The STRATEGIC MICROELECTRONIC SUPPLY SYSTEM is a procurement program managed by the Air Force under the Other Procurement appropriation, specifically within the Electronics and Telecommunications Equipment budget activity. The primary objective of this line item is to fund the acquisition of commercial microelectronic components that are essential for Department of Defense (DoD) programs. These procurements are scheduled within the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) to ensure that critical microelectronic assets remain available for ongoing and future acquisition efforts.
One of the central goals of the STRATEGIC MICROELECTRONIC SUPPLY SYSTEM is to prevent disruptions in program schedules or production quantities that could arise from shortages or discontinuation of key microelectronic parts. The program is designed to anticipate and mitigate risks associated with the closure of commercial manufacturing lines by executing Life of Type Buys. This approach involves purchasing sufficient quantities of specific components before their commercial production ends, thereby securing the supply chain for defense applications.
For Fiscal Year 2025, the program is dedicated to the procurement of these commercial microelectronic items. The funding supports hardware acquisition, with details about specific components and quantities being classified and released only on a need-to-know basis. This classification is intended to protect sensitive supply chain information and maintain operational security regarding critical defense technologies.
The STRATEGIC MICROELECTRONIC SUPPLY SYSTEM line item does not include advance procurement or recurring costs in the reported budget years, focusing exclusively on the direct purchase of hardware. The program does not list initial spares or unit costs in the public documentation, reflecting the classified nature of the procurement details. All procurement activities under this line item are service-ready, as indicated by the ID Code A.
Justification for this program centers on the necessity of maintaining uninterrupted access to microelectronic components that are vital for a wide range of DoD acquisition programs. The potential for commercial manufacturers to discontinue production of certain parts poses a significant risk to defense readiness and program continuity. By proactively securing these components, the Air Force aims to avoid costly delays or reductions in production quantities for critical systems.
While the budget documentation does not break out multiple sub-programs within this line item, all activities are unified under the strategic objective of supply chain assurance for microelectronics. The program is closely coordinated with other DoD agencies and acquisition offices to identify at-risk components and prioritize procurement actions. This coordination is essential to ensure that the most critical needs are addressed and that resources are allocated efficiently.