QUALITY SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT

The Quality Surveillance Equipment program, as outlined in Line Item 0725MB6400 of the Army's FY 2026 budget request, is focused on the procurement of specialized laboratory and testing systems to ensure the quality of military fuels and potable water. The primary objective of this program is to provide rapid, reliable, and deployable means for evaluating the suitability of petroleum products and water supplies used by Army personnel in a variety of operational environments. This capability is essential for maintaining the functionality and readiness of military equipment and safeguarding the health of soldiers.

A central component of this line item is the Petroleum Expeditionary Analysis Kit (PEAK). The PEAK is a self-contained, stand-alone system designed to rapidly verify the quality of kerosene-based and diesel fuels used in both aircraft and ground vehicles. The goal of the PEAK is to provide fuel handlers with a go/no-go assessment of fuel quality within minutes, enabling them to test for key characteristics such as fuel type, grade, required additives, and potential contaminants directly at the point of consumption.

This rapid assessment capability helps prevent equipment failures caused by poor fuel quality and reduces the turnaround time for fuel testing, which would otherwise require centralized laboratory analysis. The PEAK system is classified as a Class VII system and is intended to replace the older Class IX Aviation Fuel Contamination Test Kit. The Army Acquisition Objective for PEAK is set at 1,411 systems, reflecting a broad requirement across multiple Army units.

The system will be fielded to Armored, Infantry, and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, as well as Composite Supply Companies and Sustainment Companies. By enhancing the Petroleum and Water Quartermaster (QM) War Fighting Capabilities, the PEAK supports both operational readiness and logistical efficiency.

The budget supports not only the active Army but also the Army National Guard (ANG) and Army Reserve (AR), ensuring that both active and reserve components are equipped for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and support to civil authorities. The distribution of funds and equipment is designed to meet the requirements of Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates such capabilities for all components of the Armed Forces.

Program Consolidation is another key aspect of this line item. Beginning in FY 2025, the Quality Surveillance Equipment program (MB6400) was consolidated into the broader Distribution Systems, Petroleum & Water (MA6000) program. This consolidation aims to streamline procurement processes, improve logistical integration, and enhance the overall management of petroleum and water distribution and quality assurance systems within the Army's support infrastructure.

The justification for continued investment in Quality Surveillance Equipment centers on its role in preventing equipment failures, reducing logistical delays, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Army operations. By enabling rapid, on-site testing of fuel and water, the program directly contributes to mission readiness and operational resilience. The equipment also supports the Army's ability to respond to domestic emergencies and provide military support to civil authorities, further underscoring its strategic value.