Acq Workforce- Cyber, Network, & Bus Sys

The Acq Workforce- Cyber, Network, & Bus Sys program (PE 0605829F) is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support initiative managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Its primary goal is to fund the acquisition and product support workforce responsible for overseeing the development and sustainment of advanced weapon systems, cyber infrastructure, network capabilities, and business systems for U.S. and allied forces. The program supports all phases of acquisition, including material solution analysis, technology development, engineering and manufacturing development, production and deployment, and operations and support. Funding is exclusively for workforce-related costs and does not include base operating support civilian personnel.

The Acq Workforce - Direct line item was discontinued after FY 2024. This line item specifically supported direct civilian and non-civilian pay for personnel engaged in acquisition and product support activities across cyber, network, and business systems programs. The objective was to ensure the workforce had the necessary management, technical, and business skills to oversee the full lifecycle of acquisition programs. The discontinuation reflects a consolidation and transfer of responsibilities to other program elements for greater efficiency.

The principal line item for FY 2026 supports full-time equivalents (FTEs) in the Business and Enterprise Systems and Cyber and Networks Directorates within AFLCMC. The main objectives are to maintain a highly qualified acquisition workforce capable of managing complex cyber, network, and business system programs. The program covers both civilian pay and non-pay support requirements, ensuring personnel are equipped to deliver cutting-edge capabilities and sustainment for operational weapon systems. The FY 2026 increase is due to the transfer of FTEs from the Global Battle Management program, updated average work year costs, and workforce optimization efforts.

The Acq Workforce-Global Battle Mgmt line item previously funded the civilian workforce in the Command, Control, Communications & Battle Management and Electronic Systems Directorates. In FY 2026, its efforts and funding were transferred to the Cyber, Network & Bus Sys program to streamline operations and optimize workforce allocation. The goal of this line item was to support acquisition personnel responsible for global battle management systems, ensuring robust command and control capabilities for military operations. The transfer is part of a broader workforce optimization initiative in compliance with Executive Order 14210.

The objectives of the Acq Workforce- Cyber, Network, & Bus Sys program are to ensure the Air Force maintains a competitive, skilled, and adaptable acquisition workforce. This workforce is essential for delivering advanced capabilities in cyber defense, network operations, business systems, and battle management. The program emphasizes the need for technical expertise, effective management, and lifecycle oversight to support national security and military readiness.

Budget adjustments in recent years reflect Congressional reductions, technical realignments, and workforce optimization measures. For FY 2026, the program experienced a net reduction, primarily due to a decrease for workforce optimization and an increase for updated average work year costs. These changes are intended to fully fund programmed FTEs and ensure the Air Force can recruit and retain the most qualified personnel.