnel serving in the remote locations,
increasing access to health care and providing pharmacy benefits for
military retirees, and expanding the longstanding cooperative
relationship between the DOD and the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Last year, NATO conducted its first large-scale, offensive military
operation with the 78-day air war on behalf of Kosovo. The lessons
learned from that operation, addressed during a series of committee
hearings, highlighted not only shortfalls in weapon systems and
intelligence programs, but also the complexities of engaging in
coalition operations. As noted in the combined testimony of Operation
Allied Force commanders, General Wesley Clark, Admiral James Ellis, and
Lieutenant General Michael Short, the campaign ``. . . required (that)
we adapt (U.S.) military doctrine and strategy to strike a balance
between maintaining allied cohesion, striking key elements of the
Yugoslav armed forces, minimizing losses of allied aircraft, and
maintaining collateral damage.'' Of paramount concern to the committee
was applying the lessons learned from the air campaign over Kosovo to
ensure the future preparedness of the U.S. armed forces. The committee
added funding above the amount requested to address some of the most
essential lessons learned from Kosovo.
Over 38,000 combat sorties were conducted during the Kosovo air
campaign with no combat casualties. While the committee understands that
no military operation is without risk, limiting the risk to military
personnel is clearly an important goal. Every day, advances in
technologies such as computing and telecommunications are being
integrated into warfighting equipment.
The committee believes that the Defense Department must further
pursue these technological advances in an effort to provide advanced
warfighting capabilities, while at the same time limiting the risk to
military personnel. To this end, the committee directed the DOD to
aggressively develop and field unmanned combat systems in the air and on
the ground so that within 10 years, one-third of our operational deep
strike aircraft would be unmanned, and within 15 years, one-third of our
ground combat vehicles would be unmanned. The committee has provided an
additional $200.0 million for this initiative.
Personnel
This year the Personnel Subcommittee focused on some of the most
pressing issues facing the DOD and the military services. Recruiting and
retention, pay and compensation, personnel tempo, and health care are
identified in every survey, poll and informal gathering of soldiers,
sailors, airmen and Marines as the areas that affect decisions on
joining or continuing to serve in the armed forces. The committee
prioritized its efforts to address each of these issues.
When the Cold War ended and the nation began to reduce the active
forces, it became clear that the pressures caused by the reduction in
the number of medical personnel and facilities and the increase in
medical costs made it almost impossible for the military health care
system to meet its wartime missions, as well as fulfill its mission to
provide health care to the families of active duty personnel and retired
personnel and their families. As a result, in 1993 Congress directed the
DOD to take the bold step of implementing a nationwide managed care
system in which the DOD partnered with the private sector to deliver
health care. This system, known as TRICARE, is struggling with
implementation problems. The committee devoted a significant amount of
time and effort to examining TRICARE and determining how that system
might be improved and made more efficient and effective.
On February 23, 2000, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced S.
2087, the Military Health Care Improvement Act of 2000, to address the
most urgent medical needs of our active duty and retired personnel and
their families. In addition to providing for improvements in the TRICARE
program, this bill would provide, for the first time, an entitlement to
military health care for Medicare-eligible military retirees and their
families. The most significant benefit of this bill is a pharmacy
benefit for Medicare-eligible military retirees. The committee has
determined that access to prescription drugs is the single most critical
unmet need of Medicare-eligible military retirees.
The committee has incorporated the provisions of S. 2087 and
additional initiatives in this bill. The committee views this as only
the first step toward providing a comprehensive health care benefit to
all military health care system beneficiaries, including those who are
Medicare-eligible.
The Personnel Subcommittee has made recruiting and retention a
priority for each of the past three years. Despite efforts on behalf of
recruiters, military leaders, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and
the Congress, the disturbing trends of declining numbers and missed
goals in both recruiting and retention continue.
While last year's legislative initiatives have slowed the decline,
more needs to be done if we are to recruit and retain quality personnel
to defend the nation's vital interests around the world. Once these
young men and women have been trained in their military skills, it is
essential that the services retain these developing military leaders so
that we can benefit from their experience and use their abilities to
train those recruits who will follow.
The committee recognizes that if the services cannot man the force
with qualified, well-trained personnel, readiness will continue to
suffer. The committee believes that the proposals, resources and
policies recommended in this bill will assist the military services in
recruiting and retaining the numbers of quality personnel required to
meet the national military strategy.
Readiness and Management Support
Aging equipment, spare parts shortfalls, manning and experience gaps
continue to manifest themselves in terms of declining mission capable
rates and decreasing unit readiness ratings. According to the DOD
Quarterly Readiness Report to the Congress, October through December
1999, ``. . . the pace of contingency operations continues to stress the
readiness of certain segments of the force.'' Most troubling are
indications that problems are emerging in the readiness of forward
deployed and first-to-fight units.
During the past year, the committee focused on the readiness of the
armed forces to meet the challenges of today while preparing for those
of tomorrow. Maintaining a ready force is particularly difficult if
military personnel are not provided with sufficient opportunities to
receive the training necessary to perform their difficult missions. The
committee notes the prohibition of live-fire training by Atlantic fleet
units at Vieques is resulting in significant degradation of unit
readiness. Ensuring that our armed forces receive the
necessary training to make certain they have safe and successful
deployments continues to be one of the committee's highest priorities.
The committee is also concerned with continuing reports of readiness
problem as a result of the declining materiel condition of military
equipment, primarily due to shortfalls in spare parts and increasing
equipment age. The committee added significant resources to the defense
budget in previous fiscal years to ensure that the current inventory of
equipment was adequately maintained until the modernization programs
could provide sufficient replacements. Unfortunately, with the pace of
operations continuing to place strains on both maintenance personnel and
supply availability, the increased funding has not prevented declines in
materiel condition.
Military construction
Although the overall DOD request for fiscal year 2001 is more than
$11.0 billion higher than the previous year, neither military
construction nor family housing construction benefitted from this
increase. In fact, the military construction and family housing Request
is $400.0 million less than the administration's fiscal year 2000
incrementally funded military construction program, and $500.0 million
less than the amount authorized in fiscal year 2000.
One noteworthy shortfall is that the budget request for fiscal year
2001 did not include construction contingency funds which are critical
to correct design flaws or unforseen construction problems. In testimony
before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, service
officials stated that the elimination of the $128.0 million for
contingency construction will cause significant difficulty in executing
construction programs.
The committee is deeply disturbed that for two consecutive years the
Department has used budgetary gimmicks in funding the military
construction program. The committee urges the Department to refrain from
such practices in future years.
To correct the deficiencies in the budget request, the committee
recommends an increase of $430.0 million for military construction. The
focus of the additional funding is on quality of life projects and on
critical projects for the reserve components, whose construction
programs continue to be underfunded. In addition, the committee did
include contingency construction funding for each project the committee
added.
Emerging Threats and Capabilities
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities continued to
provide an effective forum for highlighting such issues as the threat
posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons,
the ever increasing danger of terrorist attacks both in the United
States and overseas, the impact of narco-trafficking on U.S. national
security and regional stability, and the growing threat cyber-attacks on
the military's critical information infrastructure. The committee
continued its review and assessment of the Department's ability to
respond to these threats. The committee believes it is of the utmost
importance that the Department prepare for these and other emerging
threats through robust investments in technology and exploration of new
warfighting concepts.
Unfortunately, the terrorist threat to our citizens and service
members--both at home and abroad--shows no signs of diminishing. During
the weeks leading up to the millennium celebrations, numerous
individuals suspected of planning terrorist attacks directed against
U.S. citizens were arrested in the United States and abroad. With the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the threat of a terrorist
attack with a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon is increasing at an
alarming rate. We, as a nation, must be prepared.
This committee will continue to play a leading role in ensuring that
the DOD is adequately funded and structured to perform its critical role
in the overall U.S. government's efforts to combat terrorism. Last year,
the committee conducted a comprehensive review of the Defense
Department's activities to combat terrorism, with the goal of making the
Department's efforts in this critical area more visible and better
organized; and of increasing the capabilities of DOD assets to assist in
the event of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil involving the use of a
weapon of mass destruction.
This year, the committee has taken action to build on last year's
efforts by assigning overall policy and budgeting oversight of the DOD
activities for combating terrorism to the assistant secretary of defense
for special operations and low-intensity conflict; and by adding funding
for the establishment of five new Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil
Support Teams to bring the total number of such teams to 32 by the end
of fiscal year 2001.
During the post-Cold War decade, the U.S. government has spent over
$4.7 billion in the former Soviet Union to reduce the threat posed by
the possible proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
weapons-usable nuclear materials, and scientific expertise. After nearly
a decade of working in Russia and the other states of the former Soviet
Union on this effort, the committee believes it is important to review
what these programs have achieved. The committee is concerned that for
the significant investment made in some areas, the return in terms of
reducing the threat has been relatively small. For example, the General
Accounting Office (GAO) found that $481.2 million has been spent since
fiscal year 1993 on a program designed to secure weapons-usable nuclear
material in Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union, but only
seven percent of the total nuclear material identified as being at risk
has been secured. The committee is troubled by the progress achieved in
light of this significant investment.
In March 2000, the GAO testified that the costs associated with
achieving threat reduction will continue to remain high due to Russia's
inability to pay its share of the costs of these programs, Russia's
reluctance to provide the United States with needed access to its
sensitive facilities, and expanding program budget requirements. The
committee recommends several initiatives to obtain greater Russian
commitment and necessary access so that the programs will have a greater
chance of attaining their intended threat reduction objectives.
In the area of chemical and biological warfare defense, the committee
notes that the Department has continued to maintain steady increases in
funding since fiscal year 1996. The committee is concerned, however,
that the Department's efforts to focus on the acquisition of the anthrax
vaccine may be taking an inordinate amount of personnel and financial
resources from other critical elements of the chem-bio defense program.
While the Department's fiscal year 2001 request represents a nearly 20
percent increase for procurement of chemical and biological defense
equipment and programs, a significant portion of this increase is to
address issues associated with the anthrax vaccine acquisition program.
The committee is concerned with the risks associated with continuing to
support the current Anthrax acquisition strategy, and believes that the
Department should develop an alternative plan to ensure that a vaccine
will be available to meet ongoing and future requirements.
In the year since the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and
Capabilities was created, cyber threats to the United States, including
the DOD, have increased dramatically. During the subcommittee's March 1,
2000 hearing on cyber-security, the DOD reported that computer attacks
on Defense Department systems increased from under 6,000 in 1998 to over
22,000 in 1999. There is every indication that this trend will continue.
The committee remains concerned that many important information
assurance programs designed to protect against such cyber-attacks,
remain underfunded by the DOD. At the March 1, 2000, subcommittee
hearing, witnesses from the Department once again confirmed that such
funding shortfalls remain significant, and presented a list of almost
$500.0 million in unfunded requirements in this area.
Due to the expanding nature of the cyber threat, the committee
recommends increased funding for important information assurance
initiatives. In particular, the committee recommends initiatives in the
area of information assurance training and education. The committee
agrees with the conclusion contained in the National Plan for
Information Systems Protection, which was released by the White House in
January, that ``. . . within the Federal Government, the lack of skilled
information systems security personnel amounts to a crisis.'' The
committee also recommends funding increases to support information
assurance research and development, and procurement of critical
information assurance tools and detection devices.
The committee continued its examination of joint experimentation and
the prudent transformation of our armed forces to defend against current
and future threats to our national security. While encouraged by the
progress made by U.S. Joint Forces Command in the area of joint
experimentation since its activation with an expanded charter on October
1, 1999, the committee is concerned with the slow pace of robust
experimentation, noting that the first true joint field experiment is
not scheduled until 2004. Additionally, the committee is concerned that
there is not yet an institutionalized process to rapidly integrate
lessons learned into the overall service and defense-wide requirements
process. During a hearing before the subcommittee on April 4, 2000, the
Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated that a review was
underway to revise and strengthen this joint requirements process. At
that same hearing, the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Joint Forces Command
expressed interest in accelerating the pace of joint experimentation.
These are welcome developments which the committee will follow closely.
It is a priority of the committee to maintain a strong, stable
investment in science and technology in order to develop superior
technology that will permit the United States to maintain its current
military advantages, provide flexible options to future warfighters, and
hedge against technological surprise. The military dimensions of the
next century are likely to be so different from those on which the
current force was built that an evolutionary approach--based on
correcting near-term deficiencies--will not be sufficient to meet the
need for change. We must ensure that our ongoing efforts to maintain
current advantages in capability are complemented with bold action that
can effect the true transformation required for the 21st Century force.
For that reason, the committee has added approximately $200.0 million to
the defense science and technology (S&T) program.
It has been an on-going concern that the current S&T planning process
appears to focus on the ``micro'' issue of ensuring that individual
projects address legitimate warfighting needs, rather than on the
``macro'' issue of prioritizing those needs and ensuring that sufficient
S&T funding is made available to meet them. Both the Army and the Navy
took ambitious steps this year to address that shortcoming in the S&T
planning process by prioritizing their own needs on a ``macro'' basis,
and realigning S&T funding to match new priorities.
The Air Force does not appear to have undertaken any comparable
planning effort. The committee remains concerned with the serious
decline in the Air Force technology investment and the lack of support
for science and technology within the Air Force leadership. Critical
investment decisions are being made based on numbers rather than need.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision which requires the
Secretary of the Air Force to conduct a thorough review of the S&T
program and to certify to Congress that the plans provided and the
investments planned will meet their objectives for air and space
superiority in the 21st Century and beyond.
Airland
The Airland Subcommittee focused on the impact of inadequate
modernization accounts, testing and evaluation activities associated
with developmental efforts, the Army transformation initiative and the
status of tactical aviation programs.
The committee has conducted an in-depth analysis of the Army
transformation initiative that was announced last fall. The committee
advocates transformation and recognizes that heavy forces within the
Army are difficult to deploy in support of the National Military
Strategy. The Army Chief of Staff has challenged the status quo within
the Army and initiated a process to transform the Army into a more
lethal, lightweight, strategically relevant and deployable force that
will be better suited to meet future defense challenges. While the
committee has expressed support for the transformation initiative, the
committee is concerned about the Army's ability to develop the objective
force and field an interim force capability. The committee has
particular concerns about the operational capabilities of the interim
force and the Army's acquisition strategy.
Given no significant change in projected Army modernization resources
from the DOD, the committee is concerned that the Army will not have
adequate resources to recapitalize the existing legacy force to maintain
operational readiness, field an interim force capability, and conduct a
robust research and development effort designed to lead to the objective
force in fiscal year 2012. The committee believes the Army vision should
more heavily focus on efforts for the objective force. Near-term interim
forces can provide an operational capability available to respond to
contingency operations while at the same time provide insights into
future force requirements. The committee believes that least cost
alternatives, including light, armored vehicles currently available
within the Army, should be primarily considered in efforts to fill an
interim force.
In response to last year's congressional direction, the Army issued
revised aviation and armor system modernization plans in which
significant steps have been taken to address long standing deficiencies
in service modernization programs. While the committee remains concerned
about the ability of future budgets to support these revised plans, the
Army is commended for ensuring that these plans more adequately reflect
the broad range of requirements that exist across the force.
The committee also focused on a range of tactical aviation issues.
The budget request included almost $8.0 billion for continued
development and procurement of the three new tactical fighter aircraft:
the F/A 18E/F Super Hornet, the F 22 Raptor, and the Joint Strike
Fighter (JSF). The committee remains concerned about the overall
affordability of these systems against the backdrop of increasing
average aircraft age, required modifications of legacy aircraft, and
precision guided weapon inventory shortages. Particular tactical
aviation issues examined by the committee included: F/A 18E/F upgrade
funding; F 22 flight test hours and the adequacy of test content; and,
JSF validation, program cost growth, and technical challenges.
The lessons learned from the Kosovo conflict presented additional
concerns that the committee addressed. In Kosovo after-action reviews,
the committee repeatedly heard concerns expressed about low-density,
high-demand weapon systems and platforms. Commanders reported having to
conserve certain precision weapon systems to prevent depletion. Tactical
electronic attack assets were seriously overtasked, as were
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. The
committee added over $700.0 million for programs supporting aircraft
precision strike capability, aircraft survivability, and ISR assets.
The committee continues to be concerned about the impact that
inadequate modernization funding will have on our ability to modernize
our forces. Significant levels of unfunded requirements, as identified
by the service chiefs, suggest that significant modernization shortfalls
are likely to continue.
Seapower
The committee continued its focus on reviewing the adequacy of Navy
and Marine Corps force structure and strategic lift to carry out the
National Security Strategy, and the ability of
Navy and Marine Corps programs to support new operational
concepts to influence events ashore, and from the sea.
Operational commanders presented compelling testimony to the
subcommittee that indicated that their commands do not have enough ships
and aircraft to shape the international environment and respond to
crises within the required time frame. As stated by the Commander, U.S.
Second Fleet, even with the current level of 316 ships, there ``. . .
are not enough resources to meet demands, and the cost of doing business
is being borne increasingly by our sailors.'' The commanding general of
the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force and the director of operations and
logistics of the U.S. Transportation Command described similar impacts
on the Marines and airmen in their command.
Operational commanders also pointed out that aging equipment
translates into both operational and fiscal costs. Maintenance personnel
routinely work long hours on shifts and into the weekends to keep
equipment operational. This testimony was consistent with information
gathered by the committee during visits to fleet units.
The Congressional Research Service testified before the subcommittee
that the Navy requires a $12.0 billion annual ship construction budget,
commencing in fiscal year 2001, to build an average of 8.6 ships per
year to maintain a Navy force structure of at least 300 ships. While the
Navy acquisition and requirements witnesses agreed with this assessment,
the ship construction budget for fiscal year 2001 is only $11.7 billion
and is projected to decrease in the outyears. In an effort to provide a
long-term look at shipbuilding requirements and plans, the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 directed the Secretary of
Defense to deliver a long-range shipbuilding report to the Congress no
later than February 1, 2000. Unfortunately, that report has yet to be
provided.
The Transportation Command testified before the subcommittee that C
17 strategic lift aircraft procurement and C 5 strategic lift aircraft
reliability were the two highest Transportation Command priorities, and
that the Transportation Command has been unable to respond to all of the
requests for strategic airlift support.
In addition to these findings, information obtained by the committee
during the course of its deliberations revealed the following:
(1) the present Navy force structure of 316 ships is not sufficient
to carry out the National Security Strategy, and the shipbuilding plan
of 39 ships planned in the Future Years Defense Program is insufficient
to recapitalize the fleet;
(2) changing the DDG 51 acquisition strategy from three to two ships
per year is inconsistent with the Navy's previous industrial base
studies, and counter to the emphasis on procurement efficiency and smart
business decisions that save taxpayer dollars;
(3) the DD 21 destroyer is the key enabler to providing the Marine
Corps fire support from the sea, and DD 21 will accomplish that mission
at lower acquisition and operating costs compared to other destroyers;
(4) the Joint Chiefs of Staff study on attack submarine force
structure states that the requirement for submarines may be
significantly more than the 1997 Quadrenniel Defense Review level of 50
submarines;
(5) Marine Corps operational concepts require the capabilities
included in new platforms, such as the LPD 17, LHD, and DD 21 ship
classes and the performance of new equipment, such as the Advanced
Amphibious Assault Vehicle(AAAV), the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC),
the V 22 Tiltrotor aircraft, and night vision and thermal imaging
devices; and
(6) within ten years there will be insufficient helicopters to
support the operational requirements of destroyers, aircraft carriers,
mine warfare, and replenishment ships.
Versatility continues to be the hallmark of the Navy and Marine
Corps. This year, maritime forces were moved rapidly between the
Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf for operations that ranged from
war and peacekeeping in Kosovo to humanitarian relief for earthquake
victims in Turkey.
The committee concluded that our Navy and Marine Corps forces are an
inherently forward-deployed, combat credible, expeditionary force
engaged in daily, round-the-clock operations to influence the world's
security environment and support world-wide U.S. national security
interests. The committee notes that in the 84 months that ended in
September 1999, the Navy participated in 80 contingency operations
around the world.
While there are insufficient funds to address all of the fiscal year
2001 unfunded requirements identified by the service chiefs, the
committee will continue to support efforts to identify, prioritize and
take action within the constraints of the budget to fund the
deficiencies identified by the Navy and Marine Corps. The committee will
continue to highlight the risks associated with the budget constraints,
and the resulting impact on the ability of our men and women of the
armed forces to carry out their duties.
Strategic
The Strategic Subcommittee 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 (DOE) activities regarding the nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear
waste cleanup, and other defense activities.
On February 28, 2000, the Strategic Subcommittee held a hearing on
national and theater missile defense programs. Based on this hearing,
the committee concluded that the DOD continues to pursue a
funding-constrained ballistic missile defense (BMD) program. Although
the committee is pleased by Department's decision to substantially
increase funding for the National Missile Defense (NMD) program, the
Strategic Subcommittee found that all of the Ballistic Missile Defense
Organization's major defense acquisition programs remain underfunded.
The committee recommends substantial increases in funding for ballistic
missile defense programs and technologies, including the NMD program for
risk reduction.
On March 8, 2000, the Strategic Subcommittee held a hearing on
national security space issues. The committee identified a number of
areas in which budget constraints have caused DOD to insufficiently fund
key space programs and technologies. The committee also identified key
areas of space technology development that require additional support,
as addressed in detail elsewhere in this report.
One of the key findings of the Kosovo after-action reviews was that
intelligence processing and dissemination does not always meet the
requirements of warfighting forces. The committee has initiated efforts
to provide funding and other assistance to ensure that relevant
intelligence products are provided to military forces in a timely
manner. In particular, the committee recommends funding increases for
the National Imagery and Mapping Agency to improve the imagery tasking,
processing, exploitation and dissemination process.
Department of Energy National Security Programs
The committee has responsibility for oversight and authorization of
over two-thirds of the Department of Energy's budget, including the
National Nuclear Security Administration; weapons activities; defense
environmental management; other defense activities; and defense nuclear
waste disposal. The committee also authorizes funds for the Defense
Nuclear Facility Safety Board, an independent agency responsible for
external oversight of safety at DOE defense nuclear facilities.
The committee held the first congressional hearing to assess the
programs of the newly-established National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA). The committee identified a number of critical
issues that must be addressed by the Congress, the Secretary of Energy,
and the new NNSA administrator. The committee notes that the Secretary
of Energy has failed to fully comply with the National Nuclear Security
Administration Act,
which was signed into law by the President as part of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Pubic Law 106
65).
In the area of weapons activities, the committee remains concerned
that the Department has not prepared the long-term program or funding
plan for the stockpile stewardship and management program, as directed
last year by Congress. The committee notes that the DOD provides a FYDP
plan to Congress each year with the annual budget request. The committee
believes that DOE should provide comparable budgetary information to
Congress.
The committee is concerned with the speculative nature of the
science-based stockpile stewardship program. The committee received
testimony from the three weapons laboratory directors that it may be as
long as 15 years before the DOE stockpile stewardship program can be
evaluated as an acceptable substitute for underground nuclear testing.
The committee remains concerned that the Department is moving too
slowly in re-establishing pit manufacturing and tritium production
capabilities. The committee further notes that the Department has not
established any long-term requirements or plans for modernization of its
aging weapon production plants.
In the area of environmental management, the DOE continues to make
progress in focusing its resources on closure of a limited number of
sites and facilities. However, the committee remains concerned that the
request for science and technology development continues to decline,
despite the Department's increased reliance on the application of
innovative technologies at cleanup sites. The committee notes that the
fiscal year 2001 request for technology development is the lowest in
over eight years. The committee believes that a vigorous research and
development program must be maintained if the Department is to meet its
accelerated cleanup and closure goals.
The committee remains deeply concerned with proposals to establish a
new, external regulation regime for DOE defense nuclear facilities. The
committee does not support such efforts. The committee notes that the
only DOE defense facility to be placed under regulation by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) required almost $500.0 million and three
years to establish a new licencing process. The committee believes that
placing additional DOE facilities under NRC regulation would not be
beneficial or cost-effective. Such moves would waste scarce cleanup
funds and jeopardize the pace of cleanup at DOE facilities. The
committee believes that the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
(DNFSB) continues to provide comparable, independent safety oversight
for all DOE defense nuclear facilities with an annual budget of less
than $20.0 million a year.
Explanation of funding summary
The administration's budget request for the national defense function
of the federal budget for fiscal year 2001 was $305.3 billion, of which
$305.3 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 2001 defense
programs. The columns relating to the authorization request do not
include funding for the following items: military personnel funding;
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. As explained above, funding for military personnel is
included in the amounts authorized by the committee, but not in the
total funding requested for 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
$309.8 billion in budget authority, which is consistent with the fiscal
year 2001 budget resolution.
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DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE I--PROCUREMENT
Explanation of tables
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2001 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. 107)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide funding for
chemical demilitarization in a Department of Defense (DOD) budget line.
The budget request for the Army included $1.0 billion for the Chemical
Agents and Munitions Destruction (CAMD) Program: $607.2 million for
operations and maintenance; $121.9 million for procurement; and $274.4
million for research and development.
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, but shall be set forth in the budget of the DOD as
a separate account. The committee is concerned that funds for this
program continue to be included in the Army budget accounts, despite the
clear and direct statutory requirement to the contrary. Funding for this
program should not be balanced against Army modernization plans or
funding of continued military operations in the Balkans.
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Multiyear procurement authority for certain Army and Navy
programs (sec. 111)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Army to
enter into multiyear procurement contracts for the Bradley A3 Infantry
Fighting Vehicle, the UH 60L Blackhawk helicopter, and the CH 60S
Seahawk helicopter. For the Bradley A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the
multiyear procurement authority is for a period not to exceed three
years, beginning in fiscal year 2001. The committee notes the Army is
scheduled to complete the initial operational test and evaluation
(IOT&E) of the Bradley A3, and a subsequent milestone III review in the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000. The committee expects the Secretary
of the Army to ensure that the Army successfully completes the IOT&E and
milestone III review prior to awarding the multiyear contract.
Army transformation (sec. 112)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to provide a report on the objective force process, that
describes the following:
(1) operational environments envisioned for the objective force;
(2) threat assumptions for objective force research and development
efforts;
(3) potential operational and organizational concepts for the
objective force;
(4) anticipated Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and emerging
requirements that will ultimately be reflected in a future operational
requirements document (ORD) for the objective force;
(5) program schedule and projected research and development and
procurement funding required to support proposed transformation
activities through fiscal year 2012, and identification of specific
adjustments made to Army programs in both the Future Years Defense
Program (FYDP) and extended planning program to fund the transformation
initiative and summarize anticipated investments by the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency in programs designed to lead to the fielding of
a future combat system;
(6) joint warfighting requirements that will be supported by the
fielding of the objective force, including a description of planned
adjustments to war plans of the regional commanders in chief;
(7) changes to current strategic and tactical lift requirements
resulting from the creation and fielding of objective forces; and
(8) the evaluation process that will support future decisions on the
course of the transformation initiative leading to the objective force,
including a description of operational evaluations and experimentation
that will be used to validate the KPPs and ORD requirements associated
with objective forces.
In addition, the committee has recommended additional funding,
described elsewhere in this report, to support near-term acceleration of
the future combat system research and development effort.
The Army has begun an effort to transform itself to meet the new
security challenges that the nation faces today. The committee agrees
that the Army needs to transform into a lighter, more lethal, survivable
and tactically mobile force. The committee believes that the Army must
begin the transformation process and applauds the recognition that the
force must be better positioned to meet the significant defense
challenges in an uncertain and troubling future. It is clear that these
challenges will require our armed services to think and act differently
than in the past. The committee recognizes that the Army must be able to
provide a mix of light, medium, and heavy forces. Future intervention
scenarios will call for different capabilities, requiring that the Army
be able to respond to a variety of national security missions, including
mechanized warfare, defense of humanitarian sanctuaries, and peace
enforcement.
The committee has a long history of supporting Army efforts to
transform itself through the advanced warfighting experiment (AWE)
process, the Army after next (AAN) activity, and the digitization
initiative. The committee has also supported Army modernization
activities that the Army later decided to terminate, including the
armored gun system (AGS), liquid propellant technology for Crusader,
Wolverine, Grizzly, Command and Control Vehicle, Prophet Air, Stinger
Block II, and Army Tactical Missile System Block IIA.
The committee realizes that the Army has had several false starts and
traveled up several ``blind alleys'' in pursuit of reforms since the end
of the Cold War. The Chief of Staff of the Army also realizes that many
previous ``reforms'' have only lasted as long as the tenure of the
proponent Army Chief of Staff. He has said that he wants to achieve
``irreversible momentum for change'' so that the Army will continue on a
path to the new objective force even after his tenure as Chief of Staff.
The committee commends the Chief of Staff for the actions he has
taken to begin to transform the Army into a force more relevant to the
diverse defense challenges of the new millennium. To achieve these
reforms, the Army will have to implement innovative changes to force
structure, modernization plans, and spending priorities.
The committee wants to support the Army's current efforts to achieve
``irreversible momentum for change,'' but the committee wants to ensure
this momentum is along the proper path, not another ``blind alley.'' The
best way to ensure that a transformation process will be reversed by
future Army leadership is to start down the wrong path.
The committee strongly agrees with recommendations from a fiscal year
1999 Army Science Board Summer Study report on Enabling Rapid and
Decisive Strategic Maneuver for The Army Beyond 2010, which included the
following recommendations that:
(1) Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) experiment with
alternative, available equipment and recommend, within 12 months, needed
procurements;
(2) TRADOC and XVIII Airborne Corps develop split-based support
options, to include necessary organizational redesign;
(3) The Army conduct an expeditionary experiment (possibly Joint
Contingency Force AWE) and examine within 24 months improvements in
early entry deployment and capability; and
(4) TRADOC examine both traditional platform centric solutions as
well as non traditional ``ensemble'' solutions for future combat
systems. Army concept experimentation is needed.
The committee finds the recommendations of the Army Science Board
compelling.
The committee believes that the Army's transformation process must
focus on the objective force, first and foremost. However, the committee
notes that the current Army plans do not adequately address how, or if,
the Army Science Board recommendations will be implemented.
The committee, therefore, directs the Army to establish a process of
operational analysis, experimentation, and platform demonstrations that
will serve to determine optimum organizational structures, equipment
types and numbers, and operational concepts for the objective force. The
committee directs that the Army fully integrate this process with the
joint experimentation activities conducted by the Commander in Chief,
U.S. Joint Forces Command.
Consistent with the committee's view that the objective force must be
preeminent in the planning process, the committee believes that the
interim capability adjustments that the Army is intending to pursue must
not displace the attention and resources appropriate for the objective
force. Army forces continue to age precipitously because the Army has
not been able to afford sufficient modernization to support even the
current force structure. Absent significant additional investment, the
situation will only grow worse. The committee recognizes that the Army
modernization program has not competed well for resources within the
Department of Defense budget process. This fact alone makes it clear
that the Army can ill afford a major misstep in pursuing the goal of
transformation.
While pursuing the objective force capability, the Army must also
focus on how it reforms in the mean time. The committee notes that there
is great merit in Army plans to transform one heavy and one light
brigade into a medium brigade configuration. The Army effort involves
fielding interim brigade combat teams (IBCT) designed to bridge a
perceived near-term capability gap. Actions designed to field IBCT's are
focused on requirements for medium weight forces that are strategically
deployable with a combat capability that exceeds those capabilities
provided by existing light forces. The committee agrees that such a
reconfiguration is necessary to provide insights into force structure,
equipment, and tactics alternatives for full-spectrum operations while
optimizing these forces for the challenges of peacekeeping.
In context of very limited resources, however, the committee believes
that Army cannot afford to establish an interim medium force capability
when the primary aim is to serve as a rotational peacekeeping force. The
committee believes that an effective evaluation of alternatives and
review of equipment evaluation data are critical to making informed
funding decisions. The Army must further define and validate interim
force operational concepts, force structure, equipment requirements, and
funding alternatives before making acquisition commitments beyond the
two brigades described in the Chief of Staff's transformation
implementation letter. As the IBCT effort is clearly designed to provide
an interim capability, the committee believes that life cycle cost
factors should be a primary consideration in determining equipment
solutions for IBCT requirements.
While the committee understands the established Army goal to achieve
commonality among medium combat vehicle types and the perceived need for
momentum, these should not be the primary objectives. Principal
objectives should include: (1) focusing on fielding the objective force;
and (2) ensuring that interim medium forces are formed based on
least-cost alternatives that lead to the most combat ready and cost
effective solution that ensures successful operations in a broad range
of environments. The committee believes it is possible that the Army may
already have equipment in the inventory that could meet the requirements
established for the interim force and allow the service to focus more of
its resources on developing the objective force.
Current acquisition policy requires the services to first explore the
potential for existing equipment to meet emerging mission requirements.
The use of existing equipment could allow the Army to avoid expensive
new equipment acquisition costs, as well as a requirement to establish a
new logistical support system that would result from the fielding of new
equipment. The committee recognizes that the Army does not own a mobile
gun system (MGS) that could meet IBCT requirements. Fortunately, the
requirement for a MGS is relatively small. The committee is concerned,
however, that the Army appears to be preparing to select a mobile gun
system without conducting a performance and reliability evaluation of
candidate systems.
Therefore, the committee believes it essential that the Army conduct
an operational evaluation of alternative systems that explores, at a
minimum, measures of operational and cost effectiveness between medium
armored vehicles already in the Army inventory compared with any new
system selected to meet IBCT requirements. The committee recognizes that
this evaluation will be in addition to actions the Army has already
identified in the acquisition strategy report for interim armored
vehicles.
The committee's recommended provision would also support, on a track
parallel to the objective force development activity, the fielding of
three interim brigades through fiscal year 2003. This provision would
provide guidance on analysis required to support the fielding of IBCTs
and establish two additional reporting requirements for the results of
that analysis. Moreover, the committee has supported the full budget
request for the Army's plan to field a new armored vehicle family in the
IBCTs.
The first report would be required to describe the Army's plans for
conducting the side-by-side comparison of existing versus new hardware
implementations. The provision would require that the Secretary of the
Army:
(1) provide a report, no later than February 1, 2001, on plans to
conduct an operational analysis of medium armored combat vehicles that
will be selected later in fiscal year 2000 to meet IBCT infantry
battalion requirements compared with medium armored vehicles currently
found in the Army inventory. The assessment will determine cost and
operational effectiveness differences between new and existing medium
armored combat vehicles, and will be made on a comparative basis with at
least one infantry battalion fielded with existing medium armored
vehicles similarly structured to IBCT infantry battalions;
(2) submit the plan to the Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense, for review and comment;
(3) include the comments of the Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation as an attachment to the Army report;
(4) describe how the results of the operational evaluation will
guide future acquisition decisions for additional interim brigade combat
team equipment; and
(5) identify specific adjustments made to Army programs in both the
FYDP and extended planning program to fund interim force fielding
requirements.
The second report would include the Army's analysis of the
results of the side-by-side comparisons. This would require that the
Secretary of the Army provide the results of the comparative operational
analysis to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1,
2002. Additionally, the provision would require that the Secretary of
Defense certify that the conclusions of the operational analysis
contained in the second report support the Army's proposed acquisitions
for additional IBCT equipment in fiscal year 2003 and beyond.
The provision would limit obligations of the fiscal year 2001 funds
to 60 percent of the total amount authorized and appropriated for the
new armored vehicle family until 30 days after the date on which the
Secretary of the Army submits the first report to the congressional
defense committees. The provision would also limit obligations of the
funds for fiscal year 2002 funds provided for the fielding of a second
IBCT to 60 percent of the amount authorized and appropriated for the new
armored vehicle family until 30 days after the date in which the
Secretary of the Army submits the second report on the conclusions of
the operational analysis.
The committee does not intend to impede current Army IBCT fielding
plans, but believes that the comparative operational analysis will serve
to strengthen the transformation process and might ultimately accelerate
the fielding of future brigades at lower costs. The Army cannot be
confident that what it is buying is what it needs, absent normally
required testing and evaluation. The Army transformation process cannot
afford more false starts.
OTHER ARMY PROGRAMS
ARMY AIRCRAFT
Utility aircraft
The Army budget request included no funding for fixed-wing, medium
range, utility aircraft, but these aircraft were included on the Army's
unfunded priorities list. This aircraft is used for small unit movements
to remote airfields, and is necessary to replace an aging system. The
committee recommends an increase of $24.3 million for the procurement of
three UC 35 aircraft.
UH 60 Blackhawk
The budget request included $81.2 million to procure six UH 60
Blackhawk helicopters. The committee has watched with great interest
actions taken to revise an inadequate Army aviation modernization plan.
While the committee still has several outstanding concerns about the
overall viability of the Army plan, it is pleased to note decisions
taken by the Army to retire both AH 1 Cobra and UH 1 Huey helicopters as
soon as practicable. This action will ultimately result in a pure fleet
of UH 60L Blackhawk helicopters for both active and reserve component
utility helicopter requirements. These aircraft will provide a more
capable fleet and support crew rotation requirements associated with
military operations across the spectrum of conflict. The committee
understands that the difficult decisions taken to address utility
helicopter requirements have resulted in an increased requirement for UH
60L Blackhawk aircraft. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase
of $196.3 million to procure 20 UH 60L aircraft, a total authorization
of $277.5 million. The committee does not support the acquisition of UH
60Q medical evacuation helicopters in fiscal year 2001. Current Army
plans call for the acquisition of these aircraft beginning in fiscal
year 2002. The committee expects the Army to address outstanding UH 60L
Blackhawk requirements in future budget requests.
Longbow
The budget request included $744.8 million for the acquisition of AH
64D Apache Longbow helicopters. The committee recognizes the AH 64
Apache helicopter as the most advanced and lethal attack helicopter in
the world. The committee notes with concern that there is a range of
known problems associated with the AH 64 Apache attack helicopter that
have existed for the last several years. Program delays in providing for
required improvements to correct system component deficiencies has, in
part, resulted in aircraft groundings and serious questions about the
long-term reliability of these critical aircraft. The committee applauds
actions taken by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army to thoroughly
review and consolidate outstanding issues associated with the Apache
program and address these deficiencies in a corrective action program.
The committee recognizes that the Army had already identified a
significant unfunded requirement to provide upgrades to existing
critical components for fielded aircraft. In light of lessons learned
from the operation in Kosovo and critical warfighting requirements that
depend on the future viability of AH 64 aircraft, the committee believes
it is essential to pursue immediate action designed to ensure the
viability of these aircraft. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $158.0 million to support critical component upgrades, as
identified in the Army's unfunded requirements list, a total
authorization of $902.8 million for the Apache Longbow program. The
committee expects the Army to budget for any additional upgrades that
may be required after the ongoing program review is completed.
Kiowa Warrior
The budget request included $41.8 million for Kiowa Warrior upgrade
requirements. The committee strongly supports actions intended to
improve the nature and scope of training currently provided for Army
aviators. The committee notes the significant action taken by the Army
in the recently revised aviation modernization plan to address
deficiencies in the training base associated with the Army aviation
center at Fort Rucker, Alabama. New Army training plans will provide
more flight training for new aviators and a corresponding need for
additional TH 67 training aircraft. These aircraft have been identified
as a near-term unfunded requirement for the Army. The committee supports
this effort and recommends an increase of $35.0 million to procure 19 TH
67 aircraft, a total authorization of $76.8 million for the Kiowa
Warrior line.
Avionics support equipment
The budget request included no funding for avionics support
equipment. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for AN/AVS 6
(ANVIS) helmet mounted night vision devices. The committee has
consistently supported the capability of the armed forces to operate
effectively at night and during periods of reduced visibility. The
committee recommends an increase of $13.9 million to procure 1,603 ANVIS
devices to meet outstanding Army aviation requirements.
Aircrew integrated systems
The budget request included $3.5 million for aircrew integrated
system equipment requirements. The committee was pleased to note the
development of advanced laser eye protection (ALEP) visors produced
through a Joint Service program designed to address battlefield eye
protection requirements for military aviators. The committee supports
this effort and believes these visors should be fielded to Army aviators
as soon as practicable. The committee recommends an increase of $5.9
million for aircrew integrated systems, to procure 12,640 ALEP visors, a
total authorization of $9.4 million.
ARMY MISSILE
Army tactical missile system-system summary
The budget request included $15.0 million for Army tactical missile
system (ATACMS) fielding and production line shutdown. The committee
notes a critical unfunded requirement for additional ATACMS block IA
missiles necessary to meet the Army
acquisition objective. Additionally, the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff has identified a requirement for additional ATACMS block
IA missiles on the unfunded requirements list. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $77.4 million to procure 100 ATACMS block IA
missiles necessary to meet war reserve, a total authorization of $92.4
million.
Stinger modifications
The budget request included $21.8 million for Stinger missile
modifications. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for
additional Stinger block I missile modifications necessary to meet Force
Package 3 and 4 fielding requirements. These block I missiles have
improved performance against advanced countermeasures and improved the
accuracy of the Stinger system. The committee recommends an increase of
$15.2 million to procure 651 Stinger block I missiles, a total
authorization of $37.0 million.
WEAPONS AND TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLES
Carrier modifications
The budget request included $45.1 million for M113 armored personnel
carrier modifications. The committee notes the Army has over 17,000 M113
armored personnel carriers in the inventory today. The M113 has been in
Army combat units for decades and requires upgrades necessary to improve
mobility, reliability, and survivability. As these vehicles represent
almost one-half of the tracked combat vehicle fleet, it is critical that
they be upgraded as soon as practicable. The committee recommends an
increase of $50.0 million to modify 227 vehicles, a total authorization
of $95.1 million.
Breacher system modification
The budget request included no funding for the Grizzly (M1 Breacher)
system. The committee believes that critical mobility systems like the
Grizzly armored engineer vehicle must be continued to correct critical
operational shortfalls for deployed forces. Operations in Iraq, Somalia,
and Bosnia continue to highlight the critical need for combat engineer
equipment necessary to clear obstacles and support maneuver forces. The
ability of our fast-moving M 1 Abrams tanks and M 2 Bradley fighting
vehicles to operate successfully on the battlefield is dependant on the
ability of these vehicles to maintain their momentum and speed of
maneuver. Finally, the committee notes that a request for funds
necessary to restore this program was one of the top Army unfunded
requirements for fiscal year 2001. Therefore, the committee recommends
an increase of $108.0 million to restore the Grizzly program. The
committee expects the Army to ensure that this program is funded in
future budget requests.
Heavy assault bridge system modifications
The budget request included no funding for the heavy assault bridge
system modifications. The committee has noted with great concern
decisions that terminated the effort to field the Wolverine heavy
assault bridge. One of the major tenets of combat for our forces is
movement at a rapid pace to ensure a decisive engagement that will
result in the defeat of enemy forces. The Wolverine heavy assault bridge
is a critical element on the battlefield to ensure the mobility of our
forces. The committee believes that this program should be restored and
that the armored vehicle launch bridge (AVLB) service life extension
program (SLEP) effort should be terminated. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $77.0 million to restore the Wolverine heavy
assault bridge program and a corresponding decrease of $15.2 million to
the AVLB SLEP program. The committee expects the Army to ensure that
this program is funded in future budget requests.
Machine gun, squad automatic weapon
The budget request included no funding for the squad automatic weapon
(SAW). The committee notes an outstanding requirement for an additional
4,280 weapons necessary to meet the Army procurement objective.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $18.3 million to
procure 4,280 weapons and complete the acquisition of the SAW system, a
total authorization of $18.3 million.
Mark 19 grenade launcher
The budget request included $11.8 million for Mark 19 grenade
launchers. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for additional
Mark 19 systems necessary to avoid a break in production prior to
acquiring the total number of systems necessary to meet the acquisition
objective. The committee recommends an increase of $8.1 million to
procure 386 Mark 19 systems and avoid a break in production, a total
authorization of $19.9 million.
M4 carbine modifications
The budget request included $2.5 million for M4 carbine
modifications. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for
additional modular weapon systems (MWS) for the M4 carbine
necessary to mount the weapons optical systems. The committee
recommends an increase of $1.3 million to procure 7,201 MWS for the M4
carbine, a total authorization of $3.8 million.
ARMY AMMUNITION
Procurement of ammunition, Army
The committee is concerned with continued reports of inadequate
supplies of ammunition for training and war reserves. The Chief of Staff
of the Army identified a requirement of $242.9 million for ammunition
programs that were not included in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.
For the past several years, field commanders have expressed concern
regarding the inadequate stocks of ammunition to support their training
and war reserve requirements. The committee recommends the following
adjustments to the budget request for Army ammunition procurement:
Item
Millions
30 mm
$6.0
60 mm
5.0
105 mm M915
.15.0
120 mm M934
6.0
155 mm M107
10.0
MACS
20.0
Wide Area Munition
16.0
Subtotal
78.0
Armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative
The budget request included $4.7 million for the continuation of the
Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) program. The
committee is aware this does not satisfy all proposals that would reduce
the operating costs of Army Ammunition plants. This program has had
great success, saving the Army $37.0 million each year in program and
operating costs, while preserving hundreds of jobs for skilled workers.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million for
this program. The committee expects these funds to be utilized in the
most effective manner to ensure preservation of those facilities most
likely to be required to fulfill the military's needs to support the
national military strategy.
OTHER ARMY PROCUREMENT
Family of medium tactical vehicles
The budget request included $438.3 million to procure family of
medium tactical vehicle (FMTV) trucks to replace an aging fleet of
medium trucks found in the Army today. The Army has identified an
unfunded requirement for additional FMTV trucks necessary to meet Force
Package 2 fielding requirements. The committee recommends an increase of
$77.9 million, to procure additional FMTV trucks necessary to accelerate
the fielding of these trucks to reserve component units, a total
authorization of $516.2 million.
Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams
The committee recommends an increase of $25.0 million for the Weapons
of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD CST) program. This funding
will establish five additional WMD CSTs and provide additional equipment
for the WMD CST program. The $25.0 million is authorized as follows:
$3.2 million in military personnel; $7.5 million in Operations and
Maintenance, Army; $1.8 million in Contamination Avoidance, Chemical
Biological Defense Program, Procurement, Defense-Wide; and $12.5 million
in Special Purpose Vehicles, Other Procurement, Army.
The WMD CSTs, formerly know as Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection
(RAID) teams, are comprised of 22 full-time National Guard personnel who
are specially trained and equipped to deploy and assess suspected
nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological events in support of
local first responders. The committee recommends an increase of $21.0
million, included in the categories listed above, for the addition of
five WMD CSTs which will result in a total of 32 WMD CSTs by the end of
fiscal year 2001. The committee reaffirms the commitment it made last
year to ultimately provide funding for the establishment of a WMD CST in
every state and U.S. territory.
The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million, included above
in Special Purpose Vehicles, Other Procurement, Army, for the purchase
of two additional Unified Command Suites (UCS) and Mobile Analytical
Labs (MALS) in order to provide the WMD CST program with needed spare
equipment. The committee is concerned that, under the Department of
Defense's current plan for WMD CSTs, no provision has been made to
provide spare equipment for the teams. The committee understands that
the spare UCSs and MALs that had been available for the initial 10 teams
are being used to outfit the 17 teams authorized last year. Provision
should be made for spare equipment to support a military capability that
must respond rapidly to a crisis. The committee also recommends an
increase of $500,000, included above in Special Purpose Vehicles, Other
Procurement, Army, for the purchase of 35 tactical mobility systems for
use by the WMD CSTs to improve survey operations of potentially
contaminated areas by rapidly moving Reconnaissance and Survey teams.
This system would also facilitate the expeditious recovery of WMD CST
response force personnel who may become casualties.
The committee also expresses some concerns with the WMD CST program.
First, the committee is concerned with the Department's failure to
formulate a plan and provide funding to rapidly deploy WMD CSTs to each
state and U.S. territory as recommended in the January 1998 DOD report
entitled ``Department of Defense Plan for Integrating National Guard and
Reserve Component Support for Response to Attacks Using Weapons of Mass
Destruction''. Second, the committee is concerned with the Department's
delay in submitting the reprogramming request necessary to stand up the
17 WMD CSTs authorized in fiscal year 2000. As a result of this delay,
very little of the funding authorized and appropriated in fiscal year
2000 for the 17 additional teams has been spent. Third, the committee is
concerned with the Department's decision to locate a second WMD CST in
California, while many states do not have a WMD CST. The committee
believes that each state and territory should be provided with a WMD CST
before additional capabilities are provided to a single state.
The result of this behavior by the Department is that vast areas of
the United States are currently not covered by WMD CSTs. If the
Department had acted swiftly to deploy the 27 teams previously
authorized and appropriated by Congress, the committee would have been
in a position to provide funding for more than five additional teams in
fiscal year 2001. Given the growing terrorist threat to the United
States, the committee is troubled by the lack of urgency on the part of
the Department to fund and field these teams.
Secure mobile anti-jam reliable tactical terminal
The budget request included $48.6 million for the Secure Mobile
Anti-jam Reliable Tactical Terminal (SMART T), the Army's secure,
multi-channel satellite terminal used with the Milstar satellite
communications system. In its report on the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (S. Rept. 106 50), the committee
noted significant developmental problems associated with the SMART T
program and cited a review by the Department of Defense Director of
Operational Test and Evaluation, which concluded that ``. . . the SMART
T is not operationally suitable,'' and which recommended temporary
cessation of production while the Army and the contractor sought to
solve the problems. Unfortunately, significant problems remain and the
Army does not currently believe that these problems can be resolved in
time to award the currently planned production option. SMART T fielding
has been stopped pending the launch of the next Milstar II satellite.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $20.0 million in Army
Other Procurement for SMART T.
Army data distribution system
The budget request included $32.7 million for Army data distribution
system (ADDS) requirements. The committee recognizes the critical role
that the enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS) plays in
supporting Army digitization efforts. Future military operations will
continue to demand more data throughput to meet the demands of a dynamic
and complex battlefield. The Army has identified an opportunity to
improve existing EPLRS systems that will ultimately result in five times
the communications throughput currently available. The committee,
therefore, recommends an increase of $5.3 million to support EPLRS
software development requirements. The committee also notes that
requirements for EPLRS equipment continues to grow as the Army works to
digitize the force. The committee also recommends an increase of $27.3
million to procure 634 EPLRS systems and accelerate efforts to meet the
Army acquisition objective for this system, a total authorization of
$65.3 million for ADDS requirements.
Area common user system modification program
The budget request included $114.0 million for area common user
system (ACUS) modification program requirements. The committee
recognizes and supports ongoing efforts by the Army to digitize the
force and enhance the situational awareness and warfighting
effectiveness of our land forces. The committee notes an outstanding
requirement for warfighter information network down-sized communications
switches, which are mounted on high mobility multipurpose wheeled
vehicles instead of the larger five ton trucks that housed older TTC 39D
switching equipment. Additionally, the Army has additional requirements
for high mobility DGM assemblages (HMDA) to support communications
requirements for reserve component signal battalions. The committee
recommends an increase of $60.0 million to procure 27 down-sized
communications switches and 229 HMDA devices. Additionally, the
committee notes the successful use of TS 21 Blackjack facsimile machines
throughout the force. The committee also recommends an increase of $14.0
million to accelerate the fielding of 2,901 TS 21 Blackjack secure
facsimile machines. The committee recommends a total authorization of
$188.0 million for the ACUS modification program.
Forward area air defense ground based sensor
The budget request included $24.2 million for forward area air
defense (FAAD) ground based sensor (GBS) procurement. The committee
recognizes an outstanding requirement for additional Sentinel systems
necessary to meet operational requirements and
to obtain a minimum economic order quantity. The committee
recommends an increase of $7.3 million, for a total authorization of
$31.5 million, to support Sentinel production requirements and
modifications for these critical systems.
Night vision
The budget request included $34.1 million for Army night vision
devices. The committee has consistently supported night vision
development and fielding efforts in recognition of service focus on
night operations. The committee notes that the Army identified
significant unfunded requirements for night vision devices in fiscal
year 2001. Therefore, the committee recommends the following increases:
(1) $18.1 million to procure 5,000 AN/PEQ 2A and 10,000 AN/PAC 4C
target pointer/aiming lights;
(2) $14.9 million to procure 18,600 AN/PVS 7 night vision
binoculars; and
(3) $15.0 million for 25mm image intensification tubes for AN/PVS 4
and AN/TVS 5 night vision weapon scopes.
The committee recommends a total authorization of $82.1 million for
night vision devices.
Forward area air defense command and control
The budget request included $17.9 million for forward area air
defense (FAAD) command and control (C2) requirements. The committee
recognizes an outstanding requirement to upgrade existing FAAD hardware
and software to meet evolving threat capabilities and operational
requirements and to enable full materiel release of air defense brigade
and higher headquarters prototype FAAD C2 systems. The committee
recommends an increase of $14.3 million to support identified
requirements for additional FAAD C2 hardware and software upgrades
necessary to ensure the full materiel release of prototype systems, a
total authorization of $32.2 million.
Striker-command and control system
The budget request included $19.1 million for the Striker system. The
committee notes the current budget request will only procure 33 Striker
systems, which will result in an inefficient rate of production. The
committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million to procure additional
Striker systems and achieve an economic procurement level, a total
authorization of 27.1 million.
Standard integrated command post system
The budget request included $36.0 million to procure standard
integrated command post systems (SICPS). The committee notes an
opportunity to complete the fielding of these important systems to force
package two units and support critical fielding requirements. The
committee recommends an increase of $17.5 million to procure additional
SICPS, a total authorization of $53.5 million.
Lightweight maintenance enclosure
The budget request included $2.0 million to procure lightweight
maintenance enclosure (LME) units. The committee notes an outstanding
requirement for additional funding for LME units to maintain minimum
sustaining rates (MSR) for production. The committee recommends an
increase of $4.6 million to procure 258 LME units and to meet MSR
requirements, a total authorization of $6.6 million.
Roller, vibratory, self-propelled
The budget request included $4.7 million for self-propelled vibratory
roller systems. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million to
procure 80 vehicles necessary to meet the requirements of Army engineer
units, a total authorization of $9.7 million.
Deployable universal combat earth mover
The budget request included $14.1 million for deployable universal
combat earth movers (DEUCE). The committee recommends an increase of
$7.0 million to procure 18 DEUCE vehicles, a total authorization of
$21.1 million.
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CVNX 1 nuclear aircraft carrier program (sec. 121)
The budget request included $21.9 million for advance procurement and
advance construction of long lead time components for CVNX 1. The
committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Secretary of
the Navy to procure the nuclear aircraft carrier designated CVNX 1, and
enter into a contract for the advance procurement and advance
construction of that ship.
The Navy's long-term plan is to provide full funding for CVNX 1 in
fiscal year 2006. There are a number of castings for the large machinery
associated with an aircraft carrier propulsion plant that have a very
long production lead time. To maintain the schedule for CVNX 1 and
deliver these needed pieces of machinery as required by the construction
sequence, the Navy needs to obligate funds for some of these components
in fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends an authorization of the $22.0
million in advance procurement included in the budget request.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program (sec. 122)
The authorization request included a provision to extend the DDG 51
multiyear procurement authorization contained in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104 208). The
committee recommends a provision that would: (1) authorize the Secretary
of the Navy to extend the 1997 multiyear contract to include the fiscal
year 2004 and fiscal year 2005 DDG 51 procurements; (2) express that it
is the sense of Congress that the most economical rate for procurement
is three ships per year; and (3) direct the Secretary to update the
Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Class Industrial Base Study of 1993 and the
Comptroller General to review this update.
The budget request included $356.8 million for advance procurement
for DDG 51 ships. The committee received information that indicated that
providing $500.0 million in advance procurement funds for DDG 51 would
maximize savings to the taxpayers for procurement of six ships over a
two year period: fiscal years 2002 and 2003.
The Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) shows that the Navy plans to
buy only two DDG 51 destroyers per year over a three year period (fiscal
years 2002 2004) and two destroyers (one DDG 51 and one DD 21) in fiscal
year 2005. The Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Class Industrial Base Study
of 1993 stated that procurement of three destroyers per year could only
sustain the destroyer industrial base if some additional, non-DDG 51
work, were available to each shipbuilder. The study also stated that at
a rate of two ships per year, a very substantial amount of non-DDG 51
work would be required for each shipbuilder and risk to survival of one
or both shipyards could be high.
The Navy testified that a proposal to build two DDG 51 ships per year
would result in potential reductions in shipyard workforces and the
workforce skill mix, and that maintaining the industrial base would be
perilous. The committee concurred with the Navy's assessment regarding
the industrial base at the time of the original study, and does not
believe that the assumptions in that study have changed enough to
invalidate its conclusions for the situation the Navy faces today.
It is clear to the committee that stretching out this procurement
will cause reductions in workforce skill mix that will result in higher
costs for not only the DDG 51 ships, but also for other Navy work in the
shipyards that build DDG 51 ships.
In fact, the budget request shows a dramatic cost increase of between
$60.0 million and $100.0 million per ship when a projected procurement
rate of two DDG 51 ships per year is computed. Therefore, buying six
ships at a rate of two ships per year for three years will cost the
taxpayers between $360.0 and $600.0 million more than buying the same
ships over a two year period. The Navy appears to be willing to pay this
premium in an attempt to partially accommodate the destroyer industrial
base potential problems (as discussed above: three destroyers per year
are required to maintain the industrial base) caused by delaying DD 21
one year.
The destroyer industrial base, which will also be required to build
DD 21, should be maintained while maximizing cost savings to taxpayers
by buying required ships at proven economical rates.
The Navy testified that the current shipbuilding budget is inadequate
to recapitalize at the required rate to provide the number of ships
needed to carry out the National Security Strategy. Therefore, the
committee believes that every opportunity to save scarce ship
construction funds should be considered. The Navy has documented over
$1.4 billion in savings by buying three ships per year under the
multiyear procurement authority provided by Congress. As discussed
above, continuing the proven economical rate of three ships per year and
use of multiyear authority would save additional taxpayer dollars on
this program which the Navy intends to complete.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $143.2 million in
advance procurement for DDG 51 to achieve the maximum savings for the
taxpayer and to relieve some pressure on the underfunded shipbuilding
account in future years.
The additional advance procurement, coupled with the savings to the
taxpayer of buying six ships in two years instead of three years, should
result in procurement of six ships on a two year multiyear contract for
the approximate cost of five ships procured at a lower rate.
Virginia-class submarine program (sec. 123)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for up to a total of five
Virginia -class submarines between fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year
2006. The provision would authorize the Secretary to continue the
shipbuilder teaming arrangement authorized in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105 85). The
provision would also authorize procurement of material in economic order
quantity when cost savings to the taxpayers will result.
The current acquisition and construction strategies for the
procurement of the first four Virginia -class submarines appears to be
yielding positive results to date. However, the two shipbuilders have
not yet completed the critical test of joining sections constructed in
two separate shipbuilder facilities. In addition, the subsystems being
developed by a number of subcontractors require continued oversight
regarding cost and schedule excursions.
The committee notes the importance of the technology insertion
approach of building submarines. This approach provides both the
flexibility and opportunity to forward fit and refresh capabilities.
Administration officials have supported this approach in testimonies
before congressional committees.
Therefore, the provision would require the Secretary of Defense to
submit a report to the congressional defense committees with submission
of the fiscal year 2002 President's budget to include the following:
(1) a plan for maintaining at least 55 attack submarines through
2015, and a plan for achieving a force of 18 Virginia -class submarines
by 2015;
(2) assessments of savings to the program of production rates of two
submarines per year, if that rate were to begin in fiscal year 2004 and
construction were to continue at that rate in fiscal year 2006 and
thereafter; and
(3) an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of alternative
contracting strategies including multiyear procurement and block buy
with economic order quantity.
ADC(X) ship program (sec. 124)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to procure ADC(X)-class ships using the
contracting authority most advantageous to the taxpayer. This ship
program is important because ADC(X)-class ships will replace
the auxiliary vessels that have the oldest average age in the
active fleet.
The Navy intends to require at least two shipyards to construct
ADC(X) class ships. The committee is concerned that this could result in
higher risk in building, which could lead to delays and higher costs.
The committee encourages the Navy to minimize the risks associated with
constructing the ADC(X)-class ships.
Refueling and Complex Overhaul Program of the CVN 69 nuclear
aircraft carrier (sec. 125)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract and commence overhaul of
the CVN 69 nuclear aircraft carrier during fiscal year 2001. The
provision would also authorize the budget request of $703.4 million to
commence the overhaul of CVN 69. The committee concurs with the Navy's
intention to budget for nuclear aircraft carrier overhauls over a two
year period and to commence the overhauls during the first year of
authorization and appropriation of funds for that purpose.
OTHER NAVY PROGRAMS
NAVY AIRCRAFT
Airborne low frequency sonar
The budget request included $162.3 million for the procurement of
four remanufactured SH 60R helicopters. The airborne low frequency sonar
(ALFS) is a subsystem of the SH 60R. ALFS is a helicopter borne low
frequency dipping sonar system that can be rapidly deployed from
aircraft carriers and surface combatants to detect and track submarines
both in blue water and the littorals.
The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million for the
procurement, installation, and spare parts for the ALFS resulting in a
more efficient low rate initial production.
SH 60 helicopters
The budget request included $162.3 million for the procurement of
four remanufactured SH 60R helicopters. The SH 60R remanufacturing scope
includes the airframe, an avionics upgrade, service life extension and
incorporation of engineering change proposals. It represents a
significant improvement, providing the battle group with added
protection in the coastal littorals and in regional conflicts. The Navy
included the procurement of additional SH 60R helicopters on its
unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of
$90.0 million for the procurement of three SH 60R helicopters.
CH 60 helicopters
The budget request included $238.5 million for the procurement of 15
CH 60S helicopters, less $73.4 million in advanced procurement from
prior years. The primary roles of the CH 60S are to conduct vertical
replenishment with external transfer of cargo and internal transfer of
passengers ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and shore-to-ship, and to
conduct day and night search and rescue. The Navy has included the
procurement of additional CH 60S helicopters on its unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $63.0 million
for the procurement of three CH 60S helicopters.
UC 35 aircraft
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of UC 35
medium range operational support aircraft (OSA). The Navy and the Marine
Corps intend to use this aircraft to modernize their OSA fleet. The Navy
will purchase UC 35 aircraft to restore a portion of the capability that
was lost when the Navy retired CT 39 aircraft without replacement. Both
the Navy and the Marine Corps have included the requirement for UC 35
aircraft on their unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an
increase of $48.6 million for the procurement of six UC 35 aircraft,
three each for the Navy and the Marine Corps.
C 40A aircraft
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of C 40A
aircraft, although additional C 40A procurement is scheduled in the
Future Years Defense Program, and is included on the Navy unfunded
requirements list. The C 40A is being procured as a replacement for the
aging C 9 to provide intra-theater logistics essential to maintaining
the readiness of forward-deployed naval forces. Funding has been
provided for five C 40A aircraft to date, with deliveries scheduled to
commence in fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends an increase of
$128.4 million for the procurement of two C 40A aircraft, including
$11.2 million for spare parts.
T 45 aircraft
The budget request included $278.1 million for the procurement of 12
T 45 Goshawk aircraft, less advance procurement of $9.5 million from
prior years. The T 45 Goshawk training system consists of aircraft,
simulators, and academic materials required to train carrier-based naval
aviators. Additional T 45 aircraft are included on the Navy unfunded
requirements list.
The committee is concerned that the current budget request indicates
the Navy may shut down the production line for the T 45 before the
service acquires sufficient aircraft to offset attrition or accommodate
any potential surge in pilot training rate. The committee recommends an
increase of $49.2 million for the procurement of three T 45 aircraft, a
total authorization of $327.3 million.
Joint primary air training system
The budget request included $74.4 million for 21 joint primary air
training system (JPATS) aircraft for the Navy. The Navy has included
additional JPATS aircraft on its unfunded requirements list. The
committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million for the procurement of
three JPATS aircraft for the Navy, a total authorization of $81.4
million.
KC 130J
The budget request included $154.8 million for the procurement of two
KC 130J aircraft. The Marine Corps is facing a shortfall of aerial
refueling aircraft as it uses up the remaining fatigue life of its KC
130F and KC 130R fleet. The Marine Corps has included the procurement of
additional KC 130J aircraft on its unfunded priorities list. The
committee recommends an increase of $74.6 million for the procurement of
one KC 130J aircraft, a total authorization of $229.4 million.
EA 6B aircraft automatic flight control system
The budget request included $203.1 million for modifications for the
EA 6B aircraft. Although the budget request included no funds for
automatic flight control systems (AFCS), a new AFCS for the EA 6B was
included on the Navy unfunded priorities list. A new AFCS is required to
replace the obsolete air navigation computer, and will provide the pilot
with axis stability and attitude, speed, and altitude control. The new
system will also improve reliability and maintainability for the EA 6B,
the only tactical electronic jammer in use by the services. Heavily used
in Operation Allied Force, the EA 6B is a high demand, low density
platform. The committee recommends an increase of $21.0 million for the
procurement of EA 6B AFCS, a total authorization of $224.1 million.
AV 8B precision targeting pod
The budget request included $40.6 million for modifications to the AV
8B aircraft. The budget request included no funding for Litening II
precision targeting pods, although they were included on the Marine
Corps unfunded priorities list. The Litening II is a precision targeting
system which allows the aircraft to acquire targets and deliver
precision munitions. The Marine Corps currently has nine targeting pods
on contract, funded through the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
Operation Allied Force demonstrated a continuing requirement for
precision weapons and aircraft platforms capable of delivering them. The
committee recommends an increase of $79.4 million to procure 47 Litening
II precision targeting pods, a total authorization of $120.0 million in
AV 8B aircraft modifications.
F 18 modifications
The budget request included $212.6 million for modifications to the F
18 aircraft, including $22.7 million for engineering change proposal 583
(ECP 583), which upgrades Marine Corps F/A 18A aircraft to a
configuration with capabilities comparable to Lot 17 F/A 18C aircraft.
This upgrade allows these F/A 18A aircraft to remain viable for use on
the modern battlefield. Acceleration of this upgrade over what is
currently included in the Future Years Defense Program is included in
the Navy unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an
increase of $86.9 million to upgrade 20 F/A 18A aircraft with ECP 583, a
total authorization of $299.5 million.
AH 1W series
The budget request included $9.8 million for AH 1W series aircraft
modifications. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for four
additional night targeting systems (NTS) for reserve component AH 1W
series aircraft. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million,
necessary to complete the last four aircraft upgrades with NTS devices.
The committee recommends a total authorization of $13.8 million for AH
1W series aircraft modifications.
H 1 series
The budget request included $2.6 million for H 1 series aircraft
modifications.
The Marine Corps is fielding AN/AAQ 22 UH 1N navigation thermal
imaging systems (NTIS) to support operational enhancements to fielded
aircraft. The committee supports this effort and believes these
modifications should be completed as soon as practicable. The committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million to procure an additional 28 NTIS
upgrades for UH 1N aircraft.
The Marine Corps plans to begin the induction of existing UH 1N
aircraft into the remanufacturing process which will convert older
aircraft into the future four bladed ``November'' (4BN) configuration.
Due to a shortage of existing aircraft in the operational fleet, the
Marine Corps will have to use aircraft from operating squadrons to start
the contractor conversion program. The committee would prefer to avoid
such an effect on the operating squadrons. The Marine Corps has informed
the committee that there are aircraft currently housed in the aerospace
maintenance and regeneration center (AMARC) that could be used to begin
the conversion process instead. The committee recommends another
increase of $17.5 million to reclaim and convert 14 aircraft from AMARC
necessary to initiate the remanufacturing process without impacting
operational units. The committee, therefore, recommends a total
authorization of $30.1 million for H 1 series modifications.
P 3 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $60.7 million for modifications to the P
3 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $87.2
million in P 3 modifications for two modifications included on the Navy
unfunded priorities list, a total authorization of $147.9 million.
The budget request included $31.6 million for installation of
previously procured anti-surface warfare improvement program (AIP) kits,
along with associated support items, but did not include the procurement
of any additional AIP kits. The AIP modification allows the P 3 to
combat emerging third world, limited operations, surface, subsurface,
and air threats with simultaneous multi-mission capabilities, a
capability proven in Operation Allied Force. The committee recommends an
increase of $44.1 million for the procurement of three P 3 AIP kits.
The budget request included $17.7 million for the P 3C Update III
common configuration program, also known as the block modification
upgrade program (BMUP). This program provides modern processing systems
for the mission computer and acoustics sensors to achieve a common P 3C
configuration with improved performance. The committee recommends an
increase of $43.1 million for the conversion of five aircraft with BMUP
kits.
Tactical aircraft moving map capability
The budget request included $71.6 million for common avionics
changes, but included no funding for installation of the tactical
aircraft moving map capability (TAMMAC) in the F/A 18C/D
aircraft. TAMMAC is a modular hardware and software base
system that helps the aircrew maintain situational awareness by
providing a graphical presentation of the aircraft position and relative
positions of targets, threats, terrain features, planned mission flight
path, no fly zones, safe bases, and other objects. Funding for TAMMAC is
included for the F/A 18C/D in the Future Years Defense Program, and it
is included on the Navy unfunded requirements list. The committee
recommends an increase of $9.3 million to procure 80 TAMMAC units, the
maximum annual rate for F/A 18C/D installations, a total authorization
of $80.9 million for common avionics changes.
NAVY WEAPONS
Joint standoff weapon
The budget request included $171.6 million for the procurement of 636
joint standoff weapons (JSOWs) for the Navy. The JSOW is a precision
air-to-ground glide weapon capable of attacking a variety of fixed area
targets in day, night, and adverse weather conditions. With the
increased emphasis on the use of precision guided munitions demonstrated
in Operation Allied Force, it is necessary to build up inventories of
such weapons for use in contingencies. The committee recommends an
increase of $36.0 million for the procurement of 180 JSOWs, a total
authorization of $207.6 million.
Weapons industrial facilities
The budget request included $21.3 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.
Mark 48 advanced capability torpedo modifications
The budget request included $16.4 million for Mark 48 advanced
capability (ADCAP) torpedo modifications. The Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo is
the primary anti-ship and anti-submarine weapon for the submarine fleet.
However, torpedo modifications are required for effective operations in
the littorals. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million for Mark 48 ADCAP modifications to field this improved
capability in the submarine fleet as soon as possible.
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AMMUNITION
Procurement of ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps
The committee is concerned with continued reports of inadequate
supplies of ammunition for training and war reserves. The Commandant of
the Marine Corps recently identified a requirement for $69.8 million for
ammunition programs, and the Chief of Naval Operations identified a
requirement for $5.0 million for air expendable countermeasures, that
were not included in the fiscal year 2001 budget request. Ammunition is
an important contributor to military readiness--for training and in
anticipation of conflict. The committee recommends the following
adjustments to the budget request for Navy and Marine Corps ammunition
procurement:
Item:
Millions
20 mm
3.0
25 mm
3.5
2.75 Rockets
9.6
MJU 52 Countermeasures
5.0
Subtotal
$21.1
Laser-guided bomb components
The budget request included $63.2 million for the procurement of
general purpose bombs, with $29.2 million for the procurement of
laser-guided bomb components. Laser-guided bombs provide the ability to
conduct precision attacks while minimizing collateral damage. Recent
contingency operations have demonstrated the need for these weapons, and
the Navy has included laser-guided bombs on its unfunded requirements
list to augment critically low inventory levels. Operation Allied Force
highlighted a dramatic increase in the percentage of precision guided
munitions versus unguided munitions. The committee directs the Navy to
create a separate line item for laser-guided bomb components in future
budget submissions. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million for the competitive procurement of additional laser-guided bombs
components, a total authorization of $83.2 million for general purpose
bombs.
Training ordnance
The budget request included $50.6 million for practice bombs. The
Navy unfunded priorities list includes a requirement for additional
laser-guided bombs and associated ordnance to meet critical readiness
and training needs. Recent contingency operations have highlighted a
dramatic increase in the use of
precision weapons. The committee directs the Navy to establish
a separate line item for laser-guided bomb training ordnance in future
budget submissions. The committee recommends an increase of $26.0
million for the procurement of additional laser guided bombs and
associated ordnance to meet critical training and readiness
requirements, a total authorization of $76.6 million for practice bombs.
NAVY SHIPBUILDING AND CONVERSION
Shipbuilding overview
The Navy and Marine Corps are a forward deployed force carrying out
the National Security Strategy of shaping the international environment,
responding to crises, and preparing for an uncertain future. Seventy
percent of the world's population lives within 200 miles of coastline.
The normal operating areas of Navy and Marine Corps forces, referred to
as the littorals, thus have the potential to include numerous future hot
spots around the world.
Navy and Marine Corps forces are an inherently forward deployed and
combat credible expeditionary force engaged daily to influence the
world's security environment and sustain our national security. Navy and
Marine Corps forces do not rely on host country airfields, security, or
lines of communication. Their capabilities range from humanitarian
assistance and strengthening ties with other nations through
international exercises to forcible entry and full scale war.
As was demonstrated in the past year, once forward deployed, Navy and
Marine Corps forces respond immediately without extensive preparation
time to a wide range of national tasks.
The committee has repeatedly received testimony that indicates the
burden of inadequate force structure (ships and submarines) falls
squarely on the shoulders of the men and women in uniform. The testimony
indicates that even at the current fleet size of 316 ships, the Navy and
Marine Corps have been ``. . . stretched too thin.'' Under these
circumstances, it is the people who man the ships that are being asked
to bear a heavier burden to respond to more contingencies than
envisioned when the Quadrennial Defense Review decided that a force of
about 300 ships would be adequate.
In recognition of the long term view that must be taken for
shipbuilding, section 1013 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) required the Secretary of Defense
to submit no later than February 1, 2000, a report on the long-range
shipbuilding requirements of the Department of Defense. The report is
required to include a statement of the ship types and the annual
investment required through 2030.
The Secretary did not submit the report on the date required by law.
Although Congress still waits for the report, the committee received
testimony from a representative of the Congressional Research Service
(CRS) on the various analyses CRS has conducted on supporting Navy force
levels. The CRS analyses concluded that an annual ship procurement
investment of about $10.0 to $12.0 billion and a procurement rate of 8.7
to 10.2 ships per year are required to maintain a fleet of about 300
ships. The CRS estimates did not consider the requirements of, or
resources for, strategic sealift ships which have previously been funded
in the National Defense Sealift Fund.
Navy witnesses concurred with the CRS conclusions on the annual
investment and annual procurement rates required to maintain the fleet.
The committee also agrees with the CRS conclusions, but recognizes that
a $10.0 to $12.0 billion annual investment alone will not ensure the
nation has the ships required to carry out the National Security
Strategy.
The committee recognizes there are a number of different approaches
to funding shipbuilding in the long-term. One approach would be to defer
near-term investment, allow the average age of the force to increase,
and permit a large backlog of ship purchases to accrue. This would match
the pattern of recent years: we have been building ships at a much lower
rate than 8.7 ships per year. However, the committee recognizes that,
for every year that we invest less than $10.0 to $12.0 billion and buy
fewer than 8.7 ships, we will have to invest more than $10.0 to $12.0
billion and buy more than 8.7 ships in a future year. Continuing at
rates that are too low could result in unattainable ship procurement
funding levels and will inevitably increase the burden on our men and
women in uniform.
The committee also recognizes that, in addition to attaining the
required annual investment, the Department of Defense (DoD) should
consider more innovative procedures to ensure shipbuilding procurement
funds are leveraged to attain the most efficient and productive results.
For example, the Navy was persuaded that initiating funding early for
CVN 77 would result in protecting the required worker skill base at the
shipyard and result in savings. These savings were verified by a Rand
Corporation analysis. Multiyear commitment of funding for the DDG 51
program also resulted in over $1.4 billion in savings compared to a
normal annual procurement strategy.
In addition, research and development for shipbuilding programs
provides an opportunity to drastically lower the life-cycle costs of
building, maintaining, and operating ships. Ship research and
development is an investment in not only the required war fighting
characteristics and capabilities, but also the economic feasibility of
operating multi-purpose complex ships.
Therefore, the committee recommends that the DoD take the following
actions to alter current budget practices to leverage scarce ship
procurement funding when economic advantage or beneficial program
stability can be achieved:
(1) include total ownership costs as an explicit independent
variable when determining requirements for all future ship classes;
(2) maximize production efficiencies of economic order quantities
for block buy and multiyear contract opportunities;
(3) maximize use of advance procurement to retain vendor base
efficiencies and critical skill mix learning curve progress; and
(4) budget for auxiliary ships and strategic lift ships in the
National Defense Sealift Fund.
The committee believes that the Navy should use specific criteria in
evaluating the alternative budgeting approaches in items (2) through (4)
above. These criteria are analogous to those specified for evaluating
multiyear procurement programs in section 2306(b) of title 10, United
States Code. These criteria include whether:
(1) the use of such alternative budgeting will result in savings in
total contract costs;
(2) there is reasonable certainty that the need for the program will
not change;
(3) there is reasonable expectation that the Navy will continue to
budget for the program;
(4) the ship design is stable, and the technical risks are not
excessive; and
(5) cost estimates are realistic.
The committee recommends action elsewhere in this report to increase
the new ship procurement funding authorization to achieve potential
savings of $1.1 billion in new ship construction and encourages the DoD
to make the recommended budget process changes. The committee encourages
the administration to submit legislative initiatives that would assist
in leveraging shipbuilding research and development and procurement
funding.
LHD 8 advance procurement
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).
In the statement of managers accompanying the Strom Thurmond National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (H. Rept. 105 736),
Congress authorized $50.0 million for advance procurement of long lead
materials for construction of LHD 8 in lieu of a future service life
extension program for LHA 1. In
addition, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) authorized the procurement and advance
construction of components and authorized $375.0 million for that
purpose as a confirmation that building LHD 8 was preferred to extending
the life of LHA 1.
The Navy and Marine Corps included, as a priority, the $1.2 billion
remaining cost for LHD 8 on their fiscal year 2001 unfunded requirements
priorities list.
The committee realizes that actual cost savings and price will depend
on the final procurement funding profile.
The committee continues to be concerned that the FYDP plan would
cause an unnecessary interruption of learning curve efficiencies and the
loss of long-term vendor pricing economies. However, fiscal year 2001
advance procurement of LHD 8 would accomplish the following:
(1) save taxpayers between $500 and $630 million dollars by
leveraging skilled labor force and vendor base efficiencies resulting
from the continuous LHD construction for the past 16 years;
(2) provide the Marine Corps required warfighting improvements
including landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) carrying capacity, improved
ship stability, and enhanced communications capability;
(3) initiate life-cycle cost improvements for large deck amphibious
ships including gas turbine main propulsion engines; and
(4) take action to address the annual shipbuilding investment
required to maintain about 300 ships, mentioned elsewhere in this
report, by spreading out the recapitalization of the five ships in the
LHA 1 class which will turn 35 years old at a rate of one per year
beginning in fiscal year 2011.
The committee reiterates its direction that the Navy structure any
contract for LHD 8 to maximize these potential savings and to report
same to the Congress. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of
$460.0 million to continue the advance procurement and advance
construction of components for the LHD 8 amphibious ship.
OTHER NAVY PROCUREMENT
AN/WSN 7 inertial navigation system
The budget request included $7.3 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 and provides equipment commonality between
surface combatants, submarines, and aircraft carriers. The annual
operating cost of the AN/WSN 7 is projected to be only 10 percent of the
cost of operating the legacy navigation systems it replaces. Therefore,
accelerated procurement of the AN/WSN 7 could produce a substantial
savings in maintenance costs.
The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million to the budget
request for the procurement and installation of additional AN/WSN 7
navigation sets.
Surveillance and security for military sealift ships
The budget request included no funding for thermal imaging
surveillance and security for military sealift ships. Military sealift
ships may operate independently in high threat areas. Thermal imaging
capabilities could improve the ability of these ships to navigate and
operate in reduced visibility while improving their overall self
protection capabilities. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million for thermal imaging surveillance and security procurement and
installation on Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships.
Integrated condition assessment system
The budget request included $11.3 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. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for
procurement and installation of ICAS equipment for surface ships.
AN/SPS 73(V) surface search radar
The budget request included no funding for procurement and
installation of AN/SPS 73(V) surface search radars which would replace a
number of aging radars on surface ships with one radar. The AN/SPS 73(V)
is a commercial off-the-shelf radar which provides surface ships with a
reliable, lower maintenance and lower life-cycle cost surface search
radar capability. To capture the reliability and life-cycle cost
savings, the Navy is replacing aging surface ship radars with the AN/SPS
73(V). The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million for the
procurement and installation of AN/SPS 73(V) radars.
Side-scanning sonar for forward deployed minesweepers
The budget request included no funding for side-scanning sonar for
forward deployed minesweepers. Commercial off-the-shelf high resolution
side-scanning sonars are available that would enhance the ability of
forward deployed minesweepers to detect and classify sea mines located
on the bottom of the ocean floor. These sonars have been used by Navy
units with great success in locating aircraft wreckage. The Navy's
experience with these sonars provides the basis for developing
operational expertise to apply this technology to the challenging task
of detecting and classifying bottom sea mines.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for the
procurement and installation of a side-scanning sonar in a forward
deployed minesweeper to enhance the ability to detect and classify
bottom mines.
Joint Engineering Data Management and Information Control System
The budget request included no funds for the Joint Engineering Data
Management and Information Control System (JEDMICS), the designated
Department of Defense standard system for management, control and
storage of engineering drawings. This system is designed as an open,
client-server architecture and is nearing full deployment for global
access to the data in its repositories. However, the JEDMICS data
available is not fully accessible to all clients using the joint
technical data environment.
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million for procurement,
integration and accreditation surveys to ensure JEDMICS is fully
compliant with the joint technical data environment.
Aviation life support
The budget request included $20.4 million for aviation life support
equipment. The committee continues to support efforts designed to
improve the ability of Marine Corps flight crews to operate their
aircraft at night by providing the most capable night vision systems
available. The committee recommends an increase of $9.9 million to
procure additional AN/AVS 9 night vision goggles which offer significant
improvements over existing AN/AVS 6 goggles, a total authorization of
$30.3 million.
Gun fire control radar performance improvements
The budget request included $15.6 million for AN/SPQ 9B gun fire
control equipment (GFCE) procurement, installation, and engineering
change proposals. The AN/SPQ 9B radar interface is the primary gun fire
control radar for surface ships. The AN/SPQ 9B GFCE program provides a
low cost product improvement to support both surface and sea skimming
target engagements. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million
to develop and
field engineering change proposals to improve the performance
of the SPQ 9B radar.
Cruiser smart ship
The budget request included $47.9 million for programs referred to as
``smart ship'' programs. Of this amount $22.5 million is for smart ship
equipment procurement and logistics for Ticonderoga-class cruisers.
The Navy's goal in introducing smart ship programs was to leverage
technology to reduce the workload on sailors at sea. Prior year
authorizations of funds for the smart ship program were originally
justified by expectations that hardware and software installation would
enable subsequent manpower reductions. Unfortunately, for the past five
years, program delays and software problems have resulted in little
progress toward achieving the Navy's goal.
The Navy is currently testing version 11 of the software and has
stated that version 12 is required prior to further test and evaluation.
The damage control assistant flooding and counter flooding software
developed by a fleet sailor almost six years ago on a laptop computer
has yet to be introduced as part of the smart ship software for the
fleet.
Installation of smart ship equipment has not yet resulted in any
personnel savings. The Chief of Naval Operations has instituted a policy
which requires a waiting period of one year with smart ship equipment
aboard before the Navy will consider realizing any end strength savings.
The justification for the smart ship program appears to be evolving to a
basis of installing the equipment for a potential reduction of workload
on sailors.
The committee recommends a decrease of $17.5 million for procurement
of smart ship equipment. The committee will assess, during the review of
the fiscal year 2002 budget request, the progress in testing and
development of cruiser smart ship software and the results of the Navy's
Smart Ship Steering Committee (SSSC). The SSSC is attempting to
standardize procurement of hardware, software, and training for surface
combatants, amphibious ships, aircraft carriers, and minesweepers.
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
The budget request included $33.8 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 $4.3 million for the procurement of launcher systems and
decoys to outfit the fleet with this key self-defense equipment.
In addition, the committee recommends an increase of $4.3 million in
the Navy operations and maintenance account for critical training on the
NULKA system.
Civil engineering support equipment
The budget request included $10.5 million for light and medium duty
tactical equipment used mostly by the Naval Construction Force (NCF),
Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF), Naval Beach Group (NBG), and other
special operating units. The light duty tactical vehicles are used for
the movement of personnel and equipment. The medium tactical trucks are
essential for rapid deployment of material to support combat
construction of airfields, landing zones, road battle damage repair and
rapid runway repair.
Heavy use of the equipment to support military and humanitarian
assistance operations during the past decade have heavily strained the
existing inventory of already over-aged civil engineering support
equipment (CESE). The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million
for the procurement of civil engineering support equipment for the Naval
Construction Force.
MARINE CORPS PROCUREMENT
Night vision
The budget request included $14.4 million for Marine Corps night
vision equipment. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for the
improved night/day fire-control observation device (INOD). The committee
recommends an increase of $2.7 million to procure INOD devices for the
Marine Corps, a total authorization of $17.1 million for night vision
devices.
Radio systems
The budget request included $3.1 million for Marine Corps radio
system equipment. The committee notes outstanding requirements for
additional enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS) equipment
necessary to provide network data distribution capabilities and enhance
situational awareness. The committee recommends an increase of $6.4
million for additional EPLRS systems necessary to meet requirements
associated with the acquisition objective, a total authorization of $9.5
million.
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Repeal of requirement for annual report on B 2 bomber
aircraft program (sec. 131)
Since the B 2 bomber is no longer in production, the committee
recommends a provision that would repeal section 112 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (Public Law 101
189; 103 Stat. 1373), as amended by section 141 of Public Law 104 106
(110 Stat. 213).
OTHER AIR FORCE PROGRAMS
AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT
EC 130J
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of EC 130J
aircraft, a high demand, low density asset. The EC 130 is used to
conduct special missions such as psychological operations, civil affairs
radio and television broadcasts, command and control countermeasures,
and limited intelligence gathering. The Air Force is converting the
inventory EC 130 aircraft to the EC 130J configuration. Procurement of
additional EC 130J aircraft is on the Air National Guard unfunded
priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $90.0 million
for the procurement of one EC 130J aircraft.
Joint primary aircraft training system
The budget request included $113.8 million for the procurement of 27
joint primary aircraft training system (JPATS) aircraft. The Air Force
has requested additional JPATS aircraft on its unfunded requirements
list. The committee recommends an increase of $18.9 million for the
procurement of seven JPATS aircraft, a total authorization of $132.7
million.
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
The budget request included no funding for advanced procurement of a
16th E 8C Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)
aircraft or shutdown of the production line. Funding for either advance
procurement or line shutdown was, however, included in the Air Force's
unfunded requirements list.
JSTARS provides target information for pairing direct attack aircraft
and standoff weapons against selected targets. JSTARS successfully
supported Operation Allied Force. General Wesley Clark, Commander in
Chief, Europe, in testimony before the Committee on Armed Services of
the Senate, stated that if he were able to have more of anything in
support of this operation, it would have been another JSTARS.
The last Quadrennial Defense Review, however, recommended the Air
Force inventory objective of JSTARS be reduced from 19 to 13, with the
understanding that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would
acquire four to six aircraft. This NATO acquisition did not materialize,
and the budget request is for the 15th JSTARS aircraft.
The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $46.0 million, to
be used, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, either for: (1)
long lead funding for aircraft number 16, if the Department requests
funding for a 16th JSTARS aircraft in the fiscal year 2002 budget
request; or (2) production line shutdown and last lot costs.
B 52H aircraft modifications
The budget request included $8.4 million for modifications to the B
52H aircraft. The budget request included no funding for ALQ 172
self-protection electronic countermeasures. The Air Force has included
continued procurement of self-protection electronic countermeasure
equipment for the B 52 on its unfunded requirements list. The committee
recommends an increase of $12.0 million in aircraft procurement, Air
Force, for the ALQ 172 electronic countermeasures improvement program
for the B 52H aircraft, a total authorization of $20.4 million.
A 10 aircraft integrated flight and fire control computer
The budget request included $33.9 million for modifications to the A
10 aircraft, but included no funds for procurement of the integrated
flight and fire control computer (IFFCC). Although development of this
capability is to be complete in fiscal year 2001, production funding
would commence in fiscal year 2002 in the Future Years Defense Program.
The IFFCC provides the processing power that handles fire control,
flight control, digital terrain system, data link management,
situational awareness, and cockpit control and display management. The A
10 IFFCC is included on the Air Force unfunded priorities list. The
committee recommends an increase of $11.2 million for the procurement
and fielding of IFFCCs for the A 10 aircraft, a total authorization of
$45.1 million.
F 15 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $258.2 million for modifications to the F
15 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $74.9
million, a total authorization of $333.1 million. Both increases
recommended by the committee are included on the Air Force unfunded
priorities list.
The budget request included $37.3 million for upgrading F 15 engines
from the F100 PW 100 to the F100 PW 220E configuration. This upgrade
would significantly improve the reliability and maintainability of the
engine, and has reduced the unscheduled engine removal rate by 35
percent. Procurement savings are achievable by accelerating this
program. The committee recommends an increase of $48.0 million for
additional F 15 engine upgrades.
The budget request did not include any funding for the procurement of
BOL chaff and flare systems or countermeasures for the F 15 aircraft.
The committee understands that the BOL countermeasure system is being
evaluated under a foreign comparative test program, and that the system
has been successfully integrated on other tactical aircraft. The
committee recommends an increase of $26.9 million for the procurement of
BOL systems and countermeasures for the F 15 aircraft.
F 16 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $248.8 million for modifications to the F
16 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $119.5
million in F 16 modifications, a total authorization of $368.3 million.
The committee also recommends a series of increases to address the
fact that the budget request included no funding for other F 16 aircraft
modifications. Each of these items were included on an Air Force or Air
National Guard unfunded priority list.
The digital terrain system includes precise navigation capabilities
and a ground collision avoidance system designed to prevent mishaps. The
committee recommends an increase of $16.5 million for the digital
terrain system. The committee understands that this amount of funding
was removed from the budget request late in the cycle, so recommended
offsets for this increase have been taken from other Air Force programs.
Precision targeting pods are the number one unfunded requirement for
the Air National Guard. The committee recommends an increase of $34.0
million for the procurement of precision targeting pods.
Compared to other F 16 block aircraft, the thrust of the block 42 is
relatively low. For this reason, block 42 F 16 aircraft have not been
used in combat. The committee recommends an increase of $69.0 million
for the retrofit of Air National Guard block 42 F 16 aircraft with F100
PW 229 engines.
C 17 simulator
The budget request included $97.1 million for modifications to the C
17 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $26.4
million for C 17 aircraft modifications, a total authorization of $123.5
million.
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of another
C 17 cockpit system simulator. Procurement of an additional cockpit
system simulator is necessary to meet projected aircrew training
requirements, and the Air Force has included the procurement of this
simulator on its unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an
increase of $14.9 million for the procurement of a C 17 cockpit system
simulator.
The budget request included no funding for the C 17 aircraft
maintenance systems trainer (AMST), for which $3.5 million in long lead
funding was provided in fiscal year 2000. The committee recommends an
increase of $11.5 million to complete procurement of the C 17 AMST.
Defense airborne reconnaissance program aircraft modifications
The budget request included $165.5 million for modifications to
defense airborne reconnaissance program aircraft. The budget request
included no funding for the procurement of Senior Year electro-optic
reconnaissance system (SYERS) equipment. The committee recommends an
increase of $3.0 million for the procurement of SYERS equipment, a total
authorization of $168.5 million.
ALE 50 towed decoys
The budget request included $43.0 million for war consumables, with
$32.3 million dedicated to the procurement of ALE 50 towed decoys. The
ALE 50 is a low cost radio frequency countermeasure that provides
increased survivability against semi-active guided missile threats. This
countermeasure was credited with saving aircraft and lives during
Operation Allied Force. Additional procurement of the ALE 50 is included
on the Air Force unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an
increase of $46.2 million for the procurement of additional ALE 50 towed
decoys, a total authorization of $89.2 million for war consumables.
Compass Call
The budget request included $398.5 million for other production
charges for the Air Force. Compass Call is the premier tactical airborne
information warfare platform. In fiscal year 1993, funding for the block
30 Compass Call mission simulator was cut, and there is no training
system fielded for the current configuration. Key Compass Call program
content was lost in fiscal year 1999 due to Operation Allied Force
costs, which were absorbed out of existing budget authority. Compass
Call block 35 improved frequency coverage has been reduced. The
committee, therefore, recommends increases of $23.7 million for the
procurement of a Compass Call mission training system for block 30/35
aircraft and $4.1 million to provide a technology upgrade to the
acquisition subsystem of Compass Call block 35, a total authorization of
$426.3 million. Both of the increases recommended by the committee are
included on the Air Force unfunded priorities list.
Defense airborne reconnaissance program
The budget request included $98.4 million for the procurement of
equipment for the defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), of
which, $85.1 million was for equipment for the joint signals
intelligence avionics family (JSAF). The committee understands this does
not fully outfit the first U 2 aircraft with a complete JSAF unit. The
committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in Aircraft
Procurement, Air Force, for the procurement of additional JSAF equipment
for the U 2 aircraft.
AIR FORCE MISSILE
Global Positioning System
The budget request included $210.3 million in Missile Procurement,
Air Force, and $250.2 in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation,
Air Force, for the Global Positioning System (GPS). The committee has
recently received an amended budget request for the GPS system that
reflects the Air Force's GPS modernization plan. The committee supports
this effort. In order to properly align funds according to the amended
budget request, the committee recommends a decrease of $30.3 million in
Missile Procurement, Air Force, and an increase of $10.7 million in PE
35165F.
Titan space boosters
The budget request included $469.7 million for procurement of Titan
IV space boosters. Based on current projections, it appears that the
Titan IV program may not require this full amount to execute its fiscal
year 2001 requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease
of $10.0 million in Air Force Missile Procurement for Titan space
boosters.
Medium launch vehicle
The budget request included $55.9 million for Medium Launch Vehicle
(MLV) procurement. As a result of the Department of Defense's Global
Positioning System (GPS) modernization plan, the Air Force now plans to
delay a number of GPS block IIR launches. This delay reduces the
procurement funding requirement for MLV during fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.0 million in Air
Force Missile Procurement funds for MLV.
AIR FORCE AMMUNITION
Procurement of ammunition, Air Force
The budget request included $11.5 million for the procurement of 2.75
inch rockets for the Air Force. The committee is concerned with
continued reports of inadequate supplies of ammunition for training and
war reserves. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force recently identified a
requirement for $211.0 million for high priority munition programs,
including 2.75 inch rockets, that were not included in the fiscal year
2001 budget request. Ammunition is an important contributor to military
readiness--for training and in anticipation of conflict. Therefore, the
committee recommends an additional $28.0 million for 2.75 inch rockets.
OTHER AIR FORCE PROCUREMENT
Combat training ranges
The budget request includes $26.0 million for procurement of
equipment for combat training ranges, of which $18.4 million is for
advanced threat upgrades. Realistic simulation of threats in training
increases the survivability of our aircraft and aircrews in actual
combat situations. The committee understands there are competing systems
to fill the Air Force requirement for advanced threat emitters. The
committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million to procure additional
advanced threat emitters for its combat training ranges, a total
authorization of $46.0 million.
Night vision goggles
The budget request included $2.8 million for the procurement of night
vision goggles (NVGs) and associated test equipment for aircrew,
maintenance, and security personnel. There is a shortage of this
equipment, and the Air Force has included procurement of additional NVGs
on its unfunded priority list. The committee recommends an increase of
$8.0 million for the procurement of additional NVGs and associated test
equipment, a total authorization of $10.8 million.
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Advanced SEAL delivery system design enhancements
The budget request included $33.5 million for the Advanced SEAL
Delivery System (ASDS) Program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.3 million in the Defense Wide Procurement, Special Operations
Command, ASDS account to fund design enhancements required to implement
necessary changes and enhancements on subsequent ASDS production
vehicles.
ASDS design enhancement costs are estimated to be $10.0 million.
Special Operations Command has funded $6.8 million of ASDS design costs
with savings in its ongoing ASDS developmental testing program. Full
funding of these design enhancements could result in a $10.0 million
reduction in procurement unit cost for the remaining five ASDS vehicles.
The statement of managers accompanying the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (H. Rept. 106 301) required the
Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command (CINCSOCOM) to
report on various aspects of the ASDS program, including whether the
program should be elevated to a major acquisition program. The CINCSOCOM
provided a report on technical aspects of the ASDS program, but failed
to address whether the program had been reviewed by the Department of
Defense (DOD), and why the program was not elevated to the category of a
major defense acquisition. The committee expects the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to provide a report
explaining why he decided not to elevate this program to a higher level
of review, as was required.
Special operations forces small arms and support equipment
The budget request included $11.8 million for Special Operations
Forces (SOF) Small Arms and Support Equipment, but did not include
funding to continue procurement of SOF Body Armor Load Carriage System,
the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet, or the SOF Peculiar
Modifications to the M 4 Carbine. The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Special
Operations Command (CINCSOCOM), identified procurement of this improved
body armor, improved helmets, and special modifications to individual
weapons, as his highest set of priority unfunded requirements for fiscal
year 2001. The committee has followed developments in this area closely
and is encouraged that equipment that will enhance the survivability,
flexibility, and precision of our special operations forces is now
available for general procurement.
The committee understands this equipment has been rigorously tested
and fielded to some SOF elements. The committee applauds the efforts of
CINCSOCOM to field this important equipment to all SOF operators. The
committee recommends an increase of $21.7 million for SOF Small Arms and
Support Equipment to be distributed as follows: $4.9 million for SOF
Body Armor Load Carriage System; $4.7 million for SOF Modular Integrated
Communications Helmet; and $12.1 million for SOF Peculiar Modifications
to the M 4 Carbine. This represents approximately one-half of the
funding requested by CINCSOCOM to fully equip all SOF operators. The
committee further directs that CINCSOCOM fully evaluate the suitability
of this equipment for all SOF operators across the wide spectrum of
activities conducted by SOCOM and report back to the defense committees
of Congress his assessment of the suitability of these enhancements for
all SOF operational elements and any recommendations for improvements to
meet the unique needs of the various, diverse operational elements of
SOCOM. Upon receipt of such an assessment, the committee would consider
additional authorizations to complete procurement of this equipment for
all SOF operators.
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Enhancement Kits
The budget request included no funding for Nuclear, Biological, and
Chemical (NBC) Defense Enhancement Kits. The Marine Corps continues to
require the development of NBC force protection training and equipment
support packages for deploying Marine Expeditionary Units. The NBC
Defense Enhancement Kits will provide equipment to on-scene leaders to
allow for isolation of NBC contaminated areas, agent detection and
identification, and decontamination. The Marine Corps has a requirement
for thirteen NBC kits; nine kits have been procured. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.5 million in the Chemical and Biological
Defense Program for four NBC Defense Enhancement Kits to complete the
planned acquisition.
Communications assistance for law enforcement act
The budget request included $120.0 million for the Telecommunications
Carrier Compliance Fund, which was created as a result of the
Communications assistance for law enforcement act of 1994. The committee
is concerned that this may represent an inappropriate first step by the
Department of Defense towards involvement in placing wiretaps on
communications system of American citizens. Court-authorized wiretaps
are, and should remain, the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $120.0 million to the
budget request for this activity.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Pueblo Chemical Depot chemical agent destruction
technologies (sec. 141)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide for the
destruction of the stockpile of lethal chemical agents at the Pueblo
Chemical Depot either by incineration or any technology demonstrated by
the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment on or before May 1, 2000.
Residents and leaders of communities surrounding the Pueblo Chemical
Depot continue to voice concerns about delays in the destruction of
chemical agents at the Pueblo depot and the attendant risk to community
safety. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has reported on several
occasions about the risk associated with the prolonged storage of
chemical agents and munitions. According to the NAS, this risk increases
significantly with time.
Approximately eight percent of the total U.S. chemical weapons
inventory is stored at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado. Community
leaders have expressed support for the baseline incineration method and
the technologies developed through the Assembled Chemical Weapons
Assessment program. This provision is intended to expedite destruction
activities utilizing one of these technologies at the Pueblo Chemical
Depot in the interest of community safety.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Acquisition programs at the National Security Agency
There are substantial challenges facing the National Security Agency
(NSA) as it seeks to modernize its operations and infrastructure. The
United States has relied on the NSA for vital information in the past,
and will need a significant contribution from NSA as we face the new
demands of the future.
The committee believes that the Director of the NSA is making
significant progress in making fundamental reform within the agency. The
committee encourages the Director to continue this important process.
Although the Director has indicated the need to improve the
acquisition process, the committee has become concerned that the current
acquisition management procedures may not provide sufficient structure,
accountability, or visibility for these important programs.
The committee directs that NSA and the Department of Defense manage
the current NSA modernization effort as though it were a major defense
acquisition program, as defined in section 2430 of title 10, United
States Code. The committee does not intend that these programs be merged
into a single contracting vehicle, rather these programs should be
elevated to a higher level of review to ensure that the overall
modernization effort receives appropriate review and management
attention within the Office of
the Secretary of Defense. Further discussion of this issue is
included in the classified annex to this report.
Army aviation
The committee has been very pleased with Army efforts over the last
year to revise outdated and incomplete aviation modernization plans. The
committee applauds the outstanding efforts of active Army, Army National
Guard, and Army Reserve leaders to establish a plan that will ultimately
result in a seamless force of modernized aircraft. The most significant
action taken will be that of retiring legacy UH 1 Huey and AH 1 Cobra
aircraft by fiscal year 2004 and replacing these aircraft with UH 60
Blackhawks. Most of these aircraft, largely found in the reserve
components, have reached the end of their useful life and must be
retired as soon as practicable. The revised modernization plan will
result in an aviation force structure that is common across both active
and reserve components, will reduce the number of rotary wing platforms
from seven to four, and will facilitate crew rotation requirements for
the broad range of missions that will challenge the Army over the next
decade.
The committee still has serious questions about the ability of the
Army to fund some of the critical requirements in the revised plan. In
fact, despite congressional direction that the Secretary of the Army to
fully fund the revised plan, the Army plan remains underfunded by at
least $400.0 million each year.
C 5 aircraft upgrades
In testimony before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management
Support in March, 2000, the Secretary of the Air Force stated that the
decision regarding the priority for upgrade of the C 5As or the newer C
5Bs was pending the results of the outsized and oversized cargo portion
of the larger Joint Chiefs of Staff mobility requirements study 05 (MRS
05). The Air Force budget documentation, however, clearly indicates a
schedule for upgrade of the C 5Bs before C 5As. The budget documentation
also includes a plan to continue kit development options for two
aircraft. The committee is concerned that the Air Force will upgrade the
newer C 5Bs to optimize strategic airlift operational readiness rates in
the near-term, with severe effects on the overall airlift force
readiness in the not-too-distant future. This is one of several key
decisions being delayed pending the results of MRS 05. Section 1034 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 required the
Secretary of Defense to submit a report based on MRS 05 to the
congressional defense committees by February 15, 2000. The Secretary of
Defense has asked for an extension of this requirement until September
30, 2000. The committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit
a report by February 15, 2001, which contains the analysis to support
the Air Force recommendation on sequence of C 5 aircraft upgrades based
on the lift requirements outlined in MRS 05. The kit development efforts
for the two aircraft should be for one C 5A and one C 5B. The analysis
should project lift capabilities for ten years based on most likely
operational readiness rates under the scenario of upgrading the C 5As
before the C 5Bs and under the scenario of upgrading the C 5Bs before
the C 5As.
Electronic digital compass system
The committee continues to support the Army digitization effort,
which will establish a tactical internet for enhanced situational
awareness. The output from the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver
on Army combat and tactical vehicles is key to the knowledge of friendly
positions. GPS is generally an effective device, but has its
limitations, such as susceptibility to blockages from terrain and
foliage, enemy electronic countermeasures, including jamming,
constellation misalignments, and multi-path errors. The committee is
concerned that there is currently no backup to GPS, other than the
enhanced position location reporting system, to ensure that critical
situational awareness inputs to the tactical internet are not
interrupted. This backup could be improved at modest cost by an
electronic digital compass system, which can also provide steer-to
navigation capabilities. The committee directs the Secretary of the Army
to provide a report assessing the utility and costs involved in
integrating and procuring electronic digital compass systems for combat
and tactical vehicles of the first digitized division and the digitized
corps.
Single channel ground and airborne radio system
The committee is aware of outstanding requirements for additional
single channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) to provide
necessary voice and data communications for a small number of Army
National Guard units that are still operating with earlier generation
equipment. The committee recognizes plans within the Department of
Defense to begin an acquisition program that will procure the next
generation joint tactical radio system. Unfortunately, these radios will
not be available in the near-term and there are still units in the Army
that must be modernized. The committee encourages the Army to review the
plans and programs associated with communications fielding requirements
and identify alternatives that will meet outstanding requirements as
soon as practicable.
Soldier's portable on-system repair tool
For the last several years, the committee has monitored the fielding
of the soldier's portable on-system repair tool (SPORT) and is aware
that the current contract will expire in fiscal year 2001. SPORT is the
on-system tester designed to augment the built-in test equipment of all
major Army weapon systems, including the M1 Abrams, the M2 Bradley, the
UH 60 Blackhawk, the Paladin, and the multiple launch rocket system. In
addition, SPORT has served as a significant maintenance diagnostic tool
for many other Army systems. The committee is concerned that any
interruption in the fielding of SPORT could have a significant impact on
overall readiness. The committee directs the Army to review outstanding
requirements for SPORT equipment, identify an acquisition strategy
designed to meet those requirements, and provide the Congress with a
report on that strategy.
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
Explanation of tables
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2001 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.
[Graphic Image Not Available]
SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Fiscal year 2002 joint field experiment (sec. 211)
The committee has worked closely with the Secretary of Defense and
the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) to develop a credible,
comprehensive joint experimentation program. The creation of the U.S.
Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) on October 1, 1999, with an
organizational element dedicated to joint experimentation,
institutionalized this process. The committee has noted, with great
interest, the strides made by USJFCOM in implementing this program.
The committee is encouraged that a joint experimentation program has
been established, but was disappointed to learn that the first fully
planned, joint field experiment is not scheduled until fiscal year 2004.
While the need to carefully build this program is appreciated, this has
to be balanced against the need for urgency. Many of the transformation
concepts being explored by the respective services will have evolved
considerably by 2004, without the benefit of experimentation and
evaluation within a joint war fighting context.
The committee is concerned that familiar problems continue to plague
joint operations. Many of the lessons learned in the recent Kosovo
operation were noted in previous military operations. Combatant
commanders continue to appear before the committee with recurring
concerns, including: incompatible command and control; interoperability
problems; no combat identification standard; insufficient strategic
lift; insufficient intelligence assets (intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance); and inadequate theater-level force protection
capabilities. While efforts appear to be underway to correct these
deficiencies, questions are continuously raised regarding the priority
and urgency assigned to these requirements, and the absence of a
detailed, defense-wide strategy to guide transformation of our forces.
Therefore, the committee directs that the Secretary of Defense plan
in fiscal year 2001 and conduct in fiscal year 2002, a joint field
experiment focused on exploring the most critical war fighting
challenges at the operational level of war which will confront U.S.
joint military forces. This experiment should incorporate elements of
all military services and special operations forces. In addition, the
Secretary of Defense is directed to ensure that each military service
and U.S. Special Operations Command participate with elements
representative of their future force concepts, e.g., Air Force
Expeditionary Aerospace Force, Army medium-weight brigades, and Navy
Forward
from the Sea vision. The committee sees merit in each of these
individual service initiatives, and believes that combining these
concepts in a joint context has potential for improving our military
capabilities, individually and collectively. The committee directs the
services to adjust their fiscal year 2001 planning activities and fiscal
year 2002 experimentation activities to accommodate participation in
this experiment and evaluation of capabilities. The committee recommends
an increase of $6.0 million in PE 63727N to accomplish the necessary
planning and preparation for this joint experiment in fiscal year 2001.
The committee expects the Department of Defense (DOD), the military
departments and USJFCOM to include adequate funding in the fiscal year
2002 budget request to properly conduct this experiment.
The Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on DOD War
Fighting Transformation, published in August 1999, observed that there
is no comprehensive DOD-wide strategy and road map for a coordinated
transformation of our armed forces and that there are no apparent
standards to measure progress. The committee recommends that the
Secretary use the opportunity presented by this joint field exercise to
accomplish the following: collect the data that will enable a more
specific description of the desired attributes of the objective joint
forces for Joint Vision 2010; establish the standards to measure
progress; and establish achievable, affordable milestones.
Nuclear aircraft carrier design and production modeling (sec. 212)
The budget request included $38.3 million in PE 64567N for aircraft
carrier contract design. The committee recommends a provision that would
authorize the Navy to convert nuclear aircraft carrier design to a
three-dimensional, computer based system. The budget request did not
include funds specifically designated for this effort. However, minimal
conversion of paper designs has occurred from funds designated for
aircraft carrier research and development and shipbuilding and
conversion. The Navy conversion effort thus far has proven to be
cost-effective in saving taxpayer dollars.
The Navy intends to develop a three-dimensional product model for
portions of CVNX 1. The committee also understands that the Navy intends
to build certain sections of CVN 77 that will be major new designs
derived from the CVN 76 baseline. The Navy recently made the decision
that CVNX hulls will be based on the Nimitz-class hull design. Because
of this decision, it may now be possible to achieve cost savings in
designing, constructing, and modifying CVNX and sections of CVN 77
through use of a computer-aided design and product model. Such a product
model might also be beneficial in supporting the Nimitz class ships in
the fleet.
Major new construction shipbuilding programs, including the Flight
IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the Virginia-class submarine, and the
San Antonio-class amphibious ship, using the three-dimensional,
computer-based product models have resulted in over $184.0 million
savings. The Navy predicts that additional savings will continue to
accrue throughout the life cycle of the ships when they are repaired and
modified. These product models were developed and funded through the
ship class' research and development and construction funds.
The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64567N to
develop an electronic product model of the CVNX 1 and applicable
sections of CVN 77 nuclear aircraft carrier design. The committee also
directs the Navy to provide an analysis of the potential costs and
benefits of extending this product model effort for use in supporting
the Nimitz-class ships in the fleet.
DD 21 class destroyer program (sec. 213)
The budget request included $549.7 million for research and
development for DD 21, the Navy's new destroyer program. The committee
recommends authorization of the budget request for fiscal year 2001 and
fully supports the DD 21 as the future destroyer required to replace
Spruance-class destroyers and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. The
committee concurs that the administration's research and development
budget request is required to attain a fiscal year 2005 start of
construction and that additional resources would most likely be required
for a fiscal year 2004 construction start.
While the committee fully supports DD 21, the committee has not been
provided adequate explanation of the following issues:
(1) the advisability of delaying the initial operational capability
for three years;
(2) maintaining key capabilities required for completion of the
mission of DD 21;
(3) the need for a one year delay in the start of construction of DD
21;
(4) the requirement for extending the construction performance
period by two years; and
(5) the inclusion of all life-cycle maintenance in a non-competitive
life-of-the-ship contract award.
DELAYING THE INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY
It would appear that the Navy has given a lower priority to the
mission of DD 21, providing ordnance on target to influence the events
ashore (land attack), than that of building a technologically superior
ship in the first hull. The one year
delay in the DD 21 program without analysis of technology
insertion approaches, successful in previous ship procurement programs
and presently being used in the CVN(X) and the Virginia-class attack
submarine programs, requires additional explanation.
While Marine Corps witnesses testified that the two 155 millimeter
guns on the DD 21 would be the first at-sea system to fully meet the
Marine Corps requirements for fire support since decommissioning of the
battleships, Navy witnesses did not provide information regarding the
risks to the Marines caused by the one year delay in commencing
construction and two year delay in delivery of the first DD 21.
MAINTAINING KEY CAPABILITIES
The Marine Corps has stated a requirement that all naval surface fire
support weapon systems be easily sustainable via underway replenishment.
The Navy apparently intends to provide the surface fire support with
options that includes both gun-fired 155 millimeter ammunition and land
attack missiles. The committee understands that the Navy is working with
the contractor teams to specify underway replenishment requirements and
fully supports the continued refinement of capabilities. The committee
encourages the Navy to fully involve the Marine Corps with the review of
requirements which affect Marine Corps concepts of operations including
whether the land attack missile at-sea resupply requirement is valid for
the DD 21.
ONE YEAR DELAY
The Navy has consistently emphasized the need for a destroyer which
has lower procurement and operating costs than the present fleet of
destroyers and frigates. In attempting to bring such a ship to reality,
the Navy determined that manning the ship was the main cost driver in
operating the ship. To reduce manning requirements, the Navy challenged
two industry teams to develop a new destroyer design which would reduce
total ownership cost. The Navy directed the two teams to include in
their design proposal justification of the requirement for each member
of the crew and consideration of the life-of-the-ship cost of
maintaining each piece of equipment when determining what equipment
would be included in their design.
Without the advantage of analysis, the Navy set a goal of a 95 person
crew and a threshold of a 150 person crew. Consequently, the focus of
design and scheduling efforts for the land attack destroyer, thus far,
appear to have been on manning and total operating costs. Again,
apparently without a thorough analysis, the Navy determined that the
design teams could not produce a design which met the 95 person crew and
life cycle costs criteria in time to commence construction in fiscal
year 2004, the time frame both teams had been working toward. This
determination resulted in the Navy submitting a Future Years Defense
Program for DD 21 which would delay commencing construction of the first
DD 21 for one year (from fiscal year 2004 to fiscal year 2005).
EXTENDING THE CONSTRUCTION PERFORMANCE PERIOD
The Navy determined that the original five year performance period
(fiscal year 2004 through fiscal 2008) for building the first DD 21
would result in unacceptable risk for successful completion of the
program. Therefore, the Navy budget supports a two year delay in the
delivery of DD 21 (from fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year 2010).
NON-COMPETITIVE AWARD OF LIFE-OF-THE-SHIP MAINTENANCE
The Navy intends to build 32 DD 21 land attack destroyers to replace
the aging Spruance-class (DD 963) and Oliver Hazard Perry-class (FFG 7)
destroyers. The Navy has discussed the possibility of awarding the
winner of the phase II design competition not only the contract to build
the first DD 21, but also a contract to provide life-cycle support for
all DD 21 ships. The estimated value of a full support contract that
includes all ship maintenance for the life of all DD 21 ships would be
greater than the contract value for building all 32 ships. If such a
maintenance contract were awarded, the winner of the full service
support contract could be in a position to determine the ship repair
contractors in fleet concentration areas that would be permitted to
repair DD 21 ships. The committee believes that this could be a
troubling divestiture to a contractor of what is inherently a government
function. In addition, the committee is concerned that awarding a full
service support contract for maintenance of DD 21 may reduce the
flexibility of the operational fleet commanders to maintain all the
fleet ships based on a prioritization of overall fleet maintenance
requirements.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision which would:
(1) authorize the Secretary of the Navy to pursue a technology
insertion approach to DD 21 that would commence construction of the
first DD 21 in fiscal year 2004 followed by a fiscal year 2009 delivery;
(2) express the sense of Congress that there are compelling reasons
to commence DD 21 in fiscal year 2004 followed by sequential
construction of DD 21 destroyers until a total of 32 are built, and that
the Secretary should consider the following when making his decisions
regarding DD 21 procurement:
(a) the Marine Corps requires fire support which the Navy will be
unable to provide until the DD 21 155 millimeter guns are introduced in
the fleet;
(b) a technology insertion approach has been successful for other
ship construction programs and is being used in the CVN(X) aircraft
carrier and Virginia-class submarine programs;
(c) a stable configuration for the first 10 ships of the class could
help ensure the greatest capabilities are provided at the lowest cost;
and
(d) action to acquire DD 21 destroyers should be taken as soon as
possible to realize fully the cost savings of construction and operation
of DD 21 class destroyers when compared to construction and operation of
other classes of destroyers;
(3) direct the Secretary to submit a report not later than April 18,
2001, on a plan, including the resources required, for pursuing a
technology insertion approach to DD 21; and
(4) direct the Secretary of Defense to submit a report not later
than April 18, 2001, that discusses the following:
(a) the technical feasibility of commencing DD 21 construction in
fiscal year 2004 with a delivery date in fiscal year 2009. For this
section of the report, the committee suggests input by an independent
entity, such as the Defense Science Board;
(b) an analysis of various contracting strategies for acquiring the
first 10 ships of the DD 21 class;
(c) the effects on the destroyer industrial base and on the costs of
other shipbuilding programs of delaying constructing the first DD 21
until fiscal year 2005, and of delaying the construction of the second
DD 21 destroyer until 2007; and
(d) the effects on fleet maintenance strategies and on commercial
maintenance facilities in fleet concentration areas of awarding a
shipbuilding contractor team a maintenance contract which includes all
maintenance actions above ships force and below depot maintenance
levels.
The committee fully supports the DD 21 program and recognizes the
difficulty the Navy faces in instituting an acquisition strategy that
emphasizes private sector flexibility in meeting general Navy
requirements for a complicated ship.
The committee encourages the Navy and the DD 21 program office to
make maximum use of the expertise and facilities resident in Navy field
activities for analysis, test, and evaluation of private sector
proposals and designs.
F 22 aircraft program (sec. 214)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the F 22
program engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) cost cap by one
percent, funds for which could only be obligated for testing
requirements approved by the Defense Acquisition Executive and the
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. This provision will add a
cushion to the development phase, as it nears completion, to ensure
adequate testing has been accomplished. The Defense Acquisition
Executive and the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, would share
the responsibility for ensuring that the expenditure of any funds above
the EMD cost cap would be for testing purposes only.
The performance of the F 22, in testing to date, has been impressive.
When introduced as the Air Force's air dominance fighter, it will be far
and away the best fighter aircraft in the world. A comprehensive test
program now is required to prevent costly retrofits later.
The budget request included $2.2 billion to commence low rate initial
production of 10 F 22 Raptor aircraft, $396.2 million for advance
procurement items for 16 more aircraft in fiscal year 2002, and $1.4
billion in PE 64239F for continuing F 22 EMD. The Director of
Operational Test and Evaluation has voiced concern that the
congressionally mandated cost cap for the EMD Phase may drive the Air
Force to reduce too much content from the F 22 test program. The
committee echoes this concern.
The EMD and production cost caps were established by the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998. This action was taken
after the Air Force canceled the manufacture of four pre-production
verification aircraft and slowed aircraft production, transferring $2.2
billion from procurement to cover an EMD overrun. The purpose of the
cost caps was to force the program to exercise a greater degree of
fiscal discipline. In testimony before the AirLand Subcommittee, the Air
Force has given the caps credit for exacting this discipline on both the
government and the contractor teams. In its latest annual report on the
F 22 program, the General Accounting Office concluded that: ``the F 22
development program could still be managed within its cost limitation,''
but ``[s]hould further significant cost increases materialize, the
development program may need to be scaled back, or other ways may need
to be found to reduce the costs.''
In the past year, the F 22 program has implemented two structural
fixes: the forward aft tail boom and a structural member in the
flaperon. These occurrences are normal in any development program, but
because flight testing constitutes the majority of the remaining EMD
efforts, funding for fixing these occurrences is more difficult to find
without reducing testing effort. The committee is concerned that if the
program were to be scaled back due to cost increases in other areas, it
would be testing that would be cut. The Air Force has already announced
that testing efficiencies have enabled it to reduce the actual flight
test hours from 4,337 hours to 3,757 hours. It is not the committee's
intent to prevent the service from finding further testing efficiencies,
but rather to ensure the test program remains adequate.
Joint strike fighter (sec. 215)
The budget request for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program
included $261.1 million to complete the concept demonstration phase,
with $129.5 million in PE 63800F and $131.6 million in PE 63800N. The
budget request also included $595.5 million to initiate the engineering
and manufacturing development (EMD) phase, with $299.5 million in PE
64800F and $296.0 million in PE 64800N.
The committee fully appreciates the critical need to modernize our
aging fleet of legacy aircraft with aircraft possessing the capabilities
promised by the JSF program. The purpose of the JSF program is to
develop and field an affordable, highly common family of next generation
strike fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S.
Air Force, and allies. The Navy variant (called CV) will be aircraft
carrier capable, the Marine Corps variant will be capable of short
takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), and the Air Force variant will be
of a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) design. Commonality within
this family of aircraft is crucial to keeping the overall tactical
aviation modernization plan affordable.
Two contractor teams are competing to win a competition to enter into
the next phase of the program, the EMD phase. In addition to conducting
design and risk mitigation activities, each contractor team is building
two concept demonstration aircraft. Although these are not JSF
prototypes, they are required to demonstrate key enabling performance
criteria, such as slow speed handling characteristics for aircraft
carrier approaches, and short takeoff and vertical landing for the
Marine Corps variant.
Unfortunately, the schedule for flying the concept demonstrator
aircraft has slipped for both of the contractor teams, primarily due to
propulsion system problems. The committee understands that, if the
program adheres to the current schedule, with no further delays, the
STOVL variants will not fly until after the contractor teams deliver
their proposals for EMD to the government. While the contractors may
still be able to present additional test results to the government on
these flights and on the STOVL design, the competitive environment will
inevitably restrict the free flow of information after proposal
delivery. This leaves uncertainty on the technical readiness of the
program to enter EMD along the budgeted schedule.
The committee has also been apprized of a General Accounting Office
(GAO) report on the JSF program that raises concerns about the level of
maturity of the design at the point when the Department intends to make
a decision to proceed into EMD. The GAO report specifically mentioned
several enabling technologies whose technical risk will not have been
reduced to an acceptable level before the planned transition to EMD.
In addition to the testing maturity, the committee has additional
concerns about the nature of the acquisition strategy and how potential
changes in that acquisition strategy might affect the program. Many have
questioned the advisability of continuing the current
``winner-take-all'' strategy for selecting the winning team for EMD on
one of the largest defense programs in history. Losing outright could
force one of the teams to leave the fighter development and production
business, which would in turn leave the government in the position of
depending on a single team for all future tactical aviation
modernization. Recognizing the import of this situation, the Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics has
commissioned a review of the currently approved JSF acquisition
strategy. The Department of Defense has not completed this review, but
expects to make a decision on the appropriate acquisition strategy
within the next two months. The time spent making this decision could
delay releasing the call for improvement (analogous to a request for
proposal), the response to which will be the basis for making the final
decision before proceeding to EMD.
The committee continues to be a strong advocate for the JSF program.
The committee believes that the JSF program, with certain modest
exceptions, has demonstrated how a joint service requirement development
process should work and how a joint service program should be
implemented. However, with so much at stake in this centerpiece of
tactical aviation modernization, the committee believes that it would be
terribly shortsighted for the Department to pursue a program that is
driven by the calendar, and not by events.
The committee does not believe that it would be prudent to proceed
into EMD without having conducted adequate testing, and reduced the data
from that testing, for the competing demonstrator aircraft. This is
particularly the case for the version possessing the highest technical
risk, the STOVL version, which is also on the slowest track to testing.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would require
the Department to submit a report, before December 15, 2000, describing:
(1) how the program may have been restructured to reflect any changes in
the acquisition strategy; and (2) exit criteria that the Department has
established to ensure that technical risks are at acceptable levels
before the program enters into EMD.
In consonance with this recommendation, the committee also recommends
no funding in support of the budget request for EMD funds, specifically
a decrease of $595.5 million, including $299.5 million in PE 64800F and
$296.0 million in PE 64800N, but recommends an increase of $424.2
million in demonstration and validation funds, including $212.1 million
in PE 63800F and $212.1 million in PE 63800N.
The committee believes that the Department should use this time and
funding to complete flight testing of the concept demonstrator aircraft,
acquire the data from the test program, spend such funds as can be used
to reduce risk for technologies that would need to mature during EMD,
and define and implement a preferred acquisition strategy.
The committee is not interested in having the contractor team or
teams sitting around waiting for the first day of fiscal year 2002.
Indeed, the committee would support the Department's moving past the
concept demonstration tests with the fiscal year 2001 funds provided.
Such activities could perhaps include even selecting a contractor team
or teams to conduct various pre-EMD activities to begin planning for
EMD. Such committee support, however, presumes that: (1) the Department
will have provided the report required by the provision regarding
acquisition strategy and technical risk exit criteria; and (2) the
results of flight testing the STOVL variants will have been available to
inform such decisions.
The committee is also not interested in having the contractors make
additional unreimbursed investments in winning this program. The
Department has informed the committee that it has recently modified the
current JSF demonstration contracts to allow significant contractor
investment in the concept demonstration phase. The committee recommends
that the Department not propose any restructured program that would
allow any further individual contractor investment beyond the levels
envisioned by this modification. While the Department has made a
reasonable case for implementing the current modification, the committee
does not view additional contractor investment during the competition
phase as conducive to smooth implementation of any potential acquisition
strategy.
The committee is well aware of the considerable international
interest in this program. The actions recommended by the committee
should in no way be interpreted as a lack of support for the JSF or a
lack of appreciation for the critical role that the JSF can play in
tactical aviation modernization. At this critical juncture, however, the
JSF program is too important to be rushed into the EMD phase until the
program is ready to graduate. The committee believes that a more prudent
technical and programmatic approach will, in the final analysis,
strengthen the process of developing and fielding the family of aircraft
that will dominate tactical aviation for the next half century.
Global Hawk high altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (sec. 216)
The budget request included $109.2 million for the development of
endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (HAE UAVs), of which $103.2 million
was for the continued development of the Global Hawk HAE UAV. The Global
Hawk is an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD), nearing
completion of its highly successful military utility phase, and
preparing for its engineering and manufacturing (EMD) phase.
The budget request also included $22.4 million for the procurement of
long lead items for the first two production Global Hawk HAE UAVs and
one common ground station. The General Accounting Office (GAO) has
studied the Global Hawk program, and has concluded that production in
fiscal year 2001 would be premature. The GAO identified three reasons
for arriving at this conclusion:
(1) Global Hawk has not yet begun a scheduled one year EMD phase;
(2) testing of a production representative Global Hawk system will
not have been started; and
(3) during EMD, the Global Hawk design will be changing.
The committee strongly supports the continued development of the
Global Hawk HAE UAV, but concurs with the GAO that long lead production
for two additional HAE UAVs is premature. The committee recommends a
decrease of $22.4 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, that would
allow the Air Force sufficient time to use the EMD program to stabilize
the final design.
Although one developmental Global Hawk HAE UAV was destroyed in a
mishap, six other developmental Global Hawk HAE UAVs have either been
delivered to the Air Force or are at varying stages of production. The
Air Force has requested additional electro-optical and infra-red sensor
payloads for the Global Hawk HAE UAV on its unfunded requirements list
because there are not enough sensors to outfit all six of these Global
Hawk HAE UAVs.
The six remaining ACTD HAE UAVs do not meet the operational
requirement. The committee believes, however, that these aircraft are
still excellent platforms for continuing development and expansion of
the current HAE UAV operational concept. For example, advances in the
production of active electronic scanned array (AESA) radars and the
development of associated technologies, such as modular, scalable
antennas could make this an appropriate time to further expand
operational concepts to include an airborne surveillance capability.
This may be preferable to merely buying more of the current sensor
payloads
that we know will not meet the Air Force's requirements. The
committee also understands that Commander in Chief, Joint Forces
Command, is interested in using the existing ACTD Global Hawk aircraft
for experimentation after the Air Force begins producing HAE UAVs that
meet the operational requirement.
The committee is well aware of how taxing recent operations have been
on such low density, high demand units such as the E 3A Airborne Warning
and Control (AWACS) aircraft. The long endurance capability of the
Global Hawk could make it an ideal candidate to substitute for such low
density, high demand units as AWACS aircraft in certain situations, if
it were to be outfitted with an appropriate payload. Such situations
could include such lower threat environments as the area of
responsibility of the Commander in Chief, Southern Command. Appropriate
missions could include filling the air surveillance requirements in
support of counter-drug operations off the coast of Central and South
America.
The committee recommends an increase of $18.0 million in PE 35205F to
extend the ACTD effort. The Air Force should use $12.0 million of this
amount to acquire and integrate a non-developmental AESA radar on Global
Hawk, and to demonstrate its operational viability in the Southern
Command area of responsibility. This demonstration should be conducted
as soon as practicable in fiscal year 2001, with participation and
guidance from the Commanders in Chief of the Joint Forces and Southern
Commands, to include requirements and scenario planning. To further this
goal, the committee recommends a provision that would direct the
Secretary of Defense to coordinate a demonstration of the capability of
the Global Hawk HAE UAV in an airborne surveillance role in the
counter-drug effort, and to provide a report on the technical
feasibility and operational concept for using Global Hawk HAE UAVs in
this role.
In the long-term, the Air Force should apply the remaining $6.0
million of this total to begin a concurrent development effort for an
improved surveillance radar for potential use on the Global Hawk. The
committee believes that this development effort should capitalize on the
efforts detailed in the report delivered to Congress in April, 2000, on
modular, scalable, active electronically scanned antenna (AESA)-based
radar development activities.
Unmanned advanced capability aircraft and ground combat
vehicles (sec. 217)
The challenges that the United States will face in the new millennium
are diverse--new threats, new battlefields, and new weapons. Our armed
forces must remain vigilant, forward thinking and prepared to address
these challenges. The committee believes that the Department of Defense
must exploit the opportunities created by the rapid pace of
technological development to provide our men and women in uniform with
the most advanced weaponry and leverage these developments in a way that
minimizes the risk to those deployed in harm's way.
During the offensive military operation in Kosovo, U.S. forces
carried out 78 days of round-the-clock operations and over 38,000 combat
sorties with no combat casualties. The American people are coming to
expect that military operations are casualty free. This is a factor that
is more and more influencing the planning of military operations. How
else do we explain bombing operations in Kosovo that largely restricted
coalition pilots to altitudes between ten and fifteen thousand feet?
Limiting risk to our personnel is clearly an important goal and one
of the most advantageous benefits of deploying unmanned combat systems
and technologies. An initiative to expand the use of such technologies
would allow the Department to aggressively pursue and field remotely
controlled combat systems with this goal: within 10 years one-third of
U.S. military operational deep strike aircraft will be unmanned and
within 15 years one- third of all U.S. military ground combat vehicles
will also be unmanned. It is not the intention of the committee to
replace pilots and manned aircraft with unmanned combat systems, but to
provide added capabilities to manned combat aircraft--added capabilities
that would provide alternatives to sending military personnel into the
highest risk missions.
Casualty aversion limits the flexibility of foreign policy. Taking
full advantage of advances in technology will allow future
administrations greater flexibility and, at the same time, reduce
exposure of U.S. personnel. For these reasons, the committee recommends
an increase of $200.0 million in research, development, test and
evaluation (RDT&E) to accelerate the technologies that will lead to the
development and fielding of remotely controlled air combat vehicles by
2010 and remotely controlled ground combat vehicles by 2015. The
committee has identified three promising programs, initiated by the
services, in which to invest these funds:
AIR FORCE UNMANNED COMBAT AIR VEHICLE (UCAV)
The committee recognizes the on-going joint Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA)/Air Force unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV)
program, initiated in 1998. The committee notes that a small-scale
demonstrator will flight test in the Spring of 2001. The committee
recommends an increase of $100.0 million in PE 62702E to accelerate risk
reduction and ``Concept of Operation'' evaluation. The additional funds
would be applied as follows: design, development of additional
demonstrator vehicles; invest in low-cost commercial core engine
derivative; demonstrate intelligent decision aids; validate suppression
of enemy air defense(SEAD)/strike targeting in realistic environment;
and fully validate multi-vehicle flight modes.
NAVY UNMANNED COMBAT AIR VEHICLE
DARPA and the Navy initiated a joint program this year to explore
concepts for a Naval unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV N). The committee
recommends an increase of $25.0 million to be applied to a preliminary
design of a UCAV N demonstrator system suitable for ship-based
SEAD/strike/surveillance missions.
ARMY FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEMS (FCS)
In February 2000, the Army signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with DARPA to develop a future combat system (FCS) to replace the
current generation of armored combat vehicles. Although robotics is a
key part of development, there is not a requirement for an autonomous,
remotely-controlled vehicle in the current program. The committee
recommends an increase of $121.3 million for the FCS program as follows:
an increase of $46.3 million in PE 63005A to accelerate the enabling
technologies for the FCS program, and an increase of $75.0 million in PE
62702A to add an unmanned, remotely-controlled aspect to the future
combat system. The committee expects this requirement to be added to the
MOA on FCS.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense report to the
congressional defense committees by January 31, 2001, on: (1) the
schedule for this initiative; (2) the funding required for fiscal year
2002 and for the future years defense program; and (3) a description and
assessment of the acquisition strategy for remotely-controlled air and
ground combat vehicles.
Army space control technology (sec. 218)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $20.0
million for the Army's Kinetic Energy Anti-Satellite (KE ASAT) program
and $5.0 million for other Army space control technology development
emphasizing temporary and reversible effects. The provision would limit
the obligation of funds for space control technology, other than KE
ASAT, until the funds authorized for the KE ASAT program have been
released to the KE ASAT program manager.
The committee directs the Commander of the Army Space and Missile
Defense Command (SMDC) to use the $20.0 million authorized for the KE
ASAT program to advance the three existing KE ASAT kill vehicles and
associated hardware to a point where a flight test could occur one year
following any decision to do so. None of the funds authorized for the KE
ASAT program may be used to support research and development on
capabilities to counter satellites in a non-destructive, reversible
manner. The Commander of SMDC shall also begin planning and preparation
for a KE ASAT flight demonstration. The committee is aware that the
Kodiak Island launch facility in Alaska is well suited to support a
launch of a KE ASAT test vehicle. The committee directs the Commander of
SMDC to include an assessment of the Kodiak Island facility as part of
the overall flight test planning and evaluation process.
The committee continues to support the KE ASAT technology program. At
the same time, the committee has also directed the Army to develop
capabilities to counter satellites in a non-destructive, reversible
manner. The committee does not view these two objectives to be
incompatible.
Russian American Observation Satellites program (sec. 219)
As detailed elsewhere in this report, the committee is concerned that
the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization plans a two-satellite Russian
American Observation Satellites (RAMOS) program. The committee believes
that the Secretary of Defense should develop, and seek congressional
approval of, a technology protection plan before proceeding with the
RAMOS program, regardless of the program's structure and focus.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
obligation or expenditure of any funds for RAMOS until 30 days after the
Secretary submits to Congress a report explaining how the Secretary
plans to protect U.S. advanced military technology that may be
associated with the RAMOS program.
