Failure is an option: DTRA’s CBOA event is a vital step of the acquisition process.

Courtesy Photo | Photo courtesy of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Chemical and Biological Technologies Department.  

FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

04.15.2020

Courtesy Story

Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Chemical and Biological Technologies Department

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) values and encourages evaluation of technology prototypes by warfighters and other end users while the prototypes are still in development. DTRA’s approach in evaluating prototypes is best exemplified through its annual Chemical and Biological Operational Analysis (CBOA) event, which provides a realistic venue for technology developers to observe how their prototypes function in an operationally relevant environment. CBOA supports the construct of modernizing key capabilities, which is part of DoD’s “Build a More Lethal Force” line of effort. After a technology prototype is assessed, the DoD may consider acquiring the prototype or recommend utility-related design improvements to the developer. Sometimes, the prototype may not have utility for the military — and this “failure” in utility is acceptable because the end user’s assessment informs the developer of functional changes needed when it is less expensive to make them. Technology assessments at CBOA do not carry repercussions toward future acquisition decisions. Feedback from participants inform current and future capability documents that drive design decisions, expedite the acquisition process, and increase the likelihood of success across these domains: doctrine, organization, training, material, leader development, personnel, and facilities.

In August 2019, seventy-nine warfighters participated in a hands-on field experiment to evaluate prototypes in chemical and biological defense. The six-day experience took place at Camp Dawson, West Virginia, and was the second annual CBOA event hosted by DTRA. CBOA employed scenario-based, live field experiments to view each new technology prototype from both the warfighter and adversary perspectives to identify improvements and weaknesses in the prototypes. The 2019 CBOA also included a User Feedback Tent for Technology Concepts.

Warfighters who participated represented several military services: U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division; U.S. Army’s 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Division; U.S. Marine Corps’ 14th Marine Air Group; 35th Civil Support Team West Virginia Army National Guard; U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal; and U.S. Air Force’s Research Laboratory.

Technology developers who participated represented industry, academia, and government laboratories and attended for many reasons: to reengage users in assessing prototypes refined based on feedback gathered at the 2018 CBOA event; to engage users to assess new prototypes; to explore the applicability of a new concept in chemical and biological defense; or to network and explore collaborations with other developers and DTRA.

CBOA brought together not only warfighters and technology developers but also other organizations. To aid with live scenarios, DTRA collaborated with the Night Vision Electronic Sensors Directorate’s Quick Response Branch and Unique Mission Cell, which is part of the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command’s (CCDC) Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center. Experts from CCDC’s Chemical Biological Center provided the simulants that triggered all detection devices. The Joint Vulnerability Assessment Branch evaluated technology prototypes for vulnerabilities in computer network security and radio frequency. The U.S. Military Academy’s Warfighter Technology Tradespace Methodology assessed each prototype’s capabilities, logistics, usability, and training aspects.

Data collected during live scenarios included a prototype’s performance, such as its ability to interact with other equipment, adaptability to chemical and biological defense, training requirements, and ease of use. Developers also learned about their prototypes’ security vulnerabilities from an adversarial perspective. At the User Feedback Tent for Technology Concepts, developers received guidance on the utility or applicability of their emerging technology or idea in the chemical and biological environment.

Warfighters and technology developers reported that the collaborative experience was valuable, informative, exciting, and insightful. The 2020 CBOA will take place at Fort Carson, Colorado, from 27 to 31 July. DTRA will again bring together scientists, warfighters, and technology developers to evaluate new and emerging technologies for utility and applicability in chemical and biological defense.

POC: Markham K. Smith, [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 04.15.2020
• Date Posted: 04.15.2020 14:53
• Story ID: 367458
• Location: FORT BELVOIR, VIRGINIA, US