Region/Sector Operation Control Center Modernization Program

The Region/Sector Operation Control Center Modernization Program (PE 0102326F) is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the Air Force under Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development. Its primary goal is to modernize and sustain the command and control infrastructure supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) homeland defense and air sovereignty missions. The program focuses on fixed Air Defense Sectors, ensuring that the United States maintains robust capabilities for air surveillance, air defense, and control of sovereign airspace.

Battle Control System-Fixed (BCS-F) is a central component of this modernization effort. BCS-F is a bi-national development program with Canada, designed to integrate data from both current and future civil and military defense surveillance systems into a comprehensive air picture. The system provides tactical communications and data link capabilities, enabling seamless coordination among military and civil entities responsible for air surveillance and defense. The objective is to enhance peacetime air sovereignty operations and ensure a smooth transition to active air defense in the event of aggression or elevated threat levels.

Battle Control System-Fixed Modification 1 (BCS-F Modification 1) represents a targeted upgrade within the BCS-F program. This modification supports the implementation of Earth Center Earth Fixed (ECEF) coordinates, improving system accuracy and interoperability. Executed as a cooperative development program between the US and Canada, BCS-F Modification 1 aligns with the Air Battle Management System (ABMS) Cloud-Based Command and Control (CBC2) initiative, which is planned to eventually replace BCS-F as the Air Defense Sectors' command and control system of record.

The program's FY 2025 and FY 2026 objectives include continued systems engineering, risk reduction, integration, testing, evaluation, and technical refresh activities to ensure operational continuity during the transition to ABMS CBC2.

National Capitol Region Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS) is another key line item supported by this program element. NCR-IADS was rapidly fielded after September 11, 2001, to provide ground-based air defense for the National Capitol Region. Its goals include delivering an integrated air picture, supporting air defense weapons, enhancing regional situational awareness, and enabling forensic data collection.

The program aims to address system obsolescence, incorporate new cybersecurity requirements, and position NCR-IADS for future capability integration, thereby maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of air defense in the nation's capital.

The program also seeks to promote government efficiency and cost savings by reducing contracts for Advisory and Assistance Services, in alignment with Executive Order 14222. This reduction is reflected in the FY 2026 budget, which shows a decrease in funding due to lower expenditures on Advisory and Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) services. Civilian pay expenses required to manage and execute these modernization efforts are accounted for separately, ensuring that program funds are directed toward technical and operational objectives.

Management and contracting strategies for the Region/Sector Operation Control Center Modernization Program are overseen by the Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (PEO C3BM) at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, in partnership with PMO North in Ottawa, Canada. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) serves as the contracting authority, utilizing a mix of contract vehicles, including Other Transaction Authority, to facilitate capability modernization and timely delivery of upgrades to Air Defense Sectors.