Technology Transition Initiative (TTI)

Abstract

The Quick Reaction Special Projects Program (Program Element 0603826D8Z) has three sub-elements: the Technology Transition Initiative (TTI), the Quick Reaction Fund (QRF) and the Rapid Reaction Fund (RRF). The fiscal controls above represent the investment of the QRSP Program funding for the TTI Program. The Technology Transition Initiative (TTI), authorized by Title 10 and Section 215 of the FY2003 Defense Authorization Act, facilitates the rapid transition of new technologies from the DoD science and technology (S&T) base into DoD acquisition programs. The program addresses the funding gaps that exist between the time a mature technology is demonstrated and the time it can be funded and procured for use in an intended weapons system or operational capability for the warfighter. Since the program inception in FY 2003, 75 projects have been initiated and 37 are complete. Of the 37 complete projects, 27 (73%) have successfully transitioned to DoD Acquisition Programs of Record or procurement contracts for operational use and subsequent fielding; exceeding the objective of 30% for demonstration programs Strategic Objective 4-3, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (OUSD (AT&L). TTI projects are selected by the Technology Transition Manager (DDR&E Research Directorate) in consultation with representatives of the Technology Transition Council (TTC). (The TTC is comprised of the Acquisition and S&T executives from each Service and Defense Agency and representatives from the JROC.) The call for TTI proposals is distributed to the DoD Services and Agencies through the Technology Transition Working Group (TTWG) members, designated by the TTC. The TTWG members receive proposals from their Service/Defense Agency S&T base, conduct a prioritization based on Joint, Service or Agency capabilities needed and submit them to the OSD TTI Program Manager. The Technology Manager's senior staff consolidates the proposal submissions, evaluates the Service/Agency recommendations, reviews new start selection options based on available resources, and prepares a recommended new start selection list to the Technology Transition Manager for funding. The Technology Transition Manager selects the highest priority proposals for funding. The OSD FY 2010 proposal call memo was signed out by the Technology Transition Manager on February 25, 2009, requesting the Services, Agencies and CoComs provide their prioritized inputs by April 30. OSD is looking for candidate proposals that demonstrate a strong commitment from the operational and acquisition communities to transition improved capabilities to operational use or an acquisition program of record. Six Core Mission Areas to define military activities required to achieve strategic objectives were established. They are: Homeland Defense and Civil Support (HD/CS), Major Combat Operations (MCOs), Military Support to Stabilization Security, Transition, and Reconstruction Operations, Deterrence Operations, Irregular Warfare, and Military Contribution to Cooperative Security. A total of 43 proposals were formally submitted to OSD, addressing these mission areas. These proposals were evaluated against the following evaluation criteria: TTI funding must accelerate product transition, the technology must be from the DoD S&T base, Component cost sharing to leverage funding, project duration less than four years, established exit criteria, potential for joint use, value to the warfighter, sufficient technology maturity, and commitment to transition/acquisition.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: P829_0603826D8Z_3_0400_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

• Defense Acquisition Program Management
• Defense Technology Research and Development.
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.