Communications Items Under $5M

The Communications Items under $5M program is a Navy procurement line item designed to provide essential communications and electronics equipment for shipboard use, with a focus on supporting amphibious operations and expeditionary forces. The primary objective is to ensure that Navy and Marine Corps units have access to secure, reliable, and interoperable communications capabilities, enabling effective command and control in distributed maritime environments. This line item encompasses multiple sub-programs and hardware procurements, each tailored to address specific operational requirements and capability gaps identified by fleet commanders and Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) leadership.

NU019 Amphibious Communications (Amphib Comms) is a key component of this line item, focusing on the procurement of tactical communications equipment for the USMC afloat Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) requirements. Funding supports the acquisition of Enhanced Position Location Reporting System Data Radio (EPLRS-DR), Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Functional Terminals, Tri-Band Antennas, Landing Force Iridium systems, and Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) units. These systems provide secure anti-jam voice and data communications, embedded position location information, and interoperability between shipboard networks, Marine Tactical Data Networks, and the Army Tactical Internet. The goal is to modernize and consolidate communications capabilities to meet the requirements outlined in the Afloat MAGTF C4 Required Capabilities Letter.

NU020 High Frequency Shipboard Automatic Link Extension Radio (HFSAR) delivers a 2-channel HF Automatic Link Extension (ALE) capability aboard amphibious class ships. This system is critical for providing terrestrial, long-haul, ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore connectivity, supporting Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS), Over-the-Horizon (OTH), and Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) communications. HFSAR is formally specified by fleet commanders as a threshold capability for global maritime command and control, ensuring the MAGTF commander can execute warfighting plans in distributed environments. Funding includes modernization efforts to address cryptographic mandates and operational waveform requirements, enhancing the system's resilience and security.

NU790 Navy Expeditionary Command, Control, Communications, Computers, & Intelligence (C4I) supports the procurement of communications and automated data processing equipment for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) forces. The program aims to correct Table of Allowance (TOA) equipment shortfalls and provide mission-critical gear such as portable radios, secure satellite telephones, UAV communication devices, and encryption-decryption tools. These assets enable SEAL teams to operate effectively in forward-deployed, austere environments with minimal infrastructure, supporting real-time transmission of mission orders, intelligence, and engagement status across multiple theaters.

NU777 Installations and Design Support Activities (DSA) covers the costs associated with installing communications equipment on Navy ships and conducting pre- and post-installation support activities. Installation quantities and costs are driven by fleet demand, platform availability, and the complexity of required alterations, with adjustments made for inflation, ship material condition, and labor rates. DSA activities include ship checks, installation drawings, and closeout documentation, ensuring that all equipment is properly integrated and operational.

NU555 Production Support provides ongoing support for the production and integration of communications hardware, including addressing prior year requirements and supporting various procurement and installation efforts. This includes production support for Amphib Comms, Navy Expeditionary C4I, and HFSAR, as well as consolidated efforts for handheld radios, manpack systems, and cryptographic modernization. The objective is to maintain readiness and ensure that all procured equipment is fully supported throughout its lifecycle.