Safety Program Management

The Safety Program Management program, under Program Element (PE) 0202057C, is managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and is funded through the Department of Defense's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-Wide appropriation. The primary objective of this program is to establish and maintain comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) initiatives that ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and DoD policy directives. The program is designed to protect human resources, safeguard MDA systems and property, and ensure a safe working environment for all MDA employees and contractors.

A central goal of the Safety Program Management line item is the development and implementation of safety requirements and risk mitigation strategies. The program seeks to reduce workplace accidents and hazards to the lowest practical level by conducting regular workplace inspections, audits, and accident investigations. These activities are intended to proactively identify and address potential safety risks, thereby supporting mission readiness and operational effectiveness of the MDA.

The program is executed through a combination of government subject matter expertise and contract support services. Civilian labor and travel allotments are provided for MDA personnel, while specialized safety and occupational health services are contracted through entities such as ARES Corporation. This collaborative approach ensures that safety protocols are both comprehensive and responsive to the evolving needs of the agency's workforce and operational environments.

Funding for the Safety Program Management project supports both ongoing and planned activities. These funds are used to support civilian labor, travel, contracted safety services, and management operations. The budget justification notes that these resources are essential for maintaining compliance with executive orders, federal regulations, and DoD policies, as well as for protecting MDA assets and personnel.

The Safety Program Management Civilian Labor/Travel component provides direct support for MDA staff engaged in safety oversight and program administration. This includes funding for travel to conduct site inspections, participate in audits, and facilitate accident investigations. The Safety Program Management Safety & Occupational Health component, primarily executed by ARES Corporation, delivers specialized safety services, including the development of safety plans, training, and hazard analysis.

Additionally, the program includes management services such as Safety Operations, which are contracted through various providers. These services support the implementation of safety requirements and operational risk management across MDA facilities and activities. The acquisition strategy emphasizes ongoing collaboration between government personnel and contractors to ensure that safety standards are consistently applied and updated as necessary.