ACQUISITION
,
TECHNOLOGY
,
AND
LOGISTICS
OFFICE
OF
THE
UNDER
SECRETARY
OF
DEFENSE
3000
DEFENSE
PENTAGON
WASHINGTON
,
DC
20301-3000
JAN
2 5
2017
MEMORANDUM FOR: SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Final Report
of
the Defense Science Board Task Force on Defense Research
Enterprise Assessment
The attached report contains the findings and recommendations
of
the Defense Science
Board (DSB) Study on Defense Research Enterprise Assessment. The 2015 National Defense
Authorization Act directed the Secretary
of
Defense to task the DSB to conduct an assessment
of
the organization, missions, authorities, and health
of
the defense research and development
enterprise. This study assessed the condition
of
the Department
of
Defense (DoD) research and
development enterprise.
The Task Force found that, in an era
of
globalization, the engineering centers and warfare
centers ("the Labs") continue to fulfill vital missions on behalf
of
the Warfighter. This DoD
research enterprise is characterized by high-quality science, technology transition, and smart
acquisition. The rapidly changing technology landscape means that the Labs also must adapt
their mission to continue to serve and ready themselves for their evolving needs
of
the
Warfighter.
I approve the public release
of
this report, which proposes recommendations for the
following areas: missions, operating models, organization, workforce, infrastructure, and
collaboration between DoD laboratories. Since the Labs operate in a rapidly evolving
environment, the report recommends expanding their missions to maintain value proposition.
This includes promoting open innovation and technology defense in order to effectively lead
DoD through fundamental technology shifts by anticipating the emerging requirements
of
the
Warfighter.
Please review the report findings and recommendations. I am interested in receiving your
feedback for inclusion in programs wherever these technologies and initiatives can be applied. I
request comments, either formally or informally, within the next 90 days. My point
of
contact
is
Ms. Karen Saunders at osd.pentagon.ousd-atl.mbx.dsb-officel@mail.mil or 703-571-0079.
Attachment:
As stated
James
A. MacStravic
Performing the Duties
of
the
Under Secretary
of
Defense
for Acquisition, Technology,
and Logistics
