An analysis of technology transition within the Department of Defense

Abstract

Appropriate methods and the proper execution thereof are critical to the success of technology transition. A significant hurdle in this process is the phase in which the Science and Technology community is prepared to hand-off a technology, which has not achieved a sufficiently high enough Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), or System Readiness Level (SRL) for the Engineering and Manufacturing community. This analysis concentrated on three technology transition factors: Organization, Policy, and Metrics (OPM). Organizational transformation encompasses the recent expansion of technology transition groups and initiatives within DoD. Additionally, the overall mindset of cooperative development and open communication are detailed within the Organizational focal area. The Policy focal area delves into the various DoD technology transition governing principles included in the DoD 5000, the Defense Acquisition Guidebook, and other governing documents. Lastly, the Technology Metrics focal area concentrates on the importance of technology maturation and how to qualitatively and objectively assess technologies. Thorough research was conducted on these areas to demonstrate DoD's recent efforts to bridge the gap and provide innovative solutions to the Warfighter within a reduced timeframe. Additionally, a case study analysis was conducted on a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Program, Boomerang, to highlight attributes of a successful technology transition.