Operational Energy Capability Improvement
Abstract
The basic mission of this program element (PE) is to fund innovation to improve the Department of Defense’s (DoD) operational effectiveness via targeted operational energy science and technology (S&T) investments. The Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) incentivizes S&T to promote long term change in DoD capabilities so they are better aligned with the Operational Energy Strategy. OECIF generally fosters innovation to improve operational energy performance and has two key mission aspects: first, to develop operational energy technologies and practices that will improve DoD military capabilities and possibly reduce costs; and second, to establish within and among the military Services institutional momentum to continue those innovations. OECIF funds serve as “seed money” to start or consolidate promising operational energy innovation to be sustained by the Services; therefore, OECIF generally emphasizes supporting or establishing transitions rather than one-off projects. OECIF investments also show areas of Departmental level interest. The increase in OECIF funding for FY 2020 is aimed to help shape Service investments across six core functional areas within this operational energy domain: Space Solar Collection, Power Beaming Transmission, Power Beaming Reception, Receiver Power Distribution, Architecture Analytics, and Supporting Technologies. It is imperative that DoD sustain a competitive position to innovate and manage stealthy and portable power beaming initiatives which provide freedom of movement for the warfighter. OECIF projects are selected annually from Service and Combatant Command proposals that align with the Department’s 2016 Operational Energy Strategy and support that fiscal year’s OECIF theme. The theme reflects the Department's priorities and focuses S&T investments. The Department is due for a new Operational Energy Strategy, and OECIF is actively shaping and contributing to the Innovation sections. Ultimately, the true value of an OECIF project is dependent on a successful transition to the Warfighter. The benefits may be realized through materiel efforts (fielded equipment, enhanced sub-systems) or non-materiel improvements (i.e., modeling and simulations capabilities, education and training, and development of standards). The overall aim is to improve the operational effectiveness of the Joint Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2020
- Source ID
- 0604055D8Z_3_0400_PB_2020
- Change Summary Explanation
- Program adjustments are consistent with higher priority DoD requirements. The increase in OECIF funding for FY 2020 is aimed to help shape Service investment in Space Solar Advanced Technology. Near-peer competitors are overmatching DoD in power beaming and space solar technologies for battlefield advantage, necessitating a critical OECIF effort to address the shortfalls. Per the findings and recommendations of the recent DoD study “Opportunities and Challenges for Space Solar for Remote Installations," measured, comprehensive investments in Advanced Technology Development will be made in six focus areas: (1) Space Solar Collection; (2) Power Beaming Transmission; (3) Power Beaming Reception; (4) Receiver Power Distribution; (5) Architecture Analytics; and (6) Integrating Technologies.
- Service Agency Name
- Office of the Secretary Of Defense
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
Related Documents
- Child Project: Operational Energy Capability Improvement
- Child Accomplishment: Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF)