Methodology for technology selection for Department of Defense research and development programs

Abstract

In recent years, many of the Department of Defense's major acquisition programs have experienced significant budget overruns and schedule delays. Closer examination of these programs reveals that in many cases, technologies were selected for these programs that did not meet expectations to enable the overall weapons system to achieve its intended goals. A methodology is proposed to extend systems analysis techniques to individual technologies to utilize a rational basis for technology selection. An example of this methodology is shown based on selecting technologies for the US Army's Active Protection System. The example demonstrates that use of this methodology can provide decision makers with a clear understanding of the effects choosing particular technologies.