Status and Future of the Naval R&D Establishment
Abstract
This Naval Research Advisory Committee report on the Status and Future of the Naval R&D Establishment was first proposed as a study topic in late 2009 by Mr. Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition.) Over 60 site visits and more than 600 man-days were logged to ensure a comprehensive review of the Naval Research and Development Establishment (NRDE). The context for the study is one of mixed messages. The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) goals of acquisition excellence and enlargement of the acquisition workforce play against the assumed downward trend of DoD budgets for the foreseeable future. Also, U.S. dominance in S&T including its application to modern warfare is quickly dissipating, as other countries grow their own technology workforce. Never has there been a time when our Naval Forces have relied as much on technology which will be developed offshore. The Panel was very impressed with the manner in which the entire NRDE continues to perform the critical work of supporting the Force during a critical time of two wars and an agile enemy. Broad use of the Navy Capital Working Fund provides excellent customer-performer feedback in a competition-based environment. A highly motivated workforce furnishes high-quality in-service engineering and program acquisition support. But, the Panel is very concerned with the long-term viability of the workforce in replenishing critical technical personnel while maintaining the highest quality scientists and engineers. Also, there is concern that the mid and long-term planning, research, and development are less optimized for leveraging global technology options -- as well as a lack of organizational directives for harnessing the entire NRDE in collaborative ways to carry out these tasks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA557237