Quick Reactions Special Projects (QRSP)
Abstract
The QRSP Program Element develops risk-reducing prototypes and conducts demonstrations designed to develop capabilities in anticipation of emerging adversary threats and emerging capabilities, as well as address immediate COCOM needs. QRSP efforts support the Department’s goal to provide a hedge against technical uncertainty by acting as an incubator for developing potentially game-changing capabilities and by fostering collaboration among other government agencies, DoD laboratories, academia, and the commercial sector. QRSP enables the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD(AT&L)) to anticipate and respond to emergent DoD issues and time-sensitive threats by selecting projects within the year of execution. Project selection is guided by Department-level strategies and priorities, such as Better Buying Power 3.0, Reliance 21, the Long Range Research and Development Program Plan, and COCOM Integrated Priority Lists (IPLs). QRSP efforts field new capabilities at low cost in short time-frames, inform the requirements process, and inject innovative technologies into programs of record. The QRSP Program supports four major project codes that expedite development and transition of new capabilities to the warfighter. These projects are: 1) Quick Reaction Fund (QRF); 2) Rapid Reaction Fund (RRF); 3) Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC) support; and 4) Strategic Multi-Layered Assessment (SMA) support. Focus areas align to DoD science and technology priorities, including counter anti-access/area denial; counter weapons of mass destruction; low-cost precision engagement; counter-electronic warfare; and autonomous systems. The QRF Program objectives are to develop prototypes in response to emergent conventional warfare needs that take advantage of breakthroughs in rapidly evolving technologies. The QRF is executed by the Rapid Reaction Technology Office (RRTO). QRF projects focus on force protection to enhance anti-access and area denial capabilities, space capability resilience, and broad electronic warfare capabilities. The QRF initiates projects during the execution year and focuses on maturing technologies critically needed for the COCOMs by producing prototypes for demonstration and evaluation. The QRF typically takes Technology Readiness Level (TRL) four to five technologies and looks to transition them to an end user or COCOM at a TRL of seven or higher with a total project duration of 12 to 18 months. The QRF consistently exceeds the transition objective of 40 percent for demonstration programs (DoD Strategic Objective 3.5.2D). The RRF Program objectives, executed by RRTO, are to develop proof of principle prototypes to counter emerging irregular warfare threats, anticipate adversaries’ exploitation of new technologies and accelerate the delivery of effective and affordable capabilities to the warfighter. RRF initiatives support the DoD Research and Engineering Enterprise mission to develop, demonstrate, assess, and rapidly field innovative concepts and technologies that supply critical capabilities to meet time-sensitive operational needs. RRTO leverages technology developed outside of the DoD in the commercial sector, academia, international arenas, as well as small businesses and non-traditional sources, to address DoD needs as identified by COCOM, Military Service organizations, other Defense organizations, and interagency partners. Typical RRF programs are six to 18 months in duration and aim to mature a capability to demonstration. The RRF consistently exceeds the transition objective of 40 percent for demonstration programs (DoD Strategic Objective 3.5.2D). The JRAC Program objectives focus on responding to Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONS) and Joint Emerging Operational Needs (JEONS) that have been submitted by COCOMs and validated by the Joint Staff. In addition, the JRAC’s objectives are to manage the delivery of capabilities as requested by the COCOM in a time frame acceptable to the COCOM. Efforts, in most instances, utilize contingency and other rapid acquisition authorities. The SMA cell’s objective is to support all COCOMs, Joint Force Commanders, and other government agencies by assessing complex operational/technical challenges, which require collaborative multi-agency and multi-disciplinary approaches. With input from across the United States Government, academia, and the private sector, the SMA cell develops solution options to Joint Staff/COCOM-generated challenging problems and informs senior leadership. Each assessment is initiated at the request of COCOM senior leadership. Priorities for SMA cell programs are set by the Joint Staff Deputy for Operations. Products are typically generated within six months and directly contribute to the decision-making process of the Joint Staff/COCOM’s senior leadership.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2017
- Source ID
- 0603826D8Z_3_0400_PB_2017
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY 2017 internal realignment reflects funding for higher Departmental priorities and requirements.
- Service Agency Name
- Office of the Secretary Of Defense
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
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