Joint Biological Defense Program (sec. 220)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
obligation of funds to procure the vaccine for the biological agent
anthrax until the Secretary of Defense: (1) notifies the congressional
defense committees in writing that the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved the current production facility of the anthrax
vaccine for FDA-approved vaccine production operations; and (2) provides
a report to the congressional defense committees that addresses
contingencies associated with relying on the current manufacturer to
produce the vaccine. The report will include recommended strategies to
mitigate the risk of the loss of the current sole-source manufacturer of
the vaccine and a budget to support these strategies. The report will
also provide recommended strategies to ensure that an FDA-licensed
anthrax vaccine can be procured should the sole-source manufacturer fail
to obtain FDA approval to release stockpiled or newly produced vaccine,
or the manufacturer terminates anthrax vaccine production permanently.
The Secretary will report the funding requirements and the criteria for
implementing these strategies.
In the Senate report accompanying S. 2060 (S. Rept 105 189), the
committee noted that the anthrax vaccine is approved by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), and has been used by cattle and sheep
ranchers since the 1970s. The committee also emphasized the criticality
of maintaining sufficient supplies of the vaccine to immunize U.S.
military personnel against the biological warfare agent anthrax.
The Department of Defense (DOD) currently relies on a single-source
manufacturer to supply the military services with the anthrax vaccine.
The vaccine manufacturer, however, failed to maintain required FDA
approvals for the vaccine production facility and the stockpiled
vaccine. As a result, the DOD delayed the start of phase two of the
Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP). In addition, the Defense
Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) conducted audits of the manufacturer's
financial capability in June 1999, and February 2000, and reported after
both reviews that there is ``* * * substantial doubt * * *'' that the
manufacturer will be financially able to continue performing on
government contracts. The committee believes that it is incumbent on the
Department to assess the implications of the FDA, DCAA, and other
federal agency reviews of the current procurement plan, and to ensure
that an effective plan is in place to provide a vaccine to immunize U.S.
military personnel against the anthrax virus.
Report on biological warfare defense vaccine research and
development programs (sec. 221)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to report on the progress of the Department of Defense (DOD)
program to develop and procure vaccines for biological warfare agents.
The Secretary will provide this report to the congressional defense
committees no later than February 1, 2001. The report will include: an
evaluation of the ability of the commercial sector to meet the vaccine
requirements of the Department; a design for a government
owned/contractor
operated (GOCO) vaccine production facility at an alternative
site determined by the Secretary; and a comparison of the costs and
benefits of the current acquisition strategy, a GOCO facility at an
alternative site determined by the Secretary, and other acquisition
alternatives. The design recommendation for the GOCO facility at the
alternative site determined by the Secretary will include: a
recommendation, in consultation with the U.S. Surgeon General, on the
possibility of the GOCO providing support for civilian vaccine
requirements and the related impact on the operating costs of the GOCO
vaccine production facility; and an analysis of the impact of
international requirements for vaccines on the operating costs of the
GOCO.
The biological warfare capability of the government of Iraq during
Operation Desert Storm led to a requirement for vaccines to immunize
military personnel against biological agents. Since that time, the Joint
Chiefs of Staff (JCS) biological warfare threat list now includes over
twenty biological agents that are in some stage of development, from
basic research to production, by several countries. During this same
period, the Department has initiated a mandatory program to immunize all
active and reserve military personnel against the biological warfare
agent anthrax.
During an April 14, 2000, hearing of the Subcommittee on Personnel,
witnesses from the DOD and General Accounting Office identified many of
the challenges associated with vaccine development and acquisition.
These challenges included the reluctance of large pharmacuetical
companies to participate in vaccine development and production, the
speculative costs associated with working with start-up commercial
vaccine research and production companies, and the requirement to pay a
premium to the private sector for vaccine research and development due
to the relatively limited quantities of vaccines required by the DOD.
The committee notes the recommendation of Project Badger in the early
1990s for a GOCO vaccine production facility and subsequent DOD plans
and budgeting to construct a facility at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Pine
Bluff, Arkansas. Based on the work that has already been done, the
committee believes that the Secretary should give strong consideration
to the Pine Bluff Arsenal as the site for the alternate facility. Given
these issues, the committee believes a reevaluation by the DOD of the
issues relating to vaccine development and production, and the merits of
a GOCO facility at an alternative site are necessary at this time.
SUBTITLE C--OTHER MATTERS
Mobile offshore base (sec. 241)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to provide the congressional defense committees with the
results of the operational utility cost-benefit analysis. The provision
would also require the Secretary to designate a lead service and
tentative program schedule if the Secretary decides to continue the MOB
program.
The Senate report accompanying S. 1059 (S. Rept. 106 50) directed the
Secretary of Defense to initiate an analysis of the operational utility
of the mobile offshore base (MOB), and report to the congressional
defense committees by March 1, 2000. The analysis was to 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 to proceed with pre-development or development
activities. The report further directed that, if the recommendation were
to proceed with the program, the Department of Defense should designate
an executive service and provide an estimate of fiscally phased
resources for program execution.
The Navy delivered a report to the congressional defense committees
in April, 2000. This report, however, only detailed the technical work
accomplished and described the effort that would need to be accomplished
were the program to be initiated, along with cost estimates of the
remaining effort. There was no mention of operational utility versus
life-cycle cost, nor was there a recommendation on whether to proceed
with the program.
Air Force science and technology planning (sec. 242)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Air Force to submit a report to the congressional defense
committees on the long-term challenges and short term objectives of the
Air Force science and technology (S&T) program.
The committee was deeply disappointed by the science and technology
budget proposed by the Air Force for fiscal year 2000. This budget not
only failed to measure up to the congressional goals established in
section 214 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105 261), but also risked mortgaging the
future of the Air Force by sacrificing long-term technological
superiority in favor of short-term readiness. The science and technology
budget proposed by the Air Force for fiscal year 2001 shows some
improvement, but the committee remains concerned that the Air Force has
made deep cuts to some programs without undertaking a comprehensive
planning process to ascertain its long-term technology needs and how
those needs can be supported by the science and technology program.
Over the last five years, the Department of Defense (DOD) has
developed a coordinated planning process for S&T spending,
known as the joint warfighting science and technology planning
process. This process has helped DOD address redundancies and overlaps,
and ensure that the S&T programs funded by the services are
appropriately designed to meet the Department's warfighting needs. The
result has been a significant improvement in the quality of the
Department's science and technology budget submissions. As successful as
it has been, however, the current S&T planning process appears to focus
on the micro issue of ensuring that individual projects address
legitimate warfighting needs, rather than on the macro issue of
prioritizing those needs and ensuring that sufficient funding is made
available to meet them.
Two of the three services have undertaken ambitious steps to try to
address that shortcoming in the science and technology planning process
by prioritizing their own needs on a macro basis, and realigning S&T
funding to match new priorities. The Army has attempted to identify
science and technology spending that is directly linked to the planned
transformation of the force, and prioritized that spending over funding
for incremental improvements to existing platforms. The Navy has
undertaken to reevaluate all science and technology spending from the
ground up and focus investments on areas designated as long-term Grand
Challenges and more immediate Future Naval Capabilities. By focusing its
spending in this way, the Navy hopes to avoid the usual practice of
trying to fund a little bit of everything, and ensure that it will have
critical mass in the areas that are most important to the Navy of the
future.
In view of the serious cuts in the Air Force S&T budget and the
danger that these cuts could undermine long-term technological
superiority in key areas, the provision recommended by the committee
would require the Air Force to undertake a comparable planning effort.
This process must include not only the Air Force research community, but
also the entire warfighter community, requirements community, and
acquisition community. It is the committee's hope that the planning
process--and the Air Force science and technology program--will be
driven by the future needs of the Air Force, rather than the budgetary
constraints of today.
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Counter-terrorism basic research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 61102A for
the Army's counter-terrorism research program. Last year, the committee
provided the funding to initiate a basic research program in order to
explore technologies that deter, resolve, and mitigate terrorist acts,
including physical structure and physical effects research. It is of the
utmost concern that we conduct research and development not only for
near-term solutions, but also for investigating revolutionary approaches
in science and techologies that will provide next generation solutions
for force protection and terrorist threats. The committee urges the Army
to include funding for this important project in the future.
Composite materials
The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 62105A for
composite materials for the next generation armored vehicle for the
Army's objective force. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Advanced missile composite components
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in the missile
technology applied research program (PE 62303A) to develop the enabling
technology for the next generation of tactical missiles. The committee
directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in the award
of contracts or other agreements under this program and that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Smart truck initiative
The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 62601A,
the Army's combat vehicle and automotive technology account for the
National Automotive Center, to conduct demonstrations for the smart
truck initiative. The committee directs that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Portable hybrid electric power system
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 62705A for
research in a portable, hybrid electric power system that would combine
battery, fuel cell, super-capacitor, and other subsystems. The
additional funds would be used to model and assess the tradeoffs as they
relate to military missions. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Thermoelectric power generation
The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62784A for
a feasibility study on thermoelectric power generation for military
applications.
Operational support
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in the Army's
military engineering program (PE 62784A) for university partnering for
operational support. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Equipment readiness
Long lead times and the high costs of procuring and inventory of
replacement parts has resulted in soaring operation and support costs
with a reduction of equipment readiness rates. The committee understands
the Department of Defense has initiated a program to address these
problems through the development of a self-contained, mobile
manufacturing center that can produce spare parts at the point of need.
The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 63005A for
the continuation of this important effort. The committee directs cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Fuel cell auxiliary power units
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63005A for
research in fuel cell auxiliary power units for use in the Army's
objective force. The Army's transformation strategy includes reducing
the size of the deployed logistics footprint and prioritizing the
development of vehicles that are smaller, lighter, more lethal, yet more
reliable, fuel efficient and survivable. A key component of increased
survivability is reducing the signature of future Army platforms.
Addressing these logistics and survivability challenges should entail a
full evaluation of alternative energy sources.
Big Crow program office
The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million in PE 63006A for
the Big Crow program, a national test asset supporting a wide variety of
electronic warfare test and training exercises. The Big Crow program has
historically been operated under the Department of Defense Major Range
and Test Facility Base (MRTFB), primarily in a test asset role.
Recently, however, the operational forces have recognized the asset's
potential. The Big Crow program has been deployed operationally to
support NATO and U.S. force deployments in southeast Europe as well as
Commander in Chief for Space (CINCSpace) activities. The committee
understands that the Department is making progress in developing a new
strategy to ensure long-term funding for this program that will provide
stability to support test and evaluation as well as operational
missions. Oversight of the program has been assigned to the Army Space
and Missile Defense Command and funding for this program is provided in
the Future Years' Defense Program beginning in fiscal year 2002. The
additional $7.0 million would provide bridge funding to maintain
continuity in operations until the program completes this transition.
Army Space and Missile Defense Command Simulations
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63308A for
Family of Systems Simulators and an increase of $4.5 million in PE
63308A for Simulations Center Upgrade.
Aero-acoustics instrumentation
The budget request included no funds for aero-acoustics
instrumentation. The committee has supported research and development
activities conducted by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command in
the area of aero-acoustics. Aero-acoustics instrumentation will enable
the Army to understand acoustic coupling of missile airframes to the
internal components for vehicles flying as fast as Mach 10. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63308A to
continue this important research and development.
Acoustic technology research
The committee continues to support research sponsored by the Army's
Space and Missile Defense Command in acoustic applications 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.
Missile defense flight experiment
The committee has supported the Army's program to demonstrate
critical missile defense kill vehicle technologies through flight
testing. To continue this effort, the committee recommends an increase
of $14.7 million in PE 63308A.
Radar power technology
The committee continues to support 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.
Scramjet acoustic combustion enhancement
The committee is aware of research and development activities being
conducted by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command in the area of
scramjet acoustic mixing. A scramjet engine that can utilize acoustics
to more efficiently burn propellant could significantly increase the
performance and efficiency of air defense interceptors. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63308A to support
continuation of this important research and development.
Space and missile defense battle lab
The committee continues to support the Army's Space and Missile
Defense Battle Lab. To support this important modeling and simulation
capability, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE
63308A.
Supercluster distributed memory technology
The budget request included no funds for supercluster distributed
memory technology. The committee is aware that supercluster distributed
memory technology may provide a cost-effective approach to running
complex computer simulations to predict the control forces exerted on a
missile over its flight trajectory. To support evaluation of this
technology, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million PE
63308A.
Tactical High Energy Laser
The budget request included no funding for completion of testing of
the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) program. The committee supports
expeditious completion of THEL development and testing. The committee
recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 63308A to support
continued THEL testing and deployment preparation activities.
Anti-malarial research
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63807A to
accelerate the development and fielding of the anti-malarial compound
taphenoquine. The committee directs that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Electronic warfare development
The budget request included $61.1 million for Army electronic warfare
development activities. The committee notes and appreciates ongoing
efforts by the Army to completely identify and understand issues
associated with the deployment of Task Force Hawk last year during
operations in Kosovo. The committee recognizes an outstanding
requirement to install a suite of radio frequency countermeasures
(SIRFC) and advanced threat infrared countermeasures (ATIRCM) equipment
on Apache helicopters necessary to improve the ability of aircraft crews
to survive in future conflicts. The committee recommends an increase of
$38.5 million in PE 64270A for electronic warfare development, a total
authorization of $99.6 million. Of this amount, $18.0 million would be
used to support the development of a SIRFC production line and $20.5
million to complete development of SIRFC and ATIRCM ``A'' kits for the
Apache Longbow helicopter.
Threat simulator development
The budget request included $13.9 million for threat simulator
development activities. The committee recognizes the important roles
that threat simulators play in preparing our forces to fight and win
future battles. The committee recommends an increase of $4.6 million in
PE 64256A, a total authorization of $18.5 million. Of the $4.6 million
increase, $2.1 million would be used for threat information operations
attack simulator development and $2.5 million would be used for threat
virtual mine simulator development.
Multiple launch rocket system product improvement program
The budget request included $59.5 million for multiple launch rocket
system product improvements. The committee understands that the Army
continues to pursue a cost reduction initiative associated with the
multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) improved launcher and the high
mobility artillery and rocket system (HIMARS). The committee understands
this initiative could result in cost savings of greater than $500.0
million over the life of these programs. The committee, therefore,
recommends an increase of $16.0 million in PE 63728A to support the
ongoing MLRS and HIMARS cost reduction initiatives.
Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor
The budget request included $25.0 million for the Joint Land Attack
Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor (JLENS) system. The
committee is concerned about possible vulnerabilities of an aerostat to
climatic conditions and understands that the Army has established an
Aerostat Design and Manufacturing (ADAM) program to facilitate the
design and manufacture of affordable aerostats with improved performance
and availability. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million
in PE 12419A in support of the ADAM program to provide the type of
material and tether technology to make the JLENS system viable.
Communications and networking technologies
The budget request included $8.1 million for Army information systems
security research, development, test and evaluation. The committee
supports efforts managed by the Army's Communications and Electronics
Command (CECOM) in the area of applied communications and networking
technology. To support these efforts, the committee recommends an
increase of $5.0 million in PE 33140A.
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Free electron laser
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62111N to
complete the development of the infrared free electron laser
demonstration project to the 10 kilowatt level. This investment would
enable the Department of the Navy to determine capabilities of such a
tool for infrared counter-measures and further the technology base in
high energy lasers.
Biodegradable polymers
The budget request included no funds for biodegradable polymers. The
committee recommends an increase of $1.25 million in PE 62121N to aid in
the development of polymer membrane methods for treating graywater
(kitchen, shower, and cleaning solution), blackwater (sewage), and bilge
water (oily contaminants) to acceptable levels prior to shipboard
release.
Bioenvironmental hazards research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62121N for
bioenvironmental hazards 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
additional funds should be applied to 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. The committee directs that
all applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts
or other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to
the maximum extent practicable.
Nontraditional warfare initiatives
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62131M for
the Marine Corps to conduct applied research directed at their role as
first responders. The additional funds should be used 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 and that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
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, synthetic aperture
radar and electronic intelligence. The committee directs that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Cognitive research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62233N for
applied cognitive technologies to improve learning. In a hearing before
the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Dr. Delores
Etter, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology,
explained the importance and the growing need for cognitive research,
``. . . an area that we think is one of increasing importance is
cognitive readiness. This is really the area of human optimization. The
challenges in this area include sustained operations, environmental
ambiguity, distributed learning, and the overall information overload
that we are presenting to our soldiers.'' The committee understands that
the Chief of Naval and Education and Training has initiated a program to
deal with cognitive development for Navy personnel. The additional funds
would extend this program's focus to include technological research in
cognitive readiness and human optimization.
Ceramic and carbon based composites
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62234N for
the continued development, evaluation and testing of ceramic and carbon
based composites for use in strategic missiles and hypersonic vehicles.
The committee directs that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
Nanoscale sensor research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62234N for
applied research in nanoscale sensor technologies. The additional
funding would be expected to support the area designated by the Office
of Naval Research as a Grand Challenge to develop highly
multi-functional nanoscale architecture devices to their ultimate limits
(high speed (100x), small size (0.01x), and low power (0.001x)), that
interactively combine sensing, image processing, computation, signal
processing, and communication functions, to achieve real-time adoptive
response, on-site for Navy missions. The committee directs that all
applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or
other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Littoral area acoustic demonstrations
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62435N for
acoustic data collection, all source data fusion, and advanced acoustic
modeling and signal processing techniques in support of Navy research
and development efforts. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Computational engineering design
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62633N for
computational engineering research and design for marine and aerospace
vehicles. This research provides a focus on the simulation and design of
surface ship and submarine applications. It is particularly relevant in
the view of the Navy's decision to transfer ship design from the Navy
laboratories to the shipyards. There is also some extension of the
technology to aerospace based on requirements of the National
Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA). The committee expects the
Office of Naval Research to fully explore such applications in the
execution of the research. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Advanced water-jet technology
The budget request included no funds for advanced water-jet
technology. Advanced water-jet technology represents the type of
technological improvement in ship propulsion that could reduce both
acquisition and total ownership costs. Water-jet technology has the
potential to reduce ship signatures critical to maintaining war fighting
superiority through battle space awareness. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63508N for advanced
water-jet technology.
Composite helicopter hangar door
The budget request included no funds for developing a composite
helicopter hangar door. The initiative to design and fabricate a
composite helo hangar door for surface combatants has the potential to
reduce combatant ship life-cycle costs by improving reliability and
reducing maintenance requirements. 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 for
the design and fabrication of a DDG 51 helicopter hangar door structure
using composite materials.
Composite modules for ship hull construction
The budget request included no funding in PE 63508N for development
of composite hull modules which may be required for future ship
construction. While composites have some war fighting advantages over
standard ship construction using steel and aluminum components, the
technical expertise for constructing composite modules is limited. It is
anticipated that future ship construction may include expanded use of
composites.
The committee encourages development of key technologies that will
provide the foundation should the Navy decide to pursue the war fighting
advantages of composites. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $4.0 million in PE 63508N for the development and
construction of prototype composite modules for ship construction.
Laser welding and cutting
The budget request included no funding in PE 63508N for development
of laser welding and cutting techniques. Navy ships are built using
structural shapes and plate steel. Most shapes are currently stripped or
split from I-beam stock material. Laser cutting and welding shapes from
plate steel could enhance the quality and reduce the cost of producing
shapes used in ship construction. Laser cutting and welding also has the
potential to enable more creative designs for shapes.
The committee encourages development of key technologies that have
the potential to provide higher quality and lower costs for building
Navy ships. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.8
million in PE 63508N for the development and application to naval ship
construction of laser welding and cutting techniques.
Supply chain best practices
The budget request included $37.4 million in PE 63508N for surface
ship and submarine hull, mechanical, and engineering systems in support
of present and future ships and submarines.
The supply system for ships and submarines requires interface and
interaction of a number of different communications and software
systems. This incompatibility requires reentry of data which is manpower
intensive. Because the supply chain best practices initiative has the
potential to improve affordability, quality, and productivity by
providing connectivity for an alliance among the Navy, industry,
universities, and government agencies, the committee recommends an
increase to the initiative.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63508N for
supply chain best practices.
Virtual test bed for reconfigurable ship
The budget request included no funds for a virtual test bed for a
reconfigurable ship. The Navy is developing a virtual machinery design,
test, and evaluation capability for future ship systems. This will
enable the combination of real time, interactive, software simulation
with the hardware in-the-loop technologies.
The committee fully supports this simulation and testing prior to
committing to system configuration. Therefore, the committee recommends
an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63508N for a virtual test bed for a
reconfigurable ship.
Ocean modeling for mine and submarine warfare
The budget request included $45.6 million for mine and expeditionary
warfare advanced technology. Within that amount, the request included
funds for algorithm development and modeling and simulation to provide
battle space products to the Office of the Naval Oceanographer for
promulgation to the war fighting commanders 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 $3.0
million in PE 603782N for ocean modeling.
Marine Corps advanced technology transition
The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 63792N
for a Marine Corps advanced technology transition initiative focused on
the development of expeditionary warfighting technologies identified and
developed through experimentation at the Commandant's Warfighting
Laboratory (CWL). The committee expects the Marine Corps program to be
implemented in the same fashion as the current Navy initiative in PE
63792N.
The program should demonstrate high risk/high payoff
technologies and provide the Marine Corps with the opportunity to
identify and move emerging technologies quickly and efficiently from
laboratory to field. These projects should be selected by matching
technological potential with requirements derived from operational
issues of concern to the Marine Corps.
Integrated combat weapons system for mine countermeasures ships
The budget request included $14.4 million in PE 63502N for an
integrated combat weapons system (ICWS) for mine countermeasures ships.
The global positioning system, autonomous mine-hunting neutralization,
and mine sweeping capabilities 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 $5.0 million in PE 63502N for
continuation of ICWS for mine countermeasures ships.
Trident SSGN design
The budget request included $34.8 million for the design of the
Trident-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) conversion to a
nuclear guided missile submarine (SSGN). In addition, the Future Years
Defense Program (FYDP) includes $1.1 billion in fiscal years 2002
through 2005 for maintaining additional attack submarine (SSN) force
structure by either (1) refueling SSN 688-class submarines which were
previously scheduled for decommissioning or (2) refueling and
converting, to SSGN configuration, Trident SSBNs which were also
previously scheduled for decommissioning. The decision to refuel up to
four Ohio-class SSBNs, which would be converted for the SSGN mission, or
use the funding to refuel Los Angeles-class SSNs, will be proposed by
the administration as part of the fiscal year 2002 budget submission.
The committee recognizes that the design work on the SSGN capability
which began in fiscal year 2000 must be sufficient to maintain viable
options for converting SSBNs to the SSGN until the fiscal year 2002
decision is made. To meet the requirements for planning coincidental
with the refueling of the first available SSBN, the committee recommends
an increase of $9.0 million in PE 63559N to continue design activity for
converting SSBNs to an SSGN configuration.
The study of attack submarine force structure requirements conducted
by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) evaluated requirements of the
commanders in chief (CINCs). That study concluded that a submarine force
structure below 55 SSNs in 2015 would be insufficient to meet
warfighting requirements and that 68 SSNs would be necessary by 2015 to
meet all the CINCs' and national intelligence community's highest
operational and collection requirements. The study focused on
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements of the
CINCs.
The committee is concerned that the Navy's decision to refuel
Los Angeles-class SSNs or convert Ohio-class SSBNs could be based more
narrowly on the ISR deficiencies identified in the JCS study, without
giving adequate consideration to the other warfighting capabilities
offered by the SSGN, such as those outlined in the March 1999 Navy study
of the Trident SSGN conversion option. Therefore, the committee directs
the Navy to report to Congress on the attributes used to analyze the
options of whether to refuel SSNs or to refuel and convert SSBNs and the
distinctions among these attributes in the near-term and long-term. The
committee directs that the Navy submit this report with the fiscal year
2002 budget.
Enhanced performance electric motor brush technology
The budget request included $2.2 million in PE 63561N 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 relatively quickly and
must be frequently inspected and replaced. A Navy-funded small business
innovative research (SBIR) project demonstrated that fiber metal brushes
provide significant wear and survivability improvements compared to
carbon brushes. Fiber metal 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 $2.0 million in PE 63561N for
shock and vibration qualification and completion of design and testing
of enhanced performance electric motor brush technology.
Submarine composite sail
The budget request included no funding for development of a submarine
sail made from composite materials. Preliminary studies indicate that a
submarine sail with areas fabricated from composite materials may
provide enhanced war fighting capabilities. In addition, the composite
sail may provide lower weight and life-cycle costs for submarines. A
composite sail is consistent with the technology insertion approach of
the Virginia-class submarine program. The committee recommends an
increase of $2.5 million in PE 63561N for development of an advanced
submarine composite sail.
Joint command and control ship
The budget request included $30.8 million in PE 63564N to continue
feasibility studies for the joint command and control ship (JCC(X)). The
request is an increase of $14.1 million over the amount projected for
the effort when the Administration submitted the fiscal year 2000 budget
request. Congress authorized and appropriated $11.9 million for this
program in fiscal year 2000.
The analysis of alternatives for the joint command and control ship
mission is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2001 and will be
followed by the development of an operational requirements document.
When the fiscal year 2001 request for JCC(X) is added to the amount
included for the same effort in fiscal year 2000, the total is $42.7
million. However, the Navy required less than $26.3 million for analysis
of alternatives and to commence the competition for the ADC(X)-class
ship. These efforts for the ADC(X) should be similar in complexity to
the JCC(X) effort.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $16.4 million in PE
63564N to bring the research and development for JCC(X) in line with the
planning for a ship of similar complexity in the study phase of
analysis.
Shipboard simulators for Marine Corps operations
The budget request included no funding for analysis of shipboard
Marine Corps operational simulator technology. The committee is aware of
advances made in training simulation technology and the potential that
training and rehearsal planning simulators have in supporting Marines
deployed at sea. It is clear that technology exists to provide shipboard
simulators for many of the expeditionary missions embarked Marines will
have to execute. As these simulators will allow Marines an opportunity
to train to the fullest extent possible while in transit, the committee
believes it is time to explore the availability and applicability of
both existing and new training simulators to meet Marine Corps
requirements.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in
PE 63564N to initiate a program to provide enhanced shipboard
operational training simulators on amphibious ships for embarked
Marines. The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide a
report, no later than March 1, 2001, that provides the following:
(1) an assessment of Marine Corps training requirements, plans to
enhance future training opportunities, candidate systems that could
provide both individual and collective training simulators to enhance
the warfighting ability of deployed Marines, and an assessment of
existing training simulators available for Marines afloat;
(2) a program to develop and field additional simulation
capabilities beyond those currently available; and
(3) plans for obligating the funding provided, and future program
adjustments necessary to support the fielding of new training simulation
systems.
Navy common command and decision system
The budget request did not include funding for a common command and
decision system. The common command and decision system development is a
pre-planned product improvement (P3I) to the AEGIS Weapon System and the
Mk 2 Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS). The improvement 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:
(1) reducing the number of computer programs that must be maintained;
(2) enabling the Navy to field new or modified warfighting
capability much more quickly and at a lower cost; and
(3) improving warfighting capability by eliminating the redundant
and conflicting processing now inherent in these systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in
PE 63582N 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 $138.0 million for research and
development efforts associated with Marine Corps assault vehicles. The
committee has noted with great interest progress made to date in the
ongoing evaluation of the advanced amphibious assault vehicle (AAAV).
Early testing has yielded positive results and the committee looks
forward to the results of future testing as these new combat vehicles
continue in development. The committee notes an unfunded requirement for
an additional AAAV which would be used to mature the vehicle's software
and accelerate reliability testing. The committee recommends an increase
of $27.5 million to support efforts to accelerate the development and
testing of AAAV hardware and software, a total authorization of $165.5
million.
Marine corps ground combat/support system
The budget request included $23.2 million to support research and
development activities associated with Marine Corps ground combat and
combat support systems. The committee continues to be concerned about
inadequate levels of fire support available to support Marine Corps
operations ashore. The committee was interested to note a new effort by
the Marine Corps to explore the utility of the Army's high mobility
artillery rocket system (HIMARS) to meet some of their outstanding fire
support requirements. The committee believes this effort could result in
a potential near-term solution for longer range general support
artillery requirements. The committee recommends an increase of $17.3
million to support the acquisition of two HIMARS systems and to support
testing and evaluation of the equipment and rocket systems, a total
authorization of $40.5 million.
Extended range guided munition
The budget request included $39.1 million in PE 63795N for
development of the extended range guided munition (ERGM). ERGM will
provide precision fire support for forces ashore from Naval gunfire
support ships. The budget request includes a two year delay (fiscal year
2002 to fiscal 2004) in the initial operating capability for ERGM.
However, ERGM has demonstrated success in a number of technical issues
and is scheduled for flight tests in calendar year 2000. The program
appears to have regained momentum lost after moving the contractor's
program office to a new geographic area. This move resulted in having to
fill key staff positions with new personnel.
Because the development of ERGM technologies are key to providing
extended range fire support to the Marine Corps, the committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63795N to reduce the risk
in developing the advanced technologies required for ERGM.
Nonlethal research and technology development
The budget request included $23.6 million for the joint nonlethal
weapons program. The committee recommends an total increase of $8.0
million in PE 63851M.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63851M for
research in nonlethal environmental effects and remediation. Both at
home and abroad, Americans, our allies, and innocent populations face an
escalating danger of environmental threats and hazards: purposely from
rogue elements and inadvertently from the results of adjacent or
contiguous conflict. The committee finds current understanding of the
environmental effects of emerging military responses to asymmetric and
conventional threats and availability of protections from environmental
agents woefully inadequate. Protections for civilian populations and
their environs do not exist at all.
These additional funds should be applied to develop a program for
assessing, determining and optimizing the environmental effects and
remediative capabilities of emerging nonlethal weapons, as well as for
removing, destroying, neutralizing, or containing environmental hazards
once those hazards are deployed by adversaries. Only by assessment,
evaluation, and development of methodologies to limit the spread of
environmental damage from the fielding of emerging environmental threats
and capabilities can new environmental consequences be avoided or
countered. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
The committee authorizes the remaining $6.0 million in additional
funds be allocated as follows: $2.0 million to continue the nonlethal
technology research innovation initiative; an increase of $1.0 million
for the neutralization of weapons of mass destruction sites; and $3.0
million for the nonlethal smart mortar casing demonstration. The
committee notes that all four of these items were included on the
Commandant's unfunded priority list.
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.
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 sonars with antisubmarine and anti-mine capabilities for
shallow water littoral operations.
The committee is encouraged with test results that 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. The
committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64212N for the
continued development of PADS.
Multi-mission helicopter upgrade development
The budget request included $69.9 million for the continued
development of the multi-mission helicopter upgrade. Although the Navy
had planned to integrate the advance threat infrared countermeasure
(ATIRCM) on the SH 60R, a fiscal year 1999 program and schedule
restructure has resulted in a funding shortfall to complete this
integration on time. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0
million in PE 64216N to continue to develop the integrated self-defense
suite for the SH 60R, a total authorization of $77.9 million.
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, distribution
and system operation and protection. This technology would support
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 64300N for PNCCs.
Ship manpower reduction initiative
The budget request included no funding for research and development
of technologies that could lead to manpower reductions resulting from
altering food service operations on ships. Committee visits to fleet
units verified that food service operations at sea are 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 for
food service operations at sea that may be applicable to Navy ships. The
Navy is investigating methods of reducing manpower required for food
service operations at sea, while maintaining the quality and freshness
of meals. These methods could lead to reduced manpower requirements in
fleet units. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in PE 64300N for advanced food service technology testing.
SPY 3 and volume search radars
The budget request included $69.6 million for development of the SPY
3 multi-function radar and $57.5 million for development of a new volume
search radar (VSR) in PE 64300N. Both radars are being developed for
future surface ships including CVN 77 and DD 21.
The goal of the SPY 3 is to provide an affordable, high performance
radar for ship defense. It will provide search, detect, track, and
weapon control functions that are now provided by two to three different
radars.
The VSR will be required to complement the SPY 3 by providing long
range above the horizon surveillance and timely cuing to the SPY 3.
Development of these radars are keys to reducing life-cycle costs in the
combat systems of future surface ships. The committee recommends an
increase of $8.0 million to PE 64300N for the development of the SPY 3
and VSR radars.
Acoustic rapid commercial-off-the-shelf insertion of multi-
purpose processor
The budget request included $28.2 million for submarine sonar
improvement. The multi-purpose processor (MPP) is the result of a small
business innovative research (SBIR) initiative. The MPP provides a
capability to transport new, advanced software to existing hardware
installations more easily. It lies at the heart of the Navy's acoustic
rapid commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) insertion (ARCI) program. This
program is designed to permit anti-submarine forces to regain acoustic
superiority over diesel and nuclear submarines of other navies.
The committee believes that the proven success of MPP and ARCI in
attack submarines should be applied to other platforms such as surface
ships, integrated undersea surveillance systems (IUSS), and maritime
patrol aircraft.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in
PE 64503N for continuation of the SBIR follow-on for advanced
development 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.
Submarine antenna technology improvement
The budget request included $0.9 million in PE 64503N for submarine
communications antenna systems improvement. Submarine communications are
vital to the evolving submarine littoral
operational concepts. The submarine's ability to remain
undetected while communicating depends on continuous development of
submarine antenna technology. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 64503N for submarine antenna technology improvements.
Submarine common architecture
The budget request included no funding in PE 64558N for migrating the
Virginia-class submarine architecture to the Los Angeles-class
submarines. Systems engineering and integration to define and manage
common network interfaces enables low cost and low risk capability
improvements for the Los Angeles, Ohio, and Seawolf-classes' submarine
non-propulsion electronics and tactical integrated electronics systems.
Therfore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE
64558N for development of a submarine common architecture.
Advanced tactical software for submarines
The budget request included $20.5 million in PE 64562N for software
upgrades to integrate improved submarine weapons capabilities.
Integration and installation planning for implementation of the Navy's
family of processors and displays, the AN/UYQ 70, will enable maximum
results from submarine combat systems software upgrades.
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 64562N for
the system engineering necessary to integrate advanced tactical software
into existing combat control systems for submarines.
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
The budget request included $1.1 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. An estimated 100
nations possess more than 40,000 ASMs. These missiles pose a potent
threat to surface combatants and amphibious ships involved in littoral
operations.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.1 million in PE 64755N for
the development and operational testing of the dual band, spatially
distributed infrared signature payload upgrade.
Navy single integrated human resources strategy
The budget request included $15.3 million PE 65013N for information
technology development. The Navy has been designated the lead agency for
development of software which will be used by all services to
consolidate pay and personnel reporting systems. However, there are a
number of service-specific systems which will provide information to the
joint system that is under development. The Navy's single integrated
human resources strategy (SIHRS) will update legacy systems which will
provide input data to the joint personnel and pay system. SIHRS has the
potential to provide enhanced system performance, workload reduction,
and reduced cost.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE
65013N for the business process re-engineering of Navy legacy systems
through the single integrated human resources strategy (SIHRS).
Marine Corps research university
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 65873M for
the Marine Corps Research University. The Marine Corps Research
University, initiated by the Corps and competitively awarded to
Pennsylvania State University in May of 1999, was established to assist
the Marine Corps to enter the 21st Century. The rush of the information
age and increased operational requirements has taxed the capabilities of
the Corps to remain on the cutting edge of a broad range of issues
routinely dealt with on a university campus. These and other factors led
the Marine Corps to seek a relationship with a major multi-disciplinary
research university. Additional funds should be used to provide support
initiatives and critical research in areas, such as the new Marine Corps
Integrated Logistics Concept (ILC), the Human Effects Advisory Panel
(HEAP) which supports non-lethal weapons development, the V 22
alternative metals study, the Probable Cause Detection System (PCDS) for
Chem-Bio detection, continuing and distance education courses, and
supply-chain courses in support of logistics education.
Reentry system applications program
The committee continues to support the reentry system applications
program (RSAP) as a sustaining technology program. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 11221N to support the RSAP
program. Also, the committee directs that the Navy establish a separate
project category for the RSAP program within PE 11221N to ensure program
continuity and execution.
Joint tactical combat training system
The budget request included $27.1 million for consolidated training
systems development. Of this amount, $7.8 million was for the joint
tactical combat training system (JTCTS). JTCTS is a joint Navy and Air
Force program to provide realistic combat training for joint air and sea
forces through a combination of simulated and real targets, instrumented
aircraft, and ship participants. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 24571N to accelerate hardware and software
integration of JTCTS, a total authorization of $32.1 million.
F 14 tactical reconnaissance
The budget request included $1.2 million for operational systems
development of the F 14 aircraft. The F 14 remains the only near-term
tactical reconnaissance aircraft organic to the carrier battle group.
Weather and battlefield conditions with smoke and dust continue to
hamper tactical reconnaissance platforms for both pre-strike
reconnaissance and battle damage assessment. Synthetic aperture radar
(SAR) systems offer a technical solution to all-weather, day and night
reconnaissance that is missing on our tactical reconnaissance platforms.
The committee understands that there are potentially two
non-developmental SAR systems that could be demonstrated for suitability
on strike fighter aircraft, neither of which is being procured for U.S.
tactical aircraft at this time. Recent experience in Operation Allied
Force in marginal weather again emphasized the need for all weather
reconnaissance and battle damage assessment capabilities to match the
all weather weapons now available. Because of the high military utility
provided to operational commanders, the committee recommends an increase
of $9.0 million in PE 25667N to demonstrate the military utility of
non-developmental SAR reconnaissance systems, a total authorization of
$10.2 million.
Software interoperability process tools
The budget request included $0.9 million for joint command control
communications computer intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance
(C4ISR) operational architectures. The operational architectures will
provide the baseline to identify war fighter requirements, design and
structure assessments, and generate functional metrics.
Software interoperability process tools prevent interoperability
problems by anticipating needs and shortfalls and implementing
solutions. The process tools have the potential to reduce software
development time lines by providing essential analysis that complements
the joint communications infrastructure synchronization initiative. The
committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 35118N for
software interoperability process tools.
Satellite communications systems integration initiative
The budget request included no funding for the Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) satellite communications (SATCOM)
systems integration (SSI) initiative. The SSI initiative is intended to
facilitate improved identification and evaluation of new and emerging
communication and network technologies in the area of SATCOM that can
distribute a wider diversity of information products. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 35972N for the SSI
initiative.
Distributed engineering plant
The budget request included $9.1 million in PE 38601N for modeling
and simulation activities including development and analysis. It is the
Navy's intention to continue a new focus for battle group pre-deployment
hardware and software testing by leveraging shore based facility
capabilities. The linking of the shore based facilities with battle
group assets is referred to as a distributed engineering plant (DEP).
The DEP will be used to feedback information into the acquisition cycle
as well as to test software and hardware compatibility in both actual
and virtual environments.
The East Coast Command Control Communications and Computers
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Engineering Center
is a critical node in the DEP. Three of the C4ISR focus areas that will
improve the connectivity and responsiveness of the DEP are:
(1) fusing geographically distributed simulators using the high
level architecture to conduct end-to-end system interoperability
testing;
(2) adapting visualization and computer-aided design tools to
shipboard C4ISR configuration management; and
(3) integrating systems for distributed simulation/stimulation in
end-to-end Navy and joint testing.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 38601N for
the three C4ISR battle center focus areas described in the above
paragraph.
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Laser processing tools
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 62102F for
the development and application of a high power, tunable, ultraviolet
laser processing tool for the fabrication of micro-engineered components
and subsystems pertinent to aerospace applications. A high-average power
free electron laser with ultraviolet capability would allow processing
materials and micro make micro- and nano-devices for space systems
applications. This research would also assist in enabling the Air
Force's ability to manufacture low-cost pico and nano-satellites, and
microsystems. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
Resin systems for Air Force applications
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62102F for
the development and demonstration of high temperature resin systems for
Air Force engine applications. The committee understands that this
technology could reduce the cost of high temperature components in
turbine engines for fighter aircraft. The committee directs that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Thermal protection systems
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 62102F for
the development of thermal protection systems for hypervelocity vehicles
and atmospheric flight trajectories. The committee directs that all
applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or
other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Aeronautical research
The committee remains gravely concerned with the failure of the Air
Force to properly fund critical aeronautical research. The committee
recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 62201F for advanced
concepts research and technology development for long term aeronautical
systems. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
Polyphenylene benzobisoxozole membrane fuel cell
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62203F for
research in polyphenylene benzobisoxozole (PBO) films for fuel cell
membranes. The committee notes that fuel cells can provide a lower cost,
lighter weight, higher performance and more energy efficient fuel cell.
The microporous PBO substrate may provide a component solution that will
increase the strength and high temperature capabilities currently
inhibiting fuel cell technologies. The committee directs that all
applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or
other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Variable displacement vane pump
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62203F to
complete the development and demonstration of the variable displacement
vane pump (VDVP) as an alternate engine fuel pump. The committee directs
that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
High frequency active auroral research
The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million to continue
experimentation in the high frequency active auroral research program as
follows: an increase of $7.0 million in PE 62601F and an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 63714D.
Space survivability
The committee recommends an increase of $5.6 million in PE 62601F to
continue critical research in clutter mitigation, space weather effects
on spacecraft, ionospheric effects on global positioning systems (GPS),
communication and geolocation, and space environment distributed anomoly
resolution sensor research.
Aluminum aerostructures
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 603112F
for the development and demonstration of methodology for producing
advanced aluminum aerostructures. This effort is critical for improved
afford ability, maintainability, and enhanced performance of current and
future Air Force systems. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Hyperspectral research
The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 63203F to
complete the development of a multi-spectral synthetic battlespace
simulation capability to address the critical needs of the Air Force's
advanced air and space sensor technologies. The committee directs that
cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Fiber optical control technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63205F for
the development and demonstration of all optical control interface with
an electro-mechanical flight actuator. The committee understands this
technology has the potential to improve performance and survivability
while lowering operating costs for future Air Force flight vehicles. The
committee directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in
the award of contracts or other agreements under this program and that
cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Low cost launch technology
The committee continues to support the development of a range of
low-cost launch technologies, including the Scorpius concept. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63401F for
low cost launch technology development, including Scorpius.
Micro-satellite technology
The committee continues to support the Micro-Satellite Technology
program. The committee was disappointed that the Air Force Research
Laboratory was unable to complete preparations for the launch of the XSS
10 micro-satellite with funds available in fiscal year 2000. Therefore,
the committee recommends a transfer of $5.0 million requested for the
Tech-Sat 21 program in PE 62601F to PE 63401F for an overall increase of
$12.0 million in PE 63401F to complete work on and launch the XSS 10.
Miniature satellite threat reporting system
The budget request included no funding for the Miniature Satellite
Threat Reporting System (MSTRS). The committee continues to support
MSTRS to develop the capability to protect satellites from uplink
jamming, interference, or intrusion. The committee also supports efforts
to develop sensors capable of detecting laser threats. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63401F for the
MSTRS program.
Next generation composite launch vehicle payload fairings and shrouds
The committee supports the development of composite manufacturing and
processing technologies for the next generation of payload fairings and
shrouds to improve the performance of U.S. space systems while reducing
overall production cost. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in PE 63401F to support this effort.
Solar orbital transfer vehicle
The committee has supported development of the solar orbital transfer
vehicle (SOTV) technology program. The SOTV program combines thermionic
technology for electricity production and thermal propulsion. To
continue this effort, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 63401F.
Space maneuver vehicle
The committee continues to support the Air Force and National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) partnership to develop a
reusable upper stage vehicle. The committee supports the Air Force
effort to acquire a ``second tail number'' of NASA's X 37 as a Space
Maneuver Vehicle operational technology demonstrator (X 40B). Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 63401F to
support acquisition of the ``second tail number'' X 40B SMV
demonstrator.
Upper stage flight experiment
The Air Force has developed a program to demonstrate advanced upper
stage technologies to lower the cost of space launch. To support the
launch of this experimental rocket motor in the near future, the
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63401F.
Space Based Laser program
The budget request included $137.7 million for the Space Based Laser
(SBL) program, including $63.2 million in the Air Force budget and $74.5
million in the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization budget. Although
the Air Force and BMDO have structured a viable program to launch an SBL
integrated flight experiment (IFX) in the fiscal year 2012 2014
timeframe, this program remains funding-constrained. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $30.0 million in PE 63876F to
support acceleration of the IFX and its integrated test facility.
Airborne laser program
The budget request included $148.6 million for the Airborne laser
(ABL) program. Although the committee has raised concerns regarding the
maturity of the ABL technology in the past, the committee is concerned
by the Air Force's decision to significantly reduce funding for the ABL
program in fiscal year 2001, and throughout the years of the Future
Years Defense Program. The committee notes that the Air Force has
implemented a range of risk reduction measures that the committee had
previously directed, including efforts in the area of atmospheric
compensation being conducted at the North Oscura Peak test facility in
New Mexico. As required by the National Defense Authorization Act of
Fiscal Year 2000, the Air Force reviewed progress in five specific risk
reduction areas. Pursuant to this requirement, the Secretary of the Air
Force reported to Congress on December 6, 1999, that ``[e]xcellent
progress has been made in all five areas,'' and that ``[t]he ABL Program
continues to meet or exceed every technical and programmatic milestone
and remains on-cost and on-schedule.''
In light of this positive report, the committee does not understand
or support the Air Force's decision to significantly reduce the ABL
program funding. This cut jeopardizes the ability to complete the
initial ABL test aircraft in a timely manner. The first test aircraft is
critical to determining whether all necessary ABL technologies are ready
for production. The committee supports rapid demonstration of these key
technologies and thus strongly opposes the delay in the completion of
the Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR) aircraft. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $92.4 million in PE 63319F, the
amount needed in fiscal year 2001 to keep the PDRR aircraft on schedule
to conduct the first lethal demonstration during fiscal year 2003. The
committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to spend these
additional fiscal year 2001 funds consistent with the fiscal year 2000
program plan. Absent the development of technical problems, the ABL
program should remain on schedule for a lethal demonstration in fiscal
year 2003 and initial operational capability in fiscal year 2007.
Rocket systems launch program
The committee continues to support the Rocket Systems Launch Program
(RSLP), which utilizes excess strategic missile rocket motors to launch
small payloads. The committee recommends an increase of $19.2 million in
PE 63851F to demonstrate quick reaction launch capabilities, Global
Positioning System range safety, and common strategic missile
technology.
Wideband gapfiller military satellite communications
The budget request included $92.3 million in research, development,
test and evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for the Wideband Gapfiller
satellite communications system (WGS). The committee notes that, as a
result of the Department of Defense policy to fully fund satellites with
procurement funding, the fiscal year 2001 RDT&E budget request for WGS
was increased by $34.1 million over fiscal year 2000 projections. The
committee recommends a decrease of $18.0 million in PE 63854F for WGS
satellite design.
B 2 advanced technology bomber
The budget request included $48.3 million for continued development
of the B 2 advanced technology bomber. The Air Force unfunded
requirements list included a request for additional risk reduction for
connectivity. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in
PE64240F for the connectivity risk reduction for the B 2 advanced
technology bomber.
The budget request also included $17.8 million for the operational
system development of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM)
terminals. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in
PE33601F for risk reduction efforts in MILSATCOM terminals specific to
integration with the B 2 advanced technology bomber.
Milstar satellite communications
The budget request included $236.8 million for Milstar satellite
communications research, development, test and evaluation, including an
increase of $11.0 million over fiscal year 2000 budget projections for
satellite engineering requirements. The committee believes that this
growth is not fully justified. Therefore, the committee recommends a
decrease of $4.0 million in PE 64479F.
F 15E squadrons
The budget request included $61.3 million for continued operational
systems development of the F 15 aircraft. The budget request included no
funding for the integration of the BOL countermeasure system on the F 15
series of aircraft, although it was included on the Air Force unfunded
priorities list. Integration of this system will dramatically increase
the chaff and flare capacity of the F 15, giving it preemptive
expendable capability. The committee recommends an increase of $7.6
million in PE 27134F for BOL countermeasure system integration on the F
15, a total authorization of $68.9 million.
Hyperspectral system development
The committee supports research and development of hyperspectral
technology for use in high altitude and space applications. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 27247F to
support these efforts.
Extended range cruise missile
The budget request included no funding for the extended range cruise
missile (ERCM). Section 132 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) required the Secretary of the
Air Force to submit a report on replacement options for the conventional
air-launched cruise missile (CALCM). The CALCM has become the Air Force
weapon of choice in recent conflicts, and as such, its inventory has
been seriously depleted. This report defined near-term, mid-term, and
long-term solutions to address this required capability. The near-term
solution, which is ongoing and funded, is to convert the remaining,
available air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) to CALCMs. The mid-term
solution, which is not funded in the fiscal year 2001 budget request, is
to begin a two to three-year ERCM development to upgrade an existing
cruise missile design. This development will be followed by a four-year
production run to build up the cruise missile stockpile. Funding for the
initiation of this development is very high on the Air Force unfunded
priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $86.1 million
in PE 27323F to commence ERCM development.
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
The budget request included $144.1 million for operational system
development of the E 8 joint surveillance and target attack radar system
(JSTARS) aircraft and weapons system. The global access, navigation, and
safety strategic management plan, published in fiscal year 1999,
included a requirement for installation of global air traffic management
(GATM) equipment in the E 8 JSTARS aircraft. This modification will be
required to maintain current access to oceanic and continental routes in
Europe, ensuring that missions can be safely and effectively flown. The
Air Force has included development of GATM modifications for the E 8 on
its unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of
$7.2 million in PE 27581F for development and integration of GATM on the
JSTARS aircraft, a total authorization of $151.3 million.
Lighthouse cyber security
The budget request included $7.2 million for Air Force information
system security research, development, test and evaluation. The
committee supports the Lighthouse Cyber Security Program managed by the
Air Force, which focuses on computer system vulnerabilities and threats,
and provides guidance and corrective courses of action through the use
of modeling and prototype tools. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 33140F to support the Lighthouse Cyber Security
Program.
Dragon U 2
The budget request included $27.5 million in PE 35202F for
operational systems development of the U 2 aircraft. The budget request
included no funding for the continued development of the Senior Year
electro-optic reconnaissance system (SYERS). The committee recommends an
increase of $6.0 million in PE 35202F for further SYERS development, a
total authorization of $33.5 million.
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Advanced photonic composites research
The budget request includes $90.1 million for defense research
sciences (PE 61101E). The committee recommends that, of the funds, $3.0
million be used to extend the Advanced Photonic Composites Research
Program in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Photonic
composite materials are complex material systems whose key optical
property is described by a periodic function. The optical property
typically is an index of refraction or some non-linear optical behavior.
Due to their complex three dimensional nature, photonic composite
materials are very difficult to produce. However, these materials offer
great promise for the development of photonic devices with greatly
improved performance due to their inherent ability to substantially
reduce the volume of material required to achieve certain optical
effects.
Infrasound detection capability basic research
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 61103D for
basic research in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
verification. The additional funds will be used to develop and evaluate
infrasound sensors and conduct studies and analysis for use in
developing more effective and efficient infrasound detection capability
to support the detection of nuclear explosions on a global basis. The
committee directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in
the award of contracts or other agreements under this program and that
cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Personnel research initiative
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 61103D for
the defense personnel research initiative. The additional funds will
support basic research efforts in manpower and personnel including
operations research, economics, cognitive and experimental psychology
with the objective of reducing attrition, increasing retention, and
ensuring an efficient allocation of military forces.
Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive research
The budget request includes $9.9 million for the Defense Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) to broaden the
infrastructure for universities that support national defense research.
The research conducted is peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The
committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 61114D to
continue efforts in this merit-based program.
Chemical and biological defense basic research
The budget request included $33.2 million in PE 61384BP for chemical
and biological defense basic research. The goal of this program is to
improve the operational performance of the military services by
concentrated research in areas that can contribute to defense against
chemical and biological agents. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 61384BP for basic research, to be distributed as
follows: $2.0 million for optical computing chemical agent detection;
and $3.0 million for continued research in thin film technology
development.
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization funding and
programmatic guidance
The budget request included approximately $4.9 billion for the
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO), including Procurement,
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) and military
construction. The committee's recommended changes to the budget request
for BMDO procurement and RDT&E are provided below. The committee's
recommendations for BMDO military construction are provided elsewhere in
this report.
SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY
The committee continues to support BMDO's efforts in the area of wide
bandgap electronics materials and devices. To support this important
technology effort, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million
in PE 62173C and an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63173C.
The committee continues to support the Atmospheric Interceptor
Technology (AIT) program to develop advanced interceptor kill vehicle
technologies. The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in
PE 63173C to support the AIT program.
The committee believes that BMDO should immediately begin to define
and develop the necessary technology for the Navy Theater Wide (NTW)
Standard Missile 3 (SM 3) block II kill vehicle. The committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 62173C to support the
development of advanced NTW kill vehicle concepts employing light-weight
non-toxic pumped-propulsion and active/passive sensor technology.
The committee has supported BMDO's efforts to evaluate innovative and
low-cost launch technologies. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million in PE 63173C to support low cost launch technology,
including the Excalibur concept.
The committee recommends an increase of $9.0 million in PE 63173C to
support the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.
NATIONAL MISSILE DEFENSE
The budget request included approximately $1.8 billion for the
National Missile Defense (NMD) program, including Procurement and RDT&E.
The committee notes that the Director of BMDO has identified an
additional $300.0 million that could be utilized to further enhance risk
reduction and testing activities. Of this amount, the Director
identified $129.0 million as critical risk reduction unfunded
requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $129.0
million in PE 63871C for NMD risk reduction.
The committee understands that BMDO is considering entering into a
competition for the NMD X-band ground-based radars (GBR) that would be
deployed following the initial deployment of the Alaska GBR site. The
committee directs the Director of BMDO to conduct an analysis of the
advantages and disadvantages of a competitive approach to follow-on GBR
development and deployment, and provide a report to the congressional
defense committees by April 1, 2001.
NAVY THEATER WIDE
The committee continues to support the NTW program and urges the
Secretary of Defense to accelerate this important program to the extent
permitted by the pace of technological development. The committee
recommends an increase of $60.0 million in PE 63868C to accelerate the
NTW SM 3 interceptor.
BMD TECHNICAL OPERATIONS
The committee continues to support the Army Space and Missile Defense
Command's Advanced Research Center (ARC). The ARC provides a valuable
tool in support of both theater and national missile defense programs.
The committee recommends an increase of $6.5 million in PE 63874C in
support of the ARC.
The committee supports BMDO's efforts to improve missile defense
technologies and capabilities against advanced theater ballistic missile
threats. One promising area of research is in optical data and sensor
fusion for detection and discrimination of advanced threats, missile
plumes, and penetration aids using advanced image processing and optical
discrimination algorithms. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in PE 63874C for BMDO to continue this work.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS
The budget request included $117.0 million for BMDO International
Cooperative Programs, including $81.2 million for Israeli Cooperative
Projects and $35.8 million for the Russian-American Observation
Satellites (RAMOS) program.
The committee is pleased that the budget request includes funding to
support continued acquisition of the Arrow Third Battery. The committee
recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 63875C to initiate the
Arrow System Improvement Plan.
The committee notes that the Department of Defense has revised the
Russian-American Observation Satellites (RAMOS) program from its fiscal
year 2000 approach to a restructured two-satellite program. The
committee understands that this revised program is intended to improve
the prospects for technical success with a greater focus on defense
objectives, while also protecting sensitive U.S. technology. Under the
revised proposal, Russia would build, launch and operate two essentially
identical satellites that carry U.S.-built infrared sensors. The U.S. is
attempting to devise a plan to place these sensors in tamper-resistant
containers and have monitors to ensure proper handling to preclude
unauthorized technology transfer.
Although this revised two-satellite program is a significant
improvement over the previous two-satellite RAMOS concept, the committee
continues to have serious concerns. The committee is concerned that, one
year after the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) determined that RAMOS
was of marginal benefit to BMDO, the Department now proposes to spend
approximately $350.0 million on the development and production of two
satellites over the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP), and that this
entire amount is to be paid for by DOD. In contrast, BMDO's core
technology program is widely recognized to be under-funded throughout
the years of the FYDP. The committee also is not convinced that the
United States can provide infrared sensors for integration into
Russian-built and launched satellites without compromising this
technology or otherwise providing significant technical assistance to
Russia to accommodate the integration and proper functioning of the
U.S.-built sensors. In light of these concerns, the committee directs
the Secretary of Defense to restore the RAMOS program to the approach
presented to Congress in the fiscal year 2000 budget request, which was
approved by Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000. Consistent with this approach, the committee
recommends a reduction of $20.0 million in PE 63875C for the RAMOS
program.
BMD TARGETS
The committee continues to support BMDO's effort to develop a theater
missile defense surrogate target based on a liquid fuel engine. The
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63872C to
continue this effort.
Bio-defense research
The budget request included $18.6 million for PE 62234D, the Lincoln
Laboratory research program. This reflects a 10 percent decrease that
has not been explained or substantiated by the Department of Defense.
The reduction included in the budget request will have a significant
impact on the advanced bio-defense development activities, a project
that the Department has extolled as ``best in its class''. Performance
was rated ``beyond expectation''. The effort is to develop an integrated
bio agent detection, identification, and warning sensor system that is
smaller, lighter and quicker; the actual target is an integrated system
the size of a mailbox.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.1 million in PE 62234D to
continue the development and demonstration of this bio- defense
technology in the vital national security interest.
Hybrid sensor suite
The budget request included no funding in PE 62384BP for a
lightweight, man-portable hybrid sensor suite using thin film
technology. The committee notes the requirement for a low-power,
inexpensive chemical agent detector. Therefore, The committee recommends
an increase of $8.0 million in PE 62384BP for a hybrid sensor suite
using thin-film technology.
High definition systems
The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million in PE 62708E for
the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's high definition system
program. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that no projects be pursued without an industry cost
share.
Three dimensional structures research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62712E for
the development, optimization and demonstration of fabrication processes
for highly integrated three dimensional microcircuits. The committee
directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in the award
of contracts or other agreements under this program and that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Biological agent sensor technologies
The budget request included $300,000 for combating terrorism
technology support to continue to develop aerogel and fiber optic based
technologies for chemical and biological collector and detector
prototypes that meet the requirements of multiple federal agencies. The
committee notes that since calendar year 1997, the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has provided an estimated $2.9 million
for technology base development of aerogel-based chemical and biological
sample collector and sensor systems. The research efforts of DARPA
indicate that aerogel properties can be tailored to meet or exceed the
requirements of existing and future collector and sensor platforms.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE
63122D to transition the continued development of aerogel and coupled
fiber optic-based biological sensor technologies from the DARPA
Biological Defense Program to the Technical Support Working Group
support program.
Blast mitigation testing
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63122D,
Combating Terrorism Technology Support, to accelerate the testing and
certification of blast mitigation effects technology. These funds would
allow the Department of Defense to accelerate the testing and analysis
of building components and improve building design standards and
guidelines for use in new construction applications.
Facial recognition access control technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63122D,
Combating Terrorism Technology Support, for facial recognition access
control technology. These funds will be used to further the Department
of Defense's efforts to develop, test and evaluate this surveillance,
identification, and access control technology, and allow prototype
development and testing.
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force detector technologies
The budget request included no funding in PE 63384BP for the Chemical
and Biological Individual Sampler (CBIS) or the Small Unit Biological
Detector (SUBD) programs. The committee notes the continuing requirement
of the Marine Corps for chemical and biological detectors and analyzers
in conjunction with the Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force
capability requirements. The committee continues to support CBIS and
SUBD research and development initiatives and recommends an increase in
PE 63384BP of $11.2 million, to be distributed as follows: $2.7 million
for the CBIS program to carry forward multiple, mature technologies and
allow for operational assessments by the Joint Forces Command; and $8.5
million for the SUBD program to
evaluate component detection sensitivity, and to fabricate prototypes.
Consequence Management Information System
The budget request included no funding in PE 63384BP for a
Consequence Management Information System. The committee notes the
requirement for a program to enable civilian and military incident
responders, such as Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams, to
access and share selected information for operational planning and
execution. The committee supports this initiative and recommends an
increase of $6.4 million in PE 63384BP for a Consequence Management
Information System.
Reactive materials
The budget request included no funding in PE 63384BP for the
evaluation of advanced materials that contain reactive technologies.
These technologies have demonstrated the potential to increase
protection to the warfighter when incorporated into clothing, tentage,
and shelters for defense against chemical and biological agents. The
committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 63384BP for the
evaluation of advanced materials that contain reactive technologies.
Complex systems design
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63704D to
continue the development of the multi-view data standards for integrated
digital environment for complex systems design. The Department of
Defense currently employs a number of computer-based synthesis and
analysis tolls 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. Congress has expressed strong
support of this effort. The committee requires the Department to conduct
a review of the project and report back to congressional defense
committees on the Department's plan to implement this technology once it
is completed.
Competitive sustainment initiative
The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 62712S for
the competitive sustainment initiative. This initiative provides the
foundation for forging new, more cooperative links between the
Department of Defense and the supply base to eliminate waste and improve
the velocity of logistics. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Attack-Effects-Response
Assessment capability at U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM)
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63832D,
Joint Wargaming Simulation Management Office, for the development and
installation of a Weapon of Mass Destruction Attack-Effects-Response
Assessment capability for the Joint Task Force-Civil Support that was
recently established as part of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM).
This program will allow USJFCOM, along with government agencies, state,
and local authorities, to model chemical, biological or radiological
incidents from the initial detection of the attack and initial effects
through the medical response to the incident in an integrated,
interoperable manner.
Integrated data environment technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63736D 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. The
committee directs that cost sharing for this project be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Demonstration/validation of technology for the remediation
of unexploded ordnance at active, inactive, closing, transferred, and
transferring ranges
The budget request included $9.0 million for research, development,
testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) related to the environmental remediation
of unexploded ordnance (UXO), $5.0 million for development of UXO
technology through the Strategic Environmental Research and Development
Program (SERDP)(PE 63716D) and $4.0 million for demonstration/validation
through the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program
(ESTCP)(PE 63851D). The committee recommends an increase of
$10.0 million in ESTCP (PE 63851D) for
demonstration/validation of UXO remediation technology.
The committee has previously expressed concern (S. Rept. 106 50)
about the lack of focus or support in the Department of Defense (DOD)
RDT&E base for UXO remediation. Based on information provided to the
committee, it is evident that increased emphasis in this area is
absolutely essential, particularly for demonstration/validation of
technology that has been developed through SERDP and other DOD programs.
It is the committee's expectation that the increased funding will be
used for the demonstration/validation of viable, cost effective
solutions that will help the military departments meet the extraordinary
challenge of UXO remediation at active, inactive, closed, transferred,
and transferring ranges. Moreover, the committee intends that ESTCP
shall establish performance measures for UXO remediation technologies in
order to determine the resulting level of implementation within the DOD.
Next generation anthrax vaccine
The budget request included $400,000 in PE 64384BP for a second
generation, recombinant vaccine against the biological warfare agent
anthrax. The committee recommends an increase of $2.1 million in PE
64384BP for continued research and development of a recombinant vaccine
against the biological warfare agent anthrax.
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
(USAMRIID) developed a second generation, recombinant vaccine against
the biological warfare agent anthrax in 1995. The committee notes that
the vaccine currently utilized by the Department of Defense in the
Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) was licensed in 1970 and has
been certified as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). The committee is concerned that there is inadequate support for
continued research and development of a second generation, recombinant
vaccine against the biological agent anthrax and provides additional
funding for this effort.
Remote Ordnance Neutralization System
The budget request included $11.6 million for the Joint Robotics
Program, PE 64709D. The committee recommends an increase of $1.6 million
in PE 64709D to develop and test improvements to the Remote Ordnance
Neutralization System (RONS). These funds would allow the Department of
Defense to upgrade RONS to a digital system and improve operator
interface capabilities.
Cyber attack sensing and warning
The committee is aware of efforts being undertaken by the Department
of Defense to develop technologies to detect and respond to cyber
attacks on the defense information infrastructure. To support the
development and deployment of such sensors, the committee recommends an
increase of $20.0 million in PE 33140G.
Information Operations Technology Center
The committee strongly supports the efforts by the Information
Operations Technology Center (IOTC) to develop information
operations/information warfare tools. The committee recommends an
increase of $5.0 million in PE 33140G to support these important efforts
by the IOTC.
Trusted RUBIX
The budget request included no funding to complete evaluation of the
Trusted RUBIX multilevel security database guard. The committee
recommends an increase of $1.8 million in PE 33140G for evaluation and
certification of the Trusted RUBIX information system security
technology for interface with multilevel security software.
Virtual worlds initiative
The U.S. Special Operations Command has developed a program for
integrating various sources of imagery and other information into
three-dimensional products to support special operations forces. In
order to support development of a scene generation database and other
elements of the Virtual Worlds Initiative, the committee recommends an
increase of $2.0 million in PE 34210BB.
Intelligent spatial technologies for smart mapping systems
The committee recognizes the importance and technological challenges
involved in developing intelligent spatial technologies for military
applications. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in the advanced research and development component of PE 35102BQ
for intelligent spatial technology development in spatio-temporal
database research for smart maps.
Joint Mapping Tool Kit
The committee continues to support the development of the Joint
Mapping Tool Kit (JMTK) by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency
(NIMA). The committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 35102BQ for continued development of the JMTK
and the NIMA viewer.
Information assurance testbed
The budget request included no funding to support the Information
Assurance Testbed. Section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) established an Information
Assurance Testbed within the Department of Defense (DOD) to facilitate
simulations, wargames, exercises and experiments in the area of
information assurance and information warfare. The Testbed was also
intended to provide an organizational structure with which DOD could
interact with other departments and agencies and with the private sector
on matters related to cyber security and cyber threats. The committee
continues to support this important effort. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 35190D to support the
Testbed.
Joint course of action analysis and targeting support for
information operations
The committee supports the Secretary of Defense's efforts to
coordinate and de-conflict activities in the Department of Defense in
the area of information operations (IO). The joint course of action
analysis and targeting support for IO (JCOATS IO) program is intended to
establish a centralized process for IO-based capabilities. To support
this important initiative, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 35190D.
Advanced lightweight grenade launcher
The budget request included $87.1 million for Special Operations
Forces (SOF) Operational Enhancements. The committee recommends an
increase of $5.6 million in SOF Operational Force Enhancements (PE
1160408BB) to fund the continued research and development of the
advanced lightweight grenade launcher.
Management reform for Department of Defense test and evaluation centers
Congress has addressed the issue of management reform for Department
of Defense test and evaluation centers twice in the last two years.
Section 907 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105 261) required the Secretary to
conduct a comprehensive review of the management of the test and
evaluation centers. Section 907 specifically required the Secretary to
develop a plan, including a schedule for establishing a cost-based
management information system for the test and evaluation centers. The
statement of managers on the conference report on the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (H. Rept. 106 301) added the
requirement that the Department report to the congressional defense
committees on the feasibility of financing test and evaluation
facilities through a working capital fund.
The committee is concerned that the Department has not yet submitted
the plan and schedule required by section 907 or the report required by
the statement of managers. The committee directs the Department to
ensure that these requirements are fully implemented in a timely manner.
In particular, the committee understands that the Department has
developed a cost-based information system for use by the major range
test facilities base (MRTFB). In accordance with the requirements of
section 907, the Department should develop a schedule to implement this
system for all test and evaluation centers and to ensure that the data
collected by this system is actively used to make management and
investment decisions.
The committee is also aware of certain cases in which developmental
testing has been conducted outside the Department's test and evaluation
base to reduce program costs. The committee directs the Department to
review these decisions and ensure that the quality and integrity of the
testing program has not been compromised by these cost-cutting
decisions.
Furthermore, the committee has serious concerns with the budget
request for the Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP).
CTEIP provides critical test and evaluation capabilities for joint and
multi-service system test requirements. In this role, CTEIP provides a
corporate means to leverage test investments for the services and
defense agencies. This year funding decreased even though the Annual
Report of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation for 1999 stated
the clear and pressing need for new investments in the test and
evaluation infrastructure, ``. . . with its emphasis on such efforts as
improving and test efficiencies, promoting increased use of modeling and
simulation, creating common instrumentation, and developing capabilities
for test information systems, the CTEIP is clearly focused on developing
the test capabilities we will require to meet the test challenges of the
next century.''
The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in PE 64940D to
be applied to critical upgrades at the defense test and evaluation
facilities as determined by the Director of Operational Test and
Evaluation (DOT&E). The committee directs that the additional funds be
awarded in accordance with the standards provided in the assessment of
the centers from the MRTFB criteria. The DOT&E should report back to
committee on the allocation of such funds and the criteria used to
determine the recipients.
Augmented reality fire-fighting training
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 65131D for
augmented reality fire-fighting training. Augmented reality is the use
of live and virtual (computer generated) objects. The current project
has demonstrated the basic technology in a multi-room office
environment. This follow-on would focus on a shipboard system that would
allow the actual crew to train in the actual environment during a
deployment. The Live Fire Test and Evaluation Office is chartered with
ensuring timely and accurate assessments of system survivability,
vulnerability, and munitions effectiveness of weapons systems. One of
the leading causes of casualties, in wartime or peace, is fire or fire
effects. Evaluation of the training of ship crews under realistic combat
emergency conditions is of critical importance to total ship
survivability assessments.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Aircraft carrier modernization
The Navy is acquiring the next nuclear powered aircraft carrier in
the Nimitz-class, the CVN 77. In order to reduce the total operational
cost and improve system capability, the Navy intends to rely on the
contractor team to provide total systems integration effort for the
combat system, a function that has previously been managed by the
Department of the Navy. The Navy believes that this approach will take
advantage of commercial-based design to improve overall capability.
The committee is aware that the Department of Defense is conducting a
review of the process by which we acquire electronic warfare programs.
This review has been generated because of the Department's repeated
experience of cost, schedule and technical problems associated with such
acquisitions.
The committee believes that the Department of the Navy should
apply appropriate lessons derived from this on-going study to the
aircraft carrier program. In particular, the committee believes that the
Navy should give due consideration to risk, cost, and benefit of newer
electronic warfare systems compared to other alternatives.
Advanced ship hull demonstrators
The budget request included no funding in PE 63792N for advanced ship
hull demonstrators. However, within PE 64300N and PE 64558N, both
destroyer and submarine hull designs are being tested.
Tactics and operational concepts for littoral operations from the sea
continue to evolve. The introduction of new capabilities requires the
review of both strategic and tactical doctrine. Although it is not
feasible to build a full scale prototype test vehicle for the many
advanced hull designs proposed to the Navy, the Navy should leverage
investments in advanced hull designs made by other entities including
those of allied/foreign navies.
Rapid evaluation of advanced hull design tactical and strategic
advantages should provide the Navy with valuable information for the
development of operational concepts and tactics.
The committee is encouraged by Navy War College innovative concepts
for applying available and future ship capabilities to influence both
strategic and tactical operations.
Therefore, the committee recommends the Navy demonstrate capabilities
inherent in advanced hulls where those capabilities have the potential
to provide valuable insights for use in modeling, simulation, war
gaming, operational concept development, and ship construction. In
addition, the committee encourages the Navy to take advantage of
authority previously provided to them, by including the use of advanced
hull designs in joint and combined exercises, as well as fleet battle
experiments.
Crusader
The committee noted with interest decisions made by the Secretary of
the Army to restructure the Crusader artillery system development
program. The committee has supported efforts to develop and field this
next generation system to fully modernize a heavy corps, and is
concerned that adjustments made to the program appear to make this
outcome unlikely. The committee understands the Chief of Staff has
directed the program manager to determine the feasibility of producing a
40-ton system that will be easier to deploy but just as operationally
capable as the existing concept. While the notion of lightening this
system is admirable, this action will further delay any potential
fielding of a system that has been in development for more than a
decade. Most troubling is the revised schedule that now calls for a
production decision to be delayed until the first quarter of fiscal year
2009. The committee does not understand how this delayed program fits
with efforts to field an objective force, with common platforms, in the
fiscal year 2012 time frame. The committee directs the Army to provide a
report, by March 1, 2001, that describes how the current development and
acquisition strategy for Crusader will fit with efforts designed to
field the objective force described in the Army transformation
initiative.
Future ship technology research and development
The budget request includes significant investments in future ship
research and development. These investments are key to ensuring future
ships have the technology required to maintain a war fighting advantage.
In addition, some technologies may lower operating and construction
costs. The Navy is encouraged to review the following technologies which
have the potential to provide a technological edge and/or reduce
life-cycle costs for future ships:
(1) applying multi-purpose processor technology to advanced
integrated electronic warfare systems;
(2) developing a battle force tactical trainer with an upgraded
personal computer system;
(3) modernizing aircraft carrier design software;
(4) pursuing advanced hull, mechanical, and engineering development
of integrated topside structures and reduced ship signatures;
(5) emphasizing total ship engineering for enhanced damage control
and survivability;
(6) modifying surface ship sonars for advanced mine detection;
(7) developing a damage control action management system;
(8) reviewing life-cycle cost benefits of an inter-cooled
recuperated gas turbine engine;
(9) commercial off the shelf desktop computers which are capable of
processing both secure information and unclassified data;
(10) wireless, low power level onboard and off-board personnel
tracking and monitoring device with applications for shore material
tracking;
(11) developing interfaces between Navy legacy human resources
systems and the Global Combat Support System; and
(12) developing business process re-engineering of legacy Navy and
Naval Reserve personnel systems.
Joint training and experimentation
The committee has noted with great interest the ongoing efforts by
the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to
establish the organizational and procedural mechanisms to promulgate
doctrine, concepts, and requirements for joint military operations. The
establishment of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) on October 1,
1999 was a major milestone on this path.
The steps taken by USJFCOM to date are promising. The joint
experimentation program is underway. The Joint Warfighting Center
continues to make progress in standardizing joint training and
procedures across the entire force. The federation of the various
service and defense agency battle labs to eliminate unnecessary
duplication and provide a unifying vision for future efforts was
especially notable.
In its December 1997 report on the Quadrennial Defense Review, the
National Defense Panel recommended the establishment of a joint national
training center. Other official and independent studies have made
similar recommendations to make use of the capabilities of the existing
training centers, e.g., Joint Readiness Training Center, National
Training Center, Nellis Air Force Base, 29 Palms, and the San Diego Navy
training facilities, for joint training and concept development. During
his testimony before the committee on March 1, 2000, General James
Jones, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, stated that the Marine Corps
and Army were discussing the possibility of physically joining the 29
Palms Training Center and the Army National Training Center at Fort
Irwin, CA.
Such proposals appear to have great merit and potential for further
enhancing joint training and experimentation. While each service clearly
has specific core competencies it must train to at its own centers, the
benefits that would accrue from having a joint organization that
monitors and leverages these training activities for future joint
concept development and periodically coordinated joint training and
experimentation activities seem compelling.
The committee directs the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide
a report to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1,
2001, containing an assessment of the advisability and feasibility of
establishing a joint national training center. The report shall include
a summary of actions taken, planned or under consideration regarding the
establishment of such a center.
Joint operational test bed system
The Commander, Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) intends to establish a
joint operational test bed system (JOTBS) to conduct joint
interoperability testing and experimentation. The committee understands
that, under the current plan, JFCOM intends to demonstrate
interoperability of Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the
tactical control system (TCS). The committee encourages JFCOM to
continue this JOTBS activity and other efforts to continue fulfilling
its mandate for ensuring interoperability among various services'
systems. The committee also encourages the services to provide
appropriate assistance to JFCOM to continue these efforts.
Maritime patrol aircraft
The committee is concerned about the overall state of maritime patrol
and reconnaissance forces. The recent cancellation of the P 3 sustained
readiness program is cause for concern about the age and condition of
these aircraft, and whether there will be sufficient assets to meet
unified and fleet commander in chief requirements. Insufficient funding
of capability upgrade programs for the P 3, such as anti-surface warfare
improvement program (AIP) and the block modification upgrade, further
exacerbates the problem by causing over-utilization of the limited
numbers of aircraft with these modifications. The capability of
AIP-equipped P 3s was demonstrated in Operation Allied Force with the
destruction of multiple targets with standoff land attack missiles.
The committee is aware of the recent acquisition decision by the
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics,
which approved entry into concept exploration of the multi-mission
maritime aircraft (MMA) and directed an analysis of alternatives for
such a program. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to
provide a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1,
2001, which outlines the current status of the MMA concept exploration,
to include the impact of funding requested in the fiscal year 2002
budget request to prevent near-term shortfalls in this critical mission
area.
Patriot theater missile defense
The committee notes that Patriot is the first system that the United
States has deployed specifically to counter theater ballistic missile
threats, and is evolving toward significantly improved capabilities with
the PAC 3 system. The Army currently has almost 3,000 Patriot PAC 2
missiles deployed and has recently commenced low-rate production of the
Patriot PAC 3 missile. The Army is planning to upgrade approximately
1,500 PAC 2 missiles into the Guidance Enhanced Missile Plus (GEM+)
configuration by fiscal year 2005. The Army has also invested
significant resources in the development of the Patriot Anti-Cruise
Missile (PACM) upgrade to PAC 2. At the same time, the Army and the
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) are seeking to reduce the
per-unit cost of the PAC 3 missile. To be successful, BMDO will have to
increase the production rate for the PAC 3 missile. Further complicating
the dilemma regarding the Patriot force composition and funding
priorities is the fact that the Army has recently discovered a number of
technical problems associated with the fielded Patriot inventory.
Therefore, the Army and BMDO need to balance the needs of the existing
PAC 2 force with those of the future PAC 3 force. The committee strongly
supports both the GEM+ and PAC 3 programs and directs the Secretary of
the Army and the Director of BMDO to develop an investment strategy that
properly balances the need to upgrade the PAC 2 system and accelerate
deployment of PAC 3.
Prophylactic pharmaceuticals
Many life-threatening diseases today are treated by multiple drug
efforts that can include vaccines. The committee notes the efforts of
the Department of Defense (DOD) to procure a vaccine and develop a
second generation vaccine to protect service personnel against the
biological agent anthrax. Relying on a single medical approach strategy
rather than multiple drug therapies may expose protection efforts to
undue risk should a vaccine procurement or development effort fail.
Relying on a single medical approach may also deny service personnel the
full range of modern pharmaceutical treatment that may be available from
the medical research community.
The committee is aware of medical research involving synthetic
compounds which inhibit the anthrax enzyme NAD Sythetase. Application of
this synthetic compound could possibly be developed into a man-made
prophylactic pharmaceutical to protect against exposure to anthrax and
cure post-infection exposure.
The committee supports efforts to explore a multi-tiered medical
approach to defending military service members against biological
agents. The committee directs the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute
of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) to report to the congressional defense
committees the results of a cost-benefit analysis of a prophylactic
pharmaceutical development program that is based on current medical
research to develop synthetic compounds that inhibit the anthrax enzyme
NAD Sythetase. USAMRIID will also report on the funding requirement to
fully develop this research into a prophylactic pharmaceutical. The
development program will have the following goals: (1) to develop
synthetic pharmaceutical compounds that can be taken prophylactically
immediately before exposure to anthrax spores and offer additional
post-exposure protection against the germinating spore for
non-vaccinated personnel; and (2) to develop a novel mechanism of
action-based drugs that would kill the infectious anthrax bacteria
whether it was a natural strain or a genetically engineered strain.
Radiation hardened electronics investment strategy
The committee strongly supports the Secretary of Defense's
establishment of a Radiation Hardened Oversight Council and other
initiatives to ensure the availability of radiation hardened
microelectronic components to meet the Department of Defense's unique
requirements for future national security systems. The investment
strategy directed by the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, would ensure
adequate funding to meet science and technology, engineering, and
production needs from fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2005. The
committee supports this strategy and urges the military departments and
defense agencies to support the investment strategy goals.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with
the Secretary of Energy, to submit a report to the congressional defense
committees by April 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, on the
implementation of the Radiation Hardened Electronics Investment
Strategy, including the degree to which the relevant military
departments and defense agencies are fulfilling their directed
investment goals.
Small arms fire control system
The committee notes with great interest progress made to date in
developing the small arms fire control system (SAFCS). This lightweight,
automated, optical sight system greatly enhances the accuracy of fire
for both the Mark 19 grenade launcher and the M2 .50 caliber machine
gun. The committee was pleased to note that the Army has recognized the
critical role this system can play in ground combat operations and has
requested the funding necessary to continue the development of this
system. The committee encourages the Army to complete the development of
SAFCS as soon as is practical and begin a robust procurement program to
enhance the ability of our ground forces to fight and win decisively.
Transition of successful research projects into the acquisition system
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has a long
history of successfully providing innovative technologies and
revolutionary warfighting systems concepts to the services. In recent
years, DARPA has worked closely with the services to identify areas of
opportunity and technological needs where DARPA can play an effective
role. Unfortunately, the percentage of DARPA initiatives transitioned to
the services continues to be relatively low. In some cases, this
transition problem appears to be attributable to the rapid pace of
technological developments and the comparatively slow pace of the
acquisition system. As a result, a research program may be successfully
completed before the money is available, leaving a budget gap that
adversely affects the program.
The committee directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics to review this problem and report to the
congressional defense committees not later than six months after the
date of enactment of this Act on alternative approaches to ensuring that
successful research initiatives are fielded in a timely manner. The
review should consider possible changes to the acquisition and budgeting
systems, including, but not limited to, the development of a transition
opportunity fund that would provide the Department greater flexibility
to take advantage of rapidly developing technology.
TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Explanation of tables
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2001 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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Armed Forces Retirement Home (sec. 303)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $69.832
million to be appropriated from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust
Fund for fiscal year 2001.
SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Impact aid for children with disabilities (sec. 311)
The committee recommends a provision that would add $20.0 million to
Operation and Maintenance funding for defense-wide activities for impact
aid payments for children with disabilities under section 8003(d) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, title 20 United States
Code, 7703(d).
Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessment Teams (sec. 312)
The budget request included $157.9 million for the Joint Chiefs of
Staff (JCS), but did not include funding to strengthen the Joint
Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of
Staff (CJCS) requested an additional $12.0 million to obtain the
additional analytical expertise required to strengthen the Joint
Warfighting Capabilities Assessment (JWCA) teams that support the JROC
process, thus enabling the JROC to focus on more strategic,
future-oriented, overarching issues. The committee is concerned that an
investment of $12.0 million for this effort is premature. The committee
favors a more modest, focused investment that would allow the CJCS to
measure the progress and effectiveness of these reforms before reporting
back to the Congress and requesting additional resources.
Therefore, the committee directs that, of the $157.9 million
authorized to be appropriated for the JCS under Operations and
Maintenance, Defense Wide, Budget Activity 04, $4.0 million will be
available only for the purpose of additional investment in the JWCA
teams to re-focus and strengthen their analytical efforts in support of
the JROC process. Upon receipt of the CJCS report on the progress to
strengthen and re-focus the JROC process, required by a separate
provision in this bill, the committee would consider requests for a
re-programming, additional authorizations, and/or legislative provisions
to support the CJCS in this important, timely effort to improve the
joint warfighting capabilities of U.S. armed forces.
SUBTITLE C--HUMANITARIAN AND CIVIC ASSISTANCE
Increased authority to provide health care services as
humanitarian and civic assistance (sec. 321)
The committee recommends a provision that would allow any underserved
community, in addition to rural underserved areas, to receive medical,
dental, and veterinary services through the humanitarian and civic
assistance program.
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. 322)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize pay and
allowances from within funds for the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster,
and Civic Assistance Account, for reserve members of the U.S. Special
Operations Command when these reservists perform humanitarian demining
activities. This will enable these individuals to benefit from the same
valuable training opportunities currently experienced by their active
duty counter-parts, and will help mitigate the high operations tempo of
the active component resulting from the numerous requirements placed on
them for low intensity engagement operations.
SUBTITLE D--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
The committee is concerned with the long-term efficiency of the
industrial facilities of the armed forces including depots, arsenals,
and ammunition manufacturing plants. Over the past several years the
military services have continued to downsize their force structure,
which has reduced the requirement for the products and services of these
facilities. However, as a result of the national security requirement to
retain an industrial infrastructure capable of surging to meet the
military's needs during a conflict, the Department of Defense must
maintain industrial facilities that are not required on a day-to-day
basis.
In 1992, the Congress enacted the Armament Retooling and
Manufacturing Support Initiative which provided the mechanisms necessary
to allow the Army's ammunition plants to attract private sector firms to
locate at these plants, utilizing the unused surge capacity, and paying
rents which were used to offset
the Army's cost of maintaining and operating these plants. The
private sector jobs also provided for the retention of critical skills
at the ammunition plants that would then be available whenever
necessary. This initiative has had great success, saving the Army $37.0
million each year and preserving hundreds of skilled workers.
Section 361 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1998 authorized the Secretary of Defense to designate of each depot
level activity of the Department of Defense as a Center of Industrial
and Technical Excellence in the recognized core competencies of the
depot activity, to adopt best-business practices at these facilities in
connection with their core competency, and encourage the creation of
public-private partnerships at these Centers for the performance of
depot-level maintenance and repair in order to maximize the utilization
of the capacity at these Centers. It also authorized the lease of excess
depot-level equipment and facilities to private sector entities.
Unfortunately, because of conflicting legal interpretations and other
institutional barriers, the Department of Defense has made only limited
use of these authorities.
The committee believes it is important to improve the efficiency of
all Department of Defense industrial facilities that are required to
maintain a core capability necessary for the repair and manufacturing of
military ordnance and weapon systems. Therefore, the committee includes
a number of provisions to clarify and enhance current legal authorities
to provide the mechanisms necessary to more fully utilize these
facilities by government and commercial organizations.
Codification and improvement of armament retooling and
manufacturing support programs (sec. 331)
The committee recommends a provision that would make certain changes
and codify in permanent law the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing
Support Initiative. The provision would expand the objectives of the
program to include a reduction of the cost of ownership and/or disposal
of ammunition plants, to enhance best business practices, and foster
cooperation with the private sector at these facilities. The provision
would also make it easier for non-federal entities to use excess
capacity at these facilities, and offset the costs to the Federal
Government of ownership by allowing revenues generated through private
sector use to be applied to overhead and production costs.
Centers of industrial and technical excellence (sec. 332)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2474 of
title 10, United States Code, by devolving the authority to designate
the depot-level activities to the respective secretaries of the military
departments, including the arsenals of the United States Army. The
provision would also expand the activities authorized to be conducted at
these centers by employees of the center, the private sector, or other
entities outside the Department of Defense, to include the performance
of work under contract, or subcontract, in any of the core competencies
of the center; the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair at
the center; other work consistent with the needs of the Department of
Defense that requires the use of any facility or equipment of the center
that are not fully utilized by a military department for its own
production and maintenance requirements. The full costs of work
performed by the employees of the Center under contract from the private
sector must be charged to the contract. Any revenues generated, by rents
or through other mechanisms, by private sector use of facilities and
equipment at these centers would be available to offset the costs of
facility operations, maintenance, and environmental restoration at the
center where the leased property is located.
The committee believes that the head of the center should use these
authorities to maximize the utilization of the capacity at the center,
reduce or eliminate the cost of Department of Defense ownership of the
center, reduce the cost of products of the Department of Defense
produced or maintained at the center, foster cooperation between the
armed forces and private industry, and leverage private sector
investment in the recapitalization of plant and equipment at the center.
Effects of outsourcing on overhead costs of centers of
industrial and technical excellence and ammunition plants (sec. 333)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a report to Congress thirty days prior to entering
into a contract that would result in moving workload, performed by 50 or
more employees, from a center or ammunition plant. The report should
describe the impact of any reduction in workload at a center or
ammunition plant as a result of a contract and describe the overhead
costs of that facility
The committee is concerned that the process for determining the costs
associated with entering into a contract with a private sector source
for the performance of a workload currently performed at a center of
industrial and technical excellence, or an ammunition plant, does not
include a review of the impact that such a contract will have on the
overhead costs of the center or plant.
Revision of authority to waive limitation on performance of
depot-level maintenance (sec. 334)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2466 of
title 10, to allow the President of the United States rather than the
secretary of the respective military service to waive the 50 percent
requirement for reasons of national security. The committee is concerned
that the Secretary of the Air Force has not taken the actions necessary
to ensure the Air Force is able to comply with the requirement contained
in section 2466 of title 10, that 50 percent of all depot maintenance
funds of a military service be spent on depot maintenance services
provided by employees of the Federal Government. The committee believes
that this requirement is essential to maintain the core maintenance
capability necessary to preserve a ready and controlled source of repair
and maintenance.
Manufacturing technical assistance pilot program
The committee recognizes the valuable contribution that the
manufacturing technical assistance pilot program has made to the
development and retention of a skilled private sector workforce capable
of supporting the manufacturing requirements of the United States Air
Force. The committee believes that this program could also provide great
value to the manufacturing and maintenance needs of the other military
services, such as the ship building industry that supports the United
States Navy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million to
support an Atlantic Fleet pilot program for the development and
retention of the manufacturing skills necessary to support the Navy's
shipbuilding requirements of the 21st Century. The committee also
directs the Secretary of Defense to provide the congressional defense
committees with a report outlining the results of this pilot program.
SUBTITLE E--ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS
Environmental restoration accounts (sec. 341)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2703(a)
of title 10, United States Code, by inserting a new paragraph that would
designate an account for formerly used defense sites within the
Environmental Restoration Account. The provision would also ensure that
all site closeout activities would be funded out of an appropriate
Environmental Restoration Account.
Payments of fines and penalties for environmental compliance
violations (sec. 342)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense or the secretaries of the military departments to seek
congressional authorization prior to paying any fine or penalty for an
environmental compliance violation if the fine or penalty amount agreed
to is $1.5 million or more or is based on the application of economic
benefit or size of business criteria. Supplemental environmental
projects carried out as part of fine or penalty for amounts $1.5 million
or more and agreed to after the enactment of this Act would also require
specific authorization by law.
The committee recommends this provision as a result of concerns that
stem from a significant fine imposed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, (FWA),
a related policy established by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and an apparent need for further congressional oversight in this
area. On March 5, 1999, EPA Region 10 sent FWA a notice of violation
(NOV) and on August 25, 1999, EPA sent a settlement offer of $16.07
million: (1) $155,000 for the seriousness of the offenses; (2) $10.56
million for recapture of economic benefit for noncompliance; and (3) an
additional $5.35 million because of the ``size of business'' at FWA.
According to EPA, the $16.07 million fine was imposed to correct
excessive emissions of particulate matter from an aging coal-fired
central heat and power plant (CHPP) at FWA, and to impose a penalty for
years of violations under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA policy or
rule that directs the application of economic benefit or ``size of
business'' penalty assessment criteria to federal facilities is based on
memoranda dated October 9, 1998, and September 30, 1999, issued by the
EPA headquarters Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO). Notice
and comment procedures were not used to promulgate these memoranda.
The compliance and enforcement history of the CHPP provides some
insight into this committee's concerns regarding the EPA NOV. In the mid
1980s, EPA delegated its CAA program authority to the State of Alaska.
In order to comply with opacity requirements, FWA purchased opacity
monitors in 1988 and installed them in 1989, however, the monitors had a
high failure and maintenance rate. In March 1994, the Alaska Department
of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) issued an NOV for opacity
violations at the FWA CHPP that identified a need for PM emission
reductions. In response, FWA negotiated a compliance schedule with ADEC
for the construction of a full-steam baghouse for each of the boilers in
the CHPP.
FWA continued to work with ADEC from March 1994 to 1999 to:
accomplish about $15.3 million worth of numerous CHPP upgrades for
controlling air emissions; resolve Department of Defense (DOD)
privatization issues; conduct a baghouse feasibility study; and seek
military construction authorization for a $15.9 million baghouse
project. In the interim, FWA received a CAA Title V Permit completeness
determination from the state on February 19, 1998. As a result, FWA
continues to operate the CHPP under a CAA Title V permit application,
which contains schedules for compliance that were the result of careful
coordination with ADEC.
The $15.9 million baghouse was programmed for fiscal year 2000 and
was authorized and appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2000. As
planned, the baghouse design complies with all applicable CAA
requirements, including compliance assurance monitoring. When the EPA
NOV was issued, FWA was in compliance with the Title V schedules for
implementing air emission control technologies agreed to with ADEC.
First, the committee questions EPA's regulatory judgement in
assessing fines and penalties despite the fact that the installation was
operating in good faith under a Title V permit application that is
overseen by a state with delegated authority. Second, it is the
committee's view that the application of economic benefit or ``size of
business'' penalty assessment criteria to the DOD is inconsistent with
the statutory language and the legislative history under section 7413 of
title 42, United States Code.
The terms economic benefit and ``size of business'' suggest
market-based activities, not government functions subject to
congressional appropriations. In addition, the statement of managers
accompanying the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Public Law 101 549;
104 Stat. 2399 (October 27, 1990)) provides that with respect to the
economic benefit criterion: ``Violators should not be able to obtain an
economic benefit vis-a-vis their competitors as a result of their
noncompliance with environmental laws.'' The committee is not aware that
the DOD has competitors.
As a practical matter, the functions of DOD facilities are not
analogous to private business. The DOD, unlike private sector, must fund
all of its operations, to include environmental compliance, through
congressional appropriations. ``No money shall be drawn from the
Treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law; and a regular
statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public
money shall be published from time to time.'' (U.S. Constitution,
Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7; Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA) 31 U.S.C.
1501). Moreover, the expenditure of federal funds must be consistent
with authorization and appropriation acts--Congress and the Office of
Management and Budget oversee apportionment of funds to agencies during
the fiscal year to avoid overspending--DOD allocates funds to the
military departments, which in turn issue allotments to command and
staff organizations. (31 U.S.C. 1341(a)(1); Department of Defense
Directive 7200.1, Administrative Control of Appropriations (1984)).
The committee has concluded that DOD payment of fines or penalties
based on economic benefit or size of business criteria would interfere
with the management power of the Federal Executive Branch and upset the
balance of power between the Federal Executive and Legislative Branches,
exceeding the immediate objective of compliance. Therefore, the
committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the Secretary of
Defense and the secretaries of the military departments from paying such
fines and penalties without specific authorization by law.
Annual reports under Strategic Environmental Research and
Development Program (sec. 343)
The committee recommends a provision that would modify the current
reporting requirement for the Science Advisory Board to allow for its
inclusion in the annual report for the Strategic Environmental Research
and Development Program. This provision allows for more streamlined
reporting by the Department of Defense.
Modification of authority for indemnification of transferees
of closing defense property (sec. 344)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 330 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (Public Law
102 484; 106 Stat. 2315) to clarify the application of the existing
indemnification authority. The exercise of the current authority under
section 330 is predicated upon cumbersome conditions for claimant
eligibility, which has resulted in confusion and a complete absence of
claims for indemnification. The provision would eliminate ambiguous
conditions, streamline claimant access, and facilitate early transfer of
base closure properties to assist communities in recovering from the
initial effects of base closure.
Consistent with existing authority, the recommended provision would
authorize the Secretary of Defense to indemnify any state, political
subdivision, or any person who acquires ownership or control over
transferred surplus base closure property for the costs of legally
required remediation. Presently, the capital markets are reluctant to
finance certain projects at base closure properties due to the potential
for contamination, and liability under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and analogous state
laws. That concern is magnified in those instances in which a military
department transfers surplus base closure property for which there is a
deferral of covenants under section 120(h)(3)(C) of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601
et seq.)
Payment of fines or penalties imposed for environmental
compliance violations at certain Department of Defense facilities (sec.
345)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Department of Defense (DOD) to pay fines and penalties, or to carry out
supplemental environmental projects in accordance with section 8149 of
the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2000. The
Secretary of the Army would be specifically authorized to pay following
supplemental environmental projects carried out in satisfaction of an
assessed fine or penalty: (1) $993,000 for Walter Reed Army Medical
Center, Washington, D.C.; (2) $377,250 for Fort Campbell, Kentucky; (3)
$20,701 for Fort Gordon, Georgia; (4) $78,500 for Pueblo Chemical Depot,
Colorado; (5) $20,000 for Deseret Chemical Depot, Utah. The Secretary of
the Navy would be specifically authorized to pay the following fines and
penalties: (1) $108,000 for Allegany Ballistics Laboratory, West
Virginia; and (2) $5,000 for Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas.
Reimbursement for certain costs in connection with the
former Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site, Suffolk, Virginia (sec. 346)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to pay not more than $98,210 from the Environmental
Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites Account to reimburse the
Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site Special Account of the Hazardous Substance
Superfund, established by section 9507 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (26 U.S.C. 9507). The reimbursement is for oversight costs incurred
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on a time critical removal
action at the Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot performed by the
Department of Defense under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Defense
Environmental Restoration Program (10 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.).
Environmental restoration activities (sec. 347)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense or the secretaries of the military departments to
use funds available in the environmental restoration accounts, pursuant
to section 2703 of title 10, United States Code, to permanently relocate
facilities. That authorization is contingent upon a secretary's written
determination that such permanent relocation is part of a response
action that: (1) has the support of the affected community; (2) has the
approval of relevant regulatory agencies;
and (3) is the most cost effective response action available.
The authority would terminate after September 30, 2003, and be subject
to a five percent funding cap within each fiscal year for the funds
available under section 2703. The secretary concerned would also be
required to provide an annual report to the congressional defense
committees on each response action for which there has been a written
determination made under this provision.
The committee expects the Department of Defense (DOD) to use this
authority judiciously, and ensure that funds are used only for
legitimate environmental restoration priorities. It is expected that
this provision will provide the necessary flexibility to facilitate
environmental restoration at certain formerly used defense sites (FUDS),
where progress has been slow.
The committee is concerned about the progress of environmental
remediation planning and activities, and the appearance of an overall
lack of support for the FUDS Program within the Army and the DOD.
(Formerly Used Defense Sites: Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Audit
Agency Report, AA 99 186, April 19, 1999). It is expected that both the
Secretaries of Defense and Army shall address with consistency the
environmental remediation issues at these sites. Moreover, the
Secretaries of Defense and Army shall ensure that there is adequate
funding in the fiscal year 2002 budget request and the Future Years
Defense Program to meet environmental remediation requirements and other
related activities throughout the FUDS program.
Ship disposal project (sec. 348)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of the Navy to continue to carry out a ship disposal project in fiscal
year 2001 and to use competitive contracting procedures to award task
orders within the ship disposal project. The provision would also direct
the Secretary to submit, not later than December 31, 2000, a report to
the congressional defense committees on the ship disposal project.
Report on the Defense Environmental Security Corporate
Information Management Program (sec. 349)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to submit, not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this act, a report to the congressional defense committees.
The report shall contain specific recommendations regarding the future
mission of the Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information
Management Program and address issues of concern within the Department
of Defense.
Report on Plasma Energy Pyrolysis System (sec. 350)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to submit, not later than October 1, 2000, a report to the
congressional defense committees that includes the Army's analysis and
recommendations regarding future applications for both phases of the
Plasma Energy Pyrolysis System (PEPS) technology. The committee notes
that PEPS has demonstrated merit as a research and development project
(PE 62720A) that could provide the Army and other military departments
with the capability to reduce costs associated with treatment and
disposal of hazardous and toxic waste streams. The project has been
executed in two phases: (1) a fixed-transportable unit demonstration;
and (2) a mobile unit demonstration. It is expected that the data
produced during both phases of the technology demonstrations should
provide the Army with the information necessary to determine PEPS
applications within the military user community.
SUBTITLE F--OTHER MATTERS
Effects of worldwide contingency operations on readiness of
certain military aircraft and equipment (sec. 361)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the effects of worldwide
contingency operations on the aircraft of the Navy, Marine Corps, and
Air Force, and the ground equipment of the Army and Marine Corps. The
report shall include the Secretary's assessment of the effects of those
operations on the ability of the Department of Defense to maintain a
high level of readiness.
The committee is concerned that the continued high OPTEMPO of
military forces is wearing out already aging weapon systems. This is
particularly true for aviation assets that have been used to provide
extensive support in the no-fly zone over Iraq, to execute the air war
over Kosovo, and support the numerous other contingency operations
around the world, including East Timor. This is also true for the ground
equipment that is used in these operations.
Realistic budgeting for readiness requirements of the Army (sec. 362)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to develop a new methodology to be used in preparing a
budget request that more accurately reflects the Army's requirements.
This methodology should be based on the level of training that is
required to be conducted to maintain essential readiness, the cost of
conducting that required
training, and the cost of all other Army operations, including
the cost of funding its infrastructure requirements. This methodology
should be used in the preparation of the fiscal year 2002 budget
request.
The committee is concerned that the U.S. Army, despite repeated
assurances, continues to migrate training funds to its infrastructure
support and other accounts as a result of insufficient funding for these
programs in the budget request. Over the past several years the Army has
included funding for 800 miles of training in its budget, but has only
executed between 600 and 650 training miles during the fiscal year.
Those funds that were not utilized for training were reprogrammed to pay
for such things as real property maintenance and base operations, which
have been dramatically underfunded over the past few years.
The committee is concerned that this practice indicates there are
significant problems with the methodology used to identify resources
necessary to fund its operations. The first problem stems from the fact
that the current methodology does not accurately reflect the required
training that must be conducted to maintain a division's necessary level
of readiness. If it did, the Army would not report that its divisions
are ready to perform the National Military Strategy when they only
execute 75 percent of the funds programmed for this purpose. The second
problem stems from the unrealistic budget request for must pay accounts,
such as base operations, and other essential accounts, such as real
property maintenance. Insufficient funding in these areas will continue
to force operational commanders to reprogram funds from their training
accounts to their infrastructure accounts in order to ensure the
delivery of essential services such as utilities and building
maintenance.
Additions to plan for ensuring visibility over all
in-transit end items and secondary items (sec. 363)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 349 of
the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1999 by including specific requirements for monitoring and measuring
implementation of the plan to ensure visibility over in-transit
inventory items. The requirements would include the assignment of
oversight responsibility for each action required to address weaknesses
in the controls over in-transit items, a description of the resources
required for oversight, and an estimate of the annual cost of oversight.
Performance of emergency response functions at chemical
weapons storage installations (sec. 364)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
Secretary of the Army from converting to contractor performance the
emergency response functions of any chemical weapons storage
installation currently performed by U.S. government employees until the
Secretary certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives that the plan for conversion of the
emergency response functions:
(1) is consistent with the recommendation contained in the General
Accounting Office report, Department of Defense Competitive Outsourcing,
dated March 2000; and
(2) provides for a transition to contractor performance of emergency
response functions that ensure an adequate transfer of the relevant
knowledge and expertise regarding chemical weapon emergency response to
the contractor personnel.
The Secretary's certification is necessary to ensure that there will
be no lapse of capability to perform the chemical weapon emergency
response mission at a chemical weapons storage installation during any
transition to contractor performance of those emergency response
functions.
Congressional notification of use of radio frequency
spectrum by a system entering engineering and manufacturing development
(sec. 365)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a report to the congressional defense committees
before a new weapon system is acquired that would outline the frequency
that the system will use. The report would also include a statement of
whether the Department is designated as the primary user of that
frequency and, if not, the unique technical characteristics that make it
necessary to use that particular frequency, and a description of the
protections that the Department of Defense has been given to ensure that
it will not incur costs as a result of current or future interference
from other users of that particular frequency. The committee further
recommends an increase of $25.0 million for the upgrade of the Joint
Spectrum Center data base.
The committee is concerned that in the past the Department of Defense
has pursued the development of weapons systems utilizing portions of the
radio frequency spectrum that are not designated for military use. This
can lead to unintended interference between that system and a commercial
system licensed to use the same frequency. This interference could then
result in operational constraints, or expensive redesign of the weapon
system. The committee is further concerned that there is insufficient
funding in the budget request to maintain an effective data base to
assist program managers in determining the characteristics of various
systems currently operating on particular frequencies, and in testing
these systems to ensure non-interference.
Monitoring of value of performance of Department of Defense
functions by workforces selected from between public and private
workforces (sec. 366)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to establish a system for monitoring the performance of
functions of the Department of Defense that are performed by 50 or more
employees of the Department and have been subjected to a review to
determine whether the function should be performed by federal employees
or a private sector workforce. The provision would also establish three
performance measures; the costs incurred, the savings derived, and the
value of the performance by the selected workforce measured against the
costs of the performance of the workload by the workforce at the
beginning of the review. Finally, the provision would require the
Secretary of Defense to provide the Congress with an annual report
outlining the results of the performance reviews conducted over the
previous years.
Suspension of reorganization of naval audit service (sec. 367)
The committee is concerned that the Naval Audit Service has launched
a program for total consolidation of audit personnel into the National
Capitol Region without benefit of a convincing, detailed cost-benefit
analysis, an assessment of the impact of the reorganization on the
service's auditing mission, including an assessment of the impact of
such a consolidation on this highly skilled and critical workforce. The
committee is concerned that consolidation will undermine the efficiency
and effectiveness of auditing functions throughout the Navy and
particularly in the three highest concentrations of naval facilities and
activities: San Diego, Norfolk, and Honolulu. The Congress, and the
military departments, depend upon the quality of investigation and
reporting done by audit agencies as an independent and credible source
of information necessary to fulfill oversight responsibilities. The
committee is concerned that consolidation could undermine the
institutional and individual auditor independence so essential to an
effective audit service and the quality of information provided to Navy
leadership and the Congress. Therefore, the committee includes a
provision that would delay the implementation of further consolidations
until such time as the Secretary provides his analysis of the savings
that the reorganization will achieve.
Investment of commissary trust revolving fund (sec. 368)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to invest a portion of the Commissary Trust
Revolving Fund in public debt securities. Any income resulting from
these investments would be credited to and become part of the fund.
Economic procurement of distilled spirits (sec. 369)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
military exchanges to use private distributors to distribute distilled
spirits in those cases in which such an option is determined to be the
most cost-effective means of distribution.
Resale of armor piercing ammunition disposed of by the Army (sec. 370)
The committee is concerned that excess Department of Defense
armor-piercing ammunition could be made available to the public. The
committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of the
Army to ensure that excess armor-piercing ammunition that is not
transferred to law enforcement or other governmental agencies or made
available for foreign military sales is destroyed. This requirement
would not apply to the non- armor-piercing components of that
ammunition, but such components could not be used to produce
armor-piercing ammunition for sale to civilian purchasers.
Damage to aviation facilities caused by alkali silica
reactivity (sec. 371)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to test the use of lithium salts to preserve runway integrity
and provide the congressional defense committees with a report outlining
its success in mitigating the impact of Alkali Silica Reactivity (ASR).
The committee is concerned with reports of significant damage to
aircraft engines as a result of the ingestion of pieces of cement from
runways and parking aprons that have deteriorated because of alkali
silica reactivity (ASR). The Corps of Engineers' Research and
Development Center recently recommended the application of lithium salts
to selected pavements at Fort Campbell to test the ability of this
product to reduce or eliminate ASR damage to cement surfaces.
Reauthorization of pilot program for acceptance and use of
landing fees charged for use of domestic military airfields by civil
aircraft (sec. 372)
The committee recommends a provision that would reauthorize a
military service to accept payments for the use of domestic military and
shared use airfields by civil aircraft and to use those payments for the
operation and maintenance of the airfield. The pilot program would be
authorized through fiscal year 2010.
Reimbursement by civil air carriers for support provided at
Johnston Atoll (sec. 373)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Air Force to require payment from a civil air carrier
for support provided by the United States to that carrier at Johnston
Atoll that is either requested by the carrier, or determined to be
necessary to accommodate the carrier's use of Johnston Atoll. The
payment shall be equal to the actual costs incurred by the United
States, and shall be credited to either Air Force operation and
maintenance accounts or to the Army chemical demilitarization accounts.
Review of costs of maintaining historical properties (sec. 374)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review of the
annual costs incurred by the Department of Defense in complying with the
requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)(16 U.S.C.
470 et seq.). The committee is concerned that NHPA places a significant
burden on the already underfunded real property maintenance budgets of
the military services. As those buildings which were constructed during
World War I and the Korean War reach fifty years of age, the cost of
meeting these requirements has increased and will continue to increase.
The provision would require the Comptroller General to provide the
congressional defense committees with a report of the results of the
review including the projected costs of maintaining these properties
over the next 10 years, an analysis of maintaining only those properties
which originally qualified as historic properties when the NHPA was
first enacted, the accounts used for paying the costs to comply with the
NHPA, and the identity of all properties that must be maintained in
order to comply with the NHPA.
Extension of authority to sell certain aircraft for use in
wildfire suppression (sec. 375)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the current
authority for the Secretary of Defense to sell excess aircraft and spare
parts to persons or entities that contract with the Federal Government
for the delivery of fire retardant by air in order to suppress
wildfires. The provision would extend the authority which currently
expires at the end of fiscal year 2000 through fiscal year 2005.
Overseas airlift service on Civil Reserve Air Fleet aircraft (sec. 376)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
41106(a) of title 49, United States Code, to bring it in line with
current Department of Defense (DOD) policy regarding the procurement of
air transportation services. This provision would require that the DOD
procure transportation from air carriers with aircraft in the Civil
Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) for travel from a place in the United States to
a place outside the United States, and to the extent practicable,
between two locations outside the United States.
The committee understands the need to maintain a viable CRAF to
transport military personnel and equipment to a theater of operations
during conflict. Following Operation Desert Storm, the General
Accounting Office testified before Congress that the CRAF program had
saved the DOD between $50.0 billion and $90.0 billion over the 40 year
life of the program. United States air carriers commit their aircraft to
the CRAF program largely in exchange for DOD international airlift
business. DOD has little to offer these carriers in return for their
commitment except U.S. Government business.
ADDITIONAL MATTERS OF INTEREST
ARMY
Real property maintenance
The committee is concerned with the continuing growth in the backlog
of real property maintenance (RPM) throughout the Department of Defense.
The current backlog of real property maintenance exceeds several billion
dollars. This is a particular problem for our aging Army facilities. The
insufficient funding dedicated to maintaining our military
infrastructure is having a direct and negative impact on military
readiness as necessary repairs on roads, airstrips, rifle ranges, and
other training and operational facilities are continually deferred.
Furthermore, the underfunding is undermining the quality of life of our
military personnel and their families as repairs on the buildings in
which they work and live, such as barracks, are also deferred. If this
necessary maintenance continues to go unfunded, the Department will be
faced with even larger costs to repair damages caused by inclement
weather and other environmental conditions. In many cases, this deferral
of property maintenance will lead to higher costs in a few short years
when the military is already facing a ``bow wave'' of procurement to
replace its aging weapon systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $320.0 million to
the operations and maintenance accounts of the military services for the
maintenance of real property, as outlined below:
Millions
Army 120.0
Navy 180.0
National Guard 20.0
Total 320.0
Excess carryover-defense working capital fund activities
Current Department of Defense policy states that three months of
carryover is the maximum amount allowable for the Defense Working
Capital Fund Business Activities for organic work. Carryover workload is
the gross unfilled orders at the end of the prior fiscal year, plus new
orders for the current fiscal year, minus work in process for the
current fiscal year. This does not include carryover for non-supply
intra and inter working capital fund orders, foreign military sales
orders, base closure orders, non-Department of Defense orders and
contract obligations. The committee is aware that several defense
working capital fund activities currently exceed the allowable carryover
under the Department of Defense policy. The budget request for fiscal
year 2001 in these activities would provide $678.4 million in funding
that could not be expended until sometime after December 31, 2001, more
than three months after the beginning of fiscal year 2002 when
additional resources would be made available.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $678.4 million in
the military service operation and maintenance accounts to reflect the
funds that cannot be expended during fiscal year 2001, and bring these
accounts within the Department's policy. These reductions are
distributed, as follows:
Millions
Army
40.5
Navy
585.7
Air Force
52.2
Foreign currency fluctuation
The committee notes the continuing strength of the American dollar in
relation to other currencies. This makes the purchase of services and
goods overseas less expensive than was originally believed when the
Department of Defense put together the fiscal year 2001 President's
budget request. Furthermore, the committee is aware that the foreign
currency fluctuation (FCF) account currently contains approximately
$639.4 million, or $319.4 million more than the historical level of
foreign currency fluctuation reserves. The committee further understands
that current exchange rates mean the Department will accumulate an
additional $290.4 million in these reserves through the operation and
maintenance (O&M) accounts during fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for a total
of $929.8 million.
The committee believes that this is more than enough to compensate
for any unforseen weakening of the dollar in relation to foreign
currencies. Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $607.8
million in the military services O&M accounts to reflect the savings
that will be realized in fiscal years 2000 and 2001, and to draw down
the FCF account to an appropriate level. These reductions are
distributed as follows:
Millions
Army
292.1
Navy
105.1
USMC
25.8
Air Force
157.6
Defense Wide
27.2
Total
607.8
Civilian personnel pay in excess of requirements
The committee notes that the Department of Defense civilian personnel
drawdown continues at a more rapid pace than expected. During the past
several years, civilian personnel levels in the Department of Defense
have been reduced faster than anticipated when the budgets for each
succeeding fiscal year were drafted. This drawdown resulted in
lower-than-budgeted civilian personnel levels, yielding savings of
several million dollars during the past few fiscal years. Analysis
performed by the General Accounting Office of the President's budget
request indicates that this under-execution will continue during fiscal
years 2000 and 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction to the military
services operation and maintenance accounts to reflect the funds that
were requested for civilian personnel budgets but will not be necessary
as a result of the lower civilian personnel levels:
Millions
Army
4.6
Navy
53.8
Defense Wide
27.5
Total
81.9
Army equipment maintenance
The committee is concerned with the continuing impact that aging
equipment is having on the Army's ability to maintain its readiness.
Aging equipment and extensive deployments have led to increased work
hours as young soldiers have labored to prevent mission capable rates
from falling. The committee is aware of the shortfall in equipment
maintenance that needs to be performed in order to restore the readiness
of this equipment. The committee is also aware of the unfunded
requirement for corrosion control treatments on this equipment to slow
its rate of degradation. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase
of $10.0 million for Army corrosion control, and $5.0 million for depot
level maintenance of Army Reserve equipment.
Battlefield mobility enhancement system
The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million for the
purchase of the battlefield mobility enhancement system, a six wheeled
vehicle used for logistical support in training and on the battlefield
by light infantry divisions.
Army aviation spares
The committee is concerned with the continuing reports of increased
cannibalization rates and decreased mission capable rates as a result of
insufficient quantities of spare parts. In testimony before the
Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and during visits to
the field, military officers have listed spare parts shortfalls amongst
their principal concerns. Furthermore, in letters to the Congress,
spares were identified as one of the leading unfunded requirements of
the service chiefs and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $40.0 million for Army aviation
spares.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $77.5 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs.
NAVY
Navy spares
The committee is concerned with the continuing reports of increased
cannibalization rates and decreased mission capable rates as a result of
insufficient quantities of spare parts. In testimony before the Senate
Armed Services Committee, and in the field, military officers have
listed spare parts shortfalls amongst their principal concerns. These
shortfalls exist for new systems, as well as older, established systems.
Furthermore, in letters to the Congress, spares were identified as one
of the leading unfunded requirements of the Chief of Naval Operations
and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $232.0 million for Navy spares including;
$82.0 million for TACAMO spares; $75.0 million for spares for other
fielded aviation systems; and $75.0 million for ship spares.
Ship depot maintenance
The budget request included $2.2 billion for ship depot maintenance.
The committee is concerned with reports of insufficient funding for ship
depot maintenance. Recent testimony of the Chief of Naval Operations
indicates that there is more than $200.0 million worth of such
maintenance that currently cannot be executed because of a lack of
funding. The committee is also concerned with reports that many private
shipyards, which are essential to maintaining a healthy domestic
maintenance capability, are being forced to downsize their operations as
a result of insufficient workloads.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $237.3 million for
ship depot maintenance, including $40.0 million for the AOE class ships,
$32.0 million for LHA maintenance, $22.0 million for berthing and
messing barge maintenance, and $143.0 million for general ship depot
maintenance. The committee recommends a further increase of $5.0 million
for depot maintenance of Navy Reserve vessels.
Oceanography
The budget request included $257.9 million for operational
meteorology and oceanography. The committee recommends an increase of
$7.0 million for the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command for
operations and collaborative oceanography programs.
Training range upgrades
As a result of insufficient funding over the past several years, much
of the infrastructure at our military training ranges is obsolete and
degrading. Training range modernization was identified in letters to the
committee as one of the leading unfunded requirements of the United
States military. Furthermore, the recent difficulties at the Navy's
training range on the island of Vieques, together with the significant
deployment of U.S. military personnel to combat environments,
demonstrates the need to pursue the development of most up-to-date and
non-intrusive training areas as soon as possible. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $50.0 million for Army training
range upgrades and $25.0 million for Navy training range upgrades.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $31.3 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs.
Navy information technology center
The budget request included no funding to support operation of the
Navy information technology center (ITC). The Navy recently created the
ITC organization to serve under the Navy's Program Executive Officer for
Information Technology (PEO IT). The ITC will support the PEO IT
organization and will provide officers' organization much like the naval
systems commands operate today. The Navy needs funding to span the time
between creating the organization and the time when the PEO IT and
organizations that will use the services of the ITC can align their
funding and budgets to support the ITC. The committee, therefore,
recommends an increase of $5.0 million to support ITC operations.
US Navy Call Center
The budget request included no funding for a contractor-supported
national employee benefits call center. The committee recommends an
increase of $3.0 million in Operation and Maintenance Navy to establish
a contractor-supported national employee benefits call center in Cutler,
Maine. This call center would provide a full range of benefit and
entitlement information and assistance to civilian employees of the
Department of the Navy. The call center would replace eight separate
Human Resource Services Centers now in operation.
MARINE CORPS
USMC initial issue
The committee is concerned that the budget request does not
adequately fund personal gear such as cold weather gear and body
armor. Adequate funding for this gear is essential to the
safety and comfort of our military personnel in the field. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $23.1 million in the operation
and maintenance accounts for the Marine Corps to purchase items of
individual combat clothing and equipment including ballistic plates,
outer vests, and polar fleece pullovers. This will help provide Marines
in the field with the clothing, gear, and other equipment they need to
survive and sustain themselves during combat operations.
USMC equipment maintenance
The committee is concerned with the continuing impact that aging
equipment is having on the Marine Corps ability to maintain its
readiness. Aging equipment and extensive deployments in corrosive
environments have led to increased work hours as young Marines have
labored to prevent mission capable rates from falling. The committee is
aware of the significant shortfall in depot maintenance that needs to be
performed in order to restore the readiness of this equipment. The
committee is also aware of the unfunded requirement for corrosion
control treatments on this equipment to slow its rate of degradation.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $33.1 million for
general and depot level maintenance of aging Active Marine Corps
equipment, and $5.0 million for equipment of the Marine Corps Reserves.
The committee recommends a further increase of $7.5 million for the
Marine Corps corrosion control program.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $11.9 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
programs.
AIR FORCE
Air Force base operations
The budget request included $4.6 billion for Air Force base
operations. The committee is concerned with the continued underfunding
of essential base operations. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force has
informed the committee that the Air Force has $144.7 million in base
operating requirements, including the installation of communications
networks for C 17 support that were not funded within the President's
budget request for fiscal year 2001. Insufficient funding for base
operations forces unit commanders to migrate funding from training
accounts in order to meet the day-to-day requirements of military
installations, such as sewer, electricity, and communications.
Therefore, the Committee recommends an increase of $144.7 million for
Air Force base operations.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $31.8 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
programs.
Air Force readiness spares packages
The committee is concerned with the continuing reports of increased
cannibalization rates and decreased mission capable rates as a result of
insufficient quantities of spare parts. In testimony before the
Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and during visits to
the field, military officers have listed spare parts shortfalls amongst
their principal concerns. Finally, in letters to the Congress, spares
were identified as one of the leading unfunded requirements of the Chief
of Staff of the Air Force and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $75.0 million for Air
Force readiness spares packages.
Air Force nuclear, biological and chemical defense
The budget request included $12.4 million for Air Force nuclear,
biological, and chemical (NBC) defense readiness programs. An important
element of the Department of the Air Force Expeditionary Air Forces
(EAF) program is to ensure sustained and effective EAF operations in an
environment contaminated with nuclear, biological and/or chemical
agents. The Air Force, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve
require decontamination kits, chemical air processing systems, life
support NBC equipment, handheld biological sampling kits, individual
protective equipment and training to implement this capability.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $29.2 million for EAF
NBC defense readiness programs.
It is imperative that the budget request for the Department of
Defense (DOD) fully support requirements for the NBC defense
capabilities of each military service. Any review by the DOD to ensure
this requirement is fulfilled should be defense-wide and not limited to
one military branch. In funding this requirement, the committee intends
to provide the Air Force with the same level of NBC defense capability
as the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps.
DEFENSE-WIDE
Mobility enhancements
With the end of the Cold War and the reduction in the number of U.S.
military personnel stationed abroad, the armed forces are far more
dependent upon strategic lift and its supporting mobility
infrastructure. Unfortunately, much of this infrastructure, including
rail heads and port facilities, experienced significant degradation as a
result of insufficient funding to maintain military bases. The committee
is concerned that this degraded infrastructure will delay the deployment
of military forces to a theater of operations, and thereby increase the
risk associated with the successful execution of that operation, unless
properly repaired. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of
$50.0 million to repair and replace infrastructure associated with the
deployment of forces.
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service (MOCAS)
The budget request included $1.1 billion for the Defense Logistics
Agency. The committee recommends an increase of $1.2 million for
improvements to the Mechanization of Contract Administration Service
(MOCAS) System. The increase in funding is necessary for the development
of a query tool and enhanced shared data warehouse that will allow
contractors to view contract data that resides in the MOCAS data base.
Partnership for Peace Program (Warsaw Initiative)
The budget request included $48.4 million within the Defense Security
Cooperation Agency budget line for the Partnership for Peace (PfP)
program. The committee recommends $45.3 million for this program for
fiscal year 2001, the same amount allocated to the program by the
Department of Defense for fiscal year 2000.
When this program was initiated in fiscal year 1996 as an assistance
program jointly funded by the Departments of Defense and State, the
money provided by the Department of Defense was intended to be used to
strengthen military-to-military relationships through joint military
exercises, professional military education, and interoperability
programs with the Partnership for Peace nations. The committee is
concerned that the money provided for this program is being used
increasingly for purposes and projects that are not focused on the
military-to-military goals for which this program was intended. For
example, the committee notes that $1.0 million of the amount requested
for this program is intended to be used to pay for packing, crating,
handling and transportation charges associated with the delivery of
Excess Defense Articles (EDA) to PfP
nations. The committee believes that this is an inappropriate
use of defense funds to pay for what is essentially security assistance.
Such charges, to the extent they are paid by the PfP program, should be
funded by the State Department's portion of this program. The committee
believes that the Defense Department should conduct a review of the PfP
program to ensure that it is properly focused on improving the
military-to-military relationship between the United States and the PfP
nations, and on enhancing military interoperability between NATO and the
PfP nations.
Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information Management Program
The budget request included $14.0 million for Defense Environmental
Security Information Management (DESCIM) Program. Based on concerns
related to program management and performance, the committee recommends
a decrease of $5.0 million in the DESCIM program. The $5.0 million from
DESCIM shall be used in the Environmental Security Technology
Certification Program (PE 63851D) to demonstrate/validate technology for
environmental remediation of unexploded ordnance.
Domestic preparedness center
The budget request included no funding for a domestic preparedness
center. The Congress established the Clara Barton Center for Domestic
Preparedness to contribute to providing civilians from federal, state,
and local agencies with training and expert advice regarding emergency
response to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The
center, operated by the American Red Cross, is developing the curriculum
and capability to begin training in fiscal year 2001. The committee
recommends an increase of $1.5 million for the Office of the Secretary
of Defense for WMD response training. The committee notes that on
October 1, 2000, the Department of Justice will be designated the lead
federal agency for oversight, management, funding, and execution of the
domestic preparedness program, including operations at the Clara Barton
Center for Domestic Preparedness.
Cultural and historic activities
The budget request included $300,000 for the Legacy Resource
Management Program. The committee recommends an increase of $6.1 million
for the recovery and preservation of three Civil War vessels: the H.L.
Hunley, a Civil War submarine; the U.S.S. Monitor, a Civil War ironclad
warship; and the C.S.S. Alabama, a Civil War commerce raider.
The committee strongly supports continued efforts to recover and
preserve these three sunken U.S. vessels, which have gained cultural and
historical significance based on their unique design and the
circumstances under which they were lost. All three vessels qualify for
listing on the National Register under the National Historic
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). The importance of these
vessels also stems from their identification as potential war graves. As
a matter of policy, the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Navy, on
behalf of the United States, have asserted sole ownership and survey
responsibility for submerged vessels that serve as war graves. In
addition, the activities associated with the survey, recovery, and
preservation of these vessels have provided Navy salvage divers with
essential deepwater diving experience.
The committee notes that the DOD and the Navy have a responsibility
to protect and preserve these historic vessels. As a result, these
vessels are eligible for funding under the Legacy Resource Management
Program. Moreover, it is the committee's expectation that the Navy would
continue to use these historic preservation activities as an opportunity
to secure valuable deepwater training for its salvage divers.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of the Navy in fiscal year 2001 to use the additional Legacy
funds to accomplish the following: (1) to raise the H.L. Hunley, recover
other remaining artifacts, and conduct related preservation activities;
(2) to make preparations for the turret recovery of the U.S.S. Monitor
and recover other remaining artifacts, including two cannons; and (3) to
survey and recover the artifacts of the C.S.S. Alabama, including the
aft pivot gun and the lifting screw.
The committee further directs that, not later than April 1, 2001, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that completely describes all prior and current use
of Legacy funds and relevant state funds, and the status of recovery and
preservation activities related to the H.L. Hunley, the U.S.S. Monitor,
and the C.S.S. Alabama. The report should also describe the projected
funding and date for completion of all recovery and preservation
activities.
Defense Travel System
The committee recommends a reduction of $20.0 million for the Defense
Travel System (DTS) Program delays.
The committee is becoming increasingly concerned over the delays in
the fielding of this new travel system. The modernization of the massive
military travel system will yield significant savings to the Department
of Defense as well as the government traveler. The Department spends an
estimated $3.0 billion a year on travel, and almost a third of this cost
is the processing of the paperwork. After fielding of the DTS, the
savings are expected to be more than $300.0 million a year and make trip
planning less complex for the traveler.
During fiscal year 2000, the Department used below threshold
reprogrammings to reduce the funding for the DTS by more than 22
percent. While the committee is again receiving assurances that the
program is on schedule and properly funded, the committee is concerned
that the funding for this program will be further reduced from the
budget request. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary to treat
this program as a congressional interest item under the procedures for
prior approval reprogramming.
Command information superiority architecture program
The committee has supported the Command Information Superiority
Architecture (CISA) program. This program has focused on command,
communications and intelligence architectures and is now oriented toward
command-specific communications and computer information architectures
(CCIAs). The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in
Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, to support CISA's efforts in
the area of CCIAs.
GUARD AND RESERVE COMPONENTS
Air Force Reserve equipment maintenance
The budget request included $281.0 million for Air Force Reserve
depot maintenance. The committee is concerned with the continuing impact
that aging equipment and extensive deployments are having on the Air
Force Reserve's ability to maintain its readiness. Aging equipment and
extensive deployments have led to increased work hours as young airmen
have labored to prevent mission capable rates from falling. The
committee is aware of the significant shortfall in depot maintenance
that needs to be performed in order to restore the readiness of Air
Force Reserve equipment. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase
of $5.0 million for depot level maintenance of aging Active Marine Corps
equipment, and $5.0 million for equipment of Air Force Reserve aircraft.
National Guard initial issue
The committee is concerned that the budget request does not
adequately fund personal gear such as cold weather gear. Adequate
funding for this gear is essential to the safety and comfort of our
military personnel in the field. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $20.0 million for the
Extended Cold Weather Clothing System for the Army National
Guard to provide protection in combat conditions during cold and wet
weather.
Distributed mission trainer
The committee is aware of the $4.5 million unfunded requirement for a
12 year fee-for-service contract and logistics support for F 15 linked
simulators to support increased production of F 15 pilots. This will
enable linked training among advanced flight training bases. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million for this purpose.
MISCELLANEOUS
Overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic affairs
The committee supports the humanitarian demining and emergency
humanitarian response activities of the Department of Defense (DOD).
These activities have enabled military personnel of the DOD to forge
constructive relationships with the armed forces and civilian population
of other nations, while carrying out valuable training which enhances
the military skills of our troops. However, the committee is concerned
that the Department continues to request funding for humanitarian
assistance activities in this account that do not enhance military
training, do not require military unique capabilities, and should
therefore be funded by the Department of State. These activities include
paying commercial carriers to deliver privately-donated goods to foreign
recipients and procuring food solely for humanitarian relief operations.
The committee is also concerned with increased reliance upon the DOD to
construct facilities in foreign countries that would more appropriately
be funded through the foreign aid account and constructed by local
private sector firms.
Therefore, the committee recommends $26.5 million for the
humanitarian demining program, an increase of $1.0 million above the
President's budget request. The committee further recommends $28.9
million for the humanitarian assistance program that is used by the
regional commanders-in-chief for emergency response activities. This
represents a level of funding for this program that is equal to last
year's level in real terms. However, it does not include the $1.0
million that was requested to pay commercial carriers to deliver
privately-donated goods to foreign recipients. The committee directs the
DOD to restrict its use of commercial carriers in this area to instances
where such use enhances a military activity. The committee is also
concerned with the continued reliance upon the DOD for the procurement
of humanitarian daily rations that the committee indicated in the Senate
report accompanying S. 1059 should be funded through the Department of
State.
The committee expects the Department of State in the future to fund
those activities and programs that do not require military unique
capabilities, and do not enhance the military mission. If the Department
continues to request funding for activities that are clearly foreign
assistance, rather than activities related to a military mission, the
committee will recommend legislation providing strict guidelines on what
activities can be funded through this program in the future.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, Charlestown, Rhode Island
The Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (CNALF), Rhode Island,
is a formerly used defense site (FUDS) that was used for pilot and
aviation crew training during World War II. In 1970, CNALF was closed
and reported as excess to the General Services Administration for
disposal in 1974. By deed, dated May 22, 1981, 172.4 acres were conveyed
to the Town of Charlestown and in June 1982 an additional 55 acres was
conveyed.
The site was determined eligible for the Defense Environmental
Restoration Program (DERP) for FUDS. In 1992, the Town of Charlestown,
Rhode Island, requested the consideration of a military warehouse and
two boiler houses for demolition because of hazards that existed prior
to disposal of the site. The town previously had not wanted these
buildings to be considered for demolition. In June 1993, the Army
recommended a building demolition project for these buildings, which was
included in the fiscal year 1994 DERP FUDS workplan, but has been
continually delayed as a result of funding constraints. The Army has now
tentatively rescheduled the CNALF building demolition activities for
fiscal year 2001.
The committee is generally concerned about the lack of adequate
funding for DERP FUDS. Delayed action at sites like CNALF is further
reason for questions regarding the management of the FUDS Program. It is
the committee's expectation that the Secretary of the Army would ensure
better management of the FUDS program, and specifically the CNALF site.
If the site demolition workplan cannot be executed in fiscal year 2001,
then the Secretary of the Army shall, not later than January 1, 2002,
provide a report to the congressional defense committees that explains
the Army's inaction.
Commander-in-Chiefs Initiative Fund
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State (DOS)
have numerous programs and authorities to provide education and training
to military and civilian personnel associated with foreign militaries.
Combatant commanders, who are charged with peacetime engagement with
foreign militaries in their respective geographic regions, unanimously
attest to the value of foreign military education and training. During
hearings this year before the committee, three combatant commanders and
the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, praised foreign
military education and training as a very low-cost investment that
produces great results. These results are significant numbers of foreign
military officials, many of whom rise to senior leadership positions,
military and civilian, within their respective nations who were
positively exposed to American democratic values, military
professionalism, and the role of the military within a democracy. All of
these witnesses stressed that modest increases in foreign military
education and training programs would produce significant dividends in
the form of friendly, professional, military partners for the United
States.
A review of existing DOD authorities and use of available funds in
this area revealed that combatant commanders are authorized to use up to
$2.0 million of the Commander-in-Chiefs Initiative Fund (CIF) for
foreign military education and training. However, the committee is
concerned that virtually none of this authority has been used in the
past several years, despite the testimony of our senior military and
civilian leadership on the importance of such education and training.
Therefore, the committee directs that $2.0 million of the $25.0
million authorized to be appropriated for the CIF (Operations and
Maintenance, Defense Wide, BA 01, Joint Chiefs of Staff) shall be used
only for foreign military education and training.
Inventory of financial management and feeder systems
Section 1007 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000 required the Department of Defense to include an inventory of
financial management and feeder systems in its biennial Financial
Management Improvement Plan. Section 1007 requires the Secretary of
Defense to develop a detailed plan for ensuring that systems have
appropriate interfaces and internal controls.
In addition to the material required to be included in this inventory
pursuant to section 1007, the committee directs the Secretary to
identify each system listed in the inventory as critical or non-critical
and major or non-major, and provide the criteria used in making these
designations.
It is the expectation of the committee that the Chief Financial
Officer and the Chief Information Officer of the
Department will certify the accuracy and completeness of the
inventory required by section 1007. The committee directs the
Comptroller General to review the Financial Management Improvement Plan
and report any findings and recommendations to the congressional defense
committees.
Joint computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (JCALS) program
The committee is pleased with the progress that the Joint
computer-aided acquisition and logistic support (JCALS) program has made
during fiscal year 2000. JCALS is a demonstrated effective tool in the
automated technical manual area that has helped the Department of
Defense achieve its goals for cost-reduction and moving to paperless
operations. Beyond its traditional technical manual capability JCALS has
also proven to be an effective tool in addressing the paper-intensive
acquisition and procurement processes used by the military services. The
committee applauds these efforts by the Department to leverage its
significant investment in JCALS to support other initiatives in
acquisition and logistics, and would encourage even greater use of the
program in the future. The Department's ability to capitalize on
existing assets such as JCALS by making them multi-functional rather
than single purpose will pay dividends by minimizing investment in
duplicative systems development and support for the Department's
acquisition and logistics community. The committee directs the
Department to report to the congressional defense committees by March 1,
2001, on the progress made to restructure the program to expand the
functionality and use of the JCALS program beyond the technical manual
capability.
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service
The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense will not
maintain adequate funding for Mechanization of Contract Administration
Service (MOCAS) pending full replacement by the Defense Procurement
Payment System (DPPS). The DPPS has experienced system problems that
have delayed the implementation of this system. It is critical that the
Department maintain the MOCAS system until the conversion is complete.
Failure to adequately fund MOCAS will lead to unacceptable delays in the
payment of service, commercial, and payment vouchers, and force the
committee to seek further action.
