Defense Technology Analysis
Abstract
The Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) is the principal staff advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (USD(AT&L)) and the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense for research and engineering (R&E) matters. In this capacity, the DDR&E has the responsibility to conduct analyses and studies; develop policies; provide technical leadership, oversight and advice; make recommendations; and issue guidance for the DoD R&E plans and programs. Additionally, the DDR&E provides technical support to the USD(AT&L) on R&E aspects of programs subject to review by the Defense Acquisition Board, to include assessments of technology consistent with DoD acquisition policy. This program element provides mission support to the Office of the DDR&E (ODDR&E). It covers a wide range of studies and analyses in support of the R&E program and impacts the Department's decision to fund RDT&E efforts. The DoD's key expertise for reviewing and guiding R&E programs resides in the ODDR&E. The ODDR&E staff augments their responsibilities through their connections to technology experts in various fields throughout academia, industry, and government. This project supports the directed responsibilities by building DDR&E teams of technology experts to conduct program technical assessments. The teams will analyze the key engineering problem areas and offer adjustments in the development and test plan; alternate technical approaches; or new technologies that could enable successful development. The teams will constitute expert non-advocate reviews and gather advice from the Nation's leading technical experts. Future capabilities will depend on today's R&E investment. Consequently, the mission of the DoD R&E program is to create, demonstrate, prototype, and apply technology that enables affordable and decisive military superiority to defeat any adversary on any battlefield. Pursuing the R&E mission requires attention to: identification and development of new technological opportunities; insertion of new technologies into warfighting systems and operations; and management and evaluation of the effectiveness of technology programs. A successful R&E program is connected to the acquisition Program Managers/Program Executive Officers to ensure the best possible technology is being integrated into acquisition systems. This program element also provides engineering, scientific, and analytical support to the Office of the Director, Research in its responsibility for direction, overall quality, and content of the science and technology (S&T) program and ensures that the technology being developed is affordable and minimizes system development risk. The primary purpose of this program element is to facilitate the development of the S&T program and to conduct assessments and analyses of the program to ensure maximum utilization of Research and Development funds to accomplish the overall objectives of the S&T program. The Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act (WSARA) of 2009 expanded the role of the DDR&E in acquisition decisions. Full implementation of the Act requires increases in both the number and depth of technology maturity assessments. FY 2011 funding relects WSARA requirements. Funds are required for technical, analytical and management support; equipment and supplies; travel; and publications. Technology Integration activities advance international S&T cooperation of specific projects of bilateral or multilateral interest. It provides the management support for U.S. participation in NATO's Research and Technology Organization (RTO) and The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP). Technology Integration oversees, coordinates, and reviews RTO and TTCP activities in which the U.S. has an interest including ongoing and proposed collaborative programs, technical symposia and conferences, and standard operating procedures. This effort will leverage Tri-Service S&T dollars through new and ongoing international partnerships. Technology Integration also provides selective funding support for administration, travel, conferences, and technical evaluations related to RTO activities carried out by the Services and other organizations. This program element also provides funding for the Laboratory Resource Management Office (LRMO) in the ODDR&E. The LRMO advocates and invests in the DoD laboratory system in three areas: facilities and infrastructure; quality of workforce; and global insight of critical or strategic technologies important to DoD and the Nation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 0605798D8Z_6_0400_PB_2011
- Change Summary Explanation
- Service Agency Name
- Office of Secretary Of Defense
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