USMC FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITIES
Abstract
This R-2 Activity addresses the advanced technology development associated with the Marine Corps' participation in the Department of the Navy's (DoN) Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) Program. The objective of the work in this PE is to develop promising technologies emerging from the FNC technology candidates funded in PE 0602131M that have been matured to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Investments in this activity are coordinated with similar and non-duplicative efforts in PE 0603673N. The FNC Program was restructured for FY19 to accelerate transition to the Fleet and Force. This restructuring involved a zero based review of all ongoing FNC projects, where each effort was assessed for its technology maturity and transition commitment. Ongoing efforts were categorized as FNCs or Technology Candidates. Some efforts were terminated and others were accelerated to achieve the goals of the restructured program. Funding for FNCs, which have higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs of 4/5 to 6) and transition funding commitments, is being resourced in this PE. Funding for FNC technology candidates at lower TRLs (3 to 4) is being resourced in PE 0602131M. ONR is working closely with the Resource Sponsors and acquisition stakeholders to develop high priority technological capabilities needed by the operational forces. Prior to FY19, FNC Program investments were selected almost two years in advance of execution. It was determined by Navy and Marine Corps leadership that this approach limits DON's ability to exploit technology advances and respond quickly to naval needs. As a result, future BA 3 investments supporting the FNC Program are now made less than one year before commencing execution. Because FNCs are now starting at higher TRLs, the typical duration of an FNC has been shortened to 3-years. The FNC Program has been fully restructured in favor of a more direct and higher level of collaboration. Individual R-2 Activities have been discontinued and investments are organized to enhance collaboration with the acquisition stakeholders and their resource sponsors. A complete accounting of the technologies being developed and a full disposition of each technology development effort referenced as continuing in the FY18 plans of this PE will be provided separately to the Congressional oversight committees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 4ceabb987f3e493b0cac4e7e6e1ac08e