National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence
In the statement of managers to accompany the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, the conferees directed the
Secretary of the Army to transfer the National Defense Center for
Environmental Excellence (NDCEE) to a new program element under the
control and oversight of the Assistant Secretary of the Army
(Installations and Environment). The conferees directed the Secretary to
take such action based on concerns related to management and focus.
The committee notes that, through a memorandum dated March 14, 2000,
the Secretary successfully accomplished the transfer and provided
specific direction regarding the environmental technology focus of
NDCEE. The committee agrees with the Secretary's direction that the
NDCEE address technologies for all environmental quality issues, to
include pollution prevention, conservation, compliance, and restoration.
It is the committees view that the NDCEE has significant potential to
serve as a national asset that will promote demonstration/validation of
innovative technologies. It is anticipated that the NDCEE efforts will
serve to reduce the total ownership costs of the Department of Defense
(DOD) weapon systems. The committee is particularly interested in an
emphasis on demonstration/validation of viable technologies that address
the complexities associated with environmental remediation of unexploded
ordnance (UXO).
Pesticide contamination at the former Fort Devens, Devens,
Massachusetts, and other closed and active military installations
In order to transfer portions of Fort Devens in 1996, the Army made a
finding of suitability to transfer (FOST) pursuant to section 120(h)(3)
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.). That finding of suitability
certified that a comprehensive assessment had been conducted to identify
sources of hazardous contaminants and to specify that all remedial
actions had been taken. The FOST was based on the environmental baseline
survey (EBS) that identified limited quantities of pesticides in
buildings used for storage of such chemicals at Fort Devens. Contrary to
the Army's FOST, environmental testing conducted on behalf of
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) revealed a
widespread and pervasive presence of pesticides in the soils. These
undisclosed environmental conditions have jeopardized the
MassDevelopment's implementation of its reuse plan at Fort Devens.
In early 1997, MassDevelopment notified the Army of the
extraordinarily high levels of pesticide contamination that existed at
locations which the Army had not disclosed prior to the 1996 property
transfer, and demanded Army remedial action pursuant to section
120(h)(3) of CERCLA. While the Army has participated in discussions with
MassDevelopment about the undisclosed environmental conditions, the Army
has not formally responded to the MassDevelopment notice or demand. In
these discussions the Army suggested that the Army may have no liability
for the remediation of the pesticides.
The committee is very concerned about the Army's lack of
responsiveness and apparent inclination to deny remedial action
liabilities under section 120(h)(3) of CERCLA at Fort Devens. The
committee expects the Secretary of the Army to conduct cleanup of the
pesticide contamination, consistent with section 120(h)(3) and the
relevant congressional intent under CERCLA. The Secretary of Defense and
the secretaries of the military departments will comply with all
environmental legal requirements, to include ``. . . any remedial action
found to be necessary after the date of such transfer. . . .'' (42
U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)).
Revised requirements for report on Defense use of smart card
as PKI authentication device carrier
The Secretary of Defense shall submit a report not later than
December 1, 2000 on the cost and feasibility of existing hard disk
storage technology or other technologies that could be used as a
Public-Private Key Infrastructure (PKI) authentication device. The
Secretary should include in this report a comparison of these
technologies on the basis of cost and performance to the Smart Card
discussed in the report required by section 374 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. This review should not delay the
Department's ongoing deployment of the Smart Card.
TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS
SUBTITLE A--ACTIVE FORCES
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize active duty
end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization 2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
Army 480,000 480,000 480,000
Navy 372,037 372,000 372,000
Marine Corps 172,518 172,600 172,600
Air Force 360,877 357,000 357,000
SUBTITLE B--RESERVE FORCES
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize Selected
Reserve end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 350,000 350,000 350,088
The Army Reserve 205,000 205,000 205,000
The Naval Reserve 90,288 88,900 88,900
The Marine Corps Reserve 39,624 39,500 39,558
The Air National Guard of the United States 106,678 108,000 108,022
The Air Force Reserve 73,708 74,300 74,300
The Coast Guard Reserve 8,000 8,000 8,500
The increase of 88 in the Army National Guard and 22 in the Air
National Guard is necessary to support five additional Weapons of Mass
Destruction-Civil Support Teams.
The increase of 58 above the request in the Marine Corps Reserve end
strength is necessary to accommodate an additional four officers and 54
enlisted Active Reserve personnel on active duty in support of the
reserves to enhance the readiness of the Marine Corps Reserve.
The increase in the Coast Guard Reserve end strength is the
continuation of the committee's efforts to restore the Coast Guard
Reserve to a robust augmentation force. An Office of Management and
Budget study has validated the requirement that the Coast Guard Reserve
strength be 12,293. The Coast Guard Reserve is to be commended for
recovering from the severe shortfall of the past several years. The
committee recommends that the appropriation for the Coast Guard Reserve
be increased from $73.6 million to $80.0 million.
End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the
reserves (sec. 412)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the full
time support end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 22,430 22,448 22,536
The Army Reserve 12,804 12,806 12,806
The Naval Reserve 15,010 14,649 14,649
The Marine Corps Reserve 2,272 2,203 2,261
The Air National Guard of the United States 11,157 11,148 11,170
The Air Force Reserve 1,134 1,278 1,278
The increase of 88 in the Army National Guard and 22 in the Air
National Guard is necessary to support five additional Weapons of Mass
Destruction-Civil Support Teams.
The recommended increase of 58 above the request in the Marine Corps
Reserve end strength will permit the Marine Corps Reserve to retain four
officers and 54 enlisted Active Reserve personnel on active duty in
support of the reserves to enhance the readiness of the Marine Corps
Reserve.
End strengths for military technicians (dual status) (sec. 413)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the minimum
level of dual status technician end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as
shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 23,125 22,357 22,357
The Army Reserve 6,474 5,249 5,249
The Air National Guard of the United States 22,247 22,221 22,221
The Air Force Reserve 9,785 9,733 9,733
Fiscal year 2001 limitation on non-dual status technicians (sec. 414)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish numerical
limits on the number of non-dual status technicians who may be employed
in the Department of Defense as of September 30, 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 1,180 1,600 1,600
The Army Reserve 1,295 1,195 1,195
The Air National Guard of the United States 342 326 326
The Air Force Reserve 0 0 0
Increase in number of members in certain grades authorized
to be on active duty in support of the reserves (sec. 415)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the control
grades for Active Guard Reserve personnel. The recommended control grade
increases support changes in the roles and missions of the reserve
components.
SUBTITLE C--OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO PERSONNEL STRENGTHS
Suspension of strength limitations during war or national
emergency (sec. 421)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to suspend the grade limitations for senior
enlisted personnel and senior reservists on active duty in support of
the reserve during time of war or national emergency.
Exclusion of certain reserve component members on active
duty for more than 180 days from active component end strengths (sec.
422)
The committee recommends a provision that would exempt a number,
limited to not more than two tenths of one percent of the active duty
end strength, of reserve component members on active duty performing
special work in support of the armed forces and the combatant commands
from counting against the active component end strengths. MDRV
Exclusion of Army and Air Force medical and dental officers
from limitations on strengths of reserve commissioned officers in grades
below brigadier general (sec. 423)
The committee recommends a provision that would exempt reserve
component medical and dental officers of the Army and Air Force from the
grade ceilingMDRV limits on the same basis as active component and Naval
Reserve medical and dental officers. MDRV
Authority for temporary increases in number of reserve
personnel serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty in
certain grades (sec. 424)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to temporarily increase the number of reserve
personnel serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty in
certain grades. The recommended provision would permit the Secretary of
Defense to increase, by not more than two percent, the number of reserve
component personnel serving on active duty or full-time National Guard
duty only when the Secretary has authorized an increase in end strength
for a fiscal year. MDRV
Temporary exemption of Director of the National Security
Agency from limitations on number of Air Force officers above major
general (sec. 425)
The committee recommends a provision that would temporarily exempt
the Air Force officer serving as the Director of the National Security
Agency from the limitations on the number of Air Force officers
authorized to serve on active duty in grades above major general. The
exemption of the recommended provision would expire on September 30,
2005. MDRV
SUBTITLE DMDRV--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS MDRV
Authorization of appropriations for military personnel (sec. 431)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize a total of
$75,632,266,000 to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for
military personnel.
The budget request of $75,801,666,000 was reduced by $172,600,000 due
to adjustments in foreign currency fluctuation and military personnel
under execution. $3,200,000 was added to accommodate the recommended
increase in full-time reservists in the Army National Guard and the Air
National Guard.
TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY
SUBTITLE A--OFFICER PERSONNEL POLICY
Eligibility of Army Reserve colonels and brigadier generals
for position vacancy promotions (sec. 501)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to use a single selection board to recommend Army
Reserve colonels and brigadier generals for assignment to vacant
positions and to recommend the colonels or brigadier generals for
promotion to brigadier general or major general.
Promotion Zones for Coast Guard Reserve Officers (sec. 502)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Transportation the same flexibility as secretaries of the
military departments to establish promotion zones for the Coast Guard
Reserve based on service need.
Time for release of officer promotion selection board
reports (sec. 503)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to make public the names of officers recommended
for promotion by a selection board prior to approval of the board by the
President. The recommended provision would permit reserve component
promotion board results to be made public in a more timely manner and in
a manner consistent with that used for active component promotion board
results.
Clarification of authority for posthumous commissions and
warrants (sec. 504)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the existing
statute concerning the authority for posthumous promotion to include an
officer who had been selected for promotion but died before the service
secretary approved the recommendation of the selection board.
Inapplicability of active-duty list promotion, separation,
and involuntary retirement authorities to reserve general and flag
officers serving in certain positions designated by the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff (sec. 505)
The committee recommends a provision that would exclude reserve
component general and flag officers in certain joint duty assignments
from the active duty list for promotion purposes. These reserve
component general and flag officers would be considered for promotion on
the active-status list of their reserve component.
Review of actions of selection boards (sec. 506)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary concerned to correct a person's military records in accordance
with a recommendation made by a special board. The remedy may be
restoration to active duty or status, if the person was separated,
retired, or transferred to the retired or inactive reserve as the result
of a recommendation made by a selection board; or the person may elect
to receive back pay and allowances in lieu of restoration. If a special
board does not recommend the correction, the action of the original
selection board shall be considered as final. The secretaries concerned
are to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision, which may
include the circumstances under which consideration by a special board
requires an application by the person, and applicable time limits. All
such regulations are to be subject to the approval of the Secretary of
Defense.
A person challenging the action or recommendation of a selection
board, or a secretary's action thereon, is not entitled to relief in any
judicial proceeding unless the matter has first been considered by a
special board or a secretary has denied such consideration. A court
reviewing a special board's action or recommendation or the action of a
secretary thereon may hold it unlawful only on the basis that it did not
comply with applicable procedures, or was contrary to law. If the review
is of a secretary's denial of special board consideration, the bases are
the same, with the addition of the arbitrary and capricious standard.
The remedies provided under this provision are exclusive. This provision
does not limit the jurisdiction of any federal court to determine the
validity of any relevant statute, regulation, or policy, but the
remedies set out herein are to be the exclusive remedies for any person
challenging the action of a selection board on the basis of any
invalidity. These provisions also do not limit the secretaries'
authority to correct military records through boards for correction of
such records under section 1552 of title 10, United States Code. A
special board may include a board for correction of military or naval
records, if designated by the secretary concerned. For these purposes, a
``selection board'' includes boards for continuation on active duty, or
selective early retirement, but does not include promotion selection
boards. Similarly, the term ``special board'' does not include a
promotion special selection board.
The provision would also amend section 628 of title 10, United States
Code, the statute dealing with promotion special selection boards, to
require exhaustion of a person's remedies before a special selection
board (or the Secretary of Defense's rejection of the claim without
consideration by such a board). No official or court of the United
States may grant any relief on a promotion claim until the officer or
former officer has been selected for promotion by a promotion special
selection board and the board's report has been approved by the
President. A court may review a secretary's determination not to convene
a special selection board. If the determination is found to be
arbitrary, capricious, not based on substantial evidence, or contrary to
law, the secretary concerned shall convene such a board. Similarly, a
court may review the recommendation of a special selection board and, if
it finds that the recommendation was contrary to law or involved
material error, the secretary must provide for reconsideration of the
officer or former officer by another special selection board. The
provision has additional requirements on exclusivity and remedies
similar to those provided for on continuation and special early
retirement boards referred to above. As in the earlier provision,
nothing herein would limit the authority of correction boards under
section 1552 of title 10, United States Code.
The provision would take effect on the date of enactment of this Act
and would apply to all proceedings pending on or after that date, but
would not apply with respect to any action commenced in a court of the
United States before the date of enactment.
Extension to all Air Force biomedical sciences officers of
authority to retain until specified age (sec. 507)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Air Force to retain, with the officer's consent,
biomedical sciences officers. The recommended provision would provide
the Secretary of the Air Force with the same authority to retain
biomedical sciences officers as currently used by the Secretary of the
Army and the Secretary of the Navy.
Termination of application requirement for consideration of
officers for continuation on the Reserve Active-Status List (sec. 508)
The committee recommends a provision that would terminate the
requirement that a reserve officer apply for continuation on the Reserve
Active-Status List. The recommended provision would permit the secretary
of a military department to offer continuation on the Reserve
Active-Status List to an officer who was recommended for continuation by
a board without requiring the officer to apply for such consideration.
The officer would retain the option to accept or decline such an offer.
Technical corrections relating to retired grade of reserve
commissioned officers (sec. 509)
The committee recommends a provision that would eliminate conflicting
provisions regarding the time-in-grade requirement to retire at the
current grade held by a reserve component officer. The recommended
provision would apply to reserve commissioned officers promoted as a
result of a selection board recommendation after October 1, 1996, the
effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act.
Grade of chiefs of reserve components and directors of
National Guard components (sec. 510)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
secretaries of the military departments to, within 90 days of enactment
of this Act, increase the grade of the Chief of Army Reserve, Chief of
Naval Reserve, Chief of Air Force Reserve, Director of the Army National
Guard, and the Director of the Air National Guard to lieutenant general
or, in the case of the Navy, vice admiral. The recommended provision
would permit the Secretary of the Navy to increase the grade of the
Chief of Marine Corps Reserve to lieutenant general.
SUBTITLE B--JOINT OFFICER MANAGEMENT
Joint officer management (sec. 521 528)
The committee recommends a series of provisions that would streamline
the designation and management of joint speciality officers. The
recommended provisions would simplify the requirements to be designated
as a joint speciality officer, would require that Joint Professional
Military Training be conducted in residence, would establish the
promotion objectives for joint speciality officers as a group to be
equal to or greater than the rate for officers of the same armed force
in the same grade and competitive category serving on the headquarters
staff of that armed force, would establish the minimum tour length to
qualify for a joint tour, and would modify the required contents of the
annual report to comply with the simplified management requirements.
SUBTITLE C--EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Eligibility of children of reserves for Presidential
appointment to service academies (sec. 541)
The committee recommends a provision that would make the children of
members of reserve components and retired or retirement-eligible
reservists eligible for presidential appointments to the service
academies on the same basis as children of active duty or retired active
duty personnel.
Selection of foreign students to receive instruction at
service academies (sec. 542)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
secretaries of the military departments to give priority consideration
to foreign students applying for admission to the service academies who
have a national service obligation upon graduation from the academy.
Repeal of contingent funding increase for Junior Reserve
Officers Training Corps (sec. 543)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the
requirement that any amount in excess of $62,500,000 appropriated for
the National Guard Youth Challenge Program be made available for the
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Revision of authority for Marine Corps platoon leader class
tuition assistance program (sec. 544)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize members of
the Marine Corps platoon leader class to continue to receive tuition
assistance while in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Currently,
participants in the Marine Corps platoon leader class lose their
eligibility to use the tuition assistance program once they are
commissioned.
SUBTITLE D--MATTERS RELATING TO RECRUITING
Army recruiting pilot programs (sec. 551)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to carry out three distinct pilot programs to assess the
effectiveness for creating enhanced opportunities for recruiters and to
improve the effectiveness of Army recruiting programs. The recommended
provision would require the pilot programs to be carried out during a
period beginning on
October 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2005. The Secretary
of the Army would be required to submit, not later than February 1,
2006, a separate report that would assess the value of each of the pilot
programs and make recommendations for permanent authority to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
Enhancement of the joint and service recruitment market
research and advertising programs (sec. 552)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to take the necessary actions to enhance joint and service
recruiting and advertising programs through an aggressive market
research program and would waive certain requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act to enhance the flexibility of the Secretary of Defense and
the military services to react to changes in the recruiting market.
Access to secondary schools for military recruiting purposes (sec. 553)
The committee recommends a provision that would, effective July 1,
2002, require local educational agencies to provide military recruiters
access to secondary schools on the same basis as colleges, universities,
and private sector employers, unless the governing body of the local
educational agency acts by majority vote to deny access to military
recruiters. The recommended provision would also establish a process to
ensure that secondary schools provide military recruiters access to the
campus, directories, and student lists on the same basis as that
afforded colleges, universities, and private sector employers. The
recommended provision would require the relevant military service to
send a senior official to meet with the local educational agency within
120 days of a military recruiter being denied access. If the secondary
school continues to deny access to military recruiters the Secretary of
Defense shall, within 60 days, communicate with the governor of the
state requesting assistance in restoring access for military recruiters.
A copy of this correspondence shall be provided to the Secretary of
Education. If one year after the date of the transmittal of the letter
from the Secretary of Defense the local educational agency continues to
deny access to at least two of the armed forces, the Secretary of
Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives, and the members of the House of
Representatives and the Senate who represent the district or districts
in which the local educational agency operates.
Today, more than 600 high schools deny access to military recruiters
from three or more services. Thousands of high schools deny access to
military recruiters of at least one service. The Department of Defense,
the military services, and the Department of Education have not
aggressively pursued restoration of access to these high schools despite
the requests of the military recruiters. The recommended provision would
establish a process through which the military services, the Department
of Defense, the Department of Education, the governors, and the local
educational agencies would work together to establish local procedures
and practices that would permit military recruiters the same access to
high school students as colleges and universities. The committee
believes that every high school student deserves the opportunity to
learn of the opportunities of military service just as they learn of the
opportunities associate with college or private sector employment.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to report, not later
than March 1, 2001, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives outlining his plan to eliminate the
backlog of high schools that currently deny access to military
recruiters. The required report shall include specific milestones for
each service.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Authority for award of Medal of Honor to certain specified
persons (sec. 561)
The committee recommends a provision that would waive the statutory
time limits and authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to
Ed W. Freeman of Boise, Idaho for valor during the Vietnam Conflict; to
James K. Okubo of Detroit, Michigan for valor during World War II; and
to Andrew J. Smith of Massachusetts for valor during the Civil War.
Waiver of time limitations for award of certain decorations
to certain persons (sec. 562)
The committee recommends a provision that would waive the statutory
time limits for award of military decorations to certain individuals who
have been recommended by the service secretaries for these awards.
Ineligibility for involuntary separation pay upon
declination of selection for continuation on active duty (sec. 563)
The committee recommends a provision that would make an officer, who
has twice failed selection for promotion to the next higher grade, and
who was offered the opportunity to continue on active duty, and who
declines this offer, ineligible to receive involuntary separation pay.
Recognition by states of military testamentary instruments (sec. 564)
The committee recommends a provision that would exempt a military
testamentary instrument from any requirement of form, formality, or
recording before probate under the laws of a state; and would provide
that such an instrument has the same legal effect as a testamentary
instrument prepared and executed in accordance with the laws of the
state in which it is presented for probate. A ``military testamentary
instrument'' is one prepared with testamentary intent in accordance with
regulations prescribed under this provision by a person eligible for
military legal assistance, which makes a disposition of that person's
property, and takes effect upon his death. An instrument is a valid
military testamentary instrument only if: it is executed by the testator
(or in his presence, by his direction, and on his behalf); it is
executed in the presence of a military legal assistance counsel, whether
a judge advocate or a civilian attorney; it is executed in the presence
of at least two disinterested witnesses; and it is executed in
accordance with any additional requirements as may be provided by
regulation. In addition, a military testamentary instrument may be
regarded as self-proving with respect to the genuiness of the signature,
the testator's status and title, and compliance with applicable
regulations if certain prescribed additional formalities are complied
with.
Sense of Congress on the court-martial conviction of Captain
Charles Butler McVay, Commander of the USS Indianapolis, and the
courageous service of its crew (sec. 565)
The committee recommends a provision that would express a sense of
Congress that, on the basis of facts presented in a public hearing
conducted by the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate on September
14, 1999, the American people should now recognize Captain McVay's lack
of culpability for the loss of the USS Indianapolis and the lives of the
men who died as a result of the sinking and that Captain McVay's
military record now reflect that he is exonerated for the loss of the
ship and its crew; and that Congress strongly encourages the Secretary
of the Navy to award a Navy Unit Commendation to the USS Indianapolis
and its final crew.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Automated in- and out-processing of military personnel
The committee is aware that Fort McPherson, Georgia, a U.S. Army
installation, is conducting a pilot program using standard
commercial-off-the-shelf software products to implement an electronic
one-stop in/out-processing system. The committee believes that any
effort that reduces the personnel time lost to in/out-processing and
streamlines these processes while improving efficiency is a positive
initiative that should be considered for expanded use. The committee
urges the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force to
review the pilot program at Fort McPherson, Georgia, and consider
conducting a similar pilot program at several bases. The committee
believes that such an electronic one-stop in/out-processing concept
would work very well at any installation, especially at an installation
that is using smart cards in other base support activities. The
committee also urges the secretaries of the military departments to
consider expanding the concept of electronic one-stop in/out- processing
to civilian employees.
Funeral honors for members of the uniformed services
Section 578 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that, upon request, a
funeral honors detail be provided for the funeral of any veteran. For
the purposes of this provision, the term veteran was defined to include
a decedent who served in the active military, naval, or air service. The
committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, and the Secretary of Commerce, to convene a conference, not
later than December 31, 2000, to assess the desirability and feasibility
of expanding eligibility for a funeral honors detail to former members
of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The committee
further directs the Secretary of Defense to report the findings and
recommendations resulting from the conference to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than
March 1, 2001.
Information related to alternatives to the Survivor Benefit Plan
The committee recognizes that the Department of Defense has
consistently and commendably administered, through the military
departments, mandatory Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) for military
members prior to separation. Among the mandatory briefing subjects
during these pre-retirement programs is a session on the Survivor
Benefit Plan (SBP). The committee notes that, today, military members
are retiring at younger ages and with an increased actuarial longevity
in their retirement years. This fact should have a substantial positive
impact on the financial condition of the funds supporting SBP. The
committee also notes that, many times, during the required TAP seminars,
alternatives to the SBP are excluded from presentation or exposure even
though many in the retiring population might benefit from considering
alternatives to SBP during pre-retirement processing. The committee
directs the Secretary of Defense to provide, not later than January 30,
2001, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives, a description of the TAP program and its content by
service, including a description of the methods of exposure, if any, to
information on to SBP; the number of retirees by pay grade for the last
three years; and the number of individuals in the same categories with
full participation in SBP (55 percent), those who elected a reduced SBP
between 35 and 55 percent, those who elected a reduced SBP below 35
percent, and those who declined SBP.
Prevention of alcohol-related incidents
The committee is aware of the potential for reducing the incidence of
alcohol-related automobile accidents and incidents of misconduct through
the use of portable one-step, saliva-based test strips that provide an
immediate estimate of blood alcohol concentration. The committee directs
the secretaries of the military departments to examine how and if the
use of personal, one-step, blood-alcohol concentration tests might
enhance ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of drunk driving and
alcohol-related misconduct on military bases and installations.
Study on the use of peyote by military personnel
The committee is aware that current Department of Defense policy
permits, as an accommodation of a religious practice, service members
who are Indian Tribe members to use peyote, a hallucinogenic drug,
providing it is not used on a military installation and is used at least
24 hours prior to any scheduled duty. Although the committee supports
reasonable accommodation of religious practices of military personnel,
the committee is also concerned that the Department of Defense has not
conducted a comprehensive study of the impact the use of peyote may have
on the long-term health of military personnel and on military safety and
readiness. To ensure that these concerns are addressed, the committee
directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study, in coordination
with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, on the real and potential
hazards related to peyote use. The Secretary of Defense shall report the
findings of the study and any recommendations to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives prior to
finalizing the Department of Defense directive regarding accommodation
of religious practices within the Department.
TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS
SUBTITLE A--PAY AND ALLOWANCES
Increase in basic pay for Fiscal Year 2001 (sec. 601)
The committee recommends a provision that would waive section 1009 of
title 37, United States Code, and increase the rates of basic pay for
members of the uniformed services by 3.7 percent. This increase would be
effective January 1, 2001.
Corrections for basic pay tables (sec. 602)
The committee recommends a provision that would make several
technical corrections to the basic pay tables for the uniformed
services. The recommended provision would change the pay table as it
pertains to monthly basic pay for members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and the Commandant of the Coast Guard from $12,441.00 to $12,488.70.
Since the pay of these officers is capped under other provisions of law,
there will be no change in the pay these officers receive. The
recommended provision would also change the monthly basic pay for
members serving as Sergeant Major of the Army, Master Chief Petty Office
of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of
the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard from
$4,701.00 to $4,719.00. The recommended changes would be effective July
1, 2000.
Pay in lieu of allowance for funeral honors duty (sec. 603)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay a reserve component member who
performs funeral honors duty using either the stipend authorized in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 or one day of
basic pay, as if the funeral honor duty was a unit training assembly.
Clarification of service excluded in computation of
creditable service as a Marine Corps officer (sec. 604)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify that the
limitation on creditable service computation as a result of accepting
tuition assistance applies only to service as an enlisted member and not
as a commissioned officer.
Calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing (sec. 605)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to prescribe the Basic Allowance for Housing based
on the cost of adequate housing for civilians of comparable income
levels in the area at rates that would reduce or eliminate the member's
out-of-pocket expenses. The recommended provision would eliminate the
current requirement that 15 percent of the estimated housing expenses
for military personnel be paid by the service member.
Eligibility of members in grade E 4 to receive basic
allowance for housing while on sea duty (sec. 606)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the payment
of the basic allowance for housing to members serving in the grade of E
4, without dependents, who are assigned to sea duty in ships. The
recommended provision would authorize the Secretary of the Navy to
permit an E 4 assigned to a ship to live off-base and receive the basic
allowance for housing while that ship is in port.
Personal money allowance for the senior enlisted members of
the armed forces (sec. 607)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize payment of
a personal money allowance of $2,000 per year to the Sergeant Major of
the Army, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, the Chief Master
Sergeant of the Air Force, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and
the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. The personal money
allowance is intended to defray expenses incurred in connection with
official duties not reimbursable through the use of Official
Representation Funds. The Personal Money Allowance is currently
authorized for certain senior officers.
Increased uniform allowances for officers (sec. 608)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the initial
uniform allowance for officers from $200 to $400 and the additional
uniform allowance for officers from $100 to $200.
Cabinet-level authority to prescribe requirements and
allowance for clothing of enlisted members (sec. 609)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Transportation with respect
to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy, to
prescribe the clothing to be furnished annually to enlisted members and
to establish the amount of the cash allowance paid when the prescribed
clothing is not provided.
SUBTITLE B--BONUSES AND SPECIAL INCENTIVE PAYS
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for
reserve forces (sec. 611)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, until
December 1, 2001, the authority to pay the special pay for critically
short wartime health care specialists in the Selected Reserve, the
Selected Reserve reenlistment bonuses, the Selected Reserve enlistment
bonuses, the special pay for enlisted members assigned to certain high
priority units in the Selected Reserve, the Selected Reserve affiliation
bonus, the Ready Reserve enlistment and reenlistment bonus, the
repayment of education loans for certain health professionals who serve
in the Selected Reserve, and the prior service enlistment bonus.
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for
nurse officer candidates, registered nurses, and nurse anesthetists
(sec. 612)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, until
December 1, 2001, the authority to pay certain bonuses and a special pay
for nurse officer candidates, registered nurses, and nurse anesthetists.
Extension of authorities relating to payment of other
bonuses and special pays (sec. 613)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, until
December 1, 2001, the authority to pay the aviation officer retention
bonus, the reenlistment bonus for active members, the enlistment bonuses
for critical skills, the Army enlistment bonus, the special pay for
nuclear qualified officers who extend the period of active service, the
nuclear career accession bonus and the nuclear career annual incentive
bonus.
Consistency of authorities for special pay for reserve
medical and dental officers (sec. 614)
The committee recommends a provision that would make the amount of
special pays for reserve medical and dental officers consistent.
Currently, reserve component medical officers and reserve component
dental officers receive disparate pays for similar qualifications and
periods of service.
Special pay for physician assistants of the Coast Guard (sec. 615)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the payment
of a special pay to Coast Guard physician assistants on the same basis
as non-physician health care providers in the military services.
Authorization of special pay and accession bonus for
pharmacy officers (sec. 616)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department or, in the case of the Public Health
Service Corps, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to pay a
special pay and an accession bonus for pharmacy officers. The
recommended provision would provide the military departments and the
Public Health Service additional incentives to recruit and retain
trained pharmacy officers.
Corrections of references to Air Force veterinarians (sec. 617)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify that the
special pay for board certified veterinarians in the armed forces and
the Public Health Service includes Air Force biomedical sciences
officers who hold a degree in veterinary medicine.
Entitlement of active duty officers of the Public Health
Service Corps to special pays and bonuses of health professional
officers of the armed forces (sec. 618)
The committee recommends a provision that would make the special pays
and bonuses for active duty officers of the Public Health Service Corps
equal to those of health professional officers of the armed forces. The
recommended provision would eliminate inequities in the special pays and
bonuses paid to health professionals of the uniformed services.
Career sea pay (sec. 619)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to establish the rates of career sea
pay up to a limit of $750 per month and would increase the maximum
career sea pay premium pay from $100 per month to $350 per month for
consecutive or cumulative duty at sea.
Increased maximum rate of special duty pay assignment pay (sec. 620)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the limit on
special duty assignment pay from $275 per month to $600 per month. The
secretary of a military department would retain the flexibility to
establish the rate of special duty assignment pay within the maximum
limit to meet the needs of the service. For those assignments common to
all services, such as recruiters, the Secretary of Defense would ensure
that the rate of the special duty assignment pay is consistent among the
services.
Expansion of applicability of authority for critical skills
enlistment bonus to include all armed forces (sec. 621)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, to all the
services, the authority, now available only to the Army, to offer a
bonus for enlistment for a period of two years in a critical skill.
SUBTITLE C--TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCES
Advance payments for temporary lodging of members and
dependents (sec. 631)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay the temporary lodging
allowance in advance of the incurrence of the expenses. Currently,
payment of the temporary lodging allowance must be paid after a service
member pays the bills and files a claim. The recommended provision would
also require the Secretary of a military department to consider all
elements of the cost of living to service members and their families,
including the cost of housing, subsistence and necessary incidental
expenses, when determining the per diem allowance for a member on duty
outside the Continental United States in a travel status.
Incentive for shipping and storing household goods in less
than average weights (sec. 632)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay a service member a share of
the amount of savings resulting from the service member shipping or
storing a lower household good or baggage weight than the average weight
shipped or stored by members of the same grade and dependent status.
Expansion of funded student travel (sec. 633)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize unmarried
military dependents, under the age of 23 and enrolled in an accredited,
full-time graduate degree program or an accredited vocational technical
educational program in the Continental United States, one funded round
trip per year to the sponsor's overseas duty location. Currently, only
dependents in secondary or undergraduate educational programs are
entitled to this funded travel.
Benefits for members not transporting personal motor
vehicles overseas (sec. 634)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay a service member a share of
the savings that accrue when an authorized member elects not to ship
their personal vehicle overseas at government expense. The recommended
provision would also limit the amount payable to store a personal
vehicle in lieu of the authorized shipment of the vehicle to an amount
equal to the cost that would have been incurred by shipping the vehicle
overseas and back.
SUBTITLE D--RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Exception to high-36 month retired pay computation for
members retired following a disciplinary reduction in grade (sec. 641)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
computation of retired pay for military personnel who retire following a
reduction in grade be based on the basic pay of the grade held at the
time of retirement rather than the average of the highest three years of
basic pay. The recommended provision would correct a situation in which
a service member who is reduced in grade as a result of a disciplinary
action and subsequently retires would have his or her retired pay
computed based on the average of the highest three years of basic pay,
effectively circumventing the intention of the reduction-in-grade.
Automatic participation in Reserve Component Survivor
Benefit Plan unless declined with spouses' consent (sec. 642)
The committee recommends a provision that would require reserve
component personnel notified of eligibility for retired pay upon
reaching 60 years of age to make an election regarding coverage under
the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan. The recommended provision
would require spousal consent if the member makes an election to decline
or to provide less than the full, immediate annuity for the spouse.
Currently, the reserve
component member may decline coverage or elect less than full
participation without the spouse's knowledge or consent. The recommended
provision would treat spouses of reserve component members in the same
manner as spouses of active component members.
Participation in thrift savings plan (sec. 643)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 663 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to establish
the effective date for offering the Thrift Savings Plan to active and
reserve military personnel, effective not later than 180 days from the
enactment of this Act. The recommended provision would also eliminate
the requirement for the President to identify mandatory spending offsets
that are currently provided in the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget
for Fiscal Year 2001.
Retirement from active reserve service after regular
retirement (sec. 644)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit a retired
active component service member who later serves, and is promoted in an
active reserve position, to retire as a member of the retired reserve at
the higher grade. The recommended provision would permit such
individuals to retire as a member of the retired reserve. Promotion in
the reserves is currently authorized by sections 1370, 1406(b)(2) and
12771 of title 10, United States Code.
Same treatment for federal judges as for other federal
officials regarding payment of military retired pay (sec. 645)
The committee recommends a provision that would make a technical
correction to ensure that Article III federal judges are treated the
same as other federal officials with regard to reduction in military
retired pay. Section 651 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 eliminated the reduction in military retired pay for
retired uniformed services personnel who are civilian employees of the
federal government. The recommended provision makes a technical
correction eliminating this reduction of retired pay for retired
uniformed services personnel who are employed in certain judicial
positions.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Reimbursement of recruiting and ROTC personnel for parking
expenses (sec. 651)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to reimburse military recruiters,
Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadre members, and Military
Entrance Processing Command members for parking expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties.
Extension of deadline for filing claims associated with
capture and internment of certain persons by North Vietnam (sec. 652)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit the Secretary
of Defense to pay claims to a person, or the survivor of a person, who
demonstrates that he or she served as a Vietnamese operative pursuant to
OPLAN 34A or OPLAN 35, was captured, remained in captivity after 1973,
has not received any payment for the period spent in captivity, and
whose original claim was received after the deadline for submitting
claims, if the Secretary considers it necessary to prevent an injustice.
The committee is aware of four claims that would qualify under the
recommended provision. Payment of the additional claims would be made
from within the original appropriations for this program.
Settlement of claims for payments for unused accrued leave
and for retired pay (sec. 653)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to settle claims for payments for unused accrued
leave and to waive time limitations for filing claims for payments for
unused accrued leave and for retired pay. The committee encourages
liberal use of this authority to ensure that otherwise valid claims of
service members and former service members are not denied solely because
the claim was not filed within the time required.
Eligibility of certain members of the Individual Ready
Reserve for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (sec. 654)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize volunteers
for assignment to a category in the Individual Ready Reserve that is
subject to involuntary recall to active duty to participate in the
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program.
Authority to pay gratuity to certain veterans of Bataan and
Corregidor (sec. 655)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a $20,000 gratuity to a veteran or
surviving spouse of a veteran who served at Bataan or Corregidor, was
captured and held as a prisoner of war, and was required to perform
slave labor by the Japanese.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Adjustments to the Basic Allowance for Housing
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for uniformed services
personnel are determined by the Secretary of Defense based on the
monthly cost of adequate housing for civilians of comparable income
levels in the area in which the service member is assigned. Section 403
of title 37, United States Code, includes a protection against
reductions in the BAH as long as the member retains uninterrupted
eligibility to receive BAH. The committee is aware of cases in which the
BAH for service members who have made a no-cost permanent change of
station move and who remain in the same quarters they occupied during
their previous assignment has been reduced. The committee believes that
implementation of the statutory provisions, as interpreted in the Joint
Federal Travel Regulations, is flawed. The committee did not intend that
service members would be adversely affected by a no-cost permanent
change of station move in which the original quarters continue to be
occupied. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to review the
statute and the Joint Federal Travel Regulations, and to make such
changes as may be necessary to ensure that service members who make
no-cost moves are not adversely impacted by a reduction in BAH. The
committee believes these changes should be retroactive, effective as of
the date of the BAH legislation.
TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE
SUBTITLE A--SENIOR HEALTH CARE
Extension of TRICARE senior supplement demonstration program (sec. 701)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the TRICARE
senior supplement demonstration program providing health care delivery
to the over 64 Medicare eligible population. Congress authorized
implementation of several demonstration programs (Medicare Subvention,
the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, a Medicare insurance
supplement or ``medi-gap'' type policy, and pharmacy pilot programs).
One of these programs is due to expire this year, some have just
started, and others are due to start later this year. The recommended
provision would extend the TRICARE senior supplement program to allow
for continuity of care through calendar year 2005, and to allow the
Department of Defense and the Congress time to evaluate and determine
the most appropriate long-term health care solutions for these
beneficiaries.
TRICARE senior prime demonstration program (sec. 702)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize expansion
of the TRICARE Senior Prime, or ``Medicare Subvention'' program to major
medical centers of the Department of Defense and extend the program
through calendar year 2005. While the Medicare subvention demonstration
program has provided limited data upon which to base evaluation and
expansion decisions, it appears clear that the most productive expansion
sites are those with the more extensive capabilities of major medical
centers. Teaching programs conducted at the medical centers require a
more extensive case-load and beneficiary population to support medical
educational programs and readiness training requirements.
Although data is still limited, the committee believes that the
reimbursement methodology agreed to by the Department of Defense and the
Health Care Financing Administration may need modification. Therefore,
the committee directs the Department of Defense to engage in
consultation with the Health Care Financing Administration to determine
what modifications need to be addressed, both in terms of data
collection and reimbursement methods, to facilitate expansion of the
program.
Extension and expansion of demonstration project for
participation of uniformed services personnel in the Federal Employee
Health Benefit program (sec. 703)
The committee recommends a provision that would remove the limitation
on the number of sites covered by the demonstration program allowing
participation of Medicare-eligible military beneficiaries and their
family members in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The
recommended provision would extend the program through calendar year
2005 to allow for continuity in the provision of care for beneficiaries
while the Department of Defense and the Congress analyze approaches to
meeting the health care needs of the Medicare-eligible military retiree
population.
Implementation of redesigned pharmacy system (sec. 704)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Department
of Defense to reduce the enrollment fee and consider using deductibles
for the pharmacy pilot program authorized in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999. The Department of Defense has
been slow to implement this pilot program and there is considerable
concern among the beneficiary population over the high cost of
participation. The committee believes that the use of deductibles, which
apply only when a benefit is utilized, are a more prudent management
tool.
SUBTITLE B--TRICARE PROGRAM
Additional beneficiaries under TRICARE prime remote program
in CONUS (sec. 711)
The committee recommends a provision that would expand TRICARE prime
remote to the uniformed services and to family members of active duty
personnel who qualify for TRICARE prime remote. The committee recognizes
the importance of providing a uniform and equitable medical benefit to
all military members and their families, without regard to where they
happen to be stationed in the United States.
Elimination of copayments for immediate family (sec. 712)
The committee recommends a provision that would eliminate copayments
for those immediate family members of active duty service members
enrolled in TRICARE Prime who receive care from a source that currently
requires copayment.
Improvement in business practices in the administration of
the TRICARE program (sec. 713)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to complete implementation of improved
health care business practices no later than October 1, 2001.
Previous legislation directed the Secretary of Defense to make
improvements in providing access to beneficiaries, scheduling
appointments, simplifying and making more efficient claims processing
and payment systems, and ensuring portability and national enrollment.
These improvements have not been fully implemented in a timely manner.
The committee directs the Secretary to ensure the systemic changes
necessary to achieve improved business practices and increased
beneficiary and provider satisfaction are implemented no later than
October 1, 2001.
SUBTITLE C--JOINT INITIATIVES WITH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Tracking patient safety in military and veterans health care
systems (sec. 721)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct enhanced
cooperation between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans
Affairs in the area of patient safety. The two Departments are currently
collaborating on a number of joint initiatives, including common
information systems and patient safety initiatives. This provision
directs the two agencies to work to develop a common set of patient
safety indicators and to provide for centralized tracking of those
indicators.
Pharmaceutical identification technology (sec. 722)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly develop a
plan to bar code pills and to explore a bar code capability for the mail
order pharmacy program. Joint initiatives and the commonality they
produce can provide opportunities to greatly enhance patient safety.
Medical informatics (sec. 723)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to include two additional sections in the medical informatics
report required by section 723(d)(5) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. The recommended provision
includes a requirement to report on the progress or growth in medical
informatics and how the TRICARE program and the Department of Veterans
Affairs health care system can use medical information technology to
raise standards of treatment. The provision also directs that, from
within the resources of the Defense Health Program, $64.0 million be
expended on a computerized patient record system, and $9.0 million be
expended on an integrated pharmacy system in fiscal year 2001.
SUBTITLE D--OTHER MATTERS
Permanent authority for certain pharmaceutical benefits (sec. 731)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize a specific
pharmacy benefit for eligible beneficiaries of the military health care
system, including those eligible for Medicare. The recommended provision
would authorize a national mail order program and a retail pharmacy
network. The recommended provision would not require an enrollment fee
nor an annual deductible for the mail order program. Drugs obtained
through the retail network would require beneficiary cost shares of 20
percent and government coverage of 80 percent. The recommended provision
would phase out the current base realignment and closure pharmacy
benefit now in effect, in recognition of implementation of the
recommended program.
The committee believes that meeting the pharmaceutical needs of our
older retirees is a major step in meeting the commitment to ensure
access to health care for those who have made military service a career.
This is the first time the age 65 and over military retiree population
will have a legal entitlement to health care benefits. The recommended
provision would provide a uniform benefit for all military beneficiaries
and would meet the major unmet healthcare need of older retirees, access
to a pharmacy benefit.
Provision of domiciliary and custodial care for CHAMPUS
beneficiaries (sec. 732)
The committee recommends a provision that would cap the Department of
Defense domiciliary and custodial care program costs at $100.0 million
per year. The committee understands that the current programmatic
estimates are significantly less and expects the Secretary of Defense to
move quickly to implement a case management program to address the needs
of those with chronic conditions. The recommended provision would also
grandfather those that participated in the Department of Defense's home
health care demonstration and allow their continued participation in the
case management program, without regard to age.
Medical and dental care for medal of honor recipients and
their dependents (sec. 733)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend lifetime
medical and dental care, to be provided by the Department of Defense, to
medal of honor recipients and their dependents. The committee recognizes
the significant contributions of these current and former service
members and their families, and would extend complete legal entitlement
for these beneficiaries.
School-required physical examinations for certain minor
dependents (sec. 734)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to provide eligible dependents a physical examination when
such an examination is required by a school in connection with the
enrollment in that school. Eligible dependents are between the ages of 5
and 12 years of age. The proposed provision would recognize school
requirements for such physicals and, consistent with other provisions in
this bill, would require no copayment for TRICARE Prime enrollees.
Enrollees in TRICARE options other than Prime would pay appropriate cost
shares. The committee expects, to the extent possible, that primary care
managers would utilize the results of school physicals to accommodate
other requirements for health assessments for school age children, such
as sports physical requirements.
Two-year extension of dental and medical benefits for
surviving dependents of certain deceased members (sec. 735)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the medical
and dental benefits for surviving dependents of certain deceased members
from one year to three years. The committee recognizes the impact on
dependents of loss of a family member and that transition to alternate
sources of health care may take a period of time longer than previously
permitted. The recommended provision would recognize the sacrifices of
these family members and assist in their difficult transition from the
military system.
Extension of authority for contracts for medical services at
locations outside medical treatment facilities (sec. 736)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend from December
31, 2000 to September 30, 2002, the authority to enter into personal
services contracts with physicians for medical screening of enlistment
applicants. The Secretary of Defense is currently conducting a test to
evaluate whether the employment of fee-basis physicians in medical
screening of enlistment applicants should be sustained, or whether an
alternate approach is more appropriate. The recommended provision would
allow the Secretary of Defense to complete the evaluation of alternative
medical screening strategies, and to sustain the pace of medical
screening for armed forces applicants by extending contracting authority
for an additional period of time.
Transition of chiropractic health care demonstration program
to permanent status (sec. 737)
The committee recommends a provision that would make permanent the
provision of chiropractic health care services to military health care
system beneficiaries who enroll in TRICARE Prime. The recommended
provision would direct the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement
a plan to make available chiropractic services using a primary care
manager model, that requires referral by a primary care physician. The
recommended provision would continue services at existing demonstration
sites until 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, at
which time TRICARE Prime enrollees at those sites would continue to have
available chiropractic services. The recommended provision recognizes
the importance of the primary care manager in a managed care program and
the value of offering a variety of approaches to meeting the health care
needs of the beneficiary population.
Use of information technology for enhancement of delivery of
administrative services under the Defense Health Program (sec. 738)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to implement, in at least one TRICARE region, a managed care
support contract using commercially available internet-based systems and
products, to assist in simplifying administrative processes in the
TRICARE program. The recommended program would comply with patient
confidentiality and security requirements and incorporate data
requirements that are currently used in the marketplace, to include
those used by Medicare and/or commercial insurers. This effort would
include such areas as marketing, enrollment, beneficiary and provider
education, appointment setting, and claims processing. The committee
expects the initiative to enhance efficiency and improve services, as
well as match commercially recognized standards of performance.
Patient care reporting and management system (sec. 739)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to implement a patient care reporting and management system
in the military health system. The recommended provision would create a
patient care reporting and management system that would identify, track,
and report on errors and safety problems in the military medical system.
The recommended provision would direct development of a process to study
occurrence of errors, identify system factors contributing to
occurrences, and provide for corrective actions throughout the military
health care system.
Health care management demonstration program (sec. 740)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to conduct a test of two models to improve health care
delivery in the Defense Health Program. The recommended provision would
provide for two tests of health care simulation models: one for studying
alternative delivery policies, processes, organizations, and
technologies; and the second for studying long term disease management.
The recommended provision directs the Secretary of Defense to implement
each of these concepts in at least one site in fiscal year 2001 and
report, not later than January 31, 2002, to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the
desirability and feasibility of incorporating these programs throughout
the military health care system.
Studies of accrual financing for health care for military
retirees (sec. 741)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to conduct two studies, one by the Department of Defense and
one by an independent entity, to evaluate the potential of revising the
financing of the military medical benefit through an accrual based
system. While the committee recognizes the potential of such a proposal,
there remain many unanswered questions about administration and
budgeting. The required studies will provide the committee with the
necessary data to determine if permanently implementing such a concept
would be warranted.
Augmentation of Army Medical Department by reserve officers
of the Public Health Service Corps (sec. 742)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit the Secretary
of the Army and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into
an agreement to conduct a program under which officers of the Public
Health Service Corps Inactive Reserve may be detailed to augment the
Army Medical Department, subject to existing legislative authorities.
The recommended provision would require the Secretary of the Army, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to review
existing legislative authorities and report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than
March 1, 2001, on the findings of this review and any recommendations
necessary to permit enhanced augmentation by the Public Health Service
Inactive Reserve.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Consultation with schools of pharmacy and nursing
The committee directs the military services to implement a program in
which military treatment facilities and clinics would partner with local
pharmacy and nursing schools to incorporate the full range of health
care professional resources in health care endeavors. The committee
supports integrating all aspects of professional health care delivery.
Specifically, students of pharmacy and nursing schools could become a
significant resource to pharmacies through participation in patient
education programs. Patients would benefit from increased personal
interaction, pharmacies would benefit by access to increased
professional resources, and students would expand their clinical
experience.
Financial assistance for those beneficiaries requiring
animal assistance
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives on the requirements for animal assistance for dependents
of military personnel whose medical conditions may require such
assistance. The report should include an assessment of the economic
impact to families of obtaining animals for such purposes as
``seeing-eye'' assistance and other medical conditions. The report
should include an analysis of the current benefit coverage by the
Department of Defense, if any, and, if appropriate, a proposal for
coverage of such assistance.
Health care benefits for retirees living overseas
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives, no later than March 12, 2001, on the
desirability and feasibility of providing health care benefits
to military retirees living outside the United States. The committee
recognizes that some military retirees make a conscious choice to live
overseas but other military members return to their home of origin upon
retirement from military service. The study will include an assessment
of the numbers of retirees permanently residing overseas, an assessment
of how many have returned to their home of origin, and options for
providing health care benefits to retirees overseas.
Implementation of Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs
Department sharing initiatives
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary for
Veterans Affairs to develop a plan and report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than
January 31, 2001, on the formation of problem solution groups and
regional liaisons to facilitate sharing opportunities. Issues to be
addressed should include reimbursement and payment, joint contracting,
data commonality, and any other issues inhibiting full and beneficial
sharing of resources. The committee continues to observe that additional
sharing is of value and that administrative obstacles preclude full
benefit of existing arrangements between the two departments.
Notification of persons affected by unanticipated adverse
outcomes of medical care
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to review the process
for identifying serious medical errors and notifying affected patients
or their families of such error events. The review shall include the
mandatory reporting system used in the 500 hospitals and clinics within
the Department of Defense, as described in the Report of the Quality
Interagency Coordination Task Force to the President, dated February
2000. The Secretary of Defense shall report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than
March 1, 2001, on the current notification process and any additional
requirements the Secretary deems necessary after such review.
Special pays for military health care professionals
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a review
and to report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives, not later than March 1, 2001, on the adequacy
of special pays and bonuses for medical corps officers and other health
care professionals. The committee directs this review because of the
level of competition within the economy for health care professionals
and the potential devaluation of current special pays and bonuses, which
could have a significant impact on recruiting and retention of health
care professionals.
TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED
MATTERS
Improvements in procurements of services (sec. 801)
The committee recommends a provision that would address concerns
about the manner in which the Department of Defense (DOD) contracts for
services. The committee is concerned that the DOD has not adjusted its
contracting and oversight practices to meet the increasing significance
of service contracting. From 1992 through 1999, DOD procurement of
services increased from $39.9 billion to $51.8 billion while procurement
of goods during that same time period decreased from $59.8 billion to
$53.5 billion.
The DOD Inspector General (IG) recently reviewed contracts for
professional, administrative, and management support services, which is
the largest sub-category of contracts for services valued at $10.3
billion. The IG reviewed 105 contracts and each contract had one or more
significant problems. These problems included the non-use of prior
history to define requirements (58 out of 84 or 69 percent), inadequate
government cost estimates (81 out of 105 or 77 percent), cursory
technical reviews (60 out of 105 or 57 percent), inadequate competition
(63 out of 105 or 60 percent), failure to award multiple-award contracts
(7 out of 38 or 18 percent), inadequate contract surveillance (56 out of
84 or 67 percent) and lack of cost control (21 out of 84 or 24 percent).
The IG found that ``* * * cost-type contracts that placed a higher risk
on the government continued without question for the same services for
inordinate lengths of time (39 years in one extreme case) and there were
no performance measures in use to judge efficiency and effectiveness of
the services rendered.''
The committee is concerned about the lack of oversight and
accountability in managing these contracts. As a result, the committee
recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to
develop specific training applicable to services contracting and for the
Secretary of each military department to establish centers of excellence
in contracting for services. The committee has added $2.0 million to the
Defense Acquisition University account to be used at the Defense Systems
Management College for this purpose. The committee expects that these
centers of excellence will be staffed with trained and experienced
personnel that can assist the acquisition community when procuring
services, make all acquisition personnel aware of the problems
identified by the DOD IG, develop a time-phased plan with goals and
performance measures to track improvements in the acquisition of
services, and serve as a clearinghouse for best practices in contracting
for services in the public and private sectors.
This provision would require the Secretary of Defense to establish a
contracting preference for performance based contracting in services in
which performance work statements would set forth requirements in clear,
specific, and objective terms with measurable outcomes. As an incentive
for DOD to adopt performance based contracting techniques, performance
based contracts for services under $5.0 million may be treated as
contracts for a commercial item. The committee expects these
improvements to lead to improved oversight and a greater results based
focus on service contracting.
Addition of threshold value requirement for applicability of
a reporting requirement relating to multiyear contract (sec. 802)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the multiyear
reporting requirements required by section 809 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Under this provision, the head
of an agency may not enter into a multiyear contract if the value
exceeds $500.0 million until the Secretary of Defense has submitted to
the congressional defense committees a report on the total obligational
authority associated with existing and requested multiyear contracts
contained in the Future Years Defense Program.
Planning for the acquisition of information systems (sec. 803)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Chief
Information Officers of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the military
services to maintain a consolidated inventory of DOD mission critical
and mission essential information systems, to identify interfaces
between these and other information systems, and to maintain contingency
plans for responding to a disruption in the operation of any of these
information systems. The DOD in its report to the committee on Year 2000
Lessons Learned stressed the importance of maintaining the information
that was developed to meet the Year 2000 problem and stated that ``* * *
centralized visibility of assets is fundamental to information
technology management (e.g. acquisition, configuration management, and
information assurance).''
The provision would also require that Department of Defense Directive
5000.1 be revised to establish minimum planning requirements for the
acquisition of information technology systems, require registration and
oversight by the Chief Information Office before award of a contract for
mission critical or essential information technology systems, and
prohibit Milestone I, II, or III approval until the Chief Information
Officer has determined that the system is being
developed in accordance with the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996,
including capital planning and investment control and performance,
results based management techniques, and incremental acquisition.
Tracking of information technology purchases (sec. 804)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense and the secretaries for each military department to
administer an automated system to track and manage purchases of
information technology products and services in excess of the simplified
acquisition threshold.
As a result of recent procurement reforms, there are many new
procurement vehicles from which agencies can buy information technology.
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the services can choose to buy
information technology goods and services from the General Services
Administration (GSA) multiple award schedules, government-wide
acquisition contracts (GWACs), blanket purchase agreements, indefinite
delivery/indefinite quantity contracts, multiple award task order
contracts, by credit card directly from vendors, or through a standard
competitive contract.
The committee is concerned that there is insufficient data available
to effectively support management decisions in determining whether the
government is choosing the most appropriate vehicle to obtain the best
price or best value for information technology (IT) purchases. For
example, DOD and the services are negotiating enterprise software
agreements designed to give DOD customers commercial off-the-shelf
software products at prices significantly lower than those available on
the GSA's Federal Supply Schedules. There is no data, however, to show
to what degree buyers are using other agreements to buy the same
products at potentially higher prices. In another example, the services,
when asked by the committee how much IT was bought through GWACs, could
not provide the answer. One military service tried to get this
information and was told by the non-DOD agency who administered a GWAC
that they would not share sales data with the service. This provision
would prohibit any purchase by DOD off GWACs unless sales data is
included in the data base required by this provision.
With DOD planning to spend $20.3 billion on information technology it
is imperative that the Department have visibility over how these funds
are being spent and whether there are more appropriate contracting
strategies for achieving the Department's information technology needs.
The committee expects DOD to use the data contained in this data base to
more efficiently manage IT purchases to obtain best value products and
services, while maximizing cost savings, competition, and efficient use
of resources.
Repeal of requirement for contractor assurances regarding
the completeness, accuracy, and contractual sufficiency of technical
data provided by contractor (sec. 805)
The committee recommends a provision that would eliminate the
requirement for contractors providing technical data to the government
to furnish written assurances that the technical data is complete,
accurate, and satisfies the requirements of the contract. This provision
was requested by the Department of Defense.
The committee understands that the elimination of this requirement
will not in any way diminish either the contractor's obligation to
provide technical data that meets contract requirements or the
government's ability to enforce this requirement. The committee expects
that the Defense Contract Management Agency will continue to monitor
contractor technical data programs in order to protect government data
rights and to ensure the government receives timely and accurate
information regarding contractor processes, practice, and controls for
developing technical data.
Extension of authority for Department of Defense acquisition
pilot programs (sec. 806)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the authority
of section 5064 of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) and
authorize the Department of Defense to continue to conduct five Defense
Acquisition Pilot Programs through October 1, 2007. The committee notes
that it would be inefficient and inappropriate to change contracting
approaches in the middle of these programs, and understands that the
extension provided in this provision should be sufficient to permit the
completion of the programs under the pilot authority.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the
congressional defense committees by March 1, 2001, on the lessons
learned from the section 5064 pilot programs, how these lessons are
being incorporated in major weapons systems acquisition, and what
specific statutory constraints preclude new weapons systems programs
from adopting the practices tested in the pilot programs.
Clarification and extension of authority to carry out
certain prototype projects (sec. 807)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend for three
years the other transaction prototype authority under section 845 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 and identify
appropriate uses of this authority to include cost sharing arrangements
and the participation of
nontraditional defense contractors. The committee also
recommends a pilot program for the transition to follow-on production
contracts for prototypes developed under the section 845 authority.
Under the pilot program, an item or process developed by nontraditional
defense contractors may be treated as a commercial item under a contract
or subcontract for less than $20.0 million and purchased under the
streamlined procedures established under the Federal Acquisition
Regulations (48 C.F.R. Part 12). The committee intends that this
provision will test and identify alternative methods to transition
successful section 845 prototypes to production.
This provision would support using section 845 authority to attract
companies that typically do not do business with the Department of
Defense and encourage cost sharing and experimentation in potentially
more efficient ways of doing business with traditional defense
contractors. Other transaction authority is an important acquisition
tool that can facilitate the incorporation of commercial technology into
military weapon systems. In an environment where, in many areas,
commercial technology is now more advanced than defense technology, it
is imperative that the Department continue to have the flexibility to
use innovative contractual instruments that provide access to this
technology. There are, however, improvements that can be made in
managing and overseeing these contractual arrangements.
The General Accounting Office (GAO) recently reviewed the
Department's use of section 845 authority for the committee and
recommended that the Secretary of Defense provide updated guidance that
sets out the conditions for using section 845 agreements and provides a
framework to tailor the terms and conditions appropriate for each
agreement. In addition, the GAO recommended that the Secretary of
Defense establish and require the use of a set of performance metrics
directly related to the use of the agreements. The committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to implement these recommendations by March 1,
2001, and further directs the GAO to report to the committee on the
Department's compliance with these recommendations.
Clarification of authority of Comptroller General to review
records of participants in certain prototype projects (sec. 808)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the audit
access of the General Accounting Office (GAO) over other transaction
prototype authority agreements for those contractors who have only done
business with the government under other transaction authority or
through cooperative agreements.
Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 required the Department of Defense to ensure that the General
Accounting Office has audit access to other transaction prototype
authority agreements that provide for payments in excess of $5.0
million, unless a public interest waiver is obtained, or if a party or
entity, or a subordinate element of a party or entity, has not entered
into any other agreement that provides for audit access in the year
prior to the agreement. This provision would clarify audit access by the
GAO in those cases where a firm may have had a cooperative agreement or
other transaction with the government prior to one year and has had no
other government contracts.
Eligibility of small business concerns owned and controlled
by women for assistance under the mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program (sec.
809)
The committee recommends a provision that would add small business
concerns owned and controlled by women to the list of entities that are
eligible to participate in the pilot mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program
established by section 831 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1991.
The pilot mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program provides incentives to major
defense contractors to assist qualified small business to enhance their
capabilities as contractors on Department of Defense (DOD) contracts.
The mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program does not guarantee contracts to
qualified small businesses. Instead, it is designed to equip these
businesses with the knowledge and expertise that they need to win such
contracts on their own, in the competitive market place.
The DOD has yet to meet the five percent government-wide annual goal
for women-owned business participation in federal contracting required
by section 7106 of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994. The
committee encourages the Department to use the authority granted in this
section, as well as existing programs, outreach, training and technical
assistance to further the participation of women-owned businesses in DOD
contracting.
Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (sec. 810)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Navy to submit a report to Congress on the amount to be expended
on the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) contract, the accounts from
which the contract will be funded, a plan for incremental development,
the management information specified in section 803(e), and any impact
on the existing civilian workforce before beginning performance of the
NMCI contract. The provision would require that the Marine Corps, the
naval shipyards, and the naval aviation depots be excluded from the
performance of the contract in the first year, and that the program be
implemented in accordance with the requirements of the Clinger-Cohen Act
of 1996 and applicable regulations and directives.
The NMCI is a long-term ``seat management'' arrangement under which
the Navy would transfer to a contractor the responsibility for providing
and managing the Navy's desktop computer, server, infrastructure, and
communication assets and services. Up to $2.0 billion a year could be
expended on the contract over the next five years.
The committee recognizes that each of the military services faces
aging information technology infrastructure, which is plagued with
severe interoperability and information assurance problems. The
committee supports the Navy's efforts to address these problems, and
encourages the other military services to address them in an equally
comprehensive manner. However, many questions have been raised by the
General Accounting Office and others about the effectiveness of the
Navy's NMCI contracting approach. To move forward before these questions
have been addressed could risk wasting valuable defense resources and
put in jeopardy the future use of this innovative contracting concept by
the Federal Government.
The committee believes that for the Navy to successfully implement
the NMCI, it will have to outline the business case for its information
technology investments, demonstrate superior information technology
project management expertise, and develop performance metrics based on
sound baselines. The NMCI should be managed according to best private
and public sector practices, including incremental development, as
mandated in the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. The committee also believes
that oversight by the DOD Chief Information Office is critical to the
success of the program and that effective implementation of the
memorandum of agreement between the Navy and DOD officials is a first
step in ensuring effective management of the program.
The committee further recommends that the Navy ensure that the
contractor for the NMCI program evaluates the use of commercial off the
shelf desktop computers capable of securely processing, storing, and
networking classified, sensitive, and unclassified data via the NMCI.
Qualifications required for employment and assignment in
contracting positions (sec. 811)
The committee recommends a provision that would require a
baccalaureate degree and 24 semester credit hours in business
disciplines for new entrants into the GS 1102 occupational series and
for contracting officers above the simplified acquisition threshold. The
24 semester credit hours may be included within the requirements for the
baccalaureate degree or may be in addition to the basic undergraduate
degree requirement. The credit hours may be either undergraduate or
graduate credit hours or a combination of both. These requirements will
not apply to those who are already serving in these capacities as of
September 30, 2000. This provision also does not effect the waiver
authority in section 1724(d) of title 10, United States Code, which
allows employees who do not meet these requirements to serve in these
capacities if it is determined by the acquisition career program board
of a military department that they possess significant potential for
advancement based on demonstrated job performance and qualifying
experience.
Defense contracting has changed significantly since the passage of
the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act of 1990. This
provision will ensure that new entrants into the contracting field have
the educational tools they need to effectively perform as contracting
professionals in the changing federal marketplace.
Defense acquisition workforce (sec. 812)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish a
moratorium on further cuts in the acquisition workforce for three years.
The Secretary of Defense may waive this prohibition upon certification
to Congress that any reductions to the workforce will not negatively
impact on the ability of the workforce to efficiently and effectively
carry out its legally required functions.
The provision would also require a report on the sufficiency of the
acquisition and support workforce of the Department of Defense (DOD).
This provision would require the Secretary of Defense to perform a
comprehensive reassessment of programmed reductions in the acquisition
workforce, assess the impact of impending retirements, develop a plan to
address future acquisition workforce challenges and problems arising
from past reductions in the acquisition workforce, and identify steps
that are being taken or could be taken by the DOD to enhance the tenure
and reduce the turnover of program executive officers, program managers,
and contracting officers.
The DOD Inspector General (IG) recently reported that DOD has reduced
its acquisition workforce from 460,516 to 230,556 personnel, about 50
percent, from the end of fiscal year 1990 to the end of fiscal year
1999, while the workload has remained essentially constant, and even
increased by some measures. The committee recognizes that the
implementation of acquisition reform has improved efficiency in DOD
contracting. However, according to the IG: ``. . . staffing reductions
have clearly outpaced productivity increases and the acquisition
workforce's capacity to handle its still formidable workload.''
The IG reported that reductions in the acquisition workforce have
resulted in: (1) an increased backlog in closing out completed
contracts; (2) increased program costs resulting from contracting for
technical support versus using in-house technical support; (3)
insufficient personnel to fill-in for employees on
deployment; (4) insufficient staff to manage requirements; (5)
reduced scrutiny and timeliness in reviewing acquisition actions; (6)
personnel retention difficulty; (7) an increase in procurement action
lead time; (8) some skill imbalances; and (9) lost opportunities to
develop cost savings initiatives. The 14 DOD acquisition organizations
reviewed by the IG anticipate additional adverse effects on performance
if further downsizing occurs.
In addition to concerns about the impacts of past acquisition
workforce reductions, the committee is concerned about the changing
demographics of the acquisition workforce as DOD loses a projected
55,000 of its most experienced personnel through attrition by fiscal
year 2005.
In a hearing before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management
Support, Administration witnesses testified about the need for
innovative personnel changes to address impending demographic changes in
the workforce, as well as addressing qualitative shortfalls. As a means
to test personnel changes, the committee recommends a provision that
would extend for three years the acquisition workforce demonstration
project conducted under section 4308 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996. In addition, the committee
recommends, as part of the report required by this provision, that the
Secretary report on the lessons learned from this demonstration project
and provide any recommendations to improve personnel management laws,
policies, or procedures with respect to the DOD acquisition workforce.
Financial analysis of use of dual rate for quantifying
overhead costs at army industrial facilities (sec. 813)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to conduct a financial analysis of the benefits and costs of
permitting the use of dual overhead rates at Department of Army
Government-Owned facilities as a means of encouraging commercial use of
these facilities. The provision would also require the Secretary to
report to the congressional defense committees on the results of this
study by February 15, 2001.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Application of Cost Accounting Standards to universities
Section 802 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 contained provisions that modified and streamlined the
applicability of the Cost Accounting Standards. Section 802(h) provided
that these changes should not be construed to modify, supersede, impair,
or restrict the applicability of the Cost Accounting Standards to
educational institutions. Section 802(h) has been interpreted by some to
preclude the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CAS Board) from altering
the Cost Accounting Standards in any way, as they apply to universities
and other educational institutions. That was not the committee's intent.
The committee understands that the applicability of both the Cost
Accounting Standards and the cost accounting provisions in the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A 21 to universities and other
educational institutions has led to confusion and misunderstanding. The
committee believes that OMB and the CAS Board should work together to
develop a more complete and seamless incorporation of the relevant Cost
Accounting Standards into OMB Circular A 21. It is the committee's hope
that OMB and the CAS Board will utilize terminology applicable to basic
and applied research, and give examples relevant to university
operations to provide clear and consistent guidance on the steps that
educational institutions must take to maintain compliance with
applicable standards.
Appropriate use of the government purchase card
Last year, the committee directed that each of the military services
conduct a review of purchase card transactions and report to Congress on
their findings no later than March 1, 2000. The committee was
disappointed that none of the services sampled the records of actual
purchases to identify the items purchased and determine if the prices
paid were reasonable. In the absence of such a review, the findings of
the three services were inconclusive. For this reason, the committee
directs each of the three military services to develop a plan for
sampling purchase card transactions in selected commands to determine
whether the prices paid were fair and reasonable, and to ensure that the
purchase card is being used in an appropriate manner. The committee
directs the military services to report their findings to the
congressional defense committees no later than February 1, 2001.
While the services provided some data on procurement savings through
the use of the purchase card, the committee is concerned that processing
costs at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service may have increased
due to increased usage of the purchase card. The committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense committees
on this problem by February 1, 2001. The Secretary's report should: (1)
provide an estimate of financial processing costs incurred due to the
use of the purchase card and compare those costs to estimated
contracting savings; and (2) discuss the feasibility of reducing those
processing costs by electronically integrating purchases
made through the government purchase card with the payment
systems of the Department of Defense (for example, through the use of
the Standard Procurement System).
Availability of contractor past performance information
The committee is aware that award fee determination information from
previous contracts may be used in the assessment of a contractor's past
performance for source selection purposes. Past performance information
is generally considered to be source selection sensitive and, therefore,
exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Once
an award fee determination has been made under the previous contract,
however, the information underlying the basis for that determination,
because it is no longer pre-decisional, may be disclosed under FOIA
unless some other express exemption applies. As a result, information
may be treated as exempt from disclosure for the purpose of one
contract, when it is subject to disclosure as it relates to another
contract.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to examine the issue
to make a determination whether a clarification in regulation would be
in the public interest. The committee directs the Secretary to provide a
report to the congressional defense committees, to the Committee on
Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and to the Committee on Government
Reform of the House of Representatives on any determinations and actions
with respect to this issue, no later than March 1, 2001.
Contracts for ancillary commercial services
Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 clarified that services ancillary to a commercial item, such as
installation, maintenance, repair, training, and other support services
would be considered commercial services, regardless of whether the
services are provided by the same vendor or at the same time as the
item, if the services are provided contemporaneously to the general
public under similar terms and conditions.
It has come to the committee's attention that commercial practice may
be to contract for such services on a basis other than firm-fixed prices
under certain circumstances. For example, an elevator repair company may
contract for the maintenance and repair of building elevators on a time
and materials basis. The committee believes that the Department of
Defense should utilize the flexibility provided in Section 8002(d) of
the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act--which requires the use of
firm, fixed price contracts ``to the maximum extent practicable''--by
authorizing the use of other than firm-fixed price contracts for the
acquisition of ancillary commercial services when this is the common
practice in sales to the general public.
At the same time, the committee has requested that the General
Accounting Office undertake a broad review of best practices in the
private sector for the acquisition of commercial products and services.
In addition, this bill contains a number of provisions directed at
improving the Department's management of contracts for commercial
products and services. The committee does not believe that the
Department should revise the current regulation prohibiting the use of
other than firm-fixed price contracts under section 8002(d) for the
acquisition of categories of commercial products and services other than
ancillary services until the GAO review has been completed, the required
management changes have been implemented, and the committee has had an
opportunity to review the results.
Online auctioning
The Department of Defense has advised the committee that online
auctioning may be well suited for competitive, high volume, commodity
type purchases, and has the potential to save the Department significant
resources in time, funding, and labor for such purchases. The committee
urges the Department to identify specific markets for which the use of
online auctioning may be appropriate and develop a pilot program to test
the use of this innovate purchasing approach. The Department is directed
to provide a progress report on this effort to the Committee on Armed
Services of the Senate no later than March 1, 2001.
Performance goals and measures for quality of equipment and
other products
The committee is concerned that reductions in the acquisition
workforce have increased the risk that quality control oversight
measures may be inadequate. Recent reports of quality control problems
related to satellite launch failures, the continued stocking in the
inventory of defective chemical protective suits, and concerns raised
about the quality of aircraft carrier catapult parts raise questions
about whether defense quality control problems may be systemic.
The Department of Defense Inspector General (DOD IG) recently
reported that the number of defense quality assurance personnel
decreased from 12,117 in 1990 to 5,191 in 1999, a 57 percent decrease.
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the organization
primarily responsible for in-plant quality assurance, stated to the DOD
IG that increased quality control risk exists because of continued
workforce reductions. DCMA also reported this risk from reduced
oversight of contractors in its annual statement of assurance. DCMA
commented that some
contractors stated that when DCMA stopped performing
inspections of all products, so did the contractors.
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) stated that while customer
complaints about the quality of material received have increased, DLA
has placed less emphasis on responding to the customer complaints
because of acquisition workforce reductions. Another military command
stated that reduced staffing caused it to pay little attention to
backlogs in Quality Deficiency Reports and Equipment Improvement
Reports.
The committee is concerned that while staffing for quality assurance
has been reduced, there are no overall DOD performance measures for the
quality of products received from contractors. To address this issue,
the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to require the heads of
acquisition activities in the DOD to establish and submit to the
Secretary, for the Department's annual performance plan under the
Government Performance and Results Act, performance goals and measures
for the quality of military equipment and other products received from
private sector sources. The Secretary of Defense shall also submit, by
February 1, 2001, a report to Congress on how the Department plans to
improve its quality assurance program.
Polyacrylonitrile carbon fibers
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fibers are used in a variety of
defense and space applications such as aircraft, missiles, launch
vehicles, and helicopters. In 1985, the Department of Defense (DOD)
determined that DOD was overly dependent on foreign industry for PAN
carbon fibers and directed that one-third of PAN carbon fiber used in
defense production should be supplied by domestic sources by the end of
calendar year 1988. Congress included in the Defense Appropriations Act
for Fiscal Year 1988 (Public Law 100 202) a requirement that by calendar
year 1992, 50 percent of the DOD PAN carbon fiber requirements be
purchased from domestic sources. To accomplish this objective, the
statute also required that all new major systems use U.S. or Canadian
manufacturers for all PAN carbon fiber requirements. DOD
institutionalized these requirements in the Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulations (DFAR). The statutory restrictions were not renewed after
1991. In 1996, DOD decided to continue the restrictions, but recommended
that the issue be revisited in three years. The Department is currently
studying whether to maintain the PAN carbon fiber DFAR restriction.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the
congressional defense committees by February 1, 2001, on the domestic
and international industrial structure that produces PAN carbon fibers,
current and anticipated market trends for this product, and on any
decision made to maintain or discontinue the PAN carbon fiber DFAR
restriction.
Procurements from the small arms production industrial base
The committee understands that there have been problems with the
Department of the Army's process for forwarding waiver requests to the
Secretary of Defense to authorize expanded competition on particular
small arms critical repair parts contracts, as provided for in section
2473(a) of title 10, United States Code. The committee reiterates that
waivers on small arms critical repair parts contracts should be
forwarded to and granted by the Secretary of Defense when it is
determined, with regard to a particular procurement, that restricting
the procurement is not necessary to preserve the small arms production
industrial base, as defined by section 2473(c) of title 10, United
States Code.
The committee also reiterates its concern that quality and
reliability be paramount in the execution of all small arms procurement.
The Army must ensure that all solicitations for small arms, parts, and
modifications--regardless of the method of procurement--will result in
our troops receiving the safest and most reliable systems possible from
reliable suppliers, and that each procurement will be based on detailed
analyses of alternatives.
Risk management in the acquisition of major systems
The committee has reviewed a report entitled Report of the
Price-based Acquisition Study Group, dated November 15, 1999, prepared
for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics. Many of the recommendations of this report
could be implemented without any change to existing law, and show
significant promise for the reduction of risk in the acquisition of
major systems. In this regard, the report is consistent with the
recommendations of the General Accounting Office in work conducted for
this committee.
For example, the report recommends that the Department: (1) establish
a Defense-wide policy for risk mitigation through the use of
evolutionary and incremental acquisition strategies, consistent with the
requirements established for the acquisition of major systems of
information technology in section 5202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996;
(2) establish a Defense-wide policy for using price to help prioritize
operational requirements; (3) facilitate the development of competitive
pricing through the use of dissimilar competition in major systems
acquisitions where it is not practicable to maintain multiple sources;
(4) establish a center of excellence in market research to coordinate
the use of best practices in market research across the department; and
(5) conduct a Defense Science Board study on the impact of contract
modifications and changes on contract cost, schedule, and
quality. The committee urges the Department of Defense to take
strong action to implement these recommendations.
While the committee encourages the Department to implement the
recommendations of the Study Group report relating to risk mitigation,
the committee is concerned that several other recommendations of the
report appear to be inconsistent with the requirements of existing law.
In particular, the committee notes that the so-called ``Cost or Pricing
Analysis Decision Assistance Tool (COPADAT)'' developed by the study
group would direct results that are inconsistent with the requirements
of the Truth in Negotiations Act--encouraging contracting officers to
avoid obtaining certified cost or pricing data in circumstances where it
is required by law. The committee directs the Department to stop all use
of the COPADAT or any similar tool that would dictate a result that is
inconsistent with statutory requirements to obtain certified cost or
pricing data in sole source procurements of non-commercial items, absent
``exceptional circumstances.''
Similarly, the report recommends that the Defense Supplement to the
Federal Acquisition Regulation be revised to express a clear,
unambiguous preference for price-based acquisition and that price-based
acquisition be addressed in every acquisition plan or equivalent
document, even in cases where the statute requires contracting officers
to obtain certified cost or pricing data. The committee supports the use
of price-based acquisition techniques to supplement the use of certified
cost or pricing data in the determination of fair and reasonable prices
in sole-source contracts for non-commercial items. However, the use of
such techniques is not a substitute for statutory requirements or a
basis for waiving the statutory requirements to obtain certified cost or
pricing data in such acquisitions.
Finally, the committee notes that section 802 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, established a new ``exceptional
circumstances'' waiver to the Cost Accounting Standards. This waiver
authority parallels waiver authority already available to the Department
under the Truth in Negotiations Act.
The committee reminds the Department that the statement of managers
accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000, section 802 expressly limits the use of ``exceptional
circumstances'' waivers to circumstances ``. . . when the agency
determines that it would not be able to obtain needed products or
services from the vendor in the absence of a waiver.'' For this reason,
the committee directs the Department to clarify that ``exceptional
circumstances'' waivers to the Truth in Negotiations Act and the Cost
Accounting Standards may not ordinarily be used to enter a contract with
a major defense contractor or any other contractor that routinely does
business with the Federal Government in contracts that are covered by
the Truth in Negotiations Act and the Cost Accounting Standards.
Technical data rights for items developed exclusively at
private expense
Section 2320 of Title 10, United States Code, establishes the
statutory basis for regulations governing rights in technical data under
Department of Defense contracts. This provision establishes the basic
rule that the government has unlimited rights to technical data
developed exclusively with federal funds; the government does not
generally have rights in technical data established exclusively at
private expense; and rights to data developed in part with federal funds
and in part at private expense are negotiable. When the government
purchases an item developed exclusively at private expense, however,
Section 2320 reserves the government's limited right to technical data
that ``. . . is necessary for operation, maintenance, installation, or
training (other than detailed manufacturing or process data).''
Department of Defense officials have noted that it is increasingly
common that commercially-developed systems or components are either
returned to the manufacturer for repair or discarded. In such cases,
these officials state, the government does not need technical data, and
our insistence that contractors provide such data could discourage
commercial companies from doing business with the government.
The committee believes that this concern is based upon a misreading
of the statute. Section 2320 requires contractors to provide only
technical data that ``is necessary'' for operation, maintenance,
installation, or training. This requirement provides executive branch
officials with the flexibility to determine what data, if any, is
necessary for these limited purposes. If, in view of the manner in which
the system or component will be used, no data is necessary for these
purposes, the government should not require the seller to provide any
such data. The committee directs the Department to review the
regulations implementing Section 2320 and adopt any changes that may be
necessary to clarify this point.
TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Repeal of limitation on major Department of Defense
headquarters activities personnel (sec. 901)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the
requirement to reduce the number of personnel assigned to major
Department of Defense headquarters activities. The committee believes
the reductions mandated by the previous legislation would adversely
impact the ability of the service staffs, the Joint Staff, and the
combatant commands to accomplish their missions.
Overall supervision of Department of Defense activities for
combating terrorism (sec. 902)
The committee recommends a provision that would designate the
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity
Conflict (ASD SOLIC) as the principal civilian adviser to the Secretary
of Defense on, and the principal official within the senior management
of the Department of Defense (DOD) (after the Secretary and Deputy
Secretary of Defense) responsible for, combating terrorism. The ASD
SOLIC would provide overall direction and supervision for policy,
program planning and execution, and allocation and use of resources for
the activities of the Department of Defense for combating terrorism,
including antiterrorism activities, counterterrorism activities,
terrorism consequence management activities, and terrorism-related
intelligence support activities. The committee is concerned that there
is currently no single individual responsible for policy oversight at
the Department to ensure a focused, comprehensive, cohesive, and
well-funded DOD combating terrorism policy. The committee believes that
there must be one official responsible for policy and budgetary
oversight of this important mission. The intent of this provision is
also to ensure that the Department's combating terrorism program is
fully included in all stages of the Programs, Planning and Budgeting
System (PPBS) as a single entity, rather than as separate activities.
As included in the Department of Defense's report, DOD Combating
Terrorism Activities, provided to Congress pursuant to section 932 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, the
Department's combating terrorism activities are divided into four
components: antiterrorism/force protection, counterterrorism, terrorism
consequence management, and intelligence support to combating terrorism.
Currently, numerous DOD officials are responsible for these various
combating terrorism activities. In many cases, responsibilities for
these important activities overlap and it is unclear who has oversight
for specific activities or ultimate responsibility for program
direction. Through this provision, it is the committee's intent to
consolidate the oversight and management of this vital program.
Finally, the committee commends the Department for the fiscal year
2001 congressional justification book (CJB) for Combating Terrorism.
This was a good first step in consolidating the numerous programs and
activities of the Department of Defense combating terrorism program. The
committee looks forward to working with the Department to make certain
modifications that will improve this product. In particular, the
committee would like to see the Department separate military personnel
costs from the other combating terrorism costs.
National Defense Panel 2001 (sec. 903)
The committee recommends a provision that authorizes the
establishment of a National Defense Panel (NDP) in fiscal year 2001 to
accompany the fiscal Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) for fiscal year
2001. The Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1997 (Public Law 105
85) established the QDR and the NDP, but the provision was a one year
provision, and did not establish a recurring requirement. The Congress
established the QDR as a permanent recurring requirement (10 U.S. Code,
118) in the National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2000, but did not
include a requirement for the NDP.
This provision responds to widespread belief that the combination of
the QDR and NDP serve to heighten awareness of the administration, the
Pentagon, the Congress, and the broader national security establishment
on national defense strategies and policies for the future. This
provision authorizes establishment of an NDP, consisting of nine
recognized national security experts and appropriate support staff, to
proceed concurrently with the QDR. Three members are to be appointed by
the Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee, in consultation with the
ranking member. Three members are to be appointed by the Chairman, House
Armed Services Committee, in consultation with the ranking member. Three
members are to be appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman and ranking member of each
Committee on Armed Services, will designate one of the nine members as
the Chairman of the NDP.
The intent of this provision is to establish an NDP in fiscal year
2001 that will independently and objectively assess the current and
projected strategic environment, assess the most dangerous threats to
the national security interests of the
United States over the next 10 to 20 years, and identify the
strategic and operational challenges for the armed forces in countering
these threats. The NDP will provide an interim report to the Secretary
of Defense not later than July 1, 2001, that will be of assistance to
him as he evaluates the overall QDR process. The NDP will provide a
final report to the Secretary of Defense and to Congress not later than
December 1, 2001. The Secretary of Defense will provide the defense
committees of Congress his comments on the final NDP report not later
than December 15, 2001.
Quadrennial National Defense Panel (sec. 904)
The committee recommends a provision that amends title 10, United
States Code, to require that a National Defense Panel (NDP) be
established on a recurring basis, every four years in the year preceding
the inauguration of a new President. The National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 105 85) established the Quadrennial
Defense Review (QDR) and the NDP, but the provision was a one year
provision, and did not establish a recurring requirement. The Congress
established the QDR as a permanent recurring requirement (10 U.S.C.
118), but did not include a requirement for the NDP.
This provision responds to widespread belief that the combination of
the QDR and NDP serve to heighten awareness of the administration, the
Pentagon, the Congress, and the broader national security establishment
on national defense strategies and policies for the future. This
provision authorizes the establishment an NDP, consisting of nine
recognized national security experts and appropriate support staff, to
precede the QDR. Three members are to be appointed by the Chairman,
Senate Armed Services Committee, in consultation with the ranking
member. Three members are to be appointed by the Chairman, House Armed
Services Committee, in consultation with the ranking member. Three
members are to be appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman and ranking member of each
Committee on Armed Services, will designate one of the nine members as
the Chairman of the NDP.
The intent of this provision is to establish a recurring NDP that
will independently and objectively assess the current and projected
strategic environment, assess the most dangerous threats to the national
security interests of the United States over the next 10 to 20 years,
and identify the strategic and operational challenges for the armed
forces in countering these threats. The NDP will serve to provide an
incoming Secretary of Defense of a new administration with a range of
strategic directions and policy options which may assist him in
formulating the strategic framework and guidance to be used by the QDR
required to be conducted during the first year of a new administration.
Additionally, this provision provides the opportunity for Congress, in
accordance with its oversight role, to have insight and an avenue for
input into the QDR process.
Inspector General investigations of prohibited personnel
actions (sec. 905)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 1034 of
title 10, United States Code, to broaden the definition of ``Inspector
General'' in that section to include any officer of the armed forces or
employee of the Department of Defense, not otherwise referred to in that
definition, who is assigned or detailed to serve as an inspector general
at any level in the Department. This expanded definition would authorize
defense agency and joint service inspectors general, and civilian
employees serving in such positions elsewhere in the Department, to
handle alleged violations of the whistleblower protections afforded
members of the armed forces in this statute. The provision also
clarifies that the procedures necessary to ensure the expeditious
processing and investigation of such alleged violations shall be set out
in regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The
committee understands that these regulations require that any
investigation undertaken pursuant to section 1034 must be conducted by
an inspector general who is independent of any individuals who may be
subjects of the investigation.
Network centric warfare (sec. 906)
The committee has noted, with great interest, the efforts by
Department of Defense (DOD) agencies, the military services, the joint
staff, and combatant commanders to establish mechanisms to integrate
information systems, sensors, weapons systems and decision-makers. The
common terminology for this is network centric warfare (NCW). In
conversations with various agencies and organizations, it has become
increasingly apparent that many of these efforts are innovative but are
unnecessarily redundant and not designed to work in conjunction with
each other. More importantly, it appears that there is not an effective
overarching concept at the DOD level to fully integrate these various
concepts of operation and maximize their potential contribution to
information superiority--a cornerstone of Joint Vision 2010.
Although ideas relating to the concepts of NCW have been analyzed
within DOD, no clear consensus has emerged as to what priority it should
have within broader efforts to transform the military. Additionally,
there is no agreement on what fundamental organizational and doctrinal
changes need to be
pursued in order to most effectively implement these concepts
or how the military services should work jointly in this effort. As a
result, although the military services and several defense agencies are
exploring new organizational concepts, operating procedures, training
programs, and technologies to ensure information superiority in their
operations, these efforts are often underfunded, low priority, and have
not included joint war fighting and interoperability considerations.
Specifically, the committee has noted the following: (1) NCW is a set
of concepts being developed to exploit the power of information and U.S.
superiority in information technologies to maintain dominance on the
battlefield while protecting the infrastructure and information that is
critical to the United States; (2) NCW involves the integration of
information from combat, combat support, logistics elements and
headquarters staffs into a seamless system that provides a common
picture of the battlespace that can be simultaneously shared and used by
sensors, weapons systems, combat personnel, decision makers, support
elements, and other elements of the military services, unified commands,
and allied forces operating in that battlespace; (3) a robust joint
command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capability involving a networking of all
these entities facilitates the timely flow of relevant, processed
information that is necessary for achieving the sharing of an accurate
common picture of the battlespace; (4) NCW is about networking
capabilities, rather than creating separate networks or technologies,
and is a means to generate greater combat power, dominance, and synergy
through a linking of critical information sources that are
geographically or hierarchically dispersed; (5) NCW is inherently joint,
in that new air, sea, and land platforms under development must be able
to integrate themselves into a seamless, overarching information
architecture to be able to see the battlespace, contribute to the
information base, and quickly receive orders to employ required
capabilities; (6) being joint in nature, the NCW concepts must be
approved at the highest levels of DOD and executed aggressively by a
coordinated, iterative effort of all the military services, defense
agencies, combatant commands and the joint staff; (7) successful
implementation of the concepts will produce numerous benefits,
including: (a) significant reduction in fratricide; (b) more adaptive
and agile forces capable of engaging effectively across the spectrum of
conflict with higher probability of success and reduced risk; (c)
enhancement of interoperability among the military services and allied
forces; (d) reduced manning requirements and life cycle costs for
weapons systems; and (e) efficient combat support operations; (8) the
well-intentioned, but separate efforts of the military services and
defense agencies have resulted in recurring difficulties and
deficiencies, including a number of interoperability failures of
critical systems and inefficiencies in recent operations, including
Kosovo.
As a result of these findings and concerns, the committee directs
that DOD provide three reports to the congressional defense committees
no later than March 1, 2001, that summarize their efforts to coordinate
NCW activities within the entire Department. The first report will be a
comprehensive summary on the development and implementation of NCW
concepts in DOD. The report will include: (1) a clear definition of NCW;
(2) identification and description of Office of the Secretary of
Defense, joint staff and U.S. Joint Forces Command activities to
coordinate NCW related activities; (3) recommended metrics for
evaluating the progress towards implementing NCW concepts and attainment
of fully integrated C4ISR capabilities; (4) recommendations for joint
concept development and joint experimentation; (5) progress made, as
determined by quantitative standards: (a) toward establishing an
overarching conceptual foundation in programs and initiatives currently
underway; (b) in fielding force-wide friendly combat identification; and
(c) in effective fire control and airspace management; (6) discussion of
additional authorities, authorizations and other resources required to
effectively implement NCW; (7) joint requirements and acquisition policy
changes being made or considered to implement NCW; (8) a discussion of
how private sector lessons learned in networking are being incorporated;
and (9) a discussion of how DOD NCW systems will integrate with other
agencies of the federal government when DOD civil support is required.
Additionally, the committee directs the Commander-in-Chief, U.S.
Joint Forces Command, on behalf of the Secretary of Defense, to conduct
a study and submit a report on how to best use service and joint
experimentation programs to develop NCW concepts and identify barriers
to their implementation.
Finally, the committee directs the Undersecretary of Defense for
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to submit a report describing the
coordination in several specified areas of the science and technology
investments of the military departments and defense agencies in the
development of future NCW capabilities.
Additional duties for the Commission to Assess United States
National Security Space Management and Organization (sec. 907)
Subtitle C of title XVI of the National Defense Authorization Act for
fiscal year 2000 established a Commission to Assess United States
National Security Space Management and Organization. The committee
recommends a provision that would amend section 1622 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal year 2000 to include additional
duties for the commission.
Special authority for administration of Navy Fisher Houses (sec. 908)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the degree to
which Navy Fisher Houses may be provided common support equivalent to
category B community support activities and would permit the current
general schedule employees to continue to serve until they leave those
positions.
Organization and management of the Civil Air Patrol (sec. 909)
The committee recommends a provision that would codify the agreement
recently reached between the Secretary of the Air Force and the
leadership of the Civil Air Patrol. However, the provision would not
allow contract employees of the Air Force to commit federal resources.
The committee commends the Secretary of the Air Force and the
leadership of the Civil Air Patrol for their efforts to establish a more
cooperative relationship. The committee supports the proposal to develop
an appropriate oversight mechanism to ensure the responsible expenditure
of federal resources.
Responsibility for the National Guard Challenge Program (sec. 910)
The committee recommends a provision that would transfer
responsibility for the National Guard Challenge Program from the Chief
of the National Guard Bureau to the Secretary of Defense, and would
amend the limitation on federal funding for the National Guard Challenge
program to limit only Department of Defense funding. The fiscal year
2001 budget request for the National Guard Challenge is $62,500,000,
which is also the maximum permitted by the existing statute. The
recommended provision recognizes the concept of civilian control of the
military and would clarify that the Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Reserve Affairs is not required to communicate with state National Guard
Challenge programs through the National Guard Bureau. The committee
expects the National Guard Bureau to continue to be an important element
in the National Guard Challenge Program.
Supervisory control of Armed Forces Retirement Home Board by
Secretary of Defense (sec. 911)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish that the
Armed Forces Retirement Home Board is subject to the authority,
direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense in the performance of
its responsibilities, would give the Secretary of Defense authority over
appointment and terms of board members, and would make the Chairman of
the Retirement Home Board responsible to the Secretary of Defense.
Consolidation of certain Navy gift funds (sec. 912)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to transfer all amounts in the Naval Historical
Center Fund to the Department of the Navy General Gift Fund and to close
the Naval Historical Center Fund. The recommended provision would also
authorize the Secretary of the Navy to transfer all amounts in the
United States Naval Academy Museum Fund to the gift fund maintained for
the benefit and use of the United States Naval Academy, and to close the
United States Naval Academy Museum Fund.
Temporary authority to dispose of a gift previously accepted
for the Naval Academy (sec. 913)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Naval
Academy to, during fiscal year 2001 and at the request of the donor,
transfer a gift previously given to the Naval Academy Gift fund to
another entity.
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE A--FINANCIAL MATTERS
Authorization of prior emergency supplemental appropriations
for fiscal year 2000 (sec. 1002)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
emergency supplemental appropriations enacted in the 2000 Supplemental
Appropriations and Rescissions Act (Public Law 106 XXX). The
supplemental provided funding for fiscal year 2000 expenses related to
military operations in Kosovo, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug
Activities, and natural disasters.
United States contributions to NATO common-funded budgets (sec. 1003)
The resolution of ratification for the Protocols to the North
Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of Poland, Hungary and the
Czech Republic contained a provision (section 3(2)(c)(ii)) that requires
a specific authorization for U.S. payments to the common-funded budgets
of NATO for each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, that U.S.
payments exceed the fiscal year 1998 total. The committee recommends a
provision to authorize the U.S. contribution to NATO common-funded
budgets for fiscal year 2001, including the use of unexpended balances
from prior years.
Annual OMB/CBO joint report on scoring budget outlays (sec. 1004)
The committee recommends a provision that makes minor administrative
changes to the joint annual Office of Management and
Budget/Congressional Budget Office (OMB/CBO) report on the scoring of
budget outlays.
Prompt payment of contractor vouchers (sec. 1005)
The committee recommends a provision that will require the Secretary
of Defense to reduce the backlog of vouchers to be paid by the Defense
Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to five percent or less of the
total Mechanization of Contract Administration Service (MOCAS) vouchers
received. Normal commercial practice, as well as the government's own
policy, calls for payment within 30 days for work satisfactorily
accomplished. The committee is concerned that this standard is not being
accomplished and creates undue hardships for private sector enterprises
doing business with the Department of Defense (DOD).
The Committee recognizes the efforts by DFAS to reduce the backlog of
vouchers and the electronic initiatives to expedite the processing of
these vouchers, and applauds this effort. The DOD is urged to move more
aggressively in the areas of electronic commerce to develop a common
family of invoices, reduce excessive detail and supporting data, and
streamline the payment process. Electronic invoicing and payment has
demonstrated its value and the Department is urged to be more aggressive
in these areas.
The repeal of certain requirements relating to timing of
contract payments (sec. 1006)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal two provisions
of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2000
(Public Law 106 79) concerning the prompt payment act and the shifting
of pay days for federal employees.
Plan for prompt posting of contractual obligations (sec. 1007)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a plan concerning the timely obligation of funds.
The committee notes that the ability to obligate funds is not
standardized or even centralized within the Department of Defense. This
obligation authority resides in the services in some cases and Defense
Finance and Accounting Service in others. This lack of uniformity calls
into question the Department's ability to reduce the backlog of vouchers
and problem disbursements, and to improve the accounting systems.
Plan for the electronic submission of documentation
supporting claims for contract payments (sec. 1008)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a plan to the congressional defense committees by
March 31, 2001, for the electronic submission of contract supporting
transactions (e.g. invoices, receiving reports, and certifications).
Administrative offsets for overpayment of transportation
costs (sec. 1009)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide a streamlined
offset procedure for amounts overpaid for transportation services, that
are below the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000. The amounts
offset would be credited to the appropriation or accounts that funded
the
transportation service. This provision does not effect the
budgetary requirements for these services.
SUBTITLE B--COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES
The budget request for drug interdiction and other counter-drug
activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) totals $1.1 billion:
$836.0 million in central transfer account; $166.5 million in the
operating budgets of the military services for authorized counter-drug
operations; and $76.8 million in the military construction account for
infrastructure improvements at the forward operating locations. This
request is in addition to the $137.0 million in the emergency fiscal
year 2000 supplemental funding request for Plan Colombia.
The Committee recommends the following fiscal year 2001 budget for
the Department's counter-narcotics activities.
Drug Interdiction & Counterdrug Activities, Operations and Maintenance
[In thousands of dollars]
[May not add due to rounding]
Fiscal Year 2001 Drug and Counterdrug Request $1,070,064
Goal 1 (Dependent Demand Reduction) 22,736
Goal 2 (Support to DLEAs) 89,905
Goal 3 (DOD Personnel Demand Reduction) 74,067
Goal 4 (Drug Interdiction--TZ/SWB) 447,414
Goal 5 (Supply Reduction) 435,942
Increases:
Airborne Reconnaissance Low 31,000
National Guard Support 25,000
Decreases:
DINANDRO Riverine Support 3,000
DEA Transportation Support (PC 2307) 1,350
Carribean Law Enforcement Support 2,703
Supplemental Appropriation
Forward Operating Location Construction 76,800
Plan Colombia 40,000
Total Fiscal Year 2001 Drug and Counterdrug Funding 1,119,011
Extension and increase of authority to provide additional
support for counter-drug activities (sec. 1011)
The committee recognizes the importance of providing the
democratically elected governments of the countries of the Andean Ridge,
particularly Colombia, with the tools and training necessary to assert
control over their sovereign national territory to prevent the illegal
trafficking of narcotics and the regional in stability that narcotics
trafficking creates. The committee supports the President's request for
the supplemental funding that would be used to help train and equip the
military and police forces of these countries. However, the resources
requested for these activities would exceed the current authorities.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would extend until
fiscal year 2006 the authority for the DOD to provide certain
counter-drug assistance to the Government of Colombia. The provision
would also increase the level of resources authorized to be expended
through this authority to $40.0 million each year.
Recommendations on expansion of support for counter-drug
activities (sec. 1012)
The committee understands the valuable contribution that the
Department of Defense has made in providing needed assistance to the
counter-drug forces of Colombia and Peru. However, the committee is
concerned about efforts to seek an expansion of current authority to
other nations without a clear plan on how this assistance will be put to
the most effective use.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would require
the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that would
outline the Secretary's views regarding what, if any, additional
countries should be included; what, if any, additional support should be
provided; and a detailed plan for providing support, including the
counter-drug activities proposed to be supported.
Review of riverine counter-drug program (sec. 1013)
The committee is concerned with reports of problems in the management
and operation of certain portions of the riverine counter-drug program.
While this program has made great strides improving the counter-drug
capability of some forces, other forces have had far less success.
Therefore, the committee includes a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, to review the
riverine counter-drug program and provide a report to Congress on the
results of that review. The report should include an assessment of the
effectiveness of the program for each country receiving support, and a
recommendation regarding which of the armed forces, units of the armed
forces, or other organizations within the DOD should be responsible for
managing the program.
The committee further recommends a reduction of $3.0 million in the
support provided to the riverine operations of the Government of Peru.
Airborne Reconnaissance Low
The committee recognizes the critical need for intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets to be deployed to the U.S.
Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in order to more effectively combat the
illegal trafficking of narcotics. In recent testimony before the Senate
Armed Services Committee, General Wilhelm, Commander-in-Chief of the
U.S. Southern Command, identified a need for more ISR assets.
Unfortunately, as a result of requirements in other theaters, and the
tragic accident in Colombia last year, there are insufficient quantities
of ISR assets to always meet SOUTHCOM's requirements. In recent letters
to the committee, General Shinseki, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and
General Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, identified a
requirement for an additional Airborne Reconnaissance Low aircraft that
was not included in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.
The committee recommends an increase of $31.0 million for the
procurement of an Airborne Reconnaissance Low aircraft to be used in the
Department's counter-drug mission.
National Guard counter-drug activities
The committee understands the valuable contribution of the National
Guard in the war on drugs. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $25.0 million for the counter-drug activities of the
National Guard including the regional counter- drug operations such as
the Gulf States Counter-Drug Initiative, the Regional Counter-Drug
Training Academy, and the Northeast Counter-Drug Training Center.
Plan Colombia & Forward Operating Location construction
The committee recommends a decrease of $40.0 million to the fiscal
year 2001 budget request for Plan Colombia to reflect the fact that
these funds were provided through the counter-drug budget supplemental
in fiscal year 2000. The adjustment for the supplemental appropriation
for the Forward Operating Location construction is reflected in Division
B of this report.
Drug Enforcement Agency transportation support
The committee is concerned with the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA)
reliance on the DOD to transport DEA personnel around the Caribbean.
Transportation of DEA personnel does not enhance military capabilities
or require unique military assets, is the responsibility of the DEA, and
should be funded through the DEA budget. The DOD budget request includes
$3.4 million for such transportation services. The committee recommends
a decrease of $1.4 million to the budget request for this activity. The
committee expects the DEA to assume all costs for this activity after
fiscal year 2001.
Caribbean law enforcement support
The committee is concerned with the increased reliance upon the DOD
to provide assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies where the
Department has limited, or no mission responsibility. The budget request
includes $6.7 million for assistance to law enforcement agencies of
Caribbean nations. The committee recommends a decrease of $2.7 million
to the request for this activity. The committee expects the State
Department to provide the support for this activity in the future.
SUBTITLE C--STRATEGIC FORCES
Revised nuclear posture review (sec. 1015)
Six years have passed since the nuclear posture review of fiscal year
1994. The committee believes that a new nuclear posture review is
overdue and should be completed in the near future. Although
Presidential Decision Directive 60, signed in November 1997, reaffirmed
and updated U.S. nuclear weapons employment policy guidance, there has
not been an end-to-end review of U.S. nuclear weapons strategy,
requirements, and posture since fiscal year 1994.
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a
comprehensive nuclear posture review that looks out five to ten years.
The review would include: (1) the role of nuclear forces in United
States military strategy, planning, and programming; (2) the policy
requirements and objectives for the United States to maintain a safe,
reliable and credible nuclear deterrence posture; (3) the relationship
between U.S. nuclear deterrence policy, targeting strategy, and arms
control objectives; (4) the levels and composition of nuclear delivery
systems that will be required to implement the U.S. national and
military strategy, including any plans to replace or modify existing
systems; (5) the nuclear weapons complex that will be required to
implement U.S. national and military strategy, including any plans to
modernize or modify the complex; and (6) the active and inactive nuclear
weapons stockpile that will be required to implement U.S. national and
military
strategy, including any plans for replacing or modifying
warheads. The provision would also require that, concurrently with the
Quadrennial Defense Review due in December 2001, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to Congress a report, in unclassified and
classified forms as necessary, on the nuclear posture review. Finally,
the provision expresses the sense of Congress that a revised nuclear
posture review should be used as the basis for establishing future arms
control objectives and negotiating positions.
Plan for the long-term sustainment and modernization of
United States strategic nuclear forces (sec. 1016)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to prepare a
plan for the long-term sustainment and modernization of U.S. strategic
forces. The committee expects that the plan would look beyond current
efforts to modernize existing systems and lay out a comprehensive vision
for the maintenance of deterrent forces.
The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense and the
Department of Energy may not be adequately planning for United States
strategic nuclear forces in the long term. The committee supports
current efforts to provide for continued sustainment of existing
strategic delivery systems and warheads, but is concerned that there
appears to be no long-range vision of how the United States should
preserve strategic deterrent forces. The committee believes that the
United States will require such forces beyond the date when existing
systems become obsolete.
Correction of scope of waiver authority for limitation on
retirement or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles (sec.
1017)
Section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000 revised the limitation on retirement or dismantlement of
strategic nuclear delivery vehicles contained in the National Defense
Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1998 by permitting the Navy to retire
(or otherwise eliminate from strategic nuclear operational status) four
of its eighteen Trident ballistic missile submarines. The provision also
includes a waiver authority that the President can exercise if the START
II treaty enters into force. As drafted, however, the waiver only
applies to the retirement of submarines. Therefore, the committee
recommends a provision that would revise the scope of the section 1501
waiver so that it applies to all of the strategic nuclear delivery
vehicles covered by section 1501.
Study and report on hardened and deeply buried targets (sec. 1018)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretaries of Defense and Energy to assess requirements and options for
defeating hardened and deeply buried targets. The provision would
expressly authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct any
limited research and development that may be necessary to complete such
assessments.
The committee notes that a recent legal interpretation of existing
law raised questions regarding whether DOE could participate in or
otherwise support certain Department of Defense (DOD) studies and
options assessments for defeating hardened and deeply buried targets.
This provision removes any uncertainty and expressly allows DOE to
assist the DOD with a review of these targets and the options for
defeating such targets. The committee believes that DOE should provide
information and all other assistance required to help DOD make informed
decisions on whether: (1) to proceed with a new method of defeating
hardened and deeply buried targets and; (2) to seek any necessary
modifications to existing law.
The committee is concerned that the ability to defeat hardened and
deeply buried targets will continue to be a significant challenge for
the foreseeable future.
SUBTITLE D--MISCELLANEOUS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Annual report of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff
on combatant command requirements (sec. 1021)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
153(d)(1) to require the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to include within
his report to Congress on the readiness requirements of the combatant
commanders, information on the extent to which those requirements are
addressed in the future years defense program.
Joint Requirements Oversight Council (sec. 1022)
The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) was formed by the
Department of Defense (DOD) after enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols
Defense Reorganization Act of 1986. At the request of DOD, title 10,
U.S. Code was amended by the National Defense Authorization Act of 1996
(Public Law 105 85) to establish a legal requirement for the JROC (title
10, U.S. Code, 181). The JROC was formed to assist the Chairman, Joint
Chiefs
of Staff (CJCS), in carrying out his title 10 responsibilities
to provide the best possible advice to the Secretary on the degree to
which defense budget proposals conform to requirements expressed by the
combatant commanders, and to ensure that joint war fighting capabilities
and joint interoperability issues were highlighted to the Secretary as
he prepared his defense budget guidance. Accordingly, the JROC became a
mechanism for forging consensus among the services on programming and
budgeting issues.
While the JROC has made progress in promoting joint interoperability,
much remains to be done. In recent years, the JROC has been increasingly
involved in solving short-term unified commander requirements. At an
April 4, 2000 Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee hearing on
joint requirements, capabilities, and experimentation, General Richard
B. Myers, USAF, the Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified that
the JROC must evolve further, shifting its focus to more strategic,
future advanced war fighting requirements. To implement required changes
in the JROC, the CJCS, with the support of the service chiefs and the
combatant commanders has proposed an initiative, which includes: (1)
shifting the primary focus of the JROC to more strategic issues; (2)
integrating joint experimentation activities fully into the
requirements, capabilities, and acquisition processes; and (3) shifting
the focus of the Joint War Fighting Capability Assessment Teams from
short-term, narrow issues to directly supporting the JROC in analyzing
broader, future joint war fighting requirements.
The committee is encouraged by this initiative and will follow it
closely. However, the committee is troubled to hear concerns from
combatant commanders about continuing deficiencies in joint military
capabilities. A JROC process that recommends solutions to the most
critical joint war fighting challenges at the strategic and operational
levels could play a critical role in solving many of these problems.
In order to monitor developments in this area, the committee directs
the CJCS to submit a report to the congressional defense committees, by
February 28, 2001, and semi-annually thereafter, detailing the progress
made in reforming and re-focusing the Joint Requirements Oversight
Council process. The report must include, but not necessarily be limited
to, the following: (1) a listing and justification for each of the
distinct capability areas selected by the CJCS as the principal domain
of the JROC; (2) a listing of joint requirements developed, considered,
and/or approved within each of those capability areas; (3) a listing and
explanation of decisions made by the JROC during the reporting period,
with special note of actions made that were in disagreement with the
position presented by the Commander-in- Chief, U.S. Joint Forces
Command, as the chief proponent of joint and combatant commander
requirements; (4) an assessment of the progress made in elevating the
JROC to a more strategic focus on future war fighting requirements,
integration of requirements, and the development of over-arching common
architectures; (5) a summation and assessment of the role and impact of
joint experimentation on the joint requirements, service requirements,
defense acquisition and service acquisition processes and decisions; (6)
recommendations as to additional legislation and/or resources required
to further refocus and reform the JROC process; and (7) procedural
actions taken to improve the JROC.
Preparedness of military installation first responders for
incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (sec. 1023)
The committee is supportive of the Department of Defense's (DOD)
efforts to ensure first responder preparedness on military
installations. However, the committee is concerned with the timetable
for the program and also with the degree of coordination between the
services and the local community first responders, particularly with
regards to standardized equipment. The committee has included a
provision directing, not less than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this act, the Secretary of Defense to submit to the committee a
report on the Department's program to ensure the preparedness of DOD
first responders for incidents involving weapons of mass destruction on
military installations. The provision directs the Secretary to include
within the report the following: a detailed description of the program;
the schedule and costs associated with the implementation of the
program; how the program is being coordinated with first responders in
the local communities in the localities of the installations; and the
plan for promoting the interoperability of the equipment used by the
installation first responders with the equipment used by the first
responders in the localities.
Date of submittal of reports on shortfalls in equipment
procurement and military construction for reserve components in future
years defense programs (sec. 1024)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
10543(c) of title 10, United States Code, to specify that the report
required by the section be submitted not later than 15 days after the
date on which the President submits to Congress the budget for a fiscal
year.
The committee is aware that the current level of funding for the
reserve components will not reduce the significant backlog in military
construction requirements. The impact will be increased costs for repair
and maintenance, declining readiness and quality of life. The backlog
problem is further aggravated by the lack of a uniform standard in
characterizing the funding requirements. For the past several years, the
Air Force has characterized some
reserve component military construction projects as being in
the ``unfunded'' future years defense program (FYDP), while the other
components have resorted to other means to identify their requirements
above those in the FYDP. However, the reporting requirement in section
10543 requires the Department of Defense to identify the highest
priority unfunded requirements for the reserve components. It does not
equate those unfunded requirements to an ``unfunded FYDP''. The
committee expects the military departments to adhere to the traditional
practices of classifying projects as either in the FYDP or not in the
FYDP and of inclusion of the highest priority projects in the FYDP. To
ensure consistency and that the highest priority construction projects,
both unfunded and those in the FYDP, receive appropriate congressional
consideration for additional funds, when available, the report required
by section 10543(c)(1) shall reflect the highest priority projects
whether or not they are included in the FYDP.
The committee is encouraged by the efforts of the Assistant Secretary
of Defense for Reserve Affairs to increase funding and improve
facilities for the reserve components through innovative approaches,
such as joint use facilities. However, the ultimate solution is
additional funding. The committee urges the military departments to more
robustly fund reserve component construction in future budget requests
and the future year defense program.
To ensure the funding resources available are devoted to the highest
priority needs, the committee stringently follows the criteria
established by the sense of the Senate provision on authorization of
funds for military construction projects not requested in the
President's Annual Budget Request (section 2856 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995). The committee urges the
military departments to cooperate in this effort by adhering to this
clear standard when identifying military construction projects for
authorization that are not in the military construction budget request.
Management review of defense logistics agency (sec. 1025)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review of all the
functions of the Defense Logistics Agency to assess their efficiency,
their effectiveness in meeting customer needs, their ability to adopt
best business practices, and to identify alternative approaches for
improving the agency's operations.
An effective, efficient, and responsive logistics system is essential
for ensuring a ready and reliable military force capable of successfully
executing the national military strategy with a minimum of risk. The
committee believes that the Defense Logistics Agency must be capable of
meeting its customer requirements in the most efficient manner,
exploiting best business practices where practical, and exploring
alternative approaches when they make sense.
Management review of defense information systems agency (sec. 1026)
The Committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive
review of the operations of the Defense Information Systems Agency
(DISA) and make such recommendations that the Comptroller General
determines would improve the support that this agency provides to the
military services.
The increased role that information technology and services play in
the national security environment requires that the military services
receive the most efficient and effective support from those who provide
these services. DISA, as the principal supplier of information services
in the Department of Defense, must ensure that it is structured to take
advantage of best business practices and to adopt alternative approaches
where it makes sense.
SUBTITLE E--INFORMATION SECURITY
Institute for defense computer security and information
protection (sec. 1041)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to establish an institute for defense computer security and
information assurance to address the critical information assurance
requirement of the Department of Defense (DOD). The institute would also
facilitate the exchange of information regarding cyber threats,
technology, tools, and other relevant issues, between government and
non-government organizations and entities. The provision would require
the Secretary to enter into a contract with a not-for-profit entity or
consortium to organize and operate the institute. Finally, the provision
would require the use of competitive procedures for the selection of the
organization responsible for the operation of the institute, to the
extent determined necessary by the Secretary. The committee recommends
an increase of $10.0 million in Operations and Maintenance,
Defense-Wide, for establishment and initial operation of the institute.
The committee strongly supports the information assurance efforts of
the DOD. A critical element of this effort is research and development
in the area of information and network security. Although the DOD
currently undertakes such research in various ways, including through
private contractors, federally funded research and development centers
and universities, the DOD
does not have a central mechanism for coordinating these
efforts. Currently a significant amount of research relevant to DOD is
not being undertaken in the private sector or within government.
Moreover, some research being done in the private sector is not
available to the DOD.
Information security scholarship program (sec. 1042)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish an
Information Security Scholarship Program within the Department of
Defense (DOD) that would allow the Secretary of Defense to provide
educational assistance to individuals seeking a baccalaureate or an
advanced degree in disciplines related to computer security, network
security, and information assurance in exchange for a service agreement.
This program would allow active duty military personnel, DOD civilian
personnel, and individuals not employed by the DOD to acquire such
education in exchange for accepting or continuing employment in the DOD
in the area of computer security and information assurance. The
committee has received extensive testimony and other reports regarding
the importance of education and training to the defense information
assurance program and all other facets of cyber security.
The committee notes that Presidential Decision Directive/NSC 63, of
May 22, 1998, regarding critical infrastructure protection, states that:
``. . . there shall be Vulnerability Awareness and Education Programs
within both the government and the private sector to sensitize people
regarding the importance of security and to train them in security
standards, particularly regarding cyber systems.'' The National Plan for
Information Systems Protection of January 12, 2000, states that: ``. . .
within the Federal Government, the lack of skilled information systems
security personnel amounts to a crisis. This shortfall of workers
reflects a scarcity of university graduate and undergraduate information
security programs.'' The National Plan calls for the creation of ``. . .
a Scholarship for Service Program to recruit and educate the next
generation of Federal information technology workers and security
managers.'' According to the National Plan: ``. . . an important part of
this program is the need to identify universities for participation in
the program and assist in the development of information security
faculty and laboratories at these universities.''
The committee believes that the Secretary of Defense should work with
selected universities to develop cyber security curricula that respond
to the needs of the DOD. The committee believes that, initially, the
Secretary should focus on establishing cyber security programs at two or
three institutions of higher education. Such universities should become
important sources of recruitment for satisfying the Department's
information assurance personnel requirements. Although the committee
believes that all qualified universities should be evaluated, it also
believes that the universities already identified by the National
Security Agency as information assurance centers of excellence should be
leading candidates for involvement in the Information Security
Scholarship Program. In order for universities to develop the requisite
curricula and faculty, the DOD should also involve such universities in
research relevant to the Department's information assurance needs. Once
the Information Security Scholarship Program has been established at two
or three institutions of higher education, the committee urges the
Secretary to expand and adequately fund the program to satisfy the
personnel needs of the DOD.
The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in Operations
and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, for establishment and initial operation
of the Information Security Scholarship Program. The committee directs
the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the congressional
defense committees not later than April 1, 2001, describing the
Secretary's plans for implementing this program.
The committee is also concerned that existing military and civilian
education and training programs of the DOD and the military departments
are not sufficiently focused on the problem of computer security and
information assurance. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to review the education and training programs of the defense
agencies and the military departments to determine the requirements for
personnel qualified in the area of information technology security and
what education and training programs are available in the area of
information technology security. In addition to the review of programs
for enlisted and officer personnel, this examination should include a
review of the Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship program in
each service to determine whether scholarships leading to degrees in the
information technology security area are sufficient to meet the
projected officer needs of the military departments and the Department
of Defense. The review shall include education and training programs,
including internships, for civilian employees as well. Finally, the
review shall evaluate the adequacy of cyber security programs at the
military service academies. The Secretary of Defense shall report the
results of his review to the congressional defense committees by April
1, 2001, in conjunction with the Secretary's report on the Information
Security Scholarship Program.
Process for prioritizing background investigations for
security clearances for Department of Defense personnel (sec. 1043)
The committee is concerned by delays in the background investigation
process for granting security clearances to Department of Defense (DOD)
personnel and contractors. The Defense Security Service (DSS) has
experienced significant delays in processing requests for security
investigations, which has resulted in a large backlog of overdue
reinvestigations. This situation has imposed significant costs on DOD
and its contractors and has delayed important programs. The committee
supports the recommendations of the DOD Inspector General, outlined in
the April 5, 2000, audit report (Report Number D 2000 111), which
recommends that DOD implement a process for prioritizing security
clearance investigations as a way of expediting the most important
clearances. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would
require the Secretary of Defense to establish a process for expediting
the completion of background investigations. This process shall include:
(1) quantification of the requirements for background investigations;
(2) categorization of personnel on the basis of the degree of
sensitivity of their duties and the extent to which those duties are
critical to the national security; and (3) prioritization of the
processing of investigations on the basis of the categories of
personnel.
Authority to withhold certain sensitive information from
public disclosure (sec. 1044)
The committee recommends a provision that would protect from
unauthorized disclosure two categories of sensitive unclassified
information. Many allied and other friendly nations, and some
international organizations, have a category of unclassified information
that is subject to certain special controls and protected from release
outside the government or organization. In addition, many governments
have a category of classified information, ``restricted'', that is not
used by the United States. ``Restricted'' information is normally
provided at a level of protection less than that protection afforded to
``confidential'' in the U.S. classification system.
Information falling into one of these categories is frequently
provided to the United States by foreign governments or international
organizations under the condition that it be protected from unauthorized
release. Under the present U.S. system, the only way that the United
States can do so is to classify the information in the interests of
national security under Executive Order 12958. This requires that the
security requirements for classified information apply, including
security clearances, safes, and precautions in transmission. This
situation frequently imposes unnecessary costs and has caused problems
for cooperative defense programs.
This provision would authorize the Secretary of Defense, the
Secretary of Transportation (with respect to the Coast Guard when not
operating in the Navy), and the Secretary of Energy (with respect to
that Department's national security programs) to withhold from public
disclosure otherwise authorized by law sensitive information provided by
a foreign government or an international organization which is itself
protecting the information from disclosure. The information must be the
subject of a written request from the government or organization that it
be withheld, or have been provided on the condition that it be withheld,
or fall within a category specified in regulations as being information
the release of which would have an adverse effect on the ability of the
United States to obtain similar information in the future. If the
secretary of the department having the information transfers it to
another agency, that agency shall withhold it from disclosure unless
specifically authorized by the secretary of the department transferring
it. The prohibition on disclosure will normally extend for the period
specified by the country or organization providing the information, or
for ten years if no period is so stated. The ten-year rule may be
extended at the written request of the entity providing the information,
as may the 25 year period applicable to certain information obtained by
the United States prior to the enactment of this provision.
This provision does not authorize the withholding of information from
Congress, or (except in the case of foreign intelligence or
counterintelligence activities) the Comptroller General. The Secretary
of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Energy
are to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
Protection of operational files of the Defense Intelligence
Agency (sec. 1045)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to withhold from public disclosure the operational
files of the Defense Intelligence Agency. These files would be protected
from disclosure, under the Freedom of Information Act or otherwise, to
the same extent as provided for under section 701 of the National
Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C 431). The provision also makes applicable
to these files the decennial review provisions of section 702 of that
Act (50 U.S.C. 432), with the Secretary of Defense exercising the
authority granted to the Director of Central Intelligence in that
section.
SUBTITLE F--OTHER MATTERS
Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice (sec. 1051)
The committee recommends a provision that would request the President
to issue a proclamation commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the
Uniform Code of Military Justice, which was enacted May 5, 1950, and
call upon the Department of Defense, the armed forces, and the United
States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces to commemorate the occasion
in a suitable manner.
Eligibility of dependents of American Red Cross employees
for enrollment in Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Schools in
Puerto Rico (sec. 1053)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to permit dependents of American Red Cross
employees performing Armed Forces Emergency Services duties in Puerto
Rico to enroll in Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Schools. The
recommended provision would require that the Department of Defense be
reimbursed for the education services.
Grants to American Red Cross for Armed Services Emergency
Services (sec. 1054)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to provide a grant to the American Red Cross up to
$9,400,000 in each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003 in support of
the American Red Cross. The recommended provision would provide that a
grant may not be made until the American Red Cross certifies that it
will expend, for the Armed Forces Emergency Services, an amount from
non-federal sources that equals or exceeds the amount of the grant.
Transit pass program for certain Department of Defense
personnel (sec. 1055)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to provide Department of Defense personnel with a transit
pass benefit if they are assigned in areas that do not meet the revised
national ambient air quality standards under section 109 of the Clean
Air Act and they use means other than a single-occupancy vehicle to
commute to or from work.
Fees for providing historical information to the public (sec. 1056)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretaries of the military departments to charge the public fees for
providing historical information from the services' historical centers
or agencies. These fees could be retained by the military departments to
defray the costs of responding to requests for information. The fees
charged for providing information pursuant to this section may not
exceed the costs of providing the information. These fees would not
apply to requests from members of the armed forces or federal employees
which are made in the course of their official duties, or to requests
made under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
Access to criminal history record information for national
security purposes (sec. 1057)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 9101 of
title 5, United States Code, to provide expanded access to criminal
history information by the Department of Defense and certain other
executive departments and agencies to better evaluate employees and
contractors with regard to fitness for assignment or employment. Current
law provides access to such information only for security clearances or
assignment to sensitive national security duties. This provision would
expand that authority to cover also acceptance or retention in the armed
forces, and appointment, retention, or assignment to a position of
public trust or a critical or sensitive position either while employed
by the Federal Government or as a federal contractor employee. This
provision would also authorize the Federal Government to obtain such
information through the use of common identifiers, such as names or
Social Security numbers, rather than the cumbersome submission of paper
fingerprint cards, as required under existing law. It would further
prohibit states and localities from conditioning the provision of such
information on indemnification agreements, thereby clearing up a problem
that has existed since 1989, when the Defense Department's authority to
enter into such agreements expired. Finally, it would allow access to
such information by the most efficient, technologically-advanced means,
from any point within or without a particular state or other
jurisdiction, and provide for the payment of reasonable fees therefor.
Sense of Congress on the naming of the CVN 77 aircraft
carrier. (sec. 1058)
The committee recommends a provision that would express the sense of
Congress that it is appropriate to recommend to the President, as
Commander in Chief of the armed forces, that an
appropriate name for the final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier,
CVN 77, is the U.S.S. Lexington.
The provision also expresses the sense of Congress that CVN 77 should
be named U.S.S. Lexington in order to honor the 16 million veterans of
the armed forces that served during World War II, and the incalculable
number of U.S. citizens on the home front during that war, who mobilized
in the name of freedom, and who are today respectfully referred to as
the greatest generation.
Donation of civil war cannon (sec. 1059)
The committee recommends a provision that would convey all right,
title and interest of the United States to a Civil War era cannon to the
Edward Dorr Tracey, Jr. Camp 18 of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.
This cannon was manufactured by the Confederate States Arsenal at Macon,
Georgia. The cannon, on loan from the Army, is currently on public
display in Macon, Georgia.
Maximum size of parcel posts transported overseas for Armed
Forces Post Offices (sec. 1060)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the
authorized size of packages permitted to be mailed to eligible patrons
of military post offices overseas to conform with those of the United
States Postal Services.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Department of Defense export control procedures
The committee is encouraged by the Department of Defense's focus on
improving the performance of its export control responsibilities and
supports efforts to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the
defense export licensing system. National security concerns must always
remain paramount over commercial concerns in this area. At the same
time, where appropriate, the United States should not place unnecessary
restraints on the ability of the private sector to compete in the global
marketplace.
The Defense Department has undertaken an internal review of its
practices for processing and scrutinizing export licence applications
with an aim toward reducing the time it takes to review licences. The
committee supports this effort and encourages the Department to work
with the State Department to achieve a system that protects national
security, and at the same time does not unnecessarily penalize U.S.
industry.
The committee also supports the Department's efforts to modernize
computer systems for licensing agencies. This computer modernization is
important to ensure that the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the
State Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls can move, over time,
to an all-electronic system. This effort will provide more efficient and
comprehensive review of the national security impact of proposed export
transactions while providing exporters with a more transparent and
timely process.
Firefighting equipment
An important element of the chemical weapons demilitarization program
is ensuring that the local cities and towns within the vicinity of
destruction facilities receive the necessary education, training, and
equipment to ensure community safety in the unlikely event of an
accident during the destruction process. The Department of the Army has
equipped the Umatilla Army Chemical Depot with firefighting vehicles,
including an Emergency One Cyclone II Custom Pumper, for this purpose.
To ensure the Umatilla community has continued and unhindered access to
the Emergency One Cyclone II Custom Pumper, the Department of the Army
is working with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
Reservation to convey the firefighting vehicle to the community. The
committee supports this initiative and urges the Department of the Army
to transfer the vehicle to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
Indian Tribes as soon as possible.
Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile
Section 1302 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 1998, as amended by section 1501 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, prohibits the use of funds for
retiring or dismantling, or preparing to retire or dismantle specified
strategic nuclear delivery systems, including the Peacekeeper
intercontinental ballistic missile, until the START II Treaty enters
into force. Although the START II Treaty has been approved by the
Russian Duma, it has not yet entered into force. Nevertheless, the
committee recognizes that the Air Force must take certain steps to be in
a position to be able to retire the Peacekeeper system if the START II
Treaty, and associated protocols, enter into force. Specifically, the
committee understands that the Air Force would need to acquire warhead
containers and missile stage storage end rings in the near future if the
Air Force is to retain the ability to deactivate the Peacekeeper weapon
system by December 31, 2003, and eliminate the associated silos by
December 31, 2007. Since the committee has long supported entry into
force of the START II Treaty, the committee believes that the
acquisition of such equipment is consistent with the current prohibition
on preparing to retire or dismantle the Peacekeeper weapon system.
Therefore, funds available to the Air Force from within existing
appropriations are authorized to be utilized for the acquisition of
Peacekeeper warhead containers and missile stage storage end rings.
TITLE XI--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL POLICY
Computer/electronic accommodations program (sec. 1101)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to expand the Computer/Electronic Accommodations
Program to provide assistive technology, assistive technology devices,
and assistive technology services to any department or agency of the
Federal Government. The recommended provision limits the cost of the
assistance provided to not more than $2.0 million in any fiscal year.
Additional special pay for foreign language proficiency
beneficial for United States national security interests (sec. 1102)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to provide additional pay for civilian employees
who maintain a foreign language proficiency determined to be beneficial
for national security interests.
Increased number of positions authorized for the defense
intelligence senior executive service (sec. 1103)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase, by 25, the
number of positions authorized for the defense intelligence senior
executive service. The committee is concerned by recent reports that the
National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and the National Security
Agency (NSA) are experiencing significant problems in the area of
acquisition and acquisition oversight. Both agencies are seeking to
strengthen their acquisition management and need to be able to attract
skilled people. The committee expects that the recommended provision
would help NIMA and NSA attract such individuals. The committee directs
that the additional 25 positions established by the provision would be
used by NIMA and NSA only to address acquisition-related deficiencies.
Extension of authority for tuition reimbursement and
training for acquisition personnel in shortage categories (sec. 1104)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the
termination date of the authority for tuition reimbursement and training
for acquisition personnel in shortage categories from September 30, 2001
to September 30, 2010.
Work safety demonstration program (sec. 1105)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to conduct a work safety demonstration program in which
private sector work safety models would be used to determine whether the
work safety record of Department of Defense civilian employees can be
improved. The demonstration program would begin within 180 days of
enactment of the Act and end on September 30, 2002. The Secretary of
Defense would be required to submit an interim report not later than
December 1, 2001 and a final report not later than December 1, 2002, to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
Employment and compensation of employees for temporary
organizations established by law or executive order (sec. 1106)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the heads
of federal agencies the flexibility to hire and pay individuals under a
streamlined process to work in temporary organizations, commissions,
boards, etc. that have been established for a period not to exceed three
years. The recommended provision would permit federal agencies to hire
temporary employees in a timely manner so they can meet the deadlines
imposed by the President or Congress. The recommended provision would
permit the temporary employees to receive life and health insurance
benefits for the duration of their employment. Employees transferred to
a temporary position from a career civil service position would have
return rights to their former positions at the end of their employment
with the temporary organization.
Extension of authority for voluntary separations in
reductions in force (sec. 1107)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, from
September 30, 2001 to September 30, 2005, the temporary authority that
would permit civilian employees to volunteer for reductions-in-force.
Electronic maintenance of performance appraisal systems (sec. 1108)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the head of
an executive branch agency to administer and maintain the performance
appraisal system electronically.
Approval authority for cash awards in excess of $10,000 (sec. 1109)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to grant a cash award up to the maximum of $25,000
without seeking approval from the Office of Personnel Management.
Leave for crews of certain vessels (sec. 1110)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Military Sealift Command to pay civil service mariners, in an extended
leave status, a lump-sum equal to the difference between their pay at a
temporary promotion rate and their lower permanent grade rates.
Life insurance for emergency essential Department of Defense
employees (sec. 1111)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize civilian
employees designated by the Secretary of Defense as emergency essential
and subject to being deployed to combat areas to elect to participate in
the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance program.
Civilian personnel services public-private competition pilot
program (sec. 1112)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to establish a public-private competition pilot program to
assess the extent to which the effectiveness and efficiency of providing
civilian personnel services could be increased by conducting
competitions for the performance of such services between the public and
private sectors. The recommended provision would require that the pilot
program be conducted during the period beginning on October 1, 2000 and
ending on December 31, 2004. The Secretary of Defense would be required
to submit, not later than February 1, 2005, a report that would assess
the value of the pilot program and make recommendations for permanent
authority to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives.
Extension, expansion, and revision of authority for
experimental personnel program for scientific and technical personnel
(sec. 1113)
The committee recommends a provision to extend, expand, and revise
the authority for the experimental personnel program for scientific and
technical personnel established pursuant to section 1101 of the Strom
Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public
Law 105 261). Section 1101 authorized the Secretary of Defense to
appoint up to 20 eminent experts in science and engineering to temporary
employment positions within the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) without regard to existing civil service laws concerning
appointment and compensation.
The committee recognizes that DARPA expects to fill all 20 authorized
positions in the near future and would benefit greatly from the
expansion of the program. The committee is also aware that the defense
laboratories would benefit from similar access to capable scientists and
engineers from outside the civil service. For these reasons, the
provision recommended by the committee would increase the number of
positions authorized for DARPA from 20 to 40 and expand the program to
the defense laboratories, authorizing an additional 40 positions for
each of the military services and a total of ten additional positions
for the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and National Security
Agency (NSA). The provision would extend the program for an additional
two years and clarify that the maximum pay authorized under the
provision is intended to include locality pay adjustments.
TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO OTHER NATIONS
Transfers of naval vessels to foreign countries (sec. 1201)
The committee recommends a provision that would transfer to various
countries: on a combined lease-sale basis, four Kidd-class destroyers;
on a grant basis, two Thomaston-class dock landing ships; on a grant
basis, four Garcia-class frigates; on a combined lease-sale basis, two
Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates; on a grant basis, one Dixie-class
destroyer tender; on a grant basis, two Knox-class frigates; and, on a
combined lease-sale basis, two Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. The
Chief of Naval Operations has certified, pursuant to statutory
requirement, that such naval vessels are not essential to the defense of
the United States. Any expense incurred by the United States in
connection with these transfers would be charged to the recipient. The
provision would also:
(1) direct that, to the maximum extent possible, the Secretary of
the Navy shall require, as a condition of transfer, that repair and
refurbishment associated with the transfer be accomplished in a shipyard
located in the United States; and
(2) stipulate that the authority to transfer these vessels will
expire at the end of a two-year period that begins on the date of
enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2001.
Support of United Nations-sponsored efforts to inspect and
monitor Iraqi weapons activities (sec. 1202)
The committee recommends a provision that extends, for one year, the
Department of Defense's authority to support United Nations
(UN)-sponsored inspection and monitoring efforts to ensure full Iraqi
compliance with its international obligations to destroy its weapons of
mass destruction and associated delivery systems. The committee is
troubled by Iraq's long-standing suspension of UN inspection and
monitoring missions, and continued defiance of UN Security Council
efforts to resume weapons inspections. Despite the December 17, 1999
adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 1284, which
established the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection
Commission (UNMOVIC) as the successor to the United Nations Special
Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM), Iraq refuses to comply with this resolution
and allow inspectors to resume operations in Iraq. The committee
continues to believe that it is imperative that inspections of Iraq
weapons sites resume as soon as possible to ensure Iraqi compliance with
the disarmament obligations it accepted in 1991 at the end of the
Persian Gulf conflict.
Repeal of restriction preventing cooperative airlift support
through acquisition and cross servicing agreements (sec. 1203)
The committee recommends a provision to eliminate the restriction in
section 2350c of title 10, United States Code, that allows the Secretary
of Defense to enter into military airlift agreements with allied
countries only under the authority of section 2350c. This provision
would clear up any ambiguity regarding the Secretary's authority to
include airlift in cross servicing agreements for ``. . . logistics
support, supplies, and services . . .'' under the authority of section
2342, title 10, United States Code.
Western Hemisphere Institute for Professional Education and
Training (sec. 1204)
The U.S. Army School of the Americas has been subjected to a great
deal of controversy, mainly for the actions of a relatively small number
of individuals who were graduated from the school many years ago. The
committee is aware that the school's curricula has undergone significant
positive changes in recent years. The committee believes that there
continues to be a need for an institution that would provide
professional education and training for the military, law enforcement
and civilian (governmental and non-governmental) personnel of the
Western Hemisphere.
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the statute
authorizing the Army to operate the U.S. Army School of the Americas and
would authorize the Secretary of Defense to operate a Western Hemisphere
Institute for Professional Education and Training. The institute would
be operated for the purpose of providing professional education and
training to military, law enforcement and civilian personnel of the
Western Hemisphere in areas such as leadership development, counterdrug
operations, peace support operations, and disaster relief. The curricula
of the institution would include, at a minimum, eight hours of
instruction relating to human rights, the rule of law, due process,
civilian control of the military, and the role of the military in a
democratic society. There would be a board of visitors, including four
members of Congress and six members from academia, the religious
community, and the human rights community, to review the institute's
curricula and instruction. The board would submit an annual report to
the Secretary of Defense. The selection of foreign personnel to attend
the institute would be subject to the concurrence of the Secretary of
State. The Secretary of Defense would submit an annual report to
Congress detailing the activities of the institute during the
previous calendar year.
