Items Less Than $5.0M (Float/Rail)

The Items Less Than $5.0M (Float/Rail) program, as detailed in Army budget line item 9552ML5355, is a procurement initiative under the Army's Other Procurement appropriation, specifically targeting Rail Float Containerization Equipment. The primary objective of this line item is to support the Army Rail Program by acquiring new railroad locomotives and railway cars to replace aging and increasingly unsupportable assets within the Army's captive railway fleet. This effort is critical for maintaining the Army's ability to transport heavy equipment and supplies efficiently across installations and to commercial rail networks, supporting both peacetime and mobilization missions.

The procurement of railroad locomotives and railway cars is the central focus of this budget line. The Army's current fleet includes locomotives and rolling stock that, on average, are over 50 years old, with a significant portion having exceeded their economic useful life. The goal is to systematically replace these assets with commercial off-the-shelf switcher locomotives and modern railway cars. These new acquisitions are necessary to ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety standards and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality regulations, as well as to meet future fuel economy mandates.

The rail program supports a wide range of Army agencies and commands, including the Army Materiel Command (AMC), Installation Management Command (IMCOM), Forces Command (FORSCOM), and Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). The program's assets are essential for moving warfighter equipment such as Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and MRAPs from Army installations to mainline railroads, where they are then transferred to commercial carriers for further distribution. This capability is vital for both routine logistics and rapid mobilization during emergencies or deployments.

A key objective within this line item is the replacement of DODX flatcars. Many of these flatcars are approaching or have surpassed the service limit imposed by the FRA, making their continued use untenable. The replacement of these cars is necessary to avoid disruptions in the Army's ability to move heavy equipment over the nation's commercial railroads. The procurement plan is designed to address both current shortages and anticipated retirements, ensuring uninterrupted logistical support for Army operations.

The Army Rail Modernization Program also includes investments in shop equipment and tools, as evidenced by previous funding used to facilitate the relocation of the Defense Generator & Rail Center from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to Anniston Army Depot, Alabama. This relocation supports the overhaul and maintenance of the Army's rail assets, further extending their operational life and reliability. The modernization program is structured to be ongoing, with procurement extending over several years until the required replacement quantities are achieved.

Justification for this line item is grounded in both operational necessity and statutory requirements. Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 110-181) mandates that these rail assets be available for use by both active and reserve components for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. Procurement funding will directly support these objectives by enabling the acquisition of new locomotives and railway cars, thereby enhancing the Army's logistical readiness and compliance with federal regulations.