DOD budget to stay IT course

The Defense Department last week posted detailed information about its fiscal 2002 information technology budget request. The numbers contain few surprises, but an analyst said they do offer some positive signs.

There are subtle changes that show a stronger understanding by DOD management of IT and its importance to the mission, said Ray Bjorklund, vice president of consulting services for Federal Sources Inc., a consulting firm.

The numbers show some funding stability in fiscal 2002, he said. The DOD budget includes $15.7 billion for IT and $7.2 billion slated for technologies that support national security systems.

Lawmakers are in the early stages of reviewing the budget request. But if they go along with the administration's proposal, the Navy, Air Force and Defense agencies would all see increases. The request includes a $300 million increase for the Navy, a $200 million increase for the Air Force and a $500 million increase for Defense agencies. The Army, meanwhile, is slated for a $200 million decrease.

"I don't think we'll see any major changes in DOD's IT spending until the fiscal 2003 budget," Bjorklund said. He is encouraged by the subtle growth in the IT budget and a realignment since the numbers were presented earlier this year.

The Defense Information Systems Agency is requesting a big boost in its fiscal year 2002 contracting budget, in part to support a new satellite communications program.

DISA officials are requesting a procurement budget of nearly $198 million — $130 million more than it received in 2001. Of that, $97 million would be dedicated to the Teleport program, which will improve transmission of DISA voice, video and data services to deployed forces via satellite.

DISA officials have also requested $19 million for the Defense Message System, up $2.4 million from last year. DMS is a $1.6 billion electronic messaging system designed to support secure DOD communications worldwide.

The DISA request also includes $43 million for information systems security, up from last year's $20 million. The Global Combat Support System, however, would receive less than $2 million, down from last year's $5 million.