Base Information Transpt Infrast (BITI) Wired

The Base Information Transport Infrastructure (BITI) program is a Department of the Air Force (DAF) initiative focused on modernizing and sustaining base-level network infrastructure across Air Force installations. BITI, previously known as the Information Transport System (ITS), is funded under the Other Procurement, Air Force appropriation and specifically supports electronics and telecommunications equipment for Air Force Communications. The primary goal of BITI is to ensure robust, secure, and high-availability wired and wireless network capabilities for both unclassified (NIPR) and classified (SIPR) communications at active duty, reserve, and Air National Guard (ANG) locations, as well as Geographically Separated Units (GSUs).

BITI's objectives center on the procurement and installation of critical IT-networking equipment such as routers, switches, access points, controllers, cables, and related hardware. The program supports the Department's transition to Enterprise Information Technology as a Service (EITaaS), which is designed to deliver commercial best-practice solutions for base area network (BAN) infrastructure. This modernization effort is essential for supporting digital voice, data, and video systems, as well as Unified Capabilities (UC) and management systems that protect and maintain Air and Space Forces networks.

The Base Infrastructure Modernization (BIM) subcomponent within BITI is responsible for designing, procuring, and delivering upgraded BAN infrastructure. BIM specifically targets the remediation of bandwidth and performance issues, enhancing user experience and supporting the growing IT demands of the Air Force Network (AFNet). The BIM effort is foundational to enabling emerging mission requirements such as the Flight Line of the Future (FLoF), Operational Imperatives, Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS), and Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2).

BITI's funding strategy for FY2026 continues the BAN equipment replacement plan, addressing the fact that a significant portion of network equipment is reaching end-of-service or end-of-life. The program prioritizes upgrades at Pacific Air Force (PACAF) and Air National Guard bases, with the number of bases completed determined by DAF base priority and sizing. Investment in BITI ensures government ownership of mission-critical network infrastructure, including broadband and fiber-optic digital transport networks at fixed bases and selected GSUs.

The BITI Recap: Equipment budget lines provide for the replacement and recapitalization of network hardware at active duty, Guard, and Reserve locations. These lines fund site surveys, design, installation, and program support contractor services necessary for the deployment and upkeep of the infrastructure. The program also includes logistics and support costs, such as installation services and advisory and assistance services, which were reduced in FY2026 to promote efficiencies in line with Executive Order 14222 and broader government cost-efficiency initiatives.

BITI's procurement approach leverages multiple contractors and locations, with contract awards and deliveries scheduled through Hanscom Air Force Base. The program is structured to ensure timely replacement and modernization of equipment, with production schedules and procurement lead times managed to meet operational requirements. The funding also supports datacenter consolidation, cloud-based services, and mobile computing initiatives, further enhancing the technological capabilities of Air and Space Forces.

The BITI program is a critical enabler for the Department of the Air Force's digital transformation, ensuring that installations have the necessary infrastructure, bandwidth, and network capabilities to support current and future mission needs. The program's objectives align with statutory requirements for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities, reflecting its importance to both national security and operational readiness.