Future Directions in Bioluminescence Research

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ABSTRACT

The Navy Requirements Process

Ken Ferer

Neptune Sciences Inc., Manassas, VA

From Science to Fleet Use

The US Navy basic (6.1) and developmental (6.2) research dollars are used to support broadly stated documented "Navy Needs" for which there is no apparent existing solution. These needs or requirements documents delineate perceived deficiencies in general terms and the goal is to obtain potential solutions from the scientific community. However, no matter how successful the initial research, the steps to actual fleet application cover a long and difficult path. Obtaining applied research support is complex because it is at this point that the task enters the "Acquisition" process. This briefing was to familiarize scientists with Navy requirements procedures and the necessary interactions with the Navy staff to efficiently proceed with program acquisition. No scientist will be required to go through this process himself, but he should be aware of the problems faced by the government resource manager.

The applied research dollars (6.3/6.4) are controlled by certified acquisition program managers. Certified in the sense that they should know and understand the required documentation process detailed in the Operational Navy Instruction (OPNAVINST) Manual Series 5000. These instructions specify which documents must exist and be approved, prior to introducing a new device to fleet use. Several of those documents should exist before the applied research project even begins.

All Navy operational or exercise deficiencies should first be outlined in a Mission Needs Statement (MNS). A MNS can only be generated by recognized operational sources such as Unified or Fleet Commanders-in-Chief, OPNAV staff, systems commands, etc. (Figure 1). If the MNS is approved through a specified chain of command, (Figure 2) the next step is to produce an Operational Requirements Document (ORD). The ORD references the validated threat shortfall, the shortcomings of existing systems and the general performance capabilities of the requirement. Finally, in this "What to Buy" phase, there must be an independent Analysis of Alternatives, (AOA). It is in this phase after considering and rejecting existing off-the-shelf equipment, changes in operation, cost, etc., that the decision can be justified to expend 6.3/6.4 R&D dollars. Of course, depending on the severity and priority of the need, there are other approaches, but this is the norm. As the research proceeds, the manager will continue the paperwork process with a Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) and a Concept of Operations paper.

OPNAV Code 810 is the overall Requirements and Acquisition Branch responsible for coordinating the many OPNAV staff approvals required and stand ready to aid and advise fleet military officers and government program managers on the process.

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