THE INDUSTRIAL BASE
leading to a decision point for Army senior leaders with three outcomes: make more and enter into a program of record; cancel the effort; or send it back for more development. In executing this, we often perceive a “valley of death” as the insurmountable obsta- cle in keeping directed energy from transitioning to a program of record. Sometimes this is a self-imposed limitation and we are finding new ways to cross the bridge, to connect the science and technology communities in both government and industry with the program of record community.
At the same time, the RCCTO is organized to leverage this enthu- siasm in industry as well as investment from other government agencies and authorities, like other-transaction authority, granted by Congress. We will transition a revolutionary and new weapon system to the warfighter by assembling the right team and provid- ing senior leaders with a credible path to a capability.
Recent wins: All of our efforts are on track; holding steady on schedule and budget. Every day that our team battles through COVID-19 and continues to meet the mission is a win.
What’s next: Now we execute the programs approved by Army senior leadership and deliver directed energy capability to our Soldiers.
MIKE FOSTER, RAPID ACQUISITION PROTOTYPING PROJECT OFFICE
Te Rapid Acquisition Prototyping Project Office accelerates acqui- sition and technology assessments to move prototypes that fall outside of hypersonics and directed energy through the RCCTO and into the hands of Soldiers. Te most recent projects include hybrid power solu- tions for combat vehicles and advanced radar solutions.
Foster: Rapid is in my office name so moving fast is key. Our project timelines typically span two years or less to fielding. Tat’s from contract award to delivery of a prototype to Soldiers. In developing a prototype, we take some of the risk out for the project manager who will oversee the prototype once it becomes
a program of record, and we partner with the project manager throughout the process.
Te prototypes we are delivering provide a proof of concept—does it work? For example, we are working to rapidly prototype hybrid electric drives into Army combat vehicles as a key step in scaling up this widely available commercial technology. With this effort we will jump-start advanced hybridization of Army platforms and encourage industry to invest in these products. We’re start- ing with the Bradley vehicle as a surrogate. In working this effort, we already know that the battery location in the prototype vehi- cle is not where it will be for future uses. And that’s OK, because instead of spending months on designing where those batteries will go, we’re able to build a prototype and demonstrate that the technology works. Ten, as the program of record comes along, they can look at the most effective place to put the batteries on the vehicle. Tat approach allows us to move out with delivery in under two years. And, in those two years, the batteries will be newer, more powerful and probably smaller for easier integration.
Lessons learned: Tis concept is new to industry partners who are used to traditional acquisition. So where they are used to hear- ing, “Design this,” we are saying, “We want it to do this, offer your expertise on how to do it.” We still make sure that it meets safety standards and we still have requirements. For industry, this process can be a shock, but it actually works very well for them. But communication is key. You have to be able to communicate and let them know exactly what the expectations are.
RCCTO is asking vendors to take a leap of faith and develop first- of-a-kind prototypes in a limited number and on an expedited delivery schedule.
APRIL 2018
RCO launches Army Signal Classification Challenge scoping artificial intelligence in support of EW signal classification.
MAY 2018
RCO partners with Project Manager Towed Artillery Systems to double the range of a modified M777 howitzer.
DECEMBER 2018 The RCO and Program Manager
Electronic Warfare & Cyber win the 2018 David Packard Award for Excellence in delivering EW prototypes to Europe.
https://asc.ar my.mil
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