Outfitting

The Outfitting (LI 5110) line item in the Navy's Shipbuilding and Conversion (SCN) appropriation is dedicated to ensuring that newly constructed, converted, or modernized ships are fully equipped and ready for operational deployment. The primary goal of this program is to provide the initial fill of onboard repair parts, secondary items, equipage, recreation items, precommissioning crew support, and general-use consumables as defined by the ship's Coordinated Shipboard Allowance List (COSAL). These funds are essential for achieving the Navy's operational readiness objectives, supporting shipboard maintenance, and meeting OPNAV-directed supply readiness goals at the time of ship delivery.

Outfitting funds are used to procure contractor-furnished spares and materials that require long lead times, ensuring that all necessary parts and equipment are available before the ship is delivered. The program covers ships undergoing new construction, conversions, Service Life Extension Programs (SLEP), and nuclear refueling. The objective is to deliver ships that are fully mission-capable, free from deficiencies, and able to support the Navy's global missions immediately upon entering service.

The funding is limited to items on the COSAL and is authorized through the Obligation Work Limiting Date (OWLD). Some funds may be required in the fiscal year following delivery to address any outstanding outfitting needs.

Post Delivery (PD) funding is a significant component of this line item and is used to address deficiencies and conduct required tests and trials after the ship has been delivered to the Navy. This includes correcting both contractor and government-responsible deficiencies discovered during the shakedown period, as well as implementing improvements or class-wide changes authorized by the ship's Program Manager. The Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) is a key event funded by PD, during which final acceptance trials are completed and any outstanding issues are resolved to ensure the ship meets all operational standards.

First Destination Transportation (FDT) is another objective within the Outfitting line, providing funding for the transportation of materials from procurement sources to the first point of use or storage, whether in the continental United States or overseas. FDT also supports the movement of Navy-owned material to contractors for research, development, or system acquisition and modification projects. This ensures timely delivery and integration of critical components into the shipbuilding process.

The Outfitting line item supports a wide range of ship classes, including aircraft carriers, Virginia-class submarines, DDG 51-class destroyers, Littoral Combat Ships, amphibious ships, Expeditionary Sea Base, Expeditionary Fast Transport, fleet oilers, and various auxiliary and support vessels. Each ship class receives tailored funding to address its unique outfitting requirements, ensuring that all necessary systems, tools, and consumables are onboard at delivery.

The justification for this funding is grounded in the need to maintain fleet readiness, minimize operational disruptions, and ensure that new and modernized ships can immediately contribute to the Navy's mission. The funding also supports the correction of production-related defects and the implementation of lessons learned from builder and acceptance trials.