Exploring Methodologies Used to Measure Technology Maturity in Department of Defense Non-ACAT 1 Programs

Abstract

"In response to the lack of a codified or standardized methodology for assessing technology maturity during an Analysis of Alternatives for potential material solutions in Department of Defense (DoD) programs under the Acquisition Category (ACAT) 1 threshold, the purpose of this explorative qualitative study was to identify, analyze, and compare different methodologies currently used by acquisition professionals in non-ACAT 1 programs. Typically valued at over $3 billion, ACAT 1 programs experience heavy service and congressional oversight and have mandated Technology Readiness Assessments (TRAs) to determine technology maturity but account for less than 40% of the total DoD program budget. Technology maturity is an imperative metric required for conducting a comparative analysis of potential material solutions. Since neither a formal Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) nor a TRA is statutorily required for programs under the ACAT 1 threshold, the omission of any standardized AoA or TRA on the majority of acquisition programs allows for increased risk in cost, schedule, and performance overruns, all potentially resulting in increased taxpayer costs and decreased readiness for the DoD. This study aimed to identify commonalities among methodologies and ultimately provide a set of best practices for measuring technology maturity for future alternative analysis by collecting and analyzing interview responses from DoD acquisition professionals responsible for conducting AoA in non-ACAT 1 programs."