Technology Transfer and Transition
Abstract
The Technology Transfer and Transition (TT&T) program (Program Element 0603942D8Z) has two sub-elements: the Technology Transfer program (P942), and Technology Transition Initiative (P949). Defense Technology Transfer (P942) was referred to in previous budgets as Defense Technology Link (TechLink). This change serves to distinguish the Technology Transfer program from one of the program's successful contractors, TechLink of Montana State University. Defense Technology Transfer's three-fold mission is (1) integration of advanced commercial-sector technologies into Defartment of Defense (DoD) systems, particularly from nontraditional defense contractors; (2) spin-off of DoD-developed technologies to industry for product development and to make these technologies available for military acquisition; and (3) establishment of collaborative Research and Development (R&D) projects with the private sector for cost-sharing of new dual-use technology development. Defense Technology Transfer has been highly successful at helping the Department transfer its technologies to U.S. companies, and making these technologies available for both military and commercial applications. Technology Transfer is highly cost-effective with elements achieving significant Return on Investment (ROI) to DoD. For example, TechLink and has provided a ROI to DoD of 4:1 on funds expended to date. This efficiently run organization currently accounts for 50 percent of all DoD patent license agreements (PLA) and has brokered over 450 Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) and other R&D partnerships involving innovative companies new to DoD. Beginning in FY 2004, Congress has appropriated funds for an activity identified as MilTech to provide DoD with a manufacturing technical assistance capability for small and mid-size companies in areas such as improved product design, manufacturability, establishing reliable supply chain relationships, and achieving production sustainability in ramping up to meet critical DoD needs. MilTech works hands-on with DoD Program Managers and these companies to achieve accelerated deliverable product outcomes for military use. MilTech design or design review assistance to DoD Program Managers have resulted in up to 50% reductions in product development lead times. Manufacturing technical assistance has led to improved on-time delivery, thereby reducing shipping delays and back orders of critical items by as much as 50-70%. MilTech assistance in providing design best practices early on in the product development process is helping companies reduce product costs by 10-30% and improved quality of design is reducing pre-shipping and field failures by 10-30%. The Technology Transition Initiative (P949), authorized by Title 10 and Section 215 of the FY2003 Defense Authorization Act, facilitates the rapid transition of new technologies from the DoD science and technology (S&T) base into DoD acquisition programs. The program addresses the funding gaps that exist between the time a mature technology is demonstrated and the time it can be funded and procured for use in an intended weapons system or operational capability for the warfighter. The Technology Transition Initiative (TTI) program is mandated by Congress and receives high congressional interest. Since the program inception in FY 2003, 75 projects have been initiated and 37 are complete. Of the 37 completed projects, 27 (73%) have successfully transitioned to DoD Acquisition Programs of Record or procurement contracts for operational use and subsequent fielding; exceeding the objective of 30% for demonstration programs (Strategic Objective 4-3, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (OUSD (AT&L). Technology Transition Initiative (TTI) projects are selected by the Technology Transition Manager (DDR&E Research Directorate) in consultation with representatives of the Technology Transition Council (TTC). (The TTC is comprised of the Acquisition and S&T executives from each Service and Defense Agency and representatives from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC.) The call for TTI proposals is distributed to the DoD Services and Agencies through the Technology Transition Working Group (TTWG) members, designated by the TTC. The TTWG members receive proposals from their Service/Defense Agency S&T base, conduct a prioritization based on Joint, Service or Agency capabilities needed and submit them to the Office Secretary of Defense (OSD) TTI Program Manager. The Technology Manager's senior staff consolidates the proposal submissions, evaluates the Service/Agency recommendations, reviews new start selection options based on available resources, and prepares a recommended new start selection list to the Technology Transition Manager for funding. The Technology Transition Manager selects the highest priority proposals for funding. The OSD FY 2011 proposal call memo will be signed out by the Technology Transition Manager in February 2010, requesting the Services, Agencies and Combatant Commands provide their prioritized inputs by April. OSD is looking for candidate proposals that demonstrate a strong commitment from the operational and acquisition communities to transition improved capabilities to operational use or an acquisition program of record. These proposals are being evaluated against the following evaluation criteria: TTI funding must accelerate product transition, the technology must be from the DoD Science and Technology (S&T) base, Component cost sharing to leverage funding, project duration less than four years, established exit criteria, potential for joint use, value to the warfighter, sufficient technology maturity, and commitment to transition/acquisition. Final selection of FY 2011 TTI new start projects will be determined in the August 2010 timeframe. A listing of initiatives under review for selection by OSD can be provided to congressional staff members during the budget review.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 0603942D8Z_3_0400_PB_2011
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY 2011 and out reflect realignment of resources from the following program element into Technology Transfer and Transition to benefit aligned management communications, fiscal tracking, budget justification and overall program resource management of Transfer/Transition efforts. PE 0603826D8Z Quick Reactions Special Projects, Technology Transition Initiative ( Transfer into P949).
- Service Agency Name
- Office of Secretary Of Defense
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