Naval Construction Forces

The Naval Construction Forces (PE 0603239N) program is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the Navy, with a focus on enhancing the resiliency and operational effectiveness of the Naval Construction Force (NCF) in support of Joint Force operations. The program's overarching goal is to address capability gaps in expeditionary engineering, logistics, and infrastructure repair, particularly in contested environments. This supports key strategic documents such as the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority 2.0, and aligns with the Navy's Distributed Maritime Logistics Operations concept.

Expeditionary Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (ExRADR) is a major line item within this program. Its objectives include the development, integration, and testing of autonomous airfield inspection and repair technologies, as well as civil engineering support equipment (CESE). The program aims to transition advanced airfield damage repair methods and materials into the NCF's Table of Allowance (TOA) and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC). Developmental Testing and Operational Testing (DT/OT) are conducted to validate these solutions, with a particular emphasis on risk reduction and the integration of autonomous survey and construction equipment to improve combat effectiveness and operator safety.

Expeditionary Port Damage Repair and Opening (ExPDRO) focuses on technologies and methods for rapid assessment and repair of port infrastructure, including piers, quay walls, fleet moorings, and waterfront facilities. The program invests in expeditionary dredge research, quay wall repair techniques, mooring systems, and port assessment sensor packages. It also supports the development and evaluation of diving tools and remote-controlled or autonomous construction equipment for underwater operations. ExPDRO's goal is to ensure the Navy can quickly restore and open critical port facilities during major combat operations, thereby enabling the rearming, refueling, and sustainment of fleet platforms at Sea Ports of Debarkation (SPODs).

Advanced Naval Base (ANB) Construction is designed to enhance the NCF's ability to establish, operate, and retrograde advanced bases in distributed maritime environments. The program develops materials and equipment for agile and resilient base construction, with a focus on minimizing logistics demands. Key objectives include improving capabilities for site identification, clearing, water purification, wastewater management, energy production and distribution, and local material handling. Developmental Testing and Operational Testing are conducted to address gaps in energy generation, storage, and distribution, as well as water and waste management. This includes the evaluation of systems for refueling and other logistics functions.

Advanced Manufacturing (AdvM) supports the development and prototyping of forward-deployable manufacturing systems to address logistics gaps during operational events. The program evaluates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and government off-the-shelf (GOTS) equipment for intermediate-level maintenance and refines integrated logistics support packages. DT/OT activities are aimed at defining operator training requirements and ensuring that AdvM solutions are effective in mitigating supply chain risks and supporting expeditionary maintenance needs.

The acquisition strategy for the Naval Construction Forces program emphasizes cost-effective solutions, prioritizing commercial and non-developmental items before pursuing new developmental programs. Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) and Alternative System Reviews (ASR) are conducted to guide sub-project selection and ensure alignment with Navy resiliency and risk reduction objectives. Innovative contracting mechanisms are considered to maximize efficiency and responsiveness to evolving operational requirements.