LAB RESEARCH Crystal Randall, an Army microbiologist on the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) in vitro research team, conducts laboratory research. ECBC plays a leading role in monitoring the CBRN private manufacturing sector. (Photo by Conrad Johnson, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM))


provide a predictive tool to determine whether IB capabilities at various fund- ing levels are sufficient to meet projected demands. Te assessment looks at three time frames—near-, mid- and far-term— with the primary goal of identifying any deficiencies in advance and mitigating the identified risks. For example,


the


assessment looks at whether current S&T initiatives are available to sustain produc- tion and development within the present, near-term and future IB based on evolv- ing requirements. Te What-If assessment process seeks to monitor, identify risks and gaps, and provide recommendations on which critical capabilities need to be maintained or nurtured in the IB.


Te 2009 DOD Body Armor Produc- tion


Base Assessment incorporated


S&T. DOD risked losing production and technology development capabilities


within the body armor sector. Te manu- facturing base had grown tremendously during the initial phases of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom but began to experience a reduction in requirements. Tis initiated a parallel reduction within both the manufacturing and develop- ment base’s production capability and its ability to fund internal R&D. To fully understand the factors influencing this production base, the assessment encom- passed internal R&D efforts; component manufacturers, material suppliers and potential alternatives; emerging technol- ogies, such as lighter-weight armor tiles; production capabilities; and redundancies.


Te body armor assessment provided senior DOD leadership with an evaluation of the current production base, identification of


critical IB capabilities mendations for the acquisition strategy


to preserve


these


capabilities. Without


consideration of S&T, DOD might have maintained a production capability that did not have the capacity to advance to the next generation of body armor.


When the IB analyst performs research in support of acquisition, S&T is a factor, as witness two recent assessments: the Joint Expeditionary Collective Protection (JECP) Modular System Report and the Contaminated Human Remains Pouch Market Capabilities Assessment (CHRP MCA).


Te JECP report provided the Joint Pro- gram Manager for Protection (JPM P), which manages both JECP and CHRP, with an analysis of the JECP prime sup- plier’s surge


capability. A company’s and recom-


ability to surge to meet urgent DOD requirements necessitates that the


ASC.ARMY.MIL 83


SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY


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