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FY 2014 Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs

APR 16, 2013

Funding for 6.1 basic research programs supported by the Department of Defense increases in the FY 2014 budget request the Obama Administration sent to Congress. Total funding for the 6.2 applied research and 6.3 advanced technology programs would decline relative to the FY 2012 budget.

The Department of Defense usually provides minimal narrative regarding its science and technology program budget request. The Office of Management and Budget in its “Fiscal Year 2014 Budget of the U.S. Government” on page 73 explains:

Funds Research and Development for the Military of the Future. The Administration continues to support strong investment in research and development (R&D) for national security. The Budget provides $67.5 billion for DOD research, development, test and evaluation activities. This funding supports DOD efforts to: evaluate new tactical vehicles; continue to develop the Air Force KC-46 aerial refueling tanker; continue to design the OHIO class ballistic missile submarine replacement; and advance other critical technologies. This research funding also capitalizes on DOD’s important role in advanced manufacturing and the development of other forward-looking capabilities, including hypersonics.

“The Budget also invests in early-stage science and technology (S&T) programs to support the warfighter. The Administration continues to encourage a strong national investment in R&D, and the Department’s R&D activities, especially investments in DOD’s S&T program, are a key component of this Government-wide effort. The Budget includes $12 billion for the S&T program. This funding supports basic research, applied research and advanced technology development. The Budget also provides $2.9 billion for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and its breakthrough research, an increase of 1.8 percent above the 2012 enacted level.”

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) provides requested funding levels for defense science and technology programs in the 97 page “RDT&D Programs (R-1).” Selected figures follow, with comparisons based on FY 2012 funding levels.

Total 6.1 Basic Research:

  • FY 2012 funding is $2,010.2 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $2,164.9 million, an increase of $154.7 million or 7.7 percent

Total 6.2 Applied Research:

  • FY 2012 funding is $4,729.7 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $4,626.9 million, a decrease of $102.8 million or 2.2 percent

Total 6.3 Advanced Technology Development:

  • FY 2012 funding is $5,318.0 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $5,191.8 million, a decrease of $126.2 million or 2.4 percent

Total 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3:

  • FY 2012 funding is $12,057.9 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $11,983.6 million, a decrease of $74.3 million or 0.6 percent

Total Army 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3:

  • FY 2012 funding is $2,406.3 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $2,204.7 million, a decrease of $201.6 million or 8.4 percent

Total Navy 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3:

  • FY 2012 funding is $2,077.3 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $2,032.9 million, a decrease of $44.4 million or 2.1 percent

Total Air Force 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3:

  • FY 2012 funding is $2,392.0 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $2,270.2 million, a decrease of $121.8 million or 5.1 percent

Total Defense-Wide (i.e., DARPA) 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3:

  • FY 2012 funding is $5,182.3 million
  • The FY 2014 request is $5,475.7 million, an increase of $293.4 million or 5.7 percent
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