Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS)

The Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS) line item in the Department of Defense (DoD) FY 2026 budget focuses on the procurement and sustainment of logistics information systems that directly support Navy and Marine Corps operational readiness. The NTCSS program provides comprehensive maintenance and logistics management capabilities for both afloat and ashore forces, including ships, submarines, aircraft, expeditionary, and cyber units. The system also delivers personnel administration, inventory management, financial accountability, and support for food and retail operations. These functions ensure that operational commanders have the tools needed to generate and sustain combat lethality.

A key objective of the NTCSS line item is the procurement and upgrade of ruggedized, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) computing equipment such as servers, personal computers, and printers. These upgrades are essential for maintaining the performance and security of NTCSS applications and databases, supporting maintenance and supply transactions, and ensuring compatibility with evolving Navy IT infrastructure. The procurement includes COTS software, including operating systems, to ensure seamless integration and support for logistics operations.

The NTCSS budget line also encompasses the Naval Operational Business Logistics Enterprise (NOBLE) family of systems, which includes the Naval Operational Supply System (NOSS) and Naval Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (N-MRO). NOBLE is designed to consolidate and modernize legacy logistics and maintenance systems, providing enterprise-wide automation of supply, inventory, and financial functions. The goal is to standardize business processes across the Navy, improve data sharing, and enhance support for aviation and maritime maintenance activities. These efforts aim to increase operational availability and audit readiness.

NTCSS and NOBLE Ship Set Equipment Upgrades are a significant component of this line item, with funding allocated for recurring and non-recurring costs associated with hardware and software upgrades for both afloat and ashore platforms. These upgrades are necessary to address cybersecurity requirements, reduce technical debt, and avoid obsolescence. The upgrades also support the transition to a Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) hosted environment, which is part of the Navy's broader IT modernization strategy.

Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS) MALS/Shore Equipment Upgrades specifically target Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons (MALS), Naval Air Stations, squadrons, shore support facilities, and other specialized units. The goal is to provide these units with the latest hardware and software to support force-level maintenance management, supply chain operations, and administrative functions. This includes production support and installation services to ensure that upgrades are deployed efficiently and effectively across all designated sites.

Naval Operational Supply System (NOSS) MALS/Shore Equipment Upgrades are aimed at replacing and retiring legacy supply systems ashore, such as NTCSS Relational Supply (RSupply). NOSS will deliver enhanced supply planning, procurement, and accountability capabilities, ensuring that material and property are managed efficiently across all warfare communities. The upgrades include new printers and scanners, as well as continued hardware and software refreshes to maintain system reliability and security.

Naval Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (N-MRO) MALS/Shore and Ship Set Equipment Upgrades focus on consolidating aviation and maritime maintenance systems into a single program of record. N-MRO will replace legacy systems and provide mobile application capabilities for point-of-performance maintenance. The FY 2026 request reflects a shift in acquisition strategy, including the cancellation of a previous contract and a move toward competitive prototyping of COTS business processes. Additionally, the budget supports the Logistics Integrated Data Environment (L-IDE), which will implement an enterprise data environment to support the Department of Navy Chief Information Officer's data strategy and integration with DoD-level data environments. These efforts aim to enhance warfighter readiness, improve data integration, and ensure compliance with emerging cybersecurity and audit requirements.