Budget Account
0400D - Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide
Description
The Applied Research for the Advancement of Science and Technology (S&T) Priorities program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims to enhance the Department of Defense's technical workforce and laboratory capabilities. This initiative aligns with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's Technology Vision, focusing on developing future capabilities that surpass those of global competitors. The program supports tri-Service applied researchers in collaboration with universities and industry partners to accelerate learning and technology development for new defense capabilities. It emphasizes foundational research that can lead to follow-on activities funded by individual Services and Agencies.
The program is structured around three main investment areas: large-scale applied research programs, smaller technology 'seedling' projects, and technology assessment support. These efforts address technology gaps or opportunities identified by the S&T Communities of Interest (CoIs). The CoIs play a crucial role in ensuring multi-agency collaboration by developing joint S&T roadmaps that align with modernization priorities. The program's cross-cutting efforts focus on areas such as Electronic Warfare, Human Systems, Autonomy, Space, Kinetic Weapons, Cybersecurity, Sensors and Processing.
In FY 2024, the program plans to complete projects like Surface Morphing and Adaptive Structures for Hypersonics (SMASH) and continue efforts in Advanced Power Electronics and Extreme-RF (APEX). These projects aim to enhance capabilities such as hypersonic speed and maneuverability and develop robust high-power RF device technologies. However, reductions in FY 2025 will necessitate adjustments in project scope and flexibility. Despite these challenges, the program will continue its focus on emerging science areas to maintain a technological edge.
The S&T Communities of Interest are instrumental in coordinating efforts across DoD components to minimize duplication and optimize critical S&T developments. They assess capability gaps and plan technology integration across domains like Advanced Electronics, Air Platforms, Biotechnology, Cybersecurity, Directed Energy Weapons. In FY 2025, support for these communities will be reduced due to realignments aimed at addressing global emerging threats through collaborative analysis with international partners.