DOD IT spending flat for 2007

The Bush administration requested $30.5 billion for information technology at the Defense Department for fiscal 2007, a $100 million increase from the $30.4 billion approved by Congress for 2006.

Expanding DOD’s global communications and emphasizing business transformation are key IT and management priorities for 2007. The Bush administration requested $900 million to extend satellite capabilities for warfighters deployed around the world to increase their ability to transmit data, according to DOD budget documents distributed during a Feb. 6 media briefing.

For the first time ever, the military services emphasized business transformation in their budget requests. For example, the Army made it one of four budget themes recognizing the importance of accelerating business transformation and process improvements.

The Bush administration is seeking $2.4 billion for the Army's business transformation for 2007. The Army wants to become more efficient in its financial and personnel business processes and systems, said Maj. Gen. Edgar Stanton III, Army budget director, during a Feb. 6 media briefing.

The president's budget proposal also requests $439.3 billion for fiscal 2007, a $28.5 billion, or 7 percent, increase from the $410.8 billion enacted by Congress for 2006. The Air Force has the highest budget request of the military branches at $130.4 billion, an increase of $6.3 billion, or 5 percent, from the $124.1 billion approved for 2006.

The Navy and Marine Corps came in second at $127.4 billion, a $4.9 billion, or 4 percent, increase from the $122.5 billion enacted for fiscal 2006, followed by the Army at $111.8 billion, a $12.7 billion, or 13 percent, increase from the $99.1 billion approved for 2006. DOD agencies requested $69.7 billion, a $4.6 billion, or 7 percent, increase from the $65.1 billion ratified for 2006.

In its budget, the Bush administration requested $2.2 billion for Air Force communications and space operations for fiscal 2007. The administration asked for $1.3 billion for space operations, the same as fiscal 2006, including $800 million for satellite control and $900 million for communications, also the same as 2006, including $300 million for global communications, $63 million for tactical communications, $52 million for reconnaissance communications and $38 million for information assurance.

The IT highlight of the Navy and Marines’ budget is the creation of the National Maritime Intelligence Integration Center. The center will improve integration with government agencies and coalition partners to increase awareness at sea.

The proposal included a $3.7 billion request for the Army's Future Combat System to support development and demonstration of the 18 light, rapid-deployable, manned and robotic, air and ground systems connected by a fast, secure network. The service asked for $832 million for the Joint Tactical Radio System, $340 million for the Joint Network Node and $160 million for the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below system.

Bush also requested $84.2 billion for procurement, an increase of $8 billion, or 11 percent, from the $76.2 billion enacted by Congress for 2006. The department wants to invest in capabilities and forces that:

? Prevail in irregular warfare operations.

? Defend the homeland against advanced threats.

? Maintain America’s military superiority.

? Support service members and their families.