Vehicles

The LI 20 - VEHICLES program within the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) focuses on the procurement and life-cycle replacement of non-tactical vehicles (NTVs) and specialized industrial trucks. This line item is part of the Major Equipment budget activity and supports DTRA's mission to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats and mitigate associated risks. The program ensures that DTRA personnel have reliable transportation and logistical support for operations both within the continental United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS).

A primary goal of the program is to replace fleet-aged, agency-owned NTVs that have exceeded their projected life cycles according to General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines. These vehicles are used in a variety of environments, including rocky and unpaved terrain, which accelerates wear and increases maintenance needs. By maintaining a modern and serviceable fleet, DTRA aims to reduce maintenance costs and minimize operational risks for its personnel.

Another key objective is the life-cycle replacement of specialized industrial trucks that directly support DTRA's real-world missions, exercises, deployments, and large load shipping for all classes of materials. These trucks are essential for transporting equipment and supplies necessary for DTRA's WMD countermeasures and related activities. Procurement decisions are based on factors such as terrain, special support requirements, and location to ensure vehicles meet mission-specific needs.

In FY 2024, the program replaced fleet-aged NTVs and specialized industrial trucks. Vehicles were selected for replacement based on operational requirements and the need to address increased maintenance costs due to aging equipment. The vehicles replaced during this period were primarily those that had surpassed GSA life-cycle projections and posed a higher risk to operators.

For FY 2025, the budget supports the replacement of a larger number of vehicles, including specialized industrial trucks and NTVs. This expansion addresses the growing need for reliable vehicles to support DTRA's expanding mission requirements and ensures continued operational effectiveness in both domestic and international settings.

The FY 2026 budget request will fund the replacement of additional specialized industrial trucks and NTVs. The reduction in funding compared to FY 2025 is attributed to a lower number of specialized industrial trucks being procured. Despite the decrease, the replacement of vehicles remains a priority to mitigate maintenance costs and operational risks, as many vehicles in the fleet range from model years 1980 to 2014 and have significantly exceeded their intended service life.

The LI 20 - VEHICLES program is justified by the need to maintain a safe, reliable, and cost-effective fleet that supports DTRA's core mission of countering WMD threats. The ongoing vehicle replacement cycle is aligned with GSA fleet management guidelines and is responsive to evolving mission requirements, terrain challenges, and operational support needs. Continued investment in this line item ensures that DTRA can effectively execute its responsibilities while minimizing risks and costs associated with aging vehicles.