Base Comm Infrastructure

LI 837300 - Base Comm Infrastructure is a comprehensive Air Force procurement line item focused on modernizing, sustaining, and replacing critical communications and information technology infrastructure across multiple commands and geographic regions. The program's primary objective is to ensure the availability, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems that support command and control (C2), operational readiness, homeland defense, and multi-domain operations. Funding under this line item supports a wide array of equipment and systems, ranging from radar radome replacements to network hardware upgrades. It is distributed across active duty, reserve, and National Guard components.

Funding for the Atmospheric Early Warning System (AEWS), Joint Surveillance System (JSS), and North Warning System (NWS) is allocated for the replacement of aging AN/FPS-117 and AN/FPS-124 radar radomes. These radomes are essential for continuous aircraft and cruise missile early warning, supporting missions for Homeland Defense, PACOM, USNORTHCOM, NORAD, and the FAA. The procurement covers manufacturing, installation, site surveys, logistics, and technical support, addressing radome structures that are over 20 years past their design life and pose operational and safety risks. Replacement is critical for maintaining uninterrupted radar coverage in Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii.

Funding for EIT End User Devices supports network hardware and office automation systems at key installations such as Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Joint Base Andrews, and Headquarters Air Force. This includes servers, routers, hubs, and network systems to ensure high-speed, secure connections for both classified and unclassified networks. Additional objectives include life cycle management of network servers, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems, VoIP solutions, and replacement of obsolete infrastructure at Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Air Combat Command (ACC), USAFE-AFAFRICA, and Air Education and Training Command (AETC) bases. These upgrades directly support mission execution, emergency management, and operational planning.

Funding for Engineering and Installation - 38th Group supports the installation and upgrade of base communications infrastructure, including outside and inside plant cabling, voice switching, integrated access devices, and wireless networks. These projects are essential for maintaining communications availability and reliability, supporting the Engineering Installations AF Work Plan, and ensuring compliance with Air Force cyber architecture standards. The upgrades address end-of-life replacement needs and support the transition to advanced technology and architecture for base communications.

Information Technology Services Management funding for the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and Air National Guard (ANG) provides for the recapitalization, sustainment, and compatibility of base communications infrastructure. For AFRC, funds support data, voice, and video projects aligned with active component architectures, as well as hardware and software purchases for consistent technology deployment. ANG funding supports IT life cycle management for Main Operating Bases and Geographically Separated Units, including the procurement of Installation Notification and Warning Systems (INWS) and Voice Switching Systems (VSS) to meet federal warning requirements and ensure network compatibility with DoD centralized networks.

Theater Nuclear Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3) funding addresses obsolescence and security upgrades for the secure storage and sustainment of U.S. weapons deployed in Europe. The WS3 Service Life Extension Program includes replacing outdated analog components with modern IP-based systems, updating encryption algorithms, upgrading assessment cameras, and improving monitoring facility operator trainers. These enhancements are necessary to extend system service life, support NATO plans, and comply with national security presidential guidance and combatant commander recommendations.