Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) Market Research Report
Background
Overview
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Its primary mission is to maintain and advance the technological superiority of the U.S. military by overseeing research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation initiatives. This encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, including basic research, technology development, prototyping, and the integration of emerging technologies into defense systems.
Mission and Vision
- Mission: To provide systems engineering and test & evaluation rigor to DoD Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF) program development pathways, engage AAF and early prototyping programs in developing innovative and efficient developmental test & evaluation (DT&E) and systems engineering (SE) strategies supporting acquisition life-cycle decisions, provide independent DT&E, engineering, and technical risk assessments, and support the development and implementation of T&E, SE, and Cyber T&E policy and guidance for the acquisition life-cycle continuum.
- Vision: To posture the R&D enterprise to create far-reaching technology innovations and set them on a trajectory to create U.S. military technical advantage, balancing scientific collaboration with protecting American scientific advances from illicit exploitation, and ensuring a DoD S&T enterprise recognized globally for technical excellence and thought leadership.
Primary Area of Focus
OUSD(R&E) focuses on fostering technological dominance across the DoD by ensuring the unquestioned superiority of the American joint force. This involves overseeing the Department's entire Science and Technology (S&T) portfolio, advocating for the S&T workforce and laboratory infrastructure, and overseeing the Department's Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).
Industry Significance
As the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on research and engineering matters, OUSD(R&E) plays a critical role in shaping the DoD's technology strategy. Its efforts are pivotal in maintaining the U.S. military's technological edge, directly influencing defense capabilities and national security.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Mission Focus: Develop and integrate new technologies to maintain U.S. technological superiority.
- Foundation Building: Establish a robust R&D ecosystem to support future technological advancements.
- Teamwork: Enhance collaboration within the DoD and with external partners to accelerate innovation.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Science and Technology Foundations: Overseeing basic research investments, including academic grants, and managing the S&T workforce and laboratory infrastructure.
- Critical Technologies: Focusing on strategically critical technology areas to ensure the U.S. military's technological advantage.
- Mission Capabilities: Accelerating the development and integration of new technologies to close capability gaps in support of defense modernization.
Key Technologies Utilized
OUSD(R&E) leverages a wide array of technologies, including:
- Quantum Science
- Biotechnology
- Advanced Materials
- FutureG
These areas are critical to the Department's S&T priorities and are managed by dedicated offices within OUSD(R&E).
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
The primary focus is on defense applications, ensuring that technological advancements translate into enhanced capabilities for the U.S. military. This includes addressing current and future operational challenges, maintaining technological superiority, and supporting the Department's modernization efforts.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
As a government entity, OUSD(R&E) operates under the DoD's budgetary allocations. Specific funding details are typically outlined in the Department's annual budget requests and appropriations.
Recent Funding Rounds
While OUSD(R&E) does not engage in traditional funding rounds, it has initiated programs to enhance its capabilities, such as the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Engineering, and Technical Support (RETS) contract. This five-year, $496 million contract aims to procure research, engineering, and technical expertise from small businesses to promote innovation and advance the Department’s technological superiority.
Notable Investors
As a government entity, OUSD(R&E) does not have investors in the traditional sense. However, it collaborates with various stakeholders, including small businesses, academia, and international allies, to achieve its objectives.
Intended Utilization of Capital
The resources are allocated to support a range of activities, including:
- Basic Research Investments: Funding academic grants and supporting the S&T workforce.
- Technology Development: Advancing critical technologies to maintain the U.S. military's technological advantage.
- Prototyping and Experimentation: Accelerating the development and integration of new technologies to close capability gaps.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
OUSD(R&E) focuses on several critical technology areas, including:
- Quantum Science
- Biotechnology
- Advanced Materials
- FutureG
These areas are managed by dedicated offices within OUSD(R&E) and are central to the Department's S&T priorities.
Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development
As a government entity, OUSD(R&E) does not conduct clinical trials. However, it oversees the development and integration of technologies through various stages, from basic research to prototyping and experimentation.
Target Conditions
The focus is on addressing current and future operational challenges faced by the U.S. military, ensuring technological superiority, and supporting defense modernization efforts.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
Specific timelines for milestones are typically outlined in the Department's annual budget requests and appropriations.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
OUSD(R&E) oversees the development of technologies in areas such as quantum science, biotechnology, advanced materials, and FutureG. These technologies are critical to the Department's S&T priorities and are managed by dedicated offices within OUSD(R&E).
Significant Scientific Methods
OUSD(R&E) employs a range of scientific methodologies, including:
- Modeling & Simulation
- Operations Research
- Mission Engineering
- Developmental Test & Evaluation
- Prototyping, Experimentation, and Demonstration
- Science and Technology Research and Assessment
- Data Management & Analysis
These methods are integral to the Department's efforts to maintain technological superiority.
AI-Driven Capabilities
While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, OUSD(R&E) emphasizes the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance defense capabilities.
Leadership Team
Key Executive Profiles
- Emil G. Michael: Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering since May 20, 2025.
- James G. Mazol: Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering from January 20, 2025, to May 20, 2025.
- Heidi Shyu: Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering from July 25, 2021, to January 20, 2025.
- Michael D. Griffin: Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering from February 19, 2018, to July 10, 2020.
- Michael Kratsios: Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering from July 10, 2020, to January 20, 2021.
Leadership Changes
- Emil G. Michael: Appointed Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering on May 20, 2025.
- James G. Mazol: Served as Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering from January 20, 2025, to May 20, 2025.
