Independent Research & Development (IR&D) at
Links and Resources
Authority
- DOD Directive 3204.1 & 10 U.S.C. 2372 & 2506
Description
- IR&D is a DOD-sponsored program that encourages contractors to pursue independent research and development projects of potential interest to DOD, thus encouraging maintenance of a strong national technology base.
Promotes the development of technologies identified as critical under section 2506(b) 10 U.S.C.
Features/Characteristics
- Allows contractors to diversify into non-defense markets and enhances industrial competitiveness of the United States.
- Designed to enable superior performance of future United States weapons systems and their components.
- Encourages efficient and effective applications of dual-use technologies.
- Promotes the development of technologies identified as critical under section 2506(b) 10 U.S.C.
I.P. and Resource Commitment
- It reduces acquisition costs and life-cycle costs of military systems.
Contractors are allowed to recover some costs incurred in doing independent research and development in a high technology environment.
Other Agencies/Laboratories That Use This Mechanism
