Nuclear Command, Control, & Communications

The Nuclear Command Control and Communications (NC3) program, managed under Program Element (PE) 0605772D8Z by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a critical initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of systems that support the United States' nuclear command and control infrastructure. The program's primary objective is to ensure the alignment and modernization of approximately 200 systems, platforms, networks, and applications that comprise the NC3 enterprise. Oversight and management are provided by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), who serves as both the Principal Staff Assistant (PSA) and Capability Portfolio Manager (CPM) for NC3, as directed by DoD governance and policy documents.

The goals of the NC3 program include assessing ongoing modernization efforts and their integration into the broader NC3 enterprise, monitoring the operational readiness of existing NC3 systems, identifying performance gaps, and recommending technology upgrades and prototyping to maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries. The program also aims to develop robust analytical tools and processes to support data-driven portfolio management, enabling comprehensive assessments of programmatic and technical risks across the NC3 enterprise. These efforts support key stakeholders such as the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), the NC3 Enterprise Center (NEC), systems engineering and architecture development entities, and the Joint Staff and military services.

A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to capability portfolio management, which funds the development of new analytical tools for enterprise-level management and risk assessment. This includes supporting the office of primary responsibility for NC3 capability portfolio management, conducting studies and analyses, updating policies, and ensuring compliance with statutory mandates. The program also evaluates DoD Component plans, programs, and budgets for adequacy and execution, develops courses of action, and recommends new technologies for inclusion in the NC3 system. Corrective action and risk mitigation plans are formulated to inform investment recommendations to senior DoD leadership.

The systems engineering and technical support component provides technical expertise for evaluating cost, schedule, performance, and risk data on NC3 portfolio programs. This enables the creation of integrated development and delivery schedules, forecasting system degradation, and planning for capability replacement or improvement. The program supports risk management analysis, particularly in system design, development, and acquisition, and develops strategies for synchronizing planned improvements across the NC3 enterprise. It also facilitates timely information exchange between NC3 elements, OSD staff, and combatant commands, with an emphasis on electronic data sharing to enhance situational awareness and decision-making.

In recent years, the program has supported governance and oversight activities, including senior leader forums such as the NC3 Integrated Acquisition Portfolio Review and the Council on Oversight of the National Leadership Command, Control, and Communications System. These forums leverage detailed programmatic analysis to inform resource allocation and strategic direction. The program has also co-led trade space studies with USSTRATCOM to develop alternatives for next-generation mobile command centers and has established strategies to protect critical information for future NC3 capabilities, including guidance for elevated security classification compliance.

Planned activities for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continued support for senior leadership forums, development of secure and cost-effective data protection alternatives, and execution of advanced trade space analyses to guide design and investment decisions. The program will provide assessments and recommendations to mitigate operational and programmatic risks, develop alternatives for next-generation NC3 capabilities, and select budget-ready solutions for future program and budget reviews. These efforts are designed to ensure that NC3 investments remain aligned with strategic priorities and are sufficient to meet evolving threats.

The acquisition strategy for the NC3 program utilizes a mix of fixed-price and cost-plus contracts to implement capability portfolio management, provide technical expertise, and develop analytical tools. The FY 2026 budget request reflects a reduction in advisory and assistance services to promote efficiencies in line with Executive Order 14222, which aims to advance government cost efficiency initiatives. The NC3 program is structured to maintain the reliability, security, and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear command and control infrastructure through continuous modernization, rigorous oversight, and proactive risk management.