RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

The Department continues to place a high priority on its Science and Technology (S&T) program. The goal of this vital program is to produce technologically superior weapon systems for the warfighter within current fiscal realities. New economic realities demand development of weapon systems that are not only technically superior, but are affordable, longer lived, and improved through the integration of new technology into existing systems. The Department of Defense continues to develop the technology required to maintain the technological superiority of its military while also supporting the nation's economic security. DoD will take advantage of economies of scale and utilize those cutting edge technologies that are available from the commercial sector.

DEFENSE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY

The S&T Strategy requires technology to be developed which will ensure affordable, decisive military capability and enhance the economic security of the United States. In the past, technological superiority was the all encompassing thrust of the strategy. In the new strategy, technological superiority remains the hallmark of the S&T program, but economic security and affordability are also given priority.

Under Cold War acquisition policy, the United States maintained separate defense and commercial industrial bases. With the end of the Cold War, the Department has dramatically reduced procurement and can no longer support a separate system of suppliers. It is essential that the Department be able to access the latest commercial technologies and be able to benefit from the volume production of items which incorporate dual-use technologies developed by the Department. In addition, the Department must utilize commercial standards and products wherever possible. The S&T program contributes to building a dependable base of suppliers of reliable, low cost products through the exploitation of commercial technology, practices, and processes, where possible, and by transitioning defense technology to the private sector. These contributions are exemplified by the dual-use technology program, including the Technology Reinvestment Project (TRP).

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

The S&T program is divided into three elements: basic research, exploratory development, and advanced technology development. These elements relate more to budgeting and accounting than to program execution. The S&T program and the advancement of technologies are a continuum, not discrete phases. Basic research is the element of the S&T program that increases knowledge and understanding of science. It is the foundation on which future technological superiority is based. Twelve fields of inquiry comprise the basic research program (Table V-5). The majority of the work in the basic research program is conducted at universities and DoD laboratories, with the remainder in industry, nonprofit research institutes, and other federal laboratories.

The exploratory development and advanced technology development programs develop technologies to provide options to satisfy military requirements. The exploratory development program provides proof of concept experiments and evaluations built around models and laboratory experiments. The advanced technology development program evaluates the effectiveness of the technological advances in providing the required military capability. Technology efforts within the Department are centered around a group of 19 technology areas (Table V-6).

PRIORITIES OF THE S&T PROGRAM

Information technology, sensors, and modeling and simulation are high priority S&T programs. Information technology and sensors have the potential to significantly improve all aspects of future military capabilities, while modeling and simulation have already made major contributions to readiness. These technologies can significantly reduce the cost of war in terms of both lives and equipment. One notable shortcoming of Operation Desert Storm was, for example, the inability of coalition forces to manage, integrate, and provide the information required by the warfighter in a timely manner. The amount of tactical information available today far exceeds one's ability to process the information and provide it to the user in near-real time. As combat systems become more and more sophisticated, the time available to complete necessary combat functions grows shorter, leaving little time for processing of information.

Behind the front lines, the management of enormous amounts of data related to logistical support is an increasingly important and demanding requirement. Today, there is excessive ordering to ensure equipment and supplies are on hand; however, information technology programs offer an alternative solution. Advanced computer software, computing systems, and communication technology are essential to sort through reams of data and present the user with information in a form that permits instant recognition and action. They can also assist warfighters with information updates or assist in accounting for supplies via sensor and computer link.

The front line for information gathering is the sensor. To know, to know more, and to know it sooner than the enemy is to have the advantage. The sensor spectrum covers situational awareness, target identification and discrimination, and targeting. Military forces need to see through foliage and camouflage, under water, and through the earth's surface to counter the enemy threats. The military also has a need to know if weapons of mass destruction are being produced, where, and in what quantity. The S&T program invests in the sensor technologies needed to provide these capabilities.

Modeling and simulation are very powerful tools that have a myriad of high payoff applications. The S&T program is examining the use of modeling and simulation to evaluate the potential payoff of new technologies during concept formulations and as the basis for planning and prioritizing DoD's S&T investment. Modeling and simulation can be used to assist the commander in training, planning, and employment of U.S. forces. It is a very cost-effective means of maintaining readiness and is becoming increasingly important in addressing that high priority need.

