Historical Perspectives: A Review of Studies of the Department of Defense Science and Technology Program

摘要

This report summarizes substantive recommendations and resulting actions of 16 prior studies. A short summary of each report reviewed is included. Summaries of the recommendations of the various reports are grouped by management areas. Assessments of the resulting actions are provided. Several recommendations have led to actions taken to address the particular situation in question. Significant steps have been taken: 1) to provide proper balance between technology base performers, and 2) to implement greater interaction between DoD and universities. Advanced Technology Demonstrations were established in 1975 and grew to $1.7B (excluding SDI) in 1987. Formal peer review processes were established. The Federal Technology Transfer Act became law in 1986. Two-year budget cycles are being implemented in the 1988-89 budget cycle. Several recommendations remain open to further action. The technology base organization and management structure and contracting practices need streamlining. Recommendations to select the 'best qualified' lab director (military or civilian), to provide programmatic stability, and give more authority and responsibility to lab directors need additional attention. Recommendations to create a separate personnel system for scientists and engineering to designate lead laboratories with specific missions and to pursue joint Services planning need further work.