An Analysis of Rapid Technology Transfer Solutions and Best Practices for Use by the Department of Defense

Abstract

The DoD is burdened by an Integrated Defense Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Life Cycle Management System that is designed to acquire large systems, such as ships, and that takes years to complete. Information technology evolves at a rapid pace because it is driven by industry. The DoD acquisition system is therefore at odds with industry development, at least with respect to information technology. Acquisition of information technology cannot follow the same path as a ship if the DoD wants the warfighter to have the most advanced technologies. The acquisition of technology is about much more than the technology alone. Each stage of the acquisition process, even for technologies that are never ultimately adopted, offers some information that needs to be cataloged in a way that others can use it. This thesis proposes a clearinghouse for this purpose. The clearinghouse should decrease the amount of time required to get information technology to the warfighter. The changes that need to occur are not limited to information sharing. Although that is a central component, this thesis identifies other barriers that must be overcome.