Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3)
This program supports development and operation of analytical tools to evaluate authoritative data (cost, schedule, performance, risk) on NC3 Portfolio programs to maximize portfolio alignment to strategic priorities and capabilities. It will create integrated development and delivery schedules for NC3 programs. These tools will forecast system/capability degradation as well as plans for capability replacement, improvement, or replacement in the context of the larger NC3 enterprise. It also provides the technical expertise to support risk management analysis (with an emphasis on system design, development and acquisition) of the NC3 enterprise and will develop strategies for synchronizing NC3 preplanned improvements. It will support the timely exchange of program and capability status information between elements of the NC3 enterprise, the Office of the Secretary of War(OSW) staff, and the combatant commands with a goal of increasing the use of electronic means to provide current and accurate information on key elements of the NC3 enterprise. The effort will develop robust, integrated capability plans and schedules for NC3 capabilities to clarify system dependencies and identify disconnects. It will also support cross-department collaboration for development of enterprise-wide approaches for capability management. This includes: (1) vertical and horizontal integration activities within the Department and with the interagency where appropriate; (2) a coordinated portfolio-based approach to planning, programming, budgeting and execution; (3) reform efforts at the legislative, governance, policy, management and execution levels; 4) protection of information and technology that support or enables technology-based capability development for the NC3 warfighting domain and 5) supports the identification, evaluation, and incorporation of promising technology for inclusion in the NC3 system.
FY2027 planned work Conduct analysis and support senior leadership forums to address the overall health of the NC3 enterprise. Provide the Deputy Secretary of War and other senior leaders with assessments and recommendations requiring senior leadership guidance to mitigate significant operational and programmatic risks across the NC3 enterprise. With USSTRATCOM, develop alternatives for next generation capabilities that pace the threat. Develop and execute a budget strategy to address budget sufficiency for the NC3 portfolio. Draft program review recommendations on NC3 high risk programs, and initiate issue artifacts in support of program and budget review efforts to align NC3 investment. Defense Industrial…
FY2026 to FY2027 change The decrease from 2026 to 2027 of $241 thousand is to advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, “Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.”
FY2026 plans — current year Conduct analysis and support senior leadership forums to address the overall health of the NC3 enterprise. Provide the Deputy Secretary of War and other senior leaders with assessments and recommendations requiring senior leadership guidance to mitigate significant operational and programmatic risks across the NC3 enterprise. As co-lead with USSTRATCOM, execute Phase Three of the NC3 next trade space study. Develop alternatives for next generation capabilities that pace the threat and provide the President with situation monitoring to support nuclear decision making. Develop and execute a budget strategy to address budget sufficiency for the NC3 portfolio. Draft program review…
FY2025 accomplishments Conduct analysis and support the NC3 Deputy Management Action Group, NC3 IAPR, National Leadership Command, Control, and Communications System (CONLC3S), the NC3 SEA Board, and other Senior Leader NC3 meetings. Develop secure and cost-effective alternatives in protecting the NC3 data (e.g., systems engineering, RDT&E, contracting, and acquisition) leveraging best practices by other government agencies (e.g., IC, Army, Air Force) in protecting their most sensitive data. Perform trade space analysis on potential COAs to guide the design and investment decisions.