Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration
| Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration program | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1994–2006 (or FY95–FY07) |
| Branch | Used by United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force |
| Type | Defense acquisition program |
| Role | Reduce time to field improved technology, incorporate user into development process |
The Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program was a Department of Defense research and evaluation initiative for mature, advanced technology for United States military usage. These demonstrations allowed for cheaper and earlier evaluation of technology and systems than the formal acquisition process.
An ACTD must be sponsored by an operational user, with approval and oversight from the now-terminated role of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Advanced Systems and Concepts, or DUSD(AS&C), previously titled the Deputy USD for Advanced Technology, or DUSD(AT).
The follow-on Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program was initiated by the deputy under-secretary in 2005. The new JCTD framework emphasized multiservice technology development and improvements in planning. ACTDs were replaced by JCTDs during about a three year span from 2005 to 2008. During 2006, the final round of ACTDs were up for selection, and in September 2006 the winning projects received their formal approval. All remaining ACTDs continued to be funded, though, and were expected to conclude by 2008.