Biannual report on Kosovo peacekeeping (sec. 1205)
The committee recommends a provision that would require a biannual
report from the President on the contributions of European nations and
organizations to the peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. Specifically,
each report shall include detailed information on the commitments and
pledges made by the European Commission, the member nations of the
European Union (EU) and the European member nations of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for reconstruction assistance in
Kosovo, humanitarian assistance in Kosovo, the Kosovo Consolidated
Budget, police (including special police) for the United Nations (UN)
international police force for Kosovo, and military personnel for
peacekeeping operations in Kosovo; the amount of assistance that has
been provided in each category, and the number of police and military
personnel deployed to Kosovo by each such nation or organization. In
addition, each report shall include a description of the full range of
commitments and responsibilities undertaken for Kosovo by the UN, the EU
and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the
progress made by each in fulfilling those commitments and
responsibilities, an assessment of the remaining tasks and an
anticipated timetable for completing those tasks. The first report is to
be provided to the relevant congressional committees on December 1,
2000.
The committee is concerned with the slow pace of the civil
implementation effort in Kosovo and, in particular, with the
unsatisfactory progress on the part of European nations and
organizations to provide, in a timely manner, the assistance and
personnel they have pledged to Kosovo. The committee notes that the
United States bore the major share of the military burden for the air
war on behalf of Kosovo; in return, European nations agreed to pay the
major share of the burdens to secure the peace. Although European
nations and organizations have pledged billions of dollars and thousands
of personnel for this goal, only a fraction of the assistance has been
provided to Kosovo. As a result, U.S. troops, and troops of other
nations, serving in Kosovo are performing non-military missions--such as
basic police functions--to make up for the shortfalls on the civilian
side. These are missions for which military personnel were not
specifically trained and which increase their personal risk. The
committee believes that more must be done by the international
organizations that have accepted the responsibilities for the civil
implementation efforts in Kosovo, and by the European nations that have
committed to provide a major portion of the assistance, to ensure that
the economic and security infrastructure is put in place in Kosovo to
avoid an open-ended U.S. military commitment in Kosovo.
The report required by this provision will provide the Congress with
the data necessary to evaluate the performance of the organizations and
nations covered by this provision in fulfilling their commitments
regarding Kosovo.
Mutual assistance for monitoring test explosions of nuclear
devices (sec. 1206)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide authority to
the Secretary of Defense to remedy problems that may arise with respect
to the installation of nuclear test explosion monitoring equipment as
part of the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty or as part of the United States Atomic Energy
Detection System. Without this provision, the Department of Defense
would be prohibited from accepting funds directly from an international
organization to establish, operate, or maintain IMS equipment, owned by
the U.S. Government, and to maintain equipment that is not the property
of the U.S. Government.
Consolidated annual report on Cooperative Threat Reduction
assistance and activities (sec. 1207)
The committee recommends a provision that would consolidate the
information found in several Cooperative Threat Reduction reports into
one annual report, thereby reducing the number of reports the committee
receives each year, but maintaining the information the committee
values. This new, consolidated annual report would be due no later than
the first Monday in February, with the first report due in February
2002.
Limitation on use of funds for construction of a Russian
facility for the destruction of chemical weapons (sec. 1208)
The budget request included $35.0 million for construction activities
for the Shchuch'ye Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility in Russia as
part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program. While the
committee recommends the requested amount, the committee has concerns
about the construction of this facility. The committee believes that
there may be higher priority CTR efforts to reduce the threat posed by
chemical weapons in Russia that will provide a greater security return
on investment, such as security improvements and maintenance for the
seven Russian chemical weapons storage sites, completion and maintenance
of the CTR-funded mobile central analytical laboratory, and expansion of
the chemical weapons production facility destruction efforts at
Volgograd and Novocheboksark.
However, after reviewing the administration's concerns regarding the
threats posed by the nerve agent stockpile at Shchuch'ye, the committee
recommends a provision that would provide conditional authority for the
administration to proceed with the construction of this facility.
Specifically, the provision provides that prior to obligating or
expending fiscal year 2000 funds, or any funds in subsequent fiscal
years, the Secretary of Defense must provide in writing to both the
House and Senate Armed Services Committees a certification that: (1) the
government of the Russian Federation has annually agreed to provide at
least $25.0 million for the construction support and operation of that
facility to destroy chemical weapons and for the support and maintenance
of the facility for that purpose for each year of the entire operating
life-cycle of the facility; (2) the government of the Russian Federation
has agreed to utilize the facility to destroy the remaining four
stockpiles of nerve agents located at Kisner, Pochep, Leonidovka, and
Maradykovsky; (3) the United States has obtained multiyear commitments
from governments of other countries to donate funds for the support of
essential social infrastructure projects in sufficient amounts to ensure
that the projects are maintained during the entire operating life-cycle
of the facility; and (4) Russia has agreed to destroy its chemical
weapons production facilities at Volgograd and Novocheboksark.
Limitation on the use of funds for the Elimination of
Weapons Grade Plutonium Program (sec. 1209)
The request included $32.1 million for the Elimination of Weapons
Grade Plutonium Program as part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction
(CTR) Program. While the committee supports the request, the committee
is troubled by the Russian Federation's announcement in February 2000
that due to increasing costs, Russia wanted to change the approach
selected for converting its remaining three plutonium producing nuclear
reactors. Since that time, meetings between the United States and Russia
have failed to determine the future direction of the this program.
Because of these circumstances, the committee is concerned that the
project will be unable to expend its budget request during the fiscal
year.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision prohibiting the
obligation of more than 50 percent of the funds provided for this
program until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense reports to the
committee on an agreement between the U.S. Government and the Government
of the Russia Federation regarding any new option selected for shutting
down or converting the three Russian plutonium producing reactors. Any
such agreement should include the new date on which such reactors will
stop producing weapons grade plutonium and the cost sharing arrangement
between the United States and Russia in undertaking activities under
such an agreement.
TITLE XIII--NAVY ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND OF VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO
Navy activities on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico (secs. 1301 1308)
The committee remains concerned with the lack of live fire access to
the Naval training facility on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and
the resultant negative consequences this has for Navy and Marine Corps
readiness. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff along with the Chief of Naval
Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, stated that Vieques
provides integrated live-fire training ``critical to our readiness.''
The Secretary of the Navy also testified that ``* * * only by providing
this preparation can we fairly ask our service members to put their
lives at risk.'' The concern of these individuals was reinforced by
operational commanders, including the Commander of the Sixth Fleet of
the Navy, who stated that the loss of Vieques would ``cost American
lives.''
The committee recognizes and appreciates the sacrifice that the
people of Vieques and other communities throughout America located near
military training installations have made over the years to ensure that
our military personnel are adequately prepared before being sent into
harm's way. The committee is concerned that as a result of the Navy's
failure to take those actions necessary to develop sound relations with
the people of Vieques, and the tragic accident which resulted in the
death of a civilian employee of the Navy, the future of such training is
in jeopardy.
Therefore, the committee includes a number of provisions that would
support the agreement reached between the Department of Defense and the
Government of Puerto Rico intended to restore relations between the
people of Vieques and the Navy, and provide for the continuation of live
fire training on the island.
Specifically, subtitle 13 would authorize the expenditure of $40.0
million for infrastructure and other economic projects on the island of
Vieques, and require the President to conduct a referendum on Vieques to
determine whether the people of Vieques approve or disapprove of the
continuation of Naval training on the island. The conservation zones on
the western side of the island, containing seven endangered and
threatened species, would be transferred to the Secretary of Interior to
be administered as wildlife refuges.
If the people of Vieques approve the continuation of live fire
training, the subtitle would authorize an additional $50.0 million in
economic aid for the island residents.
If the people of Vieques do not approve the continuation of live fire
training, the subtitle would require the Navy and Marine Corps to cease
all training operations on the island of Vieques by May 1, 2003; to
terminate any operations at Roosevelt Roads that are related to the use
of training ranges on Vieques; and the transfer of all conservation
zones on Navy property on the eastern side of the island of Vieques,
together with the live impact area and other Navy property on the
eastern side of the island, to the Secretary of the Interior until such
time as the Congress enacts subsequent legislation regarding the
disposition of that land.
If the Navy ceases operations on Vieques and reduces its presence on
Roosevelt Roads, the subtitle would place a moratorium on military
construction projects at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, until such time as
it can be determined if the active military units at Fort Buchanan can
be consolidated on Roosevelt Roads with the remaining Naval units. The
Comptroller General of the United States will be required to conduct a
review of the continuing requirement for Fort Buchanan and provide the
congressional defense committees with a report outlining his
recommendations regarding the potential consolidation of active U.S.
Army units in Puerto Rico with the Navy at Roosevelt Roads.
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TITLE XXI--ARMY
SUMMARY
The Army requested authorization of $897,938,000 for military
construction and $1,140,381,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends authorization of $781,079,000 for military
construction and $1,176,670,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The budget request included 10 military construction projects which
were authorized for appropriation by division B of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Since these projects required no
additional authorization, the committee did not authorize $168.5 million
based on the prior year authorization. The committee also did not
authorize $18.0 million for the renovation of unaccompanied personnel
barracks at Kwajalein Atoll based on the fact that the majority of the
beneficiaries were not military personnel.
The amounts authorized for military construction reflects a reduction
of $20.5 million based on savings in the foreign currency account. The
reduction shall not cancel any military construction authorized by title
XXI of this bill.
Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2101)
This section contains the list of authorized Army construction
projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are listed on an
installation-by-installation basis. The state list contained in this
report is intended to be the binding list of the specific projects
authorized at each location.
Family housing (sec. 2102)
This section would authorize new construction and planning and design
of family housing units for the Army for fiscal year 2001.
Improvement to military family housing units (sec. 2103)
This section would authorize improvements to existing family housing
units for fiscal year 2001.
Authorization of appropriations, Army (sec. 2104)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item contained in the Army's budget for fiscal year 2001. This section
also provides an overall limit on the amount the Army may spend on
military construction projects.
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year
2000 projects (sec. 2105)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2101(a)
of the Military Construction Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (division B of
Public Law 106 65; 113 Stat. 825) to reduce the funding authorization
for Fort Stewart, Georgia, from $71.7 million to $25.7 million due to a
technical correction. The provision would also strike the funding
authorization for Fort Riley, Kansas, due to a technical correction. The
provision would also increase the authorization of appropriations for
unspecified minor construction from $9.5 million to $14.6 million and
make certain conforming changes.
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year
1999 project (sec. 2106)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2101(a)
of the Military Construction Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (division B of
Public Law 105 261; 112 Stat. 2182) to increase the funding
authorization of a barracks project at Fort Riley, Kansas, from $41.0
million to $44.5 million and the Railhead Facility at Fort Hood, Texas,
from $32.5 million to $45.3 million. The provision would also make
certain technical corrections.
Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 1998
project (sec. 2107)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2101(a)
of the Military Construction Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (division B of
Public Law 105 85; 111 Stat. 2185) to increase the funding authorization
of a barracks project at Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, Georgia,
from $54.0 million to $57.5 million. The provision would also make
certain technical corrections.
Authority to accept funds for realignment of certain
military construction project, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (sec. 2108)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to accept funds from the Federal Highway
Administration or the State of Kentucky to fund the additional costs
associated with the realignment of a rail connector military
construction at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, authorized in section 2101(a)
of the Military Construction
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (division B of Public
Law 104 210; 110 Stat. 2763). The provision would authorize the
Secretary to use the funds received under this authority in addition to
the funds authorized and appropriated for the rail connector project.
The provision would also specify that the costs associated with
realignment include, but are not limited to, redesign costs, additional
construction costs, additional costs due to construction delays related
to the realignment, and additional real estate costs.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Presidio Housing, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San
Francisco, California
The committee notes that base closures in the San Francisco Bay Area
have severely reduced the availability of government housing for
military families and that the lack of housing in proximity to the duty
stations of service personnel impacts on readiness and the quality of
life of uniform personnel. The committee further notes that the Army and
the Presidio Trust have reached an interim accord on the use of 22
designated housing units at the Presidio through September 2005.
Although this agreement will mitigate the near-term housing crisis, it
only postpones a problem that must have a long-term solution. The
committee directs the Secretary of the Army and the Presidio Trust to
develop a long-term agreement on the use of the 22 units by military
families. The agreement should provide that the reimbursement for the
housing will be no more than the basic allowance for housing. The
Secretary shall report on the status of the negotiations to the
Committees on the Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives by March 15, 2001. The report shall include the issues
relating to the 22 houses, including the rank and grade of senior
occupant of each house, the position taken by the Presidio, the cost of
alternative housing, and the replacement value of the 22 houses.
TITLE XXII--NAVY
SUMMARY
The Navy requested authorization of $753,422,000 for military
construction and $1,245,460,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends authorization of $817,371,000 for military
construction and $1,268,441,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The amounts authorized for military construction and family housing
reflect reductions of $3.9 million based on saving in the foreign
currency account, $5.3 million to be offset by prior year unobligated
funds. The reductions shall not cancel any military construction
authorized by title XXII of this bill.
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2201)
This section contains the list of authorized Navy construction
projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are listed on an
installation-by-installation basis. The state list contained in this
report is intended to be the binding list of the specific projects
authorized at each location.
Family housing (sec. 2202)
This section would authorize new construction and planning and design
of family housing units for the Navy for fiscal year 2001.
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2203)
This section would authorize improvements to existing units of family
housing for fiscal year 2001.
Authorization of appropriations, Navy (sec. 2204)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item in the Navy's budget for fiscal year 2001. This section also
provides an overall limit on the amount the Navy may spend on military
construction projects.
Correction in authorized use of funds, Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, Virginia (sec. 2205)
The committee recommends a provision that would correct the
authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1997 military
construction project at Marine Corps Combat Development Command,
Quantico, Virginia. The provision would permit the use of previously
authorized funds to carry out a military construction project involving
infrastructure development at that installation.
TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE
SUMMARY
The Air Force requested authorization of $530,969,000 for military
construction and $1,049,754,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends authorization of $763,491,000 for military
construction and $1,054,572,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The amounts authorized for military construction and family housing
reflect reductions of $12.0 million based on savings in the foreign
currency account and $15.0 million to be offset by prior year
unobligated funds. The reductions shall not cancel any military
construction authorized by title XXIII of this bill.
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2301)
This section contains the list of authorized Air Force construction
projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are listed on an
installation-by-installation basis. The state list contained in this
report is intended to be the binding list of the specific projects
authorized at each location.
Family housing (sec. 2302)
This section would authorize new construction and planning and design
of family housing units for the Air Force for fiscal year 2001.
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2303)
This section would authorize improvements to existing units of family
housing for fiscal year 2001.
Authorization of appropriations, Air Force (sec. 2304)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item in the Air Force's budget for fiscal year 2001. This section also
would provide an overall limit on the amount the Air Force may spend on
military construction projects.
TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES
SUMMARY
The Defense Agencies requested authorization of $784,753,000 for
military construction and $44,886,000 for family housing for fiscal year
2001. The committee recommends authorization of $689,333,000 for
military construction and $44,886,000 for family housing or fiscal year
2001.
The committee recommends a reduction of $76.8 million for the
construction of forward operating locations in Ecuador and
Curacao/Aruba. The committee takes this action without prejudice and is
aware that the funds for these military construction projects will be
funded in a supplemental appropriations bill. The amounts authorized for
military construction and family housing reflect a reduction of $7.1
million based on savings in the foreign currency account. The reduction
shall not cancel any military construction authorized by title XXIV of
this bill.
Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2401)
This section contains the list of authorized Defense Agencies
construction projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are
listed on an installation-by-installation basis. The state list
contained in this report is intended to be the binding list of the
specific projects authorized at each location.
Energy conservation projects (sec. 2402)
This section would authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out
energy conservation projects.
Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies (sec. 2403)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item in the Defense Agencies budget for fiscal year 2001. This section
also would provide an overall limit on the amount the Defense Agencies
may spend on military construction projects.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Certification of requirement for military construction
projects, Manta Air Base, Ecuador
The budget request included $22.7 million for construction projects
at Manta Air Base, Ecuador. The number of projects and funding level is
based on the requirement that the facilities would support two E 3s, two
KC 135s, three P 3s, three ARL, and one Senior Scout (C 130) missions
and accompanying personnel. The committee directs that funds available
for construction of large aerial surveillance aircraft related
facilities at Manta Air Base, Ecuador, not be obligated until the
Secretary of
Defense submits a report directed elsewhere in this bill on
the demonstration of the Global Hawk HAE UAV in airborne surveillance
role in the counter-drug effort.
The committee further directs that the construction of the visiting
officers quarters and visiting airmen quarters and dining facility not
be executed until the Secretary of Defense certifies that sufficient
aircraft are scheduled to operate out of the Manta Airfield on a routine
basis to ensure the construction of these facilities is justified.
Planning and design, Defense Intelligence Agency
The budget request included $6,786,000 for the planning and design
for Defense Intelligence Agency. The committee is aware of the urgent
need to consolidate and relocate the Defense Intelligence Agency
activities to a more secure location. The committee supports the
Department of Defense plans for a new Defense Intelligence Agency
Headquarters and directs the Secretary of Defense to expedite the
planning and design.
TITLE XXV--NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION SECURITY INVESTMENT
PROGRAM
SUMMARY
The Department of Defense requested authorization of $190,000,000 for
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment
Program for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends $190,000,000 for
fiscal year 2001.
Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2501)
This section would authorize the Secretary of Defense to make
contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security
Investment Program in an amount equal to the sum of the amount
specifically authorized in section 2502 of this title and the amount of
recoupment due to the United States for construction previously financed
by the United States.
Authorization of appropriations, NATO (sec. 2502)
This section would authorize appropriations of $190,000,000 for the
contribution of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program.
TITLE XXVI--GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES
SUMMARY
The Department of Defense requested a military construction
authorization of $221,976,000 for fiscal year 2001 for National Guard
and Reserve facilities. The committee recommends authorization for
fiscal year 2001 of $506,696,000 to be distributed, as follows:
Army National Guard $181,629,000
Air National Guard 161,806,000
Army Reserve 92,497,000
Air Force Reserve 32,673,000
Naval and Marine Corps Reserve 38,091,000
506,696,000
Authorized Guard and Reserve construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2601)
This section would authorize appropriations for military construction
for the National Guard and Reserve by service component for fiscal year
2001. The state list contained in this report is intended to be the
binding list of the specific projects authorized at each location.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Support for Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams
The committee included $25.0 million in the authorization of
appropriation for the Army National Guard military construction account
for the specific purpose of facilitating the activation of the Weapons
of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams. Although these teams are to be
assigned to locations that have the facilities to accommodate their
needs, the committee understands that the Army National Guard has
identified a requirement of approximately $31.0 million for renovation
of the facilities to accommodate these teams. The committee is aware
that the military construction program for the reserve components is
underfunded and that this requirement would place an additional burden
on an already constrained Army National Guard military construction
program. The committee recommends this additional
funding be provided on a one time basis and directs the
Secretary of the Army to provide a report on the expenditure of these
funds not later than October 1, 2001.
TITLE XXVII--EXPIRATION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATIONS
Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be
specified by law (sec. 2701)
This section would provide that authorizations for military
construction projects, repair of real property, land acquisition, family
housing projects and facilities, contributions to the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization infrastructure program, and National Guard and
Reserve projects will expire on October 1, 2003, or the date of
enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for
fiscal year 2004, whichever is later. This expiration would not apply to
authorizations for which appropriated funds have been obligated before
October 1, 2003, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds
for these projects, whichever is later.
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1998
projects (sec. 2702)
This section would provide for selected extension of certain fiscal
year 1998 military construction authorizations until October 1, 2001, or
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military
construction for fiscal year 2002, whichever is later.
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1997
projects (sec. 2703)
This section would provide for selected extension of certain fiscal
year 1997 military construction authorizations until October 1, 2001, or
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military
construction for fiscal year 2002, whichever is later.
Effective date (sec. 2704)
This section would provide that titles XXI, XXII, XXIII, XXIV, and
XXVI of this bill shall take effect on October 1, 2000, or the date of
the enactment of this Act, whichever is later.
TITLE XXVIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE A--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM AND MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING
CHANGES
Joint use military construction projects (sec. 2801)
The committee recommends a provision that would express the sense of
Congress that the Secretary of Defense, when preparing the fiscal year
defense budget request, should identify military construction projects
suitable for joint use, specify in the budget request joint use military
construction projects, and give priority to joint use military
construction projects. The provision would also direct the Secretary to
include in the budget request a certification by each secretary
concerned that the service screened each construction project in the
budget request for the feasibility for joint use. The provision would
further require the Secretary of Defense to submit, not later than
September 30 of each year, a report that included the number of military
construction projects evaluated for joint use construction, when the
project could be executed, and a list of the military construction
projects determined to be feasible for joint use. The provision would
also make certain conforming changes.
Exclusion of certain costs from determination of
applicability of limitation on use of funds for improvement of family
housing (sec. 2802)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2825
(b) of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the secretary
concerned to exclude certain costs from the counting against the
limitation for housing improvement. The specific costs that would be
excluded are the installation, maintenance and repair of communications,
security or anti-terrorism equipment required by the occupant in the
performance of his duties. The provision would also exclude the cost of
repairing or replacing the exterior of the unit or units if such repair
or replacement is necessary to meet historic preservation standards.
The committee directs that whenever the secretary concerned exercises
this authority, the secretary shall submit a report to the congressional
defense committees and wait 30 days prior to executing any project for
which the exemptions apply. The report should include a description of
the project, its purpose, and cost.
Replacement of limitations on space by pay grade of military
family housing with requirement for local comparability of military
family housing (sec. 2803)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2826 of
title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the limitation on
space-by-grade requirement for family housing construction. The
provision would authorize the secretary concerned to construct family
housing units that are consistent with similar housing units constructed
in the local area. The provision would also direct the secretary
concerned to include the net square area when requesting the
authorization for construction of military family housing units.
The committee expects the secretary concerned to continue reporting
as part of the military construction project data (DD1391) the net
square area of each type family housing unit proposed for construction.
Modification of lease authority for high-cost military
family housing (sec. 2804)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2828
(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the $60,000 per
year cap on the lease of an individual housing unit and to authorize the
Secretary of the Army to enter into leases for eight housing units in
the Miami area for no more than five years. The provision would further
amend section 2828 (b) to authorize the Secretary concerned to adjust
the maximum cost authorized for family housing leases based on the
percentage that the national average monthly cost of housing differ
during the two preceding fiscal years. The provision would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to adjust the maximum amount of the eight family
housing unit leases in the Miami area by the percent the annual average
cost of housing for the Miami Military Housing Area exceeds the annual
average cost for the same region for the fiscal year preceding the
fiscal year.
Applicability of competitive policy to alternative authority
for acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec. 2805)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend Subchapter IV
of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, to require that the
Secretary concerned use competitive procedures when exercising the
alternative authorities for the acquisition and improvement of military
housing. The Secretary concerned could waive competitive procedures if
he determines competition would be inconsistent with public interest and
notifies the
Congress in writing of such determination not less than 30
days before entering the agreement.
Provisions of utilities and services under alternative
authority for acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec.
2806)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2872 of
title 10, United States Code, to authorize the service secretaries to
provide utilities and services to privatized housing units located on a
military installation on a reimbursable basis. The payments received for
such services would be credited to the appropriate account or working
capital fund from which the cost of furnishing the utilities and
services was paid.
Extension of alternative authority for acquisition and
improvement of military housing (sec. 2807)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2885 of
title 10, United States Code, to extend the authority to enter a
contract for military housing privatization until February 10, 2004.
Inclusion of readiness center in definition of armory for
purposes of construction of reserve components facilities (sec. 2808)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
18232(3) of title 10, United States Code, to equate the term Readiness
Center to the term Armory. The provision would also make certain
conforming changes.
SUBTITLE B--REAL PROPERTY AND FACILITIES ADMINISTRATION
Increase in threshold for reports to Congress on real
property transactions (sec. 2811)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2662 of
title 10, United States Code, to increase the reporting threshold to
congressional defense committees for real property transactions from
$200,000 to $500,000.
Enhancements to military lease authority (sec. 2812)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2667 of
title 10, United States Code, to authorize the secretary concerned to
lease facilities that are under the control of that department and that
are not excess to the needs of that department. The secretary concerned
would be authorized to accept as compensation for the leases, either
payment in-kind or cash. The provision would clarify that in-kind
consideration may be applied at any military installation and that it
may take the following forms: maintenance, protection, alteration,
repair, improvement, or restoration of any property; construction of new
facilities for the department; provision of facilities for use by the
department; base operating support services; and other services related
to the activity that will occur on the leased property, as the secretary
considers appropriate. In the instances where the payment in-kind
payment is the construction or provision of new facilities with a value
in excess of $500,000, the secretary would not be authorized to enter
the lease until 30 days after the date on which a report on the facts of
the lease is submitted to the congressional defense committees. The
provision would further authorize the secretary concerned to use cash
proceeds from leases for maintenance, protection, alteration, repair,
improvements or restoration of property or facilities, construction or
acquisition of new facilities, lease facilities, and facilities support.
At least 50 percent of the cash payment received would be available for
use only at the military installation at which the property is located.
The provision would authorize the secretary concerned to construct or
acquire facilities in excess of $500,000 only after he submits a report
on the facts of the construction or acquisition of such facilities to
the congressional defense committees and waits 30 days. The provision
would require the Secretary of Defense to submit, not later than March
15 of each year, a report to the congressional defense committees
providing an accounting of the rental receipts and a detailed
explanation of all leases and amendments to existing leases. The
provision would also authorize the secretary concerned to indemnify the
leasee from any claim for personal injury or property damage, that
results from the release of hazardous substance, pollutants or
contaminants, petroleum, or unexploded ordnance as a result of Defense
activities on the military installation at which the leased property is
located.
Expansion of procedures for selection of conveyees under
authority to convey utility systems (sec. 2813)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2688(b)
of title 10, United States Code, to clarify that the secretary concerned
may use procedures other than competitive procedures only under the
circumstances specified in section 2304 (c) through (f) of title 10,
United States Code.
The committee believes that maximizing competition in the
privatization of utility systems within the Department of Defense is
essential to ensuring that the military receives the most efficient and
effective service and to ensuring taxpayers derive the maximum value
from the government's previous investment in these systems. However, the
committee is concerned that the Department may be inadvertently creating
barriers to competition. Specifically, the committee believes that the
Department may not be giving potential offerors enough time to respond
to its requests for proposals. This particularly affects the utilities
required to obtain permission from their regulators in order to form
teams or partnerships to respond to the Department's requirements.
Providing insufficient time for regulated entities, therefore, has the
effect of limiting competition. The Department should examine and adjust
its existing timetables to ensure that potential competitors have
adequate time to respond. Additionally, the committee believes that the
Department's efforts to bundle systems or installations into a single
solicitation for a large region may exclude entities that are only
qualified to provide one type of service, or are limited to operating
within a specific geographical area. The committee believes the
Department should structure its solicitations in a way that allows
interested entities to bid on parts of that which is being offered, as
well as the entire package, thereby ensuring that all have a fair chance
in the competition.
While the committee supports the Department's competitive
privatization efforts, it believes that the Department must be mindful
of the impacts of these efforts upon public safety and the public
interest in assuming a safe and effective network of utility systems
among multiple users. The Department should take steps, either through
reliance upon existing public utility regulatory mechanisms or through
careful contract provisions and service oversight of privatization
contracts, to protect public interests both within and without base
installation boundaries. Further, the Department should consider the
cost of protecting these public interests in the decision to privatize.
Finally, the committee applauds the Department's efforts to work with
industry, in particular the two-day, Utility Privatization Industry
Forum. The committee directs the Department to build on that effort by
taking action to eliminate barriers to full competition.
SUBTITLE C--DEFENSE BASE CLOSURE AND REALIGNMENT
Scope of agreements to transfer property to redevelopment
authorities without consideration under the base closure laws (sec.
2821)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
2905(b)(4)(B)(i) of the Department of Defense Base Closure and
Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101 510; 10
U.S.C. 2687 note) and section 204(b)(4)(B)(i) of the Defense
Authorization Amendments and Base Closure Realignment Act (title II of
Public Law 100 526; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) to clarify that the seven-year
period to account for the proceeds from any sale or lease of property
received by the redevelopment authority begins at the date of the
initial transfer of property.
SUBTITLE D--LAND CONVEYANCES
PART I--ARMY CONVEYANCES
Land conveyance, Charles Melvin Price Support Center,
Illinois (sec. 2831)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, as public benefit, if qualified, or at
fair market value, as determined by the Secretary, a parcel of real
property consisting of approximately 752 acres, including improvements
thereon, and known as the Charles Melvin Price Support Center to the
Tri-City Regional Port District of Granite City, Illinois, for the
development of a port facility and for other public purposes. The
property authorized for conveyance may include 158 military family
housing units, but only if the Port Authority agrees to accord priority
use to members of the armed services for the lease of the housing. The
Secretary may include personal property of the Army at the Charles
Melvin Price Support Center that the Secretary of Transportation
recommends is appropriate for the development or operation of the port
facility, and that the Secretary of the Army agrees is excess to the
needs of the Army. The provision would authorize the Secretary to
provide for an interim lease of the property to the Port District until
such time it is conveyed by deed. As compensation for the interim lease,
the Secretary may accept payment in-kind at less than fair market value
if the Secretary determines that it is in the public interest.
The provision would also authorize the Secretary to retain part of
the parcel, not to exceed 50 acres, for the development of an Army
Reserve Center. When the Secretary determines the acreage is no longer
required, the Secretary shall transfer the acreage to the Port District.
In determining the location of the
Army Reserve Center, the Secretary shall consider its impact
on the Port District's use of the remainder of the property.
The provision would further authorize the Secretary of the Army to
require the Port District to lease to the Department of Defense or any
other Federal Agency facilities. Any lease under this authority shall be
made under terms and conditions satisfactory to the Secretary and the
Port District. The agency leasing the facility shall provide for
maintenance of the facility, as required by all Federal, State, and
local laws and ordinances. At the end of the lease, the property would
revert to the Port Authority. As a further condition of conveyance, the
Port District would grant the Secretary of the Army an easement on the
property conveyed to permit the Secretary to implement and maintain
flood control projects. The Secretary shall be responsible for the
maintenance of any flood control project built on the easement.
Land conveyance, Lieutenant General Malcolm Hay Army Reserve
Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2832)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, at fair market value, to the City of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a parcel of real property, including
improvements, located at 950 Saw Mill Run Boulevard in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and containing the Lieutenant General Malcolm Hay Army
Reserve Center. The exact acreage and legal description of the real
property would be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
The cost of the survey would be borne by the City.
Land conveyance, Colonel Harold E. Steele Army Reserve
Center and Maintenance Shop, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2833)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, at fair market value, to the Ellis
School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a parcel of real property, including
improvements, located at 6482 Aurelia Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
and containing the Colonel Harold E. Steele Army Reserve Center and
Maintenance Shop. The exact acreage and legal description of the real
property would be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
The cost of the survey would be borne by the Ellis School.
Land conveyance, Fort Lawton, Washington (sec. 2834)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, without consideration, to the City of
Seattle, Washington, a parcel of real property at Fort Lawton,
Washington, consisting of Area 500 and Government Way from 36th Avenue
to Area 500. The purpose of the conveyance would be to include the
property in Discovery Park, Seattle, Washington.
Land conveyance, Vancouver Barracks, Washington (sec. 2835)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, without consideration, to the City of
Vancouver, Washington, a parcel of real property, including any
improvements, at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. The conveyance includes
19 structures known as the west barracks. The purpose of the conveyance
would be to include the property as part of the Vancouver National
Historic Reserve.
PART II--NAVY CONVEYANCES
Modification of land conveyance, Marine Corps Air Station,
El Toro, California (sec. 2851)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2811 of
the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1990 and
1991 (division B of Public Law 101 189; 103 Stat. 1650). The provision
would change the authority to use the monetary consideration from
construction of family housing at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin,
California, for the repair of roads and development of facilities at
Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, California.
Modification of land conveyance, Defense Fuel Supply Point,
Casco Bay, Maine (sec. 2852)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2839 of
the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995
(division B of Public Law 103 337; 108 Stat. 3065) to authorize the
Secretary of Defense to replace electric utility service removed during
environmental remediation. The provision would also authorize the
Secretary, in consultation with the community, to improve the utility
services and install telecommunications service, provided the community
funds the cost of the improvements.
Modification of land conveyance authority, former Navy
Training Center, Bainbridge, Cecil County, Maryland (sec. 2853)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 1 of an
Act to convey land in Cecil County, Maryland (Public Law 99 596; 100
Stat. 3349) to authorize the Secretary of the Navy to reduce the amount
of consideration received from the
State of Maryland by an amount equal to the cost of restoring
the historic buildings on the property. The total amount of the
reduction would not exceed $500,000.
Land conveyance, Naval Computer and Telecommunications
Station, Cutler, Maine (sec. 2854)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to convey, without consideration, a parcel of real
property, including improvements thereon, consisting of approximately
263 acres known as the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station,
Cutler, Maine, to the State of Maine, any political subdivision of the
State of Maine, or any tax-supported agency in the State of Maine. The
Secretary may require the recipient of the property to reimburse the
Secretary for any environmental assessment or other studies required
with respect to the conveyance of the property.
PART III--DEFENSE AGENCIES CONVEYANCE
Land conveyance, Army and Air Force Exchange Service
property, Farmers Branch, Texas (sec. 2871)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to convey at fair market value a parcel of real
property, owned and purchased by the Army and Air Force Exchange
Service, a non-appropriated fund instrumentality, located in Farmers
Branch, Texas. As a condition of the conveyance, the provision would
require cash payment as consideration and would require that the payment
be processed according to the Federal Property and Administrative
Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 485 (c)). The provision would waive
section 2693 of title 10, United States Code, the provisions of the
Federal Property Administrative Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.), and
section 501 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11411). The provision would also direct the Secretary to submit a
report on the conveyance to the congressional defense committees not
later than one year after the conveyance.
The committee does not intend the waivers of current law to become
general policy, instead the waivers pertain to the unique aspect of the
property authorized for conveyance. Specifically, the property is not
located on a military base, the title of the property is held by a
non-appropriated fund property, and no appropriated funds were used to
acquire, construct, rehabilitate, or improve the property.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Naming of the Army missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll
as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein
Atoll (sec. 2881)
The committee recommends a provision that would name the Army missile
testing range at the Kwajalein Atoll as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic
Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Report on Naval Foundry and Propeller Center, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
The committee is aware that the Secretary of the Navy is considering
an increase above the recommended number of submarines in the
Quadrennial Defense Review. Anticipating this future need, it is
important to ensure that all the organizations providing support to the
submarine force have sufficient resources to meet both current and
potentially increased future requirements. As the only government
facility capable of producing the highest quality silent propellers and
related equipment for submarines, the Naval Foundry and Propeller
Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an essential facility for support
of the submarine fleet. Because of its unique capability, it is critical
that the Center has sufficient facilities, equipment, and trained staff
to meet the Navy's current and future requirements.
The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to submit, not later
than March 1, 2001, a report to the congressional defense committees
that analyzes the facility, equipment, and staffing requirements of the
Naval Foundry and Propeller Center. This report should also include the
funding levels needed in future budgets to provide the needed
capabilities and capacity at the Center.
Report on requirement for Education Center at Fort Stewart, Georgia
The committee is aware that the opportunity for continuing education
while in the military is a valuable tool for enhancing recruiting and
retention of highly motivated individuals. To maximize the available
resources, several military installations have or are prepared to enter
joint cooperative agreements with State or local university systems. The
committee is aware that Fort Stewart, Georgia, has identified an
opportunity for a joint cooperative agreement with the University System
of Georgia to address the educational needs of the military personnel
and
family members stationed at the installation. However, the
lack of adequate facilities precludes the full achievement of such an
agreement. The committee is supportive of such innovative approaches to
meeting the educational needs of our military personnel and directs the
Secretary of the Army to study the requirement for and feasibility of
funding and constructing an education center at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
The study should also address the desirability of joint use of such
facility by the local community and the cost sharing arrangements that
should accompany such joint use. The Secretary should provide the
results of the study to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate by
January 15, 2001.
Study on commercial leases
The committee recognizes that the Department of Defense (DOD) has
made progress in reducing the number of commercial leases. However, the
committee believes that a more aggressive approach to relocating
activities from leased facilities to government-owned space would yield
additional savings for the Department.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives by April 1, 2001, a report that analyzes the relocation
of activities from leased facilities to available DOD owned space in
metropolitan areas that currently have vacant or underutilized DOD
property. The metropolitan areas studied should include, but not be
limited to, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and San Antonio, Texas.
Study regarding the location of the National Museum of the
United States Army
The Military Construction Authorization Act, 1985, established the
precedence that permits each service (to include the Marine Corps) to
designate one museum at one location to be the official service museum.
In response to this authority, the Department of the Navy and the
Department of the Air Force have designated official museums. The Army
and the Marine Corps have not yet specified a museum, although the
committee understands that the Marine Corps is considering a location at
the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia.
The Chief of Staff of the Army initiated a National Military Museum
of the United States Army site selection process in 1983. This process
culminated in the selection of a site within the National Capitol
Region. The proposed site was submitted for congressional approval in
both the fiscal year 1993 and fiscal year 1995. For reasons not related
to the specific site, the Congress did not approve the procurement of
the location. Since 1996, the Army has not made a concerted effort to
identify or seek congressional approval for an Army museum in the
National Capitol Region.
The committee is aware that communities have an interest in hosting
the National Military Museum of the United States Army and have
dedicated resources toward that effort. The committee supports the
establishment of a museum dedicated to honor the 225-year history of the
Army and believes that any further delay in selecting a site would not
only be a disservice to the thousands of men and women who wear the Army
uniform, but also to the communities eager to host the National Military
Museum of the United States Army. The committee directs the Secretary of
the Army to immediately initiate a new site selection process and
provide a report to the congressional defense committees not later than
one year after enactment of the National Defense Authorization Bill for
Fiscal Year 2001. The report shall include the selected site, if one is
judged appropriate, the site selection process, schedule for developing
the National Military Museum for the United States Army, and funding
sources.
DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND
OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
Atomic energy defense activities
Title XXXI authorizes appropriations for the atomic energy defense
activities of the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2001, including:
the purchase, construction, and acquisition of plant and capital
equipment; research and development; nuclear weapons; naval nuclear
propulsion; environmental restoration and waste management; operating
expenses; and other expenses necessary to carry out the purposes of the
Department of Energy Organization Act (Public Law 95 91). The title
would authorize appropriations in six categories: national nuclear
security administration; defense environmental restoration and waste
management; defense environmental management privatization; other
defense activities; Department of Energy Employees Compensation
Initiative; and defense nuclear waste disposal.
The budget request for the atomic energy defense activities totaled
$13.1 billion, an 8.3 percent increase over the adjusted fiscal year
2000 level. Of the total amount requested: $4.6 billion was for weapons
activities; $1.6 billion was for other nuclear security activities; $4.6
billion was for defense environmental restoration and waste management
activities; $1.0 billion was for defense facility closure projects;
$540.1 million was for defense environmental management privatization;
$555.1 million was for other defense activities; $112.0 million was for
defense nuclear waste disposal; $17.0 million was for a Department of
Energy Employees Compensation Initiative; and $140.0 million was for the
formerly utilized sites remedial action program.
The committee recommends $12.8 billion for atomic energy defense
activities, a decrease of $323.6 million to the budget request. The
committee recommends $6.2 billion for the national nuclear security
administration (NNSA), an increase of 37.2 million to the budget
request. The amount authorized for the NNSA is as follows: $4.7 billion
for weapons activities, an increase of $78.8 million to the budget
request; $847.0 million for defense nuclear nonproiferation, a decrease
of $59.0 million to the budget request; and $695.0 million for naval
reactors, an increase of $17.4 million to the budget request. The
committee further recommends $5.5 billion for defense environmental
restoration and waste management, including defense facility closure
projects, a decrease of $132.0 million to the budget request; $515.0
million for defense environmental management privatization, the amount
of the budget request; $466.3 million for other defense activities, a
decrease of $88.8 million to the budget request; $17.0 million for a
Department of Energy Employees Compensation Initiative, the amount of
the budget request; and $112.0 million for defense nuclear waste
disposal, the amount of the budget request. The committee recommends no
funding for the formerly utilized sites remedial action program,
representing a decrease of $140.0 million to the budget request.
The following table summarizes the budget request and the committee
recommendations:
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National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3101)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $6.2
billion for activities of the Department of Energy (DOE) National
Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), an increase of $97.3 million to
the budget request.
Weapons activities
The committee recommends $4.6 billion for weapons activities, an
increase of $78.8 million to the budget request. The amount authorized
is for the following activities: $842.6 million for directed stockpile
work, an increase of $6.0 million; $1.5 billion for campaigns, an
increase of $447.1 million; $1.5 billion for readiness in technical base
and facilities, a decrease of $405.8 million; $115.7 million for secure
transportation assets, the amount of the budget request; $448.2 million
for construction, an increase of $34.0 million; and $221.6 million for
program direction, a decrease of $2.5 million.
DIRECTED STOCKPILE WORK
In the directed stockpile work account, the committee recommends an
increase of $6.0 million to the budget request for a cooperative
research effort with the Department of Defense regarding defeating hard
and deeply buried targets.
CAMPAIGNS
In the campaigns account, the committee recommends an increase of
$10.0 million to the budget request for the pit manufacturing readiness
campaign to begin conceptual design activities for a pit production
facility adequate to meet future national security needs; an increase of
$477.1 million to the defense computing and modeling campaign to reflect
the consolidation of all defense computing and modeling activities into
a single program line item; a decrease of $20.0 million to the defense
computing and modeling campaign to reflect delays in acquisition of the
100-trillion-operations-per-second computer platform; a decrease of $5.0
million to the defense computing and modeling campaign to slow the rate
of growth in the Visual Interactive Environment Weapon Simulation
(VIEWS) program; and a decrease of $15.0 million to the defense
computing and modeling campaign to slow the rate of growth in university
partnership activities. The authorized amounts for both the VIEWS and
university partnerships programs represents an increase over fiscal year
2000 funding levels.
The committee notes that the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1996 (Public Law 104 106) requires that the Nuclear
Emergency Search Team remain a program function within the Office of
Military Applications under the Office of Defense Programs. The
committee further notes that the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 104 65) directed the Secretary of Energy to
slow the rate of growth in the Advanced Strategic Computing Initiative
and Strategic Computing accounts. Finally, the committee is aware that
the November 8, 1999, report of the Panel to Assess the Reliability,
Safety, and Security of the U.S. Nuclear Stockpile stated that its
``paramount concern'' with the DOE stockpile stewardship program ``. . .
is the need to begin work now on an adequate plutonium pit production
manufacturing capability.'' The committee endorses this finding and
directs the Secretary of Energy to begin conceptual design activities
for a pit production facility with a capacity adequate to meet future
national security needs immediately.
READINESS IN TECHNICAL BASE AND FACILITIES
In the budget request for the readiness in technical base and
facilities account, the committee recommends: an increase of $56.3
million to reflect the movement of the nuclear emergency search team and
accident response group from the other defense activities emergency
management account to the weapons activities account; and an increase of
$15.0 million for the Kansas City, Pantex, and Y 12 plants to continue
advanced manufacturing, modernization, infrastructure improvement, and
skills retention efforts.
CONSTRUCTION
In the construction account, the committee recommends an increase of
$34.0 million to the budget request for continued preliminary design and
engineering development activities in the accelerator production of
tritium program.
PROGRAM DIRECTION
In the program direction account, the committee recommends a decrease
of $2.5 million to the budget request.
The committee recommends moving the nuclear emergency response
programs from the other defense account into the weapons activities
account. The amount authorized for program direction reflects an
increase of $2.5 million to account for the salaries of those federal
employees who will likewise be transferred.
The committee directs that the proposed decrease to the program
direction account be achieved through the reorganization and realignment
of headquarters and field office roles and responsibilities. The
committee believes that the performance of
the Office of Defense Programs will be improved by eliminating
duplicative efforts and by streamlining management control of DOE
weapons activities.
The committee continues to believe that the Office of Defense
Programs is overstaffed. The committee notes that several independent
assessments of the organizational structure of the Office of Defense
Programs, dating back as far as calendar year 1997, have also concluded
that the Office of Defense Programs would benefit from a realignment of
headquarters and field organization personnel. The committee expects the
Department to utilize the authority to make voluntary separation
incentive payments authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) to fully implement the
realignment recommendations described in the calendar year 1997 report
by the Institute for Defense Analysis.
BUDGET STRUCTURE FOR OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR DEFENSE
PROGRAMS
The committee commends the Office of Defense Programs for
establishing a more detailed and transparent budget structure. The
committee continues to believe that this new budget structure will
greatly enhance the effectiveness of these programs and instill a higher
degree of budgetary discipline in the Office of Defense Programs. The
committee further believes that the new budget structure will also
assist Congress in assessing the degree of integration among varied
experiments, simulation, research, and weapons assessments activities
carried out at the Department's weapons laboratories and production
plants. The committee directs that future budget requests for weapons
activities clearly identify the funding required for each campaign and
each program element under the directed stockpile work and readiness in
technical base and facilities accounts.
ADVANCED SIMULATION AND COMPUTING
The committee continues to support the Advanced Simulation and
Computing program, including the Advanced Strategic Computing Initiative
(ASCI) and Stockpile Computing program. However, the committee believes
that the Department has not fully integrated these programs with the
experimental facilities and capabilities that are envisioned for the
stockpile stewardship and management program. The committee remains
concerned that the rate of growth in this program is not fully
justified. The committee notes that the acquisition schedule for the
100-trillion-operations-per-second, ASCI-Blue computer to be located at
the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has slipped by as much as two
years, yet the budget request reflects no related decrease in funding to
account for the delayed delivery of this machine.
The committee is also concerned that the rate of growth in the
Advanced Simulation and Computing program is taking resources away from
other, equally important, programmatic requirements of the Office of
Defense Programs. The committee notes that even at this reduced level of
funding, the Advanced Simulation and Computing programs will experience
significant growth in the level of funding over fiscal years 1998, 1999,
and 2000 funding levels.
The committee continues to support the utilization of the
capabilities and facilities of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center to
better meet the Department's supercomputing needs in lieu of planned
acquisitions proposed within the Advanced Simulation and Computing
program.
TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for campaigns, the
committee recommends $10.0 million for the American Textiles Partnership
(AMTEX) project. The committee recommends these funds in order to
complete work on this partnership in fiscal year 2001. The committee
notes the AMTEX project was projected to conclude in fiscal year 2000,
but that the Department of Energy failed to obligate the full amount of
funds authorized for the project in that fiscal year.
TRITIUM PRODUCTION
Of the funds available in the tritium readiness campaign account, the
committee recommends $58.0 million for the Commercial Light Water
Reactor program and $53.0 million for the Accelerator Production of
Tritium (APT) program.
The committee recommended an increase in the tritium production
account to allow DOE to comply with the requirements of section 3134 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law
106 65). The committee notes that the request was insufficient to
complete preliminary design and engineering development of critical
components of the APT technology, as required by section 3134 and the
Secretary of Energy's December 22, 1998, tritium decision.
The committee is disappointed that the Secretary of Energy failed to
request adequate funds to implement the December 1998, tritium decision
and meet the requirements set forth in section 3134 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65). The
committee has reduced funding in the defense computing and simulation
account to bring the Department into compliance with the Secretary's
December 1998, tritium decision and the requirements set forth in
section 3134 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS EMPHASIS AND EFFECTS
Of the funds available for directed stockpile work, the committee
recommends $5.0 million for a cooperative program with the Defense
Threat Reduction Agency to re-establish a vigorous nuclear weapon
effects test capability. The program shall emphasize the need to invest
in all elements of nuclear weapon effects technologies, including basic
phenomenology, analysis and modeling, radiation effects simulation, and
hardening technologies.
DEFENSE MEDICAL DEVICES PROTOTYPING PILOT
The committee recommends that, of the funds available for campaigns,
up to $6.0 million be made available for the Defense medical devices
prototyping pilot program. Such funds are available only for activities
that support the national security missions of DOE and established
missions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). No weapons
activities funds shall be available for any activity that is not carried
out pursuant to a cooperative agreement between DOE and NIH. Any weapons
activities funds utilized must be leveraged with at least equal funding
from NIH.
Defense nuclear nonproliferation
The committee recommends $847.0 million for defense nuclear
nonproliferation, a decrease of $59.0 million to the budget request of
$906.0 million. The amount authorized is for the following activities:
$262.9 million for nonproliferation verification research and
development, an increase of $30.0 million; $308.1 million for arms
control, a decrease of $100.0 million; $224.5 million for fissile
materials control and disposition, an increase of $1.1 million; and
$51.5 million for program direction, the amount of the budget request.
The committee notes that the Department of Energy Defense Nuclear
Nonproliferation Program was formerly known as the nonproliferation and
national security account during fiscal year 2000. Because DOE did not
request these funds under separate budget accounts, as required by
section 3251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000, (Public Law 106- 65), the committee has renamed and consolidated
these accounts, including program direction, into a single account
titled National Nuclear Security Administration to meet the statutory
requirements.
FISSILE MATERIALS CONTROL AND DISPOSITION
In the fissile materials control and disposition account, the
committee recommends an increase of $11.0 million to the budget request
to accelerate design activities for the mixed oxide fuel fabrication
facility and a decrease of $9.9 million to reflect consolidation of all
Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation program direction funds into a single
account, consistent with the requirements of title 32 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65).
Naval reactors
The committee recommends $695.0 million for naval reactors, an
increase of $17.5 million to the budget request for expedited
decommissioning and decontamination activities at surplus facilities.
Safeguards and security activities
The committee directs that all funds authorized to be appropriated
pursuant to this section be managed exclusively by line programs within
the NNSA.
Defense environmental restoration and waste management (sec. 3102)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $5.5
billion for environmental management activities of the Department of
Energy (DOE), excluding defense environmental management privatization
and including defense facilities closure projects, for a net reduction
of $132.0 million. The amount authorized is for the following
activities: $1.1 billion for closure projects, the amount of the
request; $930.1 million for site and project completion, a reduction of
$40.0 million; $3.0 billion for post 2006 completion, a decrease of
$80.0 million; $246.0 million for technology development, an increase of
$50.0 million; and $191.5 million for program direction, a decrease of
$5.0 million. The committee also recommends a decrease of $57.0 million
to account for available uncosted, unobligated prior year funds and
funds to be deobligated from completed, prior year construction
projects.
The committee directs that future year requests for defense
environmental restoration and waste management include the request for
defense facility closure projects.
POST 2006 COMPLETION
In relation to the budget request for the Post 2006 completion
account, the committee recommends: an increase of $10.0 million to
address planning, research, demonstration, and
other requirements associated with modification of the
Savannah River in-tank precipitation process; an increase of $10.0
million for the Columbia River Corridor Initiative at Hanford to
continue reactor decontamination and decommissioning activities; a
decrease of $25.0 million in the defense contribution to the uranium
decommission and decontamination fund; a decrease of $57.0 million to
account for increased contractor efficiencies to be gained through
contract management reforms and construction project management
improvements; and a decrease of $18.0 million to reflect the movement of
the Environmental Systems Research and Analysis program into the Science
and Technology Development account.
The committee recommends full funding for the F-canyon and H-canyon
materials processing facilities.
SITE AND PROJECT COMPLETION
In relation to the budget request for the site and project completion
account, the committee recommends a decrease of $37.0 million to account
for increased contractor efficiencies to be gained through contract
management reforms and construction project management improvements and
a decrease of $3.0 million to reflect the movement of the Environmental
Systems Research and Analysis program into the Science and Technology
Development account.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
In relation to the budget request for the science and technology
development account, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million for applied research and development activities. The amount
authorized reflects the movement of the Environmental Systems Research
and Analysis program into the Science and Technology Development account
from the Post 2006 and Site and Project Completion accounts.
The committee supports the integration of industrial programs and
university based programs into the Environmental Management technology
focus areas. The committee understands that this approach will better
link such research efforts with site needs. The committee believes that
the Office of Science and Technology cannot meet its objectives without
the active participation of industry and academia. The committee
encourages the Office of Science and Technology to continue its
inclusion of industry and universities in technology development and
deployment activities.
The committee notes that the Department's cleanup and waste
management efforts will continue well into the 21st Century with costs
anticipated to exceed $150.0 billion and much of the cleanup work
scheduled to continue beyond fiscal year 2030. DOE must make meaningful
investments in innovative science and technology in order to reduce
costs, reduce safety and health risks, and develop solutions to problems
for which there are currently no available or effective technologies.
Over the past several years DOE has started to focus the
environmental management research and development efforts to the cleanup
requirements of the various sites and facilities. This effort has
started to show significant progress in developing new technologies and
making them available for cleanup and waste treatment and in
substantially reducing the costs of those activities. In the past, DOE
has utilized the research capabilities of Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCU)and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) with
great success. The committee is supportive of these efforts and
encourages the DOE to expand the research conducted at HBCUs and HSIs.
While in many instances there are no technologies or inadequate
technologies to treat accumulated waste or to clean up DOE sites and
facilities, in many instances DOE has successfully adapted or
incorporated existing technologies into the Environmental Management
Program. For example, DOE has been able to adapt several new
technologies from the oil industry and has had considerable success with
horizontal drilling techniques devised by the oil industry. The
committee is aware of several other technologies available to the oil
industry such as macro-encapsulation technology that could possibly be
used by the DOE Office of Environmental Management. The committee
encourages DOE to take advantage of these and other technologies
developed by the oil industry that could be helpful to DOE, as well as
any other technologies already developed and utilized by industry.
PROGRAM DIRECTION
In relation to the program direction account, the committee
recommends $354.9 million, a decrease of $5.0 million.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The committee recommends $5.9 million for the Hazardous Materials
Management and Emergency Response training facility in Richland,
Washington, to be offset by contributions from facility users.
COLUMBIA RIVER CORRIDOR INITIATIVE
The committee supports the Columbia River Corridor Initiative to
accelerate cleanup along the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. The
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106
65) directed the Assistant
Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management to establish
a schedule by which the 100 square miles of the Hanford site that adjoin
the Columbia River could be cleaned up on an accelerated schedule and
proposed for delisting from the Environmental Protection Agency's
National Priorities List. The committee notes that this schedule has not
been submitted to Congress. The committee expects that this report will
be provided not later than November 1, 2000.
USE OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERFORMANCE INSURANCE AT DOE CLEANUP SITES
The committee directs the Secretary of Energy to report to the
congressional defense committees, not later than February 1, 2001,
regarding the use of private insurers by contractors to the Department
of Energy to underwrite professional and performance liability risks
related to contracts administered by the Office of Environmental
Management (EM). The report shall identify: (1) those contracts that
include insurance requirements or accommodate insurance costs; (2) the
costs and benefits for such insurance coverage, including the
desirability of mandating such coverage in all EM cleanup contracts and
an assessment of the prudence value of third party evaluation of
contract objectives; (3) the costs to the U.S. Government of failure to
require such coverage, including litigation and arbitration expenses and
any delays meeting cleanup objectives; and (4) a comparison of the DOE
contract requirements to those at commercial cleanup sites with similar
coverage. The report shall further assess the desirability of utilizing
private insurers or other entities to provide remediation guarantees for
EM cleanup contracts, specifically for fixed price remediation projects.
REPORT ON PILOT PROGRAM TO USE PRIOR YEAR UNOBLIGATED BALANCES TO
ACCELERATE CLEANUP OF THE ROCKY FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY SITE
The committee encourages the Secretary to Energy to use the authority
provided by section 3176 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 to accelerate closure of the Rocky Flats Environmental
Technology Site (RFETS).
SAFEGUARDS AND SECURITY ACTIVITIES
The committee directs that all funds authorized to be appropriated
pursuant to this section be managed exclusively by the Assistant
Secretary for Environmental Management.
Other defense activities (sec. 3103)
The committee authorizes $466.3 billion for other defense activities,
a decrease of $88.8 million to the budget request. The reduction
reflects a decrease of $50.0 million to account for available uncosted,
unobligated prior year funds and funds to be deobligated from completed,
prior year construction projects.
Intelligence
The committee recommends $38.1 million for the Office of
Intelligence, the amount of the budget request.
Counterintelligence
The committee recommends $75.2 million for the Office of
Counterintelligence, an increase of $30.0 million to the budget request.
The committee directs that these funds be utilized to continue
implementation of an enhanced computer security program at Department of
Energy facilities, including cyber security measures such as intrusion
detection, early warning, reporting, and analysis capabilities and a
computer vulnerability assessment. The committee directs that priority
be given to implementing such added computer security at the three
nuclear weapons laboratories.
Security and emergency operations
NUCLEAR SAFEGUARDS AND SECURITY
The committee recommends $124.4 million for safeguards and security,
the amount of the budget request.
SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS
The committee recommends $33.0 million for security investigations,
the amount of the budget request. The committee notes that of these
funds, $20.0 million is authorized in line program accounts and is
reflected as an offset to the Other Defense Activities account.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The committee recommends $37.3 million for emergency management, a
decrease of $56.3 million to the budget request. The reduction reflects
movement of the nuclear emergency search team and accident response
group programs to the weapons activities account authorized in section
3101(a)(1) of this Act. No emergency management funds are authorized for
these activities.
PROGRAM DIRECTION
The committee recommends $86.9 million for program direction, a
decrease of $2.5 million to the budget request. This reduction reflects
the movement of nuclear emergency response programs to the weapons
activities account.
Independent oversight and performance assurance
The committee recommends $14.9 million for independent oversight and
performance assurance, the amount of the budget request.
Environment, safety and health-defense
The committee recommends $99.1 million for environment, safety and
health-defense, a decrease of $10.0 million to the budget request. The
reduction would be taken from proposed increases in risk and health
studies at Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities that do not
directly support the national security missions of the Department and,
therefore, are not appropriately funded in this account.
Worker and community transition
The committee recommends $24.5 million for worker and community
transition, the amount of the budget request.
The committee endorses the Department of Energy's (DOE) decision to
remove the requirement that management and operating contracts at DOE
sites include provisions for conducting economic development activities
in the communities surrounding such sites. The committee encourages DOE
contractors to continue to be good corporate citizens by supporting
community-based initiatives. The committee believes, however, that
economic development activities of DOE contractors should not be used as
a measure of performance or as a selection criteria for the award of
contracts.
Office of Hearings and Appeals
The committee recommends $3.0 million for the Office of Hearings and
Appeals, the amount of the budget request.
Defense environmental management privatization (sec. 3104)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $515.0
million for defense environmental management privatization projects, the
amount of the budget request. The amount authorized is for the following
projects: $450.0 million for the Tank Waste Remediation System Project,
phase I (Richland); $65.0 million for the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment
project (Idaho); and $25.1 million for spent nuclear fuel dry storage
(Idaho). The amount authorized is reduced by $25.1 million to reflect
the use of prior year, uncosted balances in the defense environmental
management privatization account.
The committee is deeply concerned with the status of the Tank Waste
Remediation System (TWRS) project. The committee understands that cost
estimates for the construction portion of this project have increased
from $3.2 billion to $6.4 billion, translating into a total estimated
project cost increase from $6.9 billion to over $13.0 billion. The
committee further understands that these cost estimates are based on a
project design that is only 13 to 15 percent complete and, therefore,
subject to additional change.
The committee fully supports the TWRS project and believes that the
technological approach proposed is viable and realistic. The committee
also believes it is vitally important that this project proceed to full
scale construction only when the Department of Energy has a high degree
of confidence in the overall project cost and other facility
requirements. The committee believes that the Secretary of Energy should
not enter into a fixed price contract for this project until the
contractor has, at a minimum, completed not less than 40 percent of the
project design activities.
Energy employees compensation initiative (sec. 3105)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $17.0
million for the establishment of an energy employees compensation fund
to compensate Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employees that have
proven health or other medical problems that are directly related to
their employment at a DOE nuclear facility.
Defense nuclear waste disposal (sec. 3106)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $112.0
million for the Department of Energy fiscal year 2001 defense
contribution to the Defense Nuclear Waste Fund.
SUBTITLE B--RECURRING GENERAL PROVISIONS
Reprogramming (sec. 3121)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
reprogramming of funds in excess of 110 percent of the amount authorized
for the program, or in excess of $1.0 million above
the amount authorized for the program, until the Secretary of
Energy submits a report to the congressional defense committees and a
period of 30 days has elapsed after the date on which the report is
received.
Limits on general plant projects (sec. 3122)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Energy to carry out any construction project authorized
under general plant projects if the total estimated cost does not exceed
$5.0 million. The provision would require the Secretary to submit a
report to the congressional defense committees detailing the reasons for
the cost variation if the cost of the project is revised to exceed $5.0
million.
Limits on construction projects (sec. 3123)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit any
construction project to be initiated and continued only if the estimated
cost for the project does not exceed 125 percent of the higher of the
amount authorized for the project or the most recent total estimated
cost presented to the Congress as justification for such project. The
provision would prohibit the Secretary of Energy from exceeding such
limits until 30 legislative days after the Secretary submits to the
congressional defense committees a detailed report setting forth the
reasons for the increase. This provision would also specify that the 125
percent limitation would not apply to projects estimated to cost under
$5.0 million.
Fund transfer authority (sec. 3124)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit funds
authorized by this Act to be transferred to other agencies of the
government for performance of work for which the funds were authorized
and appropriated. The provision would permit the merger of such
transferred funds with the authorizations of the agency to which they
are transferred. The provision would also limit, to not more than five
percent of the account, the amount of funds authorized by this Act that
may be transferred between authorization accounts within the Department
of Energy.
Authority for conceptual and construction design (sec. 3125)
The committee recommends a provision that would limit the authority
of the Secretary of Energy to request construction funding until the
Secretary has completed a conceptual design. This limitation would apply
to construction projects with a total estimated cost greater than $5.0
million. If the estimated cost to prepare the construction design
exceeds $600,000, the provision would require the Secretary to obtain a
specific authorization to obligate such funds. If the estimated cost to
prepare the conceptual design exceeds $3.0 million, the provision would
require the Secretary to request funds for the conceptual design before
requesting funds for construction. The provision would also provide an
exception to these requirements in the case of an emergency.
The committee directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report on
each conceptual design completed under this provision.
Authority for emergency planning, design, and construction
activities (sec. 3126)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit the Secretary
of Energy to perform planning and design with any funds available to the
Department of Energy pursuant to this title, including those funds
authorized for advance planning and construction design, whenever the
Secretary determines that the design must proceed expeditiously to
protect the public health and safety, to meet the needs of national
defense, or to protect property.
Funds available for all national security programs of the
Department of Energy (sec. 3127)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize, subject to
section 3121 of this Act, amounts to be appropriated for management and
support activities and for general plant projects to be made available
for use in connection with all national security programs of the
Department of Energy.
Availability of funds (sec. 3128)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize amounts to
be appropriated for operating expenses or for plant and capital
equipment for the Department of Energy to remain available until
expended. Program direction funds would remain available until the end
of fiscal year 2003.
Transfer of defense environmental management funds (sec. 3129)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide the manager
of each field office of the Department of Energy with limited authority
to transfer up to $5.0 million in fiscal year 2001 defense environmental
management funds from one program or project under the jurisdiction of
the office to another such program or project, once in a fiscal year.
SUBTITLE C--NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Term of office of person first appointed as Under Secretary
for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy (sec. 3031)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish a fixed
term of office for the first individual appointed as the Under Secretary
for Nuclear Security at the Department of Energy. The individual shall
be subject to removal by the President only for inefficiency, neglect of
duty, or malfeasance in office.
Membership of Under Secretary for Nuclear Security on the
Joint Nuclear Weapons Council (sec. 3132)
The committee recommends a provision that would designate the Under
Secretary for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy (DOE) to
serve as the DOE representative on the Joint Nuclear Weapons Council.
Scope of authority of Secretary of Energy to modify
organization of National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3133)
The committee recommends a provision that would limit the authority
of the Secretary of Energy to reorganize, abolish, alter, consolidate,
or discontinue any organizational unit or component of the National
Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
Prohibition on pay of personnel engaged in concurrent
service or duties inside and outside National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3134)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the use of
any funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to
the Department of Energy (DOE) by this or any other Act to pay the basic
pay of an officer or employee of DOE who: (1) serves concurrently in a
position in the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and a
position outside the NNSA; or (2) performs concurrently the duties of a
position in the NNSA and the duties of a position outside the NNSA.
The committee notes that this provision would not apply to detailees
who are assigned to serve in position within the NNSA from other federal
agencies, other DOE organizations, or private entities under a loaned
executive program if such employees do not fulfill any of the duties of
their permanent organization during the period of their detail.
The provision prohibits any detailees from serving in enumerated
positions specifically defined in title 32 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65).
Organization plan for field offices of the National Nuclear
Security Administration (sec. 3135)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Under
Secretary for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy to develop an
appropriate staffing and organization plan to carry out the activities
of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The plan would
identify: (1) the roles and responsibilities to be assigned to each NNSA
field organizational unit and the NNSA headquarters organization; (2)
any modifications, downsizing, eliminations, or consolidations of field
offices; (3) any modifications to headquarters and field office staffing
levels that the Under Secretary determines are necessary to implement
the plan; and (4) a schedule by which the plan could be implemented. The
plan would be submitted to the congressional defense committees not
later than March 1, 2001.
Future-years nuclear security program (sec. 3136)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Under
Secretary for Nuclear Security to submit a future-years nuclear security
program plan that would contain the estimated expenditures necessary to
support the programs, projects, and activities of the National Nuclear
Security Administration (NNSA), including the anticipated workload
requirements at each site under the jurisdiction of the NNSA, for fiscal
year 2001 and the subsequent five-year period. The provision would
require that the Administrator of the NNSA identify how funds authorized
under each program element in the weapons activities account support the
reliability and safety of the nuclear weapons stockpile. The provision
would further require that the first report be submitted to Congress not
later than November 1, 2000.
The committee notes that the Secretary of Energy was required by
section 3135 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1997 (Public Law 104 201) and section 3253 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) to provide a
five-year budget plan, and that the Secretary failed to comply with such
requirements. The committee further notes that the Secretary of Defense
provides such future-year budget data to Congress with the President's
budget request. The committee believes that such a plan will provide an
important planning tool for the Secretary, the Administrator, and the
Congress, and would serve as a baseline
upon which the congressional defense committees can better
evaluate succeeding budget submissions.
Cooperative research and development of the National Nuclear
Security Administration (sec. 3137)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish cooperative
research and development objectives for the Administrator of the
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and require that such
cooperative research and development be consistent with and support the
missions of the National Nuclear Security Administration. The provision
would establish a goal of obligating 0.5 percent of NNSA funds available
during fiscal years 2001 and 2002 for cooperative research and
development agreements, or similar cooperative, cost-shared research
partnerships with non-federal organizations. The provision would further
require the Administrator of the NNSA to submit a report to the
congressional defense committees setting forth a recommendation as to
the appropriate percentage goal levels. The provision would require
that, beginning in March 2002, and no later than the end of March of
each year thereafter, the Administrator report to Congress on whether
the goals of this section have been met in the previous fiscal year. If
the goals have not been met, the provision would require the
Administrator to describe the actions he or she will take to achieve
such goals and provide any legislative changes recommended to achieve
them.
SUBTITLE D--PROGRAM AUTHORIZATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Processing, treatment, and disposition of legacy nuclear
materials (sec. 3151)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Energy to maintain a high state of readiness at the F-canyon and
H-canyon facilities at the Savannah River site. The provision would
further prohibit use of funds to begin decommissioning activities at the
F-canyon facility, including studies and planning, until the Defense
Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and the Secretary of Energy submit a
report certifying that all materials currently present in the facility
are safely stabilized and the requirements for the facility to meet
future fissile materials disposition needs can be fully met utilizing
the H-canyon facility. The provision would require the Secretary to
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives a plan describing how all long-term chemical
separations activities would be transferred from the F-canyon facility
to the H-canyon facility beginning in fiscal year 2002. The report would
be submitted not later than February 15, 2001.
Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (sec. 3152)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the use of
any funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to
the Department of Energy by this or any other Act for travel by the
Secretary of Energy or any employees of the Office of Secretary of
Energy after March 1, 2001, unless or until the Secretary certifies to
the congressional defense committees that the Department will not
utilize Atomic Energy Defense funding to conduct treatment, storage, or
disposal activities at sites designated as Formerly Utilized Sites
Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).
The committee notes that the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) prohibits any Atomic Energy Defense
funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to the
Department of Energy for any fiscal year after fiscal year 1999 from
being obligated or expended to conduct treatment, storage, or disposal
activities at sites designated as FUSRAP sites. The committee continues
to support the cleanup of FUSRAP sites in an expeditious, cost-effective
manner. The committee, however, does not support the use of scarce
Atomic Energy Defense funds for this purpose.
Department of Energy Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
Program (sec. 3153)
The budget request included $682.6 million for the Arms Control and
Nonproliferation and Verification Research and Development programs of
the DOE Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program under the National
Nuclear Security Administration. While the committee considers the
activities included in this account important to U.S. national security,
the committee is concerned with the proposed increase of 25 percent in
funding over the fiscal year 2000 appropriated level. The committee
believes this level of growth is unjustified. Therefore, the committee
recommends $571.1 million for this account in fiscal year 2001, a
decrease of $111.6 million from the budget request, reflecting a net
increase of $65.4 million over the fiscal year 2000 appropriated level.
ARMS CONTROL PROGRAM
The budget request included $408.6 million for the programs contained
within the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program's Arms Control
Program account. The committee notes that this
account was formerly included in the nonproliferation and
national security account during fiscal year 2000. The committee
recommends $308.0 million for fiscal year 2001, a reduction of $100.0
million.
The budget request included $272.8 million for the Arms Control
Operations Program within the Arms Control Program account. While the
committee supports this request, the committee is concerned that DOE has
not been funding a number of programs within the Arms Control Operations
Program at levels intended by the Congress due to budgetary constraints
in some of the other programs within the Arms Control Program.
Therefore, the committee directs that the following programs within the
Arms Control Operations Program receive no more than the following
amount of funding: $144.8 million for the Material Protection, Control,
and Accounting Program; $5 million for the International Emergency
Cooperation Program; $14.0 million for the Export Control Operations
Program; $16.0 million for the Spent Fuel Activities in Kazakhstan
Program; $17.5 million for the Nuclear Cities Initiative (NCI); $22.5
million for the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention Program (IPP);
$15.2 million for the Transparent and Irreversible Nuclear Reductions
Program; and $37.6 million for other arms control program activities.
MATERIAL PROTECTION, CONTROL, AND ACCOUNTING PROGRAM
The budget request included $144.8 million for the Material
Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) Program. The committee
supports this request, however, the committee is concerned with the
findings of a recent General Accounting Office report on this program.
Approximately half of the threat reduction funds spent to date by DOE
have been expended by the MPC&A Program. In March 2000, the GAO issued a
report entitled ``Limited Progress in Improving Nuclear Material
Security in Russia and the Newly Independent States.'' The report found
that the MPC&A Program had spent $481.2 million dollars in Russia and
the newly independent states since the program's inception in 1994.
These funds were spent for a variety of MPC&A activities, including
security training, improvements to weapons-usable nuclear materials
transport vehicles, and have improved the security of approximately 70
percent of the total weapons-usable material at risk. Just seven percent
of the weapons-usable material at risk for theft or diversion, however,
has been protected by fully installed security systems.
The committee is concerned that for almost half a billion dollars
invested in this threat reduction work, the MPC&A Program has not made
significant progress toward reducing the threat posed by unsecured
weapons-usable nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union. Therefore,
the committee recommends a provision requiring DOE to provide an annual
report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the MPC&A
Program that describes the status of securing weapons-usable nuclear
material identified by DOE as being at risk for theft and diversion that
has received complete and integrated material protection, control, and
accounting systems in Russia. The report should specifically describe:
(1) the number of buildings and site locations with completed and
integrated material protection, control, and accounting upgraded
systems; (2) the total amount of highly-enriched uranium and plutonium
secured to date in Russia under the auspices of the program; (3) the
amount of weapons-usable nuclear material remaining that still requires
complete and integrated material protection, control, and accounting
systems; (4) the out year budget costs and planning estimated to secure
the remaining material; and (5) the total cost to date and by fiscal
year of the completed material protection, control, and accounting
systems. This report for the previous fiscal year is due no later than
January 1, each year during the lifetime of the program. The first
report, covering fiscal year 2000 is due January 1, 2001.
According to the March 2000 GAO report, little progress has been made
in installing nuclear security systems in Russia's nuclear weapons
complex, where over 90 percent of all the nuclear material in the former
Soviet Union is located. This is primarily due to the reluctance of
Russian officials to grant DOE access to buildings in the nuclear
weapons complex. It is the committee's understanding that DOE is
negotiating with Russia to gain better access in the nuclear weapons
complex, but to date no agreement has been achieved.
The committee believes obtaining an appropriate access policy is
necessary to ensure that U.S. funding for this program achieves its
intended purpose. Because the MPC&A Program has enjoyed good access at
the Russian Navy sites utilizing a model that is acceptable to both
parties, the committee recommends that this model be examined as an
option for gaining access to the nuclear weapons complex. The committee
believes that until such an access policy is agreed to, the MPC&A
Program will be unable to adequately address the threat of unsecured
weapons-usable nuclear materials in Russia. Therefore, the committee
recommends a provision prohibiting the obligation of funds for any MPC&A
Program projects in the Russian weapons complex after October 1, 2000,
until an access policy is agreed to with the Russians and implemented by
the Secretary of Energy. The committee requires the Secretary of Energy
to notify the committee in writing that an access policy has been
established and implemented prior to obligating funds for an MPC&A
Program project in the Russian nuclear weapons complex.
Nuclear cities initiative
The budget request included $17.5 million for the NCI, an increase of
$10.0 million over the fiscal year 2000 appropriated level. The
committee supports this request. As part of its efforts to address the
threat posed by diversion of former Soviet Union scientific expertise,
DOE created the NCI in 1998 to work exclusively in Russia's closed
cities to create jobs for displaced Russian workers in the nuclear
complex, and to assist the Russian Federation in reducing the size of
its nuclear weapons complex.
Last year the committee included a provision prohibiting funds for
the NCI from being obligated or expended until the Secretary of Energy
certified to Congress that Russia had agreed to close some of its
facilities engaged in work on weapons of mass destruction. The committee
was disappointed by the certification provided by the Secretary of
Energy pursuant to this provision. The evidence provided by the
Secretary to support the certification failed to demonstrate that an
agreement had been reached between the United States and the Russian
Federation stating that Russia would close some of its facilities
engaged in work on weapons of mass destruction, as the committee had
intended.
The committee continues to believe that a binding agreement should be
concluded to ensure the U.S. taxpayer that their investment in this
program is facilitating closure of some facilities of the Russian
nuclear weapons complex, thereby effectively reducing this threat to
U.S. national security. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision
which reiterates its requirement that of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated for the NCI Program, no funds may be obligated or expended
for purposes of providing assistance under this program to more than
three nuclear cities, and more than two serial production facilities in
Russia in fiscal year 2001, until 30 days after the Secretary of Energy
reports to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, in writing,
that a signed agreement has been reached between the U. S. Government
and the Government of the Russian Federation that provides that Russia
will close some of its facilities engaged in nuclear weapons assembly
and disassembly work.
The committee notes the similarity between the projects in the NCI
and those of the IPP Program. Last year the committee imposed project
review procedures for the IPP Program to improve the program management
and effectiveness of IPP projects in Russia. Since those requirements
were imposed, the IPP Program has been able to demonstrate to Congress
an effective process for evaluating projects to identify those that have
the greatest likelihood for success and to ensure that these projects
are consistent with U.S. national security interests. Since the IPP and
the NCI have similar objectives, the committee believes that a similar
project review procedure should be instituted for NCI projects.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision requiring that no more
than 50 percent of the funds made available for the NCI for fiscal year
2001 may be obligated until after the Secretary of Energy establishes
and implements project review procedures for projects under the NCI.
These procedures must ensure that all scientific, technical, and
commercial projects proposed under the NCI: will not enhance Russian
military or weapons of mass destruction capabilities; are not
inadvertently transferred or utilized for military purposes; are
commercially viable; and have a commercial, industrial or other
nonprofit entity partner. A report on the project review procedures
established and implemented for NCI projects shall be submitted to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House not later than
January 1, 2001.
INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR SAFETY PROGRAM
The budget request included $20 million for the International Nuclear
Safety Program. The committee supports this request, however the
committee is troubled by the expanding scope of the program. The
committee believes the program has inappropriately expanded beyond its
mission of working to improve the safety of Soviet-designed reactors and
upgrading the nuclear safety infrastructure of the countries where these
reactors operate. In particular, the committee is concerned that program
funds are being used to fund such items as environmental centers and DOE
representative offices in Paris and Tokyo. Since the program has not yet
completed its safety and training mission, the committee is concerned
that its expanding scope has hampered the program from realizing its
intended goal of nuclear safety. The committee believes that the program
should refocus its efforts on addressing the most immediate safety
concerns, such as providing fire doors for these facilities to prevent
fires from spreading from area to area within these reactor facilities,
and providing sufficient training to minimize human error, a lead cause
of reactor accidents. The committee directs the funding authorized to be
appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2001 for the
International Nuclear Safety program shall be available only for
purposes of providing basic nuclear safety upgrades and training related
to preventing nuclear operator error and improving the operational
safety of Soviet designed nuclear reactors.
Long-Term nonproliferation initiative
The budget request included $100.0 million for a new long term
nonproliferation initiative proposed by the Secretary of Energy. The
committee believes the case for this initiative has not been made by the
DOE. Therefore, the committee does not authorize the $100.0 million
requested for this initiative.
The committee believes funding this initiative is premature. DOE
requested $70.0 million of the initiative for long term nuclear fuel
cycle cooperative research and development. The committee is concerned
that to date the DOE has been unable to provide clear, fundamental
program planning parametes necessary to ensure successful
implementation, management, oversight, and accountability for the
initiative. The DOE is unable to demonstrate clear program parameters in
the initiative, such as how the initiative would be able to expend
effectively the $70.0 million requested during fiscal year 2001. In
addition, the initiative lacks any government-to-government agreements
with the Russians to indicate Russia's commitment to the initiative.
The remaining $30.0 million in the request for the initiative
consists of additional funding for ongoing programs within the
Nonproliferation and National Security Account. The committee is
concerned that requests for these ongoing programs were made not only
through the Nonproliferation and National Security Account, but also
under this initiative, and that these activities have been described as
new initiatives by DOE. These activities are already being funded under
existing programs. Therefore, the committee will not fund these
activities under this new initiative.
NONPROLIFERATION AND VERIFICATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The budget request included $232.9 million for the Nonproliferation
and Verification Research and Development Program. The committee
strongly supports the ongoing work in this program and recommends an
increase of $30.0 million over the budget request. The committee
believes the vital technologies being developed and tested in this
program play a critical role in detecting and deterring weapons of mass
destruction proliferation, monitoring nuclear explosions, and detecting
and responding to chemical and biological weapons attacks.
It is the committee's understanding that the Secretary of Energy is
concerned with the high emphasis on nonproliferation programs with
Russia, while possible proliferation activities and threats from other
countries of concern remain relatively understudied and unanalyzed. The
committee concurs with the Secretary of Energy's concerns for the need
for broader regional arms control research. Therefore, the committee
directs the Secretary of Energy to utilize a portion of the amounts for
this program to conduct evaluations of the technical capabilities of
other geographic areas of concern to U.S. national security to develop
and deliver weapons of mass destruction.
Modification of counterintelligence polygraph program (sec. 3154)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 3154 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law
106 65) by authorizing the Secretary of Energy to waive the requirement
that certain Department of Energy (DOE) employees and DOE contractor
employees successfully pass a counterintelligence polygraph exam before
such employees can be granted access to high-risk programs. The
provision would allow the Secretary to waive this requirement for any
individual for a period not to exceed 120 days, if the Secretary
determines that: (1) such a waiver is in the national security interests
of the United States; (2) the covered employee has been granted a
security clearance; and (3) the covered employee signs a written
acknowledgment that the employment is conditional upon successfully
passing a counterintelligence polygraph exam within 120 days of the date
of signing such an acknowledgment. The provision would also allow the
Secretary to waive this requirement for any individual who the Secretary
determines: (1) has completed successfully a full-scope
counterintelligence polygraph exam while employed with another federal
agency; or (2) should not be examined by reason of treatment for a
medical or psychological condition.
Employee incentives for employees at closure project
facilities (sec. 3155)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide incentives
for retention and separation of federal employees at closure facilities
of the Department of Energy (DOE) established pursuant to section 3143
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public
Law 104 106). Incentives would include the accumulation of annual leave
up to 720 hours, lump sum retention allowances, authority to pay
voluntary separation incentive payments (also referred to as buyouts),
freeze the cost of and continue health benefits for employees who are
either voluntarily or involuntarily separated, and authority to make
temporary assignments of certain DOE employees to private sector
organizations, on a non-reimbursable basis.
The committee notes that, currently, only the Rocky Flats
Environmental Technology and Ohio Field Office sites are designated as
defense closure facilities, but that additional facilities may be so
designated in the future if such sites meet the requirements established
in section 3143 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 1997 (Public Law 104- 106). The committee believes that incentives
are needed to mitigate the anticipated high attrition rate of certain
federal employees with critical skills. The committee expects the
Department to use this authority to retain such critical skills during
potentially disruptive reductions-in-force at those sites designated to
close prior to fiscal year 2006.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Extension of authority for appointment of certain
scientific, engineering, and technical personnel (sec. 3171)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend excepted
service hiring authority for up to 200 positions, originally authorized
in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public
Law 103 337). The committee understands that this provision would allow
the Department of Energy to continue to compete more effectively for
high quality employees with the specialized technical skills needed by
the Department.
Updates of report on nuclear test readiness postures (sec. 3172)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Energy to update the nuclear test readiness report established by
section 3152 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1996 (Public Law 104 106) on a biannual basis. The Secretary would be
required to submit the first updated report to the congressional defense
committees beginning on February 15, 2001. The reports would include a
listing and description of those workforce skills and capabilities that
are essential to carry out the missions of the site, a listing and
description of the required infrastructure and physical plant that are
essential to carry out the missions of the site, and an assessment of
the readiness status of the workforce and infrastructure. The report
would be submitted in both classified and unclassified form.
Frequency of reports on inadvertent releases of restricted
data and formerly restricted data (sec. 3173)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 3161 of
the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 (Public Law 106 65) by requiring the Secretary of Energy to report
inadvertent releases of restricted data and formerly restricted data on
a quarterly basis rather than 30 days after any such release.
Form of certifications regarding the safety or reliability
of the nuclear weapons stockpile (sec. 3174)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the annual
certification to the President regarding the safety and reliability of
the U.S. nuclear stockpile be submitted in classified form.
The committee notes that, beginning in 1996, the Department of Energy
(DOE) weapons laboratory directors, the Commander in Chief of the U.S.
Strategic Command, and the Nuclear Weapons Council have certified to the
President on an annual basis that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is safe,
effective, and reliable, and that there is no need to resume underground
nuclear testing at this time. To date, these certifications have been
submitted in unclassified form. The committee is concerned that should
an issue arise in the future that would require a higher classification
level, the current process might provide a disincentive to report such
issues for fear of advertising a problem with the stockpile. The
committee believes that any such disincentive to report fully issues
regarding the condition of the U.S. nuclear stockpile should be removed.
The committee further notes that the Panel to Assess the Reliability,
Safety, and Security of the United States Nuclear Stockpile recommended
in its November 8, 1999, report to Congress that such annual
certification reports to the President be submitted in classified form.
Engineering and manufacturing research, development and
demonstration by plant managers of certain nuclear weapons production
plants (sec. 3175)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Energy to establish a Plant Manager Research, Development
and Demonstration (PMRDD) program to support innovative engineering and
systems activities at the nuclear weapons production plants. The program
would be limited to the Y 12 plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the Kansas
City plant in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Pantex plant in Amarillo,
Texas. The program would be authorized at a level not to exceed two
percent of the funds available for weapons activities at such plants.
The committee anticipates that the PMRDD program would be used to
explore viable tools and techniques for understanding and replacing
sunset technologies and for developing more agile manufacturing
techniques. The committee believes the creation of this program will
support recommendations for addressing workforce problems at the
production plants identified by the Commission on Retaining Nuclear
Weapons Expertise (also known as the Chiles Commission), by assisting
with recruiting and retention of outstanding engineers and craftsmen.
Cooperative research and development agreements for
government-owned, government-operated laboratories (sec. 3176)
The committee recommends a provision that would modify the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3710) to streamline the approval process for cooperative
research and development agreements (CRADA) at government-owned,
contractor-operated (GOCO) facilities by authorizing federal agencies to
substitute an annual strategic plan for individual joint work
statements. The provision would further streamline the CRADA process for
GOCO facilities by authorizing federal agencies to permit routine CRADAs
to be negotiated and signed by GOCO employees, rather than federal
employees.
Commendation of Department of Energy and contractor
employees for Exemplary Service in Stockpile Stewardship and Security
(sec. 3177)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Energy to award a certificate of commendation for
meritorious service to current and former Department of Energy (DOE)
employees, and current and former DOE contractor employees who worked in
programs related to stewardship of the Nation's nuclear weapons
stockpile.
The committee notes that the dedication, intellect, and hard work of
the scientists and craftsmen employed at DOE laboratories and
manufacturing plants are essential to maintaining a credible U.S.
nuclear deterrent. The committee further notes that former scientists
and craftsmen at DOE laboratories, plants, and materials production
sites were instrumental in ensuring that the United States prevailed
during the Cold War. The committee recommends this provision in an
effort to recognize the contributions of former employees at these
facilities and to highlight the Nation's continued reliance on the
capabilities of the skilled workers at DOE weapons laboratories and
manufacturing plants. The committee commends these individuals for their
continued service to the Nation and for the peace that they have helped
to preserve.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Department of Energy participation in the Interstate
Technology Reciprocity Council
The committee commends the Department of Energy (DOE) and state
environmental agencies for their cooperative efforts to accelerate the
deployment of innovative technologies at DOE and Department of Defense
cleanup sites. The committee notes that over 30 states have joined with
the DOE Environmental Management program to form the Interstate
Technology Regulatory Cooperation Working Group, which provides guidance
documents, training, and other means to accelerate regulatory acceptance
and implementation of advanced technologies that are capable of saving
both time and money. The committee encourages DOE to continue its
participation and support for this cooperative program.
Laboratory directed research and development
The committee notes that the Laboratory Directed Research and
Development (LDRD) funds available to the Department of Energy (DOE)
laboratories were reduced by section 308 of the Energy and Water
Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2000, from the customary
six percent to four percent for fiscal year 2000, and that the LDRD
program was removed from the environmental management program. The
committee directs the DOE to return the LDRD program to its full scope
and to its full normal six percent funding level in fiscal year 2001.
The committee further notes that this funding, in most instances,
would be the only available source of basic funding for research and
development (R&D) for the DOE laboratories. The January 27, 2000,
external review of the LDRD program by the DOE Laboratory Operations
Board found that ``. . . the LDRD programs are vital in recruiting,
retaining, and integrating the best scientific talent into the
laboratories and their mission programs'' and that the LDRD program at
the DOE laboratories has won more R&D 100 awards than any other
organization or program in the world.
Report on Post-closure employee benefits at closure project facilities
The committee directs the Secretary of Energy to submit a report, not
later than June 1, 2001, to the congressional defense committees
detailing any plans for the transfer and post-closure administration of
benefits for employees of Department of Energy contractors at closure
project facilities established pursuant to section 3143 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104 106). The
report shall include the following: (1) strategies to ensure that
long-term employee and retiree benefits are consistent; in terms of cost
and longevity, with such benefits for employees at other DOE facilities;
(2) an analysis of the long-term funding required for the administration
of pension and health benefits plans at each closure facility; (3) plans
for transfer and post-closure administration of any DOE-funded pension
plans at each closure facility; and (4) plans for the transfer and post
closure administration of DOE-funded long-term health benefits plans at
each closure facility.
The committee notes that, currently, only the Rocky Flats
Environmental Technology and Ohio Field Office sites are designated as
defense closure facilities, but that additional facilities may be so
designated in the future if such sites meet
the requirements established in section 3143 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104 106).
TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (sec. 3201)
The committee recommends $18.5 million for the Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) for fiscal year 2001, the amount of the
budget request.
The committee notes that the National Nuclear Security Administration
Act (Public Law 106 65), which established the National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA) within the Department of Energy (DOE), does not
repeal or amend the requirements of Chapter 21 of the Atomic Energy Act
of 1954. The committee further notes that the independent oversight
authority of the DNFSB related to health and safety matters at DOE and
NNSA defense nuclear facilities was not changed by the National Nuclear
Security Administration Act.
The committee commends the DNFSB for its continuing efforts to foster
positive change in the safety culture at DOE's defense nuclear
facilities. The committee notes that the DNFSB is an independent
technical body that continually assesses safety issues at DOE facilities
and submits formal safety findings and recommendations to the Secretary
of Energy, the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety and
Health, and Congress. The committee believes that the external oversight
provided by the DNFSB is comparable to or better than the external
regulation that could be provided by another Federal agency, such as the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As such, the committee believes that the
DNFSB is the most cost-effective means of ensuring continuous
improvement of the safety culture at DOE nuclear facilities.
The committee remains concerned that establishing a new, untested
external regulation regime at DOE weapons facilities could have an
adverse effect on U.S. national security interests. The committee is
equally concerned that such a regime would draw scarce resources away
from high priority, compliance-driven clean up actions and critical
national security activities. As a result, the committee does not
support any further move toward external regulation of DOE defense
nuclear facilities. The committee notes that the Secretary of Energy has
likewise concluded that the cost of implementing a new external
regulation regime at DOE defense nuclear facilities would not be cost
effective.
TITLE XXXIII--NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES
Minimum price of petroleum sold from the naval petroleum
reserves (sec. 3301)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the authority
for the Secretary of Energy to sell oil from the naval petroleum
reserves for less than full market value.
Repeal of authority to contract for cooperative or unit
plans affecting Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (sec. 3302)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 7426 of
title 10, United States Code, by deleting language that authorized the
Federal Government to contract for cooperative or unit plans in the
administration of the Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 at Elk Hills.
The committee notes that the United States interests to Naval Petroleum
Reserve Numbered 1 at Elk Hills was sold to the private sector.
TITLE XXXIV--NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCKPILE
National defense stockpile (secs. 3401 3402)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
stockpile manager to obligate $75.0 million from the National Defense
Stockpile Transfer Fund during fiscal year 2001 for the authorized uses
of funds under section 9(b)(2) of the Strategic and Critical Materials
Stock Piling Act.
The committee further recommends a provision that would increase the
amount of revenues that could be achieved through the sale of unneeded
materials from the national defense stockpile.
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS
By letter dated March 6, 2000, the Acting General Counsel of the
Department of Defense forwarded to the President of the Senate proposed
legislation ``To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military
personnel strengths for fiscal years 2000 and 2001, and for other
purposes.'' The transmittal letter and proposed legislation were
officially referred as Executive Communication 8129 to the Committee on
Armed Services on March 6, 2000. Executive Communication 8129 is
available for review at the committee. Senators Warner and Levin
introduced this legislative proposal as S. 2481, by request, on April
27, 2000.
COMMITTEE ACTION
In accordance with the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, as
amended by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, there is set
forth below the committee vote to report the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001.
Vote: Adopted by a roll call vote of 19 1.
The roll call votes on amendments to the bill which were considered
during the course of the mark-up have been made public and are available
at the committee.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE
It was not possible to include the Congressional Budget Office cost
estimate on this legislation because it was not available at the time
the report was filed. It will be included in material presented during
floor debate on the legislation.
REGULATORY IMPACT
Paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate
requires that a report on the regulatory impact of the bill be included
in the report on the bill. The committee finds that there is no
regulatory impact in the case of the National Defense Authorization Bill
for Fiscal Year 2001.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the changes in existing law made by
certain portions of the bill have not been shown in this section of the
report because, in the opinion of the committee, it is necessary to
dispense with showing such changes in order to expedite the business of
the Senate and reduce the expenditure of funds.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
Our armed forces remain the best-trained, best-equipped and most
capable fighting force in the world. This bill continues the bipartisan
partnership between the Congress and the Administration to improve the
quality of life for the men and women of our armed forces and their
families, and to transform our military forces to ensure that they are
capable of meeting all of the threats to America's security in the 21st
Century.
We have additional views on two issues addressed in the bill.
1. Vieques
The Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations and others
have testified before the Committee that there is no adequate substitute
for live training by the Navy on the island of Vieques. Earlier this
year, the President entered into an agreement with the Governor of
Puerto Rico, which establishes an orderly process for what we all hope
will be the resumption of such training. Under this agreement, we would
provide $40 million of economic assistance to the citizens of Vieques
and transfer unneeded Department of Defense property on the western end
of the island to the government of Puerto Rico with no strings attached.
If a referendum on Vieques approves a resumption of live-fire training,
an additional $50 million of economic assistance would be provided. If
the referendum does not approve a resumption of training, Department of
Defense property on the eastern end of the island would be transferred
to the General Services Administration for disposal.
As of the conclusion of the Committee mark-up, the government of
Puerto Rico had lived up to its obligations under the agreement. The
Navy training range on the Vieques has been cleared of protestors with
the assistance of the government of Puerto Rico. Navy training exercises
have now resumed on the island, with the use of inert ordnance as
provided in the agreement.
The Committee considered proposed legislation that would have been
inconsistent with this agreement. In our view, these unilateral changes
to the terms of the agreement, at a time when the government of Puerto
Rico is living up to its obligations under the agreement, could have
been perceived by some as a continuation of the kind of behavior that
the Navy acknowledges got them into problems in Vieques in the first
place. Such changes would have offended many citizens of Vieques and
others throughout Puerto Rico, undermining the efforts of the Navy, and
this Committee, to ensure the eventual resumption of live-fire training
on Vieques. For this reason, we are pleased that the Committee did not
adopt this proposal.
Instead, the provision in the bill would authorize $40 million of
economic assistance, a referendum on the future of training on Vieques,
and an additional $50 million of economic assistance if a resumption of
live-fire training is approved--all of which were requested by the
President in accordance with the agreement. With regard to the other
element of the agreement--the transfer of various lands to Puerto Rico
under certain circumstances--the provision is silent, deferring
congressional action until a later date. Finally, the provision in the
bill would require a study of future requirements at Fort Buchanan and a
moratorium on improvements at the facility until the study can be
completed, but would not require the closure of Fort Buchanan or any
other facility in Puerto Rico in the event of a negative vote on the
referendum.
Our preference is to fully implement the agreement between the
President and the Governor of Puerto Rico at this time. However,
avoiding unilateral changes to the terms of the agreement is the next
best outcome.
2. Department of Energy Organization
Last year, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 contained provisions reorganizing the entire Department of Energy
nuclear weapons complex by creating a new, ``semi-autonomous'' National
Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the Department. These
provisions, which were added in conference, were inconsistent with
legislation passed in the Senate by a vote of 96 1 and went far beyond
anything that was even considered by the House of Representatives.
The Secretary chose to implement this legislation by ``dual hatting''
a number of key NNSA employees, authorizing them to serve concurrently
in both NNSA positions and DOE positions outside NNSA. Although the
provisions establishing the NNSA did not contain any provision
prohibiting dual-hatting and the Secretary received a legal opinion
concluding that such dual-hatting was permissible, a number of Members
of our Committee felt that this approach was inconsistent with the
legislation. This bill responds to that perceived violation of the
statute with provisions that would: (1) prohibit DOE from paying any
NNSA officials who are ``dual-hatted'; and (2) prohibit the Secretary of
Energy from changing the organization of the NNSA in any way.
These are unprecedented restrictions on the ability of a Cabinet
Secretary to manage his own Department, and undermine our ability to
hold Secretary Richardson and his successors accountable for the
activities of the Department of Energy.
Dual-hatting is commonplace throughout the government and has been
legally permissible since we repealed the Dual Office Holding Act of
1894 more than 35 years ago. We have required the NNSA to handle 18
separate functions, including program management, safeguards and
security, emergency management, environment, safety and health
operations, contracting, intelligence, counterintelligence, personnel,
legal matters, legislative affairs, and public affairs, among others. We
may want all of these positions to be staffed overnight, but that
doesn't make it happen. During the transition period, somebody has to
fill these positions, and dual-hatting was probably the most economical
and effective approach for the Secretary to take.
We are particularly concerned that the enactment of this provision
would preclude the Department from creating a single
Counter-Intelligence czar, who serves as both the head of the
Department-wide Office of Counterintelligence and the Chief of Defense
Nuclear Counterintelligence. We believe that this consolidation of
responsibilities could actually clarify responsibilities and eliminate
opportunities for buck-passing in a way that makes sense.
In any case, the prohibition on reorganization is completely
unnecessary in light of the express prohibition on dual-hatting. This
provision would go far beyond its stated purpose of addressing
dual-hatting, and prohibit the Secretary of Energy from even
establishing, altering or consolidating any organizational unit,
component or function of the NNSA.
Last year, the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
reported that the entire organization of the Department of Energy and
its nuclear weapons complex had become ``dysfunctional''. Much of this
organization remains unchanged, despite its transfer to the new NNSA.
Yet this provision would prohibit the Secretary from addressing the
problem by, for example:
reorganizing the NNSA to eliminate superfluous layers of management
and make the organization more efficient;
reassigning functions from one component of NNSA to another, to
rationalize the structure of the new Administration;
creating new offices within NNSA to address emerging problems or
overarching needs of the new Administration.
In short, this provision not only fails to address the problem
identified by its sponsors, it also undermines the ability of the
Secretary of Energy to address many of the concerns that led to the
enactment of last year's legislation in the first place. We believe that
both of the DOE provisions should be deleted from the bill.
Carl Levin.
Chuck Robb.
Ted Kennedy.
Jack Reed.
Mary L. Landrieu.
Jeff Bingaman.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF SENATOR JEFF BINGAMAN
I support the Armed Services Committee markup of this year's National
Defense Authorization bill since it provides the necessary resources to
meet the nation's increasingly complex military missions while also
supporting quality of life improvements for our men and women in
uniform. The bill also contains important improvements in health
benefits for the nation's veterans, including a comprehensive pharmacy
benefit for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries with no enrollment fee or
deductible. Although I believe much more needs to be done to honor our
commitment to provide adequate health care to veterans, this bill
contains an important step toward that goal.
I am particularly pleased that this bill contains important measures
honoring the nation's most heroic veterans. The bill contains a
provision authorizing an honorarium for the survivors, or surviving
spouses, of the Bataan Death March who were made to perform slave labor
by the Japanese during World War II. The heroic efforts of those who
served in the Phillippines during Bataan and Corregidor are legendary,
but have never been fully compensated in the settlement of war claims.
In 1952 the Japanese government agreed to provide compensation to
American prisoners of war, but never compensated prisoners of war for
their forced labor supporting the Japanese war effort. Claims for
compensation have been under consideration by the courts for many years,
but final settlement has not been reached. In the meantime, veterans of
that campaign grow fewer as time passes and remain uncompensated for the
sacrifices they made on behalf of the nation. This provision recognizes
the importance of honoring those heroic veterans as an expression of the
nation's gratitude. I will continue to support efforts to do so until
this important gesture is enacted into law.
The bill also looks toward the future as well as recognizing the
past. This legislation contains about $8.0 billion in funding for
investment in science and technology research. This represents an
increase of $446 million over the President's budget request and meets
the funding goal for increased investment in future defense technologies
that I proposed to the Committee two years ago. I am hopeful that the
additional resources will be used to explore new technological concepts
that can be used to maintain our edge over potential adversaries not
only on the battlefield, but with respect to increasingly urgent
requirements to protect the nation's infrastructure from various forms
of terrorism including the use of weapons of mass destruction. In
addition, increased investment in laser research might provide useful
technologies that could meet future military objectives that could also
minimize collateral damage.
I remain concerned, however, that the bill does not provide all that
could be done to support the most vital national security objectives
with respect to non-proliferation and the strategic relationship between
the United States and Russia. The President's budget, for example,
requested $100 million to expand our efforts to control the threat of
``loose nukes'' finding their way into unfriendly hands. The ``Long-Term
Nonproliferation Program for Russia'' included a request for funds that
would prevent Russia from increasing its stockpile of plutonium
separated from spent fuel from nuclear power plants by suspending
reprocessing of spent fuel. It included funds to expand DOE's successful
Materials, Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) program that has
successfully implemented security regimes at dozens of Russian sites
where nuclear materials are stored. The proposal also included funds to
close nuclear warhead production facilities at Avangard and Penza 19 and
to support displaced nuclear weapons workers to prevent them from
seeking employment in unfriendly places.
In addition, the bill reduces funding for the Russian-American
Observation Satellite (RAMOS) program, a cooperative technology
demonstration project intended to enhance the ability to detect,
characterize, and track theater range missiles that could be used
against either country. I strongly believe that it is in our national
security interest that Russian early warning capabilities be accurate,
reliable, and effective. Misunderstandings or misperceptions of either
nuclear power when under missile attack could lead to unanticipated and
unintended conflict escalation that could decimate both countries. It's
in our essential national interest, therefore, to work cooperatively to
minimize the risk of such mistakes. In addition, since this program was
initially authorized at the highest levels of both governments, it is
important as a matter of building confidence and trust to support the
original agreement underlying this program. The reduced RAMOS program
contained in the bill calls for a restructured program that
significantly reduces the benefits to both countries from those
originally anticipated when the program was first agreed to.
I am also disappointed to note that, although the bill contains
substantial funding in support of the Department of Energy's Stockpile
Stewardship Program, it does not contain certain key investments needed
to ensure the future effectiveness of that program. As a strong
supporter of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, I believe that in order
to achieve the non-proliferation goals of that international agreement,
key investments must be made now in order to optimize our confidence in
the nation's nuclear stockpile for the foreseeable future. The
President's budget, for example, requested only a modest amount for the
Microsystems and Engineering Sciences Application (MESA) project, that
would invest in cutting edge nanotechnology research that would
incorporate advanced microelectronic technologies into the refurbishment
and sustainment of our nuclear stockpile. I believe significantly more
funding is needed now in order to ensure that we have that capability in
the future so that we will be more confident of the reliability of our
nuclear stockpile in the absence of testing nuclear weapons. The bill
contains no additional funding beyond the requested level for this high
priority effort needed to support the nation's non-proliferation goals
while meeting nuclear stockpile reliability requirements.
I am particularly concerned that the bill includes provisions
restricting the authority of the Secretary of Energy to manage his own
department by precluding him from directing any reorganization,
consolidation, alteration, or other adjustments to components within the
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The NNSA, although
established as a ``semi-autonomous agency'' within the Department of
Energy, is still subject to the Secretary's authority under the
legislation approved last year. Legislation contained in this year's
bill would set a dangerous precedent that empowers the Congress to
restrict cabinet members' authority in ways that could preclude greater
efficiency or modernization needed to keep pace with changing political,
economic, or technological environments. I urge my colleagues to
reconsider this provision during the remaining steps in the legislative
cycle.
Finally, I am concerned that the provision in the bill regarding the
agreement between the President and the Governor of Puerto Rico over
disposition and use of Vieques island might have unintended results that
could ultimately further complicate the Navy's need for realistic
training. Given the difficulty of arriving at that agreement and the
delicacy that pertains, I believe that any Congressional action that
substantially alters that carefully crafted arrangement runs the risk of
renewed confrontation and significant political consequences both here
and in Puerto Rico.
Jeff Bingaman.
SENATOR MCCAIN'S MINORITY VIEWS
On most issues, I support the Committee's recommendations in the
drafting of the Fiscal Year 2001 Defense Authorization bill. I voted
against the bill, mostly because of what it does not do. I spelled out
my concerns in a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services
Committee on March 23, 2000, but was disappointed that the bill that
emerged from the committee failed to address important reform issues.
Last year, I was proud to stand with Senator Lott and Senator Roberts
as we led the Senate in the passage of our legislation, the Soldiers',
Sailors', Airmen's, and Marines' Bill of Rights Act of 1999.
This landmark legislation made great strides in providing significant
benefits to the entire Total Force. Specifically, we improved the
military by: restoring military retirement benefits to a full 50 percent
of base pay for 20-year retirees, directing a 4.8 percent pay raise
effective last January, crafting pay table reform, implementing Thrift
Savings Plan proposals, as well as other significant quality of life
improvements. We can take pride in our efforts to take care of our men
and women in uniform. Unfortunately, the final bill was missing a key
provision that was stripped by our colleagues in the House of
Representatives--food stamp relief for servicemembers and their
families.
I was very disappointed that the current year's authorization bill
did not include legislation to provide a Special Subsistence Allowance
to help the neediest families in the Armed Forces--numbering at least
12,000--who now require federal food stamp assistance. Earlier this year
I again introduced legislation to eliminate the food stamp army. It was
referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Despite my repeated urging
that this critical issue be addressed, the Committee failed to act on
the bill.
We should have acted to eliminate the food stamp army--to do less is
an affront to our most needy servicemembers and their families. It is
unconscionable that the men and women who are willing to sacrifice their
lives for their country have to rely on food stamps to make ends meet,
and it is an abrogation of our responsibilities as Senators to let this
reality go on without some sort of legislative remedy.
One of the areas of greatest concern among military retirees and
their families is the ``broken promise'' of lifetime medical care,
especially for those over-age 65. While the Committee included some key
health care provisions, they failed to meet what I think is the most
important requirement, the restoration of this broken promise.
Last year I was outspoken regarding reports that the aircraft carrier
USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) deployed to the Persian Gulf undermanned by some
800 sailors. The Navy reports that it has increasing difficulty filling
critical sea-going billets. Despite Congress' efforts, we are losing Air
Force and Navy pilots to the commercial airlines faster than we can
train them. The Army says that five of its 10 divisions lack enough
majors, captains, senior enlisted personnel, tankers, and gunners. These
Army reports corroborate the disturbingly low readiness ratings of the
1st Infantry Division and the 10th Mountain Division reported last year.
The Committee, however, did spend a great deal of effort authorizing
additional dollars for the many shipbuilding interests. For instance,
the Committee added $460 million to build another amphibious assault
ship, the LHD 8, which was not in the President's budget and for which
the Navy has not even approved a procurement plan. The bill also boosted
spending for the DDG 51 destroyer program by $144 million above the
Navy's and the President's request.
Finally--not to be outdone by the surface shipyards--the submarine
shipbuilders received early authorization to procure the next 5 VIRGINIA
class submarines, at a cost of $2.1 billion each, accelerating the
authorization for the fifth boat by a full year from the Navy's current
plan. In effect, the submarine shipbuilders have been given permission
to continue the current non-competitive teaming arrangement, instead of
allowing the market to determine whether only one shipyard is needed.
I have noted that there has been a significant effort to fund items
that were specifically included on the Service Chiefs' unfunded
requirements list. However, every year, certain items are funded that
are not on the lists and whose merits are questionable. In all my years
serving on the House and the Senate Armed Services Committees, I recall
no previous instances of one subcommittee chair transferring money to
another subcommittee for the purpose of funding a special interest
project. The defense bill transferred $3 million from the shipbuilding
budget to the personnel budget to fund a new Navy ``Call Center'' in
Cutler, Maine. I wonder why we can't use this same accounting method to
fund improvements in the military retiree health care delivery system?
Why not shift the money
from the unrequested LHD 8 to pay for additional military
health care improvements?
When I put on my web site the lists of pork barrel projects that are
added by members of Congress, I try not to include high priority
programs and activities that are in the President's budget or are listed
on the Service Chief's priority lists. However, I have become
increasingly skeptical of these lists. These so-called ``wish lists''
have proven an effective means of ensuring that such funds are
apportioned appropriately in terms of what is best for the national
interest. There is, however, growing reason for concern that the process
by which the wish lists are drafted is being politicized.
This politicization has resulted in lists--especially this year's
list from the Department of the Navy--of increasingly questionable
merit. The Navy's fiscal year 2001 unfunded requirements list includes
$1.2 billion for an amphibious aircraft carrier assault ship. Last year,
the Navy did not even consider placing partial funding for the ship on
their list and, furthermore, last year the Navy rejected a $500 million
plus-up from the Senate. This is just one example of how Congress'
political meddling has seriously impeded the military's ability to
channel resources where they are most needed.
I could continue in this vein, but it is sufficient to say that the
military needs less money spent on pork and more money spent wisely to
redress the serious problems caused by a decade of declining defense
budgets. Those of us who have been criticized for sounding alarm bells
about military readiness now have the empty satisfaction of seeing that
there is more to maintaining a strong defense than a politician's
history of falsely promising to do so.
We must reform the bureaucracy of the Pentagon. With the exception of
minor changes, our defense establishment looks just as it did 50 years
ago. We must continue to incorporate practices from the private
sector--like restructuring, reforming and streamlining'to eliminate
duplication and capitalize on cost savings.
More effort must be made to reduce the continuing growth of
headquarters staffs and to decentralize the Pentagon's labyrinth of
bureaucratic fiefdoms. Although nearly every military analyst shares
these views, the Committee took great measures to increase the size of
headquarters staffs, eliminating any incentive for the Pentagon to
change its way of doing business with its bloated staffs and its
outdated practices.
More must be done to eliminate unnecessary and duplicative military
contracts and military installations. Every U.S. military leader who has
testified over the past decade has testified as to the critical need for
further BRAC rounds. We can redirect from $4 to $7 billion per year by
eliminating excess defense infrastructure. There is another $2 billion
per year we can put to better purposes by privatizing or consolidating
support and maintenance functions, and an additional $5.5 billion can be
saved per year by eliminating ``Buy America'' restrictions that only
undermines U.S. competitiveness overseas. Despite these compelling
facts, the Senate Armed Services Committee did not address any of these
issues.
I voted no on the passage of this bill because we can not continue
with this ``business as usual'' mindset. We must reform the Department
of Defense and we must not fall prey to the special interest groups that
attempt to warp our perspective and misdirect our spending. We owe so
much more to our men and women in uniform who defend our country. They
are our greatest resource, and I feel they were woefully under
represented. We must do better. The lives of our servicemembers and the
national security of the United States are at risk.
John McCain.
C O N T E N T
Purpose of the Bill
00
Committee Overview and Recommendations
00
Explanation of Funding Summary
00
Division A--Department of Defense Authorizations
00
Title I--Procurement
00
Explanation of tables
00
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
00
Chemical demilitarization program (sec. 107)
00
Subtitle B--Army Programs
00
Multiyear procurement authority for certain Army and Navy programs
(sec. 111)
00
Army transformation (sec. 112)
00
Other Army Programs
00
Army Aircraft
00
Utility aircraft
00
UH 60 Blackhawk
00
Longbow
00
Kiowa Warrior
00
Avionics support equipment
00
Aircrew integrated systems
00
Army Missile
00
Army tactical missile system--system summary
00
Stinger modifications
00
Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles
00
Carrier modifications
00
Breacher system modification
00
Heavy assault bridge system modifications
00
Machine gun, squad automatic weapon
00
Mark 19 grenade launcher
00
M4 carbine modifications
00
Army Ammunition
00
Procurement of ammunition, Army
00
Armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative
00
Other Army Procurement
00
Family of medium tactical vehicles
00
Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support
00
Teams
00
Secure mobile anti-jam reliable tactical terminal
00
Army data distribution system
00
Area common user system modification program
00
Forward area air defense ground based sensor
00
Night vision
00
Forward area air defense command and control
00
Striker--command and control system
00
Standard integrated command post system
00
Lightweight maintenance enclosure
00
Roller, vibratory, self-propelled
00
Deployable universal combat earth mover
00
Subtitle C--Navy Programs
00
CVNX 1 nuclear aircraft carrier program (sec. 121)
00
Arleigh Burke--class destroyer program (sec. 122)
00
Virginia--class submarine program (sec. 123)
00
ADC(X) ship program (sec. 124)
00
Refueling and Complex Overhaul Program of the CVN 69 nuclear aircraft
carrier (sec. 125)
00
Other Navy Programs
00
Navy Aircraft
00
Airborne low frequency sonar
00
SH 60 helicopters
00
CH 60 helicopters
00
UC 35 aircraft
00
C 40A aircraft
00
T 45 aircraft
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Joint primary air training system
00
KC 130J
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EA 6B aircraft automatic flight control system
00
AV 8B precision targeting pod
00
18 modifications
00
AH 1W series
00
H 1 series
00
P 3 aircraft modifications
00
Tactical aircraft moving map capability
00
Navy Weapons
00
Joint standoff weapon
00
Weapons industrial facilities
00
Mark 48 advanced capability torpedo modifications
00
Navy and Marine Corps Ammunition
00
Procurement of ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps
00
Laser-guided bomb components
00
Training ordnance
00
Navy Shipbuilding and Conversion
00
Shipbuilding overview
00
LHD 8 advance procurement
00
Other Navy Procurement
00
AN/WSN 7 inertial navigation system
00
Surveillance and security for military sealift ships
00
Integrated condition assessment system
00
AN/SPS 73(V) surface search radar
00
Side-scanning sonar for forward deployed minesweepers
00
Joint Engineering Data Management and Information Control System
00
Aviation life support
00
Gun fire control radar performance improvements
00
Cruiser smart ship
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NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
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Civil engineering support equipment
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Marine Corps Procurement
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Night vision
00
Radio systems
00
Subtitle D Air Force Programs
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Repeal of requirement for annual report on B 2 bomber aircraft
program (sec. 131)
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Other Air Force Programs
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Air Force Aircraft
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EC 130J
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Joint primary aircraft training system
00
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
00
B 52H aircraft modifications
00
A 10 aircraft integrated flight and fire control computer
00
15 aircraft modifications
00
16 aircraft modifications
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C 17 simulator
00
Defense airborne reconnaissance program aircraft modifications
00
ALE 50 towed decoys
00
Compass Call
00
Defense airborne reconnaissance program
00
Air Force Missile
00
Global Positioning System
00
Titan space boosters
00
Medium launch vehicle
00
Air Force Ammunition
00
Procurement of ammunition, Air Force
00
Other Air Force Procurement
00
Combat training ranges
00
Night vision goggles
00
Defense-Wide Programs
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Advanced SEAL delivery system design enhancements
00
Special operations forces small arms and support equipment
00
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Enhancement Kits
00
Communications assistance for law enforcement act
00
Subtitle E-Other Matters
00
Pueblo Chemical Depot chemical agent destruction technologies (sec. 141)
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Acquisition programs at the National Security Agency
00
Army aviation
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C 5 aircraft upgrades
00
Electronic digital compass system
00
Single channel ground and airborne radio system
00
Soldier's portable on-system repair tool
00
Title II--Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation
00
Explanation of tables
00
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
00
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, And
Limitations
00
Fiscal year 2002 joint field experiment (sec. 211)
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Nuclear aircraft carrier design and production modeling (sec. 212)
00
DD 21 class destroyer program (sec. 213)
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22 aircraft program (sec. 214)
00
Joint strike fighter (sec. 215)
00
Global Hawk high altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (sec. 216)
00
Unmanned advanced capability aircraft and ground combat vehicles
(sec. 217)
00
Army space control technology (sec. 218)
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Russian American Observation Satellites program (sec. 219)
00
Joint Biological Defense Program (sec. 220)
00
Report on biological warfare defense vaccine research and development
programs (sec. 221)
00
Subtitle C--Other Matters (
Mobile offshore base (sec. 241)
00
4Air Force science and technology planning (sec. 242)
00
Additional Matters of Interest
00
Army
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Counter-terrorism basic research
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Composite materials
00
Advanced missile composite components
00
Smart truck initiative
00
Portable hybrid electric power system
00
Thermoelectric power generation
00
Operational support
00
Equipment readiness
00
Fuel cell auxiliary power units
00
Big Crow program office
00
Army Space and Missile Defense Command Simulations
00
Aero-acoustics instrumentation
00
Acoustic technology research
00
Missile defense flight experiment
00
Radar power technology
00
Scramjet acoustic combustion enhancement
00
Space and missile defense battle lab
00
Supercluster distributed memory technology
00
Tactical High Energy Laser
00
Anti-malarial research
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Electronic warfare development
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Threat simulator development
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Multiple launch rocket system product improvement program
00
Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor
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Communications and networking technologies
00
Navy
00
Free electron laser
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Biodegradable polymers
00
Bioenvironmental hazards research
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Nontraditional warfare initiatives
00
Communications, command, and control, intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance
00
Cognitive research
00
Ceramic and carbon based composites
00
Nanoscale sensor research
00
Littoral area acoustic demonstrations
00
Computational engineering design
00
Advanced water-jet technology
00
Composite helicopter hangar door
00
Composite modules for ship hull construction
00
Laser welding and cutting
00
Supply chain best practices
00
Virtual test bed for reconfigurable ship
00
Ocean modeling for mine and submarine warfare
00
Marine Corps advanced technology transition
00
Integrated combat weapons system for mine countermeasures ships
00
Trident SSGN design
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Enhanced performance electric motor brush technology
00
Submarine composite sail
00
Joint command and control ship
00
Shipboard simulators for Marine Corps operations
00
Navy common command and decision system
00
Advanced amphibious assault vehicle
00
Marine corps ground combat/support system
00
Extended range guided munition
00
Nonlethal research and technology development
00
Navy collaborative integrated information technology initiative
00
Parametric airborne dipping sonar
00
Multi-mission helicopter upgrade development
00
Power node control centers
00
Ship manpower reduction initiative
00
SPY 3 and volume search radars
00
Acoustic rapid commercial-off-the-shelf insertion of multi-purpose
processor
00
Submarine antenna technology improvement
00
Submarine common architecture
00
Advanced tactical software for submarines
00
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
00
Navy single integrated human resources strategy
00
Marine Corps research university
00
Reentry system applications program
00
Joint tactical combat training system
00
14 tactical reconnaissance
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Software interoperability process tools
00
Satellite communications systems integration initiative
00
Distributed engineering plant
00
Air Force
00
Laser processing tools
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Resin systems for Air Force applications
00
Thermal protection systems
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Aeronautical research
00
Polyphenylene benzobisoxozole membrane fuel cell
00
Variable displacement vane pump
00
High frequency active auroral research
00
Space survivability
00
Aluminum aerostructures
00
Hyperspectral research
00
Fiber optical control technology
00
Low cost launch technology
00
Micro-satellite technology
00
Miniature satellite threat reporting system
00
Next generation composite launch vehicle payload fairings and shrouds
00
Solar orbital transfer vehicle
00
Space maneuver vehicle
00
Upper stage flight experiment
00
Space Based Laser program
00
Airborne laser program
00
Rocket systems launch program
00
Wideband gapfiller military satellite communications
00
B 2 advanced technology bomber
00
Milstar satellite communications
00
15E squadrons
00
Hyperspectral system development
00
Extended range cruise missile
00
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
00
Lighthouse cyber security
00
Dragon U 2
00
Defense-Wide
00
Advanced photonic composites research
00
Infrasound detection capability basic research
00
Personnel research initiative
00
Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive research
00
Chemical and biological defense basic research
00
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization funding and programmatic guidance
00
Bio-defense research
00
Hybrid sensor suite
00
High definition systems
00
Three dimensional structures research
00
Biological agent sensor technologies
00
Blast mitigation testing
00
Facial recognition access control technology
00
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE FORCE DETECTOR TECHNOLOGIES
00
Consequence Management Information System
00
Reactive materials
00
Complex systems design
00
Competitive sustainment initiative
00
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Attack-Effects-Response Assessment
capability at U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM)
00
Integrated data environment technology
00
Demonstration/validation of technology for the remediation of
unexploded ordnance at active, inactive, closing, transferred, and
transferring ranges
00
Next generation anthrax vaccine
00
Remote Ordnance Neutralization System
00
Cyber attack sensing and warning
00
Information Operations Technology Center
00
Trusted RUBIX
00
Virtual worlds initiative
00
Intelligent spatial technologies for smart mapping systems
00
Joint Mapping Tool Kit
00
Information assurance testbed
00
Joint course of action analysis and targeting support for information
operations
00
Advanced lightweight grenade launcher
00
Management reform for Department of Defense test and evaluation centers
00
Augmented reality fire-fighting training
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Aircraft carrier modernization
00
Advanced ship hull demonstrators
00
Crusader
00
Future ship technology research and development
00
Joint training and experimentation
00
Joint operational test bed system
00
Maritime patrol aircraft
00
Patriot theater missile defense
00
Prophylactic pharmaceuticals
00
Radiation hardened electronics investment strategy
00
Small arms fire control system
00
Transition of successful research projects into the acquisition system
00
Title III--Operation And Maintenance
00
Explanation of tables
00
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
00
Armed Forces Retirement Home (sec. 303)
00
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and
Limitations
00
Impact aid for children with disabilities (sec. 311)
00
Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessment Teams (sec. 312)
00
Subtitle C--Humanitarian and Civic Assistance
00
Increased authority to provide health care services as humanitarian
and civic assistance (sec. 321)
00
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. 322)
00
Subtitle D--Department of Defense Industrial Facilities
00
Codification and improvement of armament retooling and manufacturing
support programs (sec. 331)
00
Centers of industrial and technical excellence (sec. 332)
00
Effects of outsourcing on overhead costs of centers of industrial and
technical excellence and ammunition plants (sec. 333)
00
Revision of authority to waive limitation on performance of
depot-level maintenance (sec. 334)
00
Subtitle E--Environmental Provisions
00
Environmental restoration accounts (sec. 341)
00
Payments of fines and penalties for environmental compliance
violations (sec. 342)
00
Annual reports under Strategic Environmental Research and Development
Program (sec. 343)
00
Modification of authority for indemnification of transferees of
closing defense property (sec. 344)
00
Payment of fines or penalties imposed for environmental compliance
violations at certain Department of Defense facilities (sec. 345)
00
Reimbursement for certain costs in connection with the former
Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site, Suffolk, Virginia (sec. 346)
00
Environmental restoration activities (sec. 347)
00
Ship disposal project (sec. 348)
00
Report on the Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information
Management Program (sec. 349)
00
Report on Plasma Energy Pyrolysis System (sec. 350)
00
Subtitle F--Other Matters
00
Effects of worldwide contingency operations on readiness of certain
military aircraft and equipment (sec. 361)
00
Realistic budgeting for readiness requirements of the Army (sec. 362)
00
Additions to plan for ensuring visibility over all in-transit end
items and secondary items (sec. 363)
00
Performance of emergency response functions at chemical weapons
storage installations (sec. 364)
00
Congressional notification of use of radio frequency spectrum by a
system entering engineering and manufacturing development (sec. 365)
00
Monitoring of value of performance of Department of Defense functions
by workforces selected from between public and private workforces (sec.
366)
00
Suspension of reorganization of naval audit service (sec. 367)
00
Investment of commissary trust revolving fund (sec. 368)
00
Economic procurement of distilled spirits (sec. 369)
00
Resale of armor piercing ammunition disposed of by the Army (sec. 370)
00
Damage to aviation facilities caused by alkali silica reactivity
(sec. 371)
00
Reauthorization of pilot program for acceptance and use of landing
fees charged for use of domestic military airfields by civil aircraft
(sec. 372)
00
Reimbursement by civil air carriers for support provided at Johnston
Atoll (sec. 373)
00
Review of costs of maintaining historical properties (sec. 374)
00
Extension of authority to sell certain aircraft for use in wildfire
suppression (sec. 375)
00
Overseas airlift service on Civil Reserve Air Fleet aircraft (sec. 376)
00
Additional Matters of Interest
00
Army
00
Real property maintenance
00
Excess carryover-defense working capital fund activities
00
Foreign currency fluctuation
00
Civilian personnel pay in excess of requirements
00
Army equipment maintenance
00
Battlefield mobility enhancement system
00
Army aviation spares
00
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
00
Navy
00
Navy spares
00
Ship depot maintenance
00
Oceanography
00
Training range upgrades
00
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
00
Navy information technology center
00
US Navy Call Center
00
Marine Corps
00
USMC initial issue
00
USMC equipment maintenance
00
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
00
Air Force
00
Air Force base operations
00
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
00
Air Force readiness spares packages
00
Air Force nuclear, biological and chemical defense
00
Defense-Wide
00
Mobility enhancements
00
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service (MOCAS)
00
Partnership for Peace Program (Warsaw Initiative)
00
Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information Management Program
00
Domestic preparedness center
00
Cultural and historic activities
00
Defense Travel System
00
Command information superiority architecture program
00
Guard and Reserve Components
00
Air Force Reserve equipment maintenance
0
National Guard initial issue
00
Distributed mission trainer
00
Miscellaneous
00
Overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic affairs
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, Charlestown, Rhode Island
00
Commander-in-Chiefs Initiative Fund
Inventory of financial management and feeder systems
00
Joint computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (JCALS) program
00
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service
00
National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence
00
Pesticide contamination at the former Fort Devens, Devens,
Massachusetts, and other closed and active military installations
00
Revised requirements for report on Defense use of smart card as PKI
authentication device carrier
00
Title IV-Military Personnel Authorizations
00
Subtitle A-Active Forces
00
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)
00
Subtitle B-Reserve Forces
00
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)
00
End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the reserves
(sec. 412)
00
End strengths for military technicians (dual status) (sec. 413)
00
Fiscal year 2001 limitation on non-dual status technicians (sec. 414)
00
Increase in number of members in certain grades authorized to be on
active duty in support of the reserves (sec. 415)
00
Subtitle C-Other Matters Relating to Personnel
Strengths
00
Suspension of strength limitations during war or national emergency
(sec. 421)
00
Exclusion of certain reserve component members on active duty for
more than 180 days from active component end strengths (sec. 422)
00
Exclusion of Army and Air Force medical and dental officers from
limitations on strengths of reserve commissioned officers in grades
below brigadier general (sec. 423)
00
Authority for temporary increases in number of reserve personnel
serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty in certain
grades (sec. 424)
00
Temporary exemption of Director of the National Security Agency from
limitations on number of Air Force officers above major general (sec.
425)
00
Subtitle D-Authorization of Appropriations
00
Authorization of appropriations for military personnel (sec. 431)
00
Title V-Military Personnel Policy
00
Subtitle A-Officer Personnel Policy
00
Eligibility of Army Reserve colonels and brigadier generals for
position vacancy promotions (sec. 501)
00
Promotion Zones for Coast Guard Reserve Officers (sec. 502)
00
Time for release of officer promotion selection board reports (sec. 503)
00
Clarification of authority for posthumous commissions and warrants
(sec. 504)
00
Inapplicability of active-duty list promotion, separation, and
involuntary retirement authorities to reserve general and flag officers
serving in certain positions designated by the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff (sec. 505)
00
Review of actions of selection boards (sec. 506)
00
Extension to all Air Force biomedical sciences officers of authority
to retain until specified age (sec. 507)
00
Termination of application requirement for consideration of officers
for continuation on the Reserve Active-Status List (sec. 508)
00
Technical corrections relating to retired grade of reserve
commissioned officers (sec. 509)
00
Grade of chiefs of reserve components and directors of National Guard
components (sec. 510)
00
Subtitle B-Joint Officer Management
00
Joint officer management (sec. 521--528)
00
Subtitle C-Education and Training
00
Eligibility of children of reserves for Presidential appointment to
service academies (sec. 541)
00
Selection of foreign students to receive instruction at service
academies (sec. 542)
00
Repeal of contingent funding increase for Junior Reserve Officers
Training Corps (sec. 543)
00
Revision of authority for Marine Corps platoon leader class tuition
assistance program (sec. 544)
00
Subtitle D-Matters Relating to Recruiting
00
Army recruiting pilot programs (sec. 551)
00
Enhancement of the joint and service recruitment market research and
advertising programs (sec. 552)
00
Access to secondary schools for military recruiting purposes (sec. 553)
00
Subtitle E-Other Matters
00
Authority for award of Medal of Honor to certain specified persons
(sec. 561)
00
Waiver of time limitations for award of certain decorations to
certain persons (sec. 562)
00
Ineligibility for involuntary separation pay upon declination of
selection for continuation on active duty (sec. 563)
00
Recognition by states of military testamentary instruments (sec. 564)
00
Sense of Congress on the court-martial conviction of Captain Charles
Butler McVay, Commander of the USS Indianapolis, and the courageous
service of its crew (sec. 565)
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Automated in- and out-processing of military personnel
00
Funeral honors for members of the uniformed services
00
Information related to alternatives to the Survivor Benefit Plan
00
Prevention of alcohol-related incidents
00
Study on the use of peyote by military personnel
00
Title VI--Compensation and Other Personnel Benefits
00
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances
00
Increase in basic pay for Fiscal Year 2001 (sec. 601)
00
Corrections for basic pay tables (sec. 602)
00
Pay in lieu of allowance for funeral honors duty (sec. 603)
00
Clarification of service excluded in computation of creditable
service as a Marine Corps officer (sec. 604)
00
Calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing (sec. 605)
00
Eligibility of members in grade E 4 to receive basic allowance for
housing while on sea duty (sec. 606)
00
Personal money allowance for the senior enlisted members of the armed
forces (sec. 607)
00
Increased uniform allowances for officers (sec. 608)
00
Cabinet-level authority to prescribe requirements and allowance for
clothing of enlisted members (sec. 609)
00
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special Incentive Pays
00
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for reserve
forces (sec. 611)
00
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for nurse
officer candidates, registered nurses, and nurse anesthetists (sec. 612)
00
Extension of authorities relating to payment of other bonuses and
special pays (sec. 613)
00
Consistency of authorities for special pay for reserve medical and
dental officers (sec. 614)
00
Special pay for physician assistants of the Coast Guard (sec. 615)
00
Authorization of special pay and accession bonus for pharmacy
officers (sec. 616)
00
Corrections of references to Air Force veterinarians (sec. 617)
00
Entitlement of active duty officers of the Public Health Service
Corps to special pays and bonuses of health professional officers of the
armed forces (sec. 618)
00
Career sea pay (sec. 619)
00
Increased maximum rate of special duty pay assignment pay (sec. 620)
00
Expansion of applicability of authority for critical skills
enlistment bonus to include all armed forces (sec. 621)
00
Subtitle C--Travel and Transportation Allowances
00
Advance payments for temporary lodging of members and dependents
(sec. 631)
00
Incentive for shipping and storing household goods in less than
average weights (sec. 632)
00
Expansion of funded student travel (sec. 633)
00
Benefits for members not transporting personal motor vehicles
overseas (sec. 634)
00
Subtitle D--Retirement Benefits
00
Exception to high 36 month retired pay computation for members
retired following a disciplinary reduction in grade (sec. 641)
00
Automatic participation in Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan
unless declined with spouses' consent (sec. 642)
00
Participation in thrift savings plan (sec. 643)
00
Retirement from active reserve service after regular retirement (sec.
644)
00
Same treatment for federal judges as for other federal officials
regarding payment of military retired pay (sec. 645)
00
Subtitle E--Other Matters
00
Reimbursement of recruiting and ROTC personnel for parking expenses
(sec. 651)
00
Extension of deadline for filing claims associated with capture and
internment of certain persons by North Vietnam (sec. 652)
00
Settlement of claims for payments for unused accrued leave and for
retired pay (sec. 653)
00
Eligibility of certain members of the Individual Ready Reserve for
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (sec. 654)
00
Authority to pay gratuity to certain veterans of Bataan and
Corregidor (sec. 655)
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Adjustments to the Basic Allowance for Housing
00
Title VII--Health Care
00
Subtitle A--Senior Health Care
00
Extension of TRICARE senior supplement demonstration program (sec. 701)
00
TRICARE senior prime demonstration program (sec. 702)
00
Extension and expansion of demonstration project for participation of
uniformed services personnel in the Federal Employee Health Benefit
program (sec. 703)
00
Implementation of redesigned pharmacy system (sec. 704) 237
MDBU00
Subtitle B--TRICARE Program
MDBU00
Additional beneficiaries under TRICARE prime remote program in CONUS
(sec. 711)
MDBU00
Elimination of copayments for immediate family (sec. 712)
MDBU00
Improvement in business practices in the administration of the
TRICARE program (sec. 713)
MDBU00
Subtitle C-jint Initiatives Wth Department of Veterans Affairs
MDBU00
Tracking patient safety in military and veterans health care systems
(sec. 721)
MDBU00
Pharmaceutical identification technology (sec. 722)
MDBU00
Medical informatics (sec. 723)
MDBU00
Subtitle D-other Matters
MDBU00
Permanent authority for certain pharmaceutical benefits (sec. 731)
MDBU00
Provision of domiciliary and custodial care for CHAMPUS beneficiaries
(sec. 732)
MDBU00
Medical and dental care for medal of honor recipients and their
dependents (sec. 733)
MDBU00
School-required physical examinations for certain minor dependents
(sec. 734)
MDBU00
Two-year extension of dental and medical benefits for surviving
dependents of certain deceased members (sec. 735)
MDBU00
Extension of authority for contracts for medical services at
locations outside medical treatment facilities (sec. 736)
MDBU00
Transition of chiropractic health care demonstration program to
permanent status (sec. 737)
MDBU00
Use of information technology for enhancement of delivery of
administrative services under the Defense Health Program (sec. 738)
MDBU00
Patient care reporting and management system (sec. 739)
MDBU00
Health care management demonstration program (sec. 740)
MDBU00
Studies of accrual financing for health care for military retirees
(sec. 741)
MDBU00
Augmentation of Army Medical Department by reserve officers of the
Public Health Service Corps (sec. 742)
MDBU00
Other Items of Interest
MDBU00
Consultation with schools of pharmacy and nursing
MDBU00
Financial assistance for those beneficiaries requiring animal assistance
MDBU00
Health care benefits for retirees living overseas
MDBU00
Implementation of Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs
Department sharing initiatives
MDBU00
Notification of persons affected by unanticipated adverse outcomes of
medical care
MDBU00
Special pays for military health care professionals
MDBU00
Title VIII-Acquisition Policy, Acquisition Management, and
MDBU00
Related Matters
MDBU00
Improvements in procurements of services (sec.801)
MDBU00
Addition of threshold value requirement for applicability of a
reporting requirement relating to multiyear contract (sec.802)
MDBU00
Planning for the acquisition of information systems (sec.803)
MDBU00
Tracking of information technology purchases (sec.804)
MDBU00
Repeal of requirement for contractor assurances regarding the
completeness, accuracy, and contractual sufficiency of technical data
provided by contractor (sec.805)
MDBU00
Extension of authority for Department of Defense acquisition pilot
programs (sec.806)
MDBU00
Clarification and extension of authority to carry out certain
prototype projects (sec.807)
MDBU00
Clarification of authority of Comptroller General to review records
of participants in certain prototype projects (sec.808)
MDBU00
Eligibility of small business concerns owned and controlled by women
for assistance under the mentor-protEgE program (sec.809)
MDBU00
Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (sec.810)
MDBU00
Qualifications required for employment and assignment in contracting
positions (sec.811)
MDBU00
Defense acquisition workforce (sec.812)
MDBU00
Financial analysis of use of dual rate for quantifying overhead costs
at army industrial facilities (sec.813)
MDBU00
Other Items of Interest
MDBU00
Application of Cost Accounting Standards to universities
MDBU00
Appropriate use of the government purchase card
MDBU00
availability of contractor past performance information
MDBU00
Contracts for ancillary commercial services
MDBU00
Online auctioning
MDBU00
Performance goals and measures for quality of equipment and other
products
00
Polyacrylonitrile carbon fibers
00
Procurements from the small arms production industrial base
00
Risk management in the acquisition of major systems
00
Technical data rights for items developed exclusively at private expense
00
Title IX-Department of Defense Organization and Management
00
Repeal of limitation on major Department of Defense headquarters
activities personnel (sec. 901)
00
Overall supervision of Department of Defense activities for combating
terrorism (sec. 902)
00
National Defense Panel 2001 (sec. 903)
00
Quadrennial National Defense Panel (sec. 904)
00
Inspector General investigations of prohibited personnel actions
(sec.905)
00
Network centric warfare (sec. 906)
00
Additional duties for the Commission to Assess United States National
Security Space Management and Organization (sec. 907)
00
Special authority for administration of Navy Fisher Houses (sec. 908)
00
Organization and management of the Civil Air Patrol (sec. 909)
00268
Responsibility for the National Guard Challenge Program (sec. 910)
00268
Supervisory control of Armed Forces Retirement Home Board by
Secretary of Defense (sec. 911)
00268
Consolidation of certain Navy gift funds (sec. 912)
00
Temporary authority to dispose of a gift previously accepted for the
Naval Academy (sec. 913)
00
Title X-General Provisions
00
Subtitle A-Financial Matters
00
Authorization of prior emergency supplemental appropriations for
fiscal year 2000 (sec. 1002)
00
United States contributions to NATO common-funded budgets (sec. 1003)
00
Annual OMB/CBO joint report on scoring budget outlays (sec. 1004)
00
Prompt payment of contractor vouchers (sec. 1005)
00
The repeal of certain requirements relating to timing of contract
payments (sec. 1006)
00
Plan for prompt posting of contractual obligations (sec. 1007)
00
Plan for the electronic submission of documentation supporting claims
for contract payments (sec. 1008)
00
Administrative offsets for overpayment of transportation costs (sec.
