The Automation/Educational Support & Logistics program is a budget line item managed by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) under the Procurement, Defense-Wide appropriation. This program is designed to support the acquisition of major equipment that enhances the educational and logistical capabilities of DoDEA schools, which serve military-connected students worldwide.
The primary objective of this line item is to ensure that DoDEA schools are equipped with modern automation tools and educational support systems that facilitate effective teaching, learning, and school operations. In previous fiscal years, the program focused on procuring technology infrastructure, such as computers, servers, and networking equipment, as well as educational support materials that align with DoDEA's curriculum standards. The goal was to maintain a robust and reliable technology environment, enabling both educators and students to access digital resources, online learning platforms, and administrative systems. This procurement activity was justified by the need to keep pace with evolving educational technologies and to support the unique requirements of military families, who often relocate and require consistent access to quality education.
Another key objective of the line item has been to improve logistical support for DoDEA schools. This includes the acquisition of equipment that streamlines school operations, such as inventory management systems, transportation tracking tools, and facility maintenance software. By investing in these resources, DoDEA aims to enhance operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure that schools can respond quickly to the needs of students and staff.
For Fiscal Year 2026, DoDEA is not requesting any procurement funding under this line item. The budget justification indicates that no new major equipment purchases are planned for this period, and therefore, the net procurement and total obligation authority for FY26 are both zero. This pause in funding may reflect a completed cycle of equipment upgrades or a strategic shift in priorities, allowing DoDEA to focus on sustaining and optimizing existing systems rather than acquiring new assets.
Historically, the funding levels for this program have varied, supporting the modernization of school technology and logistics infrastructure. These investments ensured that DoDEA could deliver high-quality educational services to military families. The absence of a funding request for FY26 suggests that the current equipment inventory meets operational needs, or that future requirements will be addressed through other budget mechanisms.
This line item does not include initial spares, flyaway unit costs, or weapon system unit costs, as its focus is strictly on educational and logistical support rather than traditional defense procurement. The program does not have associated Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) or Major Automated Information System (MAIS) codes, reflecting its specialized role within the broader DoD budget. No related program elements or advance procurement activities are listed, further emphasizing its targeted scope.