GAO Reviews Defense Technology Transition Programs

Technology commercialization can be a slow and arduous process, often taking years to reap the benefits of the investment. Recognizing that defense technology innovations move too slowly from the lab to the field, Congress created three programs within the Department of Defense (DoD) to speed and enhance the transition.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently reviewed the oversight of the programs and offered recommendations to DoD. The three technology transition programs target relatively small projects and have a budget consisting of a combined $64 million in 2005.

The Defense Acquisition Challenge Program (DACP) was created in fiscal year 2003 to identify and introduce innovative and cost-saving technology and products within DoD's science and technology community and externally into existing acquisition programs. The program's objectives include expanding opportunities for emerging defense suppliers and widening the U.S. defense industrial base, according to the report. Completion time for projects is up to three years and 30 projects were funded since its creation. The report identifies examples of DACP projects, including a collapsible stock for the M-4 rifle, and enhanced optics system from the Rolling Airframe Missile that will permit all-weather operational capability.

While DACP focuses on introducing new technologies, the Technology Transition Initiative accelerates the introduction of new technologies into operational capabilities for the armed forces. Projects include an ink pen-size device that purifies water, and a custom earplug that provides blast noise protection and increased communication capabilities. Since the initiative's inception in 2002, 21 projects were funded with a completion time of up to four years, the report states.

The Quick Reaction Fund fields and tests prototypes that respond to immediate and emerging warfighter needs. With an accelerated completion time of 6-12 months, the program provides flexibility to respond to emergent DoD issues and address surprises and needs in real time, according to Acquisition Community Connection. Examples of projects include a greaseless M-4 rifle that is more suitable for desert operations and a chemical and biological detection capability for small unmanned aerial vehicles. DoD funded 17 projects since its inception in 2003.

Although the GAO states it is too soon to determine the impact of these programs, reports have pointed to an array of benefits that include quicker fielding of technological improvements, cost savings, and the opportunity for DoD to tap into innovative technologies from firms that are new to defense work. The programs are appropriately targeted on speeding technology transfer, GAO concludes. However, it warns the programs' long-term success will ultimately hinge on how well DoD manages the initiatives.

Recommendations for action include:

• development of performance measures;
• development of a formal feedback mechanism consisting of interim and after-action reporting;
• implementation of formal agreements to solidify up-front technology development agreements related to cost, schedule and performance parameter; and,
• implementation of mechanisms to ensure that program managers are able to communicate collectively and resolve problems that could hinder technology transition.

According to the report, DoD partially concurred with GAO's recommendations. DoD states that it does not agree that the Quick Reaction Fund fits the definition of a transition program, which is a main cause for the brief concurrence. The full report is available from GAO at: http://www.gao.gov/docsearch/abstract.php?rptno=GAO-05-480