1009)
00
Subtitle B-Counter-Drug Activities
00
Extension and increase of authority to provide additional support for
counter-drug activities (sec. 1011)
00
Recommendations on expansion of support for counter-drug activities
(sec. 1012)
00
Review of riverine counter-drug program (sec. 1013)
00
Subtitle C-Strategic Forces
00
Revised nuclear posture review (sec. 1015)
00
Plan for the long-term sustainment and modernization of United States
strategic nuclear forces (sec. 1016)
00
Correction of scope of waiver authority for limitation on retirement
or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles (sec. 1017)
00
Study and report on hardened and deeply buried targets (sec. 1018)
00
Subtitle D-Miscellaneous Reporting Requirements
00
Annual report of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff on
combatant command requirements (sec. 1021)
00
Joint Requirements Oversight Council (sec. 1022)
00
Preparedness of military installation first responders for incidents
involving weapons of mass destruction (sec. 1023)
00
Date of submittal of reports on shortfalls in equipment procurement
and military construction for reserve components in future years defense
programs (sec. 1024)
00
Management review of defense logistics agency (sec. 1025)
00
Management review of defense information systems agency (sec. 1026)
00
Subtitle E-Information Security
00
Institute for defense computer security and information protection
(sec. 1041)
00
INFORMATION SECURITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (SEC. 1042)
00
Process for prioritizing background investigations for security
clearances for Department of Defense personnel (sec. 1043)
00
AUTHORITY TO WITHHOLD CERTAIN SENSITIVE INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC
DISCLOSURE (SEC. 1044)
00
Protection of operational files of the Defense Intelligence Agency
(sec. 1045)
00
Subtitle F-Other Matters
00
Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice (sec. 1051)
00
Eligibility of dependents of American Red Cross employees for
enrollment in Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Schools in Puerto
Rico (sec. 1053)
00
Grants to American Red Cross for Armed Services Emergency Services
(sec. 1054)
00
Transit pass program for certain Department of Defense personnel
(sec. 1055)
00
Fees for providing historical information to the public (sec. 1056)
00
Access to criminal history record information for national security
purposes (sec. 1057)
00
Sense of Congress on the naming of the CVN 77 aircraft carrier. (sec.
1058)
00
Donation of civil war cannon (sec. 1059)
00
Maximum size of parcel posts transported overseas for Armed Forces
Post Offices (sec. 1060)
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Department of Defense export control procedures
00
Firefighting equipment
00
Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile
00
Title XI--Department of Defense Civilian Personnel Policy
00
Computer/electronic accommodations program (sec. 1101)
00
Additional special pay for foreign language proficiency beneficial
for United States national security interests (sec. 1102)
00
Increased number of positions authorized for the defense intelligence
senior executive service (sec. 1103)
00
Extension of authority for tuition reimbursement and training for
acquisition personnel in shortage categories (sec. 1104)
00
Work safety demonstration program (sec. 1105)
00
Employment and compensation of employees for temporary organizations
established by law or executive order (sec. 1106)
00
Extension of authority for voluntary separations in reductions in
force (sec. 1107)
00
Electronic maintenance of performance appraisal systems (sec. 1108)
00
Approval authority for cash awards in excess of $10,000 (sec. 1109)
00
Leave for crews of certain vessels (sec. 1110)
00
Life insurance for emergency essential Department of Defense
employees (sec. 1111)
00
Civilian personnel services public-private competition pilot program
(sec. 1112)
00
Extension, expansion, and revision of authority for experimental
personnel program for scientific and technical personnel (sec. 1113)
00
Title XII--Matters Relating to Other Nations
00
TRANSFERS OF NAVAL VESSELS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES (SEC. 1201)
00
Support of United Nations-sponsored efforts to inspect and monitor
Iraqi weapons activities (sec. 1202)
00
Repeal of restriction preventing cooperative airlift support through
acquisition and cross servicing agreements (sec.1203)
00
Western Hemisphere Institute for Professional Education and Training
(sec. 1204)
00
BIANNUAL REPORT ON KOSOVO PEACEKEEPING (SEC. 1205)
00
Mutual assistance for monitoring test explosions of nuclear devices
(sec. 1206)
00
Consolidated annual report on Cooperative Threat Reduction assistance
and activities (sec. 1207)
00
Limitation on use of funds for construction of a Russian facility for
the destruction of chemical weapons (sec. 1208)
00
Limitation on the use of funds for the Elimination of Weapons Grade
Plutonium Program (sec. 1209)
00
Title XIII--Navy Activities on the Island of Vieques,
Puerto Rico
00
Navy activities on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico (secs. 1301 1308)
00
Division B--Military Construction Authorizations
00
Title XXI--Army
00
Summary
00
Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2101)
00
Family housing (sec. 2102)
00
IMPROVEMENT TO MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING UNITS (SEC. 2103)
00
Authorization of appropriations, Army (sec. 2104)
00
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2000
projects (sec. 2105)
00
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 1999
project (sec. 2106)
00
Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 1998 project (sec.
2107)
00
Authority to accept funds for realignment of certain military
construction project, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (sec. 2108)
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Presidio Housing, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San
Francisco, California
00
Title XXII--Navy
00
Summary
00
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2201)
00
Family housing (sec. 2202)
00
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2203)
00
Authorization of appropriations, Navy (sec. 2204)
00
Correction in authorized use of funds, Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, Virginia (sec. 2205)
00
Title XXIII--Air Force
00
Summary
00
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects (sec.
2301)
00
Family housing (sec. 2302)
00
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2303)
00
Authorization of appropriations, Air Force (sec. 2304)
00
Title XXIV-Defense Agencies
00
Summary
00
Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2401)
00
Energy conservation projects (sec. 2402)
00
Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies (sec. 2403)
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Certification of requirement for military construction projects,
Manta Air Base, Ecuador
00
Planning and design, Defense Intelligence Agency
00
Title XXV--North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security
Investment Program
00
Summary
00
Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2501)
00
Authorization of appropriations, NATO (sec. 2502)
00
Title XXVI--Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities
00
Summary
00
Authorized Guard and Reserve construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2601)
00
Other Items of Interest
00 I25Support for Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams
00
Title XXVII--Expiration and Extension of Authorizations
00
Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by
law (sec. 2701)
00
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1998 projects
(sec. 2702)
00
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1997 projects
(sec. 2703)
00
Effective date (sec. 2704)
00
Title XXVIII--General Provisions
00
Subtitle A--Military Construction Program and
Military Family Housing Changes
00
Joint use military construction projects (sec. 2801)
00
Exclusion of certain costs from determination of applicability of
limitation on use of funds for improvement of family housing (sec. 2802)
00
Replacement of limitations on space by pay grade of military family
housing with requirement for local comparability of military family
housing (sec. 2803)
00
Modification of lease authority for high-cost military family housing
(sec. 2804)
00
Applicability of competitive policy to alternative authority for
acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec. 2805)
00
Provisions of utilities and services under alternative authority for
acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec. 2806)
00
Extension of alternative authority for acquisition and improvement of
military housing (sec. 2807)
00
Inclusion of readiness center in definition of armory for purposes of
construction of reserve components facilities (sec. 2808)
00
Subtitle B--Real Property and Facilities Administration
00
Increase in threshold for reports to Congress on real property
transactions (sec. 2811)
00
Enhancements to military lease authority ( sec. 2812)
00
Expansion of procedures for selection of conveyees under authority to
convey utility systems (sec. 2813)
00
Subtitle C Defense Base Closure and Realignment
00
Scope of agreements to transfer property to redevelopment authorities
without consideration under the base closure laws (sec. 2821)
00
Subtitle D Land Conveyances
00
Part I Army Conveyances
00
Land conveyance, Charles Melvin Price Support Center, Illinois (sec.
2831)
00
Land conveyance, Lieutenant General Malcolm Hay Army Reserve Center,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2832)
00
Land conveyance, Colonel Harold E. Steele Army Reserve Center and
Maintenance Shop, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2833)
00
Land conveyance, Fort Lawton, Washington (sec. 2834)
00
Land conveyance, Vancouver Barracks, Washington (sec. 2835)
00
Part II--Navy Conveyances
00
Modification of land conveyance, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro,
California (sec. 2851)
00
Modification of land conveyance, Defense Fuel Supply Point, Casco
Bay, Maine (sec. 2852)
00
Modification of land conveyance authority, former Navy Training
Center, Bainbridge, Cecil County, Maryland (sec. 2853)
00
Land conveyance, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station,
Cutler, Maine (sec. 2854)
00
Part III--Defense Agencies Conveyance
00
Land conveyance, Army and Air Force Exchange Service property,
Farmers Branch, Texas (sec. 2871)
00
Subtitle E Other Matters
00
Naming of the Army missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll as the
Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll
(sec. 2881)
00
Other Items of Interest
00
Report on Naval Foundry and Propeller Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
00
Report on requirement for Education Center at Fort Stewart, Georgia
00
Study on commercial leases
00
Study regarding the location of the National Museum of the United
States Army
00
Division C--Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and
Other Authorizations
00
Title XXXI Department of Energy National Security Programs
00
Atomic energy defense activities
00
Subtitle A--National Security Programs Authorizations
00
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3101)
00
Defense environmental restoration and waste management (sec. 3102)
00
Other defense activities (sec. 3103)
00
Defense environmental management privatization (sec. 3104)
00
Energy employees compensation initiative (sec. 3105)
00
Defense nuclear waste disposal (sec. 3106)
00
Subtitle B Recurring General Provisions
00
Reprogramming (sec. 3121)
00
Limits on general plant projects (sec. 3122)
00
Limits on construction projects (sec. 3123)
00
Fund transfer authority (sec. 3124)
00
Authority for conceptual and construction design (sec. 3125)
00
Authority for emergency planning, design, and construction activities
(sec. 3126)
00
Funds available for all national security programs of the Department
of Energy (sec. 3127)
00
Availability of funds (sec. 3128)
00
Transfer of defense environmental management funds (sec. 3129)
00
Subtitle C National Nuclear Security Administration
00
Term of Office of person first appointed as Under Secretary for
Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy (sec. 3031)
00
Membership of Under Secretary for Nuclear Security on the Joint
Nuclear Weapons Council (sec. 3132)
00
Scope of authority of Secretary of Energy to modify organization of
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3133)
00
Prohibition on pay of personnel engaged in concurrent service or
duties inside and outside National Nuclear Security Administration (sec.
3134)
00
Organization plan for field offices of the National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3135)
Future-years nuclear security program (sec. 3136)
Cooperative research and development of the National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3137)
Subtitle D--Program Authorizations, Restrictions,
and Limitations
Processing, treatment, and disposition of legacy nuclear materials
(sec. 3151)
Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (sec. 3152)
Department of Energy Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program (sec.
3153)
Modification of counterintelligence polygraph program (sec. 3154)
Employee incentives for employees at closure project facilities (sec.
3155)
Subtitle E--Other Matters
Extension of authority for appointment of certain scientific,
engineering, and technical personnel (sec. 3171)
Updates of report on nuclear test readiness postures (sec. 3172)
Frequency of reports on inadvertent releases of restricted data and
formerly restricted data (sec. 3173)
Form of certifications regarding the safety or reliability of the
nuclear weapons stockpile (sec. 3174)
Engineering and manufacturing research, development and demonstration
by plant managers of certain nuclear weapons production plants (sec.
3175)
Cooperative research and development agreements for government-owned,
government-operated laboratories (sec. 3176)
Commendation of Department of Energy and contractor employees for
Exemplary Service in Stockpile Stewardship and Security (sec. 3177)
Other Items of Interest
Department of Energy participation in the Interstate Technology
Reciprocity Council
Laboratory directed research and development
Report on Post-closure employee benefits at closure project facilities
Title XXXII--Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (sec. 3201)
Title XXXIII--Naval Petroleum Reserves
Minimum price of petroleum sold from the naval petroleum reserves
(sec. 3301)
Repeal of authority to contract for cooperative or unit plans
affecting Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (sec. 3302)
Title XXXIV--National Defense Stockpile
National defense stockpile (secs. 3401 3402)
Legislative Requirements
Departmental Recommendations
Committee Action
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
Regulatory Impact
Changes in Existing Law
Additional Views of Senators Levin, Kennedy, Bingaman, Robb, Landrieu
and Reed
Additional Views of Senator Bingaman
Minority Views of Senator McCain
64 303
106 th Congress
Report
SENATE
2d Session
106 292
AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 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 12, 2000.--Ordered to be printed
Filed, under authority of the order of the Senate of May 11, 2000
Mr. Warner , from the Committee on Armed Services, submitted the
following
REPORT
together with
ADDITIONAL AND MINORITY VIEWS
[To accompany S. 2549]
The Committee on Armed Services reports favorably an original bill to
authorize appropriations during the fiscal year 2001 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 2001;
(2) authorize the personnel end strengths for each military active
duty component of the armed forces for fiscal year 2001;
(3) authorize the personnel end strengths for the Selected Reserve
of each of the reserve components of the armed forces for fiscal year
2001;
(4) impose certain reporting requirements;
(5) 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;
(6) authorize appropriations for military construction programs of
the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2001; and
(7) authorize appropriations for national security programs of the
Department of Energy for fiscal year 2001.
Committee overview and recommendations
The national security challenges that the United States will face in
the new millennium are many and diverse `` new adversaries, new
battlefields, and new weapons. It is important that we remain vigilant,
forward thinking, and prepared to address these challenges.
While the Department of Defense (DOD) must plan and allocate
resources to meet future threats, ongoing military operations and
deployments from the Balkans to Southwest Asia to East Timor continue to
demand significant resources in the short term and the foreseeable
future. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001
provides funding guidelines and policy directives which will allocate
some of the most critical readiness, modernization, and recruiting and
retention problems facing our military, while addressing complex current
and future challenges and threats to the nation's security.
For over a decade, our defense budget has been based on constrained
funding, not on the threats facing the nation or the military strategy
necessary to meet those threats. The result of this is evident today in
continuing recruiting and retention difficulties, declining readiness
ratings, and aging equipment.
Last year, the Congress reversed the downward trend in defense
spending by approving a defense authorization bill which, for the first
time in 14 years, included a real increase in the authorized level of
defense spending. This year, the committee continued the momentum
initiated last year by authorizing $309.8 billion for defense spending
for fiscal year 2001, an increase of $4.5 billion over the budget
request, and a real increase of 4.4 percent.
The committee's support for additional funding for defense is based
on an in-depth analysis of the threats facing U.S. interests, and
testimony from senior military leaders on the many shortfalls in the
defense budget.
It is evident that the world remains a complex and violent place. The
greatest threat to our national security today is instability;
instability fueled by ethnic, religious, and racial animosities that
have existed for centuries, but are now resulting in conflicts fought
with the weapons of modern warfare. Many have turned to the United
States, as the sole remaining superpower, to resolve the many conflicts
around the world and to ensure stability in the future. However, this
military power does not ensure our security. As Director of Central
Intelligence George Tenet told the committee in January, ``The fact that
we are arguably the world's most powerful nation does not bestow
invulnerability; in fact, it may make us a larger target for those who
don't share our interest, values, or beliefs.''
U.S. military forces are involved in overseas deployments at an
unprecedented rate. Currently, our troops are involved in over 10
contingency operations around the globe. At an October 1999 hearing of
the Committee, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Hugh
Shelton, stated that, ``Two factors that erode military readiness are
the pace of operations and funding shortfalls. There is no doubt that
the force is much smaller than it was a decade ago, and also much
busier.'' Over the past decade, our active duty manpower has been
reduced by nearly a third, active Army divisions have been reduced by
almost 50 percent, and the number of Navy ships has been reduced from
567 to 316. During this same period, our troops have been involved in 50
military operations worldwide. By comparison, from the end of the
Vietnam War in 1975 until 1989, U.S. military forces were engaged in
only 20 such military deployments.
The fiscal year 2001 defense budget submitted by the administration
was a positive development. Encouraging elements of the plan included
full funding of the pay raise as directed by Congress last year,
achieving the procurement goal of $60.0 billion a year, and initiatives
to improve military health care. After careful examination, however, it
was clear that many shortfalls remained that required action by the
committee.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff have testified that they have a remaining
shortfall in funding of $9.0 billion for fiscal year 2000, a requirement
for an additional $15.5 billion above the budget request to meet
shortfalls in readiness and modernization for fiscal year 2001, and a
requirement for an additional $85.0 billion in the Future Years Defense
Program (FYDP). The committee has provided additional funding to meet
the most urgent requirements identified by the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
but remains troubled by the negative impact of the large number of
contingency operations on our smaller military force.
Unfortunately, there appears to be no end in sight for many of
these operations.
The high operations tempo of our armed forces has a negative impact
on recruiting and retention. Last year, the committee took action to
provide a pay raise and a package of retirement reforms and retention
incentives in an effort to recruit and retain highly qualified
personnel. The committee also took action to require intense senior
level management of the personnel tempo of the armed forces. The
committee has received testimony that these changes are having a
positive impact. This year the committee has focused on improving
military health care for our active duty and retired personnel and their
families.
The Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the
service chiefs have all highlighted the many problems associated with
implementing a user-friendly health care program for active duty service
members, military retirees, and their families. The committee strongly
supported initiatives that ensure our active duty personnel and their
families receive quality healthcare, and initiatives that begin to
fulfill our commitment to military retirees. These initiatives include
accelerating improvements in TRICARE, expanding TRICARE benefits to
families of military personnel serving in the remote locations,
increasing access to health care and providing pharmacy benefits for
military retirees, and expanding the long- standing cooperative
relationship between the DOD and the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Last year, NATO conducted its first large-scale, offensive military
operation with the 78 day air war on behalf of Kosovo. The lessons
learned from that operation, addressed during a series of committee
hearings, highlighted not only shortfalls in weapon systems and
intelligence programs, but also the complexities of engaging in
coalition operations. As noted in the combined testimony of Operation
Allied Force commanders, General Wesley Clark, Admiral James Ellis, and
Lieutenant General Michael Short, the campaign '' . . . required (that)
we adapt (U.S.) military doctrine and strategy to strike a balance
between maintaining allied cohesion, striking key elements of the
Yugoslav armed forces, minimizing losses of allied aircraft, and
maintaining collateral damage.'' Of paramount concern to the committee
was applying the lessons learned from the air campaign over Kosovo to
ensure the future preparedness of the U.S. armed forces. The committee
added funding above the amount requested to address some of the most
essential lessons learned from Kosovo.
Over 38,000 combat sorties were conducted during the Kosovo air
campaign with no combat casualties. While the committee understands that
no military operation is without risk, limiting the risk to military
personnel is clearly an important goal. Every day, advances in
technologies such as computing and telecommunications are being
integrated into warfighting equipment.
The committee believes that the Defense Department must further
pursue these technological advances in an effort to provide advanced
warfighting capabilities, while at the same time limiting the risk to
military personnel. To this end, the committee directed the DOD to
aggressively develop and field unmanned combat systems in the air and on
the ground so that within 10 years, one-third of our operational deep
strike aircraft would be unmanned, and within 15 years, one-third of our
ground combat vehicles would be unmanned. The committee has provided an
additional $200.0 million for this initiative.
Personnel
This year the Personnel Subcommittee focused on some of the most
pressing issues facing the DOD and the military services. Recruiting and
retention, pay and compensation, personnel tempo, and health care are
identified in every survey, poll and informal gathering of soldiers,
sailors, airmen and Marines as the areas that affect decisions on
joining or continuing to serve in the armed forces. The committee
prioritized its efforts to address each of these issues.
When the Cold War ended and the nation began to reduce the active
forces, it became clear that the pressures caused by the reduction in
the number of medical personnel and facilities and the increase in
medical costs made it almost impossible for the military health care
system to meet its wartime missions, as well as fulfill its mission to
provide health care to the families of active duty personnel and retired
personnel and their families. As a result, in 1993 Congress directed the
DOD to take the bold step of implementing a nationwide managed care
system in which the DOD partnered with the private sector to deliver
health care. This system, known as TRICARE, is struggling with
implementation problems. The committee devoted a significant amount of
time and effort to examining TRICARE and determining how that system
might be improved and made more efficient and effective.
On February 23, 2000, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced S.
2087, the Military Health Care Improvement Act of 2000, to address the
most urgent medical needs of our active duty and retired personnel and
their families. In addition to providing for improvements in the TRICARE
program, this bill would provide, for the first time, an entitlement to
military health care for Medicare-eligible military retirees and their
families. The most significant benefit of this bill is a pharmacy
benefit for Medicare-eligible military retirees. The committee has
determined that access to prescription drugs is the single most critical
unmet need of Medicare-eligible military retirees.
The committee has incorporated the provisions of S. 2087 and
additional initiatives in this bill. The committee views this as only
the first step toward providing a comprehensive health care benefit to
all military health care system beneficiaries, including those who are
Medicare-eligible.
The Personnel Subcommittee has made recruiting and retention a
priority for each of the past three years. Despite efforts on behalf of
recruiters, military leaders, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and
the Congress, the disturbing trends of declining numbers and missed
goals in both recruiting and retention continue.
While last year's legislative initiatives have slowed the decline,
more needs to be done if we are to recruit and retain quality personnel
to defend the nation's vital interests around the world. Once these
young men and women have been trained in their military skills, it is
essential that the services retain these developing military leaders so
that we can benefit from their experience and use their abilities to
train those recruits who will follow.
The committee recognizes that if the services cannot man the force
with qualified, well-trained personnel, readiness will continue to
suffer. The committee believes that the proposals, resources and
policies recommended in this bill will assist the military services in
recruiting and retaining the numbers of quality personnel required to
meet the national military strategy.
Readiness and Management Support
Aging equipment, spare parts shortfalls, manning and experience gaps
continue to manifest themselves in terms of declining mission capable
rates and decreasing unit readiness ratings. According to the DOD
Quarterly Readiness Report to the Congress, October through December
1999, ''. . . the pace of contingency operations continues to stress the
readiness of certain segments of the force.'' Most troubling are
indications that problems are emerging in the readiness of forward
deployed and first-to-fight units.
During the past year, the committee focused on the readiness of the
armed forces to meet the challenges of today while preparing for those
of tomorrow. Maintaining a ready force is particularly difficult if
military personnel are not provided with sufficient opportunities to
receive the training necessary to perform their difficult missions. The
committee notes the prohibition of live-fire training by Atlantic fleet
units at Vieques is resulting in significant degradation of unit
readiness. Ensuring that our armed forces receive the
necessary training to make certain they have safe and successful
deployments continues to be one of the committee's highest priorities.
The committee is also concerned with continuing reports of readiness
problem as a result of the declining materiel condition of military
equipment, primarily due to shortfalls in spare parts and increasing
equipment age. The committee added significant resources to the defense
budget in previous fiscal years to ensure that the current inventory of
equipment was adequately maintained until the modernization programs
could provide sufficient replacements. Unfortunately, with the pace of
operations continuing to place strains on both maintenance personnel and
supply availability, the increased funding has not prevented declines in
materiel condition.
Military construction
Although the overall DOD request for fiscal year 2001 is more than
$11.0 billion higher than the previous year, neither military
construction nor family housing construction benefitted from this
increase. In fact, the military construction and family housing Request
is $400.0 million less than the administration's fiscal year 2000
incrementally funded military construction program, and $500.0 million
less than the amount authorized in fiscal year 2000.
One noteworthy shortfall is that the budget request for fiscal year
2001 did not include construction contingency funds which are critical
to correct design flaws or unforseen construction problems. In testimony
before the Subcommittee on Readiness an Management Support, service
officials stated that the elimination of the $128.0 million for
contingency construction will cause significant difficulty in executing
construction programs.
The committee is deeply disturbed that for two consecutive years the
Department has used budgetary gimmicks in funding the military
construction program. The committee urges the Department to refrain from
such practices in future years.
To correct the deficiencies in the budget request, the committee
recommends an increase of $430.0 million for military construction. The
focus of the additional funding is on quality of life projects and on
critical projects for the reserve components, whose construction
programs continue to be underfunded. In addition, the committee did
include contingency construction funding for each project the committee
added.
Emerging Threats and Capabilities
The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities continued to
provide an effective forum for highlighting such issues as the threat
posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons,
the ever increasing danger of terrorist attacks both in the United
States and overseas, the impact of narco-trafficking on U.S. national
security and regional stability, and the growing threat cyber-attacks on
the military's critical information infrastructure. The committee
continued its review and assessment of the Department's ability to
respond to these threats. The committee believes it is of the utmost
importance that the Department prepare for these and other emerging
threats through robust investments in technology and exploration of new
warfighting concepts.
Unfortunately, the terrorist threat to our citizens and service
members--both at home and abroad--shows no signs of diminishing. During
the weeks leading up to the millennium celebrations, numerous
individuals suspected of planning terrorist attacks directed against
U.S. citizens were arrested in the United States and abroad. With the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the threat of a terrorist
attack with a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon is increasing at an
alarming rate. We, as a nation, must be prepared.
This committee will continue to play a leading role in ensuring that
the DOD is adequately funded and structured to perform its critical role
in the overall U.S. government's efforts to combat terrorism. Last year,
the committee conducted a comprehensive review of the Defense
Department's activities to combat terrorism, with the goal of making the
Department's efforts in this critical area more visible and better
organized; and of increasing the capabilities of DOD assets to assist in
the event of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil involving the use of a
weapon of mass destruction.
This year, the committee has taken action to build on last year's
efforts by assigning overall policy and budgeting oversight of the DOD
activities for combating terrorism to the assistant secretary of defense
for special operations and low- intensity conflict; and by adding
funding for the establishment of five new Weapons of Mass Destruction
Civil Support Teams to bring the total number of such teams to 32 by the
end of fiscal year 2001.
During the post-Cold War decade, the U.S. government has spent over
$4.7 billion in the former Soviet Union to reduce the threat posed by
the possible proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,
weapons-usable nuclear materials, and scientific expertise. After nearly
a decade of working in Russia and the other states of the former Soviet
Union on this effort, the committee believes it is important to review
what these programs have achieved. The committee is concerned that for
the significant investment made in some areas, the return in terms of
reducing the threat has been relatively small. For example, the General
Accounting Office (GAO) found that $481.2 million has been spent since
fiscal year 1993 on a program designed to secure weapons-usable nuclear
material in Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union, but only
seven percent of the total nuclear material identified as being at risk
has been secured. The committee is troubled by the progress achieved in
light of this significant investment.
In March 2000, the GAO testified that the costs associated with
achieving threat reduction will continue to remain high due to Russia's
inability to pay its share of the costs of these programs, Russia's
reluctance to provide the United States with needed access to its
sensitive facilities, and expanding program budget requirements. The
committee recommends several initiatives to obtain greater Russian
commitment and necessary access so that the programs will have a greater
chance of attaining their intended threat reduction objectives.
In the area of chemical and biological warfare defense, the committee
notes that the Department has continued to maintain steady increases in
funding since fiscal year 1996. The committee is concerned, however,
that the Department's efforts to focus on the acquisition of the anthrax
vaccine may be taking an inordinate amount of personnel and financial
resources from other critical elements of the chem-bio defense program.
While the Department's fiscal year 2001 request represents a nearly 20
percent increase for procurement of chemical and biological defense
equipment and programs, a significant portion of this increase is to
address issues associated with the anthrax vaccine acquisition program.
The committee is concerned with the risks associated with continuing to
support the current Anthrax acquisition strategy, and believes that the
Department should develop an alternative plan to ensure that a vaccine
will be available to meet ongoing and future requirements.
In the year since the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and
Capabilities was created, cyber threats to the United States, including
the DOD, have increased dramatically. During the subcommittee's March 1,
2000 hearing on cyber-security, the DOD reported that computer attacks
on Defense Department systems increased from under 6,000 in 1998 to over
22,000 in 1999. There is every indication that this trend will continue.
The committee remains concerned that many important information
assurance programs designed to protect against such cyber-attacks,
remain underfunded by the DOD. At the March 1, 2000, subcommittee
hearing, witnesses from the Department once again confirmed that such
funding shortfalls remain significant, and presented a list of almost
$500.0 million in unfunded requirements in this area.
Due to the expanding nature of the cyber threat, the committee
recommends increased funding for important information assurance
initiatives. In particular, the committee recommends initiatives in the
area of information assurance training and education. The committee
agrees with the conclusion contained in the National Plan for
Information Systems Protection, which was released by the White House in
January, that ``. . . within the Federal Government, the lack of skilled
information systems security personnel amounts to a crisis.'' The
committee also recommends funding increases to support information
assurance research and development, and procurement of critical
information assurance tools and detection devices.
The committee continued its examination of joint experimentation and
the prudent transformation of our armed forces to defend against current
and future threats to our national security. While encouraged by the
progress made by U.S. Joint Forces Command in the area of joint
experimentation since its activation with an expanded charter on October
1, 1999, the committee is concerned with the slow pace of robust
experimentation, noting that the first true joint field experiment is
not scheduled until 2004. Additionally, the committee is concerned that
there is not yet an institutionalized process to rapidly integrate
lessons learned into the overall service and defense-wide requirements
process. During a hearing before the subcommittee on April 4, 2000, the
Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated that a review was
underway to revise and strengthen this joint requirements process. At
that same hearing, the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Joint Forces Command
expressed interest in accelerating the pace of joint experimentation.
These are welcome developments which the committee will follow closely.
It is a priority of the committee to maintain a strong, stable
investment in science and technology in order to develop superior
technology that will permit the United States to maintain its current
military advantages, provide flexible options to future warfighters, and
hedge against technological surprise. The military dimensions of the
next century are likely to be so different from those on which the
current force was built that an evolutionary approach--based on
correcting near-term deficiencies--will not be sufficient to meet the
need for change. We must ensure that our ongoing efforts to maintain
current advantages in capability are complemented with bold action that
can effect the true transformation required for the 21st Century force.
For that reason, the committee has added approximately $200.0 million
dollars to the defense science and technology (S&T) program.
It has been an on-going concern that the current S&T planning process
appears to focus on the ``micro'' issue of ensuring that individual
projects address legitimate warfighting needs, rather than on the
``macro'' issue of prioritizing those needs and ensuring that sufficient
S&T funding is made available to meet them. Both the Army and the Navy
took ambitious steps this year to address that shortcoming in the S&T
planning process by prioritizing their own needs on a ``macro'' basis,
and realigning S&T funding to match new priorities.
The Air Force does not appear to have undertaken any comparable
planning effort. The committee remains concerned with the serious
decline in the Air Force technology investment and the lack of support
for science and technology within the Air Force leadership. Critical
investment decisions are being made based on numbers rather than need.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision which requires the
Secretary of the Air Force to conduct a thorough review of the S&T
program and to certify to Congress that the plans provided and the
investments planned will meet their objectives for air and space
superiority in the 21st Century and beyond.
Airland
The Airland Subcommittee focused on the impact of inadequate
modernization accounts, testing and evaluation activities associated
with developmental efforts, the Army transformation initiative and the
status of tactical aviation programs.
The committee has conducted an in-depth analysis of the Army
transformation initiative that was announced last fall. The committee
advocates transformation and recognizes that heavy forces within the
Army are difficult to deploy in support of the National Military
Strategy. The Army Chief of Staff has challenged the status quo within
the Army and initiated a process to transform the Army into a more
lethal, lightweight, strategically relevant and deployable force that
will be better suited to meet future defense challenges. While the
committee has expressed support for the transformation initiative, the
committee is concerned about the Army's ability to develop the objective
force and field an interim force capability. The committee has
particular concerns about the operational capabilities of the interim
force and the Army's acquisition strategy.
Given no significant change in projected Army modernization resources
from the DOD, the committee is concerned that the Army will not have
adequate resources to recapitalize the existing legacy force to maintain
operational readiness, field an interim force capability, and conduct a
robust research and development effort designed to lead to the objective
force in fiscal year 2012. The committee believes the Army vision should
more heavily focus on efforts for the objective force. Near-term interim
forces can provide an operational capability available to respond to
contingency operations while at the same time provide insights into
future force requirements. The committee believes that least cost
alternatives, including light, armored vehicles currently available
within the Army, should be primarily considered in efforts to fill an
interim force.
In response to last year's congressional direction, the Army issued
revised aviation and armor system modernization plans in which
significant steps have been taken to address long standing deficiencies
in service modernization programs. While the committee remains concerned
about the ability of future budgets to support these revised plans, the
Army is commended for ensuring that these plans more adequately reflect
the broad range of requirements that exist across the force.
The committee also focused on a range of tactical aviation issues.
The budget request included almost $8.0 billion for continued
development and procurement of the three new tactical fighter aircraft:
the F/A 18E/F Super Hornet, the F 22 Raptor, and the Joint Strike
Fighter (JSF). The committee remains concerned about the overall
affordability of these systems against the backdrop of increasing
average aircraft age, required modifications of legacy aircraft, and
precision guided weapon inventory shortages. Particular tactical
aviation issues examined by the committee included: F/A 18E/F upgrade
funding; F 22 flight test hours and the adequacy of test content; and,
JSF validation, program cost growth, and technical challenges.
The lessons learned from the Kosovo conflict presented additional
concerns that the committee addressed. In Kosovo after-action reviews,
the committee repeatedly heard concerns expressed about low-density,
high-demand weapon systems and platforms. Commanders reported having to
conserve certain precision weapon systems to prevent depletion. Tactical
electronic attack assets were seriously over tasked, as were
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
The committee added over $700.0 million for programs supporting
aircraft precision strike capability, aircraft survivability, and ISR
assets.
The committee continues to be concerned about the impact that
inadequate modernization funding will have on our ability to modernize
our forces. Significant levels of unfunded requirements, as identified
by the service chiefs, suggest that significant modernization shortfalls
are likely to continue.
Seapower
The committee continued its focus on reviewing the adequacy of Navy
and Marine Corps force structure and strategic lift to carry out the
National Security Strategy, and the ability of
Navy and Marine Corps programs to support new operational
concepts to influence events ashore, and from the sea.
Operational commanders presented compelling testimony to the
subcommittee that indicated that their commands do not have enough ships
and aircraft to shape the international environment and respond to
crises within the required time frame. As stated by the Commander, U.S.
Second Fleet, even with the current level of 316 ships, there ``. . .
are not enough resources to meet demands, and the cost of doing business
is being borne increasingly by our sailors.'' The commanding general of
the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force and the director of operations and
logistics of the U.S. Transportation Command described similar impacts
on the Marines and airmen in their command.
Operational commanders also pointed out that aging equipment
translates into both operational and fiscal costs. Maintenance personnel
routinely work long hours on shifts and into the weekends to keep
equipment operational. This testimony was consistent with information
gathered by the committee during visits to fleet units.
The Congressional Research Service testified before the subcommittee
that the Navy requires a $12.0 billion annual ship construction budget,
commencing in fiscal year 2001, to build an average of 8.6 ships per
year to maintain a Navy force structure of at least 300 ships. While the
Navy acquisition and requirements witnesses agreed with this assessment,
the ship construction budget for fiscal year 2001 is only $11.7 billion
and is projected to decrease in the outyears. In an effort to provide a
long-term look at shipbuilding requirements and plans, the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 directed the Secretary of
Defense to deliver a long-range shipbuilding report to the Congress no
later than February 1, 2000. Unfortunately, that report has yet to be
provided.
The Transportation Command testified before the subcommittee that C
17 strategic lift aircraft procurement and C 5 strategic lift aircraft
reliability were the two highest Transportation Command priorities, and
that the Transportation Command has been unable to respond to all of the
requests for strategic airlift support.
In addition to these findings, information obtained by the committee
during the course of its deliberations revealed the following:
(1) the present Navy force structure of 316 ships is not sufficient
to carry out the National Security Strategy, and the shipbuilding plan
of 39 ships planned in the Future Years Defense Program is insufficient
to recapitalize the fleet;
(2) changing the DDG 51 acquisition strategy from three to two ships
per year is inconsistent with the Navy's previous industrial base
studies, and counter to the emphasis on procurement efficiency and smart
business decisions that save taxpayer dollars;
(3) the DD 21 destroyer is the key enabler to providing the Marine
Corps fire support from the sea, and DD 21 will accomplish that mission
at lower acquisition and operating costs compared to other destroyers;
(4) the Joint Chiefs of Staff study on attack submarine force
structure states that the requirement for submarines may be
significantly more than the 1997 Quadrenniel Defense Review level of 50
submarines;
(5) Marine Corps operational concepts require the capabilities
included in new platforms, such as the LPD 17, LHD, and DD 21 ship
classes and the performance of new equipment, such as the Advanced
Amphibious Assault Vehicle(AAAV), the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC),
the V 22 Tiltrotor aircraft, and night vision and thermal imaging
devices; and
(6) within ten years there will be insufficient helicopters to
support the operational requirements of destroyers, aircraft carriers,
mine warfare, and replenishment ships.
Versatility continues to be the hallmark of the Navy and Marine
Corps. This year, maritime forces were moved rapidly between the
Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf for operations that ranged from
war and peacekeeping in Kosovo to humanitarian relief for earthquake
victims in Turkey.
The committee concluded that our Navy and Marine Corps forces are an
inherently forward-deployed, combat credible, expeditionary force
engaged in daily, round-the-clock operations to influence the world's
security environment and support world-wide U.S. national security
interests. The committee notes that in the 84 months that ended in
September 1999, the Navy participated in 80 contingency operations
around the world.
While there are insufficient funds to address all of the fiscal year
2001 unfunded requirements identified by the service chiefs, the
committee will continue to support efforts to identify, prioritize and
take action within the constraints of the budget to fund the
deficiencies identified by the Navy and Marine Corps. The committee will
continue to highlight the risks associated with the budget constraints,
and the resulting impact on the ability of our men and women of the
armed forces to carry out their duties.
Strategic
The Strategic Subcommittee 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 (DOE) activities regarding the nuclear weapons stockpile, nuclear
waste cleanup, and other defense activities.
On February 28, 2000, the Strategic Subcommittee held a hearing on
national and theater missile defense programs. Based on this hearing,
the committee concluded that the DOD continues to pursue a
funding-constrained ballistic missile defense (BMD) program. Although
the committee is pleased by Department's decision to substantially
increase funding for the National Missile Defense (NMD) program, the
Strategic Subcommittee found that all of the Ballistic Missile Defense
Organization's major defense acquisition programs remain under-funded.
The committee recommends substantial increases in funding for ballistic
missile defense programs and technologies, including the NMD program for
risk reduction.
On March 8, 2000, the Strategic Subcommittee held a hearing on
national security space issues. The committee identified a number of
areas in which budget constraints have caused DOD to insufficiently fund
key space programs and technologies. The committee also identified key
areas of space technology development that require additional support,
as addressed in detail elsewhere in this report.
One of the key findings of the Kosovo after-action reviews was that
intelligence processing and dissemination does not always meet the
requirements of warfighting forces. The committee has initiated efforts
to provide funding and other assistance to ensure that relevant
intelligence products are provided to military forces in a timely
manner. In particular, the committee recommends funding increases for
the National Imagery and Mapping Agency to improve the imagery tasking,
processing, exploitation and dissemination process.
Department of Energy National Security Programs
The committee has responsibility for oversight and authorization of
over two thirds of the Department of Energy's budget, including the
National Nuclear Security Administration; weapons activities; defense
environmental management; other defense activities; and defense nuclear
waste disposal. The committee also authorizes funds for the Defense
Nuclear Facility Safety Board, an independent agency responsible for
external oversight of safety at DOE defense nuclear facilities.
The committee held the first congressional hearing to assess the
programs of the newly-established National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA). The committee identified a number of critical
issues that must be addressed by the Congress, the Secretary of Energy,
and the new NNSA administrator. The committee notes that the Secretary
of Energy has failed to fully comply with the National Nuclear Security
Administration Act,
which was signed into law by the President as part of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Pubic Law 106
65).
In the area of weapons activities, the committee remains concerned
that the Department has not prepared the long-term program or funding
plan for the stockpile stewardship and management program, as directed
last year by Congress. The committee notes that the DOD provides a FYDP
plan to Congress each year with the annual budget request. The committee
believes that DOE should provide comparable budgetary information to
Congress.
The committee is concerned with the speculative nature of the
science-based stockpile stewardship program. The committee received
testimony from the three weapons laboratory directors that it may be as
long as 15 years before the DOE stockpile stewardship program can be
evaluated as an acceptable substitute for underground nuclear testing.
The committee remains concerned that the Department is moving too
slowly in re-establishing pit manufacturing and tritium production
capabilities. The committee further notes that the Department has not
established any long-term requirements or plans for modernization of its
aging weapon production plants.
In the area of environmental management, the DOE continues to make
progress in focusing its resources on closure of a limited number of
sites and facilities. However, the committee remains concerned that the
request for science and technology development continues to decline,
despite the Department's increased reliance on the application of
innovative technologies at cleanup sites. The committee notes that the
fiscal year 2001 request for technology development is the lowest in
over eight years. The committee believes that a vigorous research and
development program must be maintained if the Department is to meet its
accelerated cleanup and closure goals.
The committee remains deeply concerned with proposals to establish a
new, external regulation regime for DOE defense nuclear facilities. The
committee does not support such efforts. The committee notes that the
only DOE defense facility to be placed under regulation by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) required almost $500.0 million and three
years to establish a new licencing process. The committee believes that
placing additional DOE facilities under NRC regulation would not be
beneficial or cost-effective. Such moves would waste scarce cleanup
funds and jeopardize the pace of cleanup at DOE facilities. The
committee believes that the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
(DNFSB) continues to provide comparable, independent safety oversight
for all DOE defense nuclear facilities with an annual budget of less
than $20.0 million a year.
Explanation of funding summary
The administration's budget request for the national defense function
of the federal budget for fiscal year 2001 was $305.3 billion, of which
$305.3 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 2001 defense
programs. The columns relating to the authorization request do not
include funding for the following items: military personnel funding;
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. As explained above, funding for military personnel is
included in the amounts authorized by the committee, but not in the
total funding requested for 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
$309.8 billion in budget authority, which is consistent with the fiscal
year 2001 budget resolution.
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DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE I--PROCUREMENT
Explanation of tables
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2001 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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SUBTITLE A-AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Chemical demilitarization program (sec. 107)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide funding for
chemical demilitarization in a Department of Defense (DOD) budget line.
The budget request for the Army included $1.0 billion for the Chemical
Agents and Munitions Destruction (CAMD) Program: $607.2 million for
operations and maintenance; $121.9 million for procurement; and $274.4
million for research and development.
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, but shall be set forth in the budget of the DOD as
a separate account. The committee is concerned that funds for this
program continue to be included in the Army budget accounts, despite the
clear and direct statutory requirement to the contrary. Funding for this
program should not be balanced against Army modernization plans or
funding of continued military operations in the Balkans.
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Multiyear procurement authority for certain Army and Navy
programs (sec. 111)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Army to
enter into multiyear procurement contracts for the Bradley A3 Infantry
Fighting Vehicle, the UH 60L Blackhawk helicopter, and the CH 60S
Seahawk helicopter. For the Bradley A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the
multiyear procurement authority is for a period not to exceed three
years, beginning in fiscal year 2001. The committee notes the Army is
scheduled to complete the initial operational test and evaluation
(IOT&E) of the Bradley A3, and a subsequent milestone III review in the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2000. The committee expects the Secretary
of the Army to ensure that the Army successfully completes the IOT&E and
milestone III review prior to awarding the multiyear contract.
Army transformation (sec. 112)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to provide a report on the objective force process, that
describes the following:
(1) operational environments envisioned for the objective force;
(2) threat assumptions for objective force research and development
efforts;
(3) potential operational and organizational concepts for the
objective force;
(4) anticipated Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and emerging
requirements that will ultimately be reflected in a future operational
requirements document (ORD) for the objective force;
(5) program schedule and projected research and development and
procurement funding required to support proposed transformation
activities through fiscal year 2012, and identification of specific
adjustments made to Army programs in both the Future Years Defense
Program (FYDP) and extended planning program to fund the transformation
initiative and summarize anticipated investments by the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency in programs designed to lead to the fielding of
a future combat system;
(6) joint warfighting requirements that will be supported by the
fielding of the objective force, including a description of planned
adjustments to war plans of the regional commanders in chief;
(7) changes to current strategic and tactical lift requirements
resulting from the creation and fielding of objective forces; and
(8) the evaluation process that will support future decisions on the
course of the transformation initiative leading to the objective force,
including a description of operational evaluations and experimentation
that will be used to validate the KPPs and ORD requirements associated
with objective forces.
In addition, the committee has recommended additional funding,
described elsewhere in this report, to support near-term acceleration of
the future combat system research and development effort.
The Army has begun an effort to transform itself to meet the new
security challenges that the nation faces today. The committee agrees
that the Army needs to transform into a lighter, more lethal, survivable
and tactically mobile force. The committee believes that the Army must
begin the transformation process and applauds the recognition that the
force must be better positioned to meet the significant defense
challenges in an uncertain and troubling future. It is clear that these
challenges will require our armed services to think and act differently
than in the past. The committee recognizes that the Army must be able to
provide a mix of light, medium, and heavy forces. Future intervention
scenarios will call for different capabilities, requiring that the Army
be able to respond to a variety of national security missions, including
mechanized warfare, defense of humanitarian sanctuaries, and peace
enforcement.
The committee has a long history of supporting Army efforts to
transform itself through the advanced warfighting experiment (AWE)
process, the Army after next (AAN) activity, and the digitization
initiative. The committee has also supported Army modernization
activities that the Army later decided to terminate, including the
armored gun system (AGS), liquid propellant technology for Crusader,
Wolverine, Grizzly, Command and Control Vehicle, Prophet Air, Stinger
Block II, and Army Tactical Missile System Block IIA.
The committee realizes that the Army has had several false starts and
traveled up several ``blind alleys'' in pursuit of reforms since the end
of the Cold War. The Chief of Staff of the Army also realizes that many
previous ``reforms'' have only lasted as long as the tenure of the
proponent Army Chief of Staff. He has said that he wants to achieve
``irreversible momentum for change'' so that the Army will continue on a
path to the new objective force even after his tenure as Chief of Staff.
The committee commends the Chief of Staff for the actions he has
taken to begin to transform the Army into a force more relevant to the
diverse defense challenges of the new millennium. To achieve these
reforms, the Army will have to implement innovative changes to force
structure, modernization plans, and spending priorities.
The committee wants to support the Army's current efforts to achieve
``irreversible momentum for change,'' but the committee wants to ensure
this momentum is along the proper path, not another ``blind alley.'' The
best way to ensure that a transformation process will be reversed by
future Army leadership is to start down the wrong path.
The committee strongly agrees with recommendations from a fiscal year
1999 Army Science Board Summer Study report on Enabling Rapid and
Decisive Strategic Maneuver for The Army Beyond 2010, which included the
following recommendations that:
(1) Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) experiment with
alternative, available equipment and recommend, within 12 months, needed
procurements;
(2) TRADOC and XVIII Airborne Corps develop split- based support
options, to include necessary organizational redesign;
(3) The Army conduct an expeditionary experiment (possibly Joint
Contingency Force AWE) and examine within 24 months improvements in
early entry deployment and capability; and
(4) TRADOC examine both traditional platform centric solutions as
well as non traditional ``ensemble'' solutions for future combat
systems. Army concept experimentation is needed.
The committee finds the recommendations of the Army Science Board
compelling.
The committee believes that the Army's transformation process must
focus on the objective force, first and foremost. However, the committee
notes that the current Army plans do not adequately address how, or if,
the Army Science Board recommendations will be implemented.
The committee, therefore, directs the Army to establish a process of
operational analysis, experimentation, and platform demonstrations that
will serve to determine optimum organizational structures, equipment
types and numbers, and operational concepts for the objective force. The
committee directs that the Army fully integrate this process with the
joint experimentation activities conducted by the Commander in Chief,
U.S. Joint Forces Command.
Consistent with the committee's view that the objective force must be
preeminent in the planning process, the committee believes that the
interim capability adjustments that the Army is intending to pursue must
not displace the attention and resources appropriate for the objective
force. Army forces continue to age precipitously because the Army has
not been able to afford sufficient modernization to support even the
current force structure. Absent significant additional investment, the
situation will only grow worse. The committee recognizes that the Army
modernization program has not competed well for resources within the
Department of Defense budget process. This fact alone makes it clear
that the Army can ill afford a major misstep in pursuing the goal of
transformation.
While pursuing the objective force capability, the Army must also
focus on how it reforms in the mean time. The committee notes that there
is great merit in Army plans to transform one heavy and one light
brigade into a medium brigade configuration. The Army effort involves
fielding interim brigade combat teams (IBCT) designed to bridge a
perceived near-term capability gap. Actions designed to field IBCT's are
focused on requirements for medium weight forces that are strategically
deployable with a combat capability that exceeds those capabilities
provided by existing light forces. The committee agrees that such a
reconfiguration is necessary to provide insights into force structure,
equipment, and tactics alternatives for full-spectrum operations while
optimizing these forces for the challenges of peacekeeping.
In context of very limited resources, however, the committee believes
that Army cannot afford to establish an interim medium force capability
when the primary aim is to serve as a rotational peacekeeping force. The
committee believes that an effective evaluation of alternatives and
review of equipment evaluation data are critical to making informed
funding decisions. The Army must further define and validate interim
force operational concepts, force structure, equipment requirements, and
funding alternatives before making acquisition commitments beyond the
two brigades described in the Chief of Staff's transformation
implementation letter. As the IBCT effort is clearly designed to provide
an interim capability, the committee believes that life cycle cost
factors should be a primary consideration in determining equipment
solutions for IBCT requirements.
While the committee understands the established Army goal to achieve
commonality among medium combat vehicle types and the perceived need for
momentum, these should not be the primary objectives. Principal
objectives should include: (1) focusing on fielding the objective force;
and (2) ensuring that interim medium forces are formed based on
least-cost alternatives that lead to the most combat ready and cost
effective solution that ensures successful operations in a broad range
of environments. The committee believes it is possible that the Army may
already have equipment in the inventory that could meet the requirements
established for the interim force and allow the service to focus more of
its resources on developing the objective force.
Current acquisition policy requires the services to first explore the
potential for existing equipment to meet emerging mission requirements.
The use of existing equipment could allow the Army to avoid expensive
new equipment acquisition costs, as well as a requirement to establish a
new logistical support system that would result from the fielding of new
equipment. The committee recognizes that the Army does not own a mobile
gun system (MGS) that could meet IBCT requirements. Fortunately, the
requirement for a MGS is relatively small. The committee is concerned,
however, that the Army appears to be preparing to select a mobile gun
system without conducting a performance and reliability evaluation of
candidate systems.
Therefore, the committee believes it essential that the Army conduct
an operational evaluation of alternative systems that explores, at a
minimum, measures of operational and cost effectiveness between medium
armored vehicles already in the Army inventory compared with any new
system selected to meet IBCT requirements. The committee recognizes that
this evaluation will be in addition to actions the Army has already
identified in the acquisition strategy report for interim armored
vehicles.
The committee's recommended provision would also support, on a track
parallel to the objective force development activity, the fielding of
three interim brigades through fiscal year 2003. This provision would
provide guidance on analysis required to support the fielding of IBCTs
and establish two additional reporting requirements for the results of
that analysis. Moreover, the committee has supported the full budget
request for the Army's plan to field a new armored vehicle family in the
IBCTs.
The first report would be required to describe the Army's plans for
conducting the side-by-side comparison of existing versus new hardware
implementations. The provision would require that the Secretary of the
Army:
(1) provide a report, no later than February 1, 2001, on plans to
conduct an operational analysis of medium armored combat vehicles that
will be selected later in fiscal year 2000 to meet IBCT infantry
battalion requirements compared with medium armored vehicles currently
found in the Army inventory. The assessment will determine cost and
operational effectiveness differences between new and existing medium
armored combat vehicles, and will be made on a comparative basis with at
least one infantry battalion fielded with existing medium armored
vehicles similarly structured to IBCT infantry battalions;
(2) submit the plan to the Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation, Office of the Secretary of Defense, for review and comment;
(3) include the comments of the Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation as an attachment to the Army report;
(4) describe how the results of the operational evaluation will
guide future acquisition decisions for additional interim brigade combat
team equipment; and
(5) identify specific adjustments made to Army programs in both the
FYDP and extended planning program to fund interim force fielding
requirements.
The second report would include the Army's analysis of the
results of the side-by-side comparisons. This would require that the
Secretary of the Army provide the results of the comparative operational
analysis to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1,
2002. Additionally, the provision would require that the Secretary of
Defense certify that the conclusions of the operational analysis
contained in the second report support the Army's proposed acquisitions
for additional IBCT equipment in fiscal year 2003 and beyond.
The provision would limit obligations of the fiscal year 2001 funds
to 60 percent of the total amount authorized and appropriated for the
new armored vehicle family until 30 days after the date on which the
Secretary of the Army submits the first report to the congressional
defense committees. The provision would also limit obligations of the
funds for fiscal year 2002 funds provided for the fielding of a second
IBCT to 60 percent of the amount authorized and appropriated for the new
armored vehicle family until 30 days after the date in which the
Secretary of the Army submits the second report on the conclusions of
the operational analysis.
The committee does not intend to impede current Army IBCT fielding
plans, but believes that the comparative operational analysis will serve
to strengthen the transformation process and might ultimately accelerate
the fielding of future brigades at lower costs. The Army cannot be
confident that what it is buying is what it needs, absent normally
required testing and evaluation. The Army transformation process cannot
afford more false starts.
OTHER ARMY PROGRAMS
ARMY AIRCRAFT
Utility aircraft
The Army budget request included no funding for fixed-wing, medium
range, utility aircraft, but these aircraft were included on the Army's
unfunded priorities list. This aircraft is used for small unit movements
to remote airfields, and is necessary to replace an aging system. The
committee recommends an increase of $24.3 million for the procurement of
three UC 35 aircraft.
UH 60 Blackhawk
The budget request included $81.2 million to procure six UH 60
Blackhawk helicopters. The committee has watched with great interest
actions taken to revise an inadequate Army aviation modernization plan.
While the committee still has several outstanding concerns about the
overall viability of the Army plan, it is pleased to note decisions
taken by the Army to retire both AH 1 Cobra and UH 1 Huey helicopters as
soon as practicable. This action will ultimately result in a pure fleet
of UH 60L Blackhawk helicopters for both active and reserve component
utility helicopter requirements. These aircraft will provide a more
capable fleet and support crew rotation requirements associated with
military operations across the spectrum of conflict. The committee
understands that the difficult decisions taken to address utility
helicopter requirements have resulted in an increased requirement for UH
60L Blackhawk aircraft. The committee, therefore, recommends an increase
of $196.3 million to procure 20 UH 60L aircraft, a total authorization
of $277.5 million. The committee does not support the acquisition of UH
60Q medical evacuation helicopters in fiscal year 2001. Current Army
plans call for the acquisition of these aircraft beginning in fiscal
year 2002. The committee expects the Army to address outstanding UH 60L
Blackhawk requirements in future budget requests.
Longbow
The budget request included $744.8 million for the acquisition of AH
64D Apache Longbow helicopters. The committee recognizes the AH 64
Apache helicopter as the most advanced and lethal attack helicopter in
the world. The committee notes with concern that there is a range of
known problems associated with the AH 64 Apache attack helicopter that
have existed for the last several years. Program delays in providing for
required improvements to correct system component deficiencies has, in
part, resulted in aircraft groundings and serious questions about the
long-term reliability of these critical aircraft. The committee applauds
actions taken by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army to thoroughly
review and consolidate outstanding issues associated with the Apache
program and address these deficiencies in a corrective action program.
The committee recognizes that the Army had already identified a
significant unfunded requirement to provide upgrades to existing
critical components for fielded aircraft. In light of lessons learned
from the operation in Kosovo and critical warfighting requirements that
depend on the future viability of AH 64 aircraft, the committee believes
it is essential to pursue immediate action designed to ensure the
viability of these aircraft. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $158.0 million to support critical component upgrades, as
identified in the Army's unfunded requirements list, a total
authorization of $902.8 million for the Apache Longbow program. The
committee expects the Army to budget for any additional upgrades that
may be required after the ongoing program review is completed.
Kiowa Warrior
The budget request included $41.8 million for Kiowa Warrior upgrade
requirements. The committee strongly supports actions intended to
improve the nature and scope of training currently provided for Army
aviators. The committee notes the significant action taken by the Army
in the recently revised aviation modernization plan to address
deficiencies in the training base associated with the Army aviation
center at Fort Rucker, Alabama. New Army training plans will provide
more flight training for new aviators and a corresponding need for
additional TH 67 training aircraft. These aircraft have been identified
as a near-term unfunded requirement for the Army. The committee supports
this effort and recommends an increase of $35.0 million to procure 19 TH
67 aircraft, a total authorization of $76.8 million for the Kiowa
Warrior line.
Avionics support equipment
The budget request included no funding for avionics support
equipment. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for AN/AVS 6
(ANVIS) helmet mounted night vision devices. The committee has
consistently supported the capability of the armed forces to operate
effectively at night and during periods of reduced visibility. The
committee recommends an increase of $13.9 million to procure 1,603 ANVIS
devices to meet outstanding Army aviation requirements.
Aircrew integrated systems
The budget request included $3.5 million for aircrew integrated
system equipment requirements. The committee was pleased to note the
development of advanced laser eye protection (ALEP) visors produced
through a Joint Service program designed to address battlefield eye
protection requirements for military aviators. The committee supports
this effort and believes these visors should be fielded to Army aviators
as soon as practicable. The committee recommends an increase of $5.9
million for aircrew integrated systems, to procure 12,640 ALEP visors, a
total authorization of $9.4 million.
ARMY MISSILE
Army tactical missile system-system summary
The budget request included $15.0 million for Army tactical missile
system (ATACMS) fielding and production line shutdown. The committee
notes a critical unfunded requirement for additional ATACMS block IA
missiles necessary to meet the Army
acquisition objective. Additionally, the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff has identified a requirement for additional ATACMS block
IA missiles on the unfunded requirements list. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $77.4 million to procure 100 ATACMS block IA
missiles necessary to meet war reserve, a total authorization of $92.4
million.
Stinger modifications
The budget request included $21.8 million for Stinger missile
modifications. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for
additional Stinger block I missile modifications necessary to meet Force
Package 3 and 4 fielding requirements. These block I missiles have
improved performance against advanced countermeasures and improved the
accuracy of the Stinger system. The committee recommends an increase of
$15.2 million to procure 651 Stinger block I missiles, a total
authorization of $37.0 million.
WEAPONS AND TRACKED COMBAT VEHICLES
Carrier modifications
The budget request included $45.1 million for M113 armored personnel
carrier modifications. The committee notes the Army has over 17,000 M113
armored personnel carriers in the inventory today. The M113 has been in
Army combat units for decades and requires upgrades necessary to improve
mobility, reliability, and survivability. As these vehicles represent
almost one-half of the tracked combat vehicle fleet, it is critical that
they be upgraded as soon as practicable. The committee recommends an
increase of $50.0 million to modify 227 vehicles, a total authorization
of $95.1 million.
Breacher system modification
The budget request included no funding for the Grizzly (M1 Breacher)
system. The committee believes that critical mobility systems like the
Grizzly armored engineer vehicle must be continued to correct critical
operational shortfalls for deployed forces. Operations in Iraq, Somalia,
and Bosnia continue to highlight the critical need for combat engineer
equipment necessary to clear obstacles and support maneuver forces. The
ability of our fast-moving M 1 Abrams tanks and M 2 Bradley fighting
vehicles to operate successfully on the battlefield is dependant on the
ability of these vehicles to maintain their momentum and speed of
maneuver. Finally, the committee notes that a request for funds
necessary to restore this program was one of the top Army unfunded
requirements for fiscal year 2001. Therefore, the committee recommends
an increase of $108.0 million to restore the Grizzly program. The
committee expects the Army to ensure that this program is funded in
future budget requests.
Heavy assault bridge system modifications
The budget request included no funding for the heavy assault bridge
system modifications. The committee has noted with great concern
decisions that terminated the effort to field the Wolverine heavy
assault bridge. One of the major tenets of combat for our forces is
movement at a rapid pace to ensure a decisive engagement that will
result in the defeat of enemy forces. The Wolverine heavy assault bridge
is a critical element on the battlefield to ensure the mobility of our
forces. The committee believes that this program should be restored and
that the armored vehicle launch bridge (AVLB) service life extension
program (SLEP) effort should be terminated. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $77.0 million to restore the Wolverine heavy
assault bridge program and a corresponding decrease of $15.2 million to
the AVLB SLEP program. The committee expects the Army to ensure that
this program is funded in future budget requests.
Machine gun, squad automatic weapon
The budget request included no funding for the squad automatic weapon
(SAW). The committee notes an outstanding requirement for an additional
4,280 weapons necessary to meet the Army procurement objective.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $18.3 million to
procure 4,280 weapons and complete the acquisition of the SAW system, a
total authorization of $18.3 million.
Mark-19 grenade launcher
The budget request included $11.8 million for Mark-19 grenade
launchers. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for additional
Mark-19 systems necessary to avoid a break in production prior to
acquiring the total number of systems necessary to meet the acquisition
objective. The committee recommends an increase of $8.1 million to
procure 386 Mark-19 systems and avoid a break in production, a total
authorization of $19.9 million.
M4 carbine modifications
The budget request included $2.5 million for M4 carbine
modifications. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for
additional modular weapon systems (MWS) for the M4 carbine
necessary to mount the weapons optical systems. The committee
recommends an increase of $1.3 million to procure 7,201 MWS for the M4
carbine, a total authorization of $3.8 million.
ARMY AMMUNITION
Procurement of ammunition, Army
The committee is concerned with continued reports of inadequate
supplies of ammunition for training and war reserves. The Chief of Staff
of the Army identified a requirement of $242.9 million for ammunition
programs that were not included in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.
For the past several years, field commanders have expressed concern
regarding the inadequate stocks of ammunition to support their training
and war reserve requirements. The committee recommends the following
adjustments to the budget request for Army ammunition procurement:
Item
Millions
30 mm
$6.0
60 mm
5.0
105 mm M915
.15.0
120 mm M934
6.0
155 mm M107
10.0
MACS
20.0
Wide Area Munition
16.0
Subtotal
78.0
Armament retooling and manufacturing support initiative
The budget request included $4.7 million for the continuation of the
Armament Retooling and Manufacturing Support (ARMS) program. The
committee is aware this does not satisfy all proposals that would reduce
the operating costs of Army Ammunition plants. This program has had
great success, saving the Army $37.0 million each year in program and
operating costs, while preserving hundreds of jobs for skilled workers.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million for
this program. The committee expects these funds to be utilized in the
most effective manner to ensure preservation of those facilities most
likely to be required to fulfill the military's needs to support the
national military strategy.
OTHER ARMY PROCUREMENT
Family of medium tactical vehicles
The budget request included $438.3 million to procure family of
medium tactical vehicle (FMTV) trucks to replace an aging fleet of
medium trucks found in the Army today. The Army has identified an
unfunded requirement for additional FMTV trucks necessary to meet Force
Package 2 fielding requirements. The committee recommends an increase of
$77.9 million, to procure additional FMTV trucks necessary to accelerate
the fielding of these trucks to reserve component units, a total
authorization of $516.2 million.
Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams
The committee recommends an increase of $25.0 million for the Weapons
of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD CST) program. This funding
will establish five additional WMD CSTs and provide additional equipment
for the WMD CST program. The $25.0 million is authorized as follows:
$3.2 million in military personnel; $7.5 million in Operations and
Maintenance, Army; $1.8 million in Contamination Avoidance, Chemical
Biological Defense Program, Procurement, Defense-Wide; and $12.5 million
in Special Purpose Vehicles, Other Procurement, Army.
The WMD CSTs, formerly know as Rapid Assessment and Initial Detection
(RAID) teams, are comprised of 22 full-time National Guard personnel who
are specially trained and equipped to deploy and assess suspected
nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological events in support of
local first responders. The committee recommends an increase of $21.0
million, included in the categories listed above, for the addition of
five WMD CSTs which will result in a total of 32 WMD CSTs by the end of
fiscal year 2001. The committee reaffirms the commitment it made last
year to ultimately provide funding for the establishment of a WMD CST in
every state and U.S. territory.
The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million, included above
in Special Purpose Vehicles, Other Procurement, Army, for the purchase
of two additional Unified Command Suites (UCS) and Mobile Analytical
Labs (MALS) in order to provide the WMD CST program with needed spare
equipment. The committee is concerned that, under the Department of
Defense's current plan for WMD CSTs, no provision has been made to
provide spare equipment for the teams. The committee understands that
the spare UCSs and MALs that had been available for the initial 10 teams
are being used to outfit the 17 teams authorized last year. Provision
should be made for spare equipment to support a military capability that
must respond rapidly to a crisis. The committee also recommends an
increase of $500,000, included above in Special Purpose Vehicles, Other
Procurement, Army, for the purchase of 35 tactical mobility systems for
use by the WMD CSTs to improve survey operations of potentially
contaminated areas by rapidly moving Reconnaissance and Survey teams.
This system would also facilitate the expeditious recovery of WMD CST
response force personnel who may become casualties.
The committee also expresses some concerns with the WMD CST
program. First, the committee is concerned with the Department's failure
to formulate a plan and provide funding to rapidly deploy WMD CSTs to
each state and U.S. territory as recommended in the January 1998 DOD
report entitled ``Department of Defense Plan for Integrating National
Guard and Reserve Component Support for Response to Attacks Using
Weapons of Mass Destruction''. Second, the committee is concerned with
the Department's delay in submitting the reprogramming request necessary
to stand up the 17 WMD CSTs authorized in fiscal year 2000. As a result
of this delay, very little of the funding authorized and appropriated in
fiscal year 2000 for the 17 additional teams has been spent. Third, the
committee is concerned with the Department's decision to locate a second
WMD CST in California, while many states do not have a WMD CST. The
committee believes that each state and territory should be provided with
a WMD CST before additional capabilities are provided to a single state.
The result of this behavior by the Department is that vast areas of
the United States are currently not covered by WMD CSTs. If the
Department had acted swiftly to deploy the 27 teams previously
authorized and appropriated by Congress, the committee would have been
in a position to provide funding for more than five additional teams in
fiscal year 2001. Given the growing terrorist threat to the United
States, the committee is troubled by the lack of urgency on the part of
the Department to fund and field these teams.
Secure mobile anti-jam reliable tactical terminal
The budget request included $48.6 million for the Secure Mobile
Anti-jam Reliable Tactical Terminal (SMART T), the Army's secure,
multi-channel satellite terminal used with the Milstar satellite
communications system. In its report on the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (S. Rept. 106 50), the committee
noted significant developmental problems associated with the SMART T
program and cited a review by the Department of Defense Director of
Operational Test and Evaluation, which concluded that ``. . . the SMART
T is not operationally suitable,'' and which recommended temporary
cessation of production while the Army and the contractor sought to
solve the problems. Unfortunately, significant problems remain and the
Army does not currently believe that these problems can be resolved in
time to award the currently planned production option. SMART T fielding
has been stopped pending the launch of the next Milstar II satellite.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $20.0 million in Army
Other Procurement for SMART T.
Army data distribution system
The budget request included $32.7 million for Army data distribution
system (ADDS) requirements. The committee recognizes the critical role
that the enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS) plays in
supporting Army digitization efforts. Future military operations will
continue to demand more data throughput to meet the demands of a dynamic
and complex battlefield. The Army has identified an opportunity to
improve existing EPLRS systems that will ultimately result in five times
the communications throughput currently available. The committee,
therefore, recommends an increase of $5.3 million to support EPLRS
software development requirements. The committee also notes that
requirements for EPLRS equipment continues to grow as the Army works to
digitize the force. The committee also recommends an increase of $27.3
million to procure 634 EPLRS systems and accelerate efforts to meet the
Army acquisition objective for this system, a total authorization of
$65.3 million for ADDS requirements.
Area common user system modification program
The budget request included $114.0 million for area common user
system (ACUS) modification program requirements. The committee
recognizes and supports ongoing efforts by the Army to digitize the
force and enhance the situational awareness and warfighting
effectiveness of our land forces. The committee notes an outstanding
requirement for warfighter information network down-sized communications
switches, which are mounted on high mobility multipurpose wheeled
vehicles instead of the larger five ton trucks that housed older TTC 39D
switching equipment. Additionally, the Army has additional requirements
for high mobility DGM assemblages (HMDA) to support communications
requirements for reserve component signal battalions. The committee
recommends an increase of $60.0 million to procure 27 down-sized
communications switches and 229 HMDA devices. Additionally, the
committee notes the successful use of TS 21 Blackjack facsimile machines
throughout the force. The committee also recommends an increase of $14.0
million to accelerate the fielding of 2,901 TS 21 Blackjack secure
facsimile machines. The committee recommends a total authorization of
$188.0 million for the ACUS modification program.
Forward area air defense ground based sensor
The budget request included $24.2 million for forward area air
defense (FAAD) ground based sensor (GBS) procurement. The committee
recognizes an outstanding requirement for additional Sentinel systems
necessary to meet operational requirements and
to obtain a minimum economic order quantity. The committee
recommends an increase of $7.3 million, for a total authorization of
$31.5 million, to support Sentinel production requirements and
modifications for these critical systems.
Night vision
The budget request included $34.1 million for Army night vision
devices. The committee has consistently supported night vision
development and fielding efforts in recognition of service focus on
night operations. The committee notes that the Army identified
significant unfunded requirements for night vision devices in fiscal
year 2001. Therefore, the committee recommends the following increases:
(1) $18.1 million to procure 5,000 AN/PEQ 2A and 10,000 AN/PAC 4C
target pointer/aiming lights;
(2) $14.9 million to procure 18,600 AN/PVS 7 night vision
binoculars; and
(3) $15.0 million for 25mm image intensification tubes for AN/PVS 4
and AN/TVS 5 night vision weapon scopes.
The committee recommends a total authorization of $82.1 million for
night vision devices.
Forward area air defense command and control
The budget request included $17.9 million for forward area air
defense (FAAD) command and control (C2) requirements. The committee
recognizes an outstanding requirement to upgrade existing FAAD hardware
and software to meet evolving threat capabilities and operational
requirements and to enable full materiel release of air defense brigade
and higher headquarters prototype FAAD C2 systems. The committee
recommends an increase of $14.3 million to support identified
requirements for additional FAAD C2 hardware and software upgrades
necessary to ensure the full materiel release of prototype systems, a
total authorization of $32.2 million.
Striker-command and control system
The budget request included $19.1 million for the Striker system. The
committee notes the current budget request will only procure 33 Striker
systems, which will result in an inefficient rate of production. The
committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million to procure additional
Striker systems and achieve an economic procurement level, a total
authorization of 27.1 million.
Standard integrated command post system
The budget request included $36.0 million to procure standard
integrated command post systems (SICPS). The committee notes an
opportunity to complete the fielding of these important systems to force
package two units and support critical fielding requirements. The
committee recommends an increase of $17.5 million to procure additional
SICPS, a total authorization of $53.5 million.
Lightweight maintenance enclosure
The budget request included $2.0 million to procure lightweight
maintenance enclosure (LME) units. The committee notes an outstanding
requirement for additional funding for LME units to maintain minimum
sustaining rates (MSR) for production. The committee recommends an
increase of $4.6 million to procure 258 LME units and to meet MSR
requirements, a total authorization of $6.6 million.
Roller, vibratory, self-propelled
The budget request included $4.7 million for self-propelled vibratory
roller systems. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million to
procure 80 vehicles necessary to meet the requirements of Army engineer
units, a total authorization of $9.7 million.
Deployable universal combat earth mover
The budget request included $14.1 million for deployable universal
combat earth movers (DEUCE). The committee recommends an increase of
$7.0 million to procure 18 DEUCE vehicles, a total authorization of
$21.1 million.
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CVNX 1 nuclear aircraft carrier program (sec. 121)
The budget request included $ 21.9 million for advance procurement
and advance construction of long lead time components for CVNX 1. The
committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Secretary of
the Navy to procure the nuclear aircraft carrier designated CVNX 1, and
enter into a contract for the advance procurement and advance
construction of that ship.
The Navy's long-term plan is to provide full funding for CVNX 1 in
fiscal year 2006. There are a number of castings for the large machinery
associated with an aircraft carrier propulsion plant that have a very
long production lead time. To maintain the schedule for CVNX 1 and
deliver these needed pieces of machinery as required by the construction
sequence, the Navy needs to obligate funds for some of these components
in fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends an authorization of the $22.0
million in advance procurement included in the budget request.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program (sec. 122)
The authorization request included a provision to extend the DDG 51
multiyear procurement authorization contained in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104 208). The
committee recommends a provision that would: (1) authorize the Secretary
of the Navy to extend the 1997 multiyear contract to include the fiscal
year 2004 and fiscal year 2005 DDG 51 procurements; (2) express that it
is the sense of Congress that the most economical rate for procurement
is three ships per year; and (3) direct the Secretary to update the
Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Class Industrial Base Study of 1993 and the
Comptroller General to review this update.
The budget request included $356.8 million for advance procurement
for DDG 51 ships. The committee received information that indicated that
providing $500.0 million in advance procurement funds for DDG 51 would
maximize savings to the taxpayers for procurement of six ships over a
two year period: fiscal years 2002 and 2003.
The Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) shows that the Navy plans to
buy only two DDG 51 destroyers per year over a three year period (fiscal
years 2002 2004) and two destroyers (one DDG 51 and one DD 21) in fiscal
year 2005. The Navy's Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Class Industrial Base Study
of 1993 stated that procurement of three destroyers per year could only
sustain the destroyer industrial base if some additional, non-DDG 51
work, were available to each shipbuilder. The study also stated that at
a rate of two ships per year, a very substantial amount of non-DDG 51
work would be required for each shipbuilder and risk to survival of one
or both shipyards could be high.
The Navy testified that a proposal to build two DDG 51 ships per year
would result in potential reductions in shipyard workforces and the
workforce skill mix, and that maintaining the industrial base would be
perilous. The committee concurred with the Navy's assessment regarding
the industrial base at the time of the original study, and does not
believe that the assumptions in that study have changed enough to
invalidate its conclusions for the situation the Navy faces today.
It is clear to the committee that stretching out this procurement
will cause reductions in workforce skill mix that will result in higher
costs for not only the DDG 51 ships, but also for other Navy work in the
shipyards that build DDG 51 ships.
In fact, the budget request shows a dramatic cost increase of between
$60.0 million and $100.0 million per ship when a projected procurement
rate of two DDG 51 ships per year is computed. Therefore, buying six
ships at a rate of two ships per year for three years will cost the
taxpayers between $360.0 and $600.0 million more than buying the same
ships over a two year period. The Navy appears to be willing to pay this
premium in an attempt to partially accommodate the destroyer industrial
base potential problems (as discussed above: three destroyers per year
are required to maintain the industrial base) caused by delaying DD 21
one year.
The destroyer industrial base, which will also be required to build
DD 21, should be maintained while maximizing cost savings to taxpayers
by buying required ships at proven economical rates.
The Navy testified that the current shipbuilding budget is inadequate
to recapitalize at the required rate to provide the number of ships
needed to carry out the National Security Strategy. Therefore, the
committee believes that every opportunity to save scarce ship
construction funds should be considered. The Navy has documented over
$1.4 billion in savings by buying three ships per year under the
multiyear procurement authority provided by Congress. As discussed
above, continuing the proven economical rate of three ships per year and
use of multiyear authority would save additional taxpayer dollars on
this program which the Navy intends to complete.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $143.2 million in
advance procurement for DDG 51 to achieve the maximum savings for the
taxpayer and to relieved some pressure on the underfunded shipbuilding
account in future years.
The additional advance procurement, coupled with the savings to the
taxpayer of buying six ships in two years instead of three years, should
result in procurement of six ships on a two year multiyear contract for
the approximate cost of five ships procured at a lower rate.
Virginia-class submarine program (sec. 123)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract for up to a total of five
Virginia -class submarines between fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year
2006. The provision would authorize the Secretary to continue the
shipbuilder teaming arrangement authorized in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105 85). The
provision would also authorize procurement of material in economic order
quantity when cost savings to the taxpayers will result.
The current acquisition and construction strategies for the
procurement of the first four Virginia -class submarines appears to be
yielding positive results to date. However, the two shipbuilders have
not yet completed the critical test of joining sections constructed in
two separate shipbuilder facilities. In addition, the subsystems being
developed by a number of subcontractors require continued oversight
regarding cost and schedule excursions.
The committee notes the importance of the technology insertion
approach of building submarines. This approach provides both the
flexibility and opportunity to forward fit and refresh capabilities.
Administration officials have supported this approach in testimonies
before congressional committees.
Therefore, the provision would require the Secretary of Defense to
submit a report to the congressional defense committees with submission
of the fiscal year 2002 President's budget to include the following:
(1) a plan for maintaining at least 55 attack submarines through
2015, and a plan for achieving a force of 18 Virginia -class submarines
by 2015;
(2) assessments of savings to the program of production rates of two
submarines per year, if that rate were to begin in fiscal year 2004 and
construction were to continue at that rate in fiscal year 2006 and
thereafter; and
(3) an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of alternative
contracting strategies including multiyear procurement and block buy
with economic order quantity.
ADC(X) ship program (sec. 124)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to procure ADC(X)-class ships using the
contracting authority most advantageous to the taxpayer. This ship
program is important because ADC(X)-class ships will replace
the auxiliary vessels that have the oldest average age in the
active fleet.
The Navy intends to require at least two shipyards to construct
ADC(X) class ships. The committee is concerned that this could result in
higher risk in building, which could lead to delays and higher costs.
The committee encourages the Navy to minimize the risks associated with
constructing the ADC(X)-class ships.
Refueling and Complex Overhaul Program of the CVN 69 nuclear
aircraft carrier (sec. 125)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to enter into a contract and commence overhaul of
the CVN 69 nuclear aircraft carrier during fiscal year 2001. The
provision would also authorize the budget request of $703.4 million to
commence the overhaul of CVN 69. The committee concurs with the Navy's
intention to budget for nuclear aircraft carrier overhauls over a two
year period and to commence the overhauls during the first year of
authorization and appropriation of funds for that purpose.
OTHER NAVY PROGRAMS
NAVY AIRCRAFT
Airborne low frequency sonar
The budget request included $162.3 million for the procurement of
four remanufactured SH 60R helicopters. The airborne low frequency
sonar(ALFS) is a subsystem of the SH 60R. ALFS is a helicopter borne low
frequency dipping sonar system that can be rapidly deployed from
aircraft carriers and surface combatants to detect and track submarines
both in blue water and the littorals.
The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million for the
procurement, installation, and spare parts for the ALFS resulting in a
more efficient low rate initial production.
SH 60 helicopters
The budget request included $162.3 million for the procurement of
four remanufactured SH 60R helicopters. The SH 60R remanufacturing scope
includes the airframe, an avionics upgrade, service life extension and
incorporation of engineering change proposals. It represents a
significant improvement, providing the battle group with added
protection in the coastal littorals and in regional conflicts. The Navy
included the procurement of additional SH 60R helicopters on its
unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of
$90.0 million for the procurement of three SH 60R helicopters.
CH 60 helicopters
The budget request included $238.5 million for the procurement of 15
CH 60S helicopters, less $73.4 million in advanced procurement from
prior years. The primary roles of the CH 60S are to conduct vertical
replenishment with external transfer of cargo and internal transfer of
passengers ship-to- ship, ship-to-shore, and shore-to-ship, and to
conduct day and night search and rescue. The Navy has included the
procurement of additional CH 60S helicopters on its unfunded
requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of $63.0 million
for the procurement of three CH 60S helicopters.
UC 35 aircraft
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of UC 35
medium range operational support aircraft (OSA). The Navy and the Marine
Corps intend to use this aircraft to modernize their OSA fleet. The Navy
will purchase UC 35 aircraft to restore a portion of the capability that
was lost when the Navy retired CT 39 aircraft without replacement. Both
the Navy and the Marine Corps have included the requirement for UC 35
aircraft on their unfunded priorities list. The committee recommends an
increase of $48.6 million for the procurement of six UC 35 aircraft,
three each for the Navy and the Marine Corps.
C 40A aircraft
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of C 40A
aircraft, although additional C 40A procurement is scheduled in the
Future Years Defense Program, and is included on the Navy unfunded
requirements list. The C 40A is being procured as a replacement for the
aging C 9 to provide intra-theater logistics essential to maintaining
the readiness of forward- deployed naval forces. Funding has been
provided for five C 40A aircraft to date, with deliveries scheduled to
commence in fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends an increase of
$128.4 million for the procurement of two C 40A aircraft, including
$11.2 million for spare parts.
T 45 aircraft
The budget request included $278.1 million for the procurement of 12
T 45 Goshawk aircraft, less advance procurement of $9.5 million from
prior years. The T 45 Goshawk training system consists of aircraft,
simulators, and academic materials required to train carrier-based naval
aviators. Additional T 45 aircraft are included on the Navy unfunded
requirements list.
The committee is concerned that the current budget request indicates
the Navy may shut down the production line for the T 45 before the
service acquires suffient aircraft to offset attrition or accommodate
any potential surge in pilot training rate. The committee recommends an
increase of $49.2 million for the procurement of three T 45 aircraft, a
total authorization of $327.3 million.
Joint primary air training system
The budget request included $74.4 million for 21 joint primary air
training system (JPATS) aircraft for the Navy. The Navy has included
additional JPATS aircraft on its unfunded requirements list. The
committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million for the procurement of
three JPATS aircraft for the Navy, a total authorization of $81.4
million.
KC 130J
The budget request included $154.8 million for the procurement of two
KC 130J aircraft. The Marine Corps is facing a shortfall of aerial
refueling aircraft as it uses up the remaining fatigue life of its KC
130F and KC 130R fleet. The Marine Corps has included the procurement of
additional KC 130J aircraft on its unfunded priorities list. The
committee recommends an increase of $74.6 million for the procurement of
one KC 130J aircraft, a total authorization of $229.4 million.
EA 6B aircraft automatic flight control system
The budget request included $203.1 million for modifications for the
EA 6B aircraft. Although the budget request included no funds for
automatic flight control systems (AFCS), a new AFCS for the EA 6B was
included on the Navy unfunded priorities list. A new AFCS is required to
replace the obsolete air navigation computer, and will provide the pilot
with axis stability and attitude, speed, and altitude control. The new
system will also improve reliability and maintainability for the EA 6B,
the only tactical electronic jammer in use by the services. Heavily used
in Operation Allied Force, the EA 6B is a high demand, low density
platform. The committee recommends an increase of $21.0 million for the
procurement of EA 6B AFCS, a total authorization of $224.1 million.
AV 8B precision targeting pod
The budget request included $40.6 million for modifications to the AV
8B aircraft. The budget request included no funding for Litening II
precision targeting pods, although they were included on the Marine
Corps unfunded priorities list. The Litening II is a precision targeting
system which allows the aircraft to acquire targets and deliver
precision munitions. The Marine Corps currently has nine targeting pods
on contract, funded through the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations
Act for Fiscal Year 1999.
Operation Allied Force demonstrated a continuing requirement for
precision weapons and aircraft platforms capable of delivering them. The
committee recommends an increase of $79.4 million to procure 47 Litening
II precision targeting pods, a total authorization of $120.0 million in
AV 8B aircraft modifications.
F 18 modifications
The budget request included $212.6 million for modifications to the F
18 aircraft, including $22.7 million for engineering change proposal 583
(ECP 583), which upgrades Marine Corps F/A 18A aircraft to a
configuration with capabilities comparable to Lot 17 F/A 18C aircraft.
This upgrade allows these F/A 18A aircraft to remain viable for use on
the modern battlefield. Acceleration of this upgrade over what is
currently included in the Future Years Defense Program is included in
the Navy unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an
increase of $86.9 million to upgrade 20 F/A 18A aircraft with ECP 583, a
total authorization of $299.5 million.
AH 1W series
The budget request included $9.8 million for AH 1W series aircraft
modifications. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for four
additional night targeting systems (NTS) for reserve component AH 1W
series aircraft. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million,
necessary to complete the last four aircraft upgrades with NTS devices.
The committee recommends a total authorization of $13.8 million for AH
1W series aircraft modifications.
H 1 series
The budget request included $2.6 million for H 1 series aircraft
modifications.
The Marine Corps is fielding AN/AAQ 22 UH 1N navigation thermal
imaging systems (NTIS) to support operational enhancements to fielded
aircraft. The committee supports this effort and believes these
modifications should be completed as soon as practicable. The committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million to procure an additional 28 NTIS
upgrades for UH 1N aircraft.
The Marine Corps plans to begin the induction of existing UH 1N
aircraft into the remanufacturing process which will convert older
aircraft into the future four bladed ``November'' (4BN) configuration.
Due to a shortage of existing aircraft in the operational fleet, the
Marine Corps will have to use aircraft from operating squadrons to start
the contractor conversion program. The committee would prefer to avoid
such an effect on the operating squadrons. The Marine Corps has informed
the committee that there are aircraft currently housed in the aerospace
maintenance and regeneration center (AMARC) that could be used to begin
the conversion process instead. The committee recommends another
increase of $17.5 million to reclaim and convert 14 aircraft from AMARC
necessary to initiate the remanufacturing process without impacting
operational units. The committee, therefore, recommends a total
authorization of $30.1 million for H 1 series modifications.
P 3 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $60.7 million for modifications to the P
3 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $87.2
million in P 3 modifications for two modifications included on the Navy
unfunded priorities list, a total authorization of $147.9 million.
The budget request included $31.6 million for installation of
previously procured anti-surface warfare improvement program (AIP) kits,
along with associated support items, but did not include the procurement
of any additional AIP kits. The AIP modification allows the P 3 to
combat emerging third world, limited operations, surface, subsurface,
and air threats with simultaneous multi-mission capabilities, a
capability proven in Operation Allied Force. The committee recommends an
increase of $44.1 million for the procurement of three P 3 AIP kits.
The budget request included $17.7 million for the P 3C Update III
common configuration program, also known as the block modification
upgrade program (BMUP). This program provides modern processing systems
for the mission computer and acoustics sensors to achieve a common P 3C
configuration with improved performance. The committee recommends an
increase of $43.1 million for the conversion of five aircraft with BMUP
kits.
Tactical aircraft moving map capability
The budget request included $71.6 million for common avionics
changes, but included no funding for installation of the tactical
aircraft moving map capability (TAMMAC) in the F/A 18C/D aircraft.
aircraft. TAMMAC is a modular hardware and software base
system that helps the aircrew maintain situational awareness by
providing a graphical presentation of the aircraft position and relative
positions of targets, threats, terrain features, planned mission flight
path, no fly zones, safe bases, and other objects. Funding for TAMMAC is
included for the F/A 18C/D in the Future Years Defense Program, and it
is included on the Navy unfunded requirements list. The committee
recommends an increase of $9.3 million to procure 80 TAMMAC units, the
maximum annual rate for F/A 18C/D installations, a total authorization
of $80.9 million for common avionics changes.
NAVY WEAPONS
Joint standoff weapon
The budget request included $171.6 million for the procurement of 636
joint standoff weapons (JSOWs) for the Navy. The JSOW is a precision
air-to-ground glide weapon capable of attacking a variety of fixed area
targets in day, night, and adverse weather conditions. With the
increased emphasis on the use of precision guided munitions demonstrated
in Operation Allied Force, it is necessary to build up inventories of
such weapons for use in contingencies. The committee recommends an
increase of $36.0 million for the procurement of 180 JSOWs, a total
authorization of $207.6 million.
Weapons industrial facilities
The budget request included $21.3 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.
Mark 48 advanced capability torpedo modifications
The budget request included $16.4 million for Mark 48 advanced
capability (ADCAP) torpedo modifications. The Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo is
the primary anti-ship and anti-submarine weapon for the submarine fleet.
However, torpedo modifications are required for effective operations in
the littorals. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million for Mark 48 ADCAP modifications to field this improved
capability in the submarine fleet as soon as possible.
NAVY AND MARINE CORPS AMMUNITION
Procurement of ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps
The committee is concerned with continued reports of inadequate
supplies of ammunition for training and war reserves. The Commandant of
the Marine Corps recently identified a requirement for $69.8 million for
ammunition programs, and the Chief of Naval Operations identified a
requirement for $5.0 million for air expendable countermeasures, that
were not included in the fiscal year 2001 budget request. Ammunition is
an important contributor to military readiness--for training and in
anticipation of conflict. The committee recommends the following
adjustments to the budget request for Navy and Marine Corps ammunition
procurement:
Item:
Millions
20 mm................................
3.0
25 mm................................
3.5
2.75'' Rockets........................
9.6
MJU 52 Countermeasures...............
5.0
Subtotal.............................
$21.1
Laser-guided bomb components
The budget request included $63.2 million for the procurement of
general purpose bombs, with $29.2 million for the procurement of
laser-guided bomb components. Laser-guided bombs provide the ability to
conduct precision attacks while minimizing collateral damage. Recent
contingency operations have demonstrated the need for these weapons, and
the Navy has included laser-guided bombs on its unfunded requirements
list to augment critically low inventory levels. Operation Allied Force
highlighted a dramatic increase in the percentage of precision guided
munitions versus unguided munitions. The committee directs the Navy to
create a separate line item for laser-guided bomb components in future
budget submissions. The committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million for the competitive procurement of additional laser-guided bombs
components, a total authorization of $83.2 million for general purpose
bombs.
Training ordnance
The budget request included $50.6 million for practice bombs. The
Navy unfunded priorities list includes a requirement for additional
laser-guided bombs and associated ordnance to meet critical readiness
and training needs. Recent contingency operations have highlighted a
dramatic increase in the use of
precision weapons. The committee directs the Navy to establish
a separate line item for laser-guided bomb training ordnance in future
budget submissions. The committee recommends an increase of $26.0
million for the procurement of additional laser guided bombs and
associated ordnance to meet critical training and readiness
requirements, a total authorization of $76.6 million for practice bombs.
NAVY SHIPBUILDING AND CONVERSION
Shipbuilding overview
The Navy and Marine Corps are a forward deployed force carrying out
the National Security Strategy of shaping the international environment,
responding to crises, and preparing for an uncertain future. Seventy
percent of the world's population lives within 200 miles of coastline.
The normal operating areas of Navy and Marine Corps forces, referred to
as the littorals, thus have the potential to include numerous future hot
spots around the world.
Navy and Marine Corps forces are an inherently forward deployed and
combat credible expeditionary force engaged daily to influence the
world's security environment and sustain our national security. Navy and
Marine Corps forces do not rely on host country airfields, security, or
lines of communication. Their capabilities range from humanitarian
assistance and strengthening ties with other nations through
international exercises to forcible entry and full scale war.
As was demonstrated in the past year, once forward deployed, Navy and
Marine Corps forces respond immediately without extensive preparation
time to a wide range of national tasks.
The committee has repeatedly received testimony that indicates the
burden of inadequate force structure (ships and submarines) falls
squarely on the shoulders of the men and women in uniform. The testimony
indicates that even at the current fleet size of 316 ships, the Navy and
Marine Corps have been ``. . . stretched too thin.'' Under these
circumstances, it is the people who man the ships that are being asked
to bear a heavier burden to respond to more contingencies than
envisioned when the Quadrennial Defense Review decided that a force of
about 300 ships would be adequate.
In recognition of the long term view that must be taken for
shipbuilding, section 1013 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) required the Secretary of Defense
to submit no later than February 1, 2000, a report on the long-range
shipbuilding requirements of the Department of Defense. The report is
required to include a statement of the ship types and the annual
investment required through 2030.
The Secretary did not submit the report on the date required by law.
Although Congress still waits for the report, the committee received
testimony from a representative of the Congressional Research Service
(CRS) on the various analyses CRS has conducted on supporting Navy force
levels. The CRS analyses concluded that an annual ship procurement
investment of about $10.0 to $12.0 billion and a procurement rate of 8.7
to 10.2 ships per year are required to maintain a fleet of about 300
ships. The CRS estimates did not consider the requirements of, or
resources for, strategic sealift ships which have previously been funded
in the National Defense Sealift Fund.
Navy witnesses concurred with the CRS conclusions on the annual
investment and annual procurement rates required to maintain the fleet.
The committee also agrees with the CRS conclusions, but recognizes that
a $10.0 to $12.0 billion annual investment alone will not ensure the
nation has the ships required to carry out the National Security
Strategy.
The committee recognizes there are a number of different approaches
to funding shipbuilding in the long-term. One approach would be to defer
near-term investment, allow the average age of the force to increase,
and permit a large backlog of ship purchases to accrue. This would match
the pattern of recent years: we have been building ships at a much lower
rate than 8.7 ships per year. However, the committee recognizes that,
for every year that we invest less than $10.0 to $12.0 billion and buy
fewer than 8.7 ships, we will have to invest more than $10.0 to $12.0
billion and buy more than 8.7 ships in a future year. Continuing at
rates that are too low could result in unattainable ship procurement
funding levels and will inevitably increase the burden on our men and
women in uniform.
The committee also recognizes that, in addition to attaining the
required annual investment, the Department of Defense (DoD) should
consider more innovative procedures to ensure shipbuilding procurement
funds are leveraged to attain the most efficient and productive results.
For example, the Navy was persuaded that initiating funding early for
CVN'77 would result in protecting the required worker skill base at the
shipyard and result in savings. These savings were verified by a Rand
Corporation analysis. Multiyear commitment of funding for the DDG'51
program also resulted in over $1.4 billion in savings compared to a
normal annual procurement strategy.
In addition, research and development for shipbuilding programs
provides an opportunity to drastically lower the life-cycle costs of
building, maintaining, and operating ships. Ship research and
development is an investment in not only the required war fighting
characteristics and capabilities, but also the economic feasibility of
operating multi-purpose complex ships.
Therefore, the committee recommends that the DoD take the following
actions to alter current budget practices to leverage scarce ship
procurement funding when economic advantage or beneficial program
stability can be achieved:
(1) include total ownership costs as an explicit independent
variable when determining requirements for all future ship classes;
(2) maximize production efficiencies of economic order quantities
for block buy and multiyear contract opportunities;
(3) maximize use of advance procurement to retain vendor base
efficiencies and critical skill mix learning curve progress; and
(4) budget for auxiliary ships and strategic lift ships in the
National Defense Sealift Fund.
The committee believes that the Navy should use specific criteria in
evaluating the alternative budgeting approaches in items (2) through (4)
above. These criteria are analogous to those specified for evaluating
multiyear procurement programs in section 2306(b) of title 10, United
States Code. These criteria include whether:
(1) the use of such alternative budgeting will result in savings in
total contract costs;
(2) there is reasonable certainty that the need for the program will
not change;
(3) there is reasonable expectation that the Navy will continue to
budget for the program;
(4) the ship design is stable, and the technical risks are not
excessive; and
(5) cost estimates are realistic.
The committee recommends action elsewhere in this report to increase
the new ship procurement funding authorization to achieve potential
savings of $1.1 billion in new ship construction and encourages the DoD
to make the recommended budget process changes. The committee encourages
the administration to submit legislative initiatives that would assist
in leveraging shipbuilding research and development and procurement
funding.
LHD 8 advance procurement
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).
In the statement of managers accompanying the Strom Thurmond National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (H. Rept. 105 736),
Congress authorized $50.0 million for advance procurement of long lead
materials for construction of LHD 8 in lieu of a future service life
extension program for LHA 1. In
addition, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) authorized the procurement and advance
construction of components and authorized $375.0 million for that
purpose as a confirmation that building LHD 8 was preferred to extending
the life of LHA 1.
The Navy and Marine Corps included, as a priority, the $1.2 billion
remaining cost for LHD 8 on their fiscal year 2001 unfunded requirements
priorities list.
The committee realizes that actual cost savings and price will depend
on the final procurement funding profile.
The committee continues to be concerned that the FYDP plan would
cause an unnecessary interruption of learning curve efficiencies and the
loss of long-term vendor pricing economies. However, fiscal year 2001
advance procurement of LHD 8 would accomplish the following:
(1) save taxpayers between $500 and $630 million dollars by
leveraging skilled labor force and vendor base efficiencies resulting
from the continuous LHD construction for the past 16 years;
(2) provide the Marine Corps required warfighting improvements
including landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) carrying capacity, improved
ship stability, and enhanced communications capability;
(3) initiate life-cycle cost improvements for large deck amphibious
ships including gas turbine main propulsion engines; and
(4) take action to address the annual shipbuilding investment
required to maintain about 300 ships, mentioned elsewhere in this
report, by spreading out the recapitalization of the five ships in the
LHA 1 class which will turn 35 years old at a rate of one per year
beginning in fiscal year 2011.
The committee reiterates its direction that the Navy structure any
contract for LHD 8 to maximize these potential savings and to report
same to the Congress. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of
$460.0 million to continue the advance procurement and advance
construction of components for the LHD 8 amphibious ship.
OTHER NAVY PROCUREMENT
AN/WSN 7 inertial navigation system
The budget request included $7.3 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 and provides equipment commonality between
surface combatants, submarines, and aircraft carriers. The annual
operating cost of the AN/WSN 7 is projected to be only 10 percent of the
cost of operating the legacy navigation systems it replaces. Therefore,
accelerated procurement of the AN/WSN 7 could produce a substantial
savings in maintenance costs.
The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million to the budget
request for the procurement and installation of additional AN/WSN 7
navigation sets.
Surveillance and security for military sealift ships
The budget request included no funding for thermal imaging
surveillance and security for military sealift ships. Military sealift
ships may operate independently in high threat areas. Thermal imaging
capabilities could improve the ability of these ships to navigate and
operate in reduced visibility while improving their overall self
protection capabilities. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million for thermal imaging surveillance and security procurement and
installation on Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships.
Integrated condition assessment system
The budget request included $11.3 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. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for
procurement and installation of ICAS equipment for surface ships.
AN/SPS 73(V) surface search radar
The budget request included no funding for procurement and
installation of AN/SPS 73(V) surface search radars which would replace a
number of aging radars on surface ships with one radar. The AN/SPS 73(V)
is a commercial off-the-shelf radar which provides surface ships with a
reliable, lower maintenance and lower life-cycle cost surface search
radar capability. To capture the reliability and life-cycle cost
savings, the Navy is replacing aging surface ship radars with the AN/SPS
73(V). The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million for the
procurement and installation of AN/SPS 73(V) radars.
Side-scanning sonar for forward deployed minesweepers
The budget request included no funding for side-scanning sonar for
forward deployed minesweepers. Commercial off-the-shelf high resolution
side-scanning sonars are available that would enhance the ability of
forward deployed minesweepers to detect and classify sea mines located
on the bottom of the ocean floor. These sonars have been used by Navy
units with great success in locating aircraft wreckage. The Navy's
experience with these sonars provides the basis for developing
operational expertise to apply this technology to the challenging task
of detecting and classifying bottom sea mines.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million for the
procurement and installation of a side-scanning sonar in a forward
deployed minesweeper to enhance the ability to detect and classify
bottom mines.
Joint Engineering Data Management and Information Control System
The budget request included no funds for the Joint Engineering Data
Management and Information Control System (JEDMICS), the designated
Department of Defense standard system for management, control and
storage of engineering drawings. This system is designed as an open,
client-server architecture and is nearing full deployment for global
access to the data in its repositories. However, the JEDMICS data
available is not fully accessible to all clients using the joint
technical data environment.
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million for procurement,
integration and accreditation surveys to ensure JEDMICS is fully
compliant with the joint technical data environment.
Aviation life support
The budget request included $20.4 million for aviation life support
equipment. The committee continues to support efforts designed to
improve the ability of Marine Corps flight crews to operate their
aircraft at night by providing the most capable night vision systems
available. The committee recommends an increase of $9.9 million to
procure additional AN/AVS 9 night vision goggles which offer significant
improvements over existing AN/AVS 6 goggles, a total authorization of
$30.3 million.
Gun fire control radar performance improvements
The budget request included $15.6 million for AN/SPQ 9B gun fire
control equipment (GFCE) procurement, installation, and engineering
change proposals. The AN/SPQ 9B radar interface is the primary gun fire
control radar for surface ships. The AN/SPQ 9B GFCE program provides a
low cost product improvement to support both surface and sea skimming
target engagements. The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million
to develop and
field engineering change proposals to improve the performance
of the SPQ 9B radar.
Cruiser smart ship
The budget request included $47.9 million for programs referred to as
``smart ship'' programs. Of this amount $22.5 million is for smart ship
equipment procurement and logistics for Ticonderoga-class cruisers.
The Navy's goal in introducing smart ship programs was to leverage
technology to reduce the workload on sailors at sea. Prior year
authorizations of funds for the smart ship program were originally
justified by expectations that hardware and software installation would
enable subsequent manpower reductions. Unfortunately, for the past five
years, program delays and software problems have resulted in little
progress toward achieving the Navy's goal.
The Navy is currently testing version 11 of the software and has
stated that version 12 is required prior to further test and evaluation.
The damage control assistant flooding and counter flooding software
developed by a fleet sailor almost six years ago on a laptop computer
has yet to be introduced as part of the smart ship software for the
fleet.
Installation of smart ship equipment has not yet resulted in any
personnel savings. The Chief of Naval Operations has instituted a policy
which requires a waiting period of one year with smart ship equipment
aboard before the Navy will consider realizing any end strength savings.
The justification for the smart ship program appears to be evolving to a
basis of installing the equipment for a potential reduction of workload
on sailors.
The committee recommends a decrease of $17.5 million for procurement
of smart ship equipment. The committee will assess, during the review of
the fiscal year 2002 budget request, the progress in testing and
development of cruiser smart ship software and the results of the Navy's
Smart Ship Steering Committee (SSSC). The SSSC is attempting to
standardize procurement of hardware, software, and training for surface
combatants, amphibious ships, aircraft carriers, and minesweepers.
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
The budget request included $33.8 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 $4.3 million for the procurement of launcher systems and
decoys to outfit the fleet with this key self-defense equipment.
In addition, the committee recommends an increase of $4.3 million in
the Navy operations and maintenance account for critical training on the
NULKA system.
Civil engineering support equipment
The budget request included $10.5 million for light and medium duty
tactical equipment used mostly by the Naval Construction Force (NCF),
Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF), Naval Beach Group (NBG), and other
special operating units. The light duty tactical vehicles are used for
the movement of personnel and equipment. The medium tactical trucks are
essential for rapid deployment of material to support combat
construction of airfields, landing zones, road battle damage repair and
rapid runway repair.
Heavy use of the equipment to support military and humanitarian
assistance operations during the past decade have heavily strained the
existing inventory of already over-aged civil engineering support
equipment (CESE). The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million
for the procurement of civil engineering support equipment for the Naval
Construction Force.
MARINE CORPS PROCUREMENT
Night vision
The budget request included $14.4 million for Marine Corps night
vision equipment. The committee notes an outstanding requirement for the
improved night/day fire-control observation device (INOD). The committee
recommends an increase of $2.7 million to procure INOD devices for the
Marine Corps, a total authorization of $17.1 million for night vision
devices.
Radio systems
The budget request included $3.1 million for Marine Corps radio
system equipment. The committee notes outstanding requirements for
additional enhanced position location reporting system (EPLRS) equipment
necessary to provide network data distribution capabilities and enhance
situational awareness. The committee recommends an increase of $6.4
million for additional EPLRS systems necessary to meet requirements
associated with the acquisition objective, a total authorization of $9.5
million.
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Repeal of requirement for annual report on B 2 bomber
aircraft program (sec. 131)
Since the B 2 bomber is no longer in production, the committee
recommends a provision that would repeal section 112 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (Public Law 101
189; 103 Stat. 1373), as amended by section 141 of Public Law 104 106
(110 Stat. 213).
OTHER AIR FORCE PROGRAMS
AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT
EC 130J
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of EC 130J
aircraft, a high demand, low density asset. The EC 130 is used to
conduct special missions such as psychological operations, civil affairs
radio and television broadcasts, command and control countermeasures,
and limited intelligence gathering. The Air Force is converting the
inventory EC 130 aircraft to the EC 130J configuration. Procurement of
additional EC 130J aircraft is on the Air National Guard unfunded
priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $90.0 million
for the procurement of one EC 130J aircraft.
Joint primary aircraft training system
The budget request included $113.8 million for the procurement of 27
joint primary aircraft training system (JPATS) aircraft. The Air Force
has requested additional JPATS aircraft on its unfunded requirements
list. The committee recommends an increase of $18.9 million for the
procurement of seven JPATS aircraft, a total authorization of $132.7
million.
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
The budget request included no funding for advanced procurement of a
16th E 8C Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)
aircraft or shutdown of the production line. Funding for either advance
procurement or line shutdown was, however, included in the Air Force's
unfunded requirements list.
JSTARS provides target information for pairing direct attack aircraft
and standoff weapons against selected targets. JSTARS successfully
supported Operation Allied Force. General Wesley Clark, Commander in
Chief, Europe, in testimony before the Committee on Armed Services of
the Senate, stated that if he were able to have more of anything in
support of this operation, it would have been another JSTARS.
The last Quadrennial Defense Review, however, recommended the Air
Force inventory objective of JSTARS be reduced from 19 to 13, with the
understanding that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) would
acquire four to six aircraft. This NATO acquisition did not materialize,
and the budget request is for the 15th JSTARS aircraft.
The committee, therefore, recommends an increase of $46.0 million, to
be used, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, either for: (1)
long lead funding for aircraft number 16, if the Department requests
funding for a 16th JSTARS aircraft in the fiscal year 2002 budget
request; or (2) production line shutdown and last lot costs.
B 52H aircraft modifications
The budget request included $8.4 million for modifications to the B
52H aircraft. The budget request included no funding for ALQ 172
self-protection electronic countermeasures. The Air Force has included
continued procurement of self-protection electronic countermeasure
equipment for the B 52 on its unfunded requirements list. The committee
recommends an increase of $12.0 million in aircraft procurement, Air
Force, for the ALQ 172 electronic countermeasures improvement program
for the B 52H aircraft, a total authorization of $20.4 million.
A 10 aircraft integrated flight and fire control computer
The budget request included $33.9 million for modifications to the A
10 aircraft, but included no funds for procurement of the integrated
flight and fire control computer (IFFCC). Although development of this
capability is to be complete in fiscal year 2001, production funding
would commence in fiscal year 2002 in the Future Years Defense Program.
The IFFCC provides the processing power that handles fire control,
flight control, digital terrain system, data link management,
situational awareness, and cockpit control and display management. The A
10 IFFCC is included on the Air Force unfunded priorities list. The
committee recommends an increase of $11.2 million for the procurement
and fielding of IFFCCs for the A 10 aircraft, a total authorization of
$45.1 million.
F 15 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $258.2 million for modifications to the F
15 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $74.9
million, a total authorization of $333.1 million. Both increases
recommended by the committee are included on the Air Force unfunded
priorities list.
The budget request included $37.3 million for upgrading F 15 engines
from the F100 PW 100 to the F100 PW 220E configuration. This upgrade
would significantly improve the reliability and maintainability of the
engine, and has reduced the unscheduled engine removal rate by 35
percent. Procurement savings are achievable by accelerating this
program. The committee recommends an increase of $48.0 million for
additional F 15 engine upgrades.
The budget request did not include any funding for the procurement of
BOL chaff and flare systems or countermeasures for the F 15 aircraft.
The committee understands that the BOL countermeasure system is being
evaluated under a foreign comparative test program, and that the system
has been successfully integrated on other tactical aircraft. The
committee recommends an increase of $26.9 million for the procurement of
BOL systems and countermeasures for the F 15 aircraft.
F 16 aircraft modifications
The budget request included $248.8 million for modifications to the F
16 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $119.5
million in F 16 modifications, a total authorization of $368.3 million.
The committee also recommends a series of increases to address the
fact that the budget request included no funding for other F 16 aircraft
modifications. Each of these items were included on an Air Force or Air
National Guard unfunded priority list.
The digital terrain system includes precise navigation capabilities
and a ground collision avoidance system designed to prevent mishaps. The
committee recommends an increase of $16.5 million for the digital
terrain system. The committee understands that this amount of funding
was removed from the budget request late in the cycle, so recommended
offsets for this increase have been taken from other Air Force programs.
Precision targeting pods are the number one unfunded requirement for
the Air National Guard. The committee recommends an increase of $34.0
million for the procurement of precision targeting pods.
Compared to other F 16 block aircraft, the thrust of the block 42 is
relatively low. For this reason, block 42 F 16 aircraft have not been
used in combat. The committee recommends an increase of $69.0 million
for the retrofit of Air National Guard block 42 F 16 aircraft with F100
PW 229 engines.
C 17 simulator
The budget request included $97.1 million for modifications to the C
17 aircraft. The committee recommends an overall increase of $26.4
million for C 17 aircraft modifications, a total authorization of $123.5
million.
The budget request included no funding for the procurement of another
C 17 cockpit system simulator. Procurement of an additional cockpit
system simulator is necessary to meet projected aircrew training
requirements, and the Air Force has included the procurement of this
simulator on its unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an
increase of $14.9 million for the procurement of a C 17 cockpit system
simulator.
The budget request included no funding for the C 17 aircraft
maintenance systems trainer (AMST), for which $3.5 million in long lead
funding was provided in fiscal year 2000. The committee recommends an
increase of $11.5 million to complete procurement of the C 17 AMST.
Defense airborne reconnaissance program aircraft modifications
The budget request included $165.5 million for modifications to
defense airborne reconnaissance program aircraft. The budget request
included no funding for the procurement of Senior Year electro-optic
reconnaissance system (SYERS) equipment. The committee recommends an
increase of $3.0 million for the procurement of SYERS equipment, a total
authorization of $168.5 million.
ALE 50 towed decoys
The budget request included $43.0 million for war consumables, with
$32.3 million dedicated to the procurement of ALE 50 towed decoys. The
ALE 50 is a low cost radio frequency countermeasure that provides
increased survivability against semi-active guided missile threats. This
countermeasure was credited with saving aircraft and lives during
Operation Allied Force. Additional procurement of the ALE 50 is included
on the Air Force unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an
increase of $46.2 million for the procurement of additional ALE 50 towed
decoys, a total authorization of $89.2 million for war consumables.
Compass Call
The budget request included $398.5 million for other production
charges for the Air Force. Compass Call is the premier tactical airborne
information warfare platform. In fiscal year 1993, funding for the block
30 Compass Call mission simulator was cut, and there is no training
system fielded for the current configuration. Key Compass Call program
content was lost in fiscal year 1999 due to Operation Allied Force
costs, which were absorbed out of existing budget authority. Compass
Call block 35 improved frequency coverage has been reduced. The
committee, therefore, recommends increases of $23.7 million for the
procurement of a Compass Call mission training system for block 30/35
aircraft and $4.1 million to provide a technology upgrade to the
acquisition subsystem of Compass Call block 35, a total authorization of
$426.3 million. Both of the increases recommended by the committee are
included on the Air Force unfunded priorities list.
Defense airborne reconnaissance program
The budget request included $98.4 million for the procurement of
equipment for the defense airborne reconnaissance program (DARP), of
which, $85.1 million was for equipment for the joint signals
intelligence avionics family (JSAF). The committee understands this does
not fully outfit the first U 2 aircraft with a complete JSAF unit. The
committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in Aircraft
Procurement, Air Force, for the procurement of additional JSAF equipment
for the U 2 aircraft.
AIR FORCE MISSILE
Global Positioning System
The budget request included $210.3 million in Missile Procurement,
Air Force, and $250.2 in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation,
Air Force, for the Global Positioning System (GPS). The committee has
recently received an amended budget request for the GPS system that
reflects the Air Force's GPS modernization plan. The committee supports
this effort. In order to properly align funds according to the amended
budget request, the committee recommends a decrease of $30.3 million in
Missile Procurement, Air Force, and an increase of $10.7 million in PE
35165F.
Titan space boosters
The budget request included $469.7 million for procurement of Titan
IV space boosters. Based on current projections, it appears that the
Titan IV program may not require this full amount to execute its fiscal
year 2001 requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease
of $10.0 million in Air Force Missile Procurement for Titan space
boosters.
Medium launch vehicle
The budget request included $55.9 million for Medium Launch Vehicle
(MLV) procurement. As a result of the Department of Defense's Global
Positioning System (GPS) modernization plan, the Air Force now plans to
delay a number of GPS block IIR launches. This delay reduces the
procurement funding requirement for MLV during fiscal year 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.0 million in Air
Force Missile Procurement funds for MLV.
AIR FORCE AMMUNITION
Procurement of ammunition, Air Force
The budget request included $11.5 million for the procurement of 2.75
inch rockets for the Air Force. The committee is concerned with
continued reports of inadequate supplies of ammunition for training and
war reserves. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force recently identified a
requirement for $211.0 million for high priority munition programs,
including 2.75 inch rockets, that were not included in the fiscal year
2001 budget request. Ammunition is an important contributor to military
readiness--for training and in anticipation of conflict. Therefore, the
committee recommends an additional $28.0 million for 2.75 inch rockets.
OTHER AIR FORCE PROCUREMENT
Combat training ranges
The budget request includes $26.0 million for procurement of
equipment for combat training ranges, of which $18.4 million is for
advanced threat upgrades. Realistic simulation of threats in training
increases the survivability of our aircraft and aircrews in actual
combat situations. The committee understands there are competing systems
to fill the Air Force requirement for advanced threat emitters. The
committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million to procure additional
advanced threat emitters for its combat training ranges, a total
authorization of $46.0 million.
Night vision goggles
The budget request included $2.8 million for the procurement of night
vision goggles (NVGs) and associated test equipment for aircrew,
maintenance, and security personnel. There is a shortage of this
equipment, and the Air Force has included procurement of additional NVGs
on its unfunded priority list. The committee recommends an increase of
$8.0 million for the procurement of additional NVGs and associated test
equipment, a total authorization of $10.8 million.
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ADVANCED SEAL DELIVERY SYSTEM DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS
The budget request included $33.5 million for the Advanced SEAL
Delivery System (ASDS) Program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.3 million in the Defense Wide Procurement, Special Operations
Command, ASDS account to fund design enhancements required to implement
necessary changes and enhancements on subsequent ASDS production
vehicles.
ASDS design enhancement costs are estimated to be $10.0 million.
Special Operations Command has funded $6.8 million of ASDS design costs
with savings in its ongoing ASDS developmental testing program. Full
funding of these design enhancements could result in a $10.0 million
reduction in procurement unit cost for the remaining five ASDS vehicles.
The statement of managers accompanying the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (H. Rept. 106 301) required the
Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Special Operations Command (CINCSOCOM) to
report on various aspects of the ASDS program, including whether the
program should be elevated to a major acquisition program. The CINCSOCOM
provided a report on technical aspects of the ASDS program, but failed
to address whether the program had been reviewed by the Department of
Defense (DOD), and why the program was not elevated to the category of a
major defense acquisition. The committee expects the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to provide a report
explaining why he decided not to elevate this program to a higher level
of review, as was required.
Special operations forces small arms and support equipment
The budget request included $11.8 million for Special Operations
Forces (SOF) Small Arms and Support Equipment, but did not include
funding to continue procurement of SOF Body Armor Load Carriage System,
the Modular Integrated Communications Helmet, or the SOF Peculiar
Modifications to the M 4 Carbine. The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Special
Operations Command (CINCSOCOM), identified procurement of this improved
body armor, improved helmets, and special modifications to individual
weapons, as his highest set of priority unfunded requirements for fiscal
year 2001. The committee has followed developments in this area closely
and is encouraged that equipment that will enhance the survivability,
flexibility, and precision of our special operations forces is now
available for general procurement.
The committee understands this equipment has been rigorously tested
and fielded to some SOF elements. The committee applauds the efforts of
CINCSOCOM to field this important equipment to all SOF operators. The
committee recommends an increase of $21.7 million for SOF Small Arms and
Support Equipment to be distributed as follows: $4.9 million for SOF
Body Armor Load Carriage System; $4.7 million for SOF Modular Integrated
Communications Helmet; and $12.1 million for SOF Peculiar Modifications
to the M 4 Carbine. This represents approximately one-half of the
funding requested by CINCSOCOM to fully equip all SOF operators. The
committee further directs that CINCSOCOM fully evaluate the suitability
of this equipment for all SOF operators across the wide spectrum of
activities conducted by SOCOM and report back to the defense committees
of Congress his assessment of the suitability of these enhancements for
all SOF operational elements and any recommendations for improvements to
meet the unique needs of the various, diverse operational elements of
SOCOM. Upon receipt of such an assessment, the committee would consider
additional authorizations to complete procurement of this equipment for
all SOF operators.
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense Enhancement Kits
The budget request included no funding for Nuclear, Biological, and
Chemical (NBC) Defense Enhancement Kits. The Marine Corps continues to
require the development of NBC force protection training and equipment
support packages for deploying Marine Expeditionary Units. The NBC
Defense Enhancement Kits will provide equipment to on-scene leaders to
allow for isolation of NBC contaminated areas, agent detection and
identification, and decontamination. The Marine Corps has a requirement
for thirteen NBC kits; nine kits have been procured. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.5 million in the Chemical and Biological
Defense Program for four NBC Defense Enhancement Kits to complete the
planned acquisition.
Communications assistance for law enforcement act
The budget request included $120.0 million for the Telecommunications
Carrier Compliance Fund, which was created as a result of the
Communications assistance for law enforcement act of 1994. The committee
is concerned that this may represent an inappropriate first step by the
Department of Defense towards involvement in placing wiretaps on
communications system of American citizens. Court-authorized wiretaps
are, and should remain, the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $120.0 million to the
budget request for this activity.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Pueblo Chemical Depot chemical agent destruction
technologies (sec. 141)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide for the
destruction of the stockpile of lethal chemical agents at the Pueblo
Chemical Depot either by incineration or any technology demonstrated by
the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment on or before May 1, 2000.
Residents and leaders of communities surrounding the Pueblo Chemical
Depot continue to voice concerns about delays in the destruction of
chemical agents at the Pueblo depot and the attendant risk to community
safety. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has reported on several
occasions about the risk associated with the prolonged storage of
chemical agents and munitions. According to the NAS, this risk increases
significantly with time.
Approximately eight percent of the total U.S. chemical weapons
inventory is stored at the Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado. Community
leaders have expressed support for the baseline incineration method and
the technologies developed through the Assembled Chemical Weapons
Assessment program. This provision is intended to expedite destruction
activities utilizing one of these technologies at the Pueblo Chemical
Depot in the interest of community safety.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Acquisition programs at the National Security Agency
There are substantial challenges facing the National Security Agency
(NSA) as it seeks to modernize its operations and infrastructure. The
United States has relied on the NSA for vital information in the past,
and will need a significant contribution from NSA as we face the new
demands of the future.
The committee believes that the Director of the NSA is making
significant progress in making fundamental reform within the agency. The
committee encourages the Director to continue this important process.
Although the Director has indicated the need to improve the
acquisition process, the committee has become concerned that the current
acquisition management procedures may not provide sufficient structure,
accountability, or visibility for these important programs.
The committee directs that NSA and the Department of Defense manage
the current NSA modernization effort as though it were a major defense
acquisition program, as defined in section 2430 of title 10, United
States Code. The committee does not intend that these programs be merged
into a single contracting vehicle, rather these programs should be
elevated to a higher level of review to ensure that the overall
modernization effort receives appropriate review and management
attention within the Office of
the Secretary of Defense. Further discussion of this issue is
included in the classified annex to this report.
Army aviation
The committee has been very pleased with Army efforts over the last
year to revise outdated and incomplete aviation modernization plans. The
committee applauds the outstanding efforts of active Army, Army National
Guard, and Army Reserve leaders to establish a plan that will ultimately
result in a seamless force of modernized aircraft. The most significant
action taken will be that of retiring legacy UH 1 Huey and AH 1 Cobra
aircraft by fiscal year 2004 and replacing these aircraft with UH 60
Blackhawks. Most of these aircraft, largely found in the reserve
components, have reached the end of their useful life and must be
retired as soon as practicable. The revised modernization plan will
result in an aviation force structure that is common across both active
and reserve components, will reduce the number of rotary wing platforms
from seven to four, and will facilitate crew rotation requirements for
the broad range of missions that will challenge the Army over the next
decade.
The committee still has serious questions about the ability of the
Army to fund some of the critical requirements in the revised plan. In
fact, despite congressional direction that the Secretary of the Army to
fully fund the revised plan, the Army plan remains underfunded by at
least $400.0 million each year.
C 5 aircraft upgrades
In testimony before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management
Support in March, 2000, the Secretary of the Air Force stated that the
decision regarding the priority for upgrade of the C 5As or the newer C
5Bs was pending the results of the outsized and oversized cargo portion
of the larger Joint Chiefs of Staff mobility requirements study 05 (MRS
05). The Air Force budget documentation, however, clearly indicates a
schedule for upgrade of the C 5Bs before C 5As. The budget documentation
also includes a plan to continue kit development options for two
aircraft. The committee is concerned that the Air Force will upgrade the
newer C 5Bs to optimize strategic airlift operational readiness rates in
the near-term, with severe effects on the overall airlift force
readiness in the not-too-distant future. This is one of several key
decisions being delayed pending the results of MRS 05. Section 1034 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 required the
Secretary of Defense to submit a report based on MRS 05 to the
congressional defense committees by February 15, 2000. The Secretary of
Defense has asked for an extension of this requirement until September
30, 2000. The committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit
a report by February 15, 2001, which contains the analysis to support
the Air Force recommendation on sequence of C 5 aircraft upgrades based
on the lift requirements outlined in MRS 05. The kit development efforts
for the two aircraft should be for one C 5A and one C 5B. The analysis
should project lift capabilities for ten years based on most likely
operational readiness rates under the scenario of upgrading the C 5As
before the C 5Bs and under the scenario of upgrading the C 5Bs before
the C 5As.
Electronic digital compass system
The committee continues to support the Army digitization effort,
which will establish a tactical internet for enhanced situational
awareness. The output from the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver
on Army combat and tactical vehicles is key to the knowledge of friendly
positions. GPS is generally an effective device, but has its
limitations, such as susceptibility to blockages from terrain and
foliage, enemy electronic countermeasures, including jamming,
constellation misalignments, and multi-path errors. The committee is
concerned that there is currently no backup to GPS, other than the
enhanced position location reporting system, to ensure that critical
situational awareness inputs to the tactical internet are not
interrupted. This backup could be improved at modest cost by an
electronic digital compass system, which can also provide steer-to
navigation capabilities. The committee directs the Secretary of the Army
to provide a report assessing the utility and costs involved in
integrating and procuring electronic digital compass systems for combat
and tactical vehicles of the first digitized division and the digitized
corps.
Single channel ground and airborne radio system
The committee is aware of outstanding requirements for additional
single channel ground and airborne radio systems (SINCGARS) to provide
necessary voice and data communications for a small number of Army
National Guard units that are still operating with earlier generation
equipment. The committee recognizes plans within the Department of
Defense to begin an acquisition program that will procure the next
generation joint tactical radio system. Unfortunately, these radios will
not be available in the near-term and there are still units in the Army
that must be modernized. The committee encourages the Army to review the
plans and programs associated with communications fielding requirements
and identify alternatives that will meet outstanding requirements as
soon as practicable.
Soldier's portable on-system repair tool
For the last several years, the committee has monitored the fielding
of the soldier's portable on-system repair tool (SPORT) and is aware
that the current contract will expire in fiscal year 2001. SPORT is the
on-system tester designed to augment the built-in test equipment of all
major Army weapon systems, including the M1 Abrams, the M2 Bradley, the
UH 60 Blackhawk, the Paladin, and the multiple launch rocket system. In
addition, SPORT has served as a significant maintenance diagnostic tool
for many other Army systems. The committee is concerned that any
interruption in the fielding of SPORT could have a significant impact on
overall readiness. The committee directs the Army to review outstanding
requirements for SPORT equipment, identify an acquisition strategy
designed to meet those requirements, and provide the Congress with a
report on that strategy.
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND
EVALUATION
EXPLANATION OF TABLES
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2001 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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SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Fiscal year 2002 joint field experiment (sec. 211)
The committee has worked closely with the Secretary of Defense and
the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) to develop a credible,
comprehensive joint experimentation program. The creation of the U.S.
Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) on October 1, 1999, with an
organizational element dedicated to joint experimentation,
institutionalized this process. The committee has noted, with great
interest, the strides made by USJFCOM in implementing this program.
The committee is encouraged that a joint experimentation program has
been established, but was disappointed to learn that the first fully
planned, joint field experiment is not scheduled until fiscal year 2004.
While the need to carefully build this program is appreciated, this has
to be balanced against the need for urgency. Many of the transformation
concepts being explored by the respective services will have evolved
considerably by 2004, without the benefit of experimentation and
evaluation within a joint war fighting context.
The committee is concerned that familiar problems continue to plague
joint operations. Many of the lessons learned in the recent Kosovo
operation were noted in previous military operations. Combatant
commanders continue to appear before the committee with recurring
concerns, including: incompatible command and control; interoperability
problems; no combat identification standard; insufficient strategic
lift; insufficient intelligence assets (intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance); and inadequate theater-level force protection
capabilities. While efforts appear to be underway to correct these
deficiencies, questions are continuously raised regarding the priority
and urgency assigned to these requirements, and the absence of a
detailed, defense-wide strategy to guide transformation of our forces.
Therefore, the committee directs that the Secretary of Defense plan
in fiscal year 2001 and conduct in fiscal year 2002, a joint field
experiment focused on exploring the most critical war fighting
challenges at the operational level of war which will confront U.S.
joint military forces. This experiment should incorporate elements of
all military services and special operations forces. In addition, the
Secretary of Defense is directed to ensure that each military service
and U.S. Special Operations Command participate with elements
representative of their future force concepts, e.g., Air Force
Expeditionary Aerospace Force, Army medium-weight brigades, and Navy
Forward
from the Sea vision. The committee sees merit in each of these
individual service initiatives, and believes that combining these
concepts in a joint context has potential for improving our military
capabilities, individually and collectively. The committee directs the
services to adjust their fiscal year 2001 planning activities and fiscal
year 2002 experimentation activities to accommodate participation in
this experiment and evaluation of capabilities. The committee recommends
an increase of $6.0 million in PE 63727N to accomplish the necessary
planning and preparation for this joint experiment in fiscal year 2001.
The committee expects the Department of Defense (DOD), the military
departments and USJFCOM to include adequate funding in the fiscal year
2002 budget request to properly conduct this experiment.
The Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on DOD War
Fighting Transformation, published in August 1999, observed that there
is no comprehensive DOD-wide strategy and road map for a coordinated
transformation of our armed forces and that there are no apparent
standards to measure progress. The committee recommends that the
Secretary use the opportunity presented by this joint field exercise to
accomplish the following: collect the data that will enable a more
specific description of the desired attributes of the objective joint
forces for Joint Vision 2010; establish the standards to measure
progress; and establish achievable, affordable milestones.
Nuclear aircraft carrier design and production modeling (sec. 212)
The budget request included $38.3 million in PE 64567N for aircraft
carrier contract design. The committee recommends a provision that would
authorize the Navy to convert nuclear aircraft carrier design to a
three-dimensional, computer based system. The budget request did not
include funds specifically designated for this effort. However, minimal
conversion of paper designs has occurred from funds designated for
aircraft carrier research and development and shipbuilding and
conversion. The Navy conversion effort thus far has proven to be
cost-effective in saving taxpayer dollars.
The Navy intends to develop a three-dimensional product model for
portions of CVNX 1. The committee also understands that the Navy intends
to build certain sections of CVN 77 that will be major new designs
derived from the CVN 76 baseline. The Navy recently made the decision
that CVNX hulls will be based on the Nimitz-class hull design. Because
of this decision, it may now be possible to achieve cost savings in
designing, constructing, and modifying CVNX and sections of CVN 77
through use of a computer-aided design and product model. Such a product
model might also be beneficial in supporting the Nimitz class ships in
the fleet.
Major new construction shipbuilding programs, including the Flight
IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the Virginia-class submarine, and the
San Antonio-class amphibious ship, using the three-dimensional,
computer-based product models have resulted in over $184.0 million
savings. The Navy predicts that additional savings will continue to
accrue throughout the life cycle of the ships when they are repaired and
modified. These product models were developed and funded through the
ship class' research and development and construction funds.
The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64567N to
develop an electronic product model of the CVNX 1 and applicable
sections of CVN 77 nuclear aircraft carrier design. The committee also
directs the Navy to provide an analysis of the potential costs and
benefits of extending this product model effort for use in supporting
the Nimitz-class ships in the fleet.
DD 21 class destroyer program (sec. 213)
The budget request included $549.7 million for research and
development for DD 21, the Navy's new destroyer program. The committee
recommends authorization of the budget request for fiscal year 2001 and
fully supports the DD 21 as the future destroyer required to replace
Spruance-class destroyers and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. The
committee concurs that the administration's research and development
budget request is required to attain a fiscal year 2005 start of
construction and that additional resources would most likely be required
for a fiscal year 2004 construction start.
While the committee fully supports DD 21, the committee has not been
provided adequate explanation of the following issues:
(1) the advisability of delaying the initial operational capability
for three years;
(2) maintaining key capabilities required for completion of the
mission of DD 21;
(3) the need for a one year delay in the start of construction of DD
21;
(4) the requirement for extending the construction performance
period by two years; and
(5) the inclusion of all life-cycle maintenance in a non-competitive
life-of-the-ship contract award.
DELAYING THE INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY
It would appear that the Navy has given a lower priority to the
mission of DD 21, providing ordnance on target to influence the events
ashore (land attack), than that of building a technologically superior
ship in the first hull. The one year
delay in the DD 21 program without analysis of technology
insertion approaches, successful in previous ship procurement programs
and presently being used in the CVN(X) and the Virginia- class attack
submarine programs, requires additional explanation. While Marine Corps
witnesses testified that the two 155 millimeter guns on the DD 21 would
be the first at-sea system to fully meet the Marine Corps requirements
for fire support since decommissioning of the battleships, Navy
witnesses did not provide information regarding the risks to the Marines
caused by the one year delay in commencing construction and two year
delay in delivery of the first DD 21.
MAINTAINING KEY CAPABILITIES
The Marine Corps has stated a requirement that all naval surface fire
support weapon systems be easily sustainable via underway replenishment.
The Navy apparently intends to provide the surface fire support with
options that includes both gun- fired 155 millimeter ammunition and land
attack missiles. The committee understands that the Navy is working with
the contractor teams to specify underway replenishment requirements and
fully supports the continued refinement of capabilities. The committee
encourages the Navy to fully involve the Marine Corps with the review of
requirements which affect Marine Corps concepts of operations including
whether the land attack missile at-sea resupply requirement is valid for
the DD 21.
ONE YEAR DELAY
The Navy has consistently emphasized the need for a destroyer which
has lower procurement and operating costs than the present fleet of
destroyers and frigates. In attempting to bring such a ship to reality,
the Navy determined that manning the ship was the main cost driver in
operating the ship. To reduce manning requirements, the Navy challenged
two industry teams to develop a new destroyer design which would reduce
total ownership cost. The Navy directed the two teams to include in
their design proposal justification of the requirement for each member
of the crew and consideration of the life-of-the-ship cost of
maintaining each piece of equipment when determining what equipment
would be included in their design.
Without the advantage of analysis, the Navy set a goal of a 95 person
crew and a threshold of a 150 person crew. Consequently, the focus of
design and scheduling efforts for the land attack destroyer, thus far,
appear to have been on manning and total operating costs. Again,
apparently without a thorough analysis, the Navy determined that the
design teams could not produce a design which met the 95 person crew and
life cycle costs criteria in time to commence construction in fiscal
year 2004, the time frame both teams had been working toward. This
determination resulted in the Navy submitting a Future Years Defense
Program for DD 21 which would delay commencing construction of the first
DD 21 for one year (from fiscal year 2004 to fiscal year 2005).
EXTENDING THE CONSTRUCTION PERFORMANCE PERIOD
The Navy determined that the original five year performance period
(fiscal year 2004 through fiscal 2008) for building the first DD 21
would result in unacceptable risk for successful completion of the
program. Therefore, the Navy budget supports a two year delay in the
delivery of DD 21 (from fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year 2010).
