FCT

Abstract

The Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) Program supports the warfighter by leveraging mature technologies and equipment from allied nations and coalition partners to satisfy U.S. defense requirements, thereby accelerating the United States (U.S.) acquisition process and lowering development costs. Authorized by Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 2350a(g), the FCT Program is managed by the Office of Secretary of Defense (Rapid Fielding Office), Comparative Technology Office. FCT projects are nominated by the Services and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) each year. Evaluation processes for project selection include a detailed review to confirm the proposed item addresses valid requirements, a thorough market survey, and development of a viable acquisition strategy. A seven-day Congressional notification of the intent to fund the most meritorious projects is required, prior to the issuance of funds to the Services and USSOCOM for execution. Since the program's inception in 1980, Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) has initiated 646 projects; 551 projects have been completed to date. Of the 279 evaluations that met the sponsors' requirements, 231 led to procurements worth approximately $10.950 billion in FY 2011 constant year dollars. With an Office of Secretary of Defense investment of about $1.128 billion, the FCT Program realized an estimated RDT&E cost avoidance of $7.800 billion in FY 2011 constant year dollars. The FCT Program is a catalyst for teaming or other business relationships between foreign and U.S. industries. Many successful FCT projects result in the licensed production of the qualified foreign item in the U.S. Other nations recognize the long-term value of such practices for competing in the U.S. defense market and the resultant strengthening of the "two-way street" in Defense procurement. The result often means the creation of jobs and contributions to local economies throughout the United States. To date, companies across 33 states benefited from FCT projects. Final selection of FY 2013 FCT new start projects were determined in September 2012.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: P130_0605130D8Z_6_0400_PB_2013

Tags

Readers

• Defense Acquisition Program Management
• International Relations and European Studies

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control