Quick Reaction Special Projects (QRSP)
Abstract
QRSP funds the development of risk-reducing prototypes, experiments, and demonstrations to expedite delivery of effective, affordable, and critically needed joint mission capabilities to the warfighter. These lower-cost prototypes and QRSP’s innovative business processes give the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) the agility to quickly explore new, higher-risk technology areas that have the potential for immediate, game-changing impacts. QRSP also enables the Department of Defense (DoD) to identify innovative solutions from small and non-traditional businesses not normally engaged by the DoD to address gaps and augment joint mission capabilities. This allows the DoD to quickly harness innovative solutions from outside the DoD by providing innovative small and non-traditional businesses the opportunity to engage with various government audiences on innovative solutions that could solve DoD challenges. Developed prototypes inform modernization efforts or transition through rapid technology refresh and insertion into joint mission capabilities. Project selection is guided by department-level strategies and priorities, such as the DoD’s Modernization areas and the National Defense Strategy. Needs are identified and prototype projects are funded within the year of execution to demonstrate the feasibility of new technologies, enable integration into larger systems, and deliver affordable capabilities faster than standard acquisition cycles. With an emphasis on joint and interagency partnerships, QRSP matures capability options to anticipate and inform new acquisition pathways in addition to formal requirements and acquisition processes. Individual projects generally span six to eighteen months and typically at a cost of less than $1.000 million. QRSP includes thrust areas that complement risk-reducing prototypes, such as Strategic Multi-layer Assessments (SMA) and joint demonstrations and experiments. SMA supports senior leadership in the Combatant Commands (CCMDs) by providing rapid, actionable assessments of complex operational and technical challenges. Joint demonstrations and DM&P-sponsored venues of defense-wide experiments provide opportunities for emerging technologies to succeed fast or fail fast. Demonstration venues include: Stiletto, a maritime experimentation and demonstration platform; Thunderstorm, a multi-domain venue focused on innovative small and non-traditional businesses; and, other tailored experimentation and demonstration events.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 720_0603338D8Z_3_0400_PB_2022
Related Documents
- Root: Defense Modernization and Prototyping
- Child Accomplishment: Funding realignment to Project Code 721 Emerging Capabilities Technology Development (ECTD)
- Child Accomplishment: Funding realignment to Project Code 722 Time Sensitive Targeting Defeat (TSTD)
- Child Accomplishment: Autonomy at the Tactical Edge Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Targeted Prototyping for Increased Lethality and Survivability Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Realizing Disruptive Technologies for DoD Modernization Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Distributed, Collaborative, Multi-Function Devices for Electromagnetic Spectrum Agility Focus Area
- Child Accomplishment: Multi-domain Experimentation and Demonstration Venues
- Child Accomplishment: Strategic Multi-Layered Assessment (SMA) Reach Back Cell
- Child Accomplishment: Prototyping Through Non-Traditional Pathways