NON-COMPETITIVE AWARD OF LIFE-OF-THE-SHIP MAINTENANCE
The Navy intends to build 32 DD 21 land attack destroyers to replace
the aging Spruance-class (DD 963) and Oliver Hazard Perry-class (FFG 7)
destroyers. The Navy has discussed the possibility of awarding the
winner of the phase II design competition not only the contract to build
the first DD 21, but also a contract to provide life-cycle support for
all DD 21 ships. The estimated value of a full support contract that
includes all ship maintenance for the life of all DD 21 ships would be
greater than the contract value for building all 32 ships. If such a
maintenance contract were awarded, the winner of the full service
support contract could be in a position to determine the ship repair
contractors in fleet concentration areas that would be permitted to
repair DD 21 ships. The committee believes that this could be a
troubling divestiture to a contractor of what is inherently a government
function. In addition, the committee is concerned that awarding a full
service support contract for maintenance of DD 21 may reduce the
flexibility of the operational fleet commanders to maintain all the
fleet ships based on a prioritization of overall fleet maintenance
requirements.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision which would:
(1) authorize the Secretary of the Navy to pursue a technology
insertion approach to DD 21 that would commence construction of the
first DD 21 in fiscal year 2004 followed by a fiscal year 2009 delivery;
(2) express the sense of Congress that there are compelling reasons
to commence DD 21 in fiscal year 2004 followed by sequential
construction of DD 21 destroyers until a total of 32 are built, and that
the Secretary should consider the following when making his decisions
regarding DD 21 procurement:
2
2 (a) the Marine Corps requires fire support which the Navy will be
unable to provide until the DD 21 155 millimeter guns are introduced in
the fleet;
2 (b) a technology insertion approach has been successful for other
ship construction programs and is being used in the CVN(X) aircraft
carrier and Virginia- class submarine programs;
2
(c) a stable configuration for the first 10 ships of the class could
help ensure the greatest capabilities are provided at the lowest cost;
and
2 (d) action to acquire DD 21 destroyers should be taken as soon as
possible to realize fully the cost savings of construction and operation
of DD 21 class destroyers when compared to construction and operation of
other classes of destroyers;
(3) direct the Secretary to submit a report not later than April 18,
2001, on a plan, including the resources required, for pursuing a
technology insertion approach to DD 21; and
(4) direct the Secretary of Defense to submit a report not later
than April 18, 2001, that discusses the following:
2 (a) the technical feasibility of commencing DD 21 construction in
fiscal year 2004 with a delivery date in fiscal year 2009. For this
section of the report, the committee suggests input by an independent
entity, such as the Defense Science Board;
2 (b) an analysis of various contracting strategies for acquiring the
first 10 ships of the DD 21 class;
2 (c) the effects on the destroyer industrial base and on the costs
of other shipbuilding programs of delaying constructing the first DD 21
until fiscal year 2005, and of delaying the construction of the second
DD 21 destroyer until 2007; and
2 (d) the effects on fleet maintenance strategies and on commercial
maintenance facilities in fleet concentration areas of awarding a
shipbuilding contractor team a maintenance contract which includes all
maintenance actions above ships force and below depot maintenance
levels.
The committee fully supports the DD 21 program and recognizes the
difficulty the Navy faces in instituting an acquisition strategy that
emphasizes private sector flexibility in meeting general Navy
requirements for a complicated ship.
The committee encourages the Navy and the DD 21 program office to
make maximum use of the expertise and facilities resident in Navy field
activities for analysis, test, and evaluation of private sector
proposals and designs.
F 22 aircraft program (sec. 214)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the F 22
program engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) cost cap by one
percent, funds for which could only be obligated for testing
requirements approved by the Defense Acquisition Executive and the
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. This provision will add a
cushion to the development phase, as it nears completion, to ensure
adequate testing has been accomplished. The Defense Acquisition
Executive and the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, would share
the responsibility for ensuring that the expenditure of any funds above
the EMD cost cap would be for testing purposes only.
The performance of the F 22, in testing to date, has been impressive.
When introduced as the Air Force's air dominance fighter, it will be far
and away the best fighter aircraft in the world. A comprehensive test
program now is required to prevent costly retrofits later.
The budget request included $2.2 billion to commence low rate initial
production of 10 F 22 Raptor aircraft, $396.2 million for advance
procurement items for 16 more aircraft in fiscal year 2002, and $1.4
billion in PE 64239F for continuing F- 22 EMD. The Director of
Operational Test and Evaluation has voiced concern that the
congressionally mandated cost cap for the EMD Phase may drive the Air
Force to reduce too much content from the F 22 test program. The
committee echoes this concern.
The EMD and production cost caps were established by the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998. This action was taken
after the Air Force canceled the manufacture of four pre-production
verification aircraft and slowed aircraft production, transferring $2.2
billion from procurement to cover an EMD overrun. The purpose of the
cost caps was to force the program to exercise a greater degree of
fiscal discipline. In testimony before the AirLand Subcommittee, the Air
Force has given the caps credit for exacting this discipline on both the
government and the contractor teams. In its latest annual report on the
F 22 program, the General Accounting Office concluded that: ``the F 22
development program could still be managed within its cost limitation,''
but ``[s]hould further significant cost increases materialize, the
development program may need to be scaled back, or other ways may need
to be found to reduce the costs.''
In the past year, the F 22 program has implemented two structural
fixes: the forward aft tail boom and a structural member in the
flaperon. These occurrences are normal in any development program, but
because flight testing constitutes the majority of the remaining EMD
efforts, funding for fixing these occurrences is more difficult to find
without reducing testing effort. The committee is concerned that if the
program were to be scaled back due to cost increases in other areas, it
would be testing that would be cut. The Air Force has already announced
that testing efficiencies have enabled it to reduce the actual flight
test hours from 4,337 hours to 3,757 hours. It is not the committee's
intent to prevent the service from finding further testing efficiencies,
but rather to ensure the test program remains adequate.
Joint strike fighter (sec. 215)
The budget request for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program
included $261.1 million to complete the concept demonstration phase,
with $129.5 million in PE 63800F and $131.6 million in PE 63800N. The
budget request also included $595.5 million to initiate the engineering
and manufacturing development (EMD) phase, with $299.5 million in PE
64800F and $296.0 million in PE 64800N.
The committee fully appreciates the critical need to modernize our
aging fleet of legacy aircraft with aircraft possessing the capabilities
promised by the JSF program. The purpose of the JSF program is to
develop and field an affordable, highly common family of next generation
strike fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S.
Air Force, and allies. The Navy variant (called CV) will be aircraft
carrier capable, the Marine Corps variant will be capable of short
takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), and the Air Force variant will be
of a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) design. Commonality within
this family of aircraft is crucial to keeping the overall tactical
aviation modernization plan affordable.
Two contractor teams are competing to win a competition to enter into
the next phase of the program, the EMD phase. In addition to conducting
design and risk mitigation activities, each contractor team is building
two concept demonstration aircraft. Although these are not JSF
prototypes, they are required to demonstrate key enabling performance
criteria, such as slow speed handling characteristics for aircraft
carrier approaches, and short takeoff and vertical landing for the
Marine Corps variant.
Unfortunately, the schedule for flying the concept demonstrator
aircraft has slipped for both of the contractor teams, primarily due to
propulsion system problems. The committee understands that, if the
program adheres to the current schedule, with no further delays, the
STOVL variants will not fly until after the contractor teams deliver
their proposals for EMD to the government. While the contractors may
still be able to present additional test results to the government on
these flights and on the STOVL design, the competitive environment will
inevitably restrict the free flow of information after proposal
delivery. This leaves uncertainty on the technical readiness of the
program to enter EMD along the budgeted schedule.
The committee has also been apprized of a General Accounting Office
(GAO) report on the JSF program that raises concerns about the level of
maturity of the design at the point when the Department intends to make
a decision to proceed into EMD. The GAO report specifically mentioned
several enabling technologies whose technical risk will not have been
reduced to an acceptable level before the planned transition to EMD.
In addition to the testing maturity, the committee has additional
concerns about the nature of the acquisition strategy and how potential
changes in that acquisition strategy might affect the program. Many have
questioned the advisability of continuing the current
``winner-take-all'' strategy for selecting the winning team for EMD on
one of the largest defense programs in history. Losing outright could
force one of the teams to leave the fighter development and production
business, which would in turn leave the government in the position of
depending on a single team for all future tactical aviation
modernization. Recognizing the import of this situation, the Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics has
commissioned a review of the currently approved JSF acquisition
strategy. The Department of Defense has not completed this review, but
expects to make a decision on the appropriate acquisition strategy
within the next two months. The time spent making this decision could
delay releasing the call for improvement (analogous to a request for
proposal), the response to which will be the basis for making the final
decision before proceeding to EMD.
The committee continues to be a strong advocate for the JSF program.
The committee believes that the JSF program, with certain modest
exceptions, has demonstrated how a joint service requirement development
process should work and how a joint service program should be
implemented. However, with so much at stake in this centerpiece of
tactical aviation modernization, the committee believes that it would be
terribly shortsighted for the Department to pursue a program that is
driven by the calendar, and not by events.
The committee does not believe that it would be prudent to proceed
into EMD without having conducted adequate testing, and reduced the data
from that testing, for the competing demonstrator aircraft. This is
particularly the case for the version possessing the highest technical
risk, the STOVL version, which is also on the slowest track to testing.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would require
the Department to submit a report, before December 15, 2000, describing:
(1) how the program may have been restructured to reflect any changes in
the acquisition strategy; and (2) exit criteria that the Department has
established to ensure that technical risks are at acceptable levels
before the program enters into EMD.
In consonance with this recommendation, the committee also recommends
no funding in support of the budget request for EMD funds, specifically
a decrease of $595.5 million, including $299.5 million in PE 64800F and
$296.0 million in PE 64800N, but recommends an increase of $424.2
million in demonstration and validation funds, including $212.1 million
in PE 63800F and $212.1 million in PE 63800N.
The committee believes that the Department should use this time and
funding to complete flight testing of the concept demonstrator aircraft,
acquire the data from the test program, spend such funds as can be used
to reduce risk for technologies that would need to mature during EMD,
and define and implement a preferred acquisition strategy.
The committee is not interested in having the contractor team or
teams sitting around waiting for the first day of fiscal year 2002.
Indeed, the committee would support the Department's moving past the
concept demonstration tests with the fiscal year 2001 funds provided.
Such activities could perhaps include even selecting a contractor team
or teams to conduct various pre-EMD activities to begin planning for
EMD. Such committee support, however, presumes that: (1) the Department
will have provided the report required by the provision regarding
acquisition strategy and technical risk exit criteria; and (2) the
results of flight testing the STOVL variants will have been available to
inform such decisions.
The committee is also not interested in having the contractors make
additional unreimbursed investments in winning this program. The
Department has informed the committee that it has recently modified the
current JSF demonstration contracts to allow significant contractor
investment in the concept demonstration phase. The committee recommends
that the Department not propose any restructured program that would
allow any further individual contractor investment beyond the levels
envisioned by this modification. While the Department has made a
reasonable case for implementing the current modification, the committee
does not view additional contractor investment during the competition
phase as conducive to smooth implementation of any potential acquisition
strategy.
The committee is well aware of the considerable international
interest in this program. The actions recommended by the committee
should in no way be interpreted as a lack of support for the JSF or a
lack of appreciation for the critical role that the JSF can play in
tactical aviation modernization. At this critical juncture, however, the
JSF program is too important to be rushed into the EMD phase until the
program is ready to graduate. The committee believes that a more prudent
technical and programmatic approach will, in the final analysis,
strengthen the process of developing and fielding the family of aircraft
that will dominate tactical aviation for the next half century.
Global Hawk high altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (sec. 216)
The budget request included $109.2 million for the development of
endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (HAE UAVs), of which $103.2 million
was for the continued development of the Global Hawk HAE UAV. The Global
Hawk is an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD), nearing
completion of its highly successful military utility phase, and
preparing for its engineering and manufacturing (EMD) phase.
The budget request also included $22.4 million for the procurement of
long lead items for the first two production Global Hawk HAE UAVs and
one common ground station. The General Accounting Office (GAO) has
studied the Global Hawk program, and has concluded that production in
fiscal year 2001 would be premature. The GAO identified three reasons
for arriving at this conclusion:
(1) Global Hawk has not yet begun a scheduled one year EMD phase;
(2) testing of a production representative Global Hawk system will
not have been started; and
(3) during EMD, the Global Hawk design will be changing.
The committee strongly supports the continued development of the
Global Hawk HAE UAV, but concurs with the GAO that long lead production
for two additional HAE UAVs is premature. The committee recommends a
decrease of $22.4 million in Aircraft Procurement, Air Force, that would
allow the Air Force sufficient time to use the EMD program to stabilize
the final design.
Although one developmental Global Hawk HAE UAV was destroyed in a
mishap, six other developmental Global Hawk HAE UAVs have either been
delivered to the Air Force or are at varying stages of production. The
Air Force has requested additional electro-optical and infra-red sensor
payloads for the Global Hawk HAE UAV on its unfunded requirements list
because there are not enough sensors to outfit all six of these Global
Hawk HAE UAVs.
The six remaining ACTD HAE UAVs do not meet the operational
requirement. The committee believes, however, that these aircraft are
still excellent platforms for continuing development and expansion of
the current HAE UAV operational concept. For example, advances in the
production of active electronic scanned array (AESA) radars and the
development of associated technologies, such as modular, scalable
antennas could make this an appropriate time to further expand
operational concepts to include an airborne surveillance capability.
This may be preferable to merely buying more of the current sensor
payloads
that we know will not meet the Air Force's requirements. The
committee also understands that Commander in Chief, Joint Forces
Command, is interested in using the existing ACTD Global Hawk aircraft
for experimentation after the Air Force begins producing HAE UAVs that
meet the operational requirement.
The committee is well aware of how taxing recent operations have been
on such low density, high demand units such as the E 3A Airborne Warning
and Control (AWACS) aircraft. The long endurance capability of the
Global Hawk could make it an ideal candidate to substitute for such low
density, high demand units as AWACS aircraft in certain situations, if
it were to be outfitted with an appropriate payload. Such situations
could include such lower threat environments as the area of
responsibility of the Commander in Chief, Southern Command. Appropriate
missions could include filling the air surveillance requirements in
support of counter-drug operations off the coast of Central and South
America.
The committee recommends an increase of $18.0 million in PE 35205F to
extend the ACTD effort. The Air Force should use $12.0 million of this
amount to acquire and integrate a non-developmental AESA radar on Global
Hawk, and to demonstrate its operational viability in the Southern
Command area of responsibility. This demonstration should be conducted
as soon as practicable in fiscal year 2001, with participation and
guidance from the Commanders in Chief of the Joint Forces and Southern
Commands, to include requirements and scenario planning. To further this
goal, the committee recommends a provision that would direct the
Secretary of Defense to coordinate a demonstration of the capability of
the Global Hawk HAE UAV in an airborne surveillance role in the
counter-drug effort, and to provide a report on the technical
feasibility and operational concept for using Global Hawk HAE UAVs in
this role.
In the long-term, the Air Force should apply the remaining $6.0
million of this total to begin a concurrent development effort for an
improved surveillance radar for potential use on the Global Hawk. The
committee believes that this development effort should capitalize on the
efforts detailed in the report delivered to Congress in April, 2000, on
modular, scalable, active electronically scanned antenna (AESA)-based
radar development activities.
Unmanned advanced capability aircraft and ground combat
vehicles (sec. 217)
The challenges that the United States will face in the new millennium
are diverse--new threats, new battlefields, and new weapons. Our armed
forces must remain vigilant, forward thinking and prepared to address
these challenges. The committee believes that the Department of Defense
must exploit the opportunities created by the rapid pace of
technological development to provide our men and women in uniform with
the most advanced weaponry and leverage these developments in a way that
minimizes the risk to those deployed in harm's way.
During the offensive military operation in Kosovo, U.S. forces
carried out 78 days of round-the clock operations and over 38,000 combat
sorties with no combat casualties. The American people are coming to
expect that military operations are casualty free. This is a factor that
is more and more influencing the planning of military operations. How
else do we explain bombing operations in Kosovo that largely restricted
coalition pilots to altitudes between ten and fifteen thousand feet?
Limiting risk to our personnel is clearly an important goal and one
of the most advantageous benefits of deploying unmanned combat systems
and technologies. An initiative to expand the use of such technologies
would allow the Department to aggressively pursue and field remotely
controlled combat systems with this goal: within 10 years one-third of
U.S. military operational deep strike aircraft will be unmanned and
within 15 years one- third of all U.S. military ground combat vehicles
will also be unmanned. It is not the intention of the committee to
replace pilots and manned aircraft with unmanned combat systems, but to
provide added capabilities to manned combat aircraft--added capabilities
that would provide alternatives to sending military personnel into the
highest risk missions.
Casualty aversion limits the flexibility of foreign policy. Taking
full advantage of advances in technology will allow future
administrations greater flexibility and, at the same time, reduce
exposure of U.S. personnel. For these reasons, the committee recommends
an increase of $200.0 million in research, development, test and
evaluation (RDT&E) to accelerate the technologies that will lead to the
development and fielding of remotely controlled air combat vehicles by
2010 and remotely controlled ground combat vehicles by 2015. The
committee has identified three promising programs, initiated by the
services, in which to invest these funds:
AIR FORCE UNMANNED COMBAT AIR VEHICLE (UCAV)
The committee recognizes the on-going joint Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency (DARPA)/Air Force unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV)
program, initiated in 1998. The committee notes that a small-scale
demonstrator will flight test in the Spring of 2001. The committee
recommends an increase of $100.0 million in PE 62702E to accelerate risk
reduction and ``Concept of Operation'' evaluation. The additional funds
would be applied as follows: design, development of additional
demonstrator vehicles; invest in low-cost commercial core engine
derivative; demonstrate intelligent decision aids; validate suppression
of enemy air defense(SEAD)/strike targeting in realistic environment;
and fully validate multi-vehicle flight modes.
NAVY UNMANNED COMBAT AIR VEHICLE
DARPA and the Navy initiated a joint program this year to explore
concepts for a Naval unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV- N). The
committee recommends an increase of $25.0 million to be applied to a
preliminary design of a UCAV-N demonstrator system suitable for
ship-based SEAD/strike/surveillance missions.
ARMY FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEMS (FCS)
In February 2000, the Army signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
with DARPA to develop a future combat system (FCS) to replace the
current generation of armored combat vehicles. Although robotics is a
key part of development, there is not a requirement for an autonomous,
remotely-controlled vehicle in the current program. The committee
recommends an increase of $121.3 million for the FCS program as follows:
an increase of $46.3 million in PE 63005A to accelerate the enabling
technologies for the FCS program, and an increase of $75.0 million in PE
62702A to add an unmanned, remotely-controlled aspect to the future
combat system. The committee expects this requirement to be added to the
MOA on FCS.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense report to the
congressional defense committees by January 31, 2001, on: (1) the
schedule for this initiative; (2) the funding required for fiscal year
2002 and for the future years defense program; and (3) a description and
assessment of the acquisition strategy for remotely-controlled air and
ground combat vehicles.
ARMY SPACE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY (SEC. 218)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $20.0
million for the Army's Kinetic Energy Anti-Satellite (KE- ASAT) program
and $5.0 million for other Army space control technology development
emphasizing temporary and reversible effects. The provision would limit
the obligation of funds for space control technology, other than
KE-ASAT, until the funds authorized for the KE-ASAT program have been
released to the KE- ASAT program manager.
The committee directs the Commander of the Army Space and Missile
Defense Command (SMDC) to use the $20.0 million authorized for the
KE-ASAT program to advance the three existing KE-ASAT kill vehicles and
associated hardware to a point where a flight test could occur one year
following any decision to do so. None of the funds authorized for the
KE-ASAT program may be used to support research and development on
capabilities to counter satellites in a non-destructive, reversible
manner. The Commander of SMDC shall also begin planning and preparation
for a KE-ASAT flight demonstration. The committee is aware that the
Kodiak Island launch facility in Alaska is well suited to support a
launch of a KE-ASAT test vehicle. The committee directs the Commander of
SMDC to include an assessment of the Kodiak Island facility as part of
the overall flight test planning and evaluation process.
The committee continues to support the KE-ASAT technology program. At
the same time, the committee has also directed the Army to develop
capabilities to counter satellites in a non- destructive, reversible
manner. The committee does not view these two objectives to be
incompatible.
Russian American Observation Satellites program (sec. 219)
As detailed elsewhere in this report, the committee is concerned that
the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization plans a two-satellite Russian
American Observation Satellites (RAMOS) program. The committee believes
that the Secretary of Defense should develop, and seek congressional
approval of, a technology protection plan before proceeding with the
RAMOS program, regardless of the program's structure and focus.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
obligation or expenditure of any funds for RAMOS until 30 days after the
Secretary submits to Congress a report explaining how the Secretary
plans to protect U.S. advanced military technology that may be
associated with the RAMOS program.
Joint Biological Defense Program (sec. 220)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
obligation of funds to procure the vaccine for the biological agent
anthrax until the Secretary of Defense: (1) notifies the congressional
defense committees in writing that the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has approved the current production facility of the anthrax
vaccine for FDA-approved vaccine production operations; and (2) provides
a report to the congressional defense committees that addresses
contingencies associated with relying on the current manufacturer to
produce the vaccine. The report will include recommended strategies to
mitigate the risk of the loss of the current sole-source manufacturer of
the vaccine and a budget to support these strategies. The report will
also provide recommended strategies to ensure that an FDA-licensed
anthrax vaccine can be procured should the sole-source manufacturer fail
to obtain FDA approval to release stockpiled or newly produced vaccine,
or the manufacturer terminates anthrax vaccine production permanently.
The Secretary will report the funding requirements and the criteria for
implementing these strategies.
In the Senate report accompanying S. 2060 (S. Rept 105 189), the
committee noted that the anthrax vaccine is approved by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), and has been used by cattle and sheep
ranchers since the 1970s. The committee also emphasized the criticality
of maintaining sufficient supplies of the vaccine to immunize U.S.
military personnel against the biological warfare agent anthrax.
The Department of Defense (DOD) currently relies on a single-source
manufacturer to supply the military services with the anthrax vaccine.
The vaccine manufacturer, however, failed to maintain required FDA
approvals for the vaccine production facility and the stockpiled
vaccine. As a result, the DOD delayed the start of phase two of the
Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP). In addition, the Defense
Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) conducted audits of the manufacturer's
financial capability in June 1999, and February 2000, and reported after
both reviews that there is ''. . . substantial doubt . . .'' that the
manufacturer will be financially able to continue performing on
government contracts. The committee believes that it is incumbent on the
Department to assess the implications of the FDA, DCAA, and other
federal agency reviews of the current procurement plan, and to ensure
that an effective plan is in place to provide a vaccine to immunize U.S.
military personnel against the anthrax virus.
Report on biological warfare defense vaccine research and development
programs (sec. 221)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to report on the progress of the Department of Defense (DOD)
program to develop and procure vaccines for biological warfare agents.
The Secretary will provide this report to the congressional defense
committees no later than February 1, 2001. The report will include: an
evaluation of the ability of the commercial sector to meet the vaccine
requirements of the Department; a design for a government
owned/contractor
operated (GOCO) vaccine production facility at an alternative
site determined by the Secretary; and a comparison of the costs and
benefits of the current acquisition strategy, a GOCO facility at an
alternative site determined by the Secretary, and other acquisition
alternatives. The design recommendation for the GOCO facility at the
alternative site determined by the Secretary will include: a
recommendation, in consultation with the U.S. Surgeon General, on the
possibility of the GOCO providing support for civilian vaccine
requirements and the related impact on the operating costs of the GOCO
vaccine production facility; and an analysis of the impact of
international requirements for vaccines on the operating costs of the
GOCO.
The biological warfare capability of the government of Iraq during
Operation Desert Storm led to a requirement for vaccines to immunize
military personnel against biological agents. Since that time, the Joint
Chiefs of Staff (JCS) biological warfare threat list now includes over
twenty biological agents that are in some stage of development, from
basic research to production, by several countries. During this same
period, the Department has initiated a mandatory program to immunize all
active and reserve military personnel against the biological warfare
agent anthrax.
During an April 14, 2000, hearing of the Subcommittee on Personnel,
witnesses from the DOD and General Accounting Office identified many of
the challenges associated with vaccine development and acquisition.
These challenges included the reluctance of large pharmacuetical
companies to participate in vaccine development and production, the
speculative costs associated with working with start-up commercial
vaccine research and production companies, and the requirement to pay a
premium to the private sector for vaccine research and development due
to the relatively limited quantities of vaccines required by the DOD.
The committee notes the recommendation of Project Badger in the early
1990s for a GOCO vaccine production facility and subsequent DOD plans
and budgeting to construct a facility at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in Pine
Bluff, Arkansas. Based on the work that has already been done, the
committee believes that the Secretary should give strong consideration
to the Pine Bluff Arsenal as the site for the alternate facility. Given
these issues, the committee believes a reevaluation by the DOD of the
issues relating to vaccine development and production, and the merits of
a GOCO facility at an alternative site are necessary at this time.
SUBTITLE C--OTHER MATTERS
Mobile offshore base (sec. 241)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to provide the congressional defense committees with the
results of the operational utility cost- benefit analysis. The provision
would also require the Secretary to designate a lead service and
tentative program schedule if the Secretary decides to continue the MOB
program.
The Senate report accompanying S. 1059 (S. Rept. 106 50) directed the
Secretary of Defense to initiate an analysis of the operational utility
of the mobile offshore base (MOB), and report to the congressional
defense committees by March 1, 2000. The analysis was to 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 to proceed with pre-development or development
activities. The report further directed that, if the recommendation were
to proceed with the program, the Department of Defense should designate
an executive service and provide an estimate of fiscally phased
resources for program execution.
The Navy delivered a report to the congressional defense committees
in April, 2000. This report, however, only detailed the technical work
accomplished and described the effort that would need to be accomplished
were the program to be initiated, along with cost estimates of the
remaining effort. There was no mention of operational utility versus
life-cycle cost, nor was there a recommendation on whether to proceed
with the program.
Air Force science and technology planning (sec. 242)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Air Force to submit a report to the congressional defense
committees on the long-term challenges and short term objectives of the
Air Force science and technology (S&T) program.
The committee was deeply disappointed by the science and technology
budget proposed by the Air Force for fiscal year 2000. This budget not
only failed to measure up to the congressional goals established in
section 214 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105- 261), but also risked mortgaging the
future of the Air Force by sacrificing long-term technological
superiority in favor of short-term readiness. The science and technology
budget proposed by the Air Force for fiscal year 2001 shows some
improvement, but the committee remains concerned that the Air Force has
made deep cuts to some programs without undertaking a comprehensive
planning process to ascertain its long-term technology needs and how
those needs can be supported by the science and technology program.
Over the last five years, the Department of Defense (DOD) has
developed a coordinated planning process for S&T spending,
known as the joint warfighting science and technology planning
process. This process has helped DOD address redundancies and overlaps,
and ensure that the S&T programs funded by the services are
appropriately designed to meet the Department's warfighting needs. The
result has been a significant improvement in the quality of the
Department's science and technology budget submissions. As successful as
it has been, however, the current S&T planning process appears to focus
on the micro issue of ensuring that individual projects address
legitimate warfighting needs, rather than on the macro issue of
prioritizing those needs and ensuring that sufficient funding is made
available to meet them.
Two of the three services have undertaken ambitious steps to try to
address that shortcoming in the science and technology planning process
by prioritizing their own needs on a macro basis, and realigning S&T
funding to match new priorities. The Army has attempted to identify
science and technology spending that is directly linked to the planned
transformation of the force, and prioritized that spending over funding
for incremental improvements to existing platforms. The Navy has
undertaken to reevaluate all science and technology spending from the
ground up and focus investments on areas designated as long-term Grand
Challenges and more immediate Future Naval Capabilities. By focusing its
spending in this way, the Navy hopes to avoid the usual practice of
trying to fund a little bit of everything, and ensure that it will have
critical mass in the areas that are most important to the Navy of the
future.
In view of the serious cuts in the Air Force S&T budget and the
danger that these cuts could undermine long-term technological
superiority in key areas, the provision recommended by the committee
would require the Air Force to undertake a comparable planning effort.
This process must include not only the Air Force research community, but
also the entire warfighter community, requirements community, and
acquisition community. It is the committee's hope that the planning
process--and the Air Force science and technology program--will be
driven by the future needs of the Air Force, rather than the budgetary
constraints of today.
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Counter-terrorism basic research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 61102A for
the Army's counter-terrorism research program. Last year, the committee
provided the funding to initiate a basic research program in order to
explore technologies that deter, resolve, and mitigate terrorist acts,
including physical structure and physical effects research. It is of the
utmost concern that we conduct research and development not only for
near-term solutions, but also for investigating revolutionary approaches
in science and techologies that will provide next generation solutions
for force protection and terrorist threats. The committee urges the Army
to include funding for this important project in the future.
Composite materials
The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 62105A for
composite materials for the next generation armored vehicle for the
Army's objective force. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Advanced missile composite components
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in the missile
technology applied research program (PE 62303A) to develop the enabling
technology for the next generation of tactical missiles. The committee
directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in the award
of contracts or other agreements under this program and that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Smart truck initiative
The committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 62601A,
the Army's combat vehicle and automotive technology account for the
National Automotive Center, to conduct demonstrations for the smart
truck initiative. The committee directs that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Portable hybrid electric power system
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 62705A for
research in a portable, hybrid electric power system that would combine
battery, fuel cell, super-capacitor, and other subsystems. The
additional funds would be used to model and assess the tradeoffs as they
relate to military missions. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Thermoelectric power generation
The committee recommends an increase of $1.0 million in PE 62784A for
a feasibility study on thermoelectric power generation for military
applications.
Operational support
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in the Army's
military engineering program (PE 62784A) for university partnering for
operational support. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Equipment readiness
Long lead times and the high costs of procuring and inventory of
replacement parts has resulted in soaring operation and support costs
with a reduction of equipment readiness rates. The committee understands
the Department of Defense has initiated a program to address these
problems through the development of a self-contained, mobile
manufacturing center that can produce spare parts at the point of need.
The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 63005A for
the continuation of this important effort. The committee directs cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Fuel cell auxiliary power units
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63005A for
research in fuel cell auxiliary power units for use in the Army's
objective force. The Army's transformation strategy includes reducing
the size of the deployed logistics footprint and prioritizing the
development of vehicles that are smaller, lighter, more lethal, yet more
reliable, fuel efficient and survivable. A key component of increased
survivability is reducing the signature of future Army platforms.
Addressing these logistics and survivability challenges should entail a
full evaluation of alternative energy sources.
Big Crow program office
The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million in PE 63006A for
the Big Crow program, a national test asset supporting a wide variety of
electronic warfare test and training exercises. The Big Crow program has
historically been operated under the Department of Defense Major Range
and Test Facility Base (MRTFB), primarily in a test asset role.
Recently, however, the operational forces have recognized the asset's
potential. The Big Crow program has been deployed operationally to
support NATO and U.S. force deployments in southeast Europe as well as
Commander in Chief for Space (CINCSpace) activities. The committee
understands that the Department is making progress in developing a new
strategy to ensure long-term funding for this program that will provide
stability to support test and evaluation as well as operational
missions. Oversight of the program has been assigned to the Army Space
and Missile Defense Command and funding for this program is provided in
the Future Years' Defense Program beginning in fiscal year 2002. The
additional $7.0 million would provide bridge funding to maintain
continuity in operations until the program completes this transition.
Army Space and Missile Defense Command Simulations
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63308A for
Family of Systems Simulators and an increase of $4.5 million in PE
63308A for Simulations Center Upgrade.
Aero-acoustics instrumentation
The budget request included no funds for aero-acoustics
instrumentation. The committee has supported research and development
activities conducted by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command in
the area of aero-acoustics. Aero-acoustics instrumentation will enable
the Army to understand acoustic coupling of missile airframes to the
internal components for vehicles flying as fast as Mach 10. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63308A to
continue this important research and development.
Acoustic technology research
The committee continues to support research sponsored by the Army's
Space and Missile Defense Command in acoustic applications 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.
Missile defense flight experiment
The committee has supported the Army's program to demonstrate
critical missile defense kill vehicle technologies through flight
testing. To continue this effort, the committee recommends an increase
of $14.7 million in PE 63308A.
Radar power technology
The committee continues to support 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.
Scramjet acoustic combustion enhancement
The committee is aware of research and development activities being
conducted by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command in the area of
scramjet acoustic mixing. A scramjet engine that can utilize acoustics
to more efficiently burn propellant could significantly increase the
performance and efficiency of air defense interceptors. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63308A to support
continuation of this important research and development.
Space and missile defense battle lab
The committee continues to support the Army's Space and Missile
Defense Battle Lab. To support this important modeling and simulation
capability, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE
63308A.
Supercluster distributed memory technology
The budget request included no funds for supercluster distributed
memory technology. The committee is aware that supercluster distributed
memory technology may provide a cost- effective approach to running
complex computer simulations to predict the control forces exerted on a
missile over its flight trajectory. To support evaluation of this
technology, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million PE
63308A.
Tactical High Energy Laser
The budget request included no funding for completion of testing of
the Tactical High Energy Laser (THEL) program. The committee supports
expeditious completion of THEL development and testing. The committee
recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 63308A to support
continued THEL testing and deployment preparation activities.
Anti-malarial research
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63807A to
accelerate the development and fielding of the anti- malarial compound
taphenoquine. The committee directs that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Electronic warfare development
The budget request included $61.1 million for Army electronic warfare
development activities. The committee notes and appreciates ongoing
efforts by the Army to completely identify and understand issues
associated with the deployment of Task Force Hawk last year during
operations in Kosovo. The committee recognizes an outstanding
requirement to install a suite of radio frequency countermeasures
(SIRFC) and advanced threat infrared countermeasures (ATIRCM) equipment
on Apache helicopters necessary to improve the ability of aircraft crews
to survive in future conflicts. The committee recommends an increase of
$38.5 million in PE 64270A for electronic warfare development, a total
authorization of $99.6 million. Of this amount, $18.0 million would be
used to support the development of a SIRFC production line and $20.5
million to complete development of SIRFC and ATIRCM ``A'' kits for the
Apache Longbow helicopter.
Threat simulator development
The budget request included $13.9 million for threat simulator
development activities. The committee recognizes the important roles
that threat simulators play in preparing our forces to fight and win
future battles. The committee recommends an increase of $4.6 million in
PE 64256A, a total authorization of $18.5 million. Of the $4.6 million
increase, $2.1 million would be used for threat information operations
attack simulator development and $2.5 million would be used for threat
virtual mine simulator development.
Multiple launch rocket system product improvement program
The budget request included $59.5 million for multiple launch rocket
system product improvements. The committee understands that the Army
continues to pursue a cost reduction initiative associated with the
multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) improved launcher and the high
mobility artillery and rocket system (HIMARS). The committee understands
this initiative could result in cost savings of greater than $500.0
million over the life of these programs. The committee, therefore,
recommends an increase of $16.0 million in PE 63728A to support the
ongoing MLRS and HIMARS cost reduction initiatives.
Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor
The budget request included $25.0 million for the Joint Land Attack
Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor (JLENS) system. The
committee is concerned about possible vulnerabilities of an aerostat to
climatic conditions and understands that the Army has established an
Aerostat Design and Manufacturing (ADAM) program to facilitate the
design and manufacture of affordable aerostats with improved performance
and availability. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million
in PE 12419A in support of the ADAM program to provide the type of
material and tether technology to make the JLENS system viable.
Communications and networking technologies
The budget request included $8.1 million for Army information systems
security research, development, test and evaluation. The committee
supports efforts managed by the Army's Communications and Electronics
Command (CECOM) in the area of applied communications and networking
technology. To support these efforts, the committee recommends an
increase of $5.0 million in PE 33140A.
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Free electron laser
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62111N to
complete the development of the infrared free electron laser
demonstration project to the 10 kilowatt level. This investment would
enable the Department of the Navy to determine capabilities of such a
tool for infrared counter-measures and further the technology base in
high energy lasers.
Biodegradable polymers
The budget request included no funds for biodegradable polymers. The
committee recommends an increase of $1.25 million in PE 62121N to aid in
the development of polymer membrane methods for treating graywater
(kitchen, shower, and cleaning solution), blackwater (sewage), and bilge
water (oily contaminants) to acceptable levels prior to shipboard
release.
Bioenvironmental hazards research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62121N for
bioenvironmental hazards 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
additional funds should be applied to 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. The committee directs that
all applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts
or other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to
the maximum extent practicable.
Nontraditional warfare initiatives
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62131M for
the Marine Corps to conduct applied research directed at their role as
first responders. The additional funds should be used 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 and that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
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, synthetic aperture
radar and electronic intelligence. The committee directs that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Cognitive research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62233N for
applied cognitive technologies to improve learning. In a hearing before
the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Dr. Delores
Etter, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology,
explained the importance and the growing need for cognitive research,
``...an area that we think is one of increasing importance is cognitive
readiness. This is really the area of human optimization. The challenges
in this area include sustained operations, environmental ambiguity,
distributed learning, and the overall information overload that we are
presenting to our soldiers.'' The committee understands that the Chief
of Naval and Education and Training has initiated a program to deal with
cognitive development for Navy personnel. The additional funds would
extend this program's focus to include technological research in
cognitive readiness and human optimization.
Ceramic and carbon based composites
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62234N for
the continued development, evaluation and testing of ceramic and carbon
based composites for use in strategic missiles and hypersonic vehicles.
The committee directs that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
Nanoscale sensor research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62234N for
applied research in nanoscale sensor technologies. The additional
funding would be expected to support the area designated by the Office
of Naval Research as a Grand Challenge to develop highly
multi-functional nanoscale architecture devices to their ultimate limits
(high speed (100x), small size (0.01x), and low power (0.001x)), that
interactively combine sensing, image processing, computation, signal
processing, and communication functions, to achieve real-time adoptive
response, on-site for Navy missions. The committee directs that all
applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or
other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Littoral area acoustic demonstrations
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62435N for
acoustic data collection, all source data fusion, and advanced acoustic
modeling and signal processing techniques in support of Navy research
and development efforts. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Computational engineering design
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62633N for
computational engineering research and design for marine and aerospace
vehicles. This research provides a focus on the simulation and design of
surface ship and submarine applications. It is particularly relevant in
the view of the Navy's decision to transfer ship design from the Navy
laboratories to the shipyards. There is also some extension of the
technology to aerospace based on requirements of the National
Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA). The committee expects the
Office of Naval Research to fully explore such applications in the
execution of the research. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Advanced water-jet technology
The budget request included no funds for advanced water-jet
technology. Advanced water-jet technology represents the type of
technological improvement in ship propulsion that could reduce both
acquisition and total ownership costs. Water-jet technology has the
potential to reduce ship signatures critical to maintaining war fighting
superiority through battle space awareness. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 63508N for advanced
water-jet technology.
Composite helicopter hangar door
The budget request included no funds for developing a composite
helicopter hangar door. The initiative to design and fabricate a
composite helo hangar door for surface combatants has the potential to
reduce combatant ship life-cycle costs by improving reliability and
reducing maintenance requirements. 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 for the design and
fabrication of a DDG 51 helicopter hangar door structure using composite
materials.
Composite modules for ship hull construction
The budget request included no funding in PE 63508N for development
of composite hull modules which may be required for future ship
construction. While composites have some war fighting advantages over
standard ship construction using steel and aluminum components, the
technical expertise for constructing composite modules is limited. It is
anticipated that future ship construction may include expanded use of
composites.
The committee encourages development of key technologies that will
provide the foundation should the Navy decide to pursue the war fighting
advantages of composites. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $4.0 million in PE 63508N for the development and
construction of prototype composite modules for ship construction.
Laser welding and cutting
The budget request included no funding in PE 63508N for development
of laser welding and cutting techniques. Navy ships are built using
structural shapes and plate steel. Most shapes are currently stripped or
split from I-beam stock material. Laser cutting and welding shapes from
plate steel could enhance the quality and reduce the cost of producing
shapes used in ship construction. Laser cutting and welding also has the
potential to enable more creative designs for shapes.
The committee encourages development of key technologies that have
the potential to provide higher quality and lower costs for building
Navy ships. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.8
million in PE 63508N for the development and application to naval ship
construction of laser welding and cutting techniques.
Supply chain best practices
The budget request included $37.4 million in PE 63508N for surface
ship and submarine hull, mechanical, and engineering systems in support
of present and future ships and submarines.
The supply system for ships and submarines requires interface and
interaction of a number of different communications and software
systems. This incompatibility requires reentry of data which is manpower
intensive. Because the supply chain best practices initiative has the
potential to improve affordability, quality, and productivity by
providing connectivity for an alliance among the Navy, industry,
universities, and government agencies, the committee recommends an
increase to the initiative.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63508N for
supply chain best practices.
Virtual test bed for reconfigurable ship
The budget request included no funds for a virtual test bed for a
reconfigurable ship. The Navy is developing a virtual machinery design,
test, and evaluation capability for future ship systems. This will
enable the combination of real time, interactive, software simulation
with the hardware in-the-loop technologies.
The committee fully supports this simulation and testing prior to
committing to system configuration. Therefore, the committee recommends
an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63508N for a virtual test bed for a
reconfigurable ship.
Ocean modeling for mine and submarine warfare
The budget request included $45.6 million for mine and expeditionary
warfare advanced technology. Within that amount, the request included
funds for algorithm development and modeling and simulation to provide
battle space products to the Office of the Naval Oceanographer for
promulgation to the war fighting commanders 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 $3.0
million in PE 603782N for ocean modeling.
Marine Corps advanced technology transition
The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 63792N
for a Marine Corps advanced technology transition initiative focused on
the development of expeditionary warfighting technologies identified and
developed through experimentation at the Commandant's Warfighting
Laboratory (CWL). The committee expects the Marine Corps program to be
implemented in the same fashion as the current Navy initiative in PE
63792N.
The program should demonstrate high risk/high payoff
technologies and provide the Marine Corps with the opportunity to
identify and move emerging technologies quickly and efficiently from
laboratory to field. These projects should be selected by matching
technological potential with requirements derived from operational
issues of concern to the Marine Corps.
Integrated combat weapons system for mine countermeasures ships
The budget request included $14.4 million in PE 63502N for an
integrated combat weapons system (ICWS) for mine countermeasures ships.
The global positioning system, autonomous mine-hunting neutralization,
and mine sweeping capabilities 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 $5.0 million in PE 63502N for
continuation of ICWS for mine countermeasures ships.
Trident SSGN design
The budget request included $34.8 million for the design of the
Trident-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) conversion to a
nuclear guided missile submarine (SSGN). In addition, the Future Years
Defense Program (FYDP) includes $1.1 billion in fiscal years 2002
through 2005 for maintaining additional attack submarine (SSN) force
structure by either (1) refueling SSN 688 class submarines which were
previously scheduled for decommissioning or (2) refueling and
converting, to SSGN configuration, Trident SSBNs which were also
previously scheduled for decommissioning. The decision to refuel up to
four Ohio-class SSBNs, which would be converted for the SSGN mission, or
use the funding to refuel Los Angeles-class SSNs, will be proposed by
the administration as part of the fiscal year 2002 budget submission.
The committee recognizes that the design work on the SSGN capability
which began in fiscal year 2000 must be sufficient to maintain viable
options for converting SSBNs to the SSGN until the fiscal year 2002
decision is made. To meet the requirements for planning coincidental
with the refueling of the first available SSBN, the committee recommends
an increase of $9.0 million in PE 63559N to continue design activity for
converting SSBNs to an SSGN configuration.
The study of attack submarine force structure requirements conducted
by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) evaluated requirements of the
commanders in chief (CINCs). That study concluded that a submarine force
structure below 55 SSNs in 2015 would be insufficient to meet
warfighting requirements and that 68 SSNs would be necessary by 2015 to
meet all the CINCs' and national intelligence community's highest
operational and collection requirements. The study focused on
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements of the
CINCs.
The committee is concerned that the Navy's decision to refuel Los
Angeles-class SSNs or convert Ohio-class SSBNs could be based more
narrowly on the ISR deficiencies identified in the JCS study, without
giving adequate consideration to the other warfighting capabilities
offered by the SSGN, such as those outlined in the March 1999 Navy study
of the Trident SSGN conversion option. Therefore, the committee directs
the Navy to report to Congress on the attributes used to analyze the
options of whether to refuel SSNs or to refuel and convert SSBNs and the
distinctions among these attributes in the near-term and long-term. The
committee directs that the Navy submit this report with the fiscal year
2002 budget.
Enhanced performance electric motor brush technology
The budget request included $2.2 million in PE 63561N 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 relatively quickly and
must be frequently inspected and replaced. A Navy-funded small business
innovative research (SBIR) project demonstrated that fiber metal brushes
provide significant wear and survivability improvements compared to
carbon brushes. Fiber metal 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 $2.0 million in PE 63561N for
shock and vibration qualification and completion of design and testing
of enhanced performance electric motor brush technology.
Submarine composite sail
The budget request included no funding for development of a submarine
sail made from composite materials. Preliminary studies indicate that a
submarine sail with areas fabricated from composite materials may
provide enhanced war fighting capabilities. In addition, the composite
sail may provide lower weight and life-cycle costs for submarines. A
composite sail is consistent with the technology insertion approach of
the Virginia-class submarine program. The committee recommends an
increase of $2.5 million in PE 63561N for development of an advanced
submarine composite sail.
Joint command and control ship
The budget request included $30.8 million in PE 63564N to continue
feasibility studies for the joint command and control ship (JCC(X)). The
request is an increase of $14.1 million over the amount projected for
the effort when the Administration submitted the fiscal year 2000 budget
request. Congress authorized and appropriated $11.9 million for this
program in fiscal year 2000.
The analysis of alternatives for the joint command and control ship
mission is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2001 and will be
followed by the development of an operational requirements document.
When the fiscal year 2001 request for JCC(X) is added to the amount
included for the same effort in fiscal year 2000, the total is $42.7
million. However, the Navy required less than $26.3 million for analysis
of alternatives and to commence the competition for the ADC(X)-class
ship. These efforts for the ADC(X) should be similar in complexity to
the JCC(X) effort.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $16.4 million in PE
63564N to bring the research and development for JCC(X) in line with the
planning for a ship of similar complexity in the study phase of
analysis.
Shipboard simulators for Marine Corps operations
The budget request included no funding for analysis of shipboard
Marine Corps operational simulator technology. The committee is aware of
advances made in training simulation technology and the potential that
training and rehearsal planning simulators have in supporting Marines
deployed at sea. It is clear that technology exists to provide shipboard
simulators for many of the expeditionary missions embarked Marines will
have to execute. As these simulators will allow Marines an opportunity
to train to the fullest extent possible while in transit, the committee
believes it is time to explore the availability and applicability of
both existing and new training simulators to meet Marine Corps
requirements.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in
PE 63564N to initiate a program to provide enhanced shipboard
operational training simulators on amphibious ships for embarked
Marines. The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide a
report, no later than March 1, 2001, that provides the following:
(1) an assessment of Marine Corps training requirements, plans to
enhance future training opportunities, candidate systems that could
provide both individual and collective training simulators to enhance
the warfighting ability of deployed Marines, and an assessment of
existing training simulators available for Marines afloat;
(2) a program to develop and field additional simulation
capabilities beyond those currently available; and
(3) plans for obligating the funding provided, and future program
adjustments necessary to support the fielding of new training simulation
systems.
Navy common command and decision system
The budget request did not include funding for a common command and
decision system. The common command and decision system development is a
pre-planned product improvement (P3I) to the AEGIS Weapon System and the
Mk 2 Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS). The improvement 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:
(1) reducing the number of computer programs that must be maintained;
(2) enabling the Navy to field new or modified warfighting
capability much more quickly and at a lower cost; and
(3) improving warfighting capability by eliminating the redundant
and conflicting processing now inherent in these systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in
PE 63582N 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 $138.0 million for research and
development efforts associated with Marine Corps assault vehicles. The
committee has noted with great interest progress made to date in the
ongoing evaluation of the advanced amphibious assault vehicle (AAAV).
Early testing has yielded positive results and the committee looks
forward to the results of future testing as these new combat vehicles
continue in development. The committee notes an unfunded requirement for
an additional AAAV which would be used to mature the vehicle's software
and accelerate reliability testing. The committee recommends an increase
of $27.5 million to support efforts to accelerate the development and
testing of AAAV hardware and software, a total authorization of $165.5
million.
Marine corps ground combat/support system
The budget request included $23.2 million to support research and
development activities associated with Marine Corps ground combat and
combat support systems. The committee continues to be concerned about
inadequate levels of fire support available to support Marine Corps
operations ashore. The committee was interested to note a new effort by
the Marine Corps to explore the utility of the Army's high mobility
artillery rocket system (HIMARS) to meet some of their outstanding fire
support requirements. The committee believes this effort could result in
a potential near-term solution for longer range general support
artillery requirements. The committee recommends an increase of $17.3
million to support the acquisition of two HIMARS systems and to support
testing and evaluation of the equipment and rocket systems, a total
authorization of $40.5 million.
Extended range guided munition
The budget request included $39.1 million in PE 63795N for
development of the extended range guided munition (ERGM). ERGM will
provide precision fire support for forces ashore from Naval gunfire
support ships. The budget request includes a two year delay (fiscal year
2002 to fiscal 2004) in the initial operating capability for ERGM.
However, ERGM has demonstrated success in a number of technical issues
and is scheduled for flight tests in calendar year 2000. The program
appears to have regained momentum lost after moving the contractor's
program office to a new geographic area. This move resulted in having to
fill key staff positions with new personnel.
Because the development of ERGM technologies are key to providing
extended range fire support to the Marine Corps, the committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63795N to reduce the risk
in developing the advanced technologies required for ERGM.
Nonlethal research and technology development
The budget request included $23.6 million for the joint nonlethal
weapons program. The committee recommends an total increase of $8.0
million in PE 63851M.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63851M for
research in nonlethal environmental effects and remediation. Both at
home and abroad, Americans, our allies, and innocent populations face an
escalating danger of environmental threats and hazards: purposely from
rogue elements and inadvertently from the results of adjacent or
contiguous conflict. The committee finds current understanding of the
environmental effects of emerging military responses to asymmetric and
conventional threats and availability of protections from environmental
agents woefully inadequate. Protections for civilian populations and
their environs do not exist at all.
These additional funds should be applied to develop a program for
assessing, determining and optimizing the environmental effects and
remediative capabilities of emerging nonlethal weapons, as well as for
removing, destroying, neutralizing, or containing environmental hazards
once those hazards are deployed by adversaries. Only by assessment,
evaluation, and development of methodologies to limit the spread of
environmental damage from the fielding of emerging environmental threats
and capabilities can new environmental consequences be avoided or
countered. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
The committee authorizes the remaining $6.0 million in additional
funds be allocated as follows: $2.0 million to continue the nonlethal
technology research innovation initiative; an increase of $1.0 million
for the neutralization of weapons of mass destruction sites; and $3.0
million for the nonlethal smart mortar casing demonstration. The
committee notes that all four of these items were included on the
Commandant's unfunded priority list.
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.
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 sonars with antisubmarine and anti-mine capabilities for
shallow water littoral operations.
The committee is encouraged with test results that 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. The
committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 64212N for the
continued development of PADS.
Multi-mission helicopter upgrade development
The budget request included $69.9 million for the continued
development of the multi-mission helicopter upgrade. Although the Navy
had planned to integrate the advance threat infrared countermeasure
(ATIRCM) on the SH 60R, a fiscal year 1999 program and schedule
restructure has resulted in a funding shortfall to complete this
integration on time. The committee recommends an increase of $8.0
million in PE 64216N to continue to develop the integrated self-defense
suite for the SH 60R, a total authorization of $77.9 million.
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, distribution
and system operation and protection. This technology would support
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 64300N for PNCCs.
Ship manpower reduction initiative
The budget request included no funding for research and development
of technologies that could lead to manpower reductions resulting from
altering food service operations on ships. Committee visits to fleet
units verified that food service operations at sea are 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 for
food service operations at sea that may be applicable to Navy ships. The
Navy is investigating methods of reducing manpower required for food
service operations at sea, while maintaining the quality and freshness
of meals. These methods could lead to reduced manpower requirements in
fleet units. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in PE 64300N for advanced food service technology testing.
SPY 3 and volume search radars
The budget request included $69.6 million for development of the SPY
3 multi-function radar and $57.5 million for development of a new volume
search radar (VSR) in PE 64300N. Both radars are being developed for
future surface ships including CVN 77 and DD 21.
The goal of the SPY 3 is to provide an affordable, high performance
radar for ship defense. It will provide search, detect, track, and
weapon control functions that are now provided by two to three different
radars.
The VSR will be required to complement the SPY 3 by providing long
range above the horizon surveillance and timely cuing to the SPY 3.
Development of these radars are keys to reducing life-cycle costs in the
combat systems of future surface ships. The committee recommends an
increase of $8.0 million to PE 64300N for the development of the SPY 3
and VSR radars.
Acoustic rapid commercial-off-the-shelf insertion of multi-
purpose processor
The budget request included $28.2 million for submarine sonar
improvement. The multi-purpose processor (MPP) is the result of a small
business innovative research (SBIR) initiative. The MPP provides a
capability to transport new, advanced software to existing hardware
installations more easily. It lies at the heart of the Navy's acoustic
rapid commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) insertion (ARCI) program. This
program is designed to permit anti-submarine forces to regain acoustic
superiority over diesel and nuclear submarines of other navies.
The committee believes that the proven success of MPP and ARCI in
attack submarines should be applied to other platforms such as surface
ships, integrated undersea surveillance systems (IUSS), and maritime
patrol aircraft.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in
PE 64503N for continuation of the SBIR follow-on for advanced
development 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.
Submarine antenna technology improvement
The budget request included $0.9 million in PE 64503N for submarine
communications antenna systems improvement. Submarine communications are
vital to the evolving submarine littoral
operational concepts. The submarine's ability to remain
undetected while communicating depends on continuous development of
submarine antenna technology. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 64503N for submarine antenna technology improvements.
Submarine common architecture
The budget request included no funding in PE 64558N for migrating the
Virginia-class submarine architecture to the Los Angeles-class
submarines. Systems engineering and integration to define and manage
common network interfaces enables low cost and low risk capability
improvements for the Los Angeles, Ohio, and Seawolf-classes' submarine
non-propulsion electronics and tactical integrated electronics systems.
Therfore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE
64558N for development of a submarine common architecture.
Advanced tactical software for submarines
The budget request included $20.5 million in PE 64562N for software
upgrades to integrate improved submarine weapons capabilities.
Integration and installation planning for implementation of the Navy's
family of processors and displays, the AN/UYQ 70, will enable maximum
results from submarine combat systems software upgrades.
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 64562N for
the system engineering necessary to integrate advanced tactical software
into existing combat control systems for submarines.
NULKA anti-ship missile decoy system
The budget request included $1.1 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. An estimated 100
nations possess more than 40,000 ASMs. These missiles pose a potent
threat to surface combatants and amphibious ships involved in littoral
operations.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.1 million in PE 64755N for
the development and operational testing of the dual band, spatially
distributed infrared signature payload upgrade.
Navy single integrated human resources strategy
The budget request included $15.3 million PE 65013N for information
technology development. The Navy has been designated the lead agency for
development of software which will be used by all services to
consolidate pay and personnel reporting systems. However, there are a
number of service-specific systems which will provide information to the
joint system that is under development. The Navy's single integrated
human resources strategy (SIHRS) will update legacy systems which will
provide input data to the joint personnel and pay system. SIHRS has the
potential to provide enhanced system performance, workload reduction,
and reduced cost.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE
65013N for the business process re-engineering of Navy legacy systems
through the single integrated human resources strategy (SIHRS).
Marine Corps research university
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 65873M for
the Marine Corps Research University. The Marine Corps Research
University, initiated by the Corps and competitively awarded to
Pennsylvania State University in May of 1999, was established to assist
the Marine Corps to enter the 21st Century. The rush of the information
age and increased operational requirements has taxed the capabilities of
the Corps to remain on the cutting edge of a broad range of issues
routinely dealt with on a university campus. These and other factors led
the Marine Corps to seek a relationship with a major multi-disciplinary
research university. Additional funds should be used to provide support
initiatives and critical research in areas, such as the new Marine Corps
Integrated Logistics Concept (ILC), the Human Effects Advisory Panel
(HEAP) which supports non-lethal weapons development, the V 22
alternative metals study, the Probable Cause Detection System (PCDS) for
Chem-Bio detection, continuing and distance education courses, and
supply-chain courses in support of logistics education.
Reentry system applications program
The committee continues to support the reentry system applications
program (RSAP) as a sustaining technology program. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 11221N to support the RSAP
program. Also, the committee directs that the Navy establish a separate
project category for the RSAP program within PE 11221N to ensure program
continuity and execution.
Joint tactical combat training system
The budget request included $27.1 million for consolidated training
systems development. Of this amount, $7.8 million was for the joint
tactical combat training system (JTCTS). JTCTS is a joint Navy and Air
Force program to provide realistic combat training for joint air and sea
forces through a combination of simulated and real targets, instrumented
aircraft, and ship participants. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 24571N to accelerate hardware and software
integration of JTCTS, a total authorization of $32.1 million.
F 14 tactical reconnaissance
The budget request included $1.2 million for operational systems
development of the F 14 aircraft. The F 14 remains the only near-term
tactical reconnaissance aircraft organic to the carrier battle group.
Weather and battlefield conditions with smoke and dust continue to
hamper tactical reconnaissance platforms for both pre-strike
reconnaissance and battle damage assessment. Synthetic aperture radar
(SAR) systems offer a technical solution to all-weather, day and night
reconnaissance that is missing on our tactical reconnaissance platforms.
The committee understands that there are potentially two non-
developmental SAR systems that could be demonstrated for suitability on
strike fighter aircraft, neither of which is being procured for U.S.
tactical aircraft at this time. Recent experience in Operation Allied
Force in marginal weather again emphasized the need for all weather
reconnaissance and battle damage assessment capabilities to match the
all weather weapons now available. Because of the high military utility
provided to operational commanders, the committee recommends an increase
of $9.0 million in PE 25667N to demonstrate the military utility of
non-developmental SAR reconnaissance systems, a total authorization of
$10.2 million.
Software interoperability process tools
The budget request included $0.9 million for joint command control
communications computer intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance
(C4ISR) operational architectures. The operational architectures will
provide the baseline to identify war fighter requirements, design and
structure assessments, and generate functional metrics.
Software interoperability process tools prevent interoperability
problems by anticipating needs and shortfalls and implementing
solutions. The process tools have the potential to reduce software
development time lines by providing essential analysis that complements
the joint communications infrastructure synchronization initiative. The
committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 35118N for
software interoperability process tools.
Satellite communications systems integration initiative
The budget request included no funding for the Space and Naval
Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) satellite communications (SATCOM)
systems integration (SSI) initiative. The SSI initiative is intended to
facilitate improved identification and evaluation of new and emerging
communication and network technologies in the area of SATCOM that can
distribute a wider diversity of information products. The committee
recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 35972N for the SSI
initiative.
Distributed engineering plant
The budget request included $9.1 million in PE 38601N for modeling
and simulation activities including development and analysis. It is the
Navy's intention to continue a new focus for battle group pre-deployment
hardware and software testing by leveraging shore based facility
capabilities. The linking of the shore based facilities with battle
group assets is referred to as a distributed engineering plant (DEP).
The DEP will be used to feedback information into the acquisition cycle
as well as to test software and hardware compatibility in both actual
and virtual environments.
The East Coast Command Control Communications and Computers
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Engineering Center
is a critical node in the DEP. Three of the C4ISR focus areas that will
improve the connectivity and responsiveness of the DEP are:
(1) fusing geographically distributed simulators using the high
level architecture to conduct end-to-end system interoperability
testing;
(2) adapting visualization and computer-aided design tools to
shipboard C4ISR configuration management; and
(3) integrating systems for distributed simulation/stimulation in
end-to-end Navy and joint testing.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 38601N for
the three C4ISR battle center focus areas described in the above
paragraph.
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Laser processing tools
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 62102F for
the development and application of a high power, tunable, ultraviolet
laser processing tool for the fabrication of micro-engineered components
and subsystems pertinent to aerospace applications. A high-average power
free electron laser with ultraviolet capability would allow processing
materials and micro make micro- and nano-devices for space systems
applications. This research would also assist in enabling the Air
Force's ability to manufacture low-cost pico and nano-satellites, and
microsystems. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
Resin systems for Air Force applications
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 62102F for
the development and demonstration of high temperature resin systems for
Air Force engine applications. The committee understands that this
technology could reduce the cost of high temperature components in
turbine engines for fighter aircraft. The committee directs that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Thermal protection systems
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 62102F for
the development of thermal protection systems for hypervelocity vehicles
and atmospheric flight trajectories. The committee directs that all
applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or
other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Aeronautical research
The committee remains gravely concerned with the failure of the Air
Force to properly fund critical aeronautical research. The committee
recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 62201F for advanced
concepts research and technology development for long term aeronautical
systems. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent
practicable.
Polyphenylene benzobisoxozole membrane fuel cell
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 62203F for
research in polyphenylene benzobisoxozole (PBO) films for fuel cell
membranes. The committee notes that fuel cells can provide a lower cost,
lighter weight, higher performance and more energy efficient fuel cell.
The microporous PBO substrate may provide a component solution that will
increase the strength and high temperature capabilities currently
inhibiting fuel cell technologies. The committee directs that all
applicable competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or
other agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Variable displacement vane pump
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62203F to
complete the development and demonstration of the variable displacement
vane pump (VDVP) as an alternate engine fuel pump. The committee directs
that cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
High frequency active auroral research
The committee recommends an increase of $12.0 million to continue
experimentation in the high frequency active auroral research program as
follows: an increase of $7.0 million in PE 62601F and an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 63714D.
Space survivability
The committee recommends an increase of $5.6 million in PE 62601F to
continue critical research in clutter mitigation, space weather effects
on spacecraft, ionospheric effects on global positioning systems (GPS),
communication and geolocation, and space environment distributed anomoly
resolution sensor research.
Aluminum aerostructures
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 603112F
for the development and demonstration of methodology for producing
advanced aluminum aerostructures. This effort is critical for improved
afford ability, maintainability, and enhanced performance of current and
future Air Force systems. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Hyperspectral research
The committee recommends an increase of $6.0 million in PE 63203F to
complete the development of a multi-spectral synthetic battlespace
simulation capability to address the critical needs of the Air Force's
advanced air and space sensor technologies. The committee directs that
cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Fiber optical control technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63205F for
the development and demonstration of all optical control interface with
an electro-mechanical flight actuator. The committee understands this
technology has the potential to improve performance and survivability
while lowering operating costs for future Air Force flight vehicles. The
committee directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in
the award of contracts or other agreements under this program and that
cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Low cost launch technology
The committee continues to support the development of a range of
low-cost launch technologies, including the Scorpius concept. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63401F for
low cost launch technology development, including Scorpius.
Micro-satellite technology
The committee continues to support the Micro-Satellite Technology
program. The committee was disappointed that the Air Force Research
Laboratory was unable to complete preparations for the launch of the XSS
10 micro-satellite with funds available in fiscal year 2000. Therefore,
the committee recommends a transfer of $5.0 million requested for the
Tech-Sat 21 program in PE 62601F to PE 63401F for an overall increase of
$12.0 million in PE 63401F to complete work on and launch the XSS 10.
Miniature satellite threat reporting system
The budget request included no funding for the Miniature Satellite
Threat Reporting System (MSTRS). The committee continues to support
MSTRS to develop the capability to protect satellites from uplink
jamming, interference, or intrusion. The committee also supports efforts
to develop sensors capable of detecting laser threats. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63401F for the
MSTRS program.
Next generation composite launch vehicle payload fairings and shrouds
The committee supports the development of composite manufacturing and
processing technologies for the next generation of payload fairings and
shrouds to improve the performance of U.S. space systems while reducing
overall production cost. The committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in PE 63401F to support this effort.
Solar orbital transfer vehicle
The committee has supported development of the solar orbital transfer
vehicle (SOTV) technology program. The SOTV program combines thermionic
technology for electricity production and thermal propulsion. To
continue this effort, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 63401F.
Space maneuver vehicle
The committee continues to support the Air Force and National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) partnership to develop a
reusable upper stage vehicle. The committee supports the Air Force
effort to acquire a ``second tail number'' of NASA's X 37 as a Space
Maneuver Vehicle operational technology demonstrator (X 40B). Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 63401F to
support acquisition of the ``second tail number'' X 40B SMV
demonstrator.
Upper stage flight experiment
The Air Force has developed a program to demonstrate advanced upper
stage technologies to lower the cost of space launch. To support the
launch of this experimental rocket motor in the near future, the
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63401F.
Space Based Laser program
The budget request included $137.7 million for the Space Based Laser
(SBL) program, including $63.2 million in the Air Force budget and $74.5
million in the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization budget. Although
the Air Force and BMDO have structured a viable program to launch an SBL
integrated flight experiment (IFX) in the fiscal year 2012 2014
timeframe, this program remains funding-constrained. Therefore, the
committee recommends in increase of $30.0 million in PE 63876F to
support acceleration of the IFX and its integrated test facility.
Airborne laser program
The budget request included $148.6 million for the Airborne laser
(ABL) program. Although the committee has raised concerns regarding the
maturity of the ABL technology in the past, the committee is concerned
by the Air Force's decision to significantly reduce funding for the ABL
program in fiscal year 2001, and throughout the years of the Future
Years Defense Program. The committee notes that the Air Force has
implemented a range of risk reduction measures that the committee had
previously directed, including efforts in the area of atmospheric
compensation being conducted at the North Oscura Peak test facility in
New Mexico. As required by the National Defense Authorization Act of
Fiscal Year 2000, the Air Force reviewed progress in five specific risk
reduction areas. Pursuant to this requirement, the Secretary of the Air
Force reported to Congress on December 6, 1999, that ``[e]xcellent
progress has been made in all five areas,'' and that ``[t]he ABL Program
continues to meet or exceed every technical and programmatic milestone
and remains on- cost and on-schedule.''
In light of this positive report, the committee does not understand
or support the Air Force's decision to significantly reduce the ABL
program funding. This cut jeopardizes the ability to complete the
initial ABL test aircraft in a timely manner. The first test aircraft is
critical to determining whether all necessary ABL technologies are ready
for production. The committee supports rapid demonstration of these key
technologies and thus strongly opposes the delay in the completion of
the Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR) aircraft. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $92.4 million in PE 63319F, the
amount needed in fiscal year 2001 to keep the PDRR aircraft on schedule
to conduct the first lethal demonstration during fiscal year 2003. The
committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to spend these
additional fiscal year 2001 funds consistent with the fiscal year 2000
program plan. Absent the development of technical problems, the ABL
program should remain on schedule for a lethal demonstration in fiscal
year 2003 and initial operational capability in fiscal year 2007.
Rocket systems launch program
The committee continues to support the Rocket Systems Launch Program
(RSLP), which utilizes excess strategic missile rocket motors to launch
small payloads. The committee recommends an increase of $19.2 million in
PE 63851F to demonstrate quick reaction launch capabilities, Global
Positioning System range safety, and common strategic missile
technology.
Wideband gapfiller military satellite communications
The budget request included $92.3 million in research, development,
test and evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for the Wideband Gapfiller
satellite communications system (WGS). The committee notes that, as a
result of the Department of Defense policy to fully fund satellites with
procurement funding, the fiscal year 2001 RDT&E budget request for WGS
was increased by $34.1 million over fiscal year 2000 projections. The
committee recommends a decrease of $18.0 million in PE 63854F for WGS
satellite design.
B 2 advanced technology bomber
The budget request included $48.3 million for continued development
of the B 2 advanced technology bomber. The Air Force unfunded
requirements list included a request for additional risk reduction for
connectivity. The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in
PE64240F for the connectivity risk reduction for the B 2 advanced
technology bomber.
The budget request also included $17.8 million for the operational
system development of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM)
terminals. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in
PE33601F for risk reduction efforts in MILSATCOM terminals specific to
integration with the B 2 advanced technology bomber.
Milstar satellite communications
The budget request included $236.8 million for Milstar satellite
communications research, development, test and evaluation, including an
increase of $11.0 million over fiscal year 2000 budget projections for
satellite engineering requirements. The committee believes that this
growth is not fully justified. Therefore, the committee recommends a
decrease of $4.0 million in PE 64479F.
F 15E squadrons
The budget request included $61.3 million for continued operational
systems development of the F 15 aircraft. The budget request included no
funding for the integration of the BOL countermeasure system on the F 15
series of aircraft, although it was included on the Air Force unfunded
priorities list. Integration of this system will dramatically increase
the chaff and flare capacity of the F 15, giving it preemptive
expendable capability. The committee recommends an increase of $7.6
million in PE 27134F for BOL countermeasure system integration on the F-
15, a total authorization of $68.9 million.
Hyperspectral system development
The committee supports research and development of hyperspectral
technology for use in high altitude and space applications. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 27247F to
support these efforts.
Extended range cruise missile
The budget request included no funding for the extended range cruise
missile (ERCM). Section 132 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) required the Secretary of the
Air Force to submit a report on replacement options for the conventional
air-launched cruise missile (CALCM). The CALCM has become the Air Force
weapon of choice in recent conflicts, and as such, its inventory has
been seriously depleted. This report defined near-term, mid-term, and
long-term solutions to address this required capability. The near-term
solution, which is ongoing and funded, is to convert the remaining,
available air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) to CALCMs. The mid-term
solution, which is not funded in the fiscal year 2001 budget request, is
to begin a two to three-year ERCM development to upgrade an existing
cruise missile design. This development will be followed by a four-year
production run to build up the cruise missile stockpile. Funding for the
initiation of this development is very high on the Air Force unfunded
priorities list. The committee recommends an increase of $86.1 million
in PE 27323F to commence ERCM development.
Joint surveillance and target attack radar system
The budget request included $144.1 million for operational system
development of the E 8 joint surveillance and target attack radar system
(JSTARS) aircraft and weapons system. The global access, navigation, and
safety strategic management plan, published in fiscal year 1999,
included a requirement for installation of global air traffic management
(GATM) equipment in the E 8 JSTARS aircraft. This modification will be
required to maintain current access to oceanic and continental routes in
Europe, ensuring that missions can be safely and effectively flown. The
Air Force has included development of GATM modifications for the E 8 on
its unfunded requirements list. The committee recommends an increase of
$7.2 million in PE 27581F for development and integration of GATM on the
JSTARS aircraft, a total authorization of $151.3 million.
Lighthouse cyber security
The budget request included $7.2 million for Air Force information
system security research, development, test and evaluation. The
committee supports the Lighthouse Cyber Security Program managed by the
Air Force, which focuses on computer system vulnerabilities and threats,
and provides guidance and corrective courses of action through the use
of modeling and prototype tools. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 33140F to support the Lighthouse Cyber Security
Program.
Dragon U 2
The budget request included $27.5 million in PE 35202F for
operational systems development of the U 2 aircraft. The budget request
included no funding for the continued development of the Senior Year
electro-optic reconnaissance system (SYERS). The committee recommends an
increase of $6.0 million in PE 35202F for further SYERS development, a
total authorization of $33.5 million.
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Advanced photonic composites research
The budget request includes $90.1 million for defense research
sciences (PE 61101E). The committee recommends that, of the funds, $3.0
million be used to extend the Advanced Photonic Composites Research
Program in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Photonic
composite materials are complex material systems whose key optical
property is described by a periodic function. The optical property
typically is an index of refraction or some non-linear optical behavior.
Due to their complex three dimensional nature, photonic composite
materials are very difficult to produce. However, these materials offer
great promise for the development of photonic devices with greatly
improved performance due to their inherent ability to substantially
reduce the volume of material required to achieve certain optical
effects.
Infrasound detection capability basic research
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 61103D for
basic research in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
verification. The additional funds will be used to develop and evaluate
infrasound sensors and conduct studies and analysis for use in
developing more effective and efficient infrasound detection capability
to support the detection of nuclear explosions on a global basis. The
committee directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in
the award of contracts or other agreements under this program and that
cost sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Personnel research initiative
The committee recommends an increase of $4.0 million in PE 61103D for
the defense personnel research initiative. The additional funds will
support basic research efforts in manpower and personnel including
operations research, economics, cognitive and experimental psychology
with the objective of reducing attrition, increasing retention, and
ensuring an efficient allocation of military forces.
Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive research
The budget request includes $9.9 million for the Defense Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) to broaden the
infrastructure for universities that support national defense research.
The research conducted is peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The
committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in PE 61114D to
continue efforts in this merit-based program.
Chemical and biological defense basic research
The budget request included $33.2 million in PE 61384BP for chemical
and biological defense basic research. The goal of this program is to
improve the operational performance of the military services by
concentrated research in areas that can contribute to defense against
chemical and biological agents. The committee recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 61384BP for basic research, to be distributed as
follows: $2.0 million for optical computing chemical agent detection;
and $3.0 million for continued research in thin film technology
development.
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization funding and
programmatic guidance
The budget request included approximately $4.9 billion for the
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO), including Procurement,
Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) and military
construction. The committee's recommended changes to the budget request
for BMDO procurement and RDT&E are provided below. The committee's
recommendations for BMDO military construction are provided elsewhere in
this report.
Support Technology
The committee continues to support BMDO's efforts in the area of wide
bandgap electronics materials and devices. To support this important
technology effort, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million
in PE 62173C and an increase of $10.0 million in PE 63173C.
The committee continues to support the Atmospheric Interceptor
Technology (AIT) program to develop advanced interceptor kill vehicle
technologies. The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in
PE 63173C to support the AIT program.
The committee believes that BMDO should immediately begin to define
and develop the necessary technology for the Navy Theater Wide (NTW)
Standard Missile 3 (SM 3) block II kill vehicle. The committee
recommends an increase of $10.0 million in PE 62173C to support the
development of advanced NTW kill vehicle concepts employing light-weight
non-toxic pumped-propulsion and active/passive sensor technology.
The committee has supported BMDO's efforts to evaluate innovative and
low-cost launch technologies. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million in PE 63173C to support low cost launch technology,
including the Excalibur concept.
The committee recommends an increase of $9.0 million in PE 63173C to
support the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.
National Missile Defense
The budget request included approximately $1.8 billion for the
National Missile Defense (NMD) program, including Procurement and RDT&E.
The committee notes that the Director of BMDO has identified an
additional $300.0 million that could be utilized to further enhance risk
reduction and testing activities. Of this amount, the Director
identified $129.0 million as critical risk reduction unfunded
requirements. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $129.0
million in PE 63871C for NMD risk reduction.
The committee understands that BMDO is considering entering into a
competition for the NMD X-band ground-based radars (GBR) that would be
deployed following the initial deployment of the Alaska GBR site. The
committee directs the Director of BMDO to conduct an analysis of the
advantages and disadvantages of a competitive approach to follow-on GBR
development and deployment, and provide a report to the congressional
defense committees by April 1, 2001.
Navy Theater Wide
The committee continues to support the NTW program and urges the
Secretary of Defense to accelerate this important program to the extent
permitted by the pace of technological development. The committee
recommends an increase of $60.0 million in PE 63868C to accelerate the
NTW SM 3 interceptor.
BMD Technical Operations
The committee continues to support the Army Space and Missile Defense
Command's Advanced Research Center (ARC). The ARC provides a valuable
tool in support of both theater and national missile defense programs.
The committee recommends an increase of $6.5 million in PE 63874C in
support of the ARC.
The committee supports BMDO's efforts to improve missile defense
technologies and capabilities against advanced theater ballistic missile
threats. One promising area of research is in optical data and sensor
fusion for detection and discrimination of advanced threats, missile
plumes, and penetration aids using advanced image processing and optical
discrimination algorithms. The committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in PE 63874C for BMDO to continue this work.
International Cooperative Programs
The budget request included $117.0 million for BMDO International
Cooperative Programs, including $81.2 million for Israeli Cooperative
Projects and $35.8 million for the Russian- American Observation
Satellites (RAMOS) program.
The committee is pleased that the budget request includes funding to
support continued acquisition of the Arrow Third Battery. The committee
recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 63875C to initiate the
Arrow System Improvement Plan.
The committee notes that the Department of Defense has revised the
Russian-American Observation Satellites (RAMOS) program from its fiscal
year 2000 approach to a restructured two-satellite program. The
committee understands that this revised program is intended to improve
the prospects for technical success with a greater focus on defense
objectives, while also protecting sensitive U.S. technology. Under the
revised proposal, Russia would build, launch and operate two essentially
identical satellites that carry U.S.-built infrared sensors. The U.S. is
attempting to devise a plan to place these sensors in tamper-resistant
containers and have monitors to ensure proper handling to preclude
unauthorized technology transfer.
Although this revised two-satellite program is a significant
improvement over the previous two-satellite RAMOS concept, the committee
continues to have serious concerns. The committee is concerned that, one
year after the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) determined that RAMOS
was of marginal benefit to BMDO, the Department now proposes to spend
approximately $350.0 million on the development and production of two
satellites over the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP), and that this
entire amount is to be paid for by DOD. In contrast, BMDO's core
technology program is widely recognized to be under-funded throughout
the years of the FYDP. The committee also is not convinced that the
United States can provide infrared sensors for integration into Russian-
built and launched satellites without compromising this technology or
otherwise providing significant technical assistance to Russia to
accommodate the integration and proper functioning of the U.S.-built
sensors. In light of these concerns, the committee directs the Secretary
of Defense to restore the RAMOS program to the approach presented to
Congress in the fiscal year 2000 budget request, which was approved by
Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000.
Consistent with this approach, the committee recommends a reduction of
$20.0 million in PE 63875C for the RAMOS program.
BMD Targets
The committee continues to support BMDO's effort to develop a theater
missile defense surrogate target based on a liquid fuel engine. The
committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63872C to
continue this effort.
Bio-defense research
The budget request included $18.6 million for PE 62234D, the Lincoln
Laboratory research program. This reflects a 10 percent decrease that
has not been explained or substantiated by the Department of Defense.
The reduction included in the budget request will have a significant
impact on the advanced bio-defense development activities, a project
that the Department has extolled as ``best in its class''. Performance
was rated ``beyond expectation''. The effort is to develop an integrated
bio agent detection, identification, and warning sensor system that is
smaller, lighter and quicker; the actual target is an integrated system
the size of a mailbox.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.1 million in PE 62234D to
continue the development and demonstration of this bio- defense
technology in the vital national security interest.
Hybrid sensor suite
The budget request included no funding in PE 62384BP for a
lightweight, man-portable hybrid sensor suite using thin film
technology. The committee notes the requirement for a low-power,
inexpensive chemical agent detector. Therefore, The committee recommends
an increase of $8.0 million in PE 62384BP for a hybrid sensor suite
using thin-film technology.
High definition systems
The committee recommends an increase of $7.0 million in PE 62708E for
the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's high definition system
program. The committee directs that all applicable competitive
procedures be used in the award of contracts or other agreements under
this program and that no projects be pursued without an industry cost
share.
Three dimensional structures research
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 62712E for
the development, optimization and demonstration of fabrication processes
for highly integrated three dimensional microcircuits. The committee
directs that all applicable competitive procedures be used in the award
of contracts or other agreements under this program and that cost
sharing be used to the maximum extent practicable.
Biological agent sensor technologies
The budget request included $300,000 for combating terrorism
technology support to continue to develop aerogel and fiber optic based
technologies for chemical and biological collector and detector
prototypes that meet the requirements of multiple federal agencies. The
committee notes that since calendar year 1997, the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has provided an estimated $2.9 million
for technology base development of aerogel-based chemical and biological
sample collector and sensor systems. The research efforts of DARPA
indicate that aerogel properties can be tailored to meet or exceed the
requirements of existing and future collector and sensor platforms.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE
63122D to transition the continued development of aerogel and coupled
fiber optic-based biological sensor technologies from the DARPA
Biological Defense Program to the Technical Support Working Group
support program.
Blast mitigation testing
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in PE 63122D,
Combating Terrorism Technology Support, to accelerate the testing and
certification of blast mitigation effects technology. These funds would
allow the Department of Defense to accelerate the testing and analysis
of building components and improve building design standards and
guidelines for use in new construction applications.
Facial recognition access control technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63122D,
Combating Terrorism Technology Support, for facial recognition access
control technology. These funds will be used to further the Department
of Defense's efforts to develop, test and evaluate this surveillance,
identification, and access control technology, and allow prototype
development and testing.
Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force detector technologies
The budget request included no funding in PE 63384BP for the Chemical
and Biological Individual Sampler (CBIS) or the Small Unit Biological
Detector (SUBD) programs. The committee notes the continuing requirement
of the Marine Corps for chemical and biological detectors and analyzers
in conjunction with the Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force
capability requirements. The committee continues to support CBIS and
SUBD research and development initiatives and recommends an increase in
PE 63384BP of $11.2 million, to be distributed as follows: $2.7 million
for the CBIS program to carry forward multiple, mature technologies and
allow for operational assessments by the Joint Forces Command; and $8.5
million for the SUBD program to
evaluate component detection sensitivity, and to fabricate prototypes.
Consequence Management Information System
The budget request included no funding in PE 63384BP for a
Consequence Management Information System. The committee notes the
requirement for a program to enable civilian and military incident
responders, such as Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams, to
access and share selected information for operational planning and
execution. The committee supports this initiative and recommends an
increase of $6.4 million in PE 63384BP for a Consequence Management
Information System.
Reactive materials
The budget request included no funding in PE 63384BP for the
evaluation of advanced materials that contain reactive technologies.
These technologies have demonstrated the potential to increase
protection to the warfighter when incorporated into clothing, tentage,
and shelters for defense against chemical and biological agents. The
committee recommends an increase of $3.5 million in PE 63384BP for the
evaluation of advanced materials that contain reactive technologies.
Complex systems design
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63704D to
continue the development of the multi-view data standards for integrated
digital environment for complex systems design. The Department of
Defense currently employs a number of computer-based synthesis and
analysis tolls 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. Congress has expressed strong
support of this effort. The committee requires the Department to conduct
a review of the project and report back to congressional defense
committees on the Department's plan to implement this technology once it
is completed.
Competitive sustainment initiative
The committee recommends an increase of $8.0 million in PE 62712S for
the competitive sustainment initiative. This initiative provides the
foundation for forging new, more cooperative links between the
Department of Defense and the supply base to eliminate waste and improve
the velocity of logistics. The committee directs that all applicable
competitive procedures be used in the award of contracts or other
agreements under this program and that cost sharing be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Attack-Effects-Response
Assessment capability at U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM)
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 63832D,
Joint Wargaming Simulation Management Office, for the development and
installation of a Weapon of Mass Destruction Attack-Effects-Response
Assessment capability for the Joint Task Force-Civil Support that was
recently established as part of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM).
This program will allow USJFCOM, along with government agencies, state,
and local authorities, to model chemical, biological or radiological
incidents from the initial detection of the attack and initial effects
through the medical response to the incident in an integrated,
interoperable manner.
Integrated data environment technology
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in PE 63736D 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. The
committee directs that cost sharing for this project be used to the
maximum extent practicable.
Demonstration/validation of technology for the remediation
of unexploded ordnance at active, inactive, closing, transferred, and
transferring ranges
The budget request included $9.0 million for research, development,
testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) related to the environmental remediation
of unexploded ordnance (UXO), $5.0 million for development of UXO
technology through the Strategic Environmental Research and Development
Program (SERDP)(PE 63716D) and $4.0 million for demonstration/validation
through the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program
(ESTCP)(PE 63851D). The committee recommends an increase of
$10.0 million in ESTCP (PE 63851D) for
demonstration/validation of UXO remediation technology.
The committee has previously expressed concern (S. Rept. 106 50)
about the lack of focus or support in the Department of Defense (DOD)
RDT&E base for UXO remediation. Based on information provided to the
committee, it is evident that increased emphasis in this area is
absolutely essential, particularly for demonstration/validation of
technology that has been developed through SERDP and other DOD programs.
It is the committee's expectation that the increased funding will be
used for the demonstration/validation of viable, cost effective
solutions that will help the military departments meet the extraordinary
challenge of UXO remediation at active, inactive, closed, transferred,
and transferring ranges. Moreover, the committee intends that ESTCP
shall establish performance measures for UXO remediation technologies in
order to determine the resulting level of implementation within the DOD.
Next generation anthrax vaccine
The budget request included $400,000 in PE 64384BP for a second
generation, recombinant vaccine against the biological warfare agent
anthrax. The committee recommends an increase of $2.1 million in PE
64384BP for continued research and development of a recombinant vaccine
against the biological warfare agent anthrax.
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
(USAMRIID) developed a second generation, recombinant vaccine against
the biological warfare agent anthrax in 1995. The committee notes that
the vaccine currently utilized by the Department of Defense in the
Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP) was licensed in 1970 and has
been certified as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). The committee is concerned that there is inadequate support for
continued research and development of a second generation, recombinant
vaccine against the biological agent anthrax and provides additional
funding for this effort.
Remote Ordnance Neutralization System
The budget request included $11.6 million for the Joint Robotics
Program, PE 64709D. The committee recommends an increase of $1.6 million
in PE 64709D to develop and test improvements to the Remote Ordnance
Neutralization System (RONS). These funds would allow the Department of
Defense to upgrade RONS to a digital system and improve operator
interface capabilities.
Cyber attack sensing and warning
The committee is aware of efforts being undertaken by the Department
of Defense to develop technologies to detect and respond to cyber
attacks on the defense information infrastructure. To support the
development and deployment of such sensors, the committee recommends an
increase of $20.0 million in PE 33140G.
Information Operations Technology Center
The committee strongly supports the efforts by the Information
Operations Technology Center (IOTC) to develop information
operations/information warfare tools. The committee recommends an
increase of $5.0 million in PE 33140G to support these important efforts
by the IOTC.
Trusted RUBIX
The budget request included no funding to complete evaluation of the
Trusted RUBIX multilevel security database guard. The committee
recommends an increase of $1.8 million in PE 33140G for evaluation and
certification of the Trusted RUBIX information system security
technology for interface with multilevel security software.
Virtual worlds initiative
The U.S. Special Operations Command has developed a program for
integrating various sources of imagery and other information into
three-dimensional products to support special operations forces. In
order to support development of a scene generation database and other
elements of the Virtual Worlds Initiative, the committee recommends an
increase of $2.0 million in PE 34210BB.
Intelligent spatial technologies for smart mapping systems
The committee recognizes the importance and technological challenges
involved in developing intelligent spatial technologies for military
applications. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in the advanced research and development component of PE 35102BQ
for intelligent spatial technology development in spatio-temporal
database research for smart maps.
Joint Mapping Tool Kit
The committee continues to support the development of the Joint
Mapping Tool Kit (JMTK) by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency
(NIMA). The committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 35102BQ for continued development of the JMTK
and the NIMA viewer.
INFORMATION ASSURANCE TESTBED
The budget request included no funding to support the Information
Assurance Testbed. Section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106- 65) established an Information
Assurance Testbed within the Department of Defense (DOD) to facilitate
simulations, wargames, exercises and experiments in the area of
information assurance and information warfare. The Testbed was also
intended to provide an organizational structure with which DOD could
interact with other departments and agencies and with the private sector
on matters related to cyber security and cyber threats. The committee
continues to support this important effort. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $5.0 million in PE 35190D to support the
Testbed.
Joint course of action analysis and targeting support for
information operations
The committee supports the Secretary of Defense's efforts to
coordinate and de-conflict activities in the Department of Defense in
the area of information operations (IO). The joint course of action
analysis and targeting support for IO (JCOATS- IO) program is intended
to establish a centralized process for IO-based capabilities. To support
this important initiative, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 35190D.
Advanced lightweight grenade launcher
The budget request included $87.1 million for Special Operations
Forces (SOF) Operational Enhancements. The committee recommends an
increase of $5.6 million in SOF Operational Force Enhancements (PE
1160408BB) to fund the continued research and development of the
advanced lightweight grenade launcher.
Management reform for Department of Defense test and evaluation centers
Congress has addressed the issue of management reform for Department
of Defense test and evaluation centers twice in the last two years.
Section 907 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105 261) required the Secretary to
conduct a comprehensive review of the management of the test and
evaluation centers. Section 907 specifically required the Secretary to
develop a plan, includinga schedule for establishing a cost-based
management information system for the test and evaluation centers. The
statement of managers on the conference report on the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (H. Rept. 106 301) added the
requirement that the Department report to the congressional defense
committees on the feasibility of financing test and evaluation
facilities through a working capital fund.
The committee is concerned that the Department has not yet submitted
the plan and schedule required by section 907 or the report required by
the statement of managers. The committee directs the Department to
ensure that these requirements are fully implemented in a timely manner.
In particular, the committee understands that the Department has
developed a cost- based information system for use by the major range
test facilities base (MRTFB). In accordance with the requirements of
section 907, the Department should develop a schedule to implement this
system for all test and evaluation centers and to ensure that the data
collected by this system is actively used to make management and
investment decisions.
The committee is also aware of certain cases in which developmental
testing has been conducted outside the Department's test and evaluation
base to reduce program costs. The committee directs the Department to
review these decisions and ensure that the quality and integrity of the
testing program has not been compromised by these cost-cutting
decisions.
Furthermore, the committee has serious concerns with the budget
request for the Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP).
CTEIP provides critical test and evaluation capabilities for joint and
multi-service system test requirements. In this role, CTEIP provides a
corporate means to leverage test investments for the services and
defense agencies. This year funding decreased even though the Annual
Report of the Office of Operational Test and Evaluation for 1999 stated
the clear and pressing need for new investments in the test and
evaluation infrastructure, ``...with its emphasis on such efforts as
improving and test efficiencies, promoting increased use of modeling and
simulation, creating common instrumentation, and developing capabilities
for test information systems, the CTEIP is clearly focused on developing
the test capabilities we will require to meet the test challenges of the
next century.''
The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in PE 64940D to
be applied to critical upgrades at the defense test and evaluation
facilities as determined by the Director of Operational Test and
Evaluation (DOT&E). The committee directs that the additional funds be
awarded in accordance with the standards provided in the assessment of
the centers from the MRTFB criteria. The DOT&E should report back to
committee on the allocation of such funds and the criteria used to
determine the recipients.
Augmented reality fire-fighting training
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in PE 65131D for
augmented reality fire-fighting training. Augmented reality is the use
of live and virtual (computer generated) objects. The current project
has demonstrated the basic technology in a multi-room office
environment. This follow-on would focus on a shipboard system that would
allow the actual crew to train in the actual environment during a
deployment. The Live Fire Test and Evaluation Office is chartered with
ensuring timely and accurate assessments of system survivability,
vulnerability, and munitions effectiveness of weapons systems. One of
the leading causes of casualties, in wartime or peace, is fire or fire
effects. Evaluation of the training of ship crews under realistic combat
emergency conditions is of critical importance to total ship
survivability assessments.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Aircraft carrier modernization
The Navy is acquiring the next nuclear powered aircraft carrier in
the Nimitz-class, the CVN 77. In order to reduce the total operational
cost and improve system capability, the Navy intends to rely on the
contractor team to provide total systems integration effort for the
combat system, a function that has previously been managed by the
Department of the Navy. The Navy believes that this approach will take
advantage of commercial-based design to improve overall capability.
The committee is aware that the Department of Defense is conducting a
review of the process by which we acquire electronic warfare programs.
This review has been generated because of the Department's repeated
experience of cost, schedule and technical problems associated with such
acquisitions.
The committee believes that the Department of the Navy should apply
appropriate lessons derived from this on-going study to the aircraft
carrier program. In particular, the committee believes that the Navy
should give due consideration to risk, cost, and benefit of newer
electronic warfare systems compared to other alternatives.
Advanced ship hull demonstrators
The budget request included no funding in PE 63792N for advanced ship
hull demonstrators. However, within PE 64300N and PE 64558N, both
destroyer and submarine hull designs are being tested.
Tactics and operational concepts for littoral operations from the sea
continue to evolve. The introduction of new capabilities requires the
review of both strategic and tactical doctrine. Although it is not
feasible to build a full scale prototype test vehicle for the many
advanced hull designs proposed to the Navy, the Navy should leverage
investments in advanced hull designs made by other entities including
those of allied/foreign navies.
Rapid evaluation of advanced hull design tactical and strategic
advantages should provide the Navy with valuable information for the
development of operational concepts and tactics.
The committee is encouraged by Navy War College innovative concepts
for applying available and future ship capabilities to influence both
strategic and tactical operations.
Therefore, the committee recommends the Navy demonstrate capabilities
inherent in advanced hulls where those capabilities have the potential
to provide valuable insights for use in modeling, simulation, war
gaming, operational concept development, and ship construction. In
addition, the committee encourages the Navy to take advantage of
authority previously provided to them, by including the use of advanced
hull designs in joint and combined exercises, as well as fleet battle
experiments.
Crusader
The committee noted with interest decisions made by the Secretary of
the Army to restructure the Crusader artillery system development
program. The committee has supported efforts to develop and field this
next generation system to fully modernize a heavy corps, and is
concerned that adjustments made to the program appear to make this
outcome unlikely. The committee understands the Chief of Staff has
directed the program manager to determine the feasibility of producing a
40 ton system that will be easier to deploy but just as operationally
capable as the existing concept. While the notion of lightening this
system is admirable, this action will further delay any potential
fielding of a system that has been in development for more than a
decade. Most troubling is the revised schedule that now calls for a
production decision to be delayed until the first quarter of fiscal year
2009. The committee does not understand how this delayed program fits
with efforts to field an objective force, with common platforms, in the
fiscal year 2012 time frame. The committee directs the Army to provide a
report, by March 1, 2001, that describes how the current development and
acquisition strategy for Crusader will fit with efforts designed to
field the objective force described in the Army transformation
initiative.
Future ship technology research and development
The budget request includes significant investments in future ship
research and development. These investments are key to ensuring future
ships have the technology required to maintain a war fighting advantage.
In addition, some technologies may lower operating and construction
costs. The Navy is encouraged to review the following technologies which
have the potential to provide a technological edge and/or reduce
life-cycle costs for future ships:
(1) applying multi-purpose processor technology to advanced
integrated electronic warfare systems;
(2) developing a battle force tactical trainer with an upgraded
personal computer system;
(3) modernizing aircraft carrier design software;
(4) pursuing advanced hull, mechanical, and engineering development
of integrated topside structures and reduced ship signatures;
(5) emphasizing total ship engineering for enhanced damage control
and survivability;
(6) modifying surface ship sonars for advanced mine detection;
(7) developing a damage control action management system;
(8) reviewing life-cycle cost benefits of an inter- cooled
recuperated gas turbine engine;
(9) commercial off the shelf desktop computers which are capable of
processing both secure information and unclassified data;
(10) wireless, low power level onboard and off-board personnel
tracking and monitoring device with applications for shore material
tracking;
(11) developing interfaces between Navy legacy human resources
systems and the Global Combat Support System; and (12) developing
business process re-engineering of legacy Navy and Naval Reserve
personnel systems.
Joint training and experimentation
The committee has noted with great interest the ongoing efforts by
the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to
establish the organizational and procedural mechanisms to promulgate
doctrine, concepts, and requirements for joint military operations. The
establishment of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) on October
1,1999 was a major milestone on this path.
The steps taken by USJFCOM to date are promising. The joint
experimentation program is underway. The Joint Warfighting Center
continues to make progress in standardizing joint training and
procedures across the entire force. The federation of the various
service and defense agency battle labs to eliminate unnecessary
duplication and provide a unifying vision for future efforts was
especially notable.
In its December 1997 report on the Quadrennial Defense Review, the
National Defense Panel recommended the establishment of a joint national
training center. Other official and independent studies have made
similar recommendations to make use of the capabilities of the existing
training centers, e.g., Joint Readiness Training Center, National
Training Center, Nellis Air Force Base, 29 Palms, and the San Diego Navy
training facilities, for joint training and concept development. During
his testimony before the committee on March 1, 2000, General James
Jones, USMC, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, stated that the Marine Corps
and Army were discussing the possibility of physically joining the 29
Palms Training Center and the Army National Training Center at Fort
Irwin, CA.
Such proposals appear to have great merit and potential for further
enhancing joint training and experimentation. While each service clearly
has specific core competencies it must train to at its own centers, the
benefits that would accrue from having a joint organization that
monitors and leverages these training activities for future joint
concept development and periodically coordinated joint training and
experimentation activities seem compelling.
The committee directs the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide
a report to the congressional defense committees no later than March 1,
2001, containing an assessment of the advisability and feasibility of
establishing a joint national training center. The report shall include
a summary of actions taken, planned or under consideration regarding the
establishment of such a center.
Joint operational test bed system
The Commander, Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) intends to establish a
joint operational test bed system (JOTBS) to conduct joint
interoperability testing and experimentation. The committee understands
that, under the current plan, JFCOM intends to demonstrate
interoperability of Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the
tactical control system (TCS). The committee encourages JFCOM to
continue this JOTBS activity and other efforts to continue fulfilling
its mandate for ensuring interoperability among various services'
systems. The committee also encourages the services to provide
appropriate assistance to JFCOM to continue these efforts.
Maritime patrol aircraft
The committee is concerned about the overall state of maritime patrol
and reconnaissance forces. The recent cancellation of the P 3 sustained
readiness program is cause for concern about the age and condition of
these aircraft, and whether there will be sufficient assets to meet
unified and fleet commander in chief requirements. Insufficient funding
of capability upgrade programs for the P 3, such as anti-surface warfare
improvement program (AIP) and the block modification upgrade, further
exacerbates the problem by causing over- utilization of the limited
numbers of aircraft with these modifications. The capability of
AIP-equipped P 3s was demonstrated in Operation Allied Force with the
destruction of multiple targets with standoff land attack missiles.
The committee is aware of the recent acquisition decision by the
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics,
which approved entry into concept exploration of the multi-mission
maritime aircraft (MMA) and directed an analysis of alternatives for
such a program. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to
provide a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1,
2001, which outlines the current status of the MMA concept exploration,
to include the impact of funding requested in the fiscal year 2002
budget request to prevent near-term shortfalls in this critical mission
area.
Patriot theater missile defense
The committee notes that Patriot is the first system that the United
States has deployed specifically to counter theater ballistic missile
threats, and is evolving toward significantly improved capabilities with
the PAC 3 system. The Army currently has almost 3,000 Patriot PAC 2
missiles deployed and has recently commenced low-rate production of the
Patriot PAC 3 missile. The Army is planning to upgrade approximately
1,500 PAC 2 missiles into the Guidance Enhanced Missile Plus (GEM+)
configuration by fiscal year 2005. The Army has also invested
significant resources in the development of the Patriot Anti-Cruise
Missile (PACM) upgrade to PAC 2. At the same time, the Army and the
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) are seeking to reduce the
per-unit cost of the PAC 3 missile. To be successful, BMDO will have to
increase the production rate for the PAC 3 missile. Further complicating
the dilemma regarding the Patriot force composition and funding
priorities is the fact that the Army has recently discovered a number of
technical problems associated with the fielded Patriot inventory.
Therefore, the Army and BMDO need to balance the needs of the existing
PAC 2 force with those of the future PAC 3 force. The committee strongly
supports both the GEM+ and PAC 3 programs and directs the Secretary of
the Army and the Director of BMDO to develop an investment strategy that
properly balances the need to upgrade the PAC 2 system and accelerate
deployment of PAC 3.
Prophylactic pharmaceuticals
Many life-threatening diseases today are treated by multiple drug
efforts that can include vaccines. The committee notes the efforts of
the Department of Defense (DOD) to procure a vaccine and develop a
second generation vaccine to protect service personnel against the
biological agent anthrax. Relying on a single medical approach strategy
rather than multiple drug therapies may expose protection efforts to
undue risk should a vaccine procurement or development effort fail.
Relying on a single medical approach may also deny service personnel the
full range of modern pharmaceutical treatment that may be available from
the medical research community.
The committee is aware of medical research involving synthetic
compounds which inhibit the anthrax enzyme NAD Sythetase. Application of
this synthetic compound could possibly be developed into a man-made
prophylactic pharmaceutical to protect against exposure to anthrax and
cure post-infection exposure.
The committee supports efforts to explore a multi-tiered medical
approach to defending military service members against biological
agents. The committee directs the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute
of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) to report to the congressional defense
committees the results of a cost- benefit analysis of a prophylactic
pharmaceutical development program that is based on current medical
research to develop synthetic compounds that inhibit the anthrax enzyme
NAD Sythetase. USAMRIID will also report on the funding requirement to
fully develop this research into a prophylactic pharmaceutical. The
development program will have the following goals: (1) to develop
synthetic pharmaceutical compounds that can be taken prophylactically
immediately before exposure to anthrax spores and offer additional
post-exposure protection against the germinating spore for
non-vaccinated personnel; and (2) to develop a novel mechanism of
action-based drugs that would kill the infectious anthrax bacteria
whether it was a natural strain or a genetically engineered strain.
Radiation hardened electronics investment strategy
The committee strongly supports the Secretary of Defense's
establishment of a Radiation Hardened Oversight Council and other
initiatives to ensure the availability of radiation hardened
microelectronic components to meet the Department of Defense's unique
requirements for future national security systems. The investment
strategy directed by the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, would ensure
adequate funding to meet science and technology, engineering, and
production needs from fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2005. The
committee supports this strategy and urges the military departments and
defense agencies to support the investment strategy goals.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with
the Secretary of Energy, to submit a report to the congressional defense
committees by April 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, on the
implementation of the Radiation Hardened Electronics Investment
Strategy, including the degree to which the relevant military
departments and defense agencies are fulfilling their directed
investment goals.
Small arms fire control system
The committee notes with great interest progress made to date in
developing the small arms fire control system (SAFCS). This lightweight,
automated, optical sight system greatly enhances the accuracy of fire
for both the Mark 19 grenade launcher and the M2 .50 caliber machine
gun. The committee was pleased to note that the Army has recognized the
critical role this system can play in ground combat operations and has
requested the funding necessary to continue the development of this
system. The committee encourages the Army to complete the development of
SAFCS as soon as is practical and begin a robust procurement program to
enhance the ability of our ground forces to fight and win decisively.
Transition of successful research projects into the acquisition system
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has a long
history of successfully providing innovative technologies and
revolutionary warfighting systems concepts to the services. In recent
years, DARPA has worked closely with the services to identify areas of
opportunity and technological needs where DARPA can play an effective
role. Unfortunately, the percentage of DARPA initiatives transitioned to
the services continues to be relatively low. In some cases, this
transition problem appears to be attributable to the rapid pace of
technological developments and the comparatively slow pace of the
acquisition system. As a result, a research program may be successfully
completed before the money is available, leaving a budget gap that
adversely affects the program.
The committee directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics to review this problem and report to the
congressional defense committees not later than six months after the
date of enactment of this Act on alternative approaches to ensuring that
successful research initiatives are fielded in a timely manner. The
review should consider possible changes to the acquisition and budgeting
systems, including, but not limited to, the development of a transition
opportunity fund that would provide the Department greater flexibility
to take advantage of rapidly developing technology.
TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Explanation of tables
The tables in this title display items requested by the
administration for fiscal year 2001 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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Armed Forces Retirement Home (sec. 303)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $69.832
million to be appropriated from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust
Fund for fiscal year 2001.
SUBTITLE B--PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Impact aid for children with disabilities (sec. 311)
The committee recommends a provision that would add $20.0 million to
Operation and Maintenance funding for defense-wide activities for impact
aid payments for children with disabilities under section 8003(d) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, title 20 United States
Code, 7703(d).
Joint Warfighting Capabilities Assessment Teams (sec. 312)
The budget request included $157.9 million for the Joint Chiefs of
Staff (JCS), but did not include funding to strengthen the Joint
Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of
Staff (CJCS) requested an additional $12.0 million to obtain the
additional analytical expertise required to strengthen the Joint
Warfighting Capabilities Assessment (JWCA) teams that support the JROC
process, thus enabling the JROC to focus on more strategic,
future-oriented, overarching issues. The committee is concerned that an
investment of $12.0 million for this effort is premature. The committee
favors a more modest, focused investment that would allow the CJCS to
measure the progress and effectiveness of these reforms before reporting
back to the Congress and requesting additional resources.
Therefore, the committee directs that, of the $157.9 million
authorized to be appropriated for the JCS under Operations and
Maintenance, Defense Wide, Budget Activity 04, $4.0 million will be
available only for the purpose of additional investment in the JWCA
teams to re-focus and strengthen their analytical efforts in support of
the JROC process. Upon receipt of the CJCS report on the progress to
strengthen and re-focus the JROC process, required by a separate
provision in this bill, the committee would consider requests for a
re-programming, additional authorizations, and/or legislative provisions
to support the CJCS in this important, timely effort to improve the
joint warfighting capabilities of U.S. armed forces.
SUBTITLE C--HUMANITARIAN AND CIVIC ASSISTANCE
ncreased authority to provide health care services as
humanitarian and civic assistance (sec. 321)
The committee recommends a provision that would allow any underserved
community, in addition to rural underserved areas, to receive medical,
dental, and veterinary services through the humanitarian and civic
assistance program.
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. 322)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize pay and
allowances from within funds for the Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster,
and Civic Assistance Account, for reserve members of the U.S. Special
Operations Command when these reservists perform humanitarian demining
activities. This will enable these individuals to benefit from the same
valuable training opportunities currently experienced by their active
duty counter-parts, and will help mitigate the high operations tempo of
the active component resulting from the numerous requirements placed on
them for low intensity engagement operations.
SUBTITLE D--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
The committee is concerned with the long-term efficiency of the
industrial facilities of the armed forces including depots, arsenals,
and ammunition manufacturing plants. Over the past several years the
military services have continued to downsize their force structure,
which has reduced the requirement for the products and services of these
facilities. However, as a result of the national security requirement to
retain an industrial infrastructure capable of surging to meet the
military's needs during a conflict, the Department of Defense must
maintain industrial facilities that are not required on a day-to-day
basis.
In 1992, the Congress enacted the Armament Retooling and
Manufacturing Support Initiative which provided the mechanisms necessary
to allow the Army's ammunition plants to attract private sector firms to
locate at these plants, utilizing the unused surge capacity, and paying
rents which were used to offset
the Army's cost of maintaining and operating these plants. The
private sector jobs also provided for the retention of critical skills
at the ammunition plants that would then be available whenever
necessary. This initiative has had great success, saving the Army $37.0
million each year and preserving hundreds of skilled workers.
Section 361 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1998 authorized the Secretary of Defense to designate of each depot
level activity of the Department of Defense as a Center of Industrial
and Technical Excellence in the recognized core competencies of the
depot activity, to adopt best-business practices at these facilities in
connection with their core competency, and encourage the creation of
public-private partnerships at these Centers for the performance of
depot-level maintenance and repair in order to maximize the utilization
of the capacity at these Centers. It also authorized the lease of excess
depot-level equipment and facilities to private sector entities.
Unfortunately, because of conflicting legal interpretations and other
institutional barriers, the Department of Defense has made only limited
use of these authorities.
The committee believes it is important to improve the efficiency of
all Department of Defense industrial facilities that are required to
maintain a core capability necessary for the repair and manufacturing of
military ordnance and weapon systems. Therefore, the committee includes
a number of provisions to clarify and enhance current legal authorities
to provide the mechanisms necessary to more fully utilize these
facilities by government and commercial organizations.
Codification and improvement of armament retooling and
manufacturing support programs (sec. 331)
The committee recommends a provision that would make certain changes
and codify in permanent law the Armament Retooling and Manufacturing
Support Initiative. The provision would expand the objectives of the
program to include a reduction of the cost of ownership and/or disposal
of ammunition plants, to enhance best business practices, and foster
cooperation with the private sector at these facilities. The provision
would also make it easier for non-federal entities to use excess
capacity at these facilities, and offset the costs to the Federal
Government of ownership by allowing revenues generated through private
sector use to be applied to overhead and production costs.
Centers of industrial and technical excellence (sec. 332)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2474 of
title 10, United States Code, by devolving the authority to designate
the depot-level activities to the respective secretaries of the military
departments, including the arsenals of the United States Army. The
provision would also expand the activities authorized to be conducted at
these centers by employees of the center, the private sector, or other
entities outside the Department of Defense, to include the performance
of work under contract, or subcontract, in any of the core competencies
of the center; the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair at
the center; other work consistent with the needs of the Department of
Defense that requires the use of any facility or equipment of the center
that are not fully utilized by a military department for its own
production and maintenance requirements. The full costs of work
performed by the employees of the Center under contract from the private
sector must be charged to the contract. Any revenues generated, by rents
or through other mechanisms, by private sector use of facilities and
equipment at these centers would be available to offset the costs of
facility operations, maintenance, and environmental restoration at the
center where the leased property is located.
The committee believes that the head of the center should use these
authorities to maximize the utilization of the capacity at the center,
reduce or eliminate the cost of Department of Defense ownership of the
center, reduce the cost of products of the Department of Defense
produced or maintained at the center, foster cooperation between the
armed forces and private industry, and leverage private sector
investment in the recapitalization of plant and equipment at the center.
Effects of outsourcing on overhead costs of centers of
industrial and technical excellence and ammunition plants (sec. 333)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a report to Congress thirty days prior to entering
into a contract that would result in moving workload, performed by 50 or
more employees, from a center or ammunition plant. The report should
describe the impact of any reduction in workload at a center or
ammunition plant as a result of a contract and describe the overhead
costs of that facility
The committee is concerned that the process for determining the costs
associated with entering into a contract with a private sector source
for the performance of a workload currently performed at a center of
industrial and technical excellence, or an ammunition plant, does not
include a review of the impact that such a contract will have on the
overhead costs of the center or plant.
Revision of authority to waive limitation on performance of
depot-level maintenance (sec. 334)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2466 of
title 10, to allow the President of the United States rather than the
secretary of the respective military service to waive the 50 percent
requirement for reasons of national security. The committee is concerned
that the Secretary of the Air Force has not taken the actions necessary
to ensure the Air Force is able to comply with the requirement contained
in section 2466 of title 10, that 50 percent of all depot maintenance
funds of a military service be spent on depot maintenance services
provided by employees of the Federal Government. The committee believes
that this requirement is essential to maintain the core maintenance
capability necessary to preserve a ready and controlled source of repair
and maintenance.
Manufacturing technical assistance pilot program
The committee recognizes the valuable contribution that the
manufacturing technical assistance pilot program has made to the
development and retention of a skilled private sector workforce capable
of supporting the manufacturing requirements of the United States Air
Force. The committee believes that this program could also provide great
value to the manufacturing and maintenance needs of the other military
services, such as the ship building industry that supports the United
States Navy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million to
support an Atlantic Fleet pilot program for the development and
retention of the manufacturing skills necessary to support the Navy's
shipbuilding requirements of the 21st Century. The committee also
directs the Secretary of Defense to provide the congressional defense
committees with a report outlining the results of this pilot program.
SUBTITLE E--ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS
Environmental restoration accounts (sec. 341)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2703(a)
of title 10, United States Code, by inserting a new paragraph that would
designate an account for formerly used defense sites within the
Environmental Restoration Account. The provision would also ensure that
all site closeout activities would be funded out of an appropriate
Environmental Restoration Account.
Payments of fines and penalties for environmental compliance
violations (sec. 342)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense or the secretaries of the military departments to seek
congressional authorization prior to paying any fine or penalty for an
environmental compliance violation if the fine or penalty amount agreed
to is $1.5 million or more or is based on the application of economic
benefit or size of business criteria. Supplemental environmental
projects carried out as part of fine or penalty for amounts $1.5 million
or more and agreed to after the enactment of this Act would also require
specific authorization by law.
The committee recommends this provision as a result of concerns that
stem from a significant fine imposed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, (FWA),
a related policy established by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and an apparent need for further congressional oversight in this
area. On March 5, 1999, EPA Region 10 sent FWA a notice of violation
(NOV) and on August 25, 1999, EPA sent a settlement offer of $16.07
million: (1) $155,000 for the seriousness of the offenses; (2) $10.56
million for recapture of economic benefit for noncompliance; and (3) an
additional $5.35 million because of the ``size of business'' at FWA.
According to EPA, the $16.07 million fine was imposed to correct
excessive emissions of particulate matter from an aging coal-fired
central heat and power plant (CHPP) at FWA, and to impose a penalty for
years of violations under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA policy or
rule that directs the application of economic benefit or ``size of
business'' penalty assessment criteria to federal facilities is based on
memoranda dated October 9, 1998, and September 30, 1999, issued by the
EPA headquarters Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO). Notice
and comment procedures were not used to promulgate these memoranda.
The compliance and enforcement history of the CHPP provides some
insight into this committee's concerns regarding the EPA NOV. In the mid
1980s, EPA delegated its CAA program authority to the State of Alaska.
In order to comply with opacity requirements, FWA purchased opacity
monitors in 1988 and installed them in 1989, however, the monitors had a
high failure and maintenance rate. In March 1994, the Alaska Department
of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) issued an NOV for opacity
violations at the FWA CHPP that identified a need for PM emission
reductions. In response, FWA negotiated a compliance schedule with ADEC
for the construction of a full-steam baghouse for each of the boilers in
the CHPP.
FWA continued to work with ADEC from March 1994 to 1999 to:
accomplish about $15.3 million worth of numerous CHPP upgrades for
controlling air emissions; resolve Department of Defense (DOD)
privatization issues; conduct a baghouse feasibility study; and seek
military construction authorization for a $15.9 million baghouse
project. In the interim, FWA received a CAA Title V Permit completeness
determination from the state on February 19, 1998. As a result, FWA
continues to operate the CHPP under a CAA Title V permit application,
which contains schedules for compliance that were the result of careful
coordination with ADEC.
The $15.9 million baghouse was programmed for fiscal year 2000 and
was authorized and appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2000. As
planned, the baghouse design complies with all applicable CAA
requirements, including compliance assurance monitoring. When the EPA
NOV was issued, FWA was in compliance with the Title V schedules for
implementing air emission control technologies agreed to with ADEC.
First, the committee questions EPA's regulatory judgement in
assessing fines and penalties despite the fact that the installation was
operating in good faith under a Title V permit application that is
overseen by a state with delegated authority. Second, it is the
committee's view that the application of economic benefit or ``size of
business'' penalty assessment criteria to the DOD is inconsistent with
the statutory language and the legislative history under section 7413 of
title 42, United States Code.
The terms economic benefit and ``size of business'' suggest
market-based activities, not government functions subject to
congressional appropriations. In addition, the statement of managers
accompanying the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Public Law 101 549;
104 Stat. 2399 (October 27, 1990)) provides that with respect to the
economic benefit criterion: ``Violators should not be able to obtain an
economic benefit vis-a-vis their competitors as a result of their
noncompliance with environmental laws.'' The committee is not aware that
the DOD has competitors.
As a practical matter, the functions of DOD facilities are not
analogous to private business. The DOD, unlike private sector, must fund
all of its operations, to include environmental compliance, through
congressional appropriations. ``No money shall be drawn from the
Treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law; and a regular
statement and account of the receipts and expenditures of all public
money shall be published from time to time.'' (U.S. Constitution,
Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7; Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA) 31 U.S.C.
1501). Moreover, the expenditure of federal funds must be consistent
with authorization and appropriation acts `` Congress and the Office of
Management and Budget oversee apportionment of funds to agencies during
the fiscal year to avoid overspending `` DOD allocates funds to the
military departments, which in turn issue allotments to command and
staff organizations. (31 U.S.C. 1341(a)(1); Department of Defense
Directive 7200.1, Administrative Control of Appropriations (1984)).
The committee has concluded that DOD payment of fines or penalties
based on economic benefit or size of business criteria would interfere
with the management power of the Federal Executive Branch and upset the
balance of power between the Federal Executive and Legislative Branches,
exceeding the immediate objective of compliance. Therefore, the
committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the Secretary of
Defense and the secretaries of the military departments from paying such
fines and penalties without specific authorization by law.
Annual reports under Strategic Environmental Research and
Development Program (sec. 343)
The committee recommends a provision that would modify the current
reporting requirement for the Science Advisory Board to allow for its
inclusion in the annual report for the Strategic Environmental Research
and Development Program. This provision allows for more streamlined
reporting by the Department of Defense.
Modification of authority for indemnification of transferees
of closing defense property (sec. 344)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 330 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (Public Law
102 484; 106 Stat. 2315) to clarify the application of the existing
indemnification authority. The exercise of the current authority under
section 330 is predicated upon cumbersome conditions for claimant
eligibility, which has resulted in confusion and a complete absence of
claims for indemnification. The provision would eliminate ambiguous
conditions, streamline claimant access, and facilitate early transfer of
base closure properties to assist communities in recovering from the
initial effects of base closure.
Consistent with existing authority, the recommended provision would
authorize the Secretary of Defense to indemnify any state, political
subdivision, or any person who acquires ownership or control over
transferred surplus base closure property for the costs of legally
required remediation. Presently, the capital markets are reluctant to
finance certain projects at base closure properties due to the potential
for contamination, and liability under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and analogous state
laws. That concern is magnified in those instances in which a military
department transfers surplus base closure property for which there is a
deferral of covenants under section 120(h)(3)(C) of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601
et seq.)
Payment of fines or penalties imposed for environmental
compliance violations at certain Department of Defense facilities (sec.
345)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Department of Defense (DOD) to pay fines and penalties, or to carry out
supplemental environmental projects in accordance with section 8149 of
the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2000. The
Secretary of the Army would be specifically authorized to pay following
supplemental environmental projects carried out in satisfaction of an
assessed fine or penalty: (1) $993,000 for Walter Reed Army Medical
Center, Washington, D.C.; (2) $377,250 for Fort Campbell, Kentucky; (3)
$20,701 for Fort Gordon, Georgia; (4) $78,500 for Pueblo Chemical Depot,
Colorado; (5) $20,000 for Deseret Chemical Depot, Utah. The Secretary of
the Navy would be specifically authorized to pay the following fines and
penalties: (1) $108,000 for Allegany Ballistics Laboratory, West
Virginia; and (2) $5,000 for Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas.
Reimbursement for certain costs in connection with the
former Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site, Suffolk, Virginia (sec. 346)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to pay not more than $98,210 from the Environmental
Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites Account to reimburse the
Nansemond Ordnance Depot Site Special Account of the Hazardous Substance
Superfund, established by section 9507 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (26 U.S.C. 9507). The reimbursement is for oversight costs incurred
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on a time critical removal
action at the Former Nansemond Ordnance Depot performed by the
Department of Defense under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and the Defense
Environmental Restoration Program (10 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.).
Environmental restoration activities (sec. 347)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense or the secretaries of the military departments to
use funds available in the environmental restoration accounts, pursuant
to section 2703 of title 10, United States Code, to permanently relocate
facilities. That authorization is contingent upon a secretary's written
determination that such permanent relocation is part of a response
action that: (1) has the support of the affected community; (2) has the
approval of relevant regulatory agencies;
and (3) is the most cost effective response action available.
The authority would terminate after September 30, 2003, and be subject
to a five percent funding cap within each fiscal year for the funds
available under section 2703. The secretary concerned would also be
required to provide an annual report to the congressional defense
committees on each response action for which there has been a written
determination made under this provision.
The committee expects the Department of Defense (DOD) to use this
authority judiciously, and ensure that funds are used only for
legitimate environmental restoration priorities. It is expected that
this provision will provide the necessary flexibility to facilitate
environmental restoration at certain formerly used defense sites (FUDS),
where progress has been slow.
The committee is concerned about the progress of environmental
remediation planning and activities, and the appearance of an overall
lack of support for the FUDS Program within the Army and the DOD.
(Formerly Used Defense Sites: Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Audit
Agency Report, AA 99 186, April 19, 1999). It is expected that both the
Secretaries of Defense and Army shall address with consistency the
environmental remediation issues at these sites. Moreover, the
Secretaries of Defense and Army shall ensure that there is adequate
funding in the fiscal year 2002 budget request and the Future Years
Defense Program to meet environmental remediation requirements and other
related activities throughout the FUDS program.
Ship disposal project (sec. 348)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of the Navy to continue to carry out a ship disposal project in fiscal
year 2001 and to use competitive contracting procedures to award task
orders within the ship disposal project. The provision would also direct
the Secretary to submit, not later than December 31, 2000, a report to
the congressional defense committees on the ship disposal project.
Report on the Defense Environmental Security Corporate
Information Management Program (sec. 349)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to submit, not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this act, a report to the congressional defense committees.
The report shall contain specific recommendations regarding the future
mission of the Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information
Management Program and address issues of concern within the Department
of Defense.
Report on Plasma Energy Pyrolysis System (sec. 350)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to submit, not later than October 1, 2000, a report to the
congressional defense committees that includes the Army's analysis and
recommendations regarding future applications for both phases of the
Plasma Energy Pyrolysis System (PEPS) technology. The committee notes
that PEPS has demonstrated merit as a research and development project
(PE 62720A) that could provide the Army and other military departments
with the capability to reduce costs associated with treatment and
disposal of hazardous and toxic waste streams. The project has been
executed in two phases: (1) a fixed- transportable unit demonstration;
and (2) a mobile unit demonstration. It is expected that the data
produced during both phases of the technology demonstrations should
provide the Army with the information necessary to determine PEPS
applications within the military user community.
SUBTITLE F--OTHER MATTERS
Effects of worldwide contingency operations on readiness of
certain military aircraft and equipment (sec. 361)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the effects of worldwide
contingency operations on the aircraft of the Navy, Marine Corps, and
Air Force, and the ground equipment of the Army and Marine Corps. The
report shall include the Secretary's assessment of the effects of those
operations on the ability of the Department of Defense to maintain a
high level of readiness.
The committee is concerned that the continued high OPTEMPO of
military forces is wearing out already aging weapon systems. This is
particularly true for aviation assets that have been used to provide
extensive support in the no-fly zone over Iraq, to execute the air war
over Kosovo, and support the numerous other contingency operations
around the world, including East Timor.
This is also true for the ground equipment that is used in these
operations.
Realistic budgeting for readiness requirements of the Army (sec. 362)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to develop a new methodology to be used in preparing a
budget request that more accurately reflects the Army's requirements.
This methodology should be based on the level of training that is
required to be conducted to maintain essential readiness, the cost of
conducting that required
training, and the cost of all other Army operations, including
the cost of funding its infrastructure requirements. This methodology
should be used in the preparation of the fiscal year 2002 budget
request.
The committee is concerned that the U.S. Army, despite repeated
assurances, continues to migrate training funds to its infrastructure
support and other accounts as a result of insufficient funding for these
programs in the budget request. Over the past several years the Army has
included funding for 800 miles of training in its budget, but has only
executed between 600 and 650 training miles during the fiscal year.
Those funds that were not utilized for training were reprogrammed to pay
for such things as real property maintenance and base operations, which
have been dramatically underfunded over the past few years. The
committee is concerned that this practice indicates there are
significant problems with the methodology used to identify resources
necessary to fund its operations. The first problem stems from the fact
that the current methodology does not accurately reflect the required
training that must be conducted to maintain a division's necessary level
of readiness. If it did, the Army would not report that its divisions
are ready to perform the National Military Strategy when they only
execute 75 percent of the funds programmed for this purpose. The second
problem stems from the unrealistic budget request for must pay accounts,
such as base operations, and other essential accounts, such as real
property maintenance. Insufficient funding in these areas will continue
to force operational commanders to reprogram funds from their training
accounts to their infrastructure accounts in order to ensure the
delivery of essential services such as utilities and building
maintenance.
Additions to plan for ensuring visibility over all
in-transit end items and secondary items (sec. 363)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 349 of
the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1999 by including specific requirements for monitoring and measuring
implementation of the plan to ensure visibility over in-transit
inventory items. The requirements would include the assignment of
oversight responsibility for each action required to address weaknesses
in the controls over in- transit items, a description of the resources
required for oversight, and an estimate of the annual cost of oversight.
Performance of emergency response functions at chemical
weapons storage installations (sec. 364)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
Secretary of the Army from converting to contractor performance the
emergency response functions of any chemical weapons storage
installation currently performed by U.S. government employees until the
Secretary certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives that the plan for conversion of the
emergency response functions:
(1) is consistent with the recommendation contained in the General
Accounting Office report, Department of Defense Competitive Outsourcing,
dated March 2000; and
(2) provides for a transition to contractor performance of emergency
response functions that ensure an adequate transfer of the relevant
knowledge and expertise regarding chemical weapon emergency response to
the contractor personnel.
The Secretary's certification is necessary to ensure that there will
be no lapse of capability to perform the chemical weapon emergency
response mission at a chemical weapons storage installation during any
transition to contractor performance of those emergency response
functions.
Congressional notification of use of radio frequency
spectrum by a system entering engineering and manufacturing development
(sec. 365)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a report to the congressional defense committees
before a new weapon system is acquired that would outline the frequency
that the system will use. The report would also include a statement of
whether the Department is designated as the primary user of that
frequency and, if not, the unique technical characteristics that make it
necessary to use that particular frequency, and a description of the
protections that the Department of Defense has been given to ensure that
it will not incur costs as a result of current or future interference
from other users of that particular frequency. The committee further
recommends an increase of $25.0 million for the upgrade of the Joint
Spectrum Center data base.
The committee is concerned that in the past the Department of Defense
has pursued the development of weapons systems utilizing portions of the
radio frequency spectrum that are not designated for military use. This
can lead to unintended interference between that system and a commercial
system licensed to use the same frequency. This interference could then
result in operational constraints, or expensive redesign of the weapon
system. The committee is further concerned that there is insufficient
funding in the budget request to maintain an effective data base to
assist program managers in determining the characteristics of various
systems currently operating on particular frequencies, and in testing
these systems to ensure non-interference.
Monitoring of value of performance of Department of Defense
functions by workforces selected from between public and private
workforces (sec. 366)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to establish a system for monitoring the performance of
functions of the Department of Defense that are performed by 50 or more
employees of the Department and have been subjected to a review to
determine wether the function should be performed by federal employees
or a private sector workforce. The provision would also establish three
performance measures; the costs incurred, the savings derived, and the
value of the performance by the selected workforce measured against the
costs of the performance of the workload by the workforce at the
beginning of the review. Finally, the provision would require the
Secretary of Defense to provide the Congress with an annual report
outlining the results of the performance reviews conducted over the
previous years.
Suspension of reorganization of naval audit service (sec. 367)
The committee is concerned that the Naval Audit Service has launched
a program for total consolidation of audit personnel into the National
Capitol Region without benefit of a convincing, detailed cost-benefit
analysis, an assessment of the impact of the reorganization on the
service's auditing mission, including an assessment of the impact of
such a consolidation on this highly skilled and critical workforce. The
committee is concerned that consolidation will undermine the efficiency
and effectiveness of auditing functions throughout the Navy and
particularly in the three highest concentrations of naval facilities and
activities: San Diego, Norfolk, and Honolulu. The Congress, and the
military departments, depend upon the quality of investigation and
reporting done by audit agencies as an independent and credible source
of information necessary to fulfill oversight responsibilities. The
committee is concerned that consolidation could undermine the
institutional and individual auditor independence so essential to an
effective audit service and the quality of information provided to Navy
leadership and the Congress. Therefore, the committee includes a
provision that would delay the implementation of further consolidations
until such time as the Secretary provides his analysis of the savings
that the reorganization will achieve.
Investment of commissary trust revolving fund (sec. 368)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to invest a portion of the Commissary Trust
Revolving Fund in public debt securities. Any income resulting from
these investments would be credited to and become part of the fund.
Economic procurement of distilled spirits (sec. 369)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
military exchanges to use private distributors to distribute distilled
spirits in those cases in which such an option is determined to be the
most cost-effective means of distribution.
Resale of armor piercing ammunition disposed of by the Army (sec. 370)
The committee is concerned that excess Department of Defense
armor-piercing ammunition could be made available to the public. The
committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of the
Army to ensure that excess armor-piercing ammunition that is not
transferred to law enforcement or other governmental agencies or made
available for foreign military sales is destroyed. This requirement
would not apply to the non- armor-piercing components of that
ammunition, but such components could not be used to produce
armor-piercing ammunition for sale to civilian purchasers.
Damage to aviation facilities caused by alkali silica
reactivity (sec. 371)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to test the use of lithium salts to preserve runway integrity
and provide the congressional defense committees with a report outlining
its success in mitigating the impact of Alkali Silica Reactivity (ASR).
The committee is concerned with reports of significant damage to
aircraft engines as a result of the ingestion of pieces of cement from
runways and parking aprons that have deteriorated because of alkali
silica reactivity (ASR). The Corps of Engineers' Research and
Development Center recently recommended the application of lithium salts
to selected pavements at Fort Campbell to test the ability of this
product to reduce or eliminate ASR damage to cement surfaces.
Reauthorization of pilot program for acceptance and use of
landing fees charged for use of domestic military airfields by civil
aircraft (sec. 372)
The committee recommends a provision that would reauthorize a
military service to accept payments for the use of domestic military and
shared use airfields by civil aircraft and to use those payments for the
operation and maintenance of the airfield. The pilot program would be
authorized through fiscal year 2010.
Reimbursement by civil air carriers for support provided at
Johnston Atoll (sec. 373)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Air Force to require payment from a civil air carrier
for support provided by the United States to that carrier at Johnston
Atoll that is either requested by the carrier, or determined to be
necessary to accommodate the carrier's use of Johnston Atoll. The
payment shall be equal to the actual costs incurred by the United
States, and shall be credited to either Air Force operation and
maintenance accounts or to the Army chemical demilitarization accounts.
Review of costs of maintaining historical properties (sec. 374)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review of the
annual costs incurred by the Department of Defense in complying with the
requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)(16 U.S.C.
470 et seq.). The committee is concerned that NHPA places a significant
burden on the already underfunded real property maintenance budgets of
the military services. As those buildings which were constructed during
World War I and the Korean War reach fifty years of age, the cost of
meeting these requirements has increased and will continue to increase.
The provision would require the Comptroller General to provide the
congressional defense committees with a report of the results of the
review including the projected costs of maintaining these properties
over the next 10 years, an analysis of maintaining only those properties
which originally qualified as historic properties when the NHPA was
first enacted, the accounts used for paying the costs to comply with the
NHPA, and the identity of all properties that must be maintained in
order to comply with the NHPA.
Extension of authority to sell certain aircraft for use in
wildfire suppression (sec. 375)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the current
authority for the Secretary of Defense to sell excess aircraft and spare
parts to persons or entities that contract with the Federal Government
for the delivery of fire retardant by air in order to suppress
wildfires. The provision would extend the authority which currently
expires at the end of fiscal year 2000 through fiscal year 2005.
Overseas airlift service on Civil Reserve Air Fleet aircraft (sec. 376)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
41106(a) of title 49, United States Code, to bring it in line with
current Department of Defense (DOD) policy regarding the procurement of
air transportation services. This provision would require that the DOD
procure transportation from air carriers with aircraft in the Civil
Reserve Air Fleet(CRAF) for travel from a place in the United States to
a place outside the United States, and to the extent practicable,
between two locations outside the United States.
The committee understands the need to maintain a viable CRAF to
transport military personnel and equipment to a theater of operations
during conflict. Following Operation Desert Storm, the General
Accounting Office testified before Congress that the CRAF program had
saved the DOD between $50.0 billion and $90.0 billion over the 40 year
life of the program. United States air carriers commit their aircraft to
the CRAF program largely in exchange for DOD international airlift
business. DOD has little to offer these carriers in return for their
commitment except U.S. Government business.
ADDITIONAL MATTERS OF INTEREST
ARMY
Real property maintenance
The committee is concerned with the continuing growth in the backlog
of real property maintenance (RPM) throughout the Department of Defense.
The current backlog of real property maintenance exceeds several billion
dollars. This is a particular problem for our aging Army facilities. The
insufficient funding dedicated to maintaining our military
infrastructure is having a direct and negative impact on military
readiness as necessary repairs on roads, airstrips, rifle ranges, and
other training and operational facilities are continually deferred.
Furthermore, the underfunding is undermining the quality of life of our
military personnel and their families as repairs on the buildings in
which they work and live, such as barracks, are also deferred. If this
necessary maintenance continues to go unfunded, the Department will be
faced with even larger costs to repair damages caused by inclement
weather and other environmental conditions. In many cases, this deferral
of property maintenance will lead to higher costs in a few short years
when the military is already facing a ``bow wave'' of procurement to
replace its aging weapon systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $320.0 million to
the operations and maintenance accounts of the military services for the
maintenance of real property, as outlined below:
Millions
Army............ 120.0
Navy............ 180.0
National Guard... 20.0
Total...... 320.0
Excess carryover-defense working capital fund activities
Current Department of Defense policy states that three months of
carryover is the maximum amount allowable for the Defense Working
Capital Fund Business Activities for organic work. Carryover workload is
the gross unfilled orders at the end of the prior fiscal year, plus new
orders for the current fiscal year, minus work in process for the
current fiscal year. This does not include carryover for non-supply
intra and inter working capital fund orders, foreign military sales
orders, base closure orders, non-Department of Defense orders and
contract obligations. The committee is aware that several defense
working capital fund activities currently exceed the allowable carryover
under the Department of Defense policy. The budget request for fiscal
year 2001 in these activities would provide $678.4 million in funding
that could not be expended until sometime after December 31, 2001, more
than three months after the beginning of fiscal year 2002 when
additional resources would be made available.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $678.4 million in
the military service operation and maintenance accounts to reflect the
funds that cannot be expended during fiscal year 2001, and bring these
accounts within the Department's policy. These reductions are
distributed, as follows:
Millions
Army
40.5
Navy
585.7
Air Force
52.2
Foreign currency fluctuation
The committee notes the continuing strength of the American dollar in
relation to other currencies. This makes the purchase of services and
goods overseas less expensive than was originally believed when the
Department of Defense put together the fiscal year 2001 President's
budget request. Furthermore, the committee is aware that the foreign
currency fluctuation (FCF) account currently contains approximately
$639.4 million, or $319.4 million more than the historical level of
foreign currency fluctuation reserves. The committee further understands
that current exchange rates mean the Department will accumulate an
additional $290.4 million in these reserves through the operation and
maintenance (O&M) accounts during fiscal years 2000 and 2001 for a total
of $929.8 million.
