FY 2006 ACTD/JTCD Technology Demos Announced

The idea behind Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) and Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) projects is to get advanced technology into the field more quickly by marrying new operational concepts with maturing technologies. The USA has just selected its 10 ACTD & JCTD projects for FY 2006, out of over 100 proposals.
The science and technology community of the military services, combatant commanders, and defense agencies reviewed the list of proposals for technical soundness and the potential for operational utility. The Department of Defense then selected proposals for funding based on rankings by the combatant commanders and services. There seemed to be a distinct emphasis on software projects among the winners. ACTDs included:
- Event Management Framework (EMF)
- Extended Space Sensors Architecture (ESSA)
- Joint Enable Theater Access (JETA)
- Multi-service Advanced Sensors to Counter Obscured Targets (MASCOT)
- Node Management And Deployable Depot (NOMADD)
- Small UAV
JCTDs focus more on tailoring projects to a combatant commander’s specifically identified needs, and will eventually replace ACTDs entirely in the program. They included:
- Counter Intelligence-Human Intelligence Advanced Modernization Program/Intelligence Operations Now (CHAMPION)
- Comprehensive Maritime Awareness
- Joint Modular Intermodal Distribution System (JMIDS)
- Large Data
For more information regarding each of these specific projects, visit the DoD DefenseLINK release page. You can also visit the US Department of Defense’s ACTD/ JCTD home page for more information and resources about the programs in general.