Army unifies diverse ef forts to bridge the gap between concept and acquisition for success- ful technology transitions.
by Ms. Julie I. Locker T
echnology transition is the process by which a technology is determined mature enough to move from science and technology (S&T) into a DOD acquisition program. Transitions play a critical role in bridging the gap between technology development and implementation within
a future Army system.
Successful transitions begin early during S&T development with the establishment of strong working relationships between the Army technologists within the research laboratories and the Army program executive officers (PEOs) and program manag- ers (PMs). Trough these relationships, stakeholders accomplish the ever-important early interpretation of user requirements and identify the technologies needed to meet user goals. Te PM and the S&T developer can then forge technology transi- tion agreements to establish a joint commitment based on a shared understanding of technology objectives and the associated technical hurdles and risks.
In 2017, the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for research and technology (DASA(R&T)) established a new portfolio to focus on key aspects of technology transition and innovation. Te maturation portfolio magnifies the focus on improv- ing transitions by merging several efforts under one technology portfolio: red teaming of S&T technologies; development of experimental prototypes through the Technology Maturation Initiatives Budget Activity (BA) 4; advanced develop- ment of manufacturing processes through the Army Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) BA7; and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR).