The committee believes that this is more than enough to compensate
for any unforseen weakening of the dollar in relation to foreign
currencies. Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $607.8
million in the military services O&M accounts to reflect the savings
that will be realized in fiscal years 2000 and 2001, and to draw down
the FCF account to an appropriate level. These reductions are
distributed as follows:
Millions
Army 292.1
Navy 105.1
USMC 25.8
Air Force 157.6
Defense Wide 27.2
Total 607.8
Civilian personnel pay in excess of requirements
The committee notes that the Department of Defense civilian personnel
drawdown continues at a more rapid pace than expected. During the past
several years, civilian personnel levels in the Department of Defense
have been reduced faster than anticipated when the budgets for each
succeeding fiscal year were drafted. This drawdown resulted in
lower-than-budgeted civilian personnel levels, yielding savings of
several million dollars during the past few fiscal years. Analysis
performed by the General Accounting Office of the President's budget
request indicates that this under-execution will continue during fiscal
years 2000 and 2001.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction to the military
services operation and maintenance accounts to reflect the funds that
were requested for civilian personnel budgets but will not be necessary
as a result of the lower civilian personnel levels:
Millions
Army
4.6
Navy
53.8
Defense Wide
27.5
Total
81.9
Army equipment maintenance
The committee is concerned with the continuing impact that aging
equipment is having on the Army's ability to maintain its readiness.
Aging equipment and extensive deployments have led to increased work
hours as young soldiers have labored to prevent mission capable rates
from falling. The committee is aware of the shortfall in equipment
maintenance that needs to be performed in order to restore the readiness
of this equipment. The committee is also aware of the unfunded
requirement for corrosion control treatments on this equipment to slow
its rate of degradation. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase
of $10.0 million for Army corrosion control, and $5.0 million for depot
level maintenance of Army Reserve equipment.
Battlefield mobility enhancement system
The committee recommends an increase of $10.0 million for the
purchase of the battlefield mobility enhancement system, a six wheeled
vehicle used for logistical support in training and on the battlefield
by light infantry divisions.
Army aviation spares
The committee is concerned with the continuing reports of increased
cannibalization rates and decreased mission capable rates as a result of
insufficient quantities of spare parts. In testimony before the
Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and during visits to
the field, military officers have listed spare parts shortfalls amongst
their principal concerns. Furthermore, in letters to the Congress,
spares were identified as one of the leading unfunded requirements of
the service chiefs and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Therefore, the
committee recommends an increase of $40.0 million for Army aviation
spares.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $77.5 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs.
NAVY
Navy spares
The committee is concerned with the continuing reports of increased
cannibalization rates and decreased mission capable rates as a result of
insufficient quantities of spare parts. In testimony before the Senate
Armed Services Committee, and in the field, military officers have
listed spare parts shortfalls amongst their principal concerns. These
shortfalls exist for new systems, as well as older, established systems.
Furthermore, in letters to the Congress, spares were identified as one
of the leading unfunded requirements of the Chief of Naval Operations
and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Therefore, the committee
recommends an increase of $232.0 million for Navy spares including;
$82.0 million for TACAMO spares; $75.0 million for spares for other
fielded aviation systems; and $75.0 million for ship spares.
Ship depot maintenance
The budget request included $2.2 billion for ship depot maintenance.
The committee is concerned with reports of insufficient funding for ship
depot maintenance. Recent testimony of the Chief of Naval Operations
indicates that there is more than $200.0 million worth of such
maintenance that currently cannot be executed because of a lack of
funding. The committee is also concerned with reports that many private
shipyards, which are essential to maintaining a healthy domestic
maintenance capability, are being forced to downsize their operations as
a result of insufficient workloads.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $237.3 million for
ship depot maintenance, including $40.0 million for the AOE class ships,
$32.0 million for LHA maintenance, $22.0 million for berthing and
messing barge maintenance, and $143.0 million for general ship depot
maintenance. The committee recommends a further increase of $5.0 million
for depot maintenance of Navy Reserve vessels.
Oceanography
The budget request included $257.9 million for operational
meteorology and oceanography. The committee recommends an increase of
$7.0 million for the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command for
operations and collaborative oceanography programs.
Training range upgrades
As a result of insufficient funding over the past several years, much
of the infrastructure at our military training ranges is obsolete and
degrading. Training range modernization was identified in letters to the
committee as one of the leading unfunded requirements of the United
States military. Furthermore, the recent difficulties at the Navy's
training range on the island of Vieques, together with the significant
deployment of U.S. military personnel to combat environments,
demonstrates the need to pursue the development of most up-to- date and
non-intrusive training areas as soon as possible.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0 million for
Army training range upgrades and $25.0 million for Navy training range
upgrades.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $31.3 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs.
Navy information technology center
The budget request included no funding to support operation of the
Navy information technology center (ITC). The Navy recently created the
ITC organization to serve under the Navy's Program Executive Officer for
Information Technology (PEO IT). The ITC will support the PEO IT
organization and will provide officers' organization much like the naval
systems commands operate today. The Navy needs funding to span the time
between creating the organization and the time when the PEO IT and
organizations that will use the services of the ITC can align their
funding and budgets to support the ITC. The committee, therefore,
recommends and increase of $5.0 million to support ITC operations.
US Navy Call Center
The budget request included no funding for a contractor- supported
national employee benefits call center. The committee recommends an
increase of $3.0 million in Operation and Maintenance Navy to establish
a contractor-supported national employee benefits call center in Cutler,
Maine. This call center would provide a full range of benefit and
entitlement information and assistance to civilian employees of the
Department of the Navy. The call center would replace eight separate
Human Resource Services Centers now in operation.
MARINE CORPS
USMC initial issue
The committee is concerned that the budget request does not
adequately fund personal gear such as cold weather gear and body
armor. Adequate funding for this gear is essential to the
safety and comfort of our military personnel in the field. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $23.1 million in the operation
and maintenance accounts for the Marine Corps to purchase items of
individual combat clothing and equipment including ballistic plates,
outer vests, and polar fleece pullovers. This will help provide Marines
in the field with the clothing, gear, and other equipment they need to
survive and sustain themselves during combat operations.
USMC equipment maintenance
The committee is concerned with the continuing impact that aging
equipment is having on the Marine Corps ability to maintain its
readiness. Aging equipment and extensive deployments in corrosive
environments have led to increased work hours as young Marines have
labored to prevent mission capable rates from falling. The committee is
aware of the significant shortfall in depot maintenance that needs to be
performed in order to restore the readiness of this equipment. The
committee is also aware of the unfunded requirement for corrosion
control treatments on this equipment to slow its rate of degradation.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $33.1 million for
general and depot level maintenance of aging Active Marine Corps
equipment, and $5.0 million for equipment of the Marine Corps Reserves.
The committee recommends a further increase of $7.5 million for the
Marine Corps corrosion control program.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $11.9 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
programs.
AIR FORCE
Air Force base operations
The budget request included $4.6 billion for Air Force base
operations. The committee is concerned with the continued underfunding
of essential base operations. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force has
informed the committee that the Air Force has $144.7 million in base
operating requirements, including the installation of communications
networks for C 17 support that were not funded within the President's
budget request for fiscal year 2001. Insufficient funding for base
operations forces unit commanders to migrate funding from training
accounts in order to meet the day-to-day requirements of military
installations, such as sewer, electricity, and communications.
Therefore, the Committee recommends an increase of $144.7 million for
Air Force base operations.
Adjustments to Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
The budget request included $31.8 million for the Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps program. The committee recommends an increase of
$3.0 million for Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
programs.
Air Force readiness spares packages
The committee is concerned with the continuing reports of increased
cannibalization rates and decreased mission capable rates as a result of
insufficient quantities of spare parts. In testimony before the
Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and during visits to
the field, military officers have listed spare parts shortfalls amongst
their principal concerns. Finally, in letters to the Congress, spares
were identified as one of the leading unfunded requirements of the Chief
of Staff of the Air Force and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $75.0 million for Air
Force readiness spares packages.
Air Force nuclear, biological and chemical defense
The budget request included $12.4 million for Air Force nuclear,
biological, and chemical (NBC) defense readiness programs. An important
element of the Department of the Air Force Expeditionary Air Forces
(EAF) program is to ensure sustained and effective EAF operations in an
environment contaminated with nuclear, biological and/or chemical
agents. The Air Force, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve
require decontamination kits, chemical air processing systems, life
support NBC equipment, handheld biological sampling kits, individual
protective equipment and training to implement this capability.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $29.2 million for EAF
NBC defense readiness programs.
It is imperative that the budget request for the Department of
Defense (DOD) fully support requirements for the NBC defense
capabilities of each military service. Any review by the DOD to ensure
this requirement is fulfilled should be defense-wide and not limited to
one military branch. In funding this requirement, the committee intends
to provide the Air Force with the same level of NBC defense capability
as the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps.
DEFENSE-WIDE
Mobility enhancements
With the end of the Cold War and the reduction in the number of U.S.
military personnel stationed abroad, the armed forces are far more
dependent upon strategic lift and its supporting mobility
infrastructure. Unfortunately, much of this infrastructure, including
rail heads and port facilities, experienced significant degradation as a
result of insufficient funding to maintain military bases. The committee
is concerned that this degraded infrastructure will delay the deployment
of military forces to a theater of operations, and thereby increase the
risk associated with the successful execution of that operation, unless
properly repaired. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of
$50.0 million to repair and replace infrastructure associated with the
deployment of forces.
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service (MOCAS)
The budget request included $1.1 billion for the Defense Logistics
Agency. The committee recommends an increase of $1.2 million for
improvements to the Mechanization of Contract Administration Service
(MOCAS) System. The increase in funding is necessary for the development
of a query tool and enhanced shared data warehouse that will allow
contractors to view contract data that resides in the MOCAS data base.
Partnership for Peace Program (Warsaw Initiative)
The budget request included $48.4 million within the Defense Security
Cooperation Agency budget line for the Partnership for Peace (PfP)
program. The committee recommends $45.3 million for this program for
fiscal year 2001, the same amount allocated to the program by the
Department of Defense for fiscal year 2000. When this program was
initiated in fiscal year 1996 as an assistance program jointly funded by
the Departments of Defense and State, the money provided by the
Department of Defense was intended to be used to strengthen
military-to-military relationships through joint military exercises,
professional military education, and interoperability programs with the
Partnership for Peace nations. The committee is concerned that the money
provided for this program is being used increasingly for purposes and
projects that are not focused on the military- to-military goals for
which this program was intended. For example, the committee notes that
$1.0 million of the amount requested for this program is intended to be
used to pay for packing, crating, handling and transportation charges
associated with the delivery of Excess Defense Articles (EDA) to PfP
nations. The committee believes that this is an inappropriate
use of defense funds to pay for what is essentially security assistance.
Such charges, to the extent they are paid by the PfP program, should be
funded by the State Department's portion of this program. The committee
believes that the Defense Department should conduct a review of the PfP
program to ensure that it is properly focused on improving the
military-to-military relationship between the United States and the PfP
nations, and on enhancing military interoperability between NATO and the
PfP nations.
Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information Management Program
The budget request included $14.0 million for Defense Environmental
Security Information Management (DESCIM) Program. Based on concerns
related to program management and performance, the committee recommends
a decrease of $5.0 million in the DESCIM program. The $5.0 million from
DESCIM shall be used in the Environmental Security Technology
Certification Program (PE 63851D) to demonstrate/validate technology for
environmental remediation of unexploded ordnance.
Domestic preparedness center
The budget request included no funding for a domestic preparedness
center. The Congress established the Clara Barton Center for Domestic
Preparedness to contribute to providing civilians from federal, state,
and local agencies with training and expert advice regarding emergency
response to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The
center, operated by the American Red Cross, is developing the curriculum
and capability to begin training in fiscal year 2001. The committee
recommends an increase of $1.5 million for the Office of the Secretary
of Defense for WMD response training. The committee notes that on
October 1, 2000, the Department of Justice will be designated the lead
federal agency for oversight, management, funding, and execution of the
domestic preparedness program, including operations at the Clara Barton
Center for Domestic Preparedness.
Cultural and historic activities
The budget request included $300,000 for the Legacy Resource
Management Program. The committee recommends an increase of $6.1 million
for the recovery and preservation of three Civil War vessels: the H.L.
Hunley, a Civil War submarine; the U.S.S. Monitor, a Civil War ironclad
warship; and the C.S.S. Alabama, a Civil War commerce raider.
The committee strongly supports continued efforts to recover and
preserve these three sunken U.S. vessels, which have gained cultural and
historical significance based on their unique design and the
circumstances under which they were lost. All three vessels qualify for
listing on the National Register under the National Historic
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). The importance of these
vessels also stems from their identification as potential war graves. As
a matter of policy, the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Navy, on
behalf of the United States, have asserted sole ownership and survey
responsibility for submerged vessels that serve as war graves. In
addition, the activities associated with the survey, recovery, and
preservation of these vessels have provided Navy salvage divers with
essential deepwater diving experience.
The committee notes that the DOD and the Navy have a responsibility
to protect and preserve these historic vessels. As a result, these
vessels are eligible for funding under the Legacy Resource Management
Program. Moreover, it is the committee's expectation that the Navy would
continue to use these historic preservation activities as an opportunity
to secure valuable deepwater training for its salvage divers.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of the Navy in fiscal year 2001 to use the additional Legacy
funds to accomplish the following: (1) to raise the H.L. Hunley, recover
other remaining artifacts, and conduct related preservation activities;
(2) to make preparations for the turret recovery of the U.S.S. Monitor
and recover other remaining artifacts, including two cannons; and (3) to
survey and recover the artifacts of the C.S.S. Alabama, including the
aft pivot gun and the lifting screw.
The committee further directs that, not later than April 1, 2001, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that completely describes all prior and current use
of Legacy funds and relevant state funds, and the status of recovery and
preservation activities related to the H.L. Hunley, the U.S.S. Monitor,
and the C.S.S. Alabama. The report should also describe the projected
funding and date for completion of all recovery and preservation
activities.
Defense Travel System
The committee recommends a reduction of $20.0 million for the Defense
Travel System (DTS) Program delays.
The committee is becoming increasingly concerned over the delays in
the fielding of this new travel system. The modernization of the massive
military travel system will yield significant savings to the Department
of Defense as well as the government traveler. The Department spends an
estimated $3.0 billion a year on travel, and almost a third of this cost
is the processing of the paperwork. After fielding of the DTS, the
savings are expected to be more than $300.0 million a year and make trip
planning less complex for the traveler.
During fiscal year 2000, the Department used below threshold
reprogrammings to reduce the funding for the DTS by more than 22
percent. While the committee is again receiving assurances that the
program is on schedule and properly funded, the committee is concerned
that the funding for this program will be further reduced from the
budget request. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary to treat
this program as a congressional interest item under the procedures for
prior approval reprogramming.
Command information superiority architecture program
The committee has supported the Command Information Superiority
Architecture (CISA) program. This program has focused on command,
communications and intelligence architectures and is now oriented toward
command-specific communications and computer information architectures
(CCIAs). The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in
Operations and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, to support CISA's efforts in
the area of CCIAs.
GUARD AND RESERVE COMPONENTS
Air Force Reserve equipment maintenance
The budget request included $281.0 million for Air Force Reserve
depot maintenance. The committee is concerned with the continuing impact
that aging equipment and extensive deployments are having on the Air
Force Reserve's ability to maintain its readiness. Aging equipment and
extensive deployments have led to increased work hours as young airmen
have labored to prevent mission capable rates from falling. The
committee is aware of the significant shortfall in depot maintenance
that needs to be performed in order to restore the readiness of Air
Force Reserve equipment. Therefore, the committee recommends an increase
of $5.0 million for depot level maintenance of aging Active Marine Corps
equipment, and $5.0 million for equipment of Air Force Reserve aircraft.
National Guard initial issue
The committee is concerned that the budget request does not
adequately fund personal gear such as cold weather gear. Adequate
funding for this gear is essential to the safety and comfort of our
military personnel in the field. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $20.0 million for the
Extended Cold Weather Clothing System for the Army National
Guard to provide protection in combat conditions during cold and wet
weather.
Distributed mission trainer
The committee is aware of the $4.5 million unfunded requirement for a
12 year fee-for-service contract and logistics support for F 15 linked
simulators to support increased production of F 15 pilots. This will
enable linked training among advanced flight training bases. Therefore,
the committee recommends an increase of $4.5 million for this purpose.
MISCELLANEOUS
Overseas humanitarian, disaster, and civic affairs
The committee supports the humanitarian demining and emergency
humanitarian response activities of the Department of Defense (DOD).
These activities have enabled military personnel of the DOD to forge
constructive relationships with the armed forces and civilian population
of other nations, while carrying out valuable training which enhances
the military skills of our troops. However, the committee is concerned
that the Department continues to request funding for humanitarian
assistance activities in this account that do not enhance military
training, do not require military unique capabilities, and should
therefore be funded by the Department of State. These activities include
paying commercial carriers to deliver privately-donated goods to foreign
recipients and procuring food solely for humanitarian relief operations.
The committee is also concerned with increased reliance upon the DOD to
construct facilities in foreign countries that would more appropriately
be funded through the foreign aid account and constructed by local
private sector firms.
Therefore, the committee recommends $26.5 million for the
humanitarian demining program, an increase of $1.0 million above the
President's budget request. The committee further recommends $28.9
million for the humanitarian assistance program that is used by the
regional commanders-in-chief for emergency response activities. This
represents a level of funding for this program that is equal to last
year's level in real terms. However, it does not include the $1.0
million that was requested to pay commercial carriers to deliver
privately-donated goods to foreign recipients. The committee directs the
DOD to restrict its use of commercial carriers in this area to instances
where such use enhances a military activity. The committee is also
concerned with the continued reliance upon the DOD for the procurement
of humanitarian daily rations that the committee indicated in the Senate
report accompanying S. 1059 should be funded through the Department of
State.
The committee expects the Department of State in the future to fund
those activities and programs that do not require military unique
capabilities, and do not enhance the military mission. If the Department
continues to request funding for activities that are clearly foreign
assistance, rather than activities related to a military mission, the
committee will recommend legislation providing strict guidelines on what
activities can be funded through this program in the future.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, Charlestown, Rhode Island
The Charlestown Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (CNALF), Rhode Island,
is a formerly used defense site (FUDS) that was used for pilot and
aviation crew training during World War II. In 1970, CNALF was closed
and reported as excess to the General Services Administration for
disposal in 1974. By deed, dated May 22, 1981, 172.4 acres were conveyed
to the Town of Charlestown and in June 1982 an additional 55 acres was
conveyed.
The site was determined eligible for the Defense Environmental
Restoration Program (DERP) for FUDS. In 1992, the Town of Charlestown,
Rhode Island, requested the consideration of a military warehouse and
two boiler houses for demolition because of hazards that existed prior
to disposal of the site. The town previously had not wanted these
buildings to be considered for demolition. In June 1993, the Army
recommended a building demolition project for these buildings, which was
included in the fiscal year 1994 DERP-FUDS workplan, but has been
continually delayed as a result of funding constraints. The Army has now
tentatively rescheduled the CNALF building demolition activities for
fiscal year 2001.
The committee is generally concerned about the lack of adequate
funding for DERP-FUDS. Delayed action at sites like CNALF is further
reason for questions regarding the management of the FUDS Program. It is
the committee's expectation that the Secretary of the Army would ensure
better management of the FUDS program, and specifically the CNALF site.
If the site demolition workplan cannot be executed in fiscal year 2001,
then the Secretary of the Army shall, not later than January 1, 2002,
provide a report to the congressional defense committees that explains
the Army's inaction.
Commander-in-Chiefs Initiative Fund
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State (DOS)
have numerous programs and authorities to provide education and training
to military and civilian personnel associated with foreign militaries.
Combatant commanders, who are charged with peacetime engagement with
foreign militaries in their respective geographic regions, unanimously
attest to the value of foreign military education and training. During
hearings this year before the committee, three combatant commanders and
the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, praised foreign
military education and training as a very low-cost investment that
produces great results. These results are significant numbers of foreign
military officials, many of whom rise to senior leadership positions,
military and civilian, within their respective nations who were
positively exposed to American democratic values, military
professionalism, and the role of the military within a democracy. All of
these witnesses stressed that modest increases in foreign military
education and training programs would produce significant dividends in
the form of friendly, professional, military partners for the United
States.
A review of existing DOD authorities and use of available funds in
this area revealed that combatant commanders are authorized to use up to
$2.0 million of the Commander-in-Chiefs Initiative Fund (CIF) for
foreign military education and training. However, the committee is
concerned that virtually none of this authority has been used in the
past several years, despite the testimony of our senior military and
civilian leadership on the importance of such education and training.
Therefore, the committee directs that $2.0 million of the $25.0
million authorized to be appropriated for the CIF (Operations and
Maintenance, Defense Wide, BA 01, Joint Chiefs of Staff) shall be used
only for foreign military education and training.
Inventory of financial management and feeder systems
Section 1007 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000 required the Department of Defense to include an inventory of
financial management and feeder systems in its biennial Financial
Management Improvement Plan. Section 1007 requires the Secretary of
Defense to develop a detailed plan for ensuring that systems have
appropriate interfaces and internal controls.
In addition to the material required to be included in this inventory
pursuant to section 1007, the committee directs the Secretary to
identify each system listed in the inventory as critical or non-critical
and major or non-major, and provide the criteria used in making these
designations.
It is the expectation of the committee that the Chief Financial
Officer and the Chief Information Officer of the
Department will certify the accuracy and completeness of the
inventory required by section 1007. The committee directs the
Comptroller General to review the Financial Management Improvement Plan
and report any findings and recommendations to the congressional defense
committees.
Joint computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (JCALS) program
The committee is pleased with the progress that the Joint
computer-aided acquisition and logistic support (JCALS) program has made
during fiscal year 2000. JCALS is a demonstrated effective tool in the
automated technical manual area that has helped the Department of
Defense achieve its goals for cost- reduction and moving to paperless
operations. Beyond its traditional technical manual capability JCALS has
also proven to be an effective tool in addressing the paper-intensive
acquisition and procurement processes used by the military services. The
committee applauds these efforts by the Department to leverage its
significant investment in JCALS to support other initiatives in
acquisition and logistics, and would encourage even greater use of the
program in the future. The Department's ability to capitalize on
existing assets such as JCALS by making them multi-functional rather
than single purpose will pay dividends by minimizing investment in
duplicative systems development and support for the Department's
acquisition and logistics community. The committee directs the
Department to report to the congressional defense committees by March 1,
2001, on the progress made to restructure the program to expand the
functionality and use of the JCALS program beyond the technical manual
capability.
Mechanization of Contract Administration Service
The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense will not
maintain adequate funding for Mechanization of Contract Administration
Service (MOCAS) pending full replacement by the Defense Procurement
Payment System (DPPS). The DPPS has experienced system problems that
have delayed the implementation of this system. It is critical that the
Department maintain the MOCAS system until the conversion is complete.
Failure to adequately fund MOCAS will lead to unacceptable delays in the
payment of service, commercial, and payment vouchers, and force the
committee to seek further action.
National Defense Center for Environmental Excellence
In the statement of managers to accompany the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, the conferees directed the
Secretary of the Army to transfer the National Defense Center for
Environmental Excellence (NDCEE) to a new program element under the
control and oversight of the Assistant Secretary of the Army
(Installations and Environment). The conferees directed the Secretary to
take such action based on concerns related to management and focus.
The committee notes that, through a memorandum dated March 14, 2000,
the Secretary successfully accomplished the transfer and provided
specific direction regarding the environmental technology focus of
NDCEE. The committee agrees with the Secretary's direction that the
NDCEE address technologies for all environmental quality issues, to
include pollution prevention, conservation, compliance, and restoration.
It is the committees view that the NDCEE has significant potential to
serve as a national asset that will promote demonstration/validation of
innovative technologies. It is anticipated that the NDCEE efforts will
serve to reduce the total ownership costs of the Department of Defense
(DOD) weapon systems. The committee is particularly interested in an
emphasis on demonstration/validation of viable technologies that address
the complexities associated with environmental remediation of unexploded
ordnance (UXO).
Pesticide contamination at the former Fort Devens, Devens,
Massachusetts, and other closed and active military installations
In order to transfer portions of Fort Devens in 1996, the Army made a
finding of suitability to transfer (FOST) pursuant to section 120(h)(3)
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.). That finding of suitability
certified that a comprehensive assessment had been conducted to identify
sources of hazardous contaminants and to specify that all remedial
actions had been taken. The FOST was based on the environmental baseline
survey (EBS) that identified limited quantities of pesticides in
buildings used for storage of such chemicals at Fort Devens. Contrary to
the Army's FOST, environmental testing conducted on behalf of
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment) revealed a
widespread and pervasive presence of pesticides in the soils. These
undisclosed environmental conditions have jeopardized the
MassDevelopment's implementation of its reuse plan at Fort Devens.
In early 1997, MassDevelopment notified the Army of the
extraordinarily high levels of pesticide contamination that existed at
locations which the Army had not disclosed prior to the 1996 property
transfer, and demanded Army remedial action pursuant to section
120(h)(3) of CERCLA. While the Army has participated in discussions with
MassDevelopment about the undisclosed environmental conditions, the Army
has not formally responded to the MassDevelopment notice or demand. In
these discussions the Army suggested that the Army may have no liability
for the remediation of the pesticides.
The committee is very concerned about the Army's lack of
responsiveness and apparent inclination to deny remedial action
liabilities under section 120(h)(3) of CERCLA at Fort Devens. The
committee expects the Secretary of the Army to conduct cleanup of the
pesticide contamination, consistent with section 120(h)(3) and the
relevant congressional intent under CERCLA. The Secretary of Defense and
the secretaries of the military departments will comply with all
environmental legal requirements, to include ``...any remedial action
found to be necessary after the date of such transfer....'' (42 U.S.C.
9620(h)(3)).
Revised requirements for report on Defense use of smart card
as PKI authentication device carrier
The Secretary of Defense shall submit a report not later than
December 1, 2000 on the cost and feasibility of existing hard disk
storage technology or other technologies that could be used as a
Public-Private Key Infrastructure (PKI) authentication device. The
Secretary should include in this report a comparison of these
technologies on the basis of cost and performance to the Smart Card
discussed in the report required by section 374 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. This review should not delay the
Department's ongoing deployment of the Smart Card.
TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS
SUBTITLE A--ACTIVE FORCES
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize active duty
end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization 2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
Army 480,000 480,000 480,000
Navy 372,037 372,000 372,000
Marine Corps 172,518 172,600 172,600
Air Force 360,877 357,000 357,000
SUBTITLE B--RESERVE FORCES
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize Selected
Reserve end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 350,000 350,000 350,088
The Army Reserve 205,000 205,000 205,000
The Naval Reserve 90,288 88,900 88,900
The Marine Corps Reserve 39,624 39,500 39,558
The Air National Guard of the United States 106,678 108,000 108,022
The Air Force Reserve 73,708 74,300 74,300
The Coast Guard Reserve 8,000 8,000 8,500
The increase of 88 in the Army National Guard and 22 in the Air
National Guard is necessary to support five additional Weapons of Mass
Destruction-Civil Support Teams.
The increase of 58 above the request in the Marine Corps Reserve end
strength is necessary to accommodate an additional four officers and 54
enlisted Active Reserve personnel on active duty in support of the
reserves to enhance the readiness of the Marine Corps Reserve.
The increase in the Coast Guard Reserve end strength is the
continuation of the committee's efforts to restore the Coast Guard
Reserve to a robust augmentation force. An Office of Management and
Budget study has validated the requirement that the Coast Guard Reserve
strength be 12,293. The Coast Guard Reserve is to be commended for
recovering from the severe shortfall of the past several years. The
committee recommends that the appropriation for the Coast Guard Reserve
be increased from $73.6 million to $80.0 million.
End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the
reserves (sec. 412)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the full
time support end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 22,430 22,448 22,536
The Army Reserve 12,804 12,806 12,806
The Naval Reserve 15,010 14,649 14,649
The Marine Corps Reserve 2,272 2,203 2,261
The Air National Guard of the United States 11,157 11,148 11,170
The Air Force Reserve 1,134 1,278 1,278
The increase of 88 in the Army National Guard and 22 in the Air
National Guard is necessary to support five additional Weapons of Mass
Destruction-Civil Support Teams.
The recommended increase of 58 above the request in the Marine Corps
Reserve end strength will permit the Marine Corps Reserve to retain four
officers and 54 enlisted Active Reserve personnel on active duty in
support of the reserves to enhance the readiness of the Marine Corps
Reserve.
End strengths for military technicians (dual status) (sec. 413)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the minimum
level of dual status technician end strengths for fiscal year 2001, as
shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 23,125 22,357 22,357
The Army Reserve 6,474 5,249 5,249
The Air National Guard of the United States 22,247 22,221 22,221
The Air Force Reserve 9,785 9,733 9,733
Fiscal year 2001 limitation on non-dual status technicians (sec. 414)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish numerical
limits on the number of non-dual status technicians who may be employed
in the Department of Defense as of September 30, 2001, as shown below:
2000 Authorization Fiscal Year--
2001 Request 2001 Recommendation
The Army National Guard of the United States 1,180 1,600 1,600
The Army Reserve 1,295 1,195 1,195
The Air National Guard of the United States 342 326 326
The Air Force Reserve 0 0 0
Increase in number of members in certain grades authorized
to be on active duty in support of the reserves (sec. 415)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the control
grades for Active Guard Reserve personnel. The recommended control grade
increases support changes in the roles and missions of the reserve
components.
SUBTITLE C--OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO PERSONNEL STRENGTHS
Suspension of strength limitations during war or national
emergency (sec. 421)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to suspend the grade limitations for senior
enlisted personnel and senior reservists on active duty in support of
the reserve during time of war or national emergency.
Exclusion of certain reserve component members on active
duty for more than 180 days from active component end strengths (sec.
422)
The committee recommends a provision that would exempt a number,
limited to not more than two tenths of one percent of the active duty
end strength, of reserve component members on active duty performing
special work in support of the armed forces and the combatant commands
from counting against the active component end strengths. MDRV
Exclusion of Army and Air Force medical and dental officers
from limitations on strengths of reserve commissioned officers in grades
below brigadier general (sec. 423)
The committee recommends a provision that would exempt reserve
component medical and dental officers of the Army and Air Force from the
grade ceilingMDRV limits on the same basis as active component and Naval
Reserve medical and dental officers. MDRV
Authority for temporary increases in number of reserve
personnel serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty in
certain grades (sec. 424)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to temporarily increase the number of reserve
personnel serving on active duty or full-time National Guard duty in
certain grades. The recommended provision would permit the Secretary of
Defense to increase, by not more than two percent, the number of reserve
component personnel serving on active duty or full-time National Guard
duty only when the Secretary has authorized an increase in end strength
for a fiscal year. MDRV
Temporary exemption of Director of the National Security
Agency from limitations on number of Air Force officers above major
general (sec. 425)
The committee recommends a provision that would temporarily exempt
the Air Force officer serving as the Director of the National Security
Agency from the limitations on the number of Air Force officers
authorized to serve on active duty in grades above major general. The
exemption of the recommended provision would expire on September 30,
2005. MDRV
SUBTITLE DMDRV--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS MDRV
Authorization of appropriations for military personnel (sec. 431)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize a total of
$75,632,266,000 to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for
military personnel.
The budget request of $75,801,666,000 was reduced by $172,600,000 due
to adjustments in foreign currency fluctuation and military personnel
under execution. $3,200,000 was added to accommodate the recommended
increase in full-time reservists in the Army National Guard and the Air
National Guard.
TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY
SUBTITLE A--OFFICER PERSONNEL POLICY
Eligibility of Army Reserve colonels and brigadier generals
for position vacancy promotions (sec. 501)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to use a single selection board to recommend Army
Reserve colonels and brigadier generals for assignment to vacant
positions and to recommend the colonels or brigadier generals for
promotion to brigadier general or major general.
Promotion Zones for Coast Guard Reserve Officers (sec. 502)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Transportation the same flexibility as secretaries of the
military departments to establish promotion zones for the Coast Guard
Reserve based on service need.
Time for release of officer promotion selection board
reports (sec. 503)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to make public the names of officers recommended
for promotion by a selection board prior to approval of the board by the
President. The recommended provision would permit reserve component
promotion board results to be made public in a more timely manner and in
a manner consistent with that used for active component promotion board
results.
Clarification of authority for posthumous commissions and
warrants (sec. 504)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the existing
statute concerning the authority for posthumous promotion to include an
officer who had been selected for promotion but died before the service
secretary approved the recommendation of the selection board.
Inapplicability of active-duty list promotion, separation,
and involuntary retirement authorities to reserve general and flag
officers serving in certain positions designated by the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff (sec. 505)
The committee recommends a provision that would exclude reserve
component general and flag officers in certain joint duty assignments
from the active duty list for promotion purposes. These reserve
component general and flag officers would be considered for promotion on
the active-status list of their reserve component.
Review of actions of selection boards (sec. 506)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary concerned to correct a person's military records in accordance
with a recommendation made by a special board. The remedy may be
restoration to active duty or status, if the person was separated,
retired, or transferred to the retired or inactive reserve as the result
of a recommendation made by a selection board; or the person may elect
to receive back pay and allowances in lieu of restoration. If a special
board does not recommend the correction, the action of the original
selection board shall be considered as final. The secretaries concerned
are to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision, which may
include the circumstances under which consideration by a special board
requires an application by the person, and applicable time limits. All
such regulations are to be subject to the approval of the Secretary of
Defense.
A person challenging the action or recommendation of a selection
board, or a secretary's action thereon, is not entitled to relief in any
judicial proceeding unless the matter has first been considered by a
special board or a secretary has denied such consideration. A court
reviewing a special board's action or recommendation or the action of a
secretary thereon may hold it unlawful only on the basis that it did not
comply with applicable procedures, or was contrary to law. If the review
is of a secretary's denial of special board consideration, the bases are
the same, with the addition of the arbitrary and capricious standard.
The remedies provided under this provision are exclusive. This provision
does not limit the jurisdiction of any federal court to determine the
validity of any relevant statute, regulation, or policy, but the
remedies set out herein are to be the exclusive remedies for any person
challenging the action of a selection board on the basis of any
invalidity. These provisions also do not limit the secretaries'
authority to correct military records through boards for correction of
such records under section 1552 of title 10, United States Code. A
special board may include a board for correction of military or naval
records, if designated by the secretary concerned. For these purposes, a
``selection board'' includes boards for continuation on active duty, or
selective early retirement, but does not include promotion selection
boards. Similarly, the term ``special board'' does not include a
promotion special selection board.
The provision would also amend section 628 of title 10, United States
Code, the statute dealing with promotion special selection boards, to
require exhaustion of a person's remedies before a special selection
board (or the Secretary of Defense's rejection of the claim without
consideration by such a board). No official or court of the United
States may grant any relief on a promotion claim until the officer or
former officer has been selected for promotion by a promotion special
selection board and the board's report has been approved by the
President. A court may review a secretary's determination not to convene
a special selection board. If the determination is found to be
arbitrary, capricious, not based on substantial evidence, or contrary to
law, the secretary concerned shall convene such a board. Similarly, a
court may review the recommendation of a special selection board and, if
it finds that the recommendation was contrary to law or involved
material error, the secretary must provide for reconsideration of the
officer or former officer by another special selection board. The
provision has additional requirements on exclusivity and remedies
similar to those provided for on continuation and special early
retirement boards referred to above. As in the earlier provision,
nothing herein would limit the authority of correction boards under
section 1552 of title 10, United States Code.
The provision would take effect on the date of enactment of this Act
and would apply to all proceedings pending on or after that date, but
would not apply with respect to any action commenced in a court of the
United States before the date of enactment.
Extension to all Air Force biomedical sciences officers of
authority to retain until specified age (sec. 507)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Air Force to retain, with the officer's consent,
biomedical sciences officers. The recommended provision would provide
the Secretary of the Air Force with the same authority to retain
biomedical sciences officers as currently used by the Secretary of the
Army and the Secretary of the Navy.
Termination of application requirement for consideration of
officers for continuation on the Reserve Active-Status List (sec. 508)
The committee recommends a provision that would terminate the
requirement that a reserve officer apply for continuation on the Reserve
Active-Status List. The recommended provision would permit the secretary
of a military department to offer continuation on the Reserve
Active-Status List to an officer who was recommended for continuation by
a board without requiring the officer to apply for such consideration.
The officer would retain the option to accept or decline such an offer.
Technical corrections relating to retired grade of reserve
commissioned officers (sec. 509)
The committee recommends a provision that would eliminate conflicting
provisions regarding the time-in-grade requirement to retire at the
current grade held by a reserve component officer. The recommended
provision would apply to reserve commissioned officers promoted as a
result of a selection board recommendation after October 1, 1996, the
effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act.
Grade of chiefs of reserve components and directors of
National Guard components (sec. 510)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
secretaries of the military departments to, within 90 days of enactment
of this Act, increase the grade of the Chief of Army Reserve, Chief of
Naval Reserve, Chief of Air Force Reserve, Director of the Army National
Guard, and the Director of the Air National Guard to lieutenant general
or, in the case of the Navy, vice admiral. The recommended provision
would permit the Secretary of the Navy to increase the grade of the
Chief of Marine Corps Reserve to lieutenant general.
SUBTITLE B--JOINT OFFICER MANAGEMENT
Joint officer management (sec. 521 528)
The committee recommends a series of provisions that would streamline
the designation and management of joint speciality officers. The
recommended provisions would simplify the requirements to be designated
as a joint speciality officer, would require that Joint Professional
Military Training be conducted in residence, would establish the
promotion objectives for joint speciality officers as a group to be
equal to or greater than the rate for officers of the same armed force
in the same grade and competitive category serving on the headquarters
staff of that armed force, would establish the minimum tour length to
qualify for a joint tour, and would modify the required contents of the
annual report to comply with the simplified management requirements.
SUBTITLE C--EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Eligibility of children of reserves for Presidential
appointment to service academies (sec. 541)
The committee recommends a provision that would make the children of
members of reserve components and retired or retirement-eligible
reservists eligible for presidential appointments to the service
academies on the same basis as children of active duty or retired active
duty personnel.
Selection of foreign students to receive instruction at
service academies (sec. 542)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
secretaries of the military departments to give priority consideration
to foreign students applying for admission to the service academies who
have a national service obligation upon graduation from the academy.
Repeal of contingent funding increase for Junior Reserve
Officers Training Corps (sec. 543)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the
requirement that any amount in excess of $62,500,000 appropriated for
the National Guard Youth Challenge Program be made available for the
Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Revision of authority for Marine Corps platoon leader class
tuition assistance program (sec. 544)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize members of
the Marine Corps platoon leader class to continue to receive tuition
assistance while in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Currently,
participants in the Marine Corps platoon leader class lose their
eligibility to use the tuition assistance program once they are
commissioned.
SUBTITLE D--MATTERS RELATING TO RECRUITING
Army recruiting pilot programs (sec. 551)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to carry out three distinct pilot programs to assess the
effectiveness for creating enhanced opportunities for recruiters and to
improve the effectiveness of Army recruiting programs. The recommended
provision would require the pilot programs to be carried out during a
period beginning on
October 1, 2000 and ending on December 31, 2005. The Secretary
of the Army would be required to submit, not later than February 1,
2006, a separate report that would assess the value of each of the pilot
programs and make recommendations for permanent authority to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
Enhancement of the joint and service recruitment market
research and advertising programs (sec. 552)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to take the necessary actions to enhance joint and service
recruiting and advertising programs through an aggressive market
research program and would waive certain requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act to enhance the flexibility of the Secretary of Defense and
the military services to react to changes in the recruiting market.
Access to secondary schools for military recruiting purposes (sec. 553)
The committee recommends a provision that would, effective July 1,
2002, require local educational agencies to provide military recruiters
access to secondary schools on the same basis as colleges, universities,
and private sector employers, unless the governing body of the local
educational agency acts by majority vote to deny access to military
recruiters. The recommended provision would also establish a process to
ensure that secondary schools provide military recruiters access to the
campus, directories, and student lists on the same basis as that
afforded colleges, universities, and private sector employers. The
recommended provision would require the relevant military service to
send a senior official to meet with the local educational agency within
120 days of a military recruiter being denied access. If the secondary
school continues to deny access to military recruiters the Secretary of
Defense shall, within 60 days, communicate with the governor of the
state requesting assistance in restoring access for military recruiters.
A copy of this correspondence shall be provided to the Secretary of
Education. If one year after the date of the transmittal of the letter
from the Secretary of Defense the local educational agency continues to
deny access to at least two of the armed forces, the Secretary of
Defense shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives, and the members of the House of
Representatives and the Senate who represent the district or districts
in which the local educational agency operates.
Today, more than 600 high schools deny access to military recruiters
from three or more services. Thousands of high schools deny access to
military recruiters of at least one service. The Department of Defense,
the military services, and the Department of Education have not
aggressively pursued restoration of access to these high schools despite
the requests of the military recruiters. The recommended provision would
establish a process through which the military services, the Department
of Defense, the Department of Education, the governors, and the local
educational agencies would work together to establish local procedures
and practices that would permit military recruiters the same access to
high school students as colleges and universities. The committee
believes that every high school student deserves the opportunity to
learn of the opportunities of military service just as they learn of the
opportunities associate with college or private sector employment.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to report, not later
than March 1, 2001, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate
and the House of Representatives outlining his plan to eliminate the
backlog of high schools that currently deny access to military
recruiters. The required report shall include specific milestones for
each service.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Authority for award of Medal of Honor to certain specified
persons (sec. 561)
The committee recommends a provision that would waive the statutory
time limits and authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to
Ed W. Freeman of Boise, Idaho for valor during the Vietnam Conflict; to
James K. Okubo of Detroit, Michigan for valor during World War II; and
to Andrew J. Smith of Massachusetts for valor during the Civil War.
Waiver of time limitations for award of certain decorations
to certain persons (sec. 562)
The committee recommends a provision that would waive the statutory
time limits for award of military decorations to certain individuals who
have been recommended by the service secretaries for these awards.
Ineligibility for involuntary separation pay upon
declination of selection for continuation on active duty (sec. 563)
The committee recommends a provision that would make an officer, who
has twice failed selection for promotion to the next higher grade, and
who was offered the opportunity to continue on active duty, and who
declines this offer, ineligible to receive involuntary separation pay.
Recognition by states of military testamentary instruments (sec. 564)
The committee recommends a provision that would exempt a military
testamentary instrument from any requirement of form, formality, or
recording before probate under the laws of a state; and would provide
that such an instrument has the same legal effect as a testamentary
instrument prepared and executed in accordance with the laws of the
state in which it is presented for probate. A ``military testamentary
instrument'' is one prepared with testamentary intent in accordance with
regulations prescribed under this provision by a person eligible for
military legal assistance, which makes a disposition of that person's
property, and takes effect upon his death. An instrument is a valid
military testamentary instrument only if: it is executed by the testator
(or in his presence, by his direction, and on his behalf); it is
executed in the presence of a military legal assistance counsel, whether
a judge advocate or a civilian attorney; it is executed in the presence
of at least two disinterested witnesses; and it is executed in
accordance with any additional requirements as may be provided by
regulation. In addition, a military testamentary instrument may be
regarded as self-proving with respect to the genuiness of the signature,
the testator's status and title, and compliance with applicable
regulations if certain prescribed additional formalities are complied
with.
Sense of Congress on the court-martial conviction of Captain
Charles Butler McVay, Commander of the USS Indianapolis, and the
courageous service of its crew (sec. 565)
The committee recommends a provision that would express a sense of
Congress that, on the basis of facts presented in a public hearing
conducted by the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate on September
14, 1999, the American people should now recognize Captain McVay's lack
of culpability for the loss of the USS Indianapolis and the lives of the
men who died as a result of the sinking and that Captain McVay's
military record now reflect that he is exonerated for the loss of the
ship and its crew; and that Congress strongly encourages the Secretary
of the Navy to award a Navy Unit Commendation to the USS Indianapolis
and its final crew.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Automated in- and out-processing of military personnel
The committee is aware that Fort McPherson, Georgia, a U.S. Army
installation, is conducting a pilot program using standard
commercial-off-the-shelf software products to implement an electronic
one-stop in/out-processing system. The committee believes that any
effort that reduces the personnel time lost to in/out-processing and
streamlines these processes while improving efficiency is a positive
initiative that should be considered for expanded use. The committee
urges the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force to
review the pilot program at Fort McPherson, Georgia, and consider
conducting a similar pilot program at several bases. The committee
believes that such an electronic one-stop in/out-processing concept
would work very well at any installation, especially at an installation
that is using smart cards in other base support activities. The
committee also urges the secretaries of the military departments to
consider expanding the concept of electronic one-stop in/out- processing
to civilian employees.
Funeral honors for members of the uniformed services
Section 578 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that, upon request, a
funeral honors detail be provided for the funeral of any veteran. For
the purposes of this provision, the term veteran was defined to include
a decedent who served in the active military, naval, or air service. The
committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, and the Secretary of Commerce, to convene a conference, not
later than December 31, 2000, to assess the desirability and feasibility
of expanding eligibility for a funeral honors detail to former members
of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The committee
further directs the Secretary of Defense to report the findings and
recommendations resulting from the conference to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than
March 1, 2001.
Information related to alternatives to the Survivor Benefit Plan
The committee recognizes that the Department of Defense has
consistently and commendably administered, through the military
departments, mandatory Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) for military
members prior to separation. Among the mandatory briefing subjects
during these pre-retirement programs is a session on the Survivor
Benefit Plan (SBP). The committee notes that, today, military members
are retiring at younger ages and with an increased actuarial longevity
in their retirement years. This fact should have a substantial positive
impact on the financial condition of the funds supporting SBP. The
committee also notes that, many times, during the required TAP seminars,
alternatives to the SBP are excluded from presentation or exposure even
though many in the retiring population might benefit from considering
alternatives to SBP during pre- retirement processing. The committee
directs the Secretary of Defense to provide, not later than January 30,
2001, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives, a description of the TAP program and its content by
service, including a description of the methods of exposure, if any, to
information on to SBP; the number of retirees by pay grade for the last
three years; and the number of individuals in the same categories with
full participation in SBP (55 percent), those who elected a reduced SBP
between 35 and 55 percent, those who elected a reduced SBP below 35
percent, and those who declined SBP.
Prevention of alcohol-related incidents
The committee is aware of the potential for reducing the incidence of
alcohol-related automobile accidents and incidents of misconduct through
the use of portable one-step, saliva-based test strips that provide an
immediate estimate of blood alcohol concentration. The committee directs
the secretaries of the military departments to examine how and if the
use of personal, one-step, blood-alcohol concentration tests might
enhance ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of drunk driving and
alcohol- related misconduct on military bases and installations.
Study on the use of peyote by military personnel
The committee is aware that current Department of Defense policy
permits, as an accommodation of a religious practice, service members
who are Indian Tribe members to use peyote, a hallucinogenic drug,
providing it is not used on a military installation and is used at least
24 hours prior to any scheduled duty. Although the committee supports
reasonable accommodation of religious practices of military personnel,
the committee is also concerned that the Department of Defense has not
conducted a comprehensive study of the impact the use of peyote may have
on the long-term health of military personnel and on military safety and
readiness. To ensure that these concerns are addressed, the committee
directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study, in coordination
with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, on the real and potential
hazards related to peyote use. The Secretary of Defense shall report the
findings of the study and any recommendations to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives prior to
finalizing the Department of Defense directive regarding accommodation
of religious practices within the Department.
TITLE VI-COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS
SUBTITLE A-PAY AND ALLOWANCES
Increase in basic pay for Fiscal Year 2001 (sec. 601)
The committee recommends a provision that would waive section 1009 of
title 37, United States Code, and increase the rates of basic pay for
members of the uniformed services by 3.7 percent. This increase would be
effective January 1, 2001.
Corrections for basic pay tables (sec. 602)
The committee recommends a provision that would make several
technical corrections to the basic pay tables for the uniformed
services. The recommended provision would change the pay table as it
pertains to monthly basic pay for members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and the Commandant of the Coast Guard from $12,441.00 to $12,488.70.
Since the pay of these officers is capped under other provisions of law,
there will be no change in the pay these officers receive. The
recommended provision would also change the monthly basic pay for
members serving as Sergeant Major of the Army, Master Chief Petty Office
of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of
the Marine Corps, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard from
$4,701.00 to $4,719.00. The recommended changes would be effective July
1, 2000.
Pay in lieu of allowance for funeral honors duty (sec. 603)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay a reserve component member who
performs funeral honors duty using either the stipend authorized in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 or one day of
basic pay, as if the funeral honor duty was a unit training assembly.
Clarification of service excluded in computation of
creditable service as a Marine Corps officer (sec. 604)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify that the
limitation on creditable service computation as a result of accepting
tuition assistance applies only to service as an enlisted member and not
as a commissioned officer.
Calculation of Basic Allowance for Housing (sec. 605)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to prescribe the Basic Allowance for Housing based
on the cost of adequate housing for civilians of comparable income
levels in the area at rates that would reduce or eliminate the member's
out-of-pocket expenses. The recommended provision would eliminate the
current requirement that 15 percent of the estimated housing expenses
for military personnel be paid by the service member.
Eligibility of members in grade E 4 to receive basic
allowance for housing while on sea duty (sec. 606)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the payment
of the basic allowance for housing to members serving in the grade of E
4, without dependents, who are assigned to sea duty in ships. The
recommended provision would authorize the Secretary of the Navy to
permit an E 4 assigned to a ship to live off-base and receive the basic
allowance for housing while that ship is in port.
Personal money allowance for the senior enlisted members of
the armed forces (sec. 607)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize payment of
a personal money allowance of $2,000 per year to the Sergeant Major of
the Army, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, the Chief Master
Sergeant of the Air Force, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and
the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. The personal money
allowance is intended to defray expenses incurred in connection with
official duties not reimbursable through the use of Official
Representation Funds. The Personal Money Allowance is currently
authorized for certain senior officers.
Increased uniform allowances for officers (sec. 608)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the initial
uniform allowance for officers from $200 to $400 and the additional
uniform allowance for officers from $100 to $200.
Cabinet-level authority to prescribe requirements and
allowance for clothing of enlisted members (sec. 609)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Transportation with respect
to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service of the Navy, to
prescribe the clothing to be furnished annually to enlisted members and
to establish the amount of the cash allowance paid when the prescribed
clothing is not provided.
SUBTITLE B--BONUSES AND SPECIAL INCENTIVE PAYS
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for
reserve forces (sec. 611)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, until
December 1, 2001, the authority to pay the special pay for critically
short wartime health care specialists in the Selected Reserve, the
Selected Reserve reenlistment bonuses, the Selected Reserve enlistment
bonuses, the special pay for enlisted members assigned to certain high
priority units in the Selected Reserve, the Selected Reserve affiliation
bonus, the Ready Reserve enlistment and reenlistment bonus, the
repayment of education loans for certain health professionals who serve
in the Selected Reserve, and the prior service enlistment bonus.
Extension of certain bonuses and special pay authorities for
nurse officer candidates, registered nurses, and nurse anesthetists
(sec. 612)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, until
December 1, 2001, the authority to pay certain bonuses and a special pay
for nurse officer candidates, registered nurses, and nurse anesthetists.
Extension of authorities relating to payment of other
bonuses and special pays (sec. 613)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, until
December 1, 2001, the authority to pay the aviation officer retention
bonus, the reenlistment bonus for active members, the enlistment bonuses
for critical skills, the Army enlistment bonus, the special pay for
nuclear qualified officers who extend the period of active service, the
nuclear career accession bonus and the nuclear career annual incentive
bonus.
Consistency of authorities for special pay for reserve
medical and dental officers (sec. 614)
The committee recommends a provision that would make the amount of
special pays for reserve medical and dental officers consistent.
Currently, reserve component medical officers and reserve component
dental officers receive disparate pays for similar qualifications and
periods of service.
Special pay for physician assistants of the Coast Guard (sec. 615)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the payment
of a special pay to Coast Guard physician assistants on the same basis
as non-physician health care providers in the military services.
Authorization of special pay and accession bonus for
pharmacy officers (sec. 616)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department or, in the case of the Public Health
Service Corps, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to pay a
special pay and an accession bonus for pharmacy officers. The
recommended provision would provide the military departments and the
Public Health Service additional incentives to recruit and retain
trained pharmacy officers.
Corrections of references to Air Force veterinarians (sec. 617)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify that the
special pay for board certified veterinarians in the armed forces and
the Public Health Service includes Air Force biomedical sciences
officers who hold a degree in veterinary medicine.
Entitlement of active duty officers of the Public Health
Service Corps to special pays and bonuses of health professional
officers of the armed forces (sec. 618)
The committee recommends a provision that would make the special pays
and bonuses for active duty officers of the Public Health Service Corps
equal to those of health professional officers of the armed forces. The
recommended provision would eliminate inequities in the special pays and
bonuses paid to health professionals of the uniformed services.
Career sea pay (sec. 619)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to establish the rates of career sea
pay up to a limit of $750 per month and would increase the maximum
career sea pay premium pay from $100 per month to $350 per month for
consecutive or cumulative duty at sea.
Increased maximum rate of special duty pay assignment pay (sec. 620)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the limit on
special duty assignment pay from $275 per month to $600 per month. The
secretary of a military department would retain the flexibility to
establish the rate of special duty assignment pay within the maximum
limit to meet the needs of the service. For those assignments common to
all services, such as recruiters, the Secretary of Defense would ensure
that the rate of the special duty assignment pay is consistent among the
services.
Expansion of applicability of authority for critical skills
enlistment bonus to include all armed forces (sec. 621)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, to all the
services, the authority, now available only to the Army, to offer a
bonus for enlistment for a period of two years in a critical skill.
SUBTITLE C--TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCES
Advance payments for temporary lodging of members and
dependents (sec. 631)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay the temporary lodging
allowance in advance of the incurrence of the expenses. Currently,
payment of the temporary lodging allowance must be paid after a service
member pays the bills and files a claim. The recommended provision would
also require the Secretary of a military department to consider all
elements of the cost of living to service members and their families,
including the cost of housing, subsistence and necessary incidental
expenses, when determining the per diem allowance for a member on duty
outside the Continental United States in a travel status.
Incentive for shipping and storing household goods in less
than average weights (sec. 632)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay a service member a share of
the amount of savings resulting from the service member shipping or
storing a lower household good or baggage weight than the average weight
shipped or stored by members of the same grade and dependent status.
Expansion of funded student travel (sec. 633)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize unmarried
military dependents, under the age of 23 and enrolled in an accredited,
full-time graduate degree program or an accredited vocational technical
educational program in the Continental United States, one funded round
trip per year to the sponsor's overseas duty location. Currently, only
dependents in secondary or undergraduate educational programs are
entitled to this funded travel.
Benefits for members not transporting personal motor
vehicles overseas (sec. 634)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to pay a service member a share of
the savings that accrue when an authorized member elects not to ship
their personal vehicle overseas at government expense. The recommended
provision would also limit the amount payable to store a personal
vehicle in lieu of the authorized shipment of the vehicle to an amount
equal to the cost that would have been incurred by shipping the vehicle
overseas and back.
SUBTITLE D--RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Exception to high 36 month retired pay computation for
members retired following a disciplinary reduction in grade (sec. 641)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
computation of retired pay for military personnel who retire following a
reduction in grade be based on the basic pay of the grade held at the
time of retirement rather than the average of the highest three years of
basic pay. The recommended provision would correct a situation in which
a service member who is reduced in grade as a result of a disciplinary
action and subsequently retires would have his or her retired pay
computed based on the average of the highest three years of basic pay,
effectively circumventing the intention of the reduction-in-grade.
Automatic participation in Reserve Component Survivor
Benefit Plan unless declined with spouses' consent (sec. 642)
The committee recommends a provision that would require reserve
component personnel notified of eligibility for retired pay upon
reaching 60 years of age to make an election regarding coverage under
the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan. The recommended provision
would require spousal consent if the member makes an election to decline
or to provide less than the full, immediate annuity for the spouse.
Currently, the reserve
component member may decline coverage or elect less than full
participation without the spouse's knowledge or consent. The recommended
provision would treat spouses of reserve component members in the same
manner as spouses of active component members.
Participation in thrift savings plan (sec. 643)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 663 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to establish
the effective date for offering the Thrift Savings Plan to active and
reserve military personnel, effective not later than 180 days from the
enactment of this Act. The recommended provision would also eliminate
the requirement for the President to identify mandatory spending offsets
that are currently provided in the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget
for Fiscal Year 2001.
Retirement from active reserve service after regular
retirement (sec. 644)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit a retired
active component service member who later serves, and is promoted in an
active reserve position, to retire as a member of the retired reserve at
the higher grade. The recommended provision would permit such
individuals to retire as a member of the retired reserve. Promotion in
the reserves is currently authorized by sections 1370, 1406(b)(2) and
12771 of title 10, United States Code.
Same treatment for federal judges as for other federal
officials regarding payment of military retired pay (sec. 645)
The committee recommends a provision that would make a technical
correction to ensure that Article III federal judges are treated the
same as other federal officials with regard to reduction in military
retired pay. Section 651 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 eliminated the reduction in military retired pay for
retired uniformed services personnel who are civilian employees of the
federal government. The recommended provision makes a technical
correction eliminating this reduction of retired pay for retired
uniformed services personnel who are employed in certain judicial
positions.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Reimbursement of recruiting and ROTC personnel for parking
expenses (sec. 651)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretary of a military department to reimburse military recruiters,
Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadre members, and Military
Entrance Processing Command members for parking expenses incurred in the
performance of their duties.
Extension of deadline for filing claims associated with
capture and internment of certain persons by North Vietnam (sec. 652)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit the Secretary
of Defense to pay claims to a person, or the survivor of a person, who
demonstrates that he or she served as a Vietnamese operative pursuant to
OPLAN 34A or OPLAN 35, was captured, remained in captivity after 1973,
has not received any payment for the period spent in captivity, and
whose original claim was received after the deadline for submitting
claims, if the Secretary considers it necessary to prevent an injustice.
The committee is aware of four claims that would qualify under the
recommended provision. Payment of the additional claims would be made
from within the original appropriations for this program.
Settlement of claims for payments for unused accrued leave
and for retired pay (sec. 653)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to settle claims for payments for unused accrued
leave and to waive time limitations for filing claims for payments for
unused accrued leave and for retired pay. The committee encourages
liberal use of this authority to ensure that otherwise valid claims of
service members and former service members are not denied solely because
the claim was not filed within the time required.
Eligibility of certain members of the Individual Ready
Reserve for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (sec. 654)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize volunteers
for assignment to a category in the Individual Ready Reserve that is
subject to involuntary recall to active duty to participate in the
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program.
Authority to pay gratuity to certain veterans of Bataan and
Corregidor (sec. 655)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a $20,000 gratuity to a veteran or
surviving spouse of a veteran who served at Bataan or Corregidor, was
captured and held as a prisoner of war, and was required to perform
slave labor by the Japanese.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Adjustments to the Basic Allowance for Housing
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for uniformed services
personnel are determined by the Secretary of Defense based on the
monthly cost of adequate housing for civilians of comparable income
levels in the area in which the service member is assigned. Section 403
of title 37, United States Code, includes a protection against
reductions in the BAH as long as the member retains uninterrupted
eligibility to receive BAH. The committee is aware of cases in which the
BAH for service members who have made a no-cost permanent change of
station move and who remain in the same quarters they occupied during
their previous assignment has been reduced. The committee believes that
implementation of the statutory provisions, as interpreted in the Joint
Federal Travel Regulations, is flawed. The committee did not intend that
service members would be adversely affected by a no-cost permanent
change of station move in which the original quarters continue to be
occupied. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to review the
statute and the Joint Federal Travel Regulations, and to make such
changes as may be necessary to ensure that service members who make
no-cost moves are not adversely impacted by a reduction in BAH. The
committee believes these changes should be retroactive, effective as of
the date of the BAH legislation.
TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE
SUBTITLE A--SENIOR HEALTH CARE
Extension of TRICARE senior supplement demonstration program (sec. 701)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the TRICARE
senior supplement demonstration program providing health care delivery
to the over 64 Medicare eligible population. Congress authorized
implementation of several demonstration programs (Medicare Subvention,
the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, a Medicare insurance
supplement or ``medi-gap'' type policy, and pharmacy pilot programs).
One of these programs is due to expire this year, some have just
started, and others are due to start later this year. The recommended
provision would extend the TRICARE senior supplement program to allow
for continuity of care through calendar year 2005, and to allow the
Department of Defense and the Congress time to evaluate and determine
the most appropriate long-term health care solutions for these
beneficiaries.
TRICARE senior prime demonstration program (sec. 702)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize expansion
of the TRICARE Senior Prime, or ``Medicare Subvention'' program to major
medical centers of the Department of Defense and extend the program
through calendar year 2005. While the Medicare subvention demonstration
program has provided limited data upon which to base evaluation and
expansion decisions, it appears clear that the most productive expansion
sites are those with the more extensive capabilities of major medical
centers. Teaching programs conducted at the medical centers require a
more extensive case-load and beneficiary population to support medical
educational programs and readiness training requirements.
Although data is still limited, the committee believes that the
reimbursement methodology agreed to by the Department of Defense and the
Health Care Financing Administration may need modification. Therefore,
the committee directs the Department of Defense to engage in
consultation with the Health Care Financing Administration to determine
what modifications need to be addressed, both in terms of data
collection and reimbursement methods, to facilitate expansion of the
program.
Extension and expansion of demonstration project for
participation of uniformed services personnel in the Federal Employee
Health Benefit program (sec. 703)
The committee recommends a provision that would remove the limitation
on the number of sites covered by the demonstration program allowing
participation of Medicare-eligible military beneficiaries and their
family members in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The
recommended provision would extend the program through calendar year
2005 to allow for continuity in the provision of care for beneficiaries
while the Department of Defense and the Congress analyze approaches to
meeting the health care needs of the Medicare-eligible military retiree
population.
Implementation of redesigned pharmacy system (sec. 704)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Department
of Defense to reduce the enrollment fee and consider using deductibles
for the pharmacy pilot program authorized in the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999. The Department of Defense has
been slow to implement this pilot program and there is considerable
concern among the beneficiary population over the high cost of
participation. The committee believes that the use of deductibles, which
apply only when a benefit is utilized, are a more prudent management
tool.
SUBTITLE B--TRICARE PROGRAM
Additional beneficiaries under TRICARE prime remote program
in CONUS (sec. 711)
The committee recommends a provision that would expand TRICARE prime
remote to the uniformed services and to family members of active duty
personnel who qualify for TRICARE prime remote. The committee recognizes
the importance of providing a uniform and equitable medical benefit to
all military members and their families, without regard to where they
happen to be stationed in the United States.
Elimination of copayments for immediate family (sec. 712)
The committee recommends a provision that would eliminate copayments
for those immediate family members of active duty service members
enrolled in TRICARE Prime who receive care from a source that currently
requires copayment.
Improvement in business practices in the administration of
the TRICARE program (sec. 713)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to complete implementation of improved
health care business practices no later than October 1, 2001.
Previous legislation directed the Secretary of Defense to make
improvements in providing access to beneficiaries, scheduling
appointments, simplifying and making more efficient claims processing
and payment systems, and ensuring portability and national enrollment.
These improvements have not been fully implemented in a timely manner.
The committee directs the Secretary to ensure the systemic changes
necessary to achieve improved business practices and increased
beneficiary and provider satisfaction are implemented no later than
October 1, 2001.
SUBTITLE C--JOINT INITIATIVES WITH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Tracking patient safety in military and veterans health care
systems (sec. 721)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct enhanced
cooperation between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans
Affairs in the area of patient safety. The two Departments are currently
collaborating on a number of joint initiatives, including common
information systems and patient safety initiatives. This provision
directs the two agencies to work to develop a common set of patient
safety indicators and to provide for centralized tracking of those
indicators.
Pharmaceutical identification technology (sec. 722)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly develop a
plan to bar code pills and to explore a bar code capability for the mail
order pharmacy program. Joint initiatives and the commonality they
produce can provide opportunities to greatly enhance patient safety.
Medical informatics (sec. 723)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to include two additional sections in the medical informatics
report required by section 723(d)(5) of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. The recommended provision
includes a requirement to report on the progress or growth in medical
informatics and how the TRICARE program and the Department of Veterans
Affairs health care system can use medical information technology to
raise standards of treatment. The provision also directs that, from
within the resources of the Defense Health Program, $64.0 million be
expended on a computerized patient record system, and $9.0 million be
expended on an integrated pharmacy system in fiscal year 2001.
SUBTITLE D--OTHER MATTERS
Permanent authority for certain pharmaceutical benefits (sec. 731)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize a specific
pharmacy benefit for eligible beneficiaries of the military health care
system, including those eligible for Medicare. The recommended provision
would authorize a national mail order program and a retail pharmacy
network. The recommended provision would not require an enrollment fee
nor an annual deductible for the mail order program. Drugs obtained
through the retail network would require beneficiary cost shares of 20
percent and government coverage of 80 percent. The recommended provision
would phase out the current base realignment and closure pharmacy
benefit now in effect, in recognition of implementation of the
recommended program.
The committee believes that meeting the pharmaceutical needs of our
older retirees is a major step in meeting the commitment to ensure
access to health care for those who have made military service a career.
This is the first time the age 65 and over military retiree population
will have a legal entitlement to health care benefits. The recommended
provision would provide a uniform benefit for all military beneficiaries
and would meet the major unmet healthcare need of older retirees, access
to a pharmacy benefit.
Provision of domiciliary and custodial care for CHAMPUS
beneficiaries (sec. 732)
The committee recommends a provision that would cap the Department of
Defense domiciliary and custodial care program costs at $100.0 million
per year. The committee understands that the current programmatic
estimates are significantly less and expects the Secretary of Defense to
move quickly to implement a case management program to address the needs
of those with chronic conditions. The recommended provision would also
grandfather those that participated in the Department of Defense's home
health care demonstration and allow their continued participation in the
case management program, without regard to age.
Medical and dental care for medal of honor recipients and
their dependents (sec. 733)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend lifetime
medical and dental care, to be provided by the Department of Defense, to
medal of honor recipients and their dependents. The committee recognizes
the significant contributions of these current and former service
members and their families, and would extend complete legal entitlement
for these beneficiaries.
School-required physical examinations for certain minor
dependents (sec. 734)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to provide eligible dependents a physical examination when
such an examination is required by a school in connection with the
enrollment in that school. Eligible dependents are between the ages of 5
and 12 years of age. The proposed provision would recognize school
requirements for such physicals and, consistent with other provisions in
this bill, would require no copayment for TRICARE Prime enrollees.
Enrollees in TRICARE options other than Prime would pay appropriate cost
shares. The committee expects, to the extent possible, that primary care
managers would utilize the results of school physicals to accommodate
other requirements for health assessments for school age children, such
as sports physical requirements.
Two-year extension of dental and medical benefits for
surviving dependents of certain deceased members (sec. 735)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the medical
and dental benefits for surviving dependents of certain deceased members
from one year to three years. The committee recognizes the impact on
dependents of loss of a family member and that transition to alternate
sources of health care may take a period of time longer than previously
permitted. The recommended provision would recognize the sacrifices of
these family members and assist in their difficult transition from the
military system.
Extension of authority for contracts for medical services at
locations outside medical treatment facilities (sec. 736)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend from December
31, 2000 to September 30, 2002, the authority to enter into personal
services contracts with physicians for medical screening of enlistment
applicants. The Secretary of Defense is currently conducting a test to
evaluate whether the employment of fee-basis physicians in medical
screening of enlistment applicants should be sustained, or whether an
alternate approach is more appropriate. The recommended provision would
allow the Secretary of Defense to complete the evaluation of alternative
medical screening strategies, and to sustain the pace of medical
screening for armed forces applicants by extending contracting authority
for an additional period of time.
Transition of chiropractic health care demonstration program
to permanent status (sec. 737)
The committee recommends a provision that would make permanent the
provision of chiropractic health care services to military health care
system beneficiaries who enroll in TRICARE Prime. The recommended
provision would direct the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement
a plan to make available chiropractic services using a primary care
manager model, that requires referral by a primary care physician. The
recommended provision would continue services at existing demonstration
sites until 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, at
which time TRICARE Prime enrollees at those sites would continue to have
available chiropractic services. The recommended provision recognizes
the importance of the primary care manager in a managed care program and
the value of offering a variety of approaches to meeting the health care
needs of the beneficiary population.
Use of information technology for enhancement of delivery of
administrative services under the Defense Health Program (sec. 738)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to implement, in at least one TRICARE region, a managed care
support contract using commercially available internet-based systems and
products, to assist in simplifying administrative processes in the
TRICARE program. The recommended program would comply with patient
confidentiality and security requirements and incorporate data
requirements that are currently used in the marketplace, to include
those used by Medicare and/or commercial insurers. This effort would
include such areas as marketing, enrollment, beneficiary and provider
education, appointment setting, and claims processing. The committee
expects the initiative to enhance efficiency and improve services, as
well as match commercially recognized standards of performance.
Patient care reporting and management system (sec. 739)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to implement a patient care reporting and management system
in the military health system. The recommended provision would create a
patient care reporting and management system that would identify, track,
and report on errors and safety problems in the military medical system.
The recommended provision would direct development of a process to study
occurrence of errors, identify system factors contributing to
occurrences, and provide for corrective actions throughout the military
health care system.
Health care management demonstration program (sec. 740)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to conduct a test of two models to improve health care
delivery in the Defense Health Program. The recommended provision would
provide for two tests of health care simulation models: one for studying
alternative delivery policies, processes, organizations, and
technologies; and the second for studying long term disease management.
The recommended provision directs the Secretary of Defense to implement
each of these concepts in at least one site in fiscal year 2001 and
report, not later than January 31, 2002, to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the
desirability and feasibility of incorporating these programs throughout
the military health care system.
Studies of accrual financing for health care for military
retirees (sec. 741)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to conduct two studies, one by the Department of Defense and
one by an independent entity, to evaluate the potential of revising the
financing of the military medical benefit through an accrual based
system. While the committee recognizes the potential of such a proposal,
there remain many unanswered questions about administration and
budgeting. The required studies will provide the committee with the
necessary data to determine if permanently implementing such a concept
would be warranted.
Augmentation of Army Medical Department by reserve officers
of the Public Health Service Corps (sec. 742)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit the Secretary
of the Army and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into
an agreement to conduct a program under which officers of the Public
Health Service Corps Inactive Reserve may be detailed to augment the
Army Medical Department, subject to existing legislative authorities.
The recommended provision would require the Secretary of the Army, in
consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to review
existing legislative authorities and report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than
March 1, 2001, on the findings of this review and any recommendations
necessary to permit enhanced augmentation by the Public Health Service
Inactive Reserve.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Consultation with schools of pharmacy and nursing
The committee directs the military services to implement a program in
which military treatment facilities and clinics would partner with local
pharmacy and nursing schools to incorporate the full range of health
care professional resources in health care endeavors. The committee
supports integrating all aspects of professional health care delivery.
Specifically, students of pharmacy and nursing schools could become a
significant resource to pharmacies through participation in patient
education programs. Patients would benefit from increased personal
interaction, pharmacies would benefit by access to increased
professional resources, and students would expand their clinical
experience.
Financial assistance for those beneficiaries requiring
animal assistance
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives on the requirements for animal assistance for dependents
of military personnel whose medical conditions may require such
assistance. The report should include an assessment of the economic
impact to families of obtaining animals for such purposes as
``seeing-eye'' assistance and other medical conditions. The report
should include an analysis of the current benefit coverage by the
Department of Defense, if any, and, if appropriate, a proposal for
coverage of such assistance.
Health care benefits for retirees living overseas
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to study and report to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives, no later than March 12, 2001, on the
desirability and feasibility of providing health care benefits
to military retirees living outside the United States. The committee
recognizes that some military retirees make a conscious choice to live
overseas but other military members return to their home of origin upon
retirement from military service. The study will include an assessment
of the numbers of retirees permanently residing overseas, an assessment
of how many have returned to their home of origin, and options for
providing health care benefits to retirees overseas.
Implementation of Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs
Department sharing initiatives
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary for
Veterans Affairs to develop a plan and report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than
January 31, 2001, on the formation of problem solution groups and
regional liaisons to facilitate sharing opportunities. Issues to be
addressed should include reimbursement and payment, joint contracting,
data commonality, and any other issues inhibiting full and beneficial
sharing of resources. The committee continues to observe that additional
sharing is of value and that administrative obstacles preclude full
benefit of existing arrangements between the two departments.
Notification of persons affected by unanticipated adverse
outcomes of medical care
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to review the process
for identifying serious medical errors and notifying affected patients
or their families of such error events. The review shall include the
mandatory reporting system used in the 500 hospitals and clinics within
the Department of Defense, as described in the Report of the Quality
Interagency Coordination Task Force to the President, dated February
2000. The Secretary of Defense shall report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than
March 1, 2001, on the current notification process and any additional
requirements the Secretary deems necessary after such review.
Special pays for military health care professionals
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a review
and to report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives, not later than March 1, 2001, on the adequacy
of special pays and bonuses for medical corps officers and other health
care professionals. The committee directs this review because of the
level of competition within the economy for health care professionals
and the potential devaluation of current special pays and bonuses, which
could have a significant impact on recruiting and retention of health
care professionals.
TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED
MATTERS
Improvements in procurements of services (sec.801)
The committee recommends a provision that would address concerns
about the manner in which the Department of Defense (DOD) contracts for
services. The committee is concerned that the DOD has not adjusted its
contracting and oversight practices to meet the increasing significance
of service contracting. From 1992 through 1999, DOD procurement of
services increased from $39.9 billion to $51.8 billion while procurement
of goods during that same time period decreased from $59.8 billion to
$53.5 billion.
The DOD Inspector General (IG) recently reviewed contracts for
professional, administrative, and management support services, which is
the largest sub-category of contracts for services valued at $10.3
billion. The IG reviewed 105 contracts and each contract had one or more
significant problems. These problems included the non-use of prior
history to define requirements (58 out of 84 or 69 percent), inadequate
government cost estimates (81 out of 105 or 77 percent), cursory
technical reviews (60 out of 105 or 57 percent), inadequate competition
(63 out of 105 or 60 percent), failure to award multiple-award contracts
(7 out of 38 or 18 percent), inadequate contract surveillance (56 out of
84 or 67 percent) and lack of cost control (21 out of 84 or 24 percent).
The IG found that ``* * * cost-type contracts that placed a higher risk
on the government continued without question for the same services for
inordinate lengths of time (39 years in one extreme case) and there were
no performance measures in use to judge efficiency and effectiveness of
the services rendered.''
The committee is concerned about the lack of oversight and
accountability in managing these contracts. As a result, the committee
recommends a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to
develop specific training applicable to services contracting and for the
Secretary of each military department to establish centers of excellence
in contracting for services. The committee has added $2.0 million to the
Defense Acquisition University account to be used at the Defense Systems
Management College for this purpose. The committee expects that these
centers of excellence will be staffed with trained and experienced
personnel that can assist the acquisition community when procuring
services, make all acquisition personnel aware of the problems
identified by the DOD IG, develop a time-phased plan with goals and
performance measures to track improvements in the acquisition of
services, and serve as a clearinghouse for best practices in contracting
for services in the public and private sectors.
This provision would require the Secretary of Defense to establish a
contracting preference for performance based contracting in services in
which performance work statements would set forth requirements in clear,
specific, and objective terms with measurable outcomes. As an incentive
for DOD to adopt performance based contracting techniques, performance
based contracts for services under $5.0 million may be treated as
contracts for a commercial item. The committee expects these
improvements to lead to improved oversight and a greater results based
focus on service contracting.
Addition of threshold value requirement for applicability of
a reporting requirement relating to multiyear contract (sec.802)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the multiyear
reporting requirements required by section 809 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Under this provision, the head
of an agency may not enter into a multiyear contract if the value
exceeds $500.0 million until the Secretary of Defense has submitted to
the congressional defense committees a report on the total obligational
authority associated with existing and requested multiyear contracts
contained in the Future Years Defense Program.
Planning for the acquisition of information systems (sec.803)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Chief
Information Officers of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the military
services to maintain a consolidated inventory of DOD mission critical
and mission essential information systems, to identify interfaces
between these and other information systems, and to maintain contingency
plans for responding to a disruption in the operation of any of these
information systems. The DOD in its report to the committee on Year 2000
Lessons Learned stressed the importance of maintaining the information
that was developed to meet the Year 2000 problem and stated that ``* * *
centralized visibility of assets is fundamental to information
technology management (e.g. acquisition, configuration management, and
information assurance).''
The provision would also require that Department of Defense Directive
5000.1 be revised to establish minimum planning requirements for the
acquisition of information technology systems, require registration and
oversight by the Chief Information Office before award of a contract for
mission critical or essential information technology systems, and
prohibit Milestone I, II, or III approval until the Chief Information
Officer has determined that the system is being
developed in accordance with the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996,
including capital planning and investment control and performance,
results based management techniques, and incremental acquisition.
Tracking of information technology purchases (sec. 804)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense and the secretaries for each military department to
administer an automated system to track and manage purchases of
information technology products and services in excess of the simplified
acquisition threshold.
As a result of recent procurement reforms, there are many new
procurement vehicles from which agencies can buy information technology.
The Department of Defense (DOD) and the services can choose to buy
information technology goods and services from the General Services
Administration (GSA) multiple award schedules, government-wide
acquisition contracts (GWACs), blanket purchase agreements, indefinite
delivery/indefinite quantity contracts, multiple award task order
contracts, by credit card directly from vendors, or through a standard
competitive contract.
The committee is concerned that there is insufficient data available
to effectively support management decisions in determining whether the
government is choosing the most appropriate vehicle to obtain the best
price or best value for information technology (IT) purchases. For
example, DOD and the services are negotiating enterprise software
agreements designed to give DOD customers commercial off-the-shelf
software products at prices significantly lower than those available on
the GSA's Federal Supply Schedules. There is no data, however, to show
to what degree buyers are using other agreements to buy the same
products at potentially higher prices. In another example, the services,
when asked by the committee how much IT was bought through GWACs, could
not provide the answer. One military service tried to get this
information and was told by the non-DOD agency who administered a GWAC
that they would not share sales data with the service. This provision
would prohibit any purchase by DOD off GWACs unless sales data is
included in the data base required by this provision.
With DOD planning to spend $20.3 billion on information technology it
is imperative that the Department have visibility over how these funds
are being spent and whether there are more appropriate contracting
strategies for achieving the Department's information technology needs.
The committee expects DOD to use the data contained in this data base to
more efficiently manage IT purchases to obtain best value products and
services, while maximizing cost savings, competition, and efficient use
of resources.
Repeal of requirement for contractor assurances regarding
the completeness, accuracy, and contractual sufficiency of technical
data provided by contractor (sec. 805)
The committee recommends a provision that would eliminate the
requirement for contractors providing technical data to the government
to furnish written assurances that the technical data is complete,
accurate, and satisfies the requirements of the contract. This provision
was requested by the Department of Defense.
The committee understands that the elimination of this requirement
will not in any way diminish either the contractor's obligation to
provide technical data that meets contract requirements or the
government's ability to enforce this requirement. The committee expects
that the Defense Contract Management Agency will continue to monitor
contractor technical data programs in order to protect government data
rights and to ensure the government receives timely and accurate
information regarding contractor processes, practice, and controls for
developing technical data.
Extension of authority for Department of Defense acquisition
pilot programs (sec. 806)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the authority
of section 5064 of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) and
authorize the Department of Defense to continue to conduct five Defense
Acquisition Pilot Programs through October 1, 2007. The committee notes
that it would be inefficient and inappropriate to change contracting
approaches in the middle of these programs, and understands that the
extension provided in this provision should be sufficient to permit the
completion of the programs under the pilot authority.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the
congressional defense committees by March 1, 2001, on the lessons
learned from the section 5064 pilot programs, how these lessons are
being incorporated in major weapons systems acquisition, and what
specific statutory constraints preclude new weapons systems programs
from adopting the practices tested in the pilot programs.
Clarification and extension of authority to carry out
certain prototype projects (sec. 807)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend for three
years the other transaction prototype authority under section 845 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 and identify
appropriate uses of this authority to include cost sharing arrangements
and the participation of
nontraditional defense contractors. The committee also
recommends a pilot program for the transition to follow-on production
contracts for prototypes developed under the section 845 authority.
Under the pilot program, an item or process developed by nontraditional
defense contractors may be treated as a commercial item under a contract
or subcontract for less than $20.0 million and purchased under the
streamlined procedures established under the Federal Acquisition
Regulations (48 C.F.R. Part 12). The committee intends that this
provision will test and identify alternative methods to transition
successful section 845 prototypes to production.
This provision would support using section 845 authority to attract
companies that typically do not do business with the Department of
Defense and encourage cost sharing and experimentation in potentially
more efficient ways of doing business with traditional defense
contractors. Other transaction authority is an important acquisition
tool that can facilitate the incorporation of commercial technology into
military weapon systems. In an environment where, in many areas,
commercial technology is now more advanced than defense technology, it
is imperative that the Department continue to have the flexibility to
use innovative contractual instruments that provide access to this
technology. There are, however, improvements that can be made in
managing and overseeing these contractual arrangements.
The General Accounting Office (GAO) recently reviewed the
Department's use of section 845 authority for the committee and
recommended that the Secretary of Defense provide updated guidance that
sets out the conditions for using section 845 agreements and provides a
framework to tailor the terms and conditions appropriate for each
agreement. In addition, the GAO recommended that the Secretary of
Defense establish and require the use of a set of performance metrics
directly related to the use of the agreements. The committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to implement these recommendations by March 1,
2001, and further directs the GAO to report to the committee on the
Department's compliance with these recommendations.
Clarification of authority of Comptroller General to review
records of participants in certain prototype projects (sec. 808)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the audit
access of the General Accounting Office (GAO) over other transaction
prototype authority agreements for those contractors who have only done
business with the government under other transaction authority or
through cooperative agreements.
Congress in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 required the Department of Defense to ensure that the General
Accounting Office has audit access to other transaction prototype
authority agreements that provide for payments in excess of $5.0
million, unless a public interest waiver is obtained, or if a party or
entity, or a subordinate element of a party or entity, has not entered
into any other agreement that provides for audit access in the year
prior to the agreement. This provision would clarify audit access by the
GAO in those cases where a firm may have had a cooperative agreement or
other transaction with the government prior to one year and has had no
other government contracts.
Eligibility of small business concerns owned and controlled by women
for assistance under the mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program (sec. 809)
The committee recommends a provision that would add small business
concerns owned and controlled by women to the list of entities that are
eligible to participate in the pilot mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program
established by section 831 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1991.
The pilot mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program provides incentives to major
defense contractors to assist qualified small business to enhance their
capabilities as contractors on Department of Defense (DOD) contracts.
The mentor-prote AE1ge AE1 program does not guarantee contracts to
qualified small businesses. Instead, it is designed to equip these
businesses with the knowledge and expertise that they need to win such
contracts on their own, in the competitive market place.
The DOD has yet to meet the five percent government-wide annual goal
for women-owned business participation in federal contracting required
by section 7106 of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994. The
committee encourages the Department to use the authority granted in this
section, as well as existing programs, outreach, training and technical
assistance to further the participation of women-owned businesses in DOD
contracting.
Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (sec. 810)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Navy to submit a report to Congress on the amount to be expended
on the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) contract, the accounts from
which the contract will be funded, a plan for incremental development,
the management information specified in section 803(e), and any impact
on the existing civilian workforce before beginning performance of the
NMCI contract. The provision would require that the Marine Corps, the
naval shipyards, and the naval aviation depots be excluded from the
performance of the contract in the first year, and that the program be
implemented in accordance with the requirements of the Clinger-Cohen Act
of 1996 and applicable regulations and directives.
The NMCI is a long-term ``seat management'' arrangement under which
the Navy would transfer to a contractor the responsibility for providing
and managing the Navy's desktop computer, server, infrastructure, and
communication assets and services. Up to $2.0 billion a year could be
expended on the contract over the next five years.
The committee recognizes that each of the military services faces
aging information technology infrastructure, which is plagued with
severe interoperability and information assurance problems. The
committee supports the Navy's efforts to address these problems, and
encourages the other military services to address them in an equally
comprehensive manner. However, many questions have been raised by the
General Accounting Office and others about the effectiveness of the
Navy's NMCI contracting approach. To move forward before these questions
have been addressed could risk wasting valuable defense resources and
put in jeopardy the future use of this innovative contracting concept by
the Federal Government.
The committee believes that for the Navy to successfully implement
the NMCI, it will have to outline the business case for its information
technology investments, demonstrate superior information technology
project management expertise, and develop performance metrics based on
sound baselines. The NMCI should be managed according to best private
and public sector practices, including incremental development, as
mandated in the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. The committee also believes
that oversight by the DOD Chief Information Office is critical to the
success of the program and that effective implementation of the
memorandum of agreement between the Navy and DOD officials is a first
step in ensuring effective management of the program.
The committee further recommends that the Navy ensure that the
contractor for the NMCI program evaluates the use of commercial off the
shelf desktop computers capable of securely processing, storing, and
networking classified, sensitive, and unclassified data via the NMCI.
Qualifications required for employment and assignment in
contracting positions (sec. 811)
The committee recommends a provision that would require a
baccalaureate degree and 24 semester credit hours in business
disciplines for new entrants into the GS 1102 occupational series and
for contracting officers above the simplified acquisition threshold. The
24 semester credit hours may be included within the requirements for the
baccalaureate degree or may be in addition to the basic undergraduate
degree requirement. The credit hours may be either undergraduate or
graduate credit hours or a combination of both. These requirements will
not apply to those who are already serving in these capacities as of
September 30, 2000. This provision also does not effect the waiver
authority in section 1724(d) of title 10, United States Code, which
allows employees who do not meet these requirements to serve in these
capacities if it is determined by the acquisition career program board
of a military department that they possess significant potential for
advancement based on demonstrated job performance and qualifying
experience.
Defense contracting has changed significantly since the passage of
the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act of 1990. This
provision will ensure that new entrants into the contracting field have
the educational tools they need to effectively perform as contracting
professionals in the changing federal marketplace.
Defense acquisition workforce (sec. 812)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish a
moratorium on further cuts in the acquisition workforce for three years.
The Secretary of Defense may waive this prohibition upon certification
to Congress that any reductions to the workforce will not negatively
impact on the ability of the workforce to efficiently and effectively
carry out its legally required functions.
The provision would also require a report on the sufficiency of the
acquisition and support workforce of the Department of Defense (DOD).
This provision would require the Secretary of Defense to perform a
comprehensive reassessment of programmed reductions in the acquisition
workforce, assess the impact of impending retirements, develop a plan to
address future acquisition workforce challenges and problems arising
from past reductions in the acquisition workforce, and identify steps
that are being taken or could be taken by the DOD to enhance the tenure
and reduce the turnover of program executive officers, program managers,
and contracting officers.
The DOD Inspector General (IG) recently reported that DOD has reduced
its acquisition workforce from 460,516 to 230,556 personnel, about 50
percent, from the end of fiscal year 1990 to the end of fiscal year
1999, while the workload has remained essentially constant, and even
increased by some measures. The committee recognizes that the
implementation of acquisition reform has improved efficiency in DOD
contracting. However, according to the IG: ``. . . staffing reductions
have clearly outpaced productivity increases and the acquisition
workforce's capacity to handle its still formidable workload.''
The IG reported that reductions in the acquisition workforce have
resulted in: (1) an increased backlog in closing out completed
contracts; (2) increased program costs resulting from contracting for
technical support versus using in-house technical support; (3)
insufficient personnel to fill-in for employees on
deployment; (4) insufficient staff to manage requirements; (5)
reduced scrutiny and timeliness in reviewing acquisition actions; (6)
personnel retention difficulty; (7) an increase in procurement action
lead time; (8) some skill imbalances; and (9) lost opportunities to
develop cost savings initiatives. The 14 DOD acquisition organizations
reviewed by the IG anticipate additional adverse effects on performance
if further downsizing occurs.
In addition to concerns about the impacts of past acquisition
workforce reductions, the committee is concerned about the changing
demographics of the acquisition workforce as DOD loses a projected
55,000 of its most experienced personnel through attrition by fiscal
year 2005.
In a hearing before the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management
Support, Administration witnesses testified about the need for
innovative personnel changes to address impending demographic changes in
the workforce, as well as addressing qualitative shortfalls. As a means
to test personnel changes, the committee recommends a provision that
would extend for three years the acquisition workforce demonstration
project conducted under section 4308 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996. In addition, the committee
recommends, as part of the report required by this provision, that the
Secretary report on the lessons learned from this demonstration project
and provide any recommendations to improve personnel management laws,
policies, or procedures with respect to the DOD acquisition workforce.
Financial analysis of use of dual rate for quantifying
overhead costs at army industrial facilities (sec. 813)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of the Army to conduct a financial analysis of the benefits and costs of
permitting the use of dual overhead rates at Department of Army
Government-Owned facilities as a means of encouraging commercial use of
these facilities. The provision would also require the Secretary to
report to the congressional defense committees on the results of this
study by February 15, 2001.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Application of Cost Accounting Standards to universities
Section 802 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 contained provisions that modified and streamlined the
applicability of the Cost Accounting Standards. Section 802(h) provided
that these changes should not be construed to modify, supersede, impair,
or restrict the applicability of the Cost Accounting Standards to
educational institutions. Section 802(h) has been interpreted by some to
preclude the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CAS Board) from altering
the Cost Accounting Standards in any way, as they apply to universities
and other educational institutions. That was not the committee's intent.
The committee understands that the applicability of both the Cost
Accounting Standards and the cost accounting provisions in the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A 21 to universities and other
educational institutions has led to confusion and misunderstanding. The
committee believes that OMB and the CAS Board should work together to
develop a more complete and seamless incorporation of the relevant Cost
Accounting Standards into OMB Circular A 21. It is the committee's hope
that OMB and the CAS Board will utilize terminology applicable to basic
and applied research, and give examples relevant to university
operations to provide clear and consistent guidance on the steps that
educational institutions must take to maintain compliance with
applicable standards.
Appropriate use of the government purchase card
Last year, the committee directed that each of the military services
conduct a review of purchase card transactions and report to Congress on
their findings no later than March 1, 2000. The committee was
disappointed that none of the services sampled the records of actual
purchases to identify the items purchased and determine if the prices
paid were reasonable. In the absence of such a review, the findings of
the three services were inconclusive. For this reason, the committee
directs each of the three military services to develop a plan for
sampling purchase card transactions in selected commands to determine
whether the prices paid were fair and reasonable, and to ensure that the
purchase card is being used in an appropriate manner. The committee
directs the military services to report their findings to the
congressional defense committees no later than February 1, 2001.
While the services provided some data on procurement savings through
the use of the purchase card, the committee is concerned that processing
costs at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service may have increased
due to increased usage of the purchase card. The committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense committees
on this problem by February 1, 2001. The Secretary's report should: 1)
provide an estimate of financial processing costs incurred due to the
use of the purchase card and compare those costs to estimated
contracting savings; and 2) discuss the feasibility of reducing those
processing costs by electronically integrating purchases
made through the government purchase card with the payment
systems of the Department of Defense (for example, through the use of
the Standard Procurement System).
Availability of contractor past performance information
The committee is aware that award fee determination information from
previous contracts may be used in the assessment of a contractor's past
performance for source selection purposes. Past performance information
is generally considered to be source selection sensitive and, therefore,
exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Once
an award fee determination has been made under the previous contract,
however, the information underlying the basis for that determination,
because it is no longer pre-decisional, may be disclosed under FOIA
unless some other express exemption applies. As a result, information
may be treated as exempt from disclosure for the purpose of one
contract, when it is subject to disclosure as it relates to another
contract.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to examine the issue
to make a determination whether a clarification in regulation would be
in the public interest. The committee directs the Secretary to provide a
report to the congressional defense committees, to the Committee on
Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and to the Committee on Government
Reform of the House of Representatives on any determinations and actions
with respect to this issue, no later than March 1, 2001.
Contracts for ancillary commercial services
Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 clarified that services ancillary to a commercial item, such as
installation, maintenance, repair, training, and other support services
would be considered commercial services, regardless of whether the
services are provided by the same vendor or at the same time as the
item, if the services are provided contemporaneously to the general
public under similar terms and conditions.
It has come to the committee's attention that commercial practice may
be to contract for such services on a basis other than firm-fixed prices
under certain circumstances. For example, an elevator repair company may
contract for the maintenance and repair of building elevators on a time
and materials basis. The committee believes that the Department of
Defense should utilize the flexibility provided in Section 8002(d) of
the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act `` which requires the use of
firm, fixed price contracts ``to the maximum extent practicable'' `` by
authorizing the use of other than firm-fixed price contracts for the
acquisition of ancillary commercial services when this is the common
practice in sales to the general public.
At the same time, the committee has requested that the General
Accounting Office undertake a broad review of best practices in the
private sector for the acquisition of commercial products and services.
In addition, this bill contains a number of provisions directed at
improving the Department's management of contracts for commercial
products and services. The committee does not believe that the
Department should revise the current regulation prohibiting the use of
other than firm-fixed price contracts under section 8002(d) for the
acquisition of categories of commercial products and services other than
ancillary services until the GAO review has been completed, the required
management changes have been implemented, and the committee has had an
opportunity to review the results.
Online auctioning
The Department of Defense has advised the committee that online
auctioning may be well suited for competitive, high volume, commodity
type purchases, and has the potential to save the Department significant
resources in time, funding, and labor for such purchases. The committee
urges the Department to identify specific markets for which the use of
online auctioning may be appropriate and develop a pilot program to test
the use of this innovate purchasing approach. The Department is directed
to provide a progress report on this effort to the Committee on Armed
Services of the Senate no later than March 1, 2001.
Performance goals and measures for quality of equipment and
other products
The committee is concerned that reductions in the acquisition
workforce have increased the risk that quality control oversight
measures may be inadequate. Recent reports of quality control problems
related to satellite launch failures, the continued stocking in the
inventory of defective chemical protective suits, and concerns raised
about the quality of aircraft carrier catapult parts raise questions
about whether defense quality control problems may be systemic.
The Department of Defense Inspector General (DOD IG) recently
reported that the number of defense quality assurance personnel
decreased from 12,117 in 1990 to 5,191 in 1999, a 57 percent decrease.
The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), the organization
primarily responsible for in-plant quality assurance, stated to the DOD
IG that increased quality control risk exists because of continued
workforce reductions. DCMA also reported this risk from reduced
oversight of contractors in its annual statement of assurance. DCMA
commented that some
contractors stated that when DCMA stopped performing
inspections of all products, so did the contractors.
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) stated that while customer
complaints about the quality of material received have increased, DLA
has placed less emphasis on responding to the customer complaints
because of acquisition workforce reductions. Another military command
stated that reduced staffing caused it to pay little attention to
backlogs in Quality Deficiency Reports and Equipment Improvement
Reports.
The committee is concerned that while staffing for quality assurance
has been reduced, there are no overall DOD performance measures for the
quality of products received from contractors. To address this issue,
the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to require the heads of
acquisition activities in the DOD to establish and submit to the
Secretary, for the Department's annual performance plan under the
Government Performance and Results Act, performance goals and measures
for the quality of military equipment and other products received from
private sector sources. The Secretary of Defense shall also submit, by
February 1, 2001, a report to Congress on how the Department plans to
improve its quality assurance program.
Polyacrylonitrile carbon fibers
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fibers are used in a variety of
defense and space applications such as aircraft, missiles, launch
vehicles, and helicopters. In 1985, the Department of Defense (DOD)
determined that DOD was overly dependent on foreign industry for PAN
carbon fibers and directed that one-third of PAN carbon fiber used in
defense production should be supplied by domestic sources by the end of
calendar year 1988. Congress included in the Defense Appropriations Act
for Fiscal Year 1988 (Public Law 100 202) a requirement that by calendar
year 1992, 50 percent of the DOD PAN carbon fiber requirements be
purchased from domestic sources. To accomplish this objective, the
statute also required that all new major systems use U.S. or Canadian
manufacturers for all PAN carbon fiber requirements. DOD
institutionalized these requirements in the Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulations (DFAR). The statutory restrictions were not renewed after
1991. In 1996, DOD decided to continue the restrictions, but recommended
that the issue be revisited in three years. The Department is currently
studying whether to maintain the PAN carbon fiber DFAR restriction.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to report to the
congressional defense committees by February 1, 2001, on the domestic
and international industrial structure that produces PAN carbon fibers,
current and anticipated market trends for this product, and on any
decision made to maintain or discontinue the PAN carbon fiber DFAR
restriction.
Procurements from the small arms production industrial base
The committee understands that there have been problems with the
Department of the Army's process for forwarding waiver requests to the
Secretary of Defense to authorize expanded competition on particular
small arms critical repair parts contracts, as provided for in section
2473 (a) of title 10, United States Code. The committee reiterates that
waivers on small arms critical repair parts contracts should be
forwarded to and granted by the Secretary of Defense when it is
determined, with regard to a particular procurement, that restricting
the procurement is not necessary to preserve the small arms production
industrial base, as defined by section 2473(c) of title 10, United
States Code.
The committee also reiterates its concern that quality and
reliability be paramount in the execution of all small arms procurement.
The Army must ensure that all solicitations for small arms, parts, and
modifications--regardless of the method of procurement--will result in
our troops receiving the safest and most reliable systems possible from
reliable suppliers, and that each procurement will be based on detailed
analyses of alternatives.
Risk management in the acquisition of major systems
The committee has reviewed a report entitled Report of the
Price-based Acquisition Study Group, dated November 15, 1999, prepared
for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology and Logistics. Many of the recommendations of this report
could be implemented without any change to existing law, and show
significant promise for the reduction of risk in the acquisition of
major systems. In this regard, the report is consistent with the
recommendations of the General Accounting Office in work conducted for
this committee.
For example, the report recommends that the Department: (1) establish
a Defense-wide policy for risk mitigation through the use of
evolutionary and incremental acquisition strategies, consistent with the
requirements established for the acquisition of major systems of
information technology in section 5202 of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996;
(2) establish a Defense-wide policy for using price to help prioritize
operational requirements; (3) facilitate the development of competitive
pricing through the use of dissimilar competition in major systems
acquisitions where it is not practicable to maintain multiple sources;
(4) establish a center of excellence in market research to coordinate
the use of best practices in market research across the department; and
(5) conduct a Defense Science Board study on the impact of contract
modifications and changes on contract cost, schedule, and
quality. The committee urges the Department of Defense to take
strong action to implement these recommendations.
While the committee encourages the Department to implement the
recommendations of the Study Group report relating to risk mitigation,
the committee is concerned that several other recommendations of the
report appear to be inconsistent with the requirements of existing law.
In particular, the committee notes that the so-called ``Cost or Pricing
Analysis Decision Assistance Tool (COPADAT)'' developed by the study
group would direct results that are inconsistent with the requirements
of the Truth in Negotiations Act--encouraging contracting officers to
avoid obtaining certified cost or pricing data in circumstances where it
is required by law. The committee directs the Department to stop all use
of the COPADAT or any similar tool that would dictate a result that is
inconsistent with statutory requirements to obtain certified cost or
pricing data in sole source procurements of non-commercial items, absent
``exceptional circumstances.''
Similarly, the report recommends that the Defense Supplement to the
Federal Acquisition Regulation be revised to express a clear,
unambiguous preference for price-based acquisition and that price-based
acquisition be addressed in every acquisition plan or equivalent
document, even in cases where the statute requires contracting officers
to obtain certified cost or pricing data. The committee supports the use
of price-based acquisition techniques to supplement the use of certified
cost or pricing data in the determination of fair and reasonable prices
in sole- source contracts for non-commercial items. However, the use of
such techniques is not a substitute for statutory requirements or a
basis for waiving the statutory requirements to obtain certified cost or
pricing data in such acquisitions.
Finally, the committee notes that section 802 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, established a new ``exceptional
circumstances'' waiver to the Cost Accounting Standards. This waiver
authority parallels waiver authority already available to the Department
under the Truth in Negotiations Act.
The committee reminds the Department that the statement of managers
accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000, section 802 expressly limits the use of ``exceptional
circumstances'' waivers to circumstances ``...when the agency determines
that it would not be able to obtain needed products or services from the
vendor in the absence of a waiver.'' For this reason, the committee
directs the Department to clarify that ``exceptional circumstances''
waivers to the Truth in Negotiations Act and the Cost Accounting
Standards may not ordinarily be used to enter a contract with a major
defense contractor or any other contractor that routinely does business
with the Federal Government in contracts that are covered by the Truth
in Negotiations Act and the Cost Accounting Standards.
Technical data rights for items developed exclusively at
private expense
Section 2320 of Title 10, United States Code, establishes the
statutory basis for regulations governing rights in technical data under
Department of Defense contracts. This provision establishes the basic
rule that the government has unlimited rights to technical data
developed exclusively with federal funds; the government does not
generally have rights in technical data established exclusively at
private expense; and rights to data developed in part with federal funds
and in part at private expense are negotiable. When the government
purchases an item developed exclusively at private expense, however,
Section 2320 reserves the government's limited right to technical data
that ``...is necessary for operation, maintenance, installation, or
training (other than detailed manufacturing or process data).''
Department of Defense officials have noted that it is increasingly
common that commercially-developed systems or components are either
returned to the manufacturer for repair or discarded. In such cases,
these officials state, the government does not need technical data, and
our insistence that contractors provide such data could discourage
commercial companies from doing business with the government.
The committee believes that this concern is based upon a misreading
of the statute. Section 2320 requires contractors to provide only
technical data that ``is necessary'' for operation, maintenance,
installation, or training. This requirement provides executive branch
officials with the flexibility to determine what data, if any, is
necessary for these limited purposes. If, in view of the manner in which
the system or component will be used, no data is necessary for these
purposes, the government should not require the seller to provide any
such data. The committee directs the Department to review the
regulations implementing Section 2320 and adopt any changes that may be
necessary to clarify this point.
TITLE IX-DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Repeal of limitation on major Department of Defense
headquarters activities personnel (sec. 901)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the
requirement to reduce the number of personnel assigned to major
Department of Defense headquarters activities. The committee believes
the reductions mandated by the previous legislation would adversely
impact the ability of the service staffs, the Joint Staff, and the
combatant commands to accomplish their missions.
Overall supervision of Department of Defense activities for
combating terrorism (sec. 902)
The committee recommends a provision that would designate the
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity
Conflict (ASD-SOLIC) as the principal civilian adviser to the Secretary
of Defense on, and the principal official within the senior management
of the Department of Defense (DOD) (after the Secretary and Deputy
Secretary of Defense) responsible for, combating terrorism. The
ASD-SOLIC would provide overall direction and supervision for policy,
program planning and execution, and allocation and use of resources for
the activities of the Department of Defense for combating terrorism,
including antiterrorism activities, counterterrorism activities,
terrorism consequence management activities, and terrorism-related
intelligence support activities. The committee is concerned that there
is currently no single individual responsible for policy oversight at
the Department to ensure a focused, comprehensive, cohesive, and
well-funded DOD combating terrorism policy. The committee believes that
there must be one official responsible for policy and budgetary
oversight of this important mission. The intent of this provision is
also to ensure that the Department's combating terrorism program is
fully included in all stages of the Programs, Planning and Budgeting
System (PPBS) as a single entity, rather than as separate activities.
As included in the Department of Defense's report, DOD Combating
Terrorism Activities, provided to Congress pursuant to section 932 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, the
Department's combating terrorism activities are divided into four
components: antiterrorism/force protection, counterterrorism, terrorism
consequence management, and intelligence support to combating terrorism.
Currently, numerous DOD officials are responsible for these various
combating terrorism activities. In many cases, responsibilities for
these important activities overlap and it is unclear who has oversight
for specific activities or ultimate responsibility for program
direction. Through this provision, it is the committee's intent to
consolidate the oversight and management of this vital program.
Finally, the committee commends the Department for the fiscal year
2001 congressional justification book (CJB) for Combating Terrorism.
This was a good first step in consolidating the numerous programs and
activities of the Department of Defense combating terrorism program. The
committee looks forward to working with the Department to make certain
modifications that will improve this product. In particular, the
committee would like to see the Department separate military personnel
costs from the other combating terrorism costs.
National Defense Panel 2001 (sec. 903)
The committee recommends a provision that authorizes the
establishment of a National Defense Panel (NDP) in fiscal year 2001 to
accompany the fiscal Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) for fiscal year
2001. The Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1997 (Public Law 105
85) established the QDR and the NDP, but the provision was a one year
provision, and did not establish a recurring requirement. The Congress
established the QDR as a permanent recurring requirement (10 U.S. Code,
118) in the National Defense Authorization Act of FY 2000, but did not
include a requirement for the NDP.
This provision responds to widespread belief that the combination of
the QDR and NDP serve to heighten awareness of the administration, the
Pentagon, the Congress, and the broader national security establishment
on national defense strategies and policies for the future. This
provision authorizes establishment of an NDP, consisting of nine
recognized national security experts and appropriate support staff, to
proceed concurrently with the QDR. Three members are to be appointed by
the Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee, in consultation with the
ranking member. Three members are to be appointed by the Chairman, House
Armed Services Committee, in consultation with the ranking member. Three
members are to be appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman and ranking member of each
Committee on Armed Services, will designate one of the nine members as
the Chairman of the NDP.
The intent of this provision is to establish an NDP in fiscal year
2001 that will independently and objectively assess the current and
projected strategic environment, assess the most dangerous threats to
the national security interests of the
United States over the next 10 to 20 years, and identify the
strategic and operational challenges for the armed forces in countering
these threats. The NDP will provide an interim report to the Secretary
of Defense not later than July 1, 2001, that will be of assistance to
him as he evaluates the overall QDR process. The NDP will provide a
final report to the Secretary of Defense and to Congress not later than
December 1, 2001. The Secretary of Defense will provide the defense
committees of Congress his comments on the final NDP report not later
than December 15, 2001.
Quadrennial National Defense Panel (sec. 904)
The committee recommends a provision that amends title 10, United
States Code, to require that a National Defense Panel (NDP) be
established on a recurring basis, every four years in the year preceding
the inauguration of a new President. The National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 105 85) established the Quadrennial
Defense Review (QDR) and the NDP, but the provision was a one year
provision, and did not establish a recurring requirement. The Congress
established the QDR as a permanent recurring requirement (10 U.S.C.
118), but did not include a requirement for the NDP.
This provision responds to widespread belief that the combination of
the QDR and NDP serve to heighten awareness of the administration, the
Pentagon, the Congress, and the broader national security establishment
on national defense strategies and policies for the future. This
provision authorizes the establishment an NDP, consisting of nine
recognized national security experts and appropriate support staff, to
precede the QDR. Three members are to be appointed by the Chairman,
Senate Armed Services Committee, in consultation with the ranking
member. Three members are to be appointed by the Chairman, House Armed
Services Committee, in consultation with the ranking member. Three
members are to be appointed by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman and ranking member of each
Committee on Armed Services, will designate one of the nine members as
the Chairman of the NDP.
The intent of this provision is to establish a recurring NDP that
will independently and objectively assess the current and projected
strategic environment, assess the most dangerous threats to the national
security interests of the United States over the next 10 to 20 years,
and identify the strategic and operational challenges for the armed
forces in countering these threats. The NDP will serve to provide an
incoming Secretary of Defense of a new administration with a range of
strategic directions and policy options which may assist him in
formulating the strategic framework and guidance to be used by the QDR
required to be conducted during the first year of a new administration.
Additionally, this provision provides the opportunity for Congress, in
accordance with its oversight role, to have insight and an avenue for
input into the QDR process.
Inspector General investigations of prohibited personnel
actions (sec.905)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 1034 of
title 10, United States Code, to broaden the definition of ``Inspector
General'' in that section to include any officer of the armed forces or
employee of the Department of Defense, not otherwise referred to in that
definition, who is assigned or detailed to serve as an inspector general
at any level in the Department. This expanded definition would authorize
defense agency and joint service inspectors general, and civilian
employees serving in such positions elsewhere in the Department, to
handle alleged violations of the whistleblower protections afforded
members of the armed forces in this statute. The provision also
clarifies that the procedures necessary to ensure the expeditious
processing and investigation of such alleged violations shall be set out
in regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. The
committee understands that these regulations require that any
investigation undertaken pursuant to section 1034 must be conducted by
an inspector general who is independent of any individuals who may be
subjects of the investigation.
Network centric warfare (sec. 906)
The committee has noted, with great interest, the efforts by
Department of Defense (DOD) agencies, the military services, the joint
staff, and combatant commanders to establish mechanisms to integrate
information systems, sensors, weapons systems and decision-makers. The
common terminology for this is network centric warfare (NCW). In
conversations with various agencies and organizations, it has become
increasingly apparent that many of these efforts are innovative but are
unnecessarily redundant and not designed to work in conjunction with
each other. More importantly, it appears that there is not an effective
overarching concept at the DOD level to fully integrate these various
concepts of operation and maximize their potential contribution to
information superiority `` a cornerstone of Joint Vision 2010.
Although ideas relating to the concepts of NCW have been analyzed
within DOD, no clear consensus has emerged as to what priority it should
have within broader efforts to transform the military. Additionally,
there is no agreement on what fundamental organizational and doctrinal
changes need to be
pursued in order to most effectively implement these concepts
or how the military services should work jointly in this effort. As a
result, although the military services and several defense agencies are
exploring new organizational concepts, operating procedures, training
programs, and technologies to ensure information superiority in their
operations, these efforts are often underfunded, low priority, and have
not included joint war fighting and interoperability considerations.
Specifically, the committee has noted the following: (1) NCW is a set
of concepts being developed to exploit the power of information and U.S.
superiority in information technologies to maintain dominance on the
battlefield while protecting the infrastructure and information that is
critical to the United States; (2) NCW involves the integration of
information from combat, combat support, logistics elements and
headquarters staffs into a seamless system that provides a common
picture of the battlespace that can be simultaneously shared and used by
sensors, weapons systems, combat personnel, decision makers, support
elements, and other elements of the military services, unified commands,
and allied forces operating in that battlespace; (3) a robust joint
command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capability involving a networking of all
these entities facilitates the timely flow of relevant, processed
information that is necessary for achieving the sharing of an accurate
common picture of the battlespace; (4) NCW is about networking
capabilities, rather than creating separate networks or technologies,
and is a means to generate greater combat power, dominance, and synergy
through a linking of critical information sources that are
geographically or hierarchically dispersed; (5) NCW is inherently joint,
in that new air, sea, and land platforms under development must be able
to integrate themselves into a seamless, overarching information
architecture to be able to see the battlespace, contribute to the
information base, and quickly receive orders to employ required
capabilities; (6) being joint in nature, the NCW concepts must be
approved at the highest levels of DOD and executed aggressively by a
coordinated, iterative effort of all the military services, defense
agencies, combatant commands and the joint staff; (7) successful
implementation of the concepts will produce numerous benefits,
including: (a) significant reduction in fratricide; (b) more adaptive
and agile forces capable of engaging effectively across the spectrum of
conflict with higher probability of success and reduced risk; (c)
enhancement of interoperability among the military services and allied
forces; (d) reduced manning requirements and life cycle costs for
weapons systems; and (e) efficient combat support operations; (8) the
well-intentioned, but separate efforts of the military services and
defense agencies have resulted in recurring difficulties and
deficiencies, including a number of interoperability failures of
critical systems and inefficiencies in recent operations, including
Kosovo.
As a result of these findings and concerns, the committee directs
that DOD provide three reports to the congressional defense committees
no later than March 1, 2001, that summarize their efforts to coordinate
NCW activities within the entire Department. The first report will be a
comprehensive summary on the development and implementation of NCW
concepts in DOD. The report will include: (1) a clear definition of NCW;
(2) identification and description of Office of the Secretary of
Defense, joint staff and U.S. Joint Forces Command activities to
coordinate NCW related activities; (3) recommended metrics for
evaluating the progress towards implementing NCW concepts and attainment
of fully integrated C4ISR capabilities; (4) recommendations for joint
concept development and joint experimentation; (5) progress made, as
determined by quantitative standards: (a) toward establishing an
overarching conceptual foundation in programs and initiatives currently
underway; (b) in fielding force-wide friendly combat identification; and
(c) in effective fire control and airspace management; (6) discussion of
additional authorities, authorizations and other resources required to
effectively implement NCW; (7) joint requirements and acquisition policy
changes being made or considered to implement NCW; (8) a discussion of
how private sector lessons learned in networking are being incorporated;
and (9) a discussion of how DOD NCW systems will integrate with other
agencies of the federal government when DOD civil support is required.
Additionally, the committee directs the Commander-in-Chief, U.S.
Joint Forces Command, on behalf of the Secretary of Defense, to conduct
a study and submit a report on how to best use service and joint
experimentation programs to develop NCW concepts and identify barriers
to their implementation.
Finally, the committee directs the Undersecretary of Defense for
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics to submit a report describing the
coordination in several specified areas of the science and technology
investments of the military departments and defense agencies in the
development of future NCW capabilities.
Additional duties for the Commission to Assess United States
National Security Space Management and Organization (sec. 907)
Subtitle C of title XVI of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal year 2000 established a Commission to Assess United States
National Security Space Management and Organization. The committee
recommends a provision that would amend section 1622 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal year 2000 to include additional
duties for the commission.
Special authority for administration of Navy Fisher Houses (sec. 908)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the degree to
which Navy Fisher Houses may be provided common support equivalent to
category B community support activities and would permit the current
general schedule employees to continue to serve until they leave those
positions.
Organization and management of the Civil Air Patrol (sec. 909)
The committee recommends a provision that would codify the agreement
recently reached between the Secretary of the Air Force and the
leadership of the Civil Air Patrol. However, the provision would not
allow contract employees of the Air Force to commit federal resources.
The committee commends the Secretary of the Air Force and the
leadership of the Civil Air Patrol for their efforts to establish a more
cooperative relationship. The committee supports the proposal to develop
an appropriate oversight mechanism to ensure the responsible expenditure
of federal resources.
Responsibility for the National Guard Challenge Program (sec. 910)
The committee recommends a provision that would transfer
responsibility for the National Guard Challenge Program from the Chief
of the National Guard Bureau to the Secretary of Defense, and would
amend the limitation on federal funding for the National Guard Challenge
program to limit only Department of Defense funding. The fiscal year
2001 budget request for the National Guard Challenge is $62,500,000,
which is also the maximum permitted by the existing statute. The
recommended provision recognizes the concept of civilian control of the
military and would clarify that the Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Reserve Affairs is not required to communicate with state National Guard
Challenge programs through the National Guard Bureau. The committee
expects the National Guard Bureau to continue to be an important element
in the National Guard Challenge Program.
Supervisory control of Armed Forces Retirement Home Board by
Secretary of Defense (sec. 911)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish that the
Armed Forces Retirement Home Board is subject to the authority,
direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense in the performance of
its responsibilities, would give the Secretary of Defense authority over
appointment and terms of board members, and would make the Chairman of
the Retirement Home Board responsible to the Secretary of Defense.
Consolidation of certain Navy gift funds (sec. 912)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to transfer all amounts in the Naval Historical
Center Fund to the Department of the Navy General Gift Fund and to close
the Naval Historical Center Fund. The recommended provision would also
authorize the Secretary of the Navy to transfer all amounts in the
United States Naval Academy Museum Fund to the gift fund maintained for
the benefit and use of the United States Naval Academy, and to close the
United States Naval Academy Museum Fund.
Temporary authority to dispose of a gift previously accepted
for the Naval Academy (sec. 913)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the Naval
Academy to, during fiscal year 2001 and at the request of the donor,
transfer a gift previously given to the Naval Academy Gift fund to
another entity.
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE A--FINANCIAL MATTERS
Authorization of prior emergency supplemental appropriations
for fiscal year 2000 (sec. 1002)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
emergency supplemental appropriations enacted in the 2000 Supplemental
Appropriations and Rescissions Act (Public Law 106 XXX). The
supplemental provided funding for fiscal year 2000 expenses related to
military operations in Kosovo, Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug
Activities, and natural disasters.
United States contributions to NATO common-funded budgets (sec. 1003)
The resolution of ratification for the Protocols to the North
Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of Poland, Hungary and the
Czech Republic contained a provision (section 3(2)(c)(ii)) that requires
a specific authorization for U.S. payments to the common-funded budgets
of NATO for each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 1999, that U.S.
payments exceed the fiscal year 1998 total. The committee recommends a
provision to authorize the U.S. contribution to NATO common-funded
budgets for fiscal year 2001, including the use of unexpended balances
from prior years.
ANNUAL OMB/CBO JOINT REPORT ON SCORING BUDGET OUTLAYS (SEC. 1004)
The committee recommends a provision that makes minor administrative
changes to the joint annual Office of Management and
Budget/Congressional Budget Office (OMB/CBO) report on the scoring of
budget outlays.
Prompt payment of contractor vouchers (sec. 1005)
The committee recommends a provision that will require the Secretary
of Defense to reduce the backlog of vouchers to be paid by the Defense
Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to five percent or less of the
total Mechanization of Contract Administration Service (MOCAS) vouchers
received. Normal commercial practice, as well as the government's own
policy, calls for payment within 30 days for work satisfactorily
accomplished. The committee is concerned that this standard is not being
accomplished and creates undue hardships for private sector enterprises
doing business with the Department of Defense (DOD).
The Committee recognizes the efforts by DFAS to reduce the backlog of
vouchers and the electronic initiatives to expedite the processing of
these vouchers, and applauds this effort. The DOD is urged to move more
aggressively in the areas of electronic commerce to develop a common
family of invoices, reduce excessive detail and supporting data, and
streamline the payment process. Electronic invoicing and payment has
demonstrated its value and the Department is urged to be more aggressive
in these areas.
The repeal of certain requirements relating to timing of
contract payments (sec. 1006)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal two provisions
of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2000
(Public Law 106 79) concerning the prompt payment act and the shifting
of pay days for federal employees.
Plan for prompt posting of contractual obligations (sec. 1007)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a plan concerning the timely obligation of funds.
The committee notes that the ability to obligate funds is not
standardized or even centralized within the Department of Defense. This
obligation authority resides in the services in some cases and Defense
Finance and Accounting Service in others. This lack of uniformity calls
into question the Department's ability to reduce the backlog of vouchers
and problem disbursements, and to improve the accounting systems.
Plan for the electronic submission of documentation
supporting claims for contract payments (sec. 1008)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to submit a plan to the congressional defense committees by
March 31, 2001, for the electronic submission of contract supporting
transactions (e.g. invoices, receiving reports, and certifications).
Administrative offsets for overpayment of transportation
costs (sec. 1009)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide a streamlined
offset procedure for amounts overpaid for transportation services, that
are below the simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000. The amounts
offset would be credited to the appropriation or accounts that funded
the
transportation service. This provision does not effect the
budgetary requirements for these services.
SUBTITLE B--COUNTER-DRUG ACTIVITIES
The budget request for drug interdiction and other counter-drug
activities of the Department of Defense (DOD) totals $1.1 billion:
$836.0 million in central transfer account; $166.5 million in the
operating budgets of the military services for authorized counter-drug
operations; and $76.8 million in the military construction account for
infrastructure improvements at the forward operating locations. This
request is in addition to the $137.0 million in the emergency fiscal
year 2000 supplemental funding request for Plan Colombia.
The Committee recommends the following fiscal year 2001 budget for
the Department's counter-narcotics activities.
Drug Interdiction & Counterdrug Activities, Operations and Maintenance
[In thousands of dollars]
[May not add due to rounding]
Fiscal Year 2001 Drug and Counterdrug Request..........
$1,070,064
Goal 1 (Dependent Demand Reduction)..................
$22,736
Goal 2 (Support to DLEAs)............................
$89,905
Goal 3 (DOD Personnel Demand Reduction)..............
$74,067
Goal 4 (Drug Interdiction--TZ/SWB)..................
$447,414
Goal 5 (Supply Reduction)...........................
$435,942
Increases:
Airborne Reconnaissance Low..........................
$31,000
National Guard Support...............................
$25,000
Decreases:
DINANDRO Riverine Support.............................
$3,000
DEA Transportation Support (PC 2307)..................
$1,350
Carribean Law Enforcement Support....................
$2,703
Supplemental Appropriation
Forward Operating Location Construction..............
$76,800
Plan Colombia........................................
$40,000
Total Fiscal Year 2001 Drug and Counterdrug Funding....
$1,119,011
Extension and increase of authority to provide additional
support for counter-drug activities (sec. 1011)
The committee recognizes the importance of providing the
democratically elected governments of the countries of the Andean Ridge,
particularly Colombia, with the tools and training necessary to assert
control over their sovereign national territory to prevent the illegal
trafficking of narcotics and the regional in stability that narcotics
trafficking creates. The committee supports the President's request for
the supplemental funding that would be used to help train and equip the
military and police forces of these countries. However, the resources
requested for these activities would exceed the current authorities.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would extend until
fiscal year 2006 the authority for the DOD to provide certain
counter-drug assistance to the Government of Colombia. The provision
would also increase the level of resources authorized to be expended
through this authority to $40.0 million each year.
Recommendations on expansion of support for counter-drug
activities (sec. 1012)
The committee understands the valuable contribution that the
Department of Defense has made in providing needed assistance to the
counter-drug forces of Colombia and Peru. However, the committee is
concerned about efforts to seek an expansion of current authority to
other nations without a clear plan on how this assistance will be put to
the most effective use.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would require
the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that would
outline the Secretary's views regarding what, if any, additional
countries should be included; what, if any, additional support should be
provided; and a detailed plan for providing support, including the
counter-drug activities proposed to be supported.
Review of riverine counter-drug program (sec. 1013)
The committee is concerned with reports of problems in the management
and operation of certain portions of the riverine counter-drug program.
While this program has made great strides improving the counter-drug
capability of some forces, other forces have had far less success.
Therefore, the committee includes a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, to review the
riverine counter-drug program and provide a report to Congress on the
results of that review. The report should include an assessment of the
effectiveness of the program for each country receiving support, and a
recommendation regarding which of the armed forces, units of the armed
forces, or other organizations within the DOD should be responsible for
managing the program.
The committee further recommends a reduction of $3.0 million in the
support provided to the riverine operations of the Government of Peru.
Airborne Reconnaissance Low
The committee recognizes the critical need for intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets to be deployed to the U.S.
Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in order to more effectively combat the
illegal trafficking of narcotics. In recent testimony before the Senate
Armed Services Committee, General Wilhelm, Commander-in-Chief of the
U.S. Southern Command, identified a need for more ISR assets.
Unfortunately, as a result of requirements in other theaters, and the
tragic accident in Colombia last year, there are insufficient quantities
of ISR assets to always meet SOUTHCOM's requirements. In recent letters
to the committee, General Shinseki, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and
General Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, identified a
requirement for an additional Airborne Reconnaissance Low aircraft that
was not included in the fiscal year 2001 budget request.
The committee recommends an increase of $31.0 million for the
procurement of an Airborne Reconnaissance Low aircraft to be used in the
Department's counter-drug mission.
4National Guard counter-drug activities
The committee understands the valuable contribution of the National
Guard in the war on drugs. Therefore, the committee recommends an
increase of $25.0 million for the counter-drug activities of the
National Guard including the regional counter- drug operations such as
the Gulf States Counter-Drug Initiative, the Regional Counter-Drug
Training Academy, and the Northeast Counter-Drug Training Center.
Plan Colombia & Forward Operating Location construction
The committee recommends a decrease of $40.0 million to the fiscal
year 2001 budget request for Plan Colombia to reflect the fact that
these funds were provided through the counter-drug budget supplemental
in fiscal year 2000. The adjustment for the supplemental appropriation
for the Forward Operating Location construction is reflected in Division
B of this report.
Drug Enforcement Agency transportation support
The committee is concerned with the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA)
reliance on the DOD to transport DEA personnel around the Carribean.
Transportation of DEA personnel does not enhance military capabilities
or require unique military assets, is the responsibility of the DEA, and
should be funded through the DEA budget. The DOD budget request includes
$3.4 million for such transportation services. The committee recommends
a decrease of $1.4 million to the budget request for this activity. The
committee expects the DEA to assume all costs for this activity after
fiscal year 2001.
Carribean law enforcement support
The committee is concerned with the increased reliance upon the DOD
to provide assistance to foreign law enforcement agencies where the
Department has limited, or no mission responsibility. The budget request
includes $6.7 million for assistance to law enforcement agencies of
Carribean nations. The committee recommends a decrease of $2.7 million
to the request for this activity. The committee expects the State
Department to provide the support for this activity in the future.
SUBTITLE C--STRATEGIC FORCES
Revised nuclear posture review (sec. 1015)
Six years have passed since the nuclear posture review of fiscal year
1994. The committee believes that a new nuclear posture review is
overdue and should be completed in the near future. Although
Presidential Decision Directive 60, signed in November 1997, reaffirmed
and updated U.S. nuclear weapons employment policy guidance, there has
not been an end-to-end review of U.S. nuclear weapons strategy,
requirements, and posture since fiscal year 1994.
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a
comprehensive nuclear posture review that looks out five to ten years.
The review would include: (1) the role of nuclear forces in United
States military strategy, planning, and programming; (2) the policy
requirements and objectives for the United States to maintain a safe,
reliable and credible nuclear deterrence posture; (3) the relationship
between U.S. nuclear deterrence policy, targeting strategy, and arms
control objectives; (4) the levels and composition of nuclear delivery
systems that will be required to implement the U.S. national and
military
strategy, including any plans for replacing or modifying
warheads. The provision would also require that, concurrently with the
Quadrennial Defense Review due in December 2001, the Secretary of
Defense shall submit to Congress a report, in unclassified and
classified forms as necessary, on the nuclear posture review. Finally,
the provision expresses the sense of Congress that a revised nuclear
posture review should be used as the basis for establishing future arms
control objectives and negotiating positions.
Plan for the long-term sustainment and modernization of
United States strategic nuclear forces (sec. 1016)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to prepare a
plan for the long-term sustainment and modernization of U.S. strategic
forces. The committee expects that the plan would look beyond current
efforts to modernize existing systems and lay out a comprehensive vision
for the maintenance of deterrent forces.
The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense and the
Department of Energy may not be adequately planning for United States
strategic nuclear forces in the long term. The committee supports
current efforts to provide for continued sustainment of existing
strategic delivery systems and warheads, but is concerned that there
appears to be no long-range vision of how the United States should
preserve strategic deterrent forces. The committee believes that the
United States will require such forces beyond the date when existing
systems become obsolete.
Correction of scope of waiver authority for limitation on
retirement or dismantlement of strategic nuclear delivery vehicles (sec.
1017)
Section 1501 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2000 revised the limitation on retirement or dismantlement of
strategic nuclear delivery vehicles contained in the National Defense
Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1998 by permitting the Navy to retire
(or otherwise eliminate from strategic nuclear operational status) four
of its eighteen Trident ballistic missile submarines. The provision also
includes a waiver authority that the President can exercise if the START
II treaty enters into force. As drafted, however, the waiver only
applies to the retirement of submarines. Therefore, the committee
recommends a provision that would revise the scope of the section 1501
waiver so that it applies to all of the strategic nuclear delivery
vehicles covered by section 1501.
Study and report on hardened and deeply buried targets (sec. 1018)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretaries of Defense and Energy to assess requirements and options for
defeating hardened and deeply buried targets. The provision would
expressly authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct any
limited research and development that may be necessary to complete such
assessments.
The committee notes that a recent legal interpretation of existing
law raised questions regarding whether DOE could participate in or
otherwise support certain Department of Defense (DOD) studies and
options assessments for defeating hardened and deeply buried targets.
This provision removes any uncertainty and expressly allows DOE to
assist the DOD with a review of these targets and the options for
defeating such targets. The committee believes that DOE should provide
information and all other assistance required to help DOD make informed
decisions on whether: (1) to proceed with a new method of defeating
hardened and deeply buried targets and; (2) to seek any necessary
modifications to existing law.
The committee is concerned that the ability to defeat hardened and
deeply buried targets will continue to be a significant challenge for
the foreseeable future.
SUBTITLE D--MISCELLANEOUS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Annual report of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff
on combatant command requirements (sec. 1021)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
153(d)(1) to require the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to include within
his report to Congress on the readiness requirements of the combatant
commanders, information on the extent to which those requirements are
addressed in the future years defense program.
Joint Requirements Oversight Council (sec. 1022)
The Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) was formed by the
Department of Defense (DOD) after enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols
Defense Reorganization Act of 1986. At the request of DOD, title 10,
U.S. Code was amended by the National Defense Authorization Act of 1996
(Public Law 105 85) to establish a legal requirement for the JROC (title
10, U.S. Code, 181). The JROC was formed to assist the Chairman, Joint
Chiefs
of Staff (CJCS),in carrying out his title 10 responsibilities
to provide the best possible advice to the Secretary on the degree to
which defense budget proposals conform to requirements expressed by the
combatant commanders, and to ensure that joint war fighting capabilities
and joint interoperability issues were highlighted to the Secretary as
he prepared his defense budget guidance. Accordingly, the JROC became a
mechanism for forging consensus among the services on programming and
budgeting issues.
While the JROC has made progress in promoting joint interoperability,
much remains to be done. In recent years, the JROC has been increasingly
involved in solving short-term unified commander requirements. At an
April 4, 2000 Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee hearing on
joint requirements, capabilities, and experimentation, General Richard
B. Myers, USAF, the Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified that
the JROC must evolve further, shifting its focus to more strategic,
future advanced war fighting requirements. To implement required changes
in the JROC, the CJCS, with the support of the service chiefs and the
combatant commanders has proposed an initiative, which includes: (1)
shifting the primary focus of the JROC to more strategic issues; (2)
integrating joint experimentation activities fully into the
requirements, capabilities, and acquisition processes; and (3) shifting
the focus of the Joint War Fighting Capability Assessment Teams from
short-term, narrow issues to directly supporting the JROC in analyzing
broader, future joint war fighting requirements.
The committee is encouraged by this initiative and will follow it
closely. However, the committee is troubled to hear concerns from
combatant commanders about continuing deficiencies in joint military
capabilities. A JROC process that recommends solutions to the most
critical joint war fighting challenges at the strategic and operational
levels could play a critical role in solving many of these problems.
In order to monitor developments in this area, the committee directs
the CJCS to submit a report to the congressional defense committees, by
February 28, 2001, and semi-annually thereafter, detailing the progress
made in reforming and re-focusing the Joint Requirements Oversight
Council process. The report must include, but not necessarily be limited
to, the following: (1) a listing and justification for each of the
distinct capability areas selected by the CJCS as the principal domain
of the JROC; (2) a listing of joint requirements developed, considered,
and/or approved within each of those capability areas; (3) a listing and
explanation of decisions made by the JROC during the reporting period,
with special note of actions made that were in disagreement with the
position presented by the Commander-in- Chief, U.S. Joint Forces
Command, as the chief proponent of joint and combatant commander
requirements; (4) an assessment of the progress made in elevating the
JROC to a more strategic focus on future war fighting requirements,
integration of requirements, and the development of over-arching common
architectures; (5) a summation and assessment of the role and impact of
joint experimentation on the joint requirements, service requirements,
defense acquisition and service acquisition processes and decisions; (6)
recommendations as to additional legislation and/or resources required
to further refocus and reform the JROC process; and (7) procedural
actions taken to improve the JROC.
Preparedness of military installation first responders for
incidents involving weapons of mass destruction (sec. 1023)
The committee is supportive of the Department of Defense's (DOD)
efforts to ensure first responder preparedness on military
installations. However, the committee is concerned with the timetable
for the program and also with the degree of coordination between the
services and the local community first responders, particularly with
regards to standardized equipment. The committee has included a
provision directing, not less than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this act, the Secretary of Defense to submit to the committee a
report on the Department's program to ensure the preparedness of DOD
first responders for incidents involving weapons of mass destruction on
military installations. The provision directs the Secretary to include
within the report the following: a detailed description of the program;
the schedule and costs associated with the implementation of the
program; how the program is being coordinated with first responders in
the local communities in the localities of the installations; and the
plan for promoting the interoperability of the equipment used by the
installation first responders with the equipment used by the first
responders in the localities.
Date of submittal of reports on shortfalls in equipment
procurement and military construction for reserve components in future
years defense programs (sec. 1024)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
10543(c) of title 10, United States Code, to specify that the report
required by the section be submitted not later than 15 days after the
date on which the President submits to Congress the budget for a fiscal
year.
The committee is aware that the current level of funding for the
reserve components will not reduce the significant backlog in military
construction requirements. The impact will be increased costs for repair
and maintenance, declining readiness and quality of life. The backlog
problem is further aggravated by the lack of a uniform standard in
characterizing the funding requirements. For the past several years, the
Air Force has characterized some
reserve component military construction projects as being in
the ``unfunded'' future years defense program (FYDP), while the other
components have resorted to other means to identify their requirements
above those in the FYDP. However, the reporting requirement in section
10543 requires the Department of Defense to identify the highest
priority unfunded requirements for the reserve components. It does not
equate those unfunded requirements to an ``unfunded FYDP''. The
committee expects the military departments to adhere to the traditional
practices of classifying projects as either in the FYDP or not in the
FYDP and of inclusion of the highest priority projects in the FYDP. To
ensure consistency and that the highest priority construction projects,
both unfunded and those in the FYDP, receive appropriate congressional
consideration for additional funds, when available, the report required
by section 10543(c)(1) shall reflect the highest priority projects
whether or not they are included in the FYDP.
The committee is encouraged by the efforts of the Assistant Secretary
of Defense for Reserve Affairs to increase funding and improve
facilities for the reserve components through innovative approaches,
such as joint use facilities. However, the ultimate solution is
additional funding. The committee urges the military departments to more
robustly fund reserve component construction in future budget requests
and the future year defense program.
To ensure the funding resources available are devoted to the highest
priority needs, the committee stringently follows the criteria
established by the sense of the Senate provision on authorization of
funds for military construction projects not requested in the
President's Annual Budget Request (section 2856 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995). The committee urges the
military departments to cooperate in this effort by adhering to this
clear standard when identifying military construction projects for
authorization that are not in the military construction budget request.
Management review of defense logistics agency (sec. 1025)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review of all the
functions of the Defense Logistics Agency to assess their efficiency,
their effectiveness in meeting customer needs, their ability to adopt
best business practices, and to identify alternative approaches for
improving the agency's operations.
An effective, efficient, and responsive logistics system is essential
for ensuring a ready and reliable military force capable of successfully
executing the national military strategy with a minimum of risk. The
committee believes that the Defense Logistics Agency must be capable of
meeting its customer requirements in the most efficient manner,
exploiting best business practices where practical, and exploring
alternative approaches when they make sense.
MANAGEMENT REVIEW OF DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY (SEC. 1026)
The Committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive
review of the operations of the Defense Information Systems Agency
(DISA) and make such recommendations that the Comptroller General
determines would improve the support that this agency provides to the
military services.