ADVANCED CONCEPT TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS

The Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program is the integrating effort involving the user and the S&T community. ACTDs are focused on four principal points: (1) to gain an understanding of and to evaluate the military utility before committing to acquisition, (2) to develop corresponding concepts of operation and doctrine that make best use of the new capability, (3) to provide residual operational capability to the forces, and (4) to facilitate a more informed acquisition decision.

The ACTDs are heavily user-oriented and considered user-dominated. The user manages the operational aspects of the demonstration while the S&T community provides the advanced technology elements. ACTDs focus on specific military concepts whereas earlier efforts were more broad-based.

The intent of ACTD is to provide the user with detailed interactions very early in the development process as a means for a rapid and cost-effective introduction of new capabilities to operational forces. Some examples of ACTDs include unmanned air vehicles and prospective demonstrations in Cruise Missile Defense and Mine Countermeasures. ACTDs are discussed in more detail in Part III of this report.

DOD LABORATORIES

The DoD laboratories, operated by the military departments, are an essential part of the Department's research and technology infrastructure. They provide the technical expertise to enable the Services to be smart buyers and users. Under Office of the Secretary of Defense leadership, scientists and engineers from the laboratories are the central participants in the development of the DoD Technology Area Plans.

The DoD laboratories are both performers and purchasers of research and technology. They maintain core in-house expertise to supplement that available through industry and academia and to develop the knowledge needed for best-value acquisition. Simultaneously, they are responsible for accessing and enhancing industrial and academic capabilities in support of national security.

Like other elements of the DoD infrastructure, the laboratories are participating in the processes of reinvention and acquisition reform. The laboratory workforce will be reduced by the turn of the century. Accompanying this reduction in size are new personnel demonstration systems designed to reinvigorate in-house quality and new organizational structures and acquisition procedures that stress interaction and partnership with extramural performers.

In addition to their direct role in research and technology, the DoD laboratories are integral to the weapon systems acquisition process. The critical functions they perform in support of the Service Acquisition Executives include:

• Translation between warfighters' needs and technological opportunity, in both directions.

• Integration across the technologies, portions of the life cycle, related operational elements, and the many performers and contractors required to develop, build, and maintain weapon systems.

• Continuity and corporate memory.

• Rapid response with high grade technical knowledge to solve warfighters' problems as they develop.

• Direct support to acquisition commands -- the Program Executive Officers and Program Managers -- through technical expertise, contract management and other inherently government functions, training of the workforce, and matrix staff support.

In addition to directly supporting their military departments, the laboratories act as agents for many Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO), and other DoD components' research and technology programs. They are the principal working interface with the laboratories and technological developments of other agencies.

ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

ARPA is the central research and development (R&D) organization for the Department of Defense. Its primary responsibility is to maintain U.S. technological superiority over potential adversaries. A core mission of ARPA is development and demonstration of revolutionary technologies that drive fundamental change in military capability. In addition, the changing security environment and the challenge of reducing the cost of Defense equipment in a reduced budget environment have increased ARPA's focus on dual-use technology R&D. ARPA's dual-use focus will meet critical defense needs by breaking down the barriers between the commercial and defense industries. This increased civil-military integration permits an increased pace of innovation in defense systems, with reduced cost. In addition, many leading-edge, defense-critical technologies, such as electronics, information processing, and communications, come from the commercial sectors of the economy.

ARPA Programs

ARPA programs are centered loosely in three categories: Core Technologies, Infrastructure, and Military Applications.

CORE TECHNOLOGIES

Core technologies include those technologies that provide the information technologies, software processes, materials, and components that are essential for meeting DoD system needs, now and in the future. These include technology areas in which ARPA has made sustained investments for many years and which must be supported in the future to maintain U.S. military superiority, and new technology areas that lead to further advances in military and industrial competitiveness. ARPA is:

• Supporting a very aggressive program in information technology designed to stimulate advances in computing and communications. Investment areas include R&D in scalable computing systems, intelligent systems, networking technologies including wireless and optical networks, and advanced software development.

• Sustaining a focus on electronics technology with the goal of providing the capabilities necessary to produce smaller, lower power, more mobile, and affordable defense commercial systems. ARPA is funding semiconductor and integrated circuit technology and low cost physical electronic packaging efforts that yield high performance multiple circuits, as well as the associated manufacturing process technology necessary to produce these products at an affordable cost. Optoelectronics, infrared circuitry, microwave and millimeter wave circuits, digital signal processors, display technologies, and integrated combinations of these components are examples of the electronics technology areas that ARPA is supporting.

