Defense Science Board Task Force on Technology Investment for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Abstract

As requested by the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics) and the Director DARPA, the Defense Science Board task force performed a one-time independent evaluation of the technology investment for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Task force members reviewed all of the projects in DARPA's current technology portfolio (both unclassified and classified) and assessed each research effort based upon the following criteria: * It appears to have scientific merit, and * It would be of high value to DoD's operational missions. After a summary review of the current DARPA technology portfolio, the task force found no programs that appeared to have obvious ethical issues, that had insurmountable technical impediments, or that could not be of high value to DoD. Though no significant items were uncovered, task force members did identify a number of minor issues with specific programs that should be addressed by DARPA. The nature of these issues include technical objectives that seemed overly ambitious, program titles that did not accurately reflect the research performed, or program documentation that needed to be better cast for a general audience. These specific items were addressed with DARPA staff and appropriate actions are being taken. Additionally, areas of particular sensitivity that require continued attention from DARPA management include: * Human and animal testing protocols: DARPA uses protocols established by DoD for human and animal testing. DARPA is encouraged to establish a process that will ensure that these safeguards are indeed being followed by DARPA Agents. * Sensitivity to environmental issues: DARPA must continue to be very sensitive to the potential impact of their research efforts on the environment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA419120

Entities

Organizations

  • Defense Science Board

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acquisition
  • Business Administration
  • Classification
  • Environment
  • Information Operations
  • Investments
  • Logistics
  • Monitoring
  • Security
  • Sensitivity
  • Standards
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Task Forces
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Economics
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.