Programwide Activities

The Programwide Activities program element (PE 0605801A) within the Army's Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget provides essential management and operational support for a range of Army research and development organizations. Its primary objective is to fund non-Army Management Headquarters Activity (non-AMHA) functions that are not directly tied to specific R&D projects, but are critical for the effective operation of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Centers and International Technology Centers (ITCs). The program also supports international cooperative research, compliance with international agreements, and administrative requirements for Army participation in multinational forums.

Army Science Board (ASB) funding supports an independent federal advisory committee that provides the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of Defense with expert advice on scientific, technical, acquisition, and business management issues. The ASB is structured into four subcommittees focusing on Basic Science and Disruptive Technologies, C4ISR, Systems Engineering and Sustainment, and Weapon Systems. The board conducts studies on emerging technologies, operational challenges, and future force requirements. Funding supports classified studies and expanded capacity for high-security research.

Med Cmd Spt (Non-AMHA) provides for the civilian workforce and operational expenses at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). The goal is to ensure effective management of medical RDT&E programs, including compliance with FDA and safety regulations, resource management, and acquisition oversight. The reduction in funding reflects the transfer of some functions to the Defense Health Agency, aligning with broader DoD medical management reforms.

ARI Mgmt/ADM Act supports the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI), which conducts research to enhance soldier selection, training, and leader development. This line item funds management, administrative, and IT support necessary for ARI's research mission, ensuring the Army can address human factors, talent management, and organizational culture challenges. Funding maintains these support functions, with a focus on enhancing in-house research capabilities.

Standardization Groups funds Army Futures Command Forward Elements (AFEs) in multiple global regions. These AFEs promote interoperability and standardization with allied and partner militaries, supporting the Army's Rationalization, Standardization, and Interoperability (RSI) mission. The AFEs facilitate operational integration, international R&D cooperation, and the establishment of agreements for co-development and co-production of military technologies. These efforts are critical for coalition operations and multinational readiness.

US Army Corps of Engineers Base Operations provides management and administrative support for the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). This enables ERDC to conduct research in military and civil engineering, computational prototyping, and terrain mapping, supporting all six of the Army's modernization priorities. The funding covers personnel, facility management, and high-performance computing infrastructure. There is a reduction in Army-wide support.

Other line items provide similar management and operational support for their respective DEVCOM centers. These funds ensure that critical administrative, security, logistics, and resource management functions are maintained, enabling each center to focus on its core R&D mission. The Armament Group Support line item supports U.S. participation in NATO and other international armaments groups, funding travel, administrative support, and the U.S. share of NATO cooperative programs, which are essential for allied interoperability and technology sharing.