• Investing in technologies and processes that promise to improve the manufacture and performance of materials that have the highest payoff for military and commercial systems. This includes investments in both structural and electronics materials.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure refers to those technologies and capabilities that enable the DoD to produce its materiel and train and care for its personnel. With the draw down of forces and decreasing defense budgets, there is a critical need to invest in R&D that can make the DoD infrastructure effective, efficient, and affordable. The trend continues to move toward a shared national infrastructure with greater reliance on the civil sector to support defense needs. ARPA is increasing its investment in the key infrastructure technologies to support defense needs and reduce the costs associated with the extensive DoD infrastructure:

• Design and manufacturing technologies to reduce product life-cycle costs by improving design efficiency and factory operations. For example, through investments in flexible manufacturing ARPA is promoting affordable and efficient volume-independent manufacturing.

• Medical technologies to provide medical care more quickly, with better knowledge, and at lower cost. ARPA is investing in those medical technologies that exploit information and electronics technology to provide rapid, remote access to trauma care and medical expertise, and improve the administration of health care systems by allowing ready access to patient records and rapid, paperless patient processing.

• Education and training technologies aimed at improving the delivery and quality of training by exploiting advances in networking and artificial intelligence systems, authoring tools, and other information technologies to provide accessible, on-line instructional and research materials, on demand.

MILITARY APPLICATIONS

Military Applications include innovative technology developments in support of improved, affordable military capability. These investments focus on:

• Advanced combat vehicle concepts. The focus for air vehicles is on innovative concepts that can lead to more affordable aircraft that meet multimission and multiservice needs. Programs are focused on attack capability. For naval applications, modest programs for submarine technologies continue, and efforts for innovative ship design and construction technologies have been increased. A key factor is building a new relationship with the shipbuilding industry.

• Precision strike continues to be a critical investment area with emphasis on time-critical targets and weapons of mass destruction. This application requires innovation in surveillance, processing, and dissemination technologies. Major sensor emphasis is on advanced radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and miniature ground sensors.

• Command and control technologies and concepts developments that significantly improve battlefield management and provide superior decision support to commanders. This focus builds on ARPA's prior investments in information, electronics, and surveillance technologies. ARPA's investments in information and electronics technologies continue to be enablers to command and control technologies.

TECHNOLOGY REINVESTMENT PROJECT

The cornerstone of ARPA's dual-use efforts is the TRP. This project, along with other dual-use technology investments, significantly contributes to the integration of the military-commercial industrial base. Although TRP is a large program, it cannot address all technology and product areas. The program is focused on areas that are essential to future defense capability and that have potential for commercial products that can be inserted into Defense systems.

FY 1993 Update

Initiated in late FY 1993, the response to TRP was very enthusiastic. Over 2,800 proposals were received and evaluated by 300 evaluators from TRP agencies and military departments. The total number of proposals selected for funding was 212 (over $600 million that included $140 million of FY 1994 funds). The selections were diverse, representing 1,631 organizations, 46 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 foreign countries. Small businesses and universities were well represented. Successful TRP proposals were goal/customer oriented; represented well-balanced, well-structured partnerships; had high quality/credible cost sharing; demonstrated real industrial leadership; and had definite dual-use characteristics.

FY 1994 and FY 1995

Two solicitations were issued in FY 1994. As in FY 1993, there were statutory requirements that TRP efforts be competitively selected, specific participation was required (emphasis was on partnerships), cost sharing of at least 50 percent by non-DoD entities, and defense use emphasized.

The focused competition, which incorporated the following seven topic areas, closed in June 1994.

• High Density Data Storage Systems.

• Object Technology for Rapid Software Development and Delivery.

• Interoperability Testbeds for the National Information Infrastructure.

• High Definition Systems Manufacturing.

• Low Cost Electronic Packaging.

• Uncooled Infrared Sensors.

• Environmental Sensors.

Of the 238 proposals received, 175 were in the focus areas and 63 were in manufacturing extension programs. Manufacturing extension centers work directly with smaller manufacturers (fewer than 500 employees) to assist them in using technology to improve their competitiveness or reduce their dependence on defense customers.

All proposals were evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, technical approach and management plan, commercial and defense impact (e.g., dual use), and commitment to move the technology to products. The announcement of the selections for the focused competition was made on October 25, 1994. Thirty-nine new projects were selected which involve a total of 224 participating firms, universities, and laboratories from all over the country. In all, this represents a total DoD investment of $202 million matched by a similar amount of nongovernment money over the next two years.

