Fleet Modernization Program

The Fleet Modernization Program (FMP) mission is to provide a disciplined process to deliver operational and technical modifications to the Fleet in the most operationally effective and cost efficient way. It defines a standard methodology to plan, budget, engineer, and install timely, effective, and affordable shipboard improvements while maintaining configuration management and supportability. It is the means by which the Navy leverages technology and innovation to:

• Keep the war-fighting edge
• Fix systemic and safety problems
• Improve Battle Force Interoperability (BFI)
• Improve platform reliability and maintainability
• Reduce the burden on the sailor

Use of the FMP process prevents unauthorized and nonsupported alterations from being installed on ships. Unauthorized alterations represent a substantial cost to the Navy in terms of the loss of configuration control, inefficiencies due to unexpected installation interference, systems and equipment which are not logistically supported, and resources expended to support items which are no longer required. Unauthorized and unsupported alterations adversely impact the interoperability of highly computerized and integrated combat systems. This equates to a loss of combat effectiveness due to a reduction in Battle Group/Amphibious Ready Group (BG/ARG) interoperability and individual ship capabilities.

Ship Alteration (SHIPALT)

A Ship Alteration (SHIPALT) SHIPALT is an approved permanent change to the configuration of a ship that is documented in a SAR and implemented through the FMP Process. SHIPALTs are classified by title/type and comprise any change in hull, machinery, equipment, or fittings, which involves changes in design, material, quantity, location, or relationship of the component parts of an assembly. The title assigned to a SHIPALT identifies the approving authority and responsibility for funding.

Title "K" SHIPALT - A permanent alteration to provide a military characteristic, upgrade existing systems or provide additional capability not previously held by a ship, which affects configuration controlled areas or systems of a ship or which otherwise requires the installation of Headquarters Centrally Provided Material (HCPM). These SHIPALTs are approved for development and authorized for accomplishment by the CNO (military improvements) or the Hardware Systems Commands (HSCs) (non-military improvements).

Title "D" SHIPALT - A permanent alteration that does not affect the military characteristics of a ship. It is technically approved by the SPM in the form of a JCF and SAR, and authorized for accomplishment by the Fleet Commander in Chief (FLTCINC) or Type Commander (TYCOM). It may require Centrally Provided Material (CPM), but it does not require HCPM. A Title "D" SHIPALT may specify whether it should only be accomplished by a depot level maintenance facility.

Title "F" SHIPALT- A permanent alteration that is technically approved by the SPM in the form of a JCF and SAR, and authorized for accomplishment by the FLTCINC or TYCOM. It does not require HCPM or CPM and is within ship's force capability for accomplishment; however, an Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) may accomplish it.

Title "K-P" SHIPALT - A submarine Title "K" SHIPALT that is within ship's forces or AIT capability for accomplishment, and for which required special program and CPM are provided as a package by the cognizant HSC.

Equipment Alteration

An Equipment Alteration is any alteration, other than a SHIPALT, to the configuration of an equipment or system (including embedded equipment, computer programs and expendable ordnance) after establishment of the product baseline. An Equipment Alteration involves a change in design, type of material, quantity, installed location, logistics, supportability or the relationship of the component parts of an assembly within the ship. Equipment Alterations include the addition, deletion, rework or replacement of parts, assemblies or equipment; or changes in assembly procedures. Alterations to associated computer programs include the incorporation of different computer program versions and approved modifications or corrections to both operational test and maintenance programs. Equipment Alterations are authorized by approved Class I Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs). Equipment Alterations apply equally to changes installed in delivered systems and equipment, and changes installed in systems and equipment in production to identify differences from an established product baseline. Equipment Alterations may be initiated to correct a design defect, to change equipment operational capability, to eliminate safety hazards, to update obsolete components or for any combination of these reasons.

There are four types of Equipment Alterations; Machinery Alteration, Ordnance Alteration, Engineering Change, and Field Change.

A Machinery Alteration (MACHALT) is a planned change, modification or alteration of any Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) equipment/systems where changes are contained within the boundaries of the individual equipment/system and have limited system ramifications. It is a planned change, modification or alteration of any HM&E equipment/system in service (shipboard or shore activities).

An Ordnance Alteration (ORDALT) is any modification, other than a SHIPALT, in the configuration of ordnance equipment/systems (including embedded equipment and computer programs) after establishment of the product baseline. An ORDALT involves a change in design, material, quantity, installed location, ILS, or the relationship of the component parts of an assembly within the ship or shore installation. ORDALTs include the addition, deletion, rework or replacement of parts, assemblies or equipment; or changes in assembly procedures.

An Engineering Change (EC) is a modification, usually to Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) or Combat System (CS) equipment/systems after the establishment of the product baseline and delivery to the Navy.

A Field Change (FC) is a mechanical, electronic or electrical change, modification or alteration made to electronic equipment after establishment of the product baseline and delivery to the government, including software changes, which do not impact interfaces to other equipment within the ship, change the footprint, form or fit, change power, weight, or air conditioning requirements. FCs are initiated and approved by the cognizant HSC and are implemented by FC Bulletins (FCBs).

Other Alterations

Type Commander (TYCOM) Alterations are permanent alterations that are technically approved by the SPM for accomplishment as a Title "D" or "F" SHIPALT or AER depending on the scope and effects of the change. TYCOM alterations are programmed for installation by the TYCOM, as well as funded for accomplishment by the TYCOM or other organization as agreed upon. TYCOM alterations are maintenance alterations normally accomplished to improve reliability or maintainability.

An Alteration Equivalent to Repair (AER) (formerly known as a Letter AER for Surface Ships, an Alteration and Improvement (A&I) for Submarines, and an Alteration Request (AR) for Aircraft Carriers) is a permanent alteration technically approved by the SPM, typically via letter, and programmed for installation by the TYCOM.

A Temporary Alteration (TEMPALT) is any alteration that provides given capabilities on a temporary basis (not to exceed one year or one operational deployment in duration) in support of Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) or exercise or mission requirements. TEMPALTs are reviewed and technically approved by the cognizant SPM and authorized for accomplishment by the cognizant TYCOM. The SPM review considers safety, technical adequacy, impact on ship stability, operational characteristics including warfare capability, damage control, ship structure, ship services, ships interfaces, and habitability. Alterations that are intended to be installed for a period in excess of one year or one operational deployment shall be considered a permanent change to a ship's configuration and shall be accomplished as a SHIPALT accordingly. After completion of testing requirements, mission or exercise support requirements or one year, whichever comes first, TEMPALTs must be removed and the ship restored to its previous configuration. The activity sponsoring the accomplishment of the TEMPALT shall be responsible for funding the removal of the TEMPALT and the restoration of the ship.

Designated Approvers

This table identifies the approver/reviewer types that can Â"chopÂ" on a proposed CNO change (the column labeled RANK denotes the pecking order within the chop chain list):