Foreign Comparative Testing

Abstract

This program supports the Department's initiatives to Defend the Homeland, Deter Aggression, and Build a Resilient Joint Force. The Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) Program increases Joint Force readiness and lethality by providing near-term solutions to existing and future Department of Defense (DoD) capability gaps by leveraging the Research & Development (R&D) investments of allied nations and coalition partners. The FCT Program Element (PE) evaluates prototypes derived from allied and partner nation technologies to provide the U.S. Armed Services, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and Defense Agencies capabilities to counter emerging threats. The FCT Program’s broad reach across our allies and friendly foreign countries enables development of innovative, cost effective, and interoperable solutions to meet needs communicated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Combatant Commanders. FCT strengthens alliances by facilitating international collaboration and evaluating technologies that increase interoperability while serving as a catalyst for teaming and other business relationships between international and domestic industries. Partner nations recognize the long-term value of the "two-way street" for Defense procurements for which FCT provides an avenue. Numerous successful projects have resulted in the licensed production of a qualified foreign item in the United States, including the creation of jobs and contributions to local economies. To date, companies from 34 states have benefited from FCT projects. FCT supports DoD best practices by incentivizing the use of prototyping and experimentation in advancing technological solutions to warfighter problems and acts as a hedge against threat developments. FCT enhances affordability by reducing development costs and risk, accelerating acquisition timelines, and increasing competition. Through increasing joint lethality and readiness, strengthening alliances, and delivering affordable performance on accelerated timelines, FCT supports the National Defense Strategy and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) critical technology areas. Authorized by Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 2350a (g), the FCT program is managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), International Prototypes and Experiments (IP&E) Office and projects are jointly conducted by the Military Services and USSOCOM. Measurable Outcomes: -FCT projects will demonstrate capability objectives within 12-36 months. -Over its 43-year history, FCT has a transition rate of 61 percent (411 out of 679) for completed projects. Of the 411 projects that tested successful, 326 or 79 percent resulted in follow-on procurements of over $12.025 billion.

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Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
Source ID: 0603133D8Z_3_0400_PB_2024
Change Summary Explanation: The FY 2024 decrease is comprised of a re-alignment decrease of $0.600 million to support the Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Serving Institutions program, which is a priority of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), a decrease of $0.028 million to support departmental priorities, and an increase of $0.152 million for an economic assumption inflation.
Service Agency Name: Office of the Secretary Of Defense

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Foreign Comparative Testing

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