The USA’s Missile Defense Advanced Technology Innovation (ATI) Program

(click to view full) In February 2009, the USA’s Missile Defense Agency instituted the Missile Defense Advanced Technology Innovation (ATI) Program to: “…identify and develop innovative concepts, stimulate technology innovation, and exploit breakthroughs in science to offer robust technology improvements to all elements of the [missile defense system]… The MDA contracts with private industry, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations for research in those areas covered in this BAA… MDA does not have a specified amount of funding available for BAA awards, however, if MDA decides to pursue a concept the appropriate level of funding will be identified, and a final proposal will be requested by a MDA Contracting Officer in writing.” That was pretty vague and non-committal, but it did lay out key research areas, and invite ideas. A February 2010 update to the solicitation has added some clarification around the involvement of “foreign persons.” ATI’s Research Areas ATI has 8 key research topic areas, covering all phases of missile defense. Except for one specific area around international cooperation, however, they’re looking for engineering/ R&D, not basic research: # Radar Systems. Include but are not limited to Integrated System Concepts, Cross Sections and Signatures, Measurements (waveforms, data extraction), Transmit/Receive modules, […]