The general competition was announced in the Commerce Business Daily on October 21, 1994. This competition represents approximately $400 million in technology development partnerships to include manufacturing education and training. Announcement of selections made under this competition is scheduled for third quarter FY 1995. Proposals are being solicited in the following dual-use technology areas:

• Biological sensors and multi-organ diagnostic screening.
• Affordable polymer matrix composites for airframe structures.
• Millimeter wave products.
• Electronic and hybrid tactical and commercial vehicles.
• Digital wireless communications and networking systems.
• Operations other than war.
• Affordable controls.
• Cryogenic coolers for electronic systems.
• Low cost specialty metals processing.
• Ceramic material applications.
• Small precision optics manufacturing technology.
• Microelectromechanical systems applications.
• Other.

BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE ORGANIZATION

BMDO research and technology activities focus on component upgrades to existing systems such as Patriot and Aegis Standard Missile-2 and exploitation of promising technologies offering major advances in ballistic missile defense (BMD) system capabilities. These activities represent a cooperative effort between the BMDO, the Services, Defense agencies, federally funded R&D centers, and contractors ranging from large aerospace corporations to small businesses. Since the early 1980s, the BMD research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) program has been the leader in providing the widest practical selection of BMD options and has provided proven technologies to support informed decisions and deployment of BMD systems.

RDT&E continues as the major portion of the BMDO program. Technology investments focus on the components that can enhance advances in performance of the programs currently in acquisition, ensure a reliable defense against new threats, and offer architectural options for future systems.

Functional technology areas include interceptors, directed energy, sensors, and innovative S&T. Development of more capable and lighter weight projectiles for exo- and endo-atmospheric applications is the main thrust of interceptor RDT&E. Advanced propulsion and guidance technologies, originally developed for ground-based interceptors, are being applied to a miniaturized, high velocity, air-launched missile for intercepting theater missiles early in their trajectories.

BMDO conducts limited RDT&E for directed energy systems, including chemical lasers. A scalable, megawatt-class laser and a large pointing mirror have been fabricated. These key components are now being integrated for an end-to-end test. This end-to-end testing is scheduled for completion at the end of FY 1997.

BMDO continues efforts to develop effective passive sensor arrays with increased hardening and reduced weight and cost. Ongoing efforts are reducing the cost of discrete sensor elements by about a factor of two every year. The nuclear hardness of various sensor components (i.e., infrared mirrors, baffles, and focal plane array assemblies) was demonstrated to near sufficient levels for the BMD system needs.

Innovative S&T programs are structured to make unique contributions to BMD by pursuing speculative, high-risk technologies that may enable a quantum leap in capability over that available from conventional approaches. The innovative program is two-fold -- provide seed funding for promising technologies and transition those technologies into advanced technology demonstrators and to the private sector.

Much of the RDT&E pursued by the BMDO has broad application to meeting overall DoD needs with potential for dual-use applications. A second important objective is, therefore, to conduct a portion of BMDO RDT&E efforts in a manner that enhances this technology transfer. For nine years, the Office of Technology Applications (OTA) within BMDO has focused on moving BMD technology out of the Department and other federal laboratories and into the commercial marketplace and other agencies. It has been a model program that has enjoyed considerable success, working closely with government, universities, and industry.

Table V-7 lists representative RDT&E accomplishments and their importance to both BMD capabilities and transfer potential to the commercial sector.

In keeping with the BMDO focus on priority theater missile defense programs, BMDO transferred the Topaz space nuclear reactor research program in 1994 to the Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) for future international cooperative research. Also, BMDO transferred to the Air Force the miniature sensor technology integration program for collecting space-based infrared data through a series of small quick-response spacecraft. BMDO also transferred to NASA the Single Stage Rocket Technology Program.

DEFENSE NUCLEAR AGENCY

DNA serves as the Defense Department's center for nuclear expertise, performing essential missions in the areas of nuclear weapons stockpile support, nuclear effects research and operational support, and nuclear threat reduction including arms control technology development. At the same time, DNA is increasingly active in a variety of non-nuclear technology areas through the application of its nuclear expertise to advanced conventional weapons' lethality, particularly against hardened and underground targets.

Last year, a congressionally mandated study by RAND's National Defense Research Institute confirmed the conclusions of earlier Office of Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, and Defense Science Board studies regarding the synergism and economy inherent in the consolidation of these missions within one organization. The RAND study also recommended further consolidation of nuclear support missions as part of the streamlined nuclear weapons infrastructure essential to the maintenance of future nuclear deterrence. Further consolidation of DoD nuclear support missions is under review at this time.

Reflecting the findings of the various studies of the DNA mission over the past few years, DNA has embarked on a major organizational change. The Agency has instituted procedures to reduce manpower over the next few years to a level approximately half that of its peak strength in 1972. While exercising caution to ensure that proper attention continues to be given to nuclear matters, as highlighted by the RAND report, DNA will also continue to pursue more diversified missions, both to capitalize on a 50-year investment in advanced technology and to facilitate the recruitment and retention of the high quality staff which is the bedrock of nuclear expertise.

Some of DNA's current mission challenges are:

• Management of the Department's nuclear stockpile. DNA develops and implements the procedures, systems, and supporting technologies to assure the safety, security, and reliability of the DoD nuclear stockpile. Additionally, DNA provides DoD-wide training and independent field inspections of the Services' nuclear weapons operational procedures and storage facilities. An up-to-date data base on the status of all nuclear weapons in DoD custody worldwide is maintained by DNA. The Agency also maintains a command center and response teams to react to nuclear accidents or incidents anywhere in the world.

• Weapon system operability. Given the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, success on tomorrow's battlefields may require military systems which can function during and after exposure to nuclear, chemical, and biological environments. Through its Combined Battlefield Environmental Effects Protection Standards program, DNA is streamlining and simplifying the acquisition process for systems which must withstand multiple adverse environmental effects including electromagnetic, nuclear, biological, and chemical exposure. DNA technology also could be used to harden the sensitive microelectronics of commercial satellites against the potentially devastating consequences of natural space radiation. This dual-use technology program offers great potential for ensuring the continued U.S. business lead in the commercial satellite industry.

• Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. DNA serves as the program manager for the Nunn-Lugar/Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Program which supports the safe, secure dismantlement of former Soviet weapons of mass destruction. DNA provides the technical expertise and contract management support essential to the implementation of the program's many agreements with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.

• Arms control verification technology demonstration. DNA's support to arms control has grown with the rapid expansion in the number and scope of treaties reached in recent years. DNA focus is on the identification, coordination, and development of technologies with arms control monitoring and verification applications.

• Counterproliferation technical support. DNA is concentrating on military response options to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their supporting infrastructure. Specifically, DNA's program emphasizes optimized lethality, hard target kill capability, collateral effects research and prediction, targeting technical support and methodology development, and chemical/biological agent defense research and proliferation path assessments. DNA serves as the executive agency for the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Atomic Energy) in support of a DoD Counterproliferation acquisition strategy and directly supports the Counterproliferation Initiative.

• Systems lethality. Underground and hardened facilities, often associated with weapons of mass destruction programs, represent a proliferating target set. Enhancing conventional means of destruction of these facilities, while minimizing collateral damage, is a top priority for DNA. Understanding hardened target design, response, and vulnerabilities across the spectrum of war is essential to future military operations.

• Scientific computing and information systems. High-performance computing capability is an essential underpinning to all of DNA's activities in nuclear and conventional weapons effects and their impacts on weapon system lethality, operability, and safety. Reflecting its heritage of 50 years involvement in advanced technology, DNA has some of the most sophisticated and complex models and codes in existence anywhere.

CONCLUSION

The capability to acquire huge volumes of information, process it, and pass it on to combatants on the battlefield is changing the face of war. Information technology continues to be the technology with the most promise and the most broad-based usefulness. The Department continues to focus on it as a very high priority. Information Technology enables a revolutionary change in warfare in many ways.

The Department proactively pursues dual-use technology, looking for opportunities for developing technology that will serve as a basis for both commercial and military products. The Department also looks hard for opportunities where technology can reduce costs and where the technology options that are put on the table serve both the defense and the economic security needs of this nation.

The development of the Department's S&T programs will continue to contribute to economic growth and competitiveness. The S&T program is balanced; addresses warfighting needs, technology reinvestment, and dual-use; and places a high priority on affordability.

To reach the goals of the S&T program, five management principles have been established. The management principles are transition technology to address warfighters needs, reduce costs, strengthen the commercial-military industrial base, promote basic research, and assure quality.

The Department has confidence that the investment in science and technology will continue to provide its armed forces with technologically superior military systems.