Foreign Comparative Testing
Abstract
The FCT program supports the warfighter by leveraging technologies and equipment from allied nations and coalition partners to counter emerging threats, thereby accelerating the DoD acquisition process and lowering development costs. FCT supports Better Buying Power 3.0 by incentivizing the use of prototyping and experimentation in advancing technological solutions to warfighter problems and acts as a hedge against threat developments. FCT enhances interoperability, facilitates international collaboration, 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). FCT projects are sponsored by the DoD Services and 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 an emphasis on transitioning technologies into current or future programs of record. 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 a qualified foreign item in the United States. 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 from 34 states benefited from FCT projects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- P313_0603133D8Z_3_0400_PB_2018
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