The increased role that information technology and services play in
the national security environment requires that the military services
receive the most efficient and effective support from those who provide
these services. DISA, as the principal supplier of information services
in the Department of Defense, must ensure that it is structured to take
advantage of best business practices and to adopt alternative approaches
where it makes sense.
SUBTITLE E--INFORMATION SECURITY
Institute for defense computer security and information
protection (sec. 1041)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to establish an institute for defense computer security and
information assurance to address the critical information assurance
requirement of the Department of Defense (DOD). The institute would also
facilitate the exchange of information regarding cyber threats,
technology, tools, and other relevant issues, between government and
non-government organizations and entities. The provision would require
the Secretary to enter into a contract with a not-for-profit entity or
consortium to organize and operate the institute. Finally, the provision
would require the use of competitive procedures for the selection of the
organization responsible for the operation of the institute, to the
extent determined necessary by the Secretary. The committee recommends
an increase of $10.0 million in Operations and Maintenance,
Defense-Wide, for establishment and initial operation of the institute.
The committee strongly supports the information assurance efforts of
the DOD. A critical element of this effort is research and development
in the area of information and network security. Although the DOD
currently undertakes such research in various ways, including through
private contractors, federally funded research and development centers
and universities, the DOD
does not have a central mechanism for coordinating these
efforts. Currently a significant amount of research relevant to DOD is
not being undertaken in the private sector or within government.
Moreover, some research being done in the private sector is not
available to the DOD.
Information security scholarship program (sec. 1042)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish an
Information Security Scholarship Program within the Department of
Defense (DOD) that would allow the Secretary of Defense to provide
educational assistance to individuals seeking a baccalaureate or an
advanced degree in disciplines related to computer security, network
security, and information assurance in exchange for a service agreement.
This program would allow active duty military personnel, DOD civilian
personnel, and individuals not employed by the DOD to acquire such
education in exchange for accepting or continuing employment in the DOD
in the area of computer security and information assurance. The
committee has received extensive testimony and other reports regarding
the importance of education and training to the defense information
assurance program and all other facets of cyber security.
The committee notes that Presidential Decision Directive/NSC 63, of
May 22, 1998, regarding critical infrastructure protection, states that:
``...there shall be Vulnerability Awareness and Education Programs
within both the government and the private sector to sensitize people
regarding the importance of security and to train them in security
standards, particularly regarding cyber systems.'' The National Plan for
Information Systems Protection of January 12, 2000, states that:
``...within the Federal Government, the lack of skilled information
systems security personnel amounts to a crisis. This shortfall of
workers reflects a scarcity of university graduate and undergraduate
information security programs.'' The National Plan calls for the
creation of ``...a Scholarship for Service Program to recruit and
educate the next generation of Federal information technology workers
and security managers.'' According to the National Plan: ``...an
important part of this program is the need to identify universities for
participation in the program and assist in the development of
information security faculty and laboratories at these universities.''
The committee believes that the Secretary of Defense should work with
selected universities to develop cyber security curricula that respond
to the needs of the DOD. The committee believes that, initially, the
Secretary should focus on establishing cyber security programs at two or
three institutions of higher education. Such universities should become
important sources of recruitment for satisfying the Department's
information assurance personnel requirements. Although the committee
believes that all qualified universities should be evaluated, it also
believes that the universities already identified by the National
Security Agency as information assurance centers of excellence should be
leading candidates for involvement in the Information Security
Scholarship Program. In order for universities to develop the requisite
curricula and faculty, the DOD should also involve such universities in
research relevant to the Department's information assurance needs. Once
the Information Security Scholarship Program has been established at two
or three institutions of higher education, the committee urges the
Secretary to expand and adequately fund the program to satisfy the
personnel needs of the DOD.
The committee recommends an increase of $20.0 million in Operations
and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, for establishment and initial operation
of the Information Security Scholarship Program. The committee directs
the Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the congressional
defense committees not later than April 1, 2001, describing the
Secretary's plans for implementing this program.
The committee is also concerned that existing military and civilian
education and training programs of the DOD and the military departments
are not sufficiently focused on the problem of computer security and
information assurance. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to review the education and training programs of the defense
agencies and the military departments to determine the requirements for
personnel qualified in the area of information technology security and
what education and training programs are available in the area of
information technology security. In addition to the review of programs
for enlisted and officer personnel, this examination should include a
review of the Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship program in
each service to determine whether scholarships leading to degrees in the
information technology security area are sufficient to meet the
projected officer needs of the military departments and the Department
of Defense. The review shall include education and training programs,
including internships, for civilian employees as well. Finally, the
review shall evaluate the adequacy of cyber security programs at the
military service academies. The Secretary of Defense shall report the
results of his review to the congressional defense committees by April
1, 2001, in conjunction with the Secretary's report on the Information
Security Scholarship Program.
Process for prioritizing background investigations for security
clearances for Department of Defense personnel (sec. 1043)
The committee is concerned by delays in the background investigation
process for granting security clearances to Department of Defense (DOD)
personnel and contractors. The Defense Security Service (DSS) has
experienced significant delays in processing requests for security
investigations, which has resulted in a large backlog of overdue
reinvestigations. This situation has imposed significant costs on DOD
and its contractors and has delayed important programs. The committee
supports the recommendations of the DOD Inspector General, outlined in
the April 5, 2000, audit report (Report Number D- 2000 111), which
recommends that DOD implement a process for prioritizing security
clearance investigations as a way of expediting the most important
clearances. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would
require the Secretary of Defense to establish a process for expediting
the completion of background investigations. This process shall include:
(1) quantification of the requirements for background investigations;
(2) categorization of personnel on the basis of the degree of
sensitivity of their duties and the extent to which those duties are
critical to the national security; and (3) prioritization of the
processing of investigations on the basis of the categories of
personnel.
Authority to withhold certain sensitive information from
public disclosure (sec. 1044)
The committee recommends a provision that would protect from
unauthorized disclosure two categories of sensitive unclassified
information. Many allied and other friendly nations, and some
international organizations, have a category of unclassified information
that is subject to certain special controls and protected from release
outside the government or organization. In addition, many governments
have a category of classified information, ``restricted'', that is not
used by the United States. ``Restricted'' information is normally
provided at a level of protection less than that protection afforded to
``confidential'' in the U.S. classification system.
Information falling into one of these categories is frequently
provided to the United States by foreign governments or international
organizations under the condition that it be protected from unauthorized
release. Under the present U.S. system, the only way that the United
States can do so is to classify the information in the interests of
national security under Executive Order 12958. This requires that the
security requirements for classified information apply, including
security clearances, safes, and precautions in transmission. This
situation frequently imposes unnecessary costs and has caused problems
for cooperative defense programs.
This provision would authorize the Secretary of Defense, the
Secretary of Transportation (with respect to the Coast Guard when not
operating in the Navy), and the Secretary of Energy (with respect to
that Department's national security programs) to withhold from public
disclosure otherwise authorized by law sensitive information provided by
a foreign government or an international organization which is itself
protecting the information from disclosure. The information must be the
subject of a written request from the government or organization that it
be withheld, or have been provided on the condition that it be withheld,
or fall within a category specified in regulations as being information
the release of which would have an adverse effect on the ability of the
United States to obtain similar information in the future. If the
secretary of the department having the information transfers it to
another agency, that agency shall withhold it from disclosure unless
specifically authorized by the secretary of the department transferring
it. The prohibition on disclosure will normally extend for the period
specified by the country or organization providing the information, or
for ten years if no period is so stated. The ten-year rule may be
extended at the written request of the entity providing the information,
as may the 25 year period applicable to certain information obtained by
the United States prior to the enactment of this provision.
This provision does not authorize the withholding of information from
Congress, or (except in the case of foreign intelligence or
counterintelligence activities) the Comptroller General. The Secretary
of Defense, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Energy
are to prescribe regulations to carry out this provision.
Protection of operational files of the Defense Intelligence
Agency (sec. 1045)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to withhold from public disclosure the operational
files of the Defense Intelligence Agency. These files would be protected
from disclosure, under the Freedom of Information Act or otherwise, to
the same extent as provided for under section 701 of the National
Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C 431). The provision also makes applicable
to these files the decennial review provisions of section 702 of that
Act (50 U.S.C. 432), with the Secretary of Defense exercising the
authority granted to the Director of Central Intelligence in that
section.
SUBTITLE F--OTHER MATTERS
Commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice (sec. 1051)
The committee recommends a provision that would request the President
to issue a proclamation commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the
Uniform Code of Military Justice, which was enacted May 5, 1950, and
call upon the Department of Defense, the armed forces, and the United
States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces to commemorate the occasion
in a suitable manner.
Eligibility of dependents of American Red Cross employees
for enrollment in Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Schools in
Puerto Rico (sec. 1053)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to permit dependents of American Red Cross
employees performing Armed Forces Emergency Services duties in Puerto
Rico to enroll in Department of Defense Domestic Dependent Schools. The
recommended provision would require that the Department of Defense be
reimbursed for the education services.
Grants to American Red Cross for Armed Services Emergency
Services (sec. 1054)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to provide a grant to the American Red Cross up to
$9,400,000 in each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003 in support of
the American Red Cross. The recommended provision would provide that a
grant may not be made until the American Red Cross certifies that it
will expend, for the Armed Forces Emergency Services, an amount from
non-federal sources that equals or exceeds the amount of the grant.
Transit pass program for certain Department of Defense
personnel (sec. 1055)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to provide Department of Defense personnel with a transit
pass benefit if they are assigned in areas that do not meet the revised
national ambient air quality standards under section 109 of the Clean
Air Act and they use means other than a single-occupancy vehicle to
commute to or from work.
Fees for providing historical information to the public (sec. 1056)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
secretaries of the military departments to charge the public fees for
providing historical information from the services' historical centers
or agencies. These fees could be retained by the military departments to
defray the costs of responding to requests for information. The fees
charged for providing information pursuant to this section may not
exceed the costs of providing the information. These fees would not
apply to requests from members of the armed forces or federal employees
which are made in the course of their official duties, or to requests
made under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552).
Access to criminal history record information for national
security purposes (sec. 1057)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 9101 of
title 5, United States Code, to provide expanded access to criminal
history information by the Department of Defense and certain other
executive departments and agencies to better evaluate employees and
contractors with regard to fitness for assignment or employment. Current
law provides access to such information only for security clearances or
assignment to sensitive national security duties. This provision would
expand that authority to cover also acceptance or retention in the armed
forces, and appointment, retention, or assignment to a position of
public trust or a critical or sensitive position either while employed
by the Federal Government or as a federal contractor employee. This
provision would also authorize the Federal Government to obtain such
information through the use of common identifiers, such as names or
Social Security numbers, rather than the cumbersome submission of paper
fingerprint cards, as required under existing law. It would further
prohibit states and localities from conditioning the provision of such
information on indemnification agreements, thereby clearing up a problem
that has existed since 1989, when the Defense Department's authority to
enter into such agreements expired. Finally, it would allow access to
such information by the most efficient, technologically-advanced means,
from any point within or without a particular state or other
jurisdiction, and provide for the payment of reasonable fees therefor.
Sense of Congress on the naming of the CVN 77 aircraft
carrier. (sec. 1058)
The committee recommends a provision that would express the sense of
Congress that it is appropriate to recommend to the President, as
Commander in Chief of the armed forces, that an
appropriate name for the final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier,
CVN 77, is the U.S.S. Lexington.
The provision also expresses the sense of Congress that CVN- 77
should be named U.S.S. Lexington in order to honor the 16 million
veterans of the armed forces that served during World War II, and the
incalculable number of U.S. citizens on the home front during that war,
who mobilized in the name of freedom, and who are today respectfully
referred to as the greatest generation.
Donation of civil war cannon (sec. 1059)
The committee recommends a provision that would convey all right,
title and interest of the United States to a Civil War era cannon to the
Edward Dorr Tracey, Jr. Camp 18 of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans.
This cannon was manufactured by the Confederate States Arsenal at Macon,
Georgia. The cannon, on loan from the Army, is currently on public
display in Macon, Georgia.
Maximum size of parcel posts transported overseas for Armed
Forces Post Offices (sec. 1060)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase the
authorized size of packages permitted to be mailed to eligible patrons
of military post offices overseas to conform with those of the United
States Postal Services.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Department of Defense export control procedures
The committee is encouraged by the Department of Defense's focus on
improving the performance of its export control responsibilities and
supports efforts to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the
defense export licensing system. National security concerns must always
remain paramount over commercial concerns in this area. At the same
time, where appropriate, the United States should not place unnecessary
restraints on the ability of the private sector to compete in the global
marketplace.
The Defense Department has undertaken an internal review of its
practices for processing and scrutinizing export licence applications
with an aim toward reducing the time it takes to review licences. The
committee supports this effort and encourages the Department to work
with the State Department to achieve a system that protects national
security, and at the same time does not unnecessarily penalize U.S.
industry.
The committee also supports the Department's efforts to modernize
computer systems for licensing agencies. This computer modernization is
important to ensure that the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the
State Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls can move, over time,
to an all-electronic system. This effort will provide more efficient and
comprehensive review of the national security impact of proposed export
transactions while providing exporters with a more transparent and
timely process.
Firefighting equipment
An important element of the chemical weapons demilitarization program
is ensuring that the local cities and towns within the vicinity of
destruction facilities receive the necessary education, training, and
equipment to ensure community safety in the unlikely event of an
accident during the destruction process. The Department of the Army has
equipped the Umatilla Army Chemical Depot with firefighting vehicles,
including an Emergency One Cyclone II Custom Pumper, for this purpose.
To ensure the Umatilla community has continued and unhindered access to
the Emergency One Cyclone II Custom Pumper, the Department of the Army
is working with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
Reservation to convey the firefighting vehicle to the community. The
committee supports this initiative and urges the Department of the Army
to transfer the vehicle to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla
Indian Tribes as soon as possible.
Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile
Section 1302 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 1998, as amended by section 1501 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, prohibits the use of funds for
retiring or dismantling, or preparing to retire or dismantle specified
strategic nuclear delivery systems, including the Peacekeeper
intercontinental ballistic missile, until the START II Treaty enters
into force. Although the START II Treaty has been approved by the
Russian Duma, it has not yet entered into force. Nevertheless, the
committee recognizes that the Air Force must take certain steps to be in
a position to be able to retire the Peacekeeper system if the START II
Treaty, and associated protocols, enter into force. Specifically, the
committee understands that the Air Force would need to acquire warhead
containers and missile stage storage end rings in the near future if the
Air Force is to retain the ability to deactivate the Peacekeeper weapon
system by December 31, 2003, and eliminate the associated silos by
December 31, 2007. Since the committee has long supported entry into
force of the START II Treaty, the committee believes that the
acquisition of such equipment is consistent with the current prohibition
on preparing to retire or dismantle the Peacekeeper weapon system.
Therefore, funds available to the Air Force from within existing
appropriations are authorized to be utilized for the acquisition of
Peacekeeper warhead containers and missile stage storage end rings.
TITLE XI-DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL POLICY
Computer/electronic accommodations program (sec. 1101)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to expand the Computer/Electronic Accommodations
Program to provide assistive technology, assistive technology devices,
and assistive technology services to any department or agency of the
Federal Government. The recommended provision limits the cost of the
assistance provided to not more than $2.0 million in any fiscal year.
Additional special pay for foreign language proficiency
beneficial for United States national security interests (sec. 1102)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to provide additional pay for civilian employees
who maintain a foreign language proficiency determined to be beneficial
for national security interests.
Increased number of positions authorized for the defense
intelligence senior executive service (sec. 1103)
The committee recommends a provision that would increase, by 25, the
number of positions authorized for the defense intelligence senior
executive service. The committee is concerned by recent reports that the
National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and the National Security
Agency (NSA) are experiencing significant problems in the area of
acquisition and acquisition oversight. Both agencies are seeking to
strengthen their acquisition management and need to be able to attract
skilled people. The committee expects that the recommended provision
would help NIMA and NSA attract such individuals. The committee directs
that the additional 25 positions established by the provision would be
used by NIMA and NSA only to address acquisition-related deficiencies.
Extension of authority for tuition reimbursement and
training for acquisition personnel in shortage categories (sec. 1104)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the
termination date of the authority for tuition reimbursement and training
for acquisition personnel in shortage categories from September 30, 2001
to September 30, 2010.
Work safety demonstration program (sec. 1105)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the Secretary
of Defense to conduct a work safety demonstration program in which
private sector work safety models would be used to determine whether the
work safety record of Department of Defense civilian employees can be
improved. The demonstration program would begin within 180 days of
enactment of the Act and end on September 30, 2002. The Secretary of
Defense would be required to submit an interim report not later than
December 1, 2001 and a final report not later than December 1, 2002, to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
Employment and compensation of employees for temporary
organizations established by law or executive order (sec. 1106)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the heads
of federal agencies the flexibility to hire and pay individuals under a
streamlined process to work in temporary organizations, commissions,
boards, etc. that have been established for a period not to exceed three
years. The recommended provision would permit federal agencies to hire
temporary employees in a timely manner so they can meet the deadlines
imposed by the President or Congress. The recommended provision would
permit the temporary employees to receive life and health insurance
benefits for the duration of their employment. Employees transferred to
a temporary position from a career civil service position would have
return rights to their former positions at the end of their employment
with the temporary organization.
Extension of authority for voluntary separations in
reductions in force (sec. 1107)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend, from
September 30, 2001 to September 30, 2005, the temporary authority that
would permit civilian employees to volunteer for reductions-in-force.
Electronic maintenance of performance appraisal systems (sec. 1108)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the head of
an executive branch agency to administer and maintain the performance
appraisal system electronically.
Approval authority for cash awards in excess of $10,000 (sec. 1109)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to grant a cash award up to the maximum of $25,000
without seeking approval from the Office of Personnel Management.
Leave for crews of certain vessels (sec. 1110)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Military Sealift Command to pay civil service mariners, in an extended
leave status, a lump-sum equal to the difference between their pay at a
temporary promotion rate and their lower permanent grade rates.
Life insurance for emergency essential Department of Defense
employees (sec. 1111)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize civilian
employees designated by the Secretary of Defense as emergency essential
and subject to being deployed to combat areas to elect to participate in
the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance program.
Civilian personnel services public-private competition pilot
program (sec. 1112)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Defense to establish a public-private competition pilot program to
assess the extent to which the effectiveness and efficiency of providing
civilian personnel services could be increased by conducting
competitions for the performance of such services between the public and
private sectors. The recommended provision would require that the pilot
program be conducted during the period beginning on October 1, 2000 and
ending on December 31, 2004. The Secretary of Defense would be required
to submit, not later than February 1, 2005, a report that would assess
the value of the pilot program and make recommendations for permanent
authority to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives.
Extension, expansion, and revision of authority for
experimental personnel program for scientific and technical personnel
(sec. 1113)
The committee recommends a provision to extend, expand, and revise
the authority for the experimental personnel program for scientific and
technical personnel established pursuant to section 1101 of the Strom
Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999(Public
Law 105 261). Section 1101 authorized the Secretary of Defense to
appoint up to 20 eminent experts in science and engineering to temporary
employment positions within the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) without regard to existing civil service laws concerning
appointment and compensation.
The committee recognizes that DARPA expects to fill all 20 authorized
positions in the near future and would benefit greatly from the
expansion of the program. The committee is also aware that the defense
laboratories would benefit from similar access to capable scientists and
engineers from outside the civil service. For these reasons, the
provision recommended by the committee would increase the number of
positions authorized for DARPA from 20 to 40 and expand the program to
the defense laboratories, authorizing an additional 40 positions for
each of the military services and a total of ten additional positions
for the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) and National Security
Agency (NSA). The provision would extend the program for an additional
two years and clarify that the maximum pay authorized under the
provision is intended to include locality pay adjustments.
TITLE XII-MATTERS RELATING TO OTHER NATIONS
Transfers of naval vessels to foreign countries (sec. 1201)
The committee recommends a provision that would transfer to various
countries: on a combined lease-sale basis, four Kidd- class destroyers;
on a grant basis, two Thomaston-class dock landing ships; on a grant
basis, four Garcia-class frigates; on a combined lease-sale basis, two
Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates; on a grant basis, one Dixie-class
destroyer tender; on a grant basis, two Knox-class frigates; and, on a
combined lease- sale basis, two Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates. The
Chief of Naval Operations has certified, pursuant to statutory
requirement, that such naval vessels are not essential to the defense of
the United States. Any expense incurred by the United States in
connection with these transfers would be charged to the recipient. The
provision would also:
(1) direct that, to the maximum extent possible, the Secretary of
the Navy shall require, as a condition of transfer, that repair and
refurbishment associated with the transfer be accomplished in a shipyard
located in the United States; and
(2) stipulate that the authority to transfer these vessels will
expire at the end of a two-year period that begins on the date of
enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2001.
Support of United Nations-sponsored efforts to inspect and
monitor Iraqi weapons activities (sec. 1202)
The committee recommends a provision that extends, for one year, the
Department of Defense's authority to support United
Nations(UN)-sponsored inspection and monitoring efforts to ensure full
Iraqi compliance with its international obligations to destroy its
weapons of mass destruction and associated delivery systems. The
committee is troubled by Iraq's long-standing suspension of UN
inspection and monitoring missions, and continued defiance of UN
Security Council efforts to resume weapons inspections. Despite the
December 17, 1999 adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution
1284, which established the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and
Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) as the successor to the United Nations
Special Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM), Iraq refuses to comply with this
resolution and allow inspectors to resume operations in Iraq. The
committee continues to believe that it is imperative that inspections of
Iraq weapons sites resume as soon as possible to ensure Iraqi compliance
with the disarmament obligations it accepted in 1991 at the end of the
Persian Gulf conflict.
Repeal of restriction preventing cooperative airlift support
through acquisition and cross servicing agreements (sec.1203)
The committee recommends a provision to eliminate the restriction in
section 2350c of title 10, United States Code, that allows the Secretary
of Defense to enter into military airlift agreements with allied
countries only under the authority of section 2350c. This provision
would clear up any ambiguity regarding the Secretary's authority to
include airlift in cross servicing agreements for ``...logistics
support, supplies, and services...'' under the authority of section
2342, title 10, United States Code.
Western Hemisphere Institute for Professional Education and
Training (sec. 1204)
The U.S. Army School of the Americas has been subjected to a great
deal of controversy, mainly for the actions of a relatively small number
of individuals who were graduated from the school many years ago. The
committee is aware that the school's curricula has undergone significant
positive changes in recent years. The committee believes that there
continues to be a need for an institution that would provide
professional education and training for the military, law enforcement
and civilian (governmental and non-governmental) personnel of the
Western Hemisphere.
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the statute
authorizing the Army to operate the U.S. Army School of the Americas and
would authorize the Secretary of Defense to operate a Western Hemisphere
Institute for Professional Education and Training. The institute would
be operated for the purpose of providing professional education and
training to military, law enforcement and civilian personnel of the
Western Hemisphere in areas such as leadership development, counterdrug
operations, peace support operations, and disaster relief. The curricula
of the institution would include, at a minimum, eight hours of
instruction relating to human rights, the rule of law, due process,
civilian control of the military, and the role of the military in a
democratic society. There would be a board of visitors, including four
members of Congress and six members from academia, the religious
community, and the human rights community, to review the institute's
curricula and instruction. The board would submit an annual report to
the Secretary of Defense. The selection of foreign personnel to attend
the institute would be subject to the concurrence of the Secretary of
State. The Secretary of Defense would submit an annual report to
Congress detailing the activities of the institute during the
previous calendar year.
Biannual report on Kosovo peacekeeping (sec. 1205)
The committee recommends a provision that would require a biannual
report from the President on the contributions of European nations and
organizations to the peacekeeping operations in Kosovo. Specifically,
each report shall include detailed information on the commitments and
pledges made by the European Commission, the member nations of the
European Union (EU) and the European member nations of the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for reconstruction assistance in
Kosovo, humanitarian assistance in Kosovo, the Kosovo Consolidated
Budget, police (including special police) for the United Nations (UN)
international police force for Kosovo, and military personnel for
peacekeeping operations in Kosovo; the amount of assistance that has
been provided in each category, and the number of police and military
personnel deployed to Kosovo by each such nation or organization. In
addition, each report shall include a description of the full range of
commitments and responsibilities undertaken for Kosovo by the UN, the EU
and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the
progress made by each in fulfilling those commitments and
responsibilities, an assessment of the remaining tasks and an
anticipated timetable for completing those tasks. The first report is to
be provided to the relevant congressional committees on December 1,
2000.
The committee is concerned with the slow pace of the civil
implementation effort in Kosovo and, in particular, with the
unsatisfactory progress on the part of European nations and
organizations to provide, in a timely manner, the assistance and
personnel they have pledged to Kosovo. The committee notes that the
United States bore the major share of the military burden for the air
war on behalf of Kosovo; in return, European nations agreed to pay the
major share of the burdens to secure the peace. Although European
nations and organizations have pledged billions of dollars and thousands
of personnel for this goal, only a fraction of the assistance has been
provided to Kosovo. As a result, U.S. troops, and troops of other
nations, serving in Kosovo are performing non-military missions--such as
basic police functions--to make up for the shortfalls on the civilian
side. These are missions for which military personnel were not
specifically trained and which increase their personal risk. The
committee believes that more must be done by the international
organizations that have accepted the responsibilities for the civil
implementation efforts in Kosovo, and by the European nations that have
committed to provide a major portion of the assistance, to ensure that
the economic and security infrastructure is put in place in Kosovo to
avoid an open-ended U.S. military commitment in Kosovo.
The report required by this provision will provide the Congress with
the data necessary to evaluate the performance of the organizations and
nations covered by this provision in fulfilling their commitments
regarding Kosovo.
Mutual assistance for monitoring test explosions of nuclear
devices (sec. 1206)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide authority to
the Secretary of Defense to remedy problems that may arise with respect
to the installation of nuclear test explosion monitoring equipment as
part of the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty or as part of the United States Atomic Energy
Detection System. Without this provision, the Department of Defense
would be prohibited from accepting funds directly from an international
organization to establish, operate, or maintain IMS equipment, owned by
the U.S. Government, and to maintain equipment that is not the property
of the U.S. Government.
Consolidated annual report on Cooperative Threat Reduction
assistance and activities (sec. 1207)
The committee recommends a provision that would consolidate the
information found in several Cooperative Threat Reduction reports into
one annual report, thereby reducing the number of reports the committee
receives each year, but maintaining the information the committee
values. This new, consolidated annual report would be due no later than
the first Monday in February, with the first report due in February
2002.
Limitation on use of funds for construction of a Russian
facility for the destruction of chemical weapons (sec. 1208)
The budget request included $35.0 million for construction activities
for the Shchuch'ye Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility in Russia as
part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program. While the
committee recommends the requested amount, the committee has concerns
about the construction of this facility. The committee believes that
there may be higher priority CTR efforts to reduce the threat posed by
chemical weapons in Russia that will provide a greater security return
on investment, such as security improvements and maintenance for the
seven Russian chemical weapons storage sites, completion and maintenance
of the CTR-funded mobile central analytical laboratory, and expansion of
the chemical weapons production facility destruction efforts at
Volgograd and Novocheboksark.
However, after reviewing the administration's concerns regarding the
threats posed by the nerve agent stockpile at Shchuch'ye, the committee
recommends a provision that would provide conditional authority for the
administration to proceed with the construction of this facility.
Specifically, the provision provides that prior to obligating or
expending fiscal year 2000 funds, or any funds in subsequent fiscal
years, the Secretary of Defense must provide in writing to both the
House and Senate Armed Services Committees a certification that: (1) the
government of the Russian Federation has annually agreed to provide at
least $25.0 million for the construction support and operation of that
facility to destroy chemical weapons and for the support and maintenance
of the facility for that purpose for each year of the entire operating
life-cycle of the facility; (2) the government of the Russian Federation
has agreed to utilize the facility to destroy the remaining four
stockpiles of nerve agents located at Kisner, Pochep, Leonidovka, and
Maradykovsky; (3) the United States has obtained multiyear commitments
from governments of other countries to donate funds for the support of
essential social infrastructure projects in sufficient amounts to ensure
that the projects are maintained during the entire operating life-cycle
of the facility; and (4) Russia has agreed to destroy its chemical
weapons production facilities at Volgograd and Novocheboksark.
Limitation on the use of funds for the Elimination of
Weapons Grade Plutonium Program (sec. 1209)
The request included $32.1 million for the Elimination of Weapons
Grade Plutonium Program as part of the Cooperative Threat Reduction
(CTR) Program. While the committee supports the request, the committee
is troubled by the Russian Federation's announcement in February 2000
that due to increasing costs, Russia wanted to change the approach
selected for converting its remaining three plutonium producing nuclear
reactors. Since that time, meetings between the United States and Russia
have failed to determine the future direction of the this program.
Because of these circumstances, the committee is concerned that the
project will be unable to expend its budget request during the fiscal
year.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision prohibiting the
obligation of more than 50 percent of the funds provided for this
program until 30 days after the Secretary of Defense reports to the
committee on an agreement between the U.S. Government and the Government
of the Russia Federation regarding any new option selected for shutting
down or converting the three Russian plutonium producing reactors. Any
such agreement should include the new date on which such reactors will
stop producing weapons grade plutonium and the cost sharing arrangement
between the United States and Russia in undertaking activities under
such an agreement.
TITLE XIII--NAVY ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND OF VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO
Navy activities on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico (secs. 1301 1308)
The committee remains concerned with the lack of live fire access to
the Naval training facility on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, and
the resultant negative consequences this has for Navy and Marine Corps
readiness. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff along with the Chief of Naval
Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, stated that Vieques
provides integrated live-fire training ``critical to our readiness.''
The Secretary of the Navy also testified that ``* * * only by providing
this preparation can we fairly ask our service members to put their
lives at risk.'' The concern of these individuals was reinforced by
operational commanders, including the Commander of the Sixth Fleet of
the Navy, who stated that the loss of Vieques would ``cost American
lives.''
The committee recognizes and appreciates the sacrifice that the
people of Vieques and other communities throughout America located near
military training installations have made over the years to ensure that
our military personnel are adequately prepared before being sent into
harm's way. The committee is concerned that as a result of the Navy's
failure to take those actions necessary to develop sound relations with
the people of Vieques, and the tragic accident which resulted in the
death of a civilian employee of the Navy, the future of such training is
in jeopardy.
Therefore, the committee includes a number of provisions that would
support the agreement reached between the Department of Defense and the
Government of Puerto Rico intended to restore relations between the
people of Vieques and the Navy, and provide for the continuation of live
fire training on the island.
Specifically, subtitle 13 would authorize the expenditure of $40.0
million for infrastructure and other economic projects on the island of
Vieques, and require the President to conduct a referendum on Vieques to
determine whether the people of Vieques approve or disapprove of the
continuation of Naval training on the island. The conservation zones on
the western side of the island, containing seven endangered and
threatened species, would be transferred to the Secretary of Interior to
be administered as wildlife refuges.
If the people of Vieques approve the continuation of live fire
training, the subtitle would authorize an additional $50.0 million in
economic aid for the island residents.
If the people of Vieques do not approve the continuation of live fire
training, the subtitle would require the Navy and Marine Corps to cease
all training operations on the island of Vieques by May 1, 2003; to
terminate any operations at Roosevelt Roads that are related to the use
of training ranges on Vieques; and the transfer of all conservation
zones on Navy property on the eastern side of the island of Vieques,
together with the live impact area and other Navy property on the
eastern side of the island, to the Secretary of the Interior until such
time as the Congress enacts subsequent legislation regarding the
disposition of that land.
If the Navy ceases operations on Vieques and reduces its presence on
Roosevelt Roads, the subtitle would place a moratorium on military
construction projects at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, until such time as
it can be determined if the active military units at Fort Buchanan can
be consolidated on Roosevelt Roads with the remaining Naval units. The
Comptroller General of the United States will be required to conduct a
review of the continuing requirement for Fort Buchanan and provide the
congressional defense committees with a report outlining his
recommendations regarding the potential consolidation of active U.S.
Army units in Puerto Rico with the Navy at Roosevelt Roads.
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TITLE XXI--ARMY
SUMMARY
The Army requested authorization of $897,938,000 for military
construction and $1,140,381,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends authorization of $781,079,000 for military
construction and $1,176,670,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The budget request included 10 military construction projects which
were authorized for appropriation by division B of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Since these projects required no
additional authorization, the committee did not authorize $168.5 million
based on the prior year authorization. The committee also did not
authorize $18.0 million for the renovation of unaccompanied personnel
barracks at Kwajalein Atoll based on the fact that the majority of the
beneficiaries were not military personnel.
The amounts authorized for military construction reflects a reduction
of $20.5 million based on savings in the foreign currency account. The
reduction shall not cancel any military construction authorized by title
XXI of this bill.
Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2101)
This section contains the list of authorized Army construction
projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are listed on an
installation-by-installation basis. The state list contained in this
report is intended to be the binding list of the specific projects
authorized at each location.
Family housing (sec. 2102)
This section would authorize new construction and planning and design
of family housing units for the Army for fiscal year 2001.
Improvement to military family housing units (sec. 2103)
This section would authorize improvements to existing family housing
units for fiscal year 2001.
Authorization of appropriations, Army (sec. 2104)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item contained in the Army's budget for fiscal year 2001. This section
also provides an overall limit on the amount the Army may spend on
military construction projects.
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year
2000 projects (sec. 2105)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
2101(a)of the Military Construction Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (division B
of Public Law 106 65; 113 Stat. 825) to reduce the funding authorization
for Fort Stewart, Georgia, from $71.7 million to $25.7 million due to a
technical correction. The provision would also strike the funding
authorization for Fort Riley, Kansas, due to a technical correction. The
provision would also increase the authorization of appropriations for
unspecified minor construction from $9.5 million to $14.6 million and
make certain conforming changes.
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year
1999 project (sec. 2106)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
2101(a)of the Military Construction Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (division B
of Public Law 105 261; 112 Stat. 2182) to increase the funding
authorization of a barracks project at Fort Riley, Kansas, from $41.0
million to $44.5 million and the Railhead Facility at Fort Hood, Texas,
from $32.5 million to $45.3 million. The provision would also make
certain technical corrections.
Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 1998
project (sec. 2107)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2101
(a) of the Military Construction Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (division B of
Public Law 105 85; 111 Stat. 2185)to increase the funding authorization
of a barracks project at Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, Georgia,
from $54.0 million to $57.5 million. The provision would also make
certain technical corrections.
Authority to accept funds for realignment of certain
military construction project, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (sec. 2108)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to accept funds from the Federal Highway
Administration or the State of Kentucky to fund the additional costs
associated with the realignment of a rail connector military
construction at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, authorized in section 2101(a)
of the Military Construction
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (division B of Public
Law 104 210; 110 Stat. 2763). The provision would authorize the
Secretary to use the funds received under this authority in addition to
the funds authorized and appropriated for the rail connector project.
The provision would also specify that the costs associated with
realignment include, but are not limited to, redesign costs, additional
construction costs, additional costs due to construction delays related
to the realignment, and additional real estate costs.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Presidio Housing, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San
Francisco, California
The committee notes that base closures in the San Francisco Bay Area
have severely reduced the availability of government housing for
military families and that the lack of housing in proximity to the duty
stations of service personnel impacts on readiness and the quality of
life of uniform personnel. The committee further notes that the Army and
the Presidio Trust have reached an interim accord on the use of 22
designated housing units at the Presidio through September 2005.
Although this agreement will mitigate the near-term housing crisis, it
only postpones a problem that must have a long-term solution. The
committee directs the Secretary of the Army and the Presidio Trust to
develop a long-term agreement on the use of the 22 units by military
families. The agreement should provide that the reimbursement for the
housing will be no more than the basic allowance for housing. The
Secretary shall report on the status of the negotiations to the
Committees on the Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives by March 15, 2001. The report shall include the issues
relating to the 22 houses, including the rank and grade of senior
occupant of each house, the position taken by the Presidio, the cost of
alternative housing, and the replacement value of the 22 houses.
TITLE XXII--NAVY
SUMMARY
The Navy requested authorization of $753,422,000 for military
construction and $1,245,460,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends authorization of $817,371,000 for military
construction and $1,268,441,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The amounts authorized for military construction and family housing
reflect reductions of $3.9 million based on saving in the foreign
currency account, $5.3 million to be offset by prior year unobligated
funds. The reductions shall not cancel any military construction
authorized by title XXII of this bill.
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2201)
This section contains the list of authorized Navy construction
projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are listed on an
installation-by-installation basis. The state list contained in this
report is intended to be the binding list of the specific projects
authorized at each location.
Family housing (sec. 2202)
This section would authorize new construction and planning and design
of family housing units for the Navy for fiscal year 2001.
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2203)
This section would authorize improvements to existing units of family
housing for fiscal year 2001.
Authorization of appropriations, Navy (sec. 2204)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item in the Navy's budget for fiscal year 2001. This section also
provides an overall limit on the amount the Navy may spend on military
construction projects.
Correction in authorized use of funds, Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, Virginia (sec. 2205)
The committee recommends a provision that would correct the
authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 1997 military
construction project at Marine Corps Combat Development Command,
Quantico, Virginia. The provision would permit the use of previously
authorized funds to carry out a military construction project involving
infrastructure development at that installation.
TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE
SUMMARY
The Air Force requested authorization of $530,969,000 for military
construction and $1,049,754,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The committee recommends authorization of $763,491,000 for military
construction and $1,054,572,000 for family housing for fiscal year 2001.
The amounts authorized for military construction and family housing
reflect reductions of $12.0 million based on savings in the foreign
currency account and $15.0 million to be offset by prior year
unobligated funds. The reductions shall not cancel any military
construction authorized by title XXIII of this bill.
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2301)
This section contains the list of authorized Air Force construction
projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are listed on an
installation-by-installation basis. The state list contained in this
report is intended to be the binding list of the specific projects
authorized at each location.
Family housing (sec. 2302)
This section would authorize new construction and planning and design
of family housing units for the Air Force for fiscal year 2001.
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2303)
This section would authorize improvements to existing units of family
housing for fiscal year 2001.
Authorization of appropriations, Air Force (sec. 2304)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item in the Air Force's budget for fiscal year 2001. This section also
would provide an overall limit on the amount the Air Force may spend on
military construction projects.
TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES
SUMMARY
The Defense Agencies requested authorization of $784,753,000 for
military construction and $44,886,000 for family housing for fiscal year
2001. The committee recommends authorization of $689,333,000 for
military construction and $44,886,000 for family housing or fiscal year
2001.
The committee recommends a reduction of $76.8 million for the
construction of forward operating locations in Ecuador and
Curacao/Aruba. The committee takes this action without prejudice and is
aware that the funds for these military construction projects will be
funded in a supplemental appropriations bill. The amounts authorized for
military construction and family housing reflect a reduction of $7.1
million based on savings in the foreign currency account. The reduction
shall not cancel any military construction authorized by title XXIV of
this bill.
Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2401)
This section contains the list of authorized Defense Agencies
construction projects for fiscal year 2001. The authorized amounts are
listed on an installation-by-installation basis. The state list
contained in this report is intended to be the binding list of the
specific projects authorized at each location.
Energy conservation projects (sec. 2402)
This section would authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out
energy conservation projects.
Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies (sec. 2403)
This section would authorize specific appropriations for each line
item in the Defense Agencies budget for fiscal year 2001. This section
also would provide an overall limit on the amount the Defense Agencies
may spend on military construction projects.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Certification of requirement for military construction
projects, Manta Air Base, Ecuador
The budget request included $22.7 million for construction projects
at Manta Air Base, Ecuador. The number of projects and funding level is
based on the requirement that the facilities would support two E 3s, two
KC 135s, three P 3s, three ARL, and one Senior Scout (C 130) missions
and accompanying personnel. The committee directs that funds available
for construction of large aerial surveillance aircraft related
facilities at Manta Air Base, Ecuador, not be obligated until the
Secretary of
Defense submits a report directed elsewhere in this bill on
the demonstration of the Global Hawk HAE UAV in airborne surveillance
role in the counter-drug effort.
The committee further directs that the construction of the visiting
officers quarters and visiting airmen quarters and dining facility not
be executed until the Secretary of Defense certifies that sufficient
aircraft are scheduled to operate out of the Manta Airfield on a routine
basis to ensure the construction of these facilities is justified.
Planning and design, Defense Intelligence Agency
The budget request included $6,786,000 for the planning and design
for Defense Intelligence Agency. The committee is aware of the urgent
need to consolidate and relocate the Defense Intelligence Agency
activities to a more secure location. The committee supports the
Department of Defense plans for a new Defense Intelligence Agency
Headquarters and directs the Secretary of Defense to expedite the
planning and design.
TITLE XXV-NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION SECURITY INVESTMENT
PROGRAM
SUMMARY
The Department of Defense requested authorization of $190,000,000 for
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment
Program for fiscal year 2001. The committee recommends $190,000,000 for
fiscal year 2001.
Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2501)
This section would authorize the Secretary of Defense to make
contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security
Investment Program in an amount equal to the sum of the amount
specifically authorized in section 2502 of this title and the amount of
recoupment due to the United States for construction previously financed
by the United States.
Authorization of appropriations, NATO (sec. 2502)
This section would authorize appropriations of $190,000,000 for the
contribution of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program.
TITLE XXVI-GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES
SUMMARY
The Department of Defense requested a military construction
authorization of $221,976,000 for fiscal year 2001 for National Guard
and Reserve facilities. The committee recommends authorization for
fiscal year 2001 of $506,696,000 to be distributed, as follows:
Army National Guard $181,629,000
Air National Guard $161,806,000
Army Reserve $92,497,000
Air Force Reserve $32,673,000
Naval and Marine Corps Reserve $38,091,000
$506,696,000
Authorized Guard and Reserve construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2601)
This section would authorize appropriations for military construction
for the National Guard and Reserve by service component for fiscal year
2001. The state list contained in this report is intended to be the
binding list of the specific projects authorized at each location.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Support for Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams
The committee included $25.0 million in the authorization of
appropriation for the Army National Guard military construction account
for the specific purpose of facilitating the activation of the Weapons
of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams. Although these teams are to be
assigned to locations that have the facilities to accommodate their
needs, the committee understands that the Army National Guard has
identified a requirement of approximately $31.0 million for renovation
of the facilities to accommodate these teams. The committee is aware
that the military construction program for the reserve components is
underfunded and that this requirement would place an additional burden
on an already constrained Army National Guard military construction
program. The committee recommends this additional
funding be provided on a one time basis and directs the
Secretary of the Army to provide a report on the expenditure of these
funds not later than October 1, 2001.
TITLE XXVII--EXPIRATION AND EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZATIONS
Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be
specified by law (sec. 2701)
This section would provide that authorizations for military
construction projects, repair of real property, land acquisition, family
housing projects and facilities, contributions to the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization infrastructure program, and National Guard and
Reserve projects will expire on October 1, 2003, or the date of
enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for
fiscal year 2004, whichever is later. This expiration would not apply to
authorizations for which appropriated funds have been obligated before
October 1, 2003, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds
for these projects, whichever is later.
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1998
projects (sec. 2702)
This section would provide for selected extension of certain fiscal
year 1998 military construction authorizations until October 1, 2001, or
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military
construction for fiscal year 2002, whichever is later.
Extensions of authorizations of certain fiscal year 1997
projects (sec. 2703)
This section would provide for selected extension of certain fiscal
year 1997 military construction authorizations until October 1, 2001, or
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military
construction for fiscal year 2002, whichever is later.
Effective date (sec. 2704)
This section would provide that titles XXI, XXII, XXIII, XXIV, and
XXVI of this bill shall take effect on October 1, 2000, or the date of
the enactment of this Act, whichever is later.
TITLE XXVIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE A--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM AND MILITARY FAMILY HOUSING
CHANGES
Joint use military construction projects (sec. 2801)
The committee recommends a provision that would express the sense of
Congress that the Secretary of Defense, when preparing the fiscal year
defense budget request, should identify military construction projects
suitable for joint use, specify in the budget request joint use military
construction projects, and give priority to joint use military
construction projects. The provision would also direct the Secretary to
include in the budget request a certification by each secretary
concerned that the service screened each construction project in the
budget request for the feasibility for joint use. The provision would
further require the Secretary of Defense to submit, not later than
September 30 of each year, a report that included the number of military
construction projects evaluated for joint use construction, when the
project could be executed, and a list of the military construction
projects determined to be feasible for joint use. The provision would
also make certain conforming changes.
Exclusion of certain costs from determination of
applicability of limitation on use of funds for improvement of family
housing (sec. 2802)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2825
(b) of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the secretary
concerned to exclude certain costs from the counting against the
limitation for housing improvement. The specific costs that would be
excluded are the installation, maintenance and repair of communications,
security or anti-terrorism equipment required by the occupant in the
performance of his duties. The provision would also exclude the cost of
repairing or replacing the exterior of the unit or units if such repair
or replacement is necessary to meet historic preservation standards.
The committee directs that whenever the secretary concerned exercises
this authority, the secretary shall submit a report to the congressional
defense committees and wait 30 days prior to executing any project for
which the exemptions apply. The report should include a description of
the project, its purpose, and cost.
Replacement of limitations on space by pay grade of military
family housing with requirement for local comparability of military
family housing (sec. 2803)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2826 of
title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the limitation on
space-by-grade requirement for family housing construction. The
provision would authorize the secretary concerned to construct family
housing units that are consistent with similar housing units constructed
in the local area. The provision would also direct the secretary
concerned to include the net square area when requesting the
authorization for construction of military family housing units.
The committee expects the secretary concerned to continue reporting
as part of the military construction project data (DD1391) the net
square area of each type family housing unit proposed for construction.
Modification of lease authority for high-cost military
family housing (sec. 2804)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2828
(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, to eliminate the $60,000 per
year cap on the lease of an individual housing unit and to authorize the
Secretary of the Army to enter into leases for eight housing units in
the Miami area for no more than five years. The provision would further
amend section 2828 (b) to authorize the Secretary concerned to adjust
the maximum cost authorized for family housing leases based on the
percentage that the national average monthly cost of housing differ
during the two preceding fiscal years. The provision would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to adjust the maximum amount of the eight family
housing unit leases in the Miami area by the percent the annual average
cost of housing for the Miami Military Housing Area exceeds the annual
average cost for the same region for the fiscal year preceding the
fiscal year.
Applicability of competitive policy to alternative authority
for acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec. 2805)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend Subchapter IV
of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, to require that the
Secretary concerned use competitive procedures when exercising the
alternative authorities for the acquisition and improvement of military
housing. The Secretary concerned could waive competitive procedures if
he determines competition would be inconsistent with public interest and
notifies the
Congress in writing of such determination not less than 30
days before entering the agreement.
Provisions of utilities and services under alternative
authority for acquisition and improvement of military housing (sec.
2806)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2872 of
title 10, United States Code, to authorize the service secretaries to
provide utilities and services to privatized housing units located on a
military installation on a reimbursable basis. The payments received for
such services would be credited to the appropriate account or working
capital fund from which the cost of furnishing the utilities and
services was paid.
Extension of alternative authority for acquisition and
improvement of military housing (sec. 2807)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2885 of
title 10, United States Code, to extend the authority to enter a
contract for military housing privatization until February 10, 2004.
Inclusion of readiness center in definition of armory for
purposes of construction of reserve components facilities (sec. 2808)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
18232(3) of title 10, United States Code, to equate the term Readiness
Center to the term Armory. The provision would also make certain
conforming changes.
SUBTITLE B--REAL PROPERTY AND FACILITIES ADMINISTRATION
Increase in threshold for reports to Congress on real
property transactions (sec. 2811)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2662 of
title 10, United States Code, to increase the reporting threshold to
congressional defense committees for real property transactions from
$200,000 to $500,000.
Enhancements to military lease authority (sec. 2812)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2667 of
title 10, United States Code, to authorize the secretary concerned to
lease facilities that are under the control of that department and that
are not excess to the needs of that department. The secretary concerned
would be authorized to accept as compensation for the leases, either
payment in-kind or cash. The provision would clarify that in-kind
consideration may be applied at any military installation and that it
may take the following forms: maintenance, protection, alteration,
repair, improvement, or restoration of any property; construction of new
facilities for the department; provision of facilities for use by the
department; base operating support services; and other services related
to the activity that will occur on the leased property, as the secretary
considers appropriate. In the instances where the payment in-kind
payment is the construction or provision of new facilities with a value
in excess of $500,000, the secretary would not be authorized to enter
the lease until 30 days after the date on which a report on the facts of
the lease is submitted to the congressional defense committees. The
provision would further authorize the secretary concerned to use cash
proceeds from leases for maintenance, protection, alteration, repair,
improvements or restoration of property or facilities, construction or
acquisition of new facilities, lease facilities, and facilities support.
At least 50 percent of the cash payment received would be available for
use only at the military installation at which the property is located.
The provision would authorize the secretary concerned to construct or
acquire facilities in excess of $500,000 only after he submits a report
on the facts of the construction or acquisition of such facilities to
the congressional defense committees and waits 30 days. The provision
would require the Secretary of Defense to submit, not later than March
15 of each year, a report to the congressional defense committees
providing an accounting of the rental receipts and a detailed
explanation of all leases and amendments to existing leases. The
provision would also authorize the secretary concerned to indemnify the
leasee from any claim for personal injury or property damage, that
results from the release of hazardous substance, pollutants or
contaminants, petroleum, or unexploded ordnance as a result of Defense
activities on the military installation at which the leased property is
located.
Expansion of procedures for selection of conveyees under
authority to convey utility systems (sec. 2813)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2688(b)
of title 10, United States Code, to clarify that the secretary concerned
may use procedures other than competitive procedures only under the
circumstances specified in section 2304 (c) through (f) of title 10,
United States Code.
The committee believes that maximizing competition in the
privatization of utility systems within the Department of Defense is
essential to ensuring that the military receives the most efficient and
effective service and to ensuring taxpayers derive the maximum value
from the government's previous investment in these systems. However, the
committee is concerned that the Department may be inadvertently creating
barriers to competition. Specifically, the committee believes that the
Department may not be giving potential offerors enough time to respond
to its requests for proposals. This particularly affects the utilities
required to obtain permission from their regulators in order to form
teams or partnerships to respond to the Department's requirements.
Providing insufficient time for regulated entities, therefore, has the
effect of limiting competition. The Department should examine and adjust
its existing timetables to ensure that potential competitors have
adequate time to respond. Additionally, the committee believes that the
Department's efforts to bundle systems or installations into a single
solicitation for a large region may exclude entities that are only
qualified to provide one type of service, or are limited to operating
within a specific geographical area. The committee believes the
Department should structure its solicitations in a way that allows
interested entities to bid on parts of that which is being offered, as
well as the entire package, thereby ensuring that all have a fair chance
in the competition.
While the committee supports the Department's competitive
privatization efforts, it believes that the Department must be mindful
of the impacts of these efforts upon public safety and the public
interest in assuming a safe and effective network of utility systems
among multiple users. The Department should take steps, either through
reliance upon existing public utility regulatory mechanisms or through
careful contract provisions and service oversight of privatization
contracts, to protect public interests both within and without base
installation boundaries. Further, the Department should consider the
cost of protecting these public interests in the decision to privatize.
Finally, the committee applauds the Department's efforts to work with
industry, in particular the two-day, Utility Privatization Industry
Forum. The committee directs the Department to build on that effort by
taking action to eliminate barriers to full competition.
SUBTITLE C--DEFENSE BASE CLOSURE AND REALIGNMENT
Scope of agreements to transfer property to redevelopment
authorities without consideration under the base closure laws (sec.
2821)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section
2905(b)(4)(B)(i) of the Department of Defense Base Closure and
Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101 510; 10
U.S.C. 2687 note) and section 204(b)(4)(B)(i) of the Defense
Authorization Amendments and Base Closure Realignment Act (title II of
Public Law 100 526; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) to clarify that the seven-year
period to account for the proceeds from any sale or lease of property
received by the redevelopment authority begins at the date of the
initial transfer of property.
SUBTITLE D--LAND CONVEYANCES
PART I--ARMY CONVEYANCES
Land conveyance, Charles Melvin Price Support Center,
Illinois (sec. 2831)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, as public benefit, if qualified, or at
fair market value, as determined by the Secretary, a parcel of real
property consisting of approximately 752 acres, including improvements
thereon, and known as the Charles Melvin Price Support Center to the
Tri-City Regional Port District of Granite City, Illinois, for the
development of a port facility and for other public purposes. The
property authorized for conveyance may include 158 military family
housing units, but only if the Port Authority agrees to accord priority
use to members of the armed services for the lease of the housing. The
Secretary may include personal property of the Army at the Charles
Melvin Price Support Center that the Secretary of Transportation
recommends is appropriate for the development or operation of the port
facility, and that the Secretary of the Army agrees is excess to the
needs of the Army. The provision would authorize the Secretary to
provide for an interim lease of the property to the Port District until
such time it is conveyed by deed. As compensation for the interim lease,
the Secretary may accept payment in-kind at less than fair market value
if the Secretary determines that it is in the public interest.
The provision would also authorize the Secretary to retain part of
the parcel, not to exceed 50 acres, for the development of an Army
Reserve Center. When the Secretary determines the acreage is no longer
required, the Secretary shall transfer the acreage to the Port District.
In determining the location of the
Army Reserve Center, the Secretary shall consider its impact
on the Port District's use of the remainder of the property.
The provision would further authorize the Secretary of the Army to
require the Port District to lease to the Department of Defense or any
other Federal Agency facilities. Any lease under this authority shall be
made under terms and conditions satisfactory to the Secretary and the
Port District. The agency leasing the facility shall provide for
maintenance of the facility, as required by all Federal, State, and
local laws and ordinances. At the end of the lease, the property would
revert to the Port Authority. As a further condition of conveyance, the
Port District would grant the Secretary of the Army an easement on the
property conveyed to permit the Secretary to implement and maintain
flood control projects. The Secretary shall be responsible for the
maintenance of any flood control project built on the easement.
Land conveyance, Lieutenant General Malcolm Hay Army Reserve
Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2832)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, at fair market value, to the City of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a parcel of real property, including
improvements, located at 950 Saw Mill Run Boulevard in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and containing the Lieutenant General Malcolm Hay Army
Reserve Center. The exact acreage and legal description of the real
property would be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
The cost of the survey would be borne by the City.
Land conveyance, Colonel Harold E. Steele Army Reserve
Center and Maintenance Shop, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (sec. 2833)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, at fair market value, to the Ellis
School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a parcel of real property, including
improvements, located at 6482 Aurelia Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
and containing the Colonel Harold E. Steele Army Reserve Center and
Maintenance Shop. The exact acreage and legal description of the real
property would be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
The cost of the survey would be borne by the Ellis School.
Land conveyance, Fort Lawton, Washington (sec. 2834)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, without consideration, to the City of
Seattle, Washington, a parcel of real property at Fort Lawton,
Washington, consisting of Area 500 and Government Way from 36th Avenue
to Area 500. The purpose of the conveyance would be to include the
property in Discovery Park, Seattle, Washington.
Land conveyance, Vancouver Barracks, Washington (sec. 2835)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Army to convey, without consideration, to the City of
Vancouver, Washington, a parcel of real property, including any
improvements, at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. The conveyance includes
19 structures known as the west barracks. The purpose of the conveyance
would be to include the property as part of the Vancouver National
Historic Reserve.
PART II--NAVY CONVEYANCES
Modification of land conveyance, Marine Corps Air Station,
El Toro, California (sec. 2851)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2811 of
the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1990 and
1991 (division B of Public Law 101 189; 103 Stat. 1650). The provision
would change the authority to use the monetary consideration from
construction of family housing at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin,
California, for the repair of roads and development of facilities at
Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, California.
Modification of land conveyance, Defense Fuel Supply Point,
Casco Bay, Maine (sec. 2852)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 2839 of
the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995
(division B of Public Law 103 337; 108 Stat. 3065) to authorize the
Secretary of Defense to replace electric utility service removed during
environmental remediation. The provision would also authorize the
Secretary, in consultation with the community, to improve the utility
services and install telecommunications service, provided the community
funds the cost of the improvements.
Modification of land conveyance authority, former Navy
Training Center, Bainbridge, Cecil County, Maryland (sec. 2853)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 1 of an
Act to convey land in Cecil County, Maryland (Public Law 99 596; 100
Stat. 3349) to authorize the Secretary of the Navy to reduce the amount
of consideration received from the
State of Maryland by an amount equal to the cost of restoring
the historic buildings on the property. The total amount of the
reduction would not exceed $500,000.
Land conveyance, Naval Computer and Telecommunications
Station, Cutler, Maine (sec. 2854)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of the Navy to convey, without consideration, a parcel of real
property, including improvements thereon, consisting of approximately
263 acres known as the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station,
Cutler, Maine, to the State of Maine, any political subdivision of the
State of Maine, or any tax-supported agency in the State of Maine. The
Secretary may require the recipient of the property to reimburse the
Secretary for any environmental assessment or other studies required
with respect to the conveyance of the property.
PART III--DEFENSE AGENCIES CONVEYANCE
Land conveyance, Army and Air Force Exchange Service
property, Farmers Branch, Texas (sec. 2871)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Defense to convey at fair market value a parcel of real
property, owned and purchased by the Army and Air Force Exchange
Service, a non-appropriated fund instrumentality, located in Farmers
Branch, Texas. As a condition of the conveyance, the provision would
require cash payment as consideration and would require that the payment
be processed according to the Federal Property and Administrative
Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 485 (c)). The provision would waive
section 2693 of title 10, United States Code, the provisions of the
Federal Property Administrative Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.), and
section 501 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 11411). The provision would also direct the Secretary to submit a
report on the conveyance to the congressional defense committees not
later than one year after the conveyance.
The committee does not intend the waivers of current law to become
general policy, instead the waivers pertain to the unique aspect of the
property authorized for conveyance. Specifically, the property is not
located on a military base, the title of the property is held by a
non-appropriated fund property, and no appropriated funds were used to
acquire, construct, rehabilitate, or improve the property.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Naming of the Army missile testing range at Kwajalein Atoll
as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein
Atoll (sec. 2881)
The committee recommends a provision that would name the Army missile
testing range at the Kwajalein Atoll as the Ronald Reagan Ballistic
Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Report on Naval Foundry and Propeller Center, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
The committee is aware that the Secretary of the Navy is considering
an increase above the recommended number of submarines in the
Quadrennial Defense Review. Anticipating this future need, it is
important to ensure that all the organizations providing support to the
submarine force have sufficient resources to meet both current and
potentially increased future requirements. As the only government
facility capable of producing the highest quality silent propellers and
related equipment for submarines, the Naval Foundry and Propeller
Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an essential facility for support
of the submarine fleet. Because of its unique capability, it is critical
that the Center has sufficient facilities, equipment, and trained staff
to meet the Navy's current and future requirements.
The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to submit, not later
than March 1, 2001, a report to the congressional defense committees
that analyzes the facility, equipment, and staffing requirements of the
Naval Foundry and Propeller Center. This report should also include the
funding levels needed in future budgets to provide the needed
capabilities and capacity at the Center.
Report on requirement for Education Center at Fort Stewart, Georgia
The committee is aware that the opportunity for continuing education
while in the military is a valuable tool for enhancing recruiting and
retention of highly motivated individuals. To maximize the available
resources, several military installations have or are prepared to enter
joint cooperative agreements with State or local university systems. The
committee is aware that Fort Stewart, Georgia, has identified an
opportunity for a joint cooperative agreement with the University System
of Georgia to address the educational needs of the military personnel
and
family members stationed at the installation. However, the
lack of adequate facilities precludes the full achievement of such an
agreement. The committee is supportive of such innovative approaches to
meeting the educational needs of our military personnel and directs the
Secretary of the Army to study the requirement for and feasibility of
funding and constructing an education center at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
The study should also address the desirability of joint use of such
facility by the local community and the cost sharing arrangements that
should accompany such joint use. The Secretary should provide the
results of the study to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate by
January 15, 2001.
Study on commercial leases
The committee recognizes that the Department of Defense (DOD) has
made progress in reducing the number of commercial leases. However, the
committee believes that a more aggressive approach to relocating
activities from leased facilities to government-owned space would yield
additional savings for the Department.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives by April 1, 2001, a report that analyzes the relocation
of activities from leased facilities to available DOD owned space in
metropolitan areas that currently have vacant or underutilized DOD
property. The metropolitan areas studied should include, but not be
limited to, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and San Antonio, Texas.
Study regarding the location of the National Museum of the
United States Army
The Military Construction Authorization Act, 1985, established the
precedence that permits each service (to include the Marine Corps) to
designate one museum at one location to be the official service museum.
In response to this authority, the Department of the Navy and the
Department of the Air Force have designated official museums. The Army
and the Marine Corps have not yet specified a museum, although the
committee understands that the Marine Corps is considering a location at
the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia.
The Chief of Staff of the Army initiated a National Military Museum
of the United States Army site selection process in 1983. This process
culminated in the selection of a site within the National Capitol
Region. The proposed site was submitted for congressional approval in
both the fiscal year 1993 and fiscal year 1995. For reasons not related
to the specific site, the Congress did not approve the procurement of
the location. Since 1996, the Army has not made a concerted effort to
identify or seek congressional approval for an Army museum in the
National Capitol Region.
The committee is aware that communities have an interest in hosting
the National Military Museum of the United States Army and have
dedicated resources toward that effort. The committee supports the
establishment of a museum dedicated to honor the 225 year history of the
Army and believes that any further delay in selecting a site would not
only be a disservice to the thousands of men and women who wear the Army
uniform, but also to the communities eager to host the National Military
Museum of the United States Army. The committee directs the Secretary of
the Army to immediately initiate a new site selection process and
provide a report to the congressional defense committees not later than
one year after enactment of the National Defense Authorization Bill for
Fiscal Year 2001. The report shall include the selected site, if one is
judged appropriate, the site selection process, schedule for developing
the National Military Museum for the United States Army, and funding
sources.
DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS AND
OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
Atomic energy defense activities
Title XXXI authorizes appropriations for the atomic energy defense
activities of the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2001, including:
the purchase, construction, and acquisition of plant and capital
equipment; research and development; nuclear weapons; naval nuclear
propulsion; environmental restoration and waste management; operating
expenses; and other expenses necessary to carry out the purposes of the
Department of Energy Organization Act (Public Law 95 91). The title
would authorize appropriations in six categories: national nuclear
security administration; defense environmental restoration and waste
management; defense environmental management privatization; other
defense activities; Department of Energy Employees Compensation
Initiative; and defense nuclear waste disposal.
The budget request for the atomic energy defense activities totaled
$13.1 billion, an 8.3 percent increase over the adjusted fiscal year
2000 level. Of the total amount requested: $4.6 billion was for weapons
activities; $1.6 billion was for other nuclear security activities; $4.6
billion was for defense environmental restoration and waste management
activities; $1.0 billion was for defense facility closure projects;
$540.1 million was for defense environmental management privatization;
$555.1 million was for other defense activities; $112.0 million was for
defense nuclear waste disposal; $17.0 million was for a Department of
Energy Employees Compensation Initiative; and $140.0 million was for the
formerly utilized sites remedial action program.
The committee recommends $12.8 billion for atomic energy defense
activities, a decrease of $323.6 million to the budget request. The
committee recommends $6.2 billion for the national nuclear security
administration (NNSA), an increase of 37.2 million to the budget
request. The amount authorized for the NNSA is as follows: $4.7 billion
for weapons activities, an increase of $78.8 million to the budget
request; $847.0 million for defense nuclear nonproiferation, a decrease
of $59.0 million to the budget request; and $695.0 million for naval
reactors, an increase of $17.4 million to the budget request. The
committee further recommends $5.5 billion for defense environmental
restoration and waste management, including defense facility closure
projects, a decrease of $132.0 million to the budget request; $515.0
million for defense environmental management privatization, the amount
of the budget request; $466.3 million for other defense activities, a
decrease of $88.8 million to the budget request; $17.0 million for a
Department of Energy Employees Compensation Initiative, the amount of
the budget request; and $112.0 million for defense nuclear waste
disposal, the amount of the budget request. The committee recommends no
funding for the formerly utilized sites remedial action program,
representing a decrease of $140.0 million to the budget request.
The following table summarizes the budget request and the committee
recommendations:
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National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3101)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $6.2
billion for activities of the Department of Energy (DOE) National
Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), an increase of $97.3 million to
the budget request.
Weapons activities
The committee recommends $4.6 billion for weapons activities, an
increase of $78.8 million to the budget request. The amount authorized
is for the following activities: $842.6 million for directed stockpile
work, an increase of $6.0 million; $1.5 billion for campaigns, an
increase of $447.1 million; $1.5 billion for readiness in technical base
and facilities, a decrease of $405.8 million; $115.7 million for secure
transportation assets, the amount of the budget request; $448.2 million
for construction, an increase of $34.0 million; and $221.6 million for
program direction, a decrease of $2.5 million.
DIRECTED STOCKPILE WORK
In the directed stockpile work account, the committee recommends an
increase of $6.0 million to the budget request for a cooperative
research effort with the Department of Defense regarding defeating hard
and deeply buried targets.
CAMPAIGNS
In the campaigns account, the committee recommends an increase of
$10.0 million to the budget request for the pit manufacturing readiness
campaign to begin conceptual design activities for a pit production
facility adequate to meet future national security needs; an increase of
$477.1 million to the defense computing and modeling campaign to reflect
the consolidation of all defense computing and modeling activities into
a single program line item; a decrease of $20.0 million to the defense
computing and modeling campaign to reflect delays in acquisition of the
100 trillion-operations-per-second computer platform; a decrease of $5.0
million to the defense computing and modeling campaign to slow the rate
of growth in the Visual Interactive Environment Weapon Simulation
(VIEWS) program; and a decrease of $15.0 million to the defense
computing and modeling campaign to slow the rate of growth in university
partnership activities. The authorized amounts for both the VIEWS and
university partnerships programs represents an increase over fiscal year
2000 funding levels.
The committee notes that the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 1996 (Public Law 104 106) requires that the Nuclear
Emergency Search Team remain a program function within the Office of
Military Applications under the Office of Defense Programs. The
committee further notes that the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 104 65) directed the Secretary of Energy to
slow the rate of growth in the Advanced Strategic Computing Initiative
and Strategic Computing accounts. Finally, the committee is aware that
the November 8, 1999, report of the Panel to Assess the Reliability,
Safety, and Security of the U.S. Nuclear Stockpile stated that its
``paramount concern'' with the DOE stockpile stewardship program ``...is
the need to begin work now on an adequate plutonium pit production
manufacturing capability.'' The committee endorses this finding and
directs the Secretary of Energy to begin conceptual design activities
for a pit production facility with a capacity adequate to meet future
national security needs immediately.
READINESS IN TECHNICAL BASE AND FACILITIES
In the budget request for the readiness in technical base and
facilities account, the committee recommends: an increase of $56.3
million to reflect the movement of the nuclear emergency search team and
accident response group from the other defense activities emergency
management account to the weapons activities account; and an increase of
$15.0 million for the Kansas City, Pantex, and Y 12 plants to continue
advanced manufacturing, modernization, infrastructure improvement, and
skills retention efforts.
CONSTRUCTION
In the construction account, the committee recommends an increase of
$34.0 million to the budget request for continued preliminary design and
engineering development activities in the accelerator production of
tritium program.
PROGRAM DIRECTION
In the program direction account, the committee recommends a decrease
of $2.5 million to the budget request.
The committee recommends moving the nuclear emergency response
programs from the other defense account into the weapons activities
account. The amount authorized for program direction reflects an
increase of $2.5 million to account for the salaries of those federal
employees who will likewise be transferred.
The committee directs that the proposed decrease to the program
direction account be achieved through the reorganization and realignment
of headquarters and field office roles and responsibilities. The
committee believes that the performance of
the Office of Defense Programs will be improved by eliminating
duplicative efforts and by streamlining management control of DOE
weapons activities.
The committee continues to believe that the Office of Defense
Programs is overstaffed. The committee notes that several independent
assessments of the organizational structure of the Office of Defense
Programs, dating back as far as calendar year 1997, have also concluded
that the Office of Defense Programs would benefit from a realignment of
headquarters and field organization personnel. The committee expects the
Department to utilize the authority to make voluntary separation
incentive payments authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) to fully implement the
realignment recommendations described in the calendar year 1997 report
by the Institute for Defense Analysis.
BUDGET STRUCTURE FOR OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR DEFENSE
PROGRAMS
The committee commends the Office of Defense Programs for
establishing a more detailed and transparent budget structure. The
committee continues to believe that this new budget structure will
greatly enhance the effectiveness of these programs and instill a higher
degree of budgetary discipline in the Office of Defense Programs. The
committee further believes that the new budget structure will also
assist Congress in assessing the degree of integration among varied
experiments, simulation, research, and weapons assessments activities
carried out at the Department's weapons laboratories and production
plants. The committee directs that future budget requests for weapons
activities clearly identify the funding required for each campaign and
each program element under the directed stockpile work and readiness in
technical base and facilities accounts.
ADVANCED SIMULATION AND COMPUTING
The committee continues to support the Advanced Simulation and
Computing program, including the Advanced Strategic Computing Initiative
(ASCI) and Stockpile Computing program. However, the committee believes
that the Department has not fully integrated these programs with the
experimental facilities and capabilities that are envisioned for the
stockpile stewardship and management program. The committee remains
concerned that the rate of growth in this program is not fully
justified. The committee notes that the acquisition schedule for the 100
trillion-operations-per- second, ASCI-Blue computer to be located at the
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has slipped by as much as two
years, yet the budget request reflects no related decrease in funding to
account for the delayed delivery of this machine.
The committee is also concerned that the rate of growth in the
Advanced Simulation and Computing program is taking resources away from
other, equally important, programmatic requirements of the Office of
Defense Programs. The committee notes that even at this reduced level of
funding, the Advanced Simulation and Computing programs will experience
significant growth in the level of funding over fiscal years 1998, 1999,
and 2000 funding levels.
The committee continues to support the utilization of the
capabilities and facilities of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center to
better meet the Department's supercomputing needs in lieu of planned
acquisitions proposed within the Advanced Simulation and Computing
program.
TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for campaigns, the
committee recommends $10.0 million for the American Textiles Partnership
(AMTEX) project. The committee recommends these funds in order to
complete work on this partnership in fiscal year 2001. The committee
notes the AMTEX project was projected to conclude in fiscal year 2000,
but that the Department of Energy failed to obligate the full amount of
funds authorized for the project in that fiscal year.
TRITIUM PRODUCTION
Of the funds available in the tritium readiness campaign account, the
committee recommends $58.0 million for the Commercial Light Water
Reactor program and $53.0 million for the Accelerator Production of
Tritium (APT) program.
The committee recommended an increase in the tritium production
account to allow DOE to comply with the requirements of section 3134 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law
106 65). The committee notes that the request was insufficient to
complete preliminary design and engineering development of critical
components of the APT technology, as required by section 3134 and the
Secretary of Energy's December 22, 1998, tritium decision.
The committee is disappointed that the Secretary of Energy failed to
request adequate funds to implement the December 1998, tritium decision
and meet the requirements set forth in section 3134 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65). The
committee has reduced funding in the defense computing and simulation
account to bring the Department into compliance with the Secretary's
December 1998, tritium decision and the requirements set forth in
section 3134 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS EMPHASIS AND EFFECTS
Of the funds available for directed stockpile work, the committee
recommends $5.0 million for a cooperative program with the Defense
Threat Reduction Agency to re-establish a vigorous nuclear weapon
effects test capability. The program shall emphasize the need to invest
in all elements of nuclear weapon effects technologies, including basic
phenomenology, analysis and modeling, radiation effects simulation, and
hardening technologies.
DEFENSE MEDICAL DEVICES PROTOTYPING PILOT
The committee recommends that, of the funds available for campaigns,
up to $6.0 million be made available for the Defense medical devices
prototyping pilot program. Such funds are available only for activities
that support the national security missions of DOE and established
missions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). No weapons
activities funds shall be available for any activity that is not carried
out pursuant to a cooperative agreement between DOE and NIH. Any weapons
activities funds utilized must be leveraged with at least equal funding
from NIH.
Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
The committee recommends $847.0 million for defense nuclear
nonproliferation, a decrease of $59.0 million to the budget request of
$906.0 million. The amount authorized is for the following activities:
$262.9 million for nonproliferation verification research and
development, an increase of $30.0 million; $308.1 million for arms
control, a decrease of $100.0 million; $224.5 million for fissile
materials control and disposition, an increase of $1.1 million; and
$51.5 million for program direction, the amount of the budget request.
The committee notes that the Department of Energy Defense Nuclear
Nonproliferation Program was formerly known as the nonproliferation and
national security account during fiscal year 2000. Because DOE did not
request these funds under separate budget accounts, as required by
section 3251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000, (Public Law 106- 65), the committee has renamed and consolidated
these accounts, including program direction, into a single account
titled National Nuclear Security Administration to meet the statutory
requirements.
FISSILE MATERIALS CONTROL AND DISPOSITION
In the fissile materials control and disposition account, the
committee recommends an increase of $11.0 million to the budget request
to accelerate design activities for the mixed oxide fuel fabrication
facility and a decrease of $9.9 million to reflect consolidation of all
Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation program direction funds into a single
account, consistent with the requirements of title 32 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65).
Naval reactors
The committee recommends $695.0 million for naval reactors, an
increase of $17.5 million to the budget request for expedited
decommissioning and decontamination activities at surplus facilities.
Safeguards and security activities
The committee directs that all funds authorized to be appropriated
pursuant to this section be managed exclusively by line programs within
the NNSA.
Defense environmental restoration and waste management (sec. 3102)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $5.5
billion for environmental management activities of the Department of
Energy (DOE), excluding defense environmental management privatization
and including defense facilities closure projects, for a net reduction
of $132.0 million. The amount authorized is for the following
activities: $1.1 billion for closure projects, the amount of the
request; $930.1 million for site and project completion, a reduction of
$40.0 million; $3.0 billion for post 2006 completion, a decrease of
$80.0 million; $246.0 million for technology development, an increase of
$50.0 million; and $191.5 million for program direction, a decrease of
$5.0 million. The committee also recommends a decrease of $57.0 million
to account for available uncosted, unobligated prior year funds and
funds to be deobligated from completed, prior year construction
projects.
The committee directs that future year requests for defense
environmental restoration and waste management include the request for
defense facility closure projects.
POST 2006 COMPLETION
In relation to the budget request for the Post 2006 completion
account, the committee recommends: an increase of $10.0 million to
address planning, research, demonstration, and
other requirements associated with modification of the
Savannah River in-tank precipitation process; an increase of $10.0
million for the Columbia River Corridor Initiative at Hanford to
continue reactor decontamination and decommissioning activities; a
decrease of $25.0 million in the defense contribution to the uranium
decommission and decontamination fund; a decrease of $57.0 million to
account for increased contractor efficiencies to be gained through
contract management reforms and construction project management
improvements; and a decrease of $18.0 million to reflect the movement of
the Environmental Systems Research and Analysis program into the Science
and Technology Development account.
The committee recommends full funding for the F-canyon and H-canyon
materials processing facilities.
SITE AND PROJECT COMPLETION
In relation to the budget request for the site and project completion
account, the committee recommends a decrease of $37.0 million to account
for increased contractor efficiencies to be gained through contract
management reforms and construction project management improvements and
a decrease of $3.0 million to reflect the movement of the Environmental
Systems Research and Analysis program into the Science and Technology
Development account.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
In relation to the budget request for the science and technology
development account, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million for applied research and development activities. The amount
authorized reflects the movement of the Environmental Systems Research
and Analysis program into the Science and Technology Development account
from the Post 2006 and Site and Project Completion accounts.
The committee supports the integration of industrial programs and
university based programs into the Environmental Management technology
focus areas. The committee understands that this approach will better
link such research efforts with site needs. The committee believes that
the Office of Science and Technology cannot meet its objectives without
the active participation of industry and academia. The committee
encourages the Office of Science and Technology to continue its
inclusion of industry and universities in technology development and
deployment activities.
The committee notes that the Department's cleanup and waste
management efforts will continue well into the 21st Century with costs
anticipated to exceed $150.0 billion and much of the cleanup work
scheduled to continue beyond fiscal year 2030. DOE must make meaningful
investments in innovative science and technology in order to reduce
costs, reduce safety and health risks, and develop solutions to problems
for which there are currently no available or effective technologies.
Over the past several years DOE has started to focus the
environmental management research and development efforts to the cleanup
requirements of the various sites and facilities. This effort has
started to show significant progress in developing new technologies and
making them available for cleanup and waste treatment and in
substantially reducing the costs of those activities. In the past, DOE
has utilized the research capabilities of Historically Black Colleges
and Universities (HBCU)and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) with
great success. The committee is supportive of these efforts and
encourages the DOE to expand the research conducted at HBCUs and HSIs.
While in many instances there are no technologies or inadequate
technologies to treat accumulated waste or to clean up DOE sites and
facilities, in many instances DOE has successfully adapted or
incorporated existing technologies into the Environmental Management
Program. For example, DOE has been able to adapt several new
technologies from the oil industry and has had considerable success with
horizontal drilling techniques devised by the oil industry. The
committee is aware of several other technologies available to the oil
industry such as macro- encapsulation technology that could possibly be
used by the DOE Office of Environmental Management. The committee
encourages DOE to take advantage of these and other technologies
developed by the oil industry that could be helpful to DOE, as well as
any other technologies already developed and utilized by industry.
PROGRAM DIRECTION
In relation to the program direction account, the committee
recommends $354.9 million, a decrease of $5.0 million.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The committee recommends $5.9 million for the Hazardous Materials
Management and Emergency Response training facility in Richland,
Washington, to be offset by contributions from facility users.
COLUMBIA RIVER CORRIDOR INITIATIVE
The committee supports the Columbia River Corridor Initiative to
accelerate cleanup along the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. The
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106
65) directed the Assistant
Secretary of Energy for Environmental Management to establish
a schedule by which the 100 square miles of the Hanford site that adjoin
the Columbia River could be cleaned up on an accelerated schedule and
proposed for delisting from the Environmental Protection Agency's
National Priorities List. The committee notes that this schedule has not
been submitted to Congress. The committee expects that this report will
be provided not later than November 1, 2000.
USE OF PROFESSIONAL AND PERFORMANCE INSURANCE AT DOE CLEANUP SITES
The committee directs the Secretary of Energy to report to the
congressional defense committees, not later than February 1 2001,
regarding the use of private insurers by contractors to the Department
of Energy to underwrite professional and performance liability risks
related to contracts administered by the Office of Environmental
Management (EM). The report shall identify: (1) those contracts that
include insurance requirements or accommodate insurance costs; (2) the
costs and benefits for such insurance coverage, including the
desirability of mandating such coverage in all EM cleanup contracts and
an assessment of the prudence value of third party evaluation of
contract objectives; (3) the costs to the U.S. Government of failure to
require such coverage, including litigation and arbitration expenses and
any delays meeting cleanup objectives; and (4) a comparison of the DOE
contract requirements to those at commercial cleanup sites with similar
coverage. The report shall further assess the desirability of utilizing
private insurers or other entities to provide remediation guarantees for
EM cleanup contracts, specifically for fixed price remediation projects.
REPORT ON PILOT PROGRAM TO USE PRIOR YEAR UNOBLIGATED BALANCES TO
ACCELERATE CLEANUP OF THE ROCKY FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY SITE
The committee encourages the Secretary to Energy to use the authority
provided by section 3176 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 to accelerate closure of the Rocky Flats Environmental
Technology Site (RFETS).
SAFEGUARDS AND SECURITY ACTIVITIES
The committee directs that all funds authorized to be appropriated
pursuant to this section be managed exclusively by the Assistant
Secretary for Environmental Management.
Other defense activities (sec. 3103)
The committee authorizes $466.3 billion for other defense activities,
a decrease of $88.8 million to the budget request. The reduction
reflects a decrease of $50.0 million to account for available uncosted,
unobligated prior year funds and funds to be deobligated from completed,
prior year construction projects.
Intelligence
The committee recommends $38.1 million for the Office of
Intelligence, the amount of the budget request.
Counterintelligence
The committee recommends $75.2 million for the Office of
Counterintelligence, an increase of $30.0 million to the budget request.
The committee directs that these funds be utilized to continue
implementation of an enhanced computer security program at Department of
Energy facilities, including cyber security measures such as intrusion
detection, early warning, reporting, and analysis capabilities and a
computer vulnerability assessment. The committee directs that priority
be given to implementing such added computer security at the three
nuclear weapons laboratories.
Security and emergency operations
NUCLEAR SAFEGUARDS AND SECURITY
The committee recommends $124.4 million for safeguards and security,
the amount of the budget request.
SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS
The committee recommends $33.0 million for security investigations,
the amount of the budget request. The committee notes that of these
funds, $20.0 million is authorized in line program accounts and is
reflected as an offset to the Other Defense Activities account.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The committee recommends $37.3 million for emergency management, a
decrease of $56.3 million to the budget request. The reduction reflects
movement of the nuclear emergency search team and accident response
group programs to the weapons activities account authorized in section
3101(a)(1) of this Act. No emergency management funds are authorized for
these activities.
PROGRAM DIRECTION
The committee recommends $86.9 million for program direction, a
decrease of $2.5 million to the budget request. This reduction reflects
the movement of nuclear emergency response programs to the weapons
activities account.
Independent oversight and performance assurance
The committee recommends $14.9 million for independent oversight and
performance assurance, the amount of the budget request.
Environment, safety and health-defense
The committee recommends $99.1 million for environment, safety and
health-defense, a decrease of $10.0 million to the budget request. The
reduction would be taken from proposed increases in risk and health
studies at Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities that do not
directly support the national security missions of the Department and,
therefore, are not appropriately funded in this account.
Worker and community transition
The committee recommends $24.5 million for worker and community
transition, the amount of the budget request.
The committee endorses the Department of Energy's (DOE) decision to
remove the requirement that management and operating contracts at DOE
sites include provisions for conducting economic development activities
in the communities surrounding such sites. The committee encourages DOE
contractors to continue to be good corporate citizens by supporting
community-based initiatives. The committee believes, however, that
economic development activities of DOE contractors should not be used as
a measure of performance or as a selection criteria for the award of
contracts.
Office of Hearings and Appeals
The committee recommends $3.0 million for the Office of Hearings and
Appeals, the amount of the budget request.
Defense environmental management privatization (sec. 3104)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $515.0
million for defense environmental management privatization projects, the
amount of the budget request. The amount authorized is for the following
projects: $450.0 million for the Tank Waste Remediation System Project,
phase I (Richland); $65.0 million for the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment
project (Idaho); and $25.1 million for spent nuclear fuel dry storage
(Idaho). The amount authorized is reduced by $25.1 million to reflect
the use of prior year, uncosted balances in the defense environmental
management privatization account.
The committee is deeply concerned with the status of the Tank Waste
Remediation System (TWRS) project. The committee understands that cost
estimates for the construction portion of this project have increased
from $3.2 billion to $6.4 billion, translating into a total estimated
project cost increase from $6.9 billion to over $13.0 billion. The
committee further understands that these cost estimates are based on a
project design that is only 13 to 15 percent complete and, therefore,
subject to additional change.
The committee fully supports the TWRS project and believes that the
technological approach proposed is viable and realistic. The committee
also believes it is vitally important that this project proceed to full
scale construction only when the Department of Energy has a high degree
of confidence in the overall project cost and other facility
requirements. The committee believes that the Secretary of Energy should
not enter into a fixed price contract for this project until the
contractor has, at a minimum, completed not less than 40 percent of the
project design activities.
Energy employees compensation initiative (sec. 3105)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $17.0
million for the establishment of an energy employees compensation fund
to compensate Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employees that have
proven health or other medical problems that are directly related to
their employment at a DOE nuclear facility.
Defense nuclear waste disposal (sec. 3106)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize $112.0
million for the Department of Energy fiscal year 2001 defense
contribution to the Defense Nuclear Waste Fund.
SUBTITLE B--RECURRING GENERAL PROVISIONS
Reprogramming (sec. 3121)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the
reprogramming of funds in excess of 110 percent of the amount authorized
for the program, or in excess of $1.0 million above
the amount authorized for the program, until the Secretary of
Energy submits a report to the congressional defense committees and a
period of 30 days has elapsed after the date on which the report is
received.
Limits on general plant projects (sec. 3122)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Energy to carry out any construction project authorized
under general plant projects if the total estimated cost does not exceed
$5.0 million. The provision would require the Secretary to submit a
report to the congressional defense committees detailing the reasons for
the cost variation if the cost of the project is revised to exceed $5.0
million.
Limits on construction projects (sec. 3123)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit any
construction project to be initiated and continued only if the estimated
cost for the project does not exceed 125 percent of the higher of the
amount authorized for the project or the most recent total estimated
cost presented to the Congress as justification for such project. The
provision would prohibit the Secretary of Energy from exceeding such
limits until 30 legislative days after the Secretary submits to the
congressional defense committees a detailed report setting forth the
reasons for the increase. This provision would also specify that the 125
percent limitation would not apply to projects estimated to cost under
$5.0 million.
Fund transfer authority (sec. 3124)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit funds
authorized by this Act to be transferred to other agencies of the
government for performance of work for which the funds were authorized
and appropriated. The provision would permit the merger of such
transferred funds with the authorizations of the agency to which they
are transferred. The provision would also limit, to not more than five
percent of the account, the amount of funds authorized by this Act that
may be transferred between authorization accounts within the Department
of Energy.
Authority for conceptual and construction design (sec. 3125)
The committee recommends a provision that would limit the authority
of the Secretary of Energy to request construction funding until the
Secretary has completed a conceptual design. This limitation would apply
to construction projects with a total estimated cost greater than $5.0
million. If the estimated cost to prepare the construction design
exceeds $600,000, the provision would require the Secretary to obtain a
specific authorization to obligate such funds. If the estimated cost to
prepare the conceptual design exceeds $3.0 million, the provision would
require the Secretary to request funds for the conceptual design before
requesting funds for construction. The provision would also provide an
exception to these requirements in the case of an emergency.
The committee directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a report on
each conceptual design completed under this provision.
Authority for emergency planning, design, and construction
activities (sec. 3126)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit the Secretary
of Energy to perform planning and design with any funds available to the
Department of Energy pursuant to this title, including those funds
authorized for advance planning and construction design, whenever the
Secretary determines that the design must proceed expeditiously to
protect the public health and safety, to meet the needs of national
defense, or to protect property.
Funds available for all national security programs of the
Department of Energy (sec. 3127)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize, subject to
section 3121 of this Act, amounts to be appropriated for management and
support activities and for general plant projects to be made available
for use in connection with all national security programs of the
Department of Energy.
Availability of funds (sec. 3128)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize amounts to
be appropriated for operating expenses or for plant and capital
equipment for the Department of Energy to remain available until
expended. Program direction funds would remain available until the end
of fiscal year 2003.
Transfer of defense environmental management funds (sec. 3129)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide the manager
of each field office of the Department of Energy with limited authority
to transfer up to $5.0 million in fiscal year 2001 defense environmental
management funds from one program or project under the jurisdiction of
the office to another such program or project, once in a fiscal year.
SUBTITLE C-NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Term of Office of person first appointed as Under Secretary
for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy (sec. 3031)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish a fixed
term of office for the first individual appointed as the Under Secretary
for Nuclear Security at the Department of Energy. The individual shall
be subject to removal by the President only for inefficiency, neglect of
duty, or malfeasance in office.
Membership of Under Secretary for Nuclear Security on the
Joint Nuclear Weapons Council (sec. 3132)
The committee recommends a provision that would designate the Under
Secretary for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy (DOE) to
serve as the DOE representative on the Joint Nuclear Weapons Council.
Scope of authority of Secretary of Energy to modify
organization of National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3133)
The committee recommends a provision that would limit the authority
of the Secretary of Energy to reorganize, abolish, alter, consolidate,
or discontinue any organizational unit or component of the National
Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
Prohibition on pay of personnel engaged in concurrent
service or duties inside and outside National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3134)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the use of
any funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to
the Department of Energy (DOE) by this or any other Act to pay the basic
pay of an officer or employee of DOE who: (1) serves concurrently in a
position in the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and a
position outside the NNSA; or (2) performs concurrently the duties of a
position in the NNSA and the duties of a position outside the NNSA.
The committee notes that this provision would not apply to detailees
who are assigned to serve in position within the NNSA from other federal
agencies, other DOE organizations, or private entities under a loaned
executive program if such employees do not fulfill any of the duties of
their permanent organization during the period of their detail.
The provision prohibits any detailees from serving in enumerated
positions specifically defined in title 32 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65).
Organization plan for field offices of the National Nuclear
Security Administration (sec. 3135)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Under
Secretary for Nuclear Security of the Department of Energy to develop an
appropriate staffing and organization plan to carry out the activities
of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The plan would
identify: (1) the roles and responsibilities to be assigned to each NNSA
field organizational unit and the NNSA headquarters organization; (2)
any modifications, downsizing, eliminations, or consolidations of field
offices; (3) any modifications to headquarters and field office staffing
levels that the Under Secretary determines are necessary to implement
the plan; and (4) a schedule by which the plan could be implemented. The
plan would be submitted to the congressional defense committees not
later than March 1, 2001.
Future-years nuclear security program (sec. 3136)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Under
Secretary for Nuclear Security to submit a future-years nuclear security
program plan that would contain the estimated expenditures necessary to
support the programs, projects, and activities of the National Nuclear
Security Administration (NNSA), including the anticipated workload
requirements at each site under the jurisdiction of the NNSA, for fiscal
year 2001 and the subsequent five-year period. The provision would
require that the Administrator of the NNSA identify how funds authorized
under each program element in the weapons activities account support the
reliability and safety of the nuclear weapons stockpile. The provision
would further require that the first report be submitted to Congress not
later than November 1, 2000.
The committee notes that the Secretary of Energy was required by
section 3135 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1997 (Public Law 104 201) and section 3253 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) to provide a
five-year budget plan, and that the Secretary failed to comply with such
requirements. The committee further notes that the Secretary of Defense
provides such future-year budget data to Congress with the President's
budget request. The committee believes that such a plan will provide an
important planning tool for the Secretary, the Administrator, and the
Congress, and would serve as a baseline
upon which the congressional defense committees can better
evaluate succeeding budget submissions.
Cooperative research and development of the National Nuclear
Security Administration (sec. 3137)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish cooperative
research and development objectives for the Administrator of the
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and require that such
cooperative research and development be consistent with and support the
missions of the National Nuclear Security Administration. The provision
would establish a goal of obligating 0.5 percent of NNSA funds available
during fiscal years 2001 and 2002 for cooperative research and
development agreements, or similar cooperative, cost-shared research
partnerships with non-federal organizations. The provision would further
require the Administrator of the NNSA to submit a report to the
congressional defense committees setting forth a recommendation as to
the appropriate percentage goal levels. The provision would require
that, beginning in March 2002, and no later than the end of March of
each year thereafter, the Administrator report to Congress on whether
the goals of this section have been met in the previous fiscal year. If
the goals have not been met, the provision would require the
Administrator to describe the actions he or she will take to achieve
such goals and provide any legislative changes recommended to achieve
them.
SUBTITLE D--PROGRAM AUTHORIZATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND LIMITATIONS
Processing, treatment, and disposition of legacy nuclear
materials (sec. 3151)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Energy to maintain a high state of readiness at the F-canyon and
H-canyon facilities at the Savannah River site. The provision would
further prohibit use of funds to begin decommissioning activities at the
F-canyon facility, including studies and planning, until the Defense
Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and the Secretary of Energy submit a
report certifying that all materials currently present in the facility
are safely stabilized and the requirements for the facility to meet
future fissile materials disposition needs can be fully met utilizing
the H-canyon facility. The provision would require the Secretary to
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives a plan describing how all long-term chemical
separations activities would be transferred from the F-canyon facility
to the H-canyon facility beginning in fiscal year 2002. The report would
be submitted not later than February 15, 2001.
Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (sec. 3152)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit the use of
any funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to
the Department of Energy by this or any other Act for travel by the
Secretary of Energy or any employees of the Office of Secretary of
Energy after March 1, 2001, unless or until the Secretary certifies to
the congressional defense committees that the Department will not
utilize Atomic Energy Defense funding to conduct treatment, storage, or
disposal activities at sites designated as Formerly Utilized Sites
Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).
The committee notes that the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106 65) prohibits any Atomic Energy Defense
funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to the
Department of Energy for any fiscal year after fiscal year 1999 from
being obligated or expended to conduct treatment, storage, or disposal
activities at sites designated as FUSRAP sites. The committee continues
to support the cleanup of FUSRAP sites in an expeditious, cost-effective
manner. The committee, however, does not support the use of scarce
Atomic Energy Defense funds for this purpose.
Department of Energy Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
Program (sec. 3153)
The budget request included $682.6 million for the Arms Control and
Nonproliferation and Verification Research and Development programs of
the DOE Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program under the National
Nuclear Security Administration. While the committee considers the
activities included in this account important to U.S. national security,
the committee is concerned with the proposed increase of 25 percent in
funding over the fiscal year 2000 appropriated level. The committee
believes this level of growth is unjustified. Therefore, the committee
recommends $571.1 million for this account in fiscal year 2001, a
decrease of $111.6 million from the budget request, reflecting a net
increase of $65.4 million over the fiscal year 2000 appropriated level.
ARMS CONTROL PROGRAM
The budget request included $408.6 million for the programs contained
within the Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Program's Arms Control
Program account. The committee notes that this
account was formerly included in the nonproliferation and
national security account during fiscal year 2000. The committee
recommends $308.0 million for fiscal year 2001, a reduction of $100.0
million.
The budget request included $272.8 million for the Arms Control
Operations Program within the Arms Control Program account. While the
committee supports this request, the committee is concerned that DOE has
not been funding a number of programs within the Arms Control Operations
Program at levels intended by the Congress due to budgetary constraints
in some of the other programs within the Arms Control Program.
Therefore, the committee directs that the following programs within the
Arms Control Operations Program receive no more than the following
amount of funding: $144.8 million for the Material Protection, Control,
and Accounting Program; $5 million for the International Emergency
Cooperation Program; $14.0 million for the Export Control Operations
Program; $16.0 million for the Spent Fuel Activities in Kazakhstan
Program; $17.5 million for the Nuclear Cities Initiative (NCI); $22.5
million for the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention Program (IPP);
$15.2 million for the Transparent and Irreversible Nuclear Reductions
Program; and $37.6 million for other arms control program activities.
Material Protection, Control, and Accounting Program
The budget request included $144.8 million for the Material
Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) Program. The committee
supports this request, however, the committee is concerned with the
findings of a recent General Accounting Office report on this program.
Approximately half of the threat reduction funds spent to date by DOE
have been expended by the MPC&A Program. In March 2000, the GAO issued a
report entitled ``Limited Progress in Improving Nuclear Material
Security in Russia and the Newly Independent States.'' The report found
that the MPC&A Program had spent $481.2 million dollars in Russia and
the newly independent states since the program's inception in 1994.
These funds were spent for a variety of MPC&A activities, including
security training, improvements to weapons-usable nuclear materials
transport vehicles, and have improved the security of approximately 70
percent of the total weapons-usable material at risk. Just seven percent
of the weapons-usable material at risk for theft or diversion, however,
has been protected by fully installed security systems.
The committee is concerned that for almost half a billion dollars
invested in this threat reduction work, the MPC&A Program has not made
significant progress toward reducing the threat posed by unsecured
weapons-usable nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union. Therefore,
the committee recommends a provision requiring DOE to provide an annual
report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on the MPC&A
Program that describes the status of securing weapons-usable nuclear
material identified by DOE as being at risk for theft and diversion that
has received complete and integrated material protection, control, and
accounting systems in Russia. The report should specifically describe:
(1) the number of buildings and site locations with completed and
integrated material protection, control, and accounting upgraded
systems; (2) the total amount of highly-enriched uranium and plutonium
secured to date in Russia under the auspices of the program; (3) the
amount of weapons-usable nuclear material remaining that still requires
complete and integrated material protection, control, and accounting
systems; (4) the out year budget costs and planning estimated to secure
the remaining material; and (5) the total cost to date and by fiscal
year of the completed material protection, control, and accounting
systems. This report for the previous fiscal year is due no later than
January 1, each year during the lifetime of the program. The first
report, covering fiscal year 2000 is due January 1, 2001.
According to the March 2000 GAO report, little progress has been made
in installing nuclear security systems in Russia's nuclear weapons
complex, where over 90 percent of all the nuclear material in the former
Soviet Union is located. This is primarily due to the reluctance of
Russian officials to grant DOE access to buildings in the nuclear
weapons complex. It is the committee's understanding that DOE is
negotiating with Russia to gain better access in the nuclear weapons
complex, but to date no agreement has been achieved.
The committee believes obtaining an appropriate access policy is
necessary to ensure that U.S. funding for this program achieves its
intended purpose. Because the MPC&A Program has enjoyed good access at
the Russian Navy sites utilizing a model that is acceptable to both
parties, the committee recommends that this model be examined as an
option for gaining access to the nuclear weapons complex. The committee
believes that until such an access policy is agreed to, the MPC&A
Program will be unable to adequately address the threat of unsecured
weapons-usable nuclear materials in Russia. Therefore, the committee
recommends a provision prohibiting the obligation of funds for any MPC&A
Program projects in the Russian weapons complex after October 1, 2000,
until an access policy is agreed to with the Russians and implemented by
the Secretary of Energy. The committee requires the Secretary of Energy
to notify the committee in writing that an access policy has been
established and implemented prior to obligating funds for an MPC&A
Program project in the Russian nuclear weapons complex.
Nuclear Cities Initiative
The budget request included $17.5 million for the NCI, an increase of
$10.0 million over the fiscal year 2000 appropriated level. The
committee supports this request. As part of its efforts to address the
threat posed by diversion of former Soviet Union scientific expertise,
DOE created the NCI in 1998 to work exclusively in Russia's closed
cities to create jobs for displaced Russian workers in the nuclear
complex, and to assist the Russian Federation in reducing the size of
its nuclear weapons complex.
Last year the committee included a provision prohibiting funds for
the NCI from being obligated or expended until the Secretary of Energy
certified to Congress that Russia had agreed to close some of its
facilities engaged in work on weapons of mass destruction. The committee
was disappointed by the certification provided by the Secretary of
Energy pursuant to this provision. The evidence provided by the
Secretary to support the certification failed to demonstrate that an
agreement had been reached between the United States and the Russian
Federation stating that Russia would close some of its facilities
engaged in work on weapons of mass destruction, as the committee had
intended.
The committee continues to believe that a binding agreement should be
concluded to ensure the U.S. taxpayer that their investment in this
program is facilitating closure of some facilities of the Russian
nuclear weapons complex, thereby effectively reducing this threat to
U.S. national security. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision
which reiterates its requirement that of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated for the NCI Program, no funds may be obligated or expended
for purposes of providing assistance under this program to more than
three nuclear cities, and more than two serial production facilities in
Russia in fiscal year 2001, until 30 days after the Secretary of Energy
reports to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, in writing,
that a signed agreement has been reached between the U. S. Government
and the Government of the Russian Federation that provides that Russia
will close some of its facilities engaged in nuclear weapons assembly
and disassembly work.
The committee notes the similarity between the projects in the NCI
and those of the IPP Program. Last year the committee imposed project
review procedures for the IPP Program to improve the program management
and effectiveness of IPP projects in Russia. Since those requirements
were imposed, the IPP Program has been able to demonstrate to Congress
an effective process for evaluating projects to identify those that have
the greatest likelihood for success and to ensure that these projects
are consistent with U.S. national security interests. Since the IPP and
the NCI have similar objectives, the committee believes that a similar
project review procedure should be instituted for NCI projects.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision requiring that no more
than 50 percent of the funds made available for the NCI for fiscal year
2001 may be obligated until after the Secretary of Energy establishes
and implements project review procedures for projects under the NCI.
These procedures must ensure that all scientific, technical, and
commercial projects proposed under the NCI: will not enhance Russian
military or weapons of mass destruction capabilities; are not
inadvertently transferred or utilized for military purposes; are
commercially viable; and have a commercial, industrial or other
nonprofit entity partner. A report on the project review procedures
established and implemented for NCI projects shall be submitted to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House not later than
January 1, 2001.
International Nuclear Safety Program
The budget request included $20 million for the International Nuclear
Safety Program. The committee supports this request, however the
committee is troubled by the expanding scope of the program. The
committee believes the program has inappropriately expanded beyond its
mission of working to improve the safety of Soviet-designed reactors and
upgrading the nuclear safety infrastructure of the countries where these
reactors operate. In particular, the committee is concerned that program
funds are being used to fund such items as environmental centers and DOE
representative offices in Paris and Tokyo. Since the program has not yet
completed its safety and training mission, the committee is concerned
that its expanding scope has hampered the program from realizing its
intended goal of nuclear safety. The committee believes that the program
should refocus its efforts on addressing the most immediate safety
concerns, such as providing fire doors for these facilities to prevent
fires from spreading from area to area within these reactor facilities,
and providing sufficient training to minimize human error, a lead cause
of reactor accidents. The committee directs the funding authorized to be
appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2001 for the
International Nuclear Safety program shall be available only for
purposes of providing basic nuclear safety upgrades and training related
to preventing nuclear operator error and improving the operational
safety of Soviet designed nuclear reactors.
Long-Term nonproliferation initiative
The budget request included $100.0 million for a new long term
nonproliferation initiative proposed by the Secretary of Energy. The
committee believes the case for this initiative has not been made by the
DOE. Therefore, the committee does not authorize the $100.0 million
requested for this initiative.
The committee believes funding this initiative is premature. DOE
requested $70.0 million of the initiative for long term nuclear fuel
cycle cooperative research and development. The committee is concerned
that to date the DOE has been unable to provide clear, fundamental
program planning parametes necessary to ensure successful
implementation, management, oversight, and accountability for the
initiative. The DOE is unable to demonstrate clear program parameters in
the initiative, such as how the initiative would be able to expend
effectively the $70.0 million requested during fiscal year 2001. In
addition, the initiative lacks any government-to-government agreements
with the Russians to indicate Russia's commitment to the initiative.
The remaining $30.0 million in the request for the initiative
consists of additional funding for ongoing programs within the
Nonproliferation and National Security Account. The committee is
concerned that requests for these ongoing programs were made not only
through the Nonproliferation and National Security Account, but also
under this initiative, and that these activities have been described as
new initiatives by DOE. These activities are already being funded under
existing programs. Therefore, the committee will not fund these
activities under this new initiative.
NONPROLIFERATION AND VERIFICATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The budget request included $232.9 million for the Nonproliferation
and Verification Research and Development Program. The committee
strongly supports the ongoing work in this program and recommends an
increase of $30.0 million over the budget request. The committee
believes the vital technologies being developed and tested in this
program play a critical role in detecting and deterring weapons of mass
destruction proliferation, monitoring nuclear explosions, and detecting
and responding to chemical and biological weapons attacks.
It is the committee's understanding that the Secretary of Energy is
concerned with the high emphasis on nonproliferation programs with
Russia, while possible proliferation activities and threats from other
countries of concern remain relatively understudied and unanalyzed. The
committee concurs with the Secretary of Energy's concerns for the need
for broader regional arms control research. Therefore, the committee
directs the Secretary of Energy to utilize a portion of the amounts for
this program to conduct evaluations of the technical capabilities of
other geographic areas of concern to U.S. national security to develop
and deliver weapons of mass destruction.
Modification of counterintelligence polygraph program (sec. 3154)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 3154 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law
106 65) by authorizing the Secretary of Energy to waive the requirement
that certain Department of Energy (DOE) employees and DOE contractor
employees successfully pass a counterintelligence polygraph exam before
such employees can be granted access to high-risk programs. The
provision would allow the Secretary to waive this requirement for any
individual for a period not to exceed 120 days, if the Secretary
determines that: (1) such a waiver is in the national security interests
of the United States; (2) the covered employee has been granted a
security clearance; and (3) the covered employee signs a written
acknowledgment that the employment is conditional upon successfully
passing a counterintelligence polygraph exam within 120 days of the date
of signing such an acknowledgment. The provision would also allow the
Secretary to waive this requirement for any individual who the Secretary
determines: (1) has completed successfully a full-scope
counterintelligence polygraph exam while employed with another federal
agency; or (2) should not be examined by reason of treatment for a
medical or psychological condition.
Employee incentives for employees at closure project
facilities (sec. 3155)
The committee recommends a provision that would provide incentives
for retention and separation of federal employees at closure facilities
of the Department of Energy (DOE) established pursuant to section 3143
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public
Law 104 106). Incentives would include the accumulation of annual leave
up to 720 hours, lump sum retention allowances, authority to pay
voluntary separation incentive payments (also referred to as buyouts),
freeze the cost of and continue health benefits for employees who are
either voluntarily or involuntarily separated, and authority to make
temporary assignments of certain DOE employees to private sector
organizations, on a non-reimbursable basis.
The committee notes that, currently, only the Rocky Flats
Environmental Technology and Ohio Field Office sites are designated as
defense closure facilities, but that additional facilities may be so
designated in the future if such sites meet the requirements established
in section 3143 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 1997 (Public Law 104- 106). The committee believes that incentives
are needed to mitigate the anticipated high attrition rate of certain
federal employees with critical skills. The committee expects the
Department to use this authority to retain such critical skills during
potentially disruptive reductions-in-force at those sites designated to
close prior to fiscal year 2006.
SUBTITLE E--OTHER MATTERS
Extension of authority for appointment of certain
scientific, engineering, and technical personnel (sec. 3171)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend excepted
service hiring authority for up to 200 positions, originally authorized
in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public
Law 103 337). The committee understands that this provision would allow
the Department of Energy to continue to compete more effectively for
high quality employees with the specialized technical skills needed by
the Department.
Updates of report on nuclear test readiness postures (sec. 3172)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the Secretary
of Energy to update the nuclear test readiness report established by
section 3152 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
1996 (Public Law 104 106) on a biannual basis. The Secretary would be
required to submit the first updated report to the congressional defense
committees beginning on February 15, 2001. The reports would include a
listing and description of those workforce skills and capabilities that
are essential to carry out the missions of the site, a listing and
description of the required infrastructure and physical plant that are
essential to carry out the missions of the site, and an assessment of
the readiness status of the workforce and infrastructure. The report
would be submitted in both classified and unclassified form.
Frequency of reports on inadvertent releases of restricted
data and formerly restricted data (sec. 3173)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 3161 of
the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 (Public Law 106 65) by requiring the Secretary of Energy to report
inadvertent releases of restricted data and formerly restricted data on
a quarterly basis rather than 30 days after any such release.
Form of certifications regarding the safety or reliability
of the nuclear weapons stockpile (sec. 3174)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the annual
certification to the President regarding the safety and reliability of
the U.S. nuclear stockpile be submitted in classified form.
The committee notes that, beginning in 1996, the Department of Energy
(DOE) weapons laboratory directors, the Commander in Chief of the U.S.
Strategic Command, and the Nuclear Weapons Council have certified to the
President on an annual basis that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is safe,
effective, and reliable, and that there is no need to resume underground
nuclear testing at this time. To date, these certifications have been
submitted in unclassified form. The committee is concerned that should
an issue arise in the future that would require a higher classification
level, the current process might provide a disincentive to report such
issues for fear of advertising a problem with the stockpile. The
committee believes that any such disincentive to report fully issues
regarding the condition of the U.S. nuclear stockpile should be removed.
The committee further notes that the Panel to Assess the Reliability,
Safety, and Security of the United States Nuclear Stockpile recommended
in its November 8, 1999, report to Congress that such annual
certification reports to the President be submitted in classified form.
Engineering and manufacturing research, development and
demonstration by plant managers of certain nuclear weapons production
plants (sec. 3175)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Energy to establish a Plant Manager Research, Development
and Demonstration (PMRDD) program to support innovative engineering and
systems activities at the nuclear weapons production plants. The program
would be limited to the Y 12 plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the Kansas
City plant in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Pantex plant in Amarillo,
Texas. The program would be authorized at a level not to exceed two
percent of the funds available for weapons activities at such plants.
The committee anticipates that the PMRDD program would be used to
explore viable tools and techniques for understanding and replacing
sunset technologies and for developing more agile manufacturing
techniques. The committee believes the creation of this program will
support recommendations for addressing workforce problems at the
production plants identified by the Commission on Retaining Nuclear
Weapons Expertise (also known as the Chiles Commission), by assisting
with recruiting and retention of outstanding engineers and craftsmen.
Cooperative research and development agreements for
government- owned, government-operated laboratories (sec. 3176)
The committee recommends a provision that would modify the
Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C.
3710) to streamline the approval process for cooperative
research and development agreements (CRADA) at government-owned,
contractor-operated (GOCO) facilities by authorizing federal agencies to
substitute an annual strategic plan for individual joint work
statements. The provision would further streamline the CRADA process for
GOCO facilities by authorizing federal agencies to permit routine CRADAs
to be negotiated and signed by GOCO employees, rather than federal
employees.
Commendation of Department of Energy and contractor
employees for Exemplary Service in Stockpile Stewardship and Security
(sec. 3177)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
Secretary of Energy to award a certificate of commendation for
meritorious service to current and former Department of Energy (DOE)
employees, and current and former DOE contractor employees who worked in
programs related to stewardship of the Nation's nuclear weapons
stockpile.
The committee notes that the dedication, intellect, and hard work of
the scientists and craftsmen employed at DOE laboratories and
manufacturing plants are essential to maintaining a credible U.S.
nuclear deterrent. The committee further notes that former scientists
and craftsmen at DOE laboratories, plants, and materials production
sites were instrumental in ensuring that the United States prevailed
during the Cold War. The committee recommends this provision in an
effort to recognize the contributions of former employees at these
facilities and to highlight the Nation's continued reliance on the
capabilities of the skilled workers at DOE weapons laboratories and
manufacturing plants. The committee commends these individuals for their
continued service to the Nation and for the peace that they have helped
to preserve.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Department of Energy participation in the Interstate
Technology Reciprocity Council
The committee commends the Department of Energy (DOE) and state
environmental agencies for their cooperative efforts to accelerate the
deployment of innovative technologies at DOE and Department of Defense
cleanup sites. The committee notes that over 30 states have joined with
the DOE Environmental Management program to form the Interstate
Technology Regulatory Cooperation Working Group, which provides guidance
documents, training, and other means to accelerate regulatory acceptance
and implementation of advanced technologies that are capable of saving
both time and money. The committee encourages DOE to continue its
participation and support for this cooperative program.
Laboratory directed research and development
The committee notes that the Laboratory Directed Research and
Development (LDRD) funds available to the Department of Energy (DOE)
laboratories were reduced by section 308 of the Energy and Water
Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2000, from the customary
six percent to four percent for fiscal year 2000, and that the LDRD
program was removed from the environmental management program. The
committee directs the DOE to return the LDRD program to its full scope
and to its full normal six percent funding level in fiscal year 2001.
The committee further notes that this funding, in most instances,
would be the only available source of basic funding for research and
development(R&D)for the DOE laboratories. The January 27, 2000, external
review of the LDRD program by the DOE Laboratory Operations Board found
that ``. . . the LDRD programs are vital in recruiting, retaining, and
integrating the best scientific talent into the laboratories and their
mission programs' and that the LDRD program at the DOE laboratories has
won more R&D 100 awards than any other organization or program in the
world.
Report on Post-closure employee benefits at closure project facilities
The committee directs the Secretary of Energy to submit a report, not
later than June 1, 2001, to the congressional defense committees
detailing any plans for the transfer and post-closure administration of
benefits for employees of Department of Energy contractors at closure
project facilities established pursuant to section 3143 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104 106). The
report shall include the following: (1) strategies to ensure that
long-term employee and retiree benefits are consistent; in terms of cost
and longevity, with such benefits for employees at other DOE facilities;
(2) an analysis of the long-term funding required for the administration
of pension and health benefits plans at each closure facility; (3) plans
for transfer and post-closure administration of any DOE-funded pension
plans at each closure facility; and (4) plans for the transfer and post
closure administration of DOE-funded long-term health benefits plans at
each closure facility.
The committee notes that, currently, only the Rocky Flats
Environmental Technology and Ohio Field Office sites are designated as
defense closure facilities, but that additional facilities may be so
designated in the future if such sites meet
the requirements established in section 3143 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104 106).
TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (sec. 3201)
The committee recommends $18.5 million for the Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) for fiscal year 2001, the amount of the
budget request.
The committee notes that the National Nuclear Security Administration
Act (Public Law 106 65), which established the National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA) within the Department of Energy (DOE), does not
repeal or amend the requirements of Chapter 21 of the Atomic Energy Act
of 1954. The committee further notes that the independent oversight
authority of the DNFSB related to health and safety matters at DOE and
NNSA defense nuclear facilities was not changed by the National Nuclear
Security Administration Act.
The committee commends the DNFSB for its continuing efforts to foster
positive change in the safety culture at DOE's defense nuclear
facilities. The committee notes that the DNFSB is an independent
technical body that continually assesses safety issues at DOE facilities
and submits formal safety findings and recommendations to the Secretary
of Energy, the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety and
Health, and Congress. The committee believes that the external oversight
provided by the DNFSB is comparable to or better than the external
regulation that could be provided by another Federal agency, such as the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As such, the committee believes that the
DNFSB is the most cost-effective means of ensuring continuous
improvement of the safety culture at DOE nuclear facilities.
The committee remains concerned that establishing a new, untested
external regulation regime at DOE weapons facilities could have an
adverse effect on U.S. national security interests. The committee is
equally concerned that such a regime would draw scarce resources away
from high priority, compliance-driven clean up actions and critical
national security activities. As a result, the committee does not
support any further move toward external regulation of DOE defense
nuclear facilities. The committee notes that the Secretary of Energy has
likewise concluded that the cost of implementing a new external
regulation regime at DOE defense nuclear facilities would not be cost
effective.
TITLE XXXIII--NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES
Minimum price of petroleum sold from the naval petroleum
reserves (sec. 3301)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal the authority
for the Secretary of Energy to sell oil from the naval petroleum
reserves for less than full market value.
Repeal of authority to contract for cooperative or unit
plans affecting Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 (sec. 3302)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend section 7426 of
title 10, United States Code, by deleting language that authorized the
Federal Government to contract for cooperative or unit plans in the
administration of the Naval Petroleum Reserve Numbered 1 at Elk Hills.
The committee notes that the United States interests to Naval Petroleum
Reserve Numbered 1 at Elk Hills was sold to the private sector.
TITLE XXXIV--NATIONAL DEFENSE STOCKPILE
National defense stockpile (secs. 3401 3402)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize the
stockpile manager to obligate $75.0 million from the National Defense
Stockpile Transfer Fund during fiscal year 2001 for the authorized uses
of funds under section 9(b)(2) of the Strategic and Critical Materials
Stock Piling Act.
The committee further recommends a provision that would increase the
amount of revenues that could be achieved through the sale of unneeded
materials from the national defense stockpile.
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS
By letter dated March 6, 2000, the Acting General Counsel of the
Department of Defense forwarded to the President of the Senate proposed
legislation ``To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2001 for
military activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military
personnel strengths for fiscal years 2000 and 2001, and for other
purposes.'' The transmittal letter and proposed legislation were
officially referred as Executive Communication 8129 to the Committee on
Armed Services on March 6, 2000. Executive Communication 8129 is
available for review at the committee. Senators Warner and Levin
introduced this legislative proposal as S. 2481, by request, on April
27, 2000.
COMMITTEE ACTION
In accordance with the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, as
amended by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, there is set
forth below the committee vote to report the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001.
Vote: Adopted by a roll call vote of 19 1.
The roll call votes on amendments to the bill which were considered
during the course of the mark-up have been made public and are available
at the committee.
CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE
It was not possible to include the Congressional Budget Office cost
estimate on this legislation because it was not available at the time
the report was filed. It will be included in material presented during
floor debate on the legislation.
REGULATORY IMPACT
Paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate
requires that a report on the regulatory impact of the bill be included
in the report on the bill. The committee finds that there is no
regulatory impact in the case of the National Defense Authorization Bill
for Fiscal Year 2001.
CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW
Pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the changes in existing law made by
certain portions of the bill have not been shown in this section of the
report because, in the opinion of the committee, it is necessary to
dispense with showing such changes in order to expedite the business of
the Senate and reduce the expenditure of funds.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
Our armed forces remain the best-trained, best-equipped and most
capable fighting force in the world. This bill continues the bipartisan
partnership between the Congress and the Administration to improve the
quality of life for the men and women of our armed forces and their
families, and to transform our military forces to ensure that they are
capable of meeting all of the threats to America's security in the 21st
Century.
We have additional views on two issues addressed in the bill.
1. Vieques
The Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations and others
have testified before the Committee that there is no adequate substitute
for live training by the Navy on the island of Vieques. Earlier this
year, the President entered into an agreement with the Governor of
Puerto Rico, which establishes an orderly process for what we all hope
will be the resumption of such training. Under this agreement, we would
provide $40 million of economic assistance to the citizens of Vieques
and transfer unneeded Department of Defense property on the western end
of the island to the government of Puerto Rico with no strings attached.
If a referendum on Vieques approves a resumption of live-fire training,
an additional $50 million of economic assistance would be provided. If
the referendum does not approve a resumption of training, Department of
Defense property on the eastern end of the island would be transferred
to the General Services Administration for disposal.
As of the conclusion of the Committee mark-up, the government of
Puerto Rico had lived up to its obligations under the agreement. The
Navy training range on the Vieques has been cleared of protestors with
the assistance of the government of Puerto Rico. Navy training exercises
have now resumed on the island, with the use of inert ordnance as
provided in the agreement.
The Committee considered proposed legislation that would have been
inconsistent with this agreement. In our view, these unilateral changes
to the terms of the agreement, at a time when the government of Puerto
Rico is living up to its obligations under the agreement, could have
been perceived by some as a continuation of the kind of behavior that
the Navy acknowledges got them into problems in Vieques in the first
place. Such changes would have offended many citizens of Vieques and
others throughout Puerto Rico, undermining the efforts of the Navy, and
this Committee, to ensure the eventual resumption of live-fire training
on Vieques. For this reason, we are pleased that the Committee did not
adopt this proposal.
Instead, the provision in the bill would authorize $40 million of
economic assistance, a referendum on the future of training on Vieques,
and an additional $50 million of economic assistance if a resumption of
live-fire training is approved `` all of which were requested by the
President in accordance with the agreement. With regard to the other
element of the agreement `` the transfer of various lands to Puerto Rico
under certain circumstances `` the provision is silent, deferring
congressional action until a later date. Finally, the provision in the
bill would require a study of future requirements at Fort Buchanan and a
moratorium on improvements at the facility until the study can be
completed, but would not require the closure of Fort Buchanan or any
other facility in Puerto Rico in the event of a negative vote on the
referendum.
Our preference is to fully implement the agreement between the
President and the Governor of Puerto Rico at this time. However,
avoiding unilateral changes to the terms of the agreement is the next
best outcome.
2. Department of Energy Organization
Last year, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2000 contained provisions reorganizing the entire Department of Energy
nuclear weapons complex by creating a new, ``semi-autonomous'' National
Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the Department. These
provisions, which were added in conference, were inconsistent with
legislation passed in the Senate by a vote of 96 1 and went far beyond
anything that was even considered by the House of Representatives.
The Secretary chose to implement this legislation by ``dual hatting''
a number of key NNSA employees, authorizing them to serve concurrently
in both NNSA positions and DOE positions outside NNSA. Although the
provisions establishing the NNSA did not contain any provision
prohibiting dual-hatting and the Secretary received a legal opinion
concluding that such dual- hatting was permissible, a number of Members
of our Committee felt that this approach was inconsistent with the
legislation. This bill responds to that perceived violation of the
statute with provisions that would: (1) prohibit DOE from paying any
NNSA officials who are ``dual-hatted'; and (2) prohibit the Secretary of
Energy from changing the organization of the NNSA in any way.
These are unprecedented restrictions on the ability of a Cabinet
Secretary to manage his own Department, and undermine our ability to
hold Secretary Richardson and his successors accountable for the
activities of the Department of Energy.
Dual-hatting is commonplace throughout the government and has been
legally permissible since we repealed the Dual Office Holding Act of
1894 more than 35 years ago. We have required the NNSA to handle 18
separate functions, including program management, safeguards and
security, emergency management, environment, safety and health
operations, contracting, intelligence, counterintelligence, personnel,
legal matters, legislative affairs, and public affairs, among others. We
may want all of these positions to be staffed overnight, but that
doesn't make it happen. During the transition period, somebody has to
fill these positions, and dual-hatting was probably the most economical
and effective approach for the Secretary to take.
We are particularly concerned that the enactment of this provision
would preclude the Department from creating a single
Counter-Intelligence czar, who serves as both the head of the
Department-wide Office of Counterintelligence and the Chief of Defense
Nuclear Counterintelligence. We believe that this consolidation of
responsibilities could actually clarify responsibilities and eliminate
opportunities for buck-passing in a way that makes sense.
In any case, the prohibition on reorganization is completely
unnecessary in light of the express prohibition on dual-hatting. This
provision would go far beyond its stated purpose of addressing
dual-hatting, and prohibit the Secretary of Energy from even
establishing, altering or consolidating any organizational unit,
component or function of the NNSA.
Last year, the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
reported that the entire organization of the Department of Energy and
its nuclear weapons complex had become ``dysfunctional''. Much of this
organization remains unchanged, despite its transfer to the new NNSA.
Yet this provision would prohibit the Secretary from addressing the
problem by, for example:
reorganizing the NNSA to eliminate superfluous layers of management
and make the organization more efficient;
reassigning functions from one component of NNSA to another, to
rationalize the structure of the new Administration;
'' creating new offices within NNSA to address emerging problems or
overarching needs of the new Administration.
In short, this provision not only fails to address the problem
identified by its sponsors, it also undermines the ability of the
Secretary of Energy to address many of the concerns that led to the
enactment of last year's legislation in the first place. We believe that
both of the DOE provisions should be deleted from the bill.
Carl Levin.
Chuck Robb.
Ted Kennedy.
Jack Reed.
Mary L. Landrieu.
Jeff Bingaman.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF SENATOR JEFF BINGAMAN
I support the Armed Services Committee markup of this year's National
Defense Authorization bill since it provides the necessary resources to
meet the nation's increasingly complex military missions while also
supporting quality of life improvements for our men and women in
uniform. The bill also contains important improvements in health
benefits for the nation's veterans, including a comprehensive pharmacy
benefit for Medicare-eligible beneficiaries with no enrollment fee or
deductible. Although I believe much more needs to be done to honor our
commitment to provide adequate health care to veterans, this bill
contains an important step toward that goal.
I am particularly pleased that this bill contains important measures
honoring the nation's most heroic veterans . The bill contains a
provision authorizing an honorarium for the survivors, or surviving
spouses, of the Bataan Death March who were made to perform slave labor
by the Japanese during World War II. The heroic efforts of those who
served in the Phillippines during Bataan and Corregidor are legendary,
but have never been fully compensated in the settlement of war claims.
In 1952 the Japanese government agreed to provide compensation to
American prisoners of war, but never compensated prisoners of war for
their forced labor supporting the Japanese war effort. Claims for
compensation have been under consideration by the courts for many years,
but final settlement has not been reached. In the meantime, veterans of
that campaign grow fewer as time passes and remain uncompensated for the
sacrifices they made on behalf of the nation. This provision recognizes
the importance of honoring those heroic veterans as an expression of the
nation's gratitude. I will continue to support efforts to do so until
this important gesture is enacted into law.
The bill also looks toward the future as well as recognizing the
past. This legislation contains about $8.0 billion in funding for
investment in science and technology research. This represents an
increase of $446 million over the President's budget request and meets
the funding goal for increased investment in future defense technologies
that I proposed to the Committee two years ago. I am hopeful that the
additional resources will be used to explore new technological concepts
that can be used to maintain our edge over potential adversaries not
only on the battlefield, but with respect to increasingly urgent
requirements to protect the nation's infrastructure from various forms
of terrorism including the use of weapons of mass destruction. In
addition, increased investment in laser research might provide useful
technologies that could meet future military objectives that could also
minimize collateral damage.
I remain concerned, however, that the bill does not provide all that
could be done to support the most vital national security objectives
with respect to non-proliferation and the strategic relationship between
the United States and Russia. The President's budget, for example,
requested $100 million to expand our efforts to control the threat of
``loose nukes'' finding their way into unfriendly hands. The ``Long-Term
Nonproliferation Program for Russia'' included a request for funds that
would prevent Russia from increasing its stockpile of plutonium
separated from spent fuel from nuclear power plants by suspending
reprocessing of spent fuel. It included funds to expand DOE's successful
Materials, Protection, Control, and Accounting (MPC&A) program that has
successfully implemented security regimes at dozens of Russian sites
where nuclear materials are stored. The proposal also included funds to
close nuclear warhead production facilities at Avangard and Penza 19 and
to support displaced nuclear weapons workers to prevent them from
seeking employment in unfriendly places.
In addition, the bill reduces funding for the Russian- American
Observation Satellite (RAMOS) program, a cooperative technology
demonstration project intended to enhance the ability to detect,
characterize, and track theater range missiles that could be used
against either country. I strongly believe that it is in our national
security interest that Russian early warning capabilities be accurate,
reliable, and effective. Misunderstandings or misperceptions of either
nuclear power when under missile attack could lead to unanticipated and
unintended conflict escalation that could decimate both countries. It's
in our essential national interest, therefore, to work cooperatively to
minimize the risk of such mistakes. In addition, since this program was
initially authorized at the highest levels of both governments, it is
important as a matter of building confidence and trust to support the
original agreement underlying this program. The reduced RAMOS program
contained in the bill calls for a restructured program that
significantly reduces the benefits to both countries from those
originally anticipated when the program was first agree to.
I am also disappointed to note that, although the bill contains
substantial funding in support of the Department of Energy's Stockpile
Stewardship Program, it does not contain certain key investments needed
to ensure the future effectiveness of that program. As a strong
supporter of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, I believe that in order
to achieve the non- proliferation goals of that international agreement,
key investments must be made now in order to optimize our confidence in
the nation's nuclear stockpile for the foreseeable future. The
President's budget, for example, requested only a modest amount for the
Microsystems and Engineering Sciences Application (MESA) project, that
would invest in cutting edge nanotechnology research that would
incorporate advanced microelectronic technologies into the refurbishment
and sustainment of our nuclear stockpile. I believe significantly more
funding is needed now in order to ensure that we have that capability in
the future so that we will be more confident of the reliability of our
nuclear stockpile in the absence of testing nuclear weapons. The bill
does contains no additional funding beyond the requested level for this
high priority effort needed to support the nation's non-proliferation
goals while meeting nuclear stockpile reliability requirements.
I am particularly concerned that the bill includes provisions
restricting the authority of the Secretary of Energy to manage his own
department by precluding him from directing any reorganization,
consolidation, alteration, or other adjustments to components within the
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The NNSA, although
established as a ``semi-autonomous agency'' within the Department of
Energy, is still subject to the Secretary's authority under the
legislation approved last year. Legislation contained in this year's
bill would set a dangerous precedent that empowers the Congress to
restrict cabinet members' authority in ways that could preclude greater
efficiency or modernization needed to keep pace with changing political,
economic, or technological environments. I urge my colleagues to
reconsider this provision during the remaining steps in the legislative
cycle.
Finally, I am concerned that the provision in the bill regarding the
agreement between the President and the Governor of Puerto Rico over
disposition and use of Vieques island might have unintended results that
could ultimately further complicate the Navy's need for realistic
training. Given the difficulty of arriving at that agreement and the
delicacy that pertains, I believe that any Congressional action that
substantially alters that carefully crafted arrangement runs the risk of
renewed confrontation and significant political consequences both here
and in Puerto Rico.
Jeff Bingaman.
SENATOR MCCAIN'S MINORITY VIEWS
On most issues, I support the Committee's recommendations in the
drafting of the Fiscal Year 2001 Defense Authorization bill. I voted
against the bill, mostly because of what it does not do. I spelled out
my concerns in a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services
Committee on March 23, 2000, but was disappointed that the bill that
emerged from the committee failed to address important reform issues.
Last year, I was proud to stand with Senator Lott and Senator Roberts
as we led the Senate in the passage of our legislation, the Soldiers',
Sailors', Airmen's, and Marines' Bill of Rights Act of 1999.
This landmark legislation made great strides in providing significant
benefits to the entire Total Force. Specifically, we improved the
military by: restoring military retirement benefits to a full 50 percent
of base pay for 20 year retirees, directing a 4.8 percent pay raise
effective last January, crafting pay table reform, implementing Thrift
Savings Plan proposals, as well as other significant quality of life
improvements. We can take pride in our efforts to take care of our men
and women in uniform. Unfortunately, the final bill was missing a key
provision that was stripped by our colleagues in the House of
Representatives `` food stamp relief for servicemembers and their
families.
I was very disappointed that the current year's authorization bill
did not include legislation to provide a Special Subsistence Allowance
to help the neediest families in the Armed Forces `` numbering at least
12,000 `` who now require federal food stamp assistance. Earlier this
year I again introduced legislation to eliminate the food stamp army. It
was referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Despite my repeated
urging that this critical issue be addressed, the Committee failed to
act on the bill.
We should have acted to eliminate the food stamp army `` to do less
is an affront to our most needy servicemembers and their families. It is
unconscionable that the men and women who are willing to sacrifice their
lives for their country have to rely on food stamps to make ends meet,
and it is an abrogation of our responsibilities as Senators to let this
reality go on without some sort of legislative remedy.
One of the areas of greatest concern among military retirees and
their families is the ``broken promise'' of lifetime medical care,
especially for those over-age 65. While the Committee included some key
health care provisions, they failed to meet what I think is the most
important requirement, the restoration of this broken promise.
Last year I was outspoken regarding reports that the aircraft carrier
USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) deployed to the Persian Gulf undermanned by some
800 sailors. The Navy reports that it has increasing difficulty filling
critical sea-going billets. Despite Congress' efforts, we are losing Air
Force and Navy pilots to the commercial airlines faster than we can
train them. The Army says that five of its 10 divisions lack enough
majors, captains, senior enlisted personnel, tankers, and gunners. These
Army reports corroborate the disturbingly low readiness ratings of the
1st Infantry Division and the 10th Mountain Division reported last year.
The Committee, however, did spend a great deal of effort authorizing
additional dollars for the many shipbuilding interests. For instance,
the Committee added $460 million to build another amphibious assault
ship, the LHD 8, which was not in the President's budget and for which
the Navy has not even approved a procurement plan. The bill also boosted
spending for the DDG 51 destroyer program by $144 million above the
Navy's and the President's request.
Finally--not to be outdone by the surface shipyards--the submarine
shipbuilders received early authorization to procure the next 5 VIRGINIA
class submarines, at a cost of $2.1 billion each, accelerating the
authorization for the fifth boat by a full year from the Navy's current
plan. In effect, the submarine shipbuilders have been given permission
to continue the current non-competitive teaming arrangement, instead of
allowing the market to determine whether only one shipyard is needed.
I have noted that there has been a significant effort to fund items
that were specifically included on the Service Chiefs' unfunded
requirements list. However, every year, certain items are funded that
are not on the lists and whose merits are questionable. In all my years
serving on the House and the Senate Armed Services Committees, I recall
no previous instances of one subcommittee chair transferring money to
another subcommittee for the purpose of funding a special interest
project. The defense bill transferred $3 million from the shipbuilding
budget to the personnel budget to fund a new Navy ``Call Center'' in
Cutler, Maine. I wonder why we can't use this same accounting method to
fund improvements in the military retiree health care delivery system?
Why not shift the money
from the unrequested LHD 8 to pay for additional military
health care improvements?
When I put on my web site the lists of pork barrel projects that are
added by members of Congress, I try not to include high priority
programs and activities that are in the President's budget or are listed
on the Service Chief's priority lists. However, I have become
increasingly skeptical of these lists. These so-called ``wish lists''
have proven an effective means of ensuring that such funds are
apportioned appropriately in terms of what is best for the national
interest. There is, however, growing reason for concern that the process
by which the wish lists are drafted is being politicized.
This politicization has resulted in lists'especially this year's list
from the Department of the Navy'of increasingly questionable merit. The
Navy's fiscal year 2001 unfunded requirements list includes $1.2 billion
for an amphibious aircraft carrier assault ship. Last year, the Navy did
not even consider placing partial funding for the ship on their list
and, furthermore, last year the Navy rejected a $500 million plus-up
from the Senate. This is just one example of how Congress' political
meddling has seriously impeded the military's ability to channel
resources where they are most needed.
I could continue in this vein, but it is sufficient to say that the
military needs less money spent on pork and more money spent wisely to
redress the serious problems caused by a decade of declining defense
budgets. Those of us who have been criticized for sounding alarm bells
about military readiness now have the empty satisfaction of seeing that
there is more to maintaining a strong defense than a politician's
history of falsely promising to do so.
We must reform the bureaucracy of the Pentagon. With the exception of
minor changes, our defense establishment looks just as it did 50 years
ago. We must continue to incorporate practices from the private
sector'like restructuring, reforming and streamlining'to eliminate
duplication and capitalize on cost savings.
More effort must be made to reduce the continuing growth of
headquarters staffs and to decentralize the Pentagon's labyrinth of
bureaucratic fiefdoms. Although nearly every military analyst shares
these views, the Committee took great measures to increase the size of
headquarters staffs, eliminating any incentive for the Pentagon to
change its way of doing business with its bloated staffs and its
outdated practices.
More must be done to eliminate unnecessary and duplicative military
contracts and military installations. Every U.S. military leader who has
testified over the past decade has testified as to the critical need for
further BRAC rounds. We can redirect from $4 to $7 billion per year by
eliminating excess defense infrastructure. There is another $2 billion
per year we can put to better purposes by privatizing or consolidating
support and maintenance functions, and an additional $5.5 billion can be
saved per year by eliminating ``Buy America'' restrictions that only
undermines U.S. competitiveness overseas. Despite these compelling
facts, the Senate Armed Services Committee did not address any of these
issues.
I voted no on the passage of this bill because we can not continue
with this ``business as usual'' mindset. We must reform the Department
of Defense and we must not fall prey to the special interest groups that
attempt to warp our perspective and misdirect our spending. We owe so
much more to our men and women in uniform who defend our country. They
are our greatest resource, and I feel they were woefully under
represented. We must do better. The lives of our servicemembers and the
national security of the United States are at risk.
John McCain.
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