Foreign Comparative Testing
Abstract
The Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program supports the warfighter by leveraging advanced technologies and equipment from allied nations and coalition partners to counter emerging threats, thereby accelerating the U.S. acquisition process and lowering development costs. FCT enhances interoperability, facilitates international collaboration, expands opportunities for prototyping to identify significant technology maturation, increases competition in innovation, and enables more efficient and affordable transition of technologies into acquisition programs of record. Authorized by Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 2350a(g), the FCT program is managed by the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD), Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Emerging Capability & Prototyping (DASD (EC&P)), Comparative Technology Office (CTO). The FCT projects are sponsored by the Department, Services and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Evaluation processes for project selection include a detailed review to confirm the proposed item addresses valid requirements and DoD priorities, a thorough market survey, and the development of a roadmap to incorporate results into Defense programs. The FCT program is a catalyst for teaming and 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 United States. Other nations recognize the long-term value of such practices for competing in the United States 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 34 states benefited from FCT projects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- P313_0603133D8Z_3_0400_PB_2016
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