Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC)

The Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) is a critical initiative aimed at replacing the aging E-4B fleet with a modernized and survivable airborne command, control, and communications center. The primary objective is to provide the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with a worldwide, enduring node of the National Military Command System (NMCS) to fulfill national security requirements throughout all stages of conflict. This program element falls under Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P), and includes funding for research, development, test and evaluation activities to support the procurement of a Commercial Derivative Aircraft (CDA), mission system, ground support systems, and necessary infrastructure. Additionally, the program aims to integrate digital engineering and other required capabilities to support the development and lifecycle sustainment of the SAOC Weapon System.

The specific goals of Program PE 0604288F include awarding and executing development contracts for the SAOC Weapon System, conducting source selection activities, preparing and coordinating Milestone B requirements, supporting test planning and preparation activities, establishing an integrated test team, and developing an infrastructure for the SAOC Integrated Digital Environment. Furthermore, the program aims to conclude source selection activities, complete Milestone B requirements in anticipation of a favorable decision, award the SAOC contract(s) for Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) activities, continue supporting development and modernization of required Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) capabilities, as well as other essential capabilities to ensure sustainability and availability for integration into the SAOC Weapon System. The program also includes plans for continued test and evaluation (T&E) planning and preparation activities.

Overall, Program PE 0604288F seeks to ensure continuity of operations and government in national emergencies or after negation/destruction of ground command and control centers by providing a survivable airborne command center with nuclear command capabilities. The program's funding supports various activities such as program office operations, management services including Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) and Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), security measures, facilities maintenance, prototyping efforts, equipment procurement, civilian pay expenses related to managing weapon system capability delivery, as well as other necessary program office capabilities.