Service Support to STRATCOM - Space Activities

The Service Support to STRATCOM - Space Activities program, identified as Program Element (PE) 1201921F, is a new initiative within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This program is designed to provide targeted support to the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) in the area of Modeling and Simulation (M&S), with a specific focus on space-related operational systems development. The effort marks a new start after previous funding for similar activities was transferred out with the establishment of U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM).

The primary objective of this program is to enhance USSTRATCOM's participation in Department of Defense (DoD) M&S reform activities, ensuring that the command's unique requirements and equities are represented in ongoing and future M&S initiatives. The program supports USSTRATCOM's engagement with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) Analysis Working Group (AWG), particularly as it relates to campaign-level M&S reform. This includes funding for attendance at working groups, responding to data calls, and contributing to the development and refinement of M&S standards and practices.

Within this program element, the project's goals are to support the collection and development of USSTRATCOM's M&S requirements, provide representation for the command within relevant working groups, and assist in the testing of new or improved M&S capabilities. Additionally, the project aims to facilitate coordination and consistent messaging across various command and departmental M&S and infrastructure-related activities.

A key justification for this funding is the need for robust, command-level representation in DoD-wide M&S reform efforts, which are critical for ensuring that strategic and space-related operational requirements are adequately addressed. By participating in OSD(CAPE) AWG activities, USSTRATCOM can influence the direction of M&S development, advocate for its unique operational needs, and ensure that its perspectives are incorporated into broader defense planning and analysis.

The program also includes support for testing new M&S capabilities, as applicable. This involves evaluating the effectiveness of proposed M&S tools and methodologies in meeting USSTRATCOM's operational requirements. The program will track other related M&S and infrastructure activities across the command and the wider Department, promoting coordination and avoiding duplication of effort.

The acquisition strategy for this program emphasizes the use of competitive procedures to the maximum extent possible, with contracts potentially awarded to government agencies, federally funded research and development centers, universities, laboratories, or other organizations. This approach is intended to ensure best value to the government while leveraging a broad base of expertise in M&S development and application.