Research & Development (R&D) Cost consists of development costs (both contractor and Government) incurred from the beginning of the Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) Phase, Technology Development (TD) Phase, and through the end of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Phase.
Typically costs include: [1]
- Advanced technology development
- Assembly
- Common support equipment
- Development
- Engineering Change Orders
- Engineering development models
- Fabrication
- Industrial Facilities
- Initial spares and repairs
- Parts
- Materiel solution trade studies
- Operational/Site activation
- Peculiar support equipment
- Prime mission product system
- Product support elements
- Program management
- System design and integration
- System test and evaluation
- Systems engineering
- Technical publications and data
- Test and evaluation
- Test of hardware and software for prototypes
- Training
For the Research and Development Cost report format, see DoD 7000.14 R, Financial Management Regulation, Volume 2B, Chapter 5.
AcqTips:
- The Training element includes training equipment and devices, training course materials, and training services
- Supportability analysis that defines the requirements for the logistics elements is part of Systems Engineering, and planning and management associated with the logistics elements is part of Program Management
- Specialized facilities (fixtures, test chambers, laboratories, etc.) are considered part of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) element that they support.
- Specialized contractor support is considered part of the WBS element that it supports. Contractor support associated with the service, maintenance, or launch of prime mission systems is part of the Operational/Site Activation element
AcqLinks and References:
- Defense Acquisition Guidebook (DAG) – Chapter 3.1.3.1; 10.5.2.2
- Technology Readiness Assessment Deskbook – Appendix C
- DoD Directive 3204.1 ”IR&D and Bid and Proposal (B&P) Program – 10 May 1999
- DFARS 242.771 “Independent Research and Development and Bid and Proposal Costs”
- DFARS 231.2 “Contracts with Commercial Organizations”
- DoD SIR/STTR Program Flyer
- White Paper: FAR 31.205-18, R&D and B&P Cost by Karen L. Manos
- Website: Defense Innovation Marketplace
- Website: DoD Independent Research & Development
- Website: Section 802 of Public Law (10 USC § 2372)
- Website: Air Force IR&D Program
- Website: Army IR&D Program
- Website: Navy IR&D Program
- Website: DoD Technology Transition Initiative
- Website: US Gov. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
- Website: US Gov. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
- Website: DoD SBIR – Small Business Innovated Research
Updated: 8/7/2021