Statement Testimony of Mr. Alan Shaffer, Principal Deputy, Defense Research and Engineering, Before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities

The evolution of the national security threat, as outlined in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review, coupled with the emergence of an agile and global technology development base has led to a changing of the technology landscape for the DoD. When this is coupled with the emergence of a commercial technology base that paces military applications in some key areas, the result is an emerging set of challenges for the Departments Science and Technology ST program. Noteworthy in this years budget request is the increase in Basic Research. In the FY 2009 budget request, Basic Research grows to 1.7 billion which is a 16 increase compared to FY 2008. This increase in Basic Research will be more fully discussed later, but the growth of both ST and Basic Research are indicative of the continued commitment the Department is making to developing the technologies and capabilities to support the future operational needs of the men and women in uniform. Challenges facing the DoD have several additional complicating dimensions, some of which should affect ST investment. As the United States continues to evolve in the Global War on Terror, the Department needs to develop an increased set of capabilities in disciplines not normally associated with the DoD. This need was highlighted in the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review QDR. Another aspect of the ST program that is significant when considering funding is the expanded role of the DoD technologist to impact acquisition programs. The ST team has expanded contact with the acquisition community through the use of technology readiness assessments - a process that allows the Department to insert matured technology into acquisition programs at the right time to minimize risk. By more closely managing technology maturity, the DoD should be able to accelerate fielding of systems. Additionally, we have revamped the cross-departmental planning process and expanded our outreach to develop new scientists and engineers.