Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
| Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering USD(R&E) |
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|---|---|
Flag of an Under Secretary of Defense
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| Office of the Secretary of Defense | |
| Reports to |
Secretary of Defense Deputy Secretary of Defense |
| Nominator | The President with the advice and consent of the Senate |
| Term length | No fixed term |
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) is a senior official of the United States Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) and the office s/he heads are charged with the development and oversight of DoD technology strategy for the DoD. The post (or effectively the same post) has at various times had the titles Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)), or Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E). The latter title has itself historically varied between the rank of Under Secretary and that of Assistant Secretary.
USD(R&E) is the principal staff advisor for research and engineering matters to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense. In this capacity, USD(R&E) serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Department of Defense charged with the development and oversight of DoD technology strategy in concert with the Department’s current and future requirements. The goal of USD(R&E) is to extend the capabilities of current war fighting systems, develop breakthrough capabilities, hedge against an uncertain future through a set of scientific and engineering options and counter strategic surprise. USD(R&E) also provides advice and assistance in developing policies for rapid technology transition.
From 1987 until February 1, 2018, ASD(R&E) was subordinate to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. On February 1, 2018, the research and engineering were split into an independent office, with the head position being elevated from an assistant secretary to an under secretary level. The remaining acquisition office became the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S). The current under secretary is Michael D. Griffin, who took office on February 15, 2018, following nomination by President Donald Trump.
Organizations included under the USD(R&E) include the following. As of February 2018, organizational relationships remained to be finalized as the organization was being formed.
Upon the February 2018 reorganization, the USD(R&E) assumed responsibility for administering the Small Business Innovation Research and Rapid Innovation Fund programs.
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