Acq Workforce- Nuclear Systems

The Acq Workforce- Nuclear Systems program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0605833F, is a key component of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support budget. Its primary objective is to directly fund the nuclear acquisition workforce within the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). These agencies are responsible for equipping U.S. forces with operational nuclear weapon systems, supporting both military and national security operations. The program ensures that the workforce has the necessary management, technical, and business capabilities to oversee nuclear systems acquisition programs throughout their entire life cycle.

The specific goals of the Acq Workforce - Nuclear Systems line item include supporting all phases of nuclear acquisition programs. This encompasses material solution analysis, technology development, engineering and manufacturing development, production and deployment, and operations and support. The funding provided does not cover base operating support for civilian personnel but is focused on both civilian pay and non-pay support requirements, such as training, professional development, and program management tools. The program is designed to sustain and modernize the installations and operations required for general RDT&E activities related to nuclear systems.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the budget supports approximately 2,109 direct, full-time equivalents. This represents an increase in funding from the previous year, which is specifically intended to fully fund additional workyears that were previously approved but not funded. These additional workyears are critical for advancing nuclear modernization efforts within the AFNWC enterprise, particularly focusing on Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) programs. The expansion of the workforce is justified by the increasing complexity and scope of nuclear modernization initiatives.

Another important component of the program is AFNWC Headquarters (HQ) Management Support. This line item provides resources for non-pay management support at AFNWC HQ, including IT support, Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS) contract support, supplies, temporary duty travel, operations, facilities upkeep, and material support contract costs for nuclear system engineering and maintenance. The goal is to ensure continuous, effective day-to-day operations for the AFNWC HQ staff, enabling them to maintain cutting-edge nuclear weapon systems and sustainment capabilities. Funding for this support is adjusted annually to account for inflationary growth and increased operational demands.

The program also aims to enhance transparency in congressional reporting by consolidating efforts under Project 665833. Previously, acquisition workforce activities were split between different projects, but the transfer in FY 2022 was made to provide clearer visibility into workforce execution and resource allocation. This consolidation supports congressional oversight and ensures that funding aligns with strategic priorities in nuclear systems acquisition and sustainment.

Budget adjustments for the program reflect congressional actions and internal Air Force decisions. For instance, in FY 2024, there was a reduction due to a general congressional adjustment. However, funding levels in subsequent years have been maintained or increased to support ongoing and expanding workforce requirements. The program does not include acquisition of RDT&E articles but is focused on personnel and support resources necessary for the effective management of nuclear systems programs.