Advanced Innovative Analysis and Concepts

The Advanced Innovative Analysis and Concepts program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and executed through the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), is a key element of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) portfolio. The primary objective of this program is to support the Department's overarching goals to deter aggression, prevail in conflict, defend the homeland, build sustainable and long-term advantage, and maintain a resilient joint force and defense ecosystem. The program is designed to identify, analyze, and accelerate the development, demonstration, and transition of operationally impactful capabilities that can shape and counter emerging threats, particularly in contested environments.

A major focus area within this program is Innovative Analysis and Concept Generation. The SCO conducts studies, demonstrations, and analyses of integrated concepts and prototypes, with an emphasis on maturing components and subsystems before they are integrated into major systems. The goal is to develop and assess new warfighting concepts that leverage advanced technologies such as autonomy, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These efforts are conducted in close partnership with Service Program Offices, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), the Joint Staff, the Intelligence Community, and other U.S. Government agencies to ensure that proposed solutions are both operationally relevant and technically feasible.

Another critical objective is Formulation and Risk Reduction. After project concepts are reviewed and recommended by the Technical and Transition Cross Functional Teams established in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2020 the SCO undertakes engineering trade studies and component testing to prepare selected projects for full prototype development. These activities are designed to finalize key requirements and reduce technical risk, ensuring that projects are ready to transition into the Advanced Innovative Technologies program for further development and potential fielding.

The program also includes support for Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives. Funding is allocated based on planned extramural research and development spending, and is transferred to the Department's SBIR and STTR programs in the year of execution. This ensures that small businesses and research institutions can contribute innovative solutions and technologies to address DoD priorities, further broadening the base of potential contributors to national defense challenges.

A notable aspect of the FY 2024 budget was a Congressional Add for a Classified Formulation Project, which provided additional resources for a classified activity. Due to the sensitive nature of this project, specific details are available only at a higher classification level. This addition underscores the program's flexibility to respond to urgent or emerging requirements as directed by Congress or senior defense leadership.

The Advanced Innovative Analysis and Concepts program is characterized by its cross-Service and cross-Defense/Intelligence approach, rapid execution timelines, and ability to operate at any classification or access level. Its projects are intended to mature technologies, reduce risk, and develop integrated concepts that can be transitioned quickly to operational use. The program's accomplishments and planned activities are closely aligned with the highest priority challenges identified by Combatant Commands and other stakeholders, ensuring that investments are targeted toward the most pressing national security needs.