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TRP Review Finds Benefits
The Undersecretary for Science and Technology of the Department of Defense (DOD) recently released A Review of the Technology Reinvestment Project, a study of 112 of the 133 technology development projects funded through the Technology Reinvestment Program (TRP). TRP projects funded under the Technology Deployment and Manufacturing Education and Training components were not included in the study.
TRP, the largest dual-use technology development effort undertaken by DOD, was managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 1993 - 1997. Nearly $1 billion was awarded through three annual solicitations. While the last solicitation was held in Fiscal Year 1995, many projects are still in progress.
The study found TRP was beneficial at several levels:
* The program proved the feasibility of a new model for Defense research, development and procurement along the lines of dual-use technologies. This model has been incorporated into new DOD programs such as the Dual Use Science & Technology Program (DUS&T), Commercial Operations and Support Savings Initiative (COSSI), and Commercial technology Insertion Program (CTIP).
* The technologies developed through TRP were nearly twice as likely to be successfully transitioned into military service than projects funded under traditional R&D procurements (33 percent versus 18 percent estimated).
* 33 percent of the TRP projects have been successfully commercialized already and an additional 61 percent are expected to be introduced to the commercial market soon.
* TRP’s business-like approaches and practices for project selection and management were attractive to 93 percent of the companies/consortia involved in TRP projects.
The report concludes with several policy recommendations for DOD to consider for its dual use programs. The Appendices include a history of TRP and descriptions of the research and status of each of the 112 projects included in the review.
The study was funded by DARPA and completed by the Potomac Institute of Policy Studies. Copies of the report can be found at: http://www.potomacinstitute.org/pubs/pubs.htm
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