Policy R&D Programs

The Policy R&D Programs line item, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is focused on supporting the interim National Defense Strategy through targeted research and analysis. The primary goal of this program is to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with the analytical tools and insights necessary to anticipate and respond to evolving military security challenges. This is achieved by conducting research that informs policy, strategy, and operational decisions, with an emphasis on understanding foreign military capabilities, developing anticipatory perspectives, and supporting statutory requirements relevant to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (OUSD Policy).

The program integrates multiple research disciplines including policy analysis, sciences, and engineering to address a broad spectrum of defense issues. These include strategic planning, management of international alliances and partnerships, crisis preparedness and response, budgetary and operational oversight, cyber and space security, special operations, homeland defense, nuclear and missile defense, and other emerging threats.

The overarching objective is to ensure that U.S. defense policy remains adaptive and effective in a rapidly changing global environment.

A key component of the Policy R&D Programs is focused on providing program management oversight and technical support to identify and address both current and emerging security threats. This initiative emphasizes international cooperation, particularly with allies and partners, to confront shared challenges. Specific objectives include trend analysis in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility, risk management development, enhancing net-centric enterprise technologies for improved information sharing, and researching military competition in the Far and Middle East. The program also aims to deepen understanding of the decision-making processes, financial positions, and internal dynamics of key countries such as China, and to support enduring counterinsurgency capabilities within the Services and Combatant Commands.

Another significant element is designed to provide DoD senior leadership with analytical insights into long-term global security developments. This program develops competitive strategies by leveraging external expertise, supporting wargaming and workshops, and conducting in-depth studies of key trends and their implications for U.S. military capabilities. The program's assessments inform senior leader decision-making by evaluating campaign-level objectives, identifying risks, and exploring trade-offs among force structure, capabilities, and readiness. Many of the specific activities and findings within this program are classified.

A classified program within the Policy R&D Programs portfolio supports the development and analysis of defense planning scenarios, which are critical for shaping future force structure and operational concepts. These activities ensure that the DoD is prepared for a range of potential contingencies and can adapt its strategies to evolving threats.

The Policy R&D Programs line item is executed through various contract methods, including work with the National Defense University and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). The program's funding supports ongoing research and analysis efforts, with adjustments made to promote efficiency and align with broader government cost-saving initiatives, such as those outlined in Executive Order 14222. Recent budget changes reflect reductions in advisory and assistance services contracts, FFRDC adjustments, and inflation considerations.