Defense Laboratories R&D Projects (10 U.S.C, Sec 2358)

The Defense Laboratories R&D Projects program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0602212F, is a key component of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. This program is designed to implement the authorities provided under 10 U.S.C. Section 2363, 10 U.S.C. Section 2358, and 10 U.S.C. 2805(d)(1)(B), enabling the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to conduct innovative basic and applied research. The primary objective is to ensure that the Air Force maintains technological superiority and can rapidly respond to emerging threats by leveraging scientific advancements.

The program's goals are multifaceted, focusing on both the advancement of technology and the strengthening of the laboratory's operational capabilities. One major objective is to fund research initiatives that directly support military missions, including studies and investigations that explore new concepts, materials, and systems. These efforts are intended to address general military needs and assess the feasibility and practicality of proposed technological solutions, thereby informing future acquisition and operational strategies.

A significant portion of the funding is allocated to development programs that facilitate the transition of laboratory-developed technologies into operational use. This includes maturing promising concepts and prototypes so they can be fielded by the Air Force, thus accelerating the delivery of new capabilities to the warfighter. The program is structured to provide the AFRL Commander, in consultation with the Air Force Science and Technology Executive, with the flexibility to rapidly exploit scientific breakthroughs or address urgent operational requirements.

Another critical objective of the Defense Laboratories R&D Projects line item is workforce development. The program supports activities aimed at recruiting and retaining personnel with the scientific and engineering expertise necessary to sustain cutting-edge research and development. This includes initiatives to enhance the skills of current staff, attract new talent, and ensure that the laboratory workforce is equipped to meet evolving technological challenges.

In addition to research and workforce initiatives, the program provides funding for the repair and minor military construction of laboratory infrastructure and equipment. Maintaining modern and functional facilities is essential for the effective execution of research activities and for supporting the overall mission of the AFRL. These investments help ensure that the laboratory environment remains conducive to innovation and high-quality scientific work.

The Air Force has established PE 0602212F as a mechanism to increase transparency and execution flexibility for 10 U.S.C. Section 2363 activities. Funds are internally reprogrammed to this program element in the year of execution after receipt of the appropriation, allowing the Air Force to respond quickly to new opportunities or challenges across all technology areas. This approach supports a comprehensive and deliberative planning process, ensuring that resources are directed toward research with the greatest potential benefit to the Air Force and its operational objectives.

For Fiscal Year 2024, the program received funding reflecting a realignment of resources to support the outlined research, development, workforce, and infrastructure objectives. No additional funding is projected for subsequent years in the current budget cycle, indicating that the FY 2024 allocation was intended to address specific, time-sensitive needs within the AFRL.