Front End Analysis of Advanced Combat Feeding Concepts

The objective of this front-end analysis FEA was to develop a methodology for increasing the participation of the user community military users of rations in the Natick RDE technology base program. A costbenefit approach was taken, augmented with quantitative estimates of the value users place on certain benefits of rations and utilizing cluster analysis to allow for differing priorities within DOD. A prioritization exercise was conducted. Hundreds of surveys from throughout DOD were collected. Government and civilian scientists participated in a technological evaluation of research proposals. The results of applying this input to the costbenefit model suggest that it works best when applied to research proposals whose objectives are clearly linked to benefits, have similar levels of difficulty, and address a particular time orientation e.g., all proposals focused on near-term objectives. Under such circumstances, the model produces useful input to the prioritization process.