The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3) has a requirement for a weapons vault modernization effort.

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The Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3) was developed and fielded to provide designated facilities with secure storage systems which include enhanced survivability features for support of their deterrence mission. The Air Force, and partner agencies, initiated production and fielding of WS3 in 1989, and have sustained the vaults since that time.

Modernization of the WS3 vault subsystems is required to meet the changed conditions noted as follows:

• In accordance with National Security Directive 42 (NSD-42), the National Security Agency (NSA) is discontinuing production of the vault-unlock format currently used in WS3.
• Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) impact the ability to sustain the WS3 vault.
• Condition-Based Maintenance capability is needed.

The Vault Modernization Program is intended to address these concerns, as well as others yet to be identified, by developing and awarding a requirement to enhance and modernize the vaults thereby eliminating DMSMS components and other components that are on the threshold of obsolescence. By doing so, upon completion of the effort, the program will move to Condition-Based Maintenance, with less reliance on calendar-based Preventive Maintenance Inspections.

The purpose of this effort is to replace the Vault Unlock Management System, Vault Processor, and Vault Motion-Control System of the US Air Force’s Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3).

The Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3) supports the capability to securely and safely store weapons deployed to Europe in certified subterranean WS3 vaults. The Vault Modernization Program (VMP) will address the National Security Agency (NSA) requirement to modernize the Vault Unlock Management System. In addition, the VMP will resolve sustainment issues caused by obsolescence, specifically WS3 vault digital, electrical, and mechanical components that are based on 1980s technologies, which have become increasingly difficult to sustain.

The VMP is required to ensure the WS3 remains operationally relevant and available deterrence missions to mid-century. The VMP will facilitate the development, integration, demonstration and assessment of a new Vault Unlock Management System, a new Vault Processor, and a new Vault